Tips for a Comic-Con Virgin

There are probably heaps of virgins there.

The best thing I can say is pace yourself. Nothing is more boring than seeing everything you want the first day, then meandering around the convention floor for three more days with nothing to do.

Exactly, this is pretty much why i stopped going to Comic Con. I just got burned out. However do check out the MST3K panel. I hear it'll be aces.

There Will Be Lines.

Lots and lots of lines. However, be on the look out for 1960s Batman and other cosplayers.

Mike AND Joel.

The single best tip is to get a schedule in advance and plan out every single day instead of just wandering around in a daze. It sucks discovering that you just missed a Futurama panel while waiting in line for some shitty promo posters.

If you're planning on hitting the big panels in Hall H, either get in line really early or plan to spend the entire day in that room.

Bring snacks. Food is expensive, shitty, and takes forever to buy there, and you're going to be lugging around a giant sack full of freebies anyway. Might as well throw some fucking cookies in there and save yourself the hassle.

Don't wear a costume. Don't hit on ugly girls, just because they're wearing costumes. Don't forget lots and lots of deodorant.

I'm skipping out on SDCC this year, but that was the only panel that made me reconsider for a bit.

I never did San Diego, but I did the NY Con 3x, and Wizardcon a couple. Slater's got the right idea. A schedule and map can save you lots of useless wandering and time wasted waiting, and will keep you from missing stuff. I never went to any panels, mainly because I didn't want to, but w/o a map I'm not even sure I could FIND them. Javitz is a big place, and I imagine the venue SD's in is just as big, if not bigger, and there's stuff all over the joint. And crowds to fight thru. Having at least a vague idea how far from your current location something is can ensure a timely arrival. I typically go with a very limited agenda, and surgically strike at what I'm there for; this year, b/c I acquired a map early, was the smoothest operation yet. Made the 1st Gulf War look clumsy by comparison. I'd also toss in wearing comfortable shoes. There are very few places to sit dowm; you could literally be on your feet all day.

And the stuff about the attendees' personal hygeine?

They're not joking.

As for the pass, if they run it like NYC does, the 1st person to show up w/ a pass whose bar code ID's them as "John Doe" will be the only person admitted w/ a pass bearing that bar code. That means if some schmuck sells you an original, mailed pass, but prints up a duplicate bearing the same bar code (the site will allow you to do this, in case you lose your mailed original, or something similar), whoever gets there 1st & gets that code scanned will be the only one admitted. They didn't check ID's on those holding passes they had previously purchased & brought w/ them; I presume if you're picking one up at the gate they will. So I guess bottom line on that score is if you trust the source, you should be fine. But there is the potential to get fucked. Be careful. And have fun. Report back; my con-buds and I were just the other day discussing whether spending a few days at the SD con would ever be worth doing. Your input may help.

The zoo is great. The aquarium is nice, but kind of small. Balboa park is full of museums and an overall nice place to stroll around. The beach is good, but go to La Jolla or Del Mar if you can. I haven't been to Sea World in a while, so I'm not sure about that.

Oh and our bars close at 2 a.m., actually closer to 1:40 bar time. Just so you know.

Last time I went, 2 years ago, I left LA at like 5 in the morning, got there around 8, stood in line to get a pass until at least 12.

It was fucking ridiculous. Not only that, but while we were in line, we were right in front of the sliding door into the center which was right next to the door to the main floor. I walked right in, right past the security guard who's supposed to be checking badges, and did my shopping of things I was actually looking to get (you really don't need to be spending more than 20 minutes on the main floor unless you're a collector looking for rare back issues or some shit) and was back out, and the line hadn't moved at all. If I was smart I would have left right then but I wanted to see the Spidey 3 panel. Of course that bitch hall H was so full the line was going for a few blocks out the door. Even after successfully cutting the line multiple times I still didn't get in as it was at full capacity.

I sort of want to go this year to see what gets shown for Watchmen, and maybe Wolverine, but I really dread the lines. Seems this year they're doing all online badge sales and Saturday is nearly at capacity as it is.

Go to the Star Bar for drinks. It's fairly close to the convention center and it has the cheapest drinks around. But be forewarned, it's a shithole.

