It could be a superstitious friend. Maybe this friend has had some personal experiences with the supernatural and thinks Barbosa is being too skeptical. They might say it because they've noticed some strange happenings around Barbosa and believe it's related to the paranormal.
Well, without more context, Ralph could be anyone. He might be the author's alter ego, or perhaps a fictional character from a particular genre like a children's storyteller or an old man sharing his life experiences in a fictional town. In any case, we need more details to really know who Ralph is.
I'm not sure. It could be new if the Seattle Times has recently decided to focus more on 'West Side Story' for some reason, like a local production revival or a new movie adaptation. But it might also be an existing section that has been there for a while.
No, because he's a fictional character and doesn't exist in the real world where fanfiction is accessed. He can't just sit down and read or watch it like a real person would.
Seattle Science Fiction could refer to science fiction works created by authors in Seattle. There are likely many science fiction stories, novels, or even films that are either set in Seattle or created by Seattle - based writers. It might also be a genre of science fiction that has a unique flavor or theme associated with the Seattle area, perhaps incorporating local culture, technology trends in Seattle, or the city's unique environment into the science - fictional elements.
Comic Con in Seattle usually takes place in the summer, but the exact dates can vary from year to year. You'd better check the official website for the most accurate information.