Set your phasers to FUN and roll some constitution checks because another week-long Nerdstock is nearly upon us.

Let me offer a "Shazam” to all the comic geeks, and a hearty "NUQNEH - NOOKNEHH" to all the Klingons. Let’s make this year the nerdiest yet.

Since 1998 I've watched in awe and horror through increasingly bloodshot eyes as Comic Con bloats larger, and larger -- like a brightly colored spandex-clad corpse ready to burst in the San Diego sun. Unfortunately this year, I think comic books, and their creators have been pushed into the parking lot to make room for Sony, Nintendo and Lions Gate.

The full schedule is up, visit the official website for full panel descriptions for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I don’t have much patience for big movie panels, but if they’re your thing then check out Dark Horizons because they did a fine job of listing some highlights. One presentation of note: Ridley Scott is doing one to support the upcoming fancy, new Blade Runner DVD. It will contain every version ever released and one new cut that has yet to be seen. That panel is 3:15-4:45 on Friday in Hall H.

Of course, check out the SuicideGirls while you're walking around. This year the SuicideGirls are are planting their flag at booth C6. You can get pictures with the girls, buy the SG magazine or just hang out.

If you want to help put the “comic” back into Comic Con then be sure to check out the following folks from this very site as you’re stomping around the wretched hive of scum and villainy:

Saturday at 12:30 Grant Morrison will be moderating a panel focusing on superstar artist, writer and SG member JH Williams. JH also has a table at booth 4601 in front of door E with many other fine comic creators.

Jamie McKelvie and writing partner Kieron Gillen will be signing their collected series Phonogram:

Those two fellas will be sharing a table with Frasier Irving (Gutsville) at the Image booth 2729. You won't find a table with cooler comics anywhere in the hall. Wonderful stuff.

SG member rikkitikitavi will be there hawking his new Tokyo Pop book Battle of the Bands.

The Mayor of Comic Books has some big anouncements (Zombies in 70's Porntatsic San Fernando Valley) and will be making a general nuisance of himself. Rick will be signing 100 limited edition XXXOMBIES movie posters at the Image Comics Booth (#2729) on Saturday between 2-3 PM

Brian Posehn, Remender and I will be signing The Last Christmas at Image Comics and then later on Saturday night Brian will be joined by his boyfriend Steve and the rest of the cast of the Sarah Silverman Program for a panel and screening. (Run to the costume contest after.)

Juliana will be signing at Image Sunday morning from 10 to 11 AM in support of the book she colorsTexas Strangers.

Lenore turns 10 this year - celebrate it by joining creator Roman Dirge on Thursday from 6-7 PM in Room 1AB .

Perpetually lurking SG member Phil Noto is debuting a limited hardback sketchbook. It’s amazing, and under-priced -- like everything Phil does. Here's the cover:

Phil and I will also be signing and giving away preview copies of a new book we’re doing together for Image Comics. (Last shameless plug for myself – I promise.) Phil can be found in the same block that JH Williams is setting up camp -- 4601.

If you're looking for something to do after the con on Saturday - what about Zoetica's big party?

This year’s gathering will undoubtedly be remembered for Warren Ellis' appearance. Ellis will be there for his comic book work and to celebrate the release of his new novel, Crooked Little Vein. Click here for Warren's complete San Diego schedule.

This year’s show will also be notable for someone who will be missed: Daniel Robert Epstein. Daniel loved the shit out of comic books, and Comic Con and this year should have been the first of many he was to attend as a comics professional. His posthumous comic book debut arrives soon in the original graphic novel The Toxic Avenger & Other Tromatic Tales.

The Epstein family has requested that in lieu of cards, gifts and flowers that Daniel’s fans consider making a donation in his name to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. The CBLDF is a non-profit organization that fights tirelessly for free speech. They primarily defend retailers against obscenity charges stemming from the sale of comic books in (mostly) red states. However, they have also defended creators too.

The fund has a big case going to trial in Georgia (surprise!) and will end up spending at least 80,000 dollars on behalf of the defendant. Retailer Gordon Lee is alleged to have brought culture to the Peach State.

If you’re at Comic Con next week you can find the CBLDF at booth 1831 or you can swing by the SG booth and make a donation at either location in Daniel’s name.

I apologize if there are any attending members or SG’s who were left out of this round up – please post your San Diego plans in this column’s comments.

One last word of advice for everyone: On Saturday Ray Bradbury is appearing from 4-5 PM in Room 6CDEF upstairs. He's joined by Ray Harryhausen. If you've never heard Bradbury speak, please take this opportunity to do so.

That's a wrap. I’ll see you at the bars. I'll be the guy shaming himself by yelling:

In drunkest day, in booziest night
No drink shall escape my sight
Let those who worship sobriety's might
Beware my power, Sam Adam's light!

Keep watching the Newswire for more comic book features including interviews with Matt Fraction, Paul Pope, Rick Remender and Ivan Brandon.

Gerry collects insane promotional comics of yore such as "Superman Meets The Quik Bunny" or "Captain America Vs Cigarettes"