Just kill yourself now. And give me your hotel room.

I second the love for the Zoo and La Jolla. had a lot of fun at both between meetings on a week long business trip 3 or so years ago.

Hey Russ, once you kill him and take his room can I kill you and take it?

I'm still trying to find a room/roommate for this year. 4 days at CC would kill me so I'm probably settling for three.

Last year was my first year and I kept asking myself "hey, why does everyone have giant tubes on their backs?" A few hours later I was cursing not buying one of those wacky cardboard tubes for the posters I didn't want to damage.

But yeah, some deodorant and hand sanitizer will make your weekend at least 35% more enjoyable.

And don't wear goddamn flip flops.

Make sure you bring a baby and a big stroller. If you have neither, borrow of them. In a pinch, just bring the stroller and put a portable stereo with the recorded noise of a baby crying under the blanket.

It will improve everyone's Comic-Con experience. Or so many, many people apparently believe.

Lots of great info, tips and warnings here:

http://www.comicsreporter.com/index....mentary/14163/

much of it is for comics pros, but there is a bunch of stuff about San Diego towards the end.

I actually went to my one and only Comic-Con in 2003 after I graduated from high school. I have an aunt, uncle, and cousin who live in Coronado, which is a 15 minute drive from the convention. I got very lucky that they were nice enough to put me up for the weekend, feed me, drive me there to drop me and my cousin(their son) off and pick us up, which saved me a SHITLOAD of money on hotel, food, and parking(plus I don't know the law, but I don't think a 17 year old, which I was at the time, would be allowed to get a hotel. Think you have to be legal to rent a room). If I had to say some suggestions, I would say:

1. Do not leave your home/hotel without a fully charged cell phone, especially if you're going with someone else. You'd be amazed how easy it is to get separated from people, and a fully-charged phone is a MUST when going onto the floor. Without that phone, I'd probably still be wandering around looking for him. It can be a bit scary out there on the floor, so having the phone is vital.

2. Set a limit on how much $$$ you are going to spend prior to entering the building. This will not only save you from spending too much, but will aid you in avoiding buying random shit and saving your dough for something you really want.

3. If bringing a digital camera, bring backup batteries.

4. Eat before you get there. The food really is outrageously priced.

5. Have fun! It can be very stressful with the crowds and the lines, but overall, it's supposed to be fun. I had a ball in spite of how stank some of those nerds were. Fuck, they STANK! But it was a good time. I made friends at Con that I still keep in contact with. Most everyone there is there to have a good time and hang with likeminded folks. There wil be some irritable dick there, but avoid them and you'll have fun. And I hope you do have fun. Good luck!

Oh, and ditto on comfy shoes and comfy clothes. I saw a girl in five inch dominatrix heels in agony because she'd been trotting around in them all damn day. Sneakers all the way.

Also, limit the amount of shit you're going to carry into the building with you, because from the moment your feet touch the floor, you will be up to your ASS in free swag.

It also helps to bring an empty duffle bag or backpack to throw stuff in. Check it with security first to make sure they know you're not lugging anything you shouldn't be in, and you're golden. In a pinch, bring a garbage bag, fold it up and stick it in your pocket, as some of the swag bags can be made out of the cheapest plastic.

YES.

After Day 1, I learned that lesson. Day 2, I emptied out my gym bag and carried it to the convention center with me. Security didn't give me a lick of trouble about it, and I could carry everything without a problem.

My dad used to work for Johnson and Johnson, and he gave me this small, folding duffle bag that unfolds from a pocket sized pouch - damn thing has come in so handy at many a convention, I tells ya.

I also agree on eating BEFORE you get there and AFTER you leave. Also, hit the loo just before jumping in - your bladder will thank you.

And if you're driving back the same day you arrived...rest at least an hour or so at a gas station somewhere along the way. I nearly died last year when I drove myself and thought I could make it back to L.A. after a long day at the Con. I had to stop halfway there to chug down an energy drink and a hot dog to make it back safely.

After the NY Comicon, my geek buddies and I are partial to steaks and beer at the Palm II Staeak House.
And cigars. Gotta have good cigars. Nat Sherman Gothams are particularly good. . . .

