So the big event starts soon and as someone who has frequented the Zoo, er, San Diego Comic Con over 10 times in his life (first time back in 1992), there is some stuff I have learned along the way that I’d like to share with you fine readers here at Comic Impact.
I hope these tips will help you on your awesome adventure this weekend:
1. When you are at Comic Con you’re going to be doing a lot of walking around. So my first tip is to HAVE comfortable shoes. You will thank me for this later. Try having some kind of running shoes on, and ladies- high heels aren’t such a good idea. Also comfortable clothes are a plus.
2. You will have to wait in some long lines to get free stuff, so make some friends while you’re waiting in line. Tell them about Comic Impact and who knows, I may even be in line with you! If you’re shy like Sheldon, then why not take your iPod with you and listen to the Comic Impact podcasts? There are over 2 days worth of podcast fun for you to listen to! No matter what you decide to do while waiting in line, the most important thing to remember is to be patient.
3. If you enjoy taking photos like myself, then MAKE sure to take your battery charger with you and charge up the battery every night. If you want to take a photo of someone PLEASE be nice and ask them before you start snapping away. Before going to bed, charge your cell phone.
4. Speaking of cell phones, make sure you have everyones number that you are to meet up with so you can call each other and text where you found cool booths and awesome deals. Plus, it’s a good way to log the contact info of the new friends you’ll make at the con. I often wonder how the hell did people did it before cell phones? Maybe they used the Bat Sign… who knows?
5. Did you know about the Comic Impact contests? You know, the ones where you can win copies of Fusion #1 signed by Mike Choi (X-23, X-Force) and Filip Sablik (Top Cow’s publisher) and Berserker # 1 signed by Milo Ventimiglia (Heroes TV show, Gamer, Pathology), artist Jeremy Haun, and Top Cow brass Russ Cundiff and Filip Sablik!? Ok, so this one wasn’t really a tip for Comic Con, but I had your attention so I thought what the hell, might as well take this opportunity to tell you how to win free shit!
6. If you’re are going to get a lot of sketches done why not get yourself a sketchbook? Also, make a list of people you want to meet at Artists’ Alley and where they’re going to be located. If you don’t want to put the sketches in a sketch book, comic backer boards work very well as 7 x 10 (or larger with Silver and Golden Age boards) pieces of artwork!
7. Make a list of all the exclusive toys you want, and try to get them when you walk in before they sell out. Did you read last week’s Figure Friday where I talk about some of the best exclusives at this years Comic Con?
8. It’ll be tempting, but don’t waste all of your money on the first day- especially if you plan on staying the entire weekend. Know your budget and how much you can spend total, and if you have to, budget for each individual day. Also, keep in mind that Sunday’s are a good time to buy from dealers as they’ll want to clear out their stock to save money on shipping it all back to their store (wherever that may be) and/pr lugging it all back to their truck. So plan to find your best deals then, and don’t be afraid to firmly- yet politely- negotiate for the best deal.
9. Drink a lot of water and have a good meal once a day. Get some solid rest at night or you will get sick, and nobody wants sick fan boys and fan girls all around them. Nasty. And please, for the love of god, use deodorant. Even bring some with you in your backpack- everyone’s olfactory senses will thank you.
10. Most importantly: HAVE A FUCKING GREAT TIME! If you’re not going to Comic Con stay tuned to Comic Impact as there will be updates all weekend long!
Remember, if you see someone sporting a Comic Impact t-shirt, who knows, it could be me- so why not stop by and say “Hi!” I know I have made some great friends at SDCC, and I hope you will too!
Simon Daoudi
Simon@comicimpact.com
