Journey to the Final Frontier: San Diego Comic-Con and The Science of Story

In July, San Diego Comic-Con attracts sci-fi and pop culture enthusiasts from across the city. The event brings together those who love science fiction and pop culture to enjoy all the festivities. For those who want to delve deeper into the world of storytelling, UC San Diego’s ArtPower Program is launching “The Science of Story,” a pre-prison master class in collaboration with Clarion’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Master Class.

The series of events begins on July 23 with A Tale of Two Sulus: An Evening with George Takei and John Cho, both of whom portrayed the character of Sulu in the Star Trek franchise. This will be followed by a screening of the 2009 film Star Trek on July 24, accompanied by the San Diego Symphony. On July 26, as part of Shark Week, there will be a screening of the classic film Jaws.

These events will take place in the Epstein Family Amphitheater. Tickets for Jaws start at $10, while tickets for the other two events range from $25 to $120. The Science of Story is a unique celebration of storytelling, science fiction and fantasy, offering a complete experience package starting at $425. This package includes VIP access to events, workshops with faculty and students from the Clarion Writers’ Workshop, and access to speakers and forums at UCSD’s East Village Park & Market. Attendees also have the option of staying on the UC San Diego campus in a $1,200 package.

For Comic-Con attendees who may be struggling to find lodging in San Diego in July, there is an option that includes lodging, meals, a trolley pass and limited access to UCSD events for $640. This option is exclusively open to students enrolled at the University of California, California State University or California College campuses, as well as UC alumni.