Today was the first day the show was open to the general public, and as soon as the doors opened, there was a running-of-the-bulls-in-Pamplona-level-intense stampede to the booths. Were people really that excited to get into the show? Well, with good reason they were; in the oft-repeated words of Ali, our marketing manager, “It’s Comic Con, baby! Can you smell the excitement?”

But the real reason for the footrace-to-the-death? Sure, everyone wants to see the panels and the exclusive previews of trailers, and get autographs, and buy really cool limited-edition vinyl toys from Japan (or is that just me?), but what everyone wants most of all is FREE STUFF. Here’s what I’ve scored so far: bookmarks for Fables, Sandman, and Y the Last Man–possibly my favorite non-manga series, a “Golden Compass” poster (from what’s easily the coolest booth at the show–even we don’t have a LIFE-SIZED POLAR BEAR), and, my favorite, a Tintin bag, containing (kyaa!) a Captain Haddock pencil.

But I don’t think it’s just bias that makes me claim that I think we have some of the coolest free stuff at the show: a sampler book with previews of 22 new series, gorgeous Princess Resurrection and Dragon Eye posters, and super-cool buttons, including the official Mahora Academy seal! If you’re here, stop by and grab some schwag.