Seconding this, big time. A Con floor can be like a casino where you never win.

In addition to eating your own food, make sure to bring your own water. And aspirin. I always get dehydrated at these things.

The way I played it was by bringing the alloted amount of daily cash to the building every day and not a penny more with me.

Yup yup. Walking around all day in a building with wildly varying temperatures(sometime it would be a little chilly, then warm again) will do a number on you if you're going with an empty stomach. I saw a few people who got dizzy or their blood sugar got too low since they hadn't eaten anything because the food was so expensive. You really need to eat, and you don't have to spend a fortune to do so. $5 footlongs at Subway will do the trick.

And may I also add...don't be scared to ask people in costume to pose with you for pics. I was initially worried about maybe bugging people, but people get dressed up so they'll get attention. This guy was walking around in full Darth Maul mode, looking scary as hell. I timidly tiptoed over and asked for a picture to give to a friend. You should have seen the smile on the guy's face. It was like he felt ten feet tall for a moment. Most folks will be more than happy to pose for you.

Oh, and if you're ever bored or there's nothing going on, Tijuana is just stone's throw away. No better way than to while away the afternoon in the Mexican sun, drinking questionable tequila and visiting one of the many brothels they have there. Plus, if you need some prescription drugs, they have about a dozen pharmacies within the first 1/8th mile upon entering!

Vader, I'd invite you to stay at our hotel room, but we've already got 7 people crammed in there.

At least 2 of them are girls!

Oh Man, Girls!

How's that gonna work? The two girls get one bed and 5 guys take the other?

2 girls and 5 guys in a hotel room? Pfft, I see that done all the time in porn.

I'm sure he'll have enough hoodies with him to make a comfortable sleeping bag out of.

Bathtubs, dude. Bathtubs.

I picture an ocean of sleeping bags on the floor.

I'm hoping we have at least 2 beds. And no one is allowed to eat Taco Bell/Dell Taco during the trip.

I've lived in the L.A. area for over five years now and still not gone to this thing. I can't justify to myself the need to stand in line for hours on end to watch footage from a movie that won't be out for another year, or see hungover and disheveled celebrities who couldn't contractually get out of being on a panel talk about what a "great time" they had working on a film that looks like balls.

No. Stop encouraging the retards.

Brad, it is SO much more than that.

I am disappointed I am not going this year, but I do look forward to not having to deal with the sore back and tired body. And all those sweaty people.

• Bring a Backpack.
• Bring a Sharpie. You never know who you'll run into, and you'll need something for them to sign with, if you want an autograph. If you keep your eyes open, you'll see a lot of famous poeple on the floor (if you recognize them).
• ALL of the people in costumes want to take a picture with you. That is fact. And it gives you something people will want to see when you get home. Non-chewers don't care about the latest LOTR Diorama from Sideshow, but they will want to see you standing with a bunch of people dressed up.
• Don't pay full price for anything from the sellers. Most will give you discounts, if you haggle them.

Don't go.

Gotta agree with Slater on this. What really would you do with such photos? Look back on fond memories of costumes made out of tin foil and spandex colored with sharpies? Explain to your grandkids why you have so many photos with fat Batman and fat Wonder Woman and fat ugly random anime character?

Collider has a nice piece about how the looming actor strike might affect Comic-Con. Long story short, don´t hold your breath for any actors promoting anything if the strike happens.
But you could still get a drink with that imaginary Fleed.

Even beyond the concept of basic human dignity, I hate the costumed freaks because they cause traffic jams everywhere they go.

The aisles are congested enough without 50 gawkers jostling for the chance to take an ironic picture with some likely pedophile wearing a six thousand dollar Stormtrooper costume.

If you're not press, going to one of these things sounds like abject torture.

It's a great way to make friends believe you scored them something awesome that was in fact a freebie.

My friend is almost indebted to me for life for the Vote Petrelli button I was given there and gifted to her.

Plus, there's never a greater event to get into a DS PictoChat Phallus War. If anything Comic Con is a great place to meet some up and coming artists.

I'm thinking about catching a Padres game as well and check off Petco Park from the list.

Phew you worried me for a second. The Padres are away until that Monday. Comic-Con needs that stadium's parking.

Nooooooo!