Comic-Con Survival Guide

San Diego Comic-Con Survival Guide 2011

Written By: Abel S. - "Honest Abe"

July 6th, 2011

We here at Dig That Box sympathize with all of you who are going to SDCC in the coming days. I, myself, will be among the many thousands of fans fighting and clamoring for the latest info on all things awesome. Over the years, I've developed a very militaristic approach to SDCC and I spend the few days prior organizing myself as if I was launching a first strike. What I present to you now are my tips and tricks for surviving the madness of Comic Con.

1) Make Your Plans Early. Have a plan for what forums and panels you want to attend as well as a backup (if there is one at the same scheduled time). You won't get to see everything you want to see no matter how hard you try so don't kill yourself making the attempt. Print out the panel listings and mark what you really want to attend. Also, last year for the first time, the website published the "Around the Booths" section of the program. Usually you receive this beginning on Thursday morning and it contains information on events happening on the main floor that are not related to the panels. Artist signings and appearances, giveaways, raffles, freebies, etc. It’s quite invaluable. Bring this with you as well as a copy of the map, which lists the corresponding booth numbers so you'll know where exactly you want to go. Remember: chance favors the prepared mind.

2) Bring a Backpack. Sure, many vendors have free baggies and Warner Bros has a really awesome large free tote bag but those are for all the stuff you're going to purchase/pick up during the days that follow. The backpack will be to store essentials such as extra pens, sharpies, and any magazines or comics that you want signed. You don't want to look foolish digging through some big-ass plastic bag for your issue of X-men #250 in front of the artist as you mumble, 'dammit, I know it's in here somewhere'! On a personal note: I've had the good fortune to run into the same celebrity two years in a row on the main floor. Let's just say, good thing I had a sharpie handy.

3) Bring a Snack. It doesn't hurt to pack a light snack. Trail mix and beef jerky are good, as well as a bottle of water. Not a heavy one, mind you, but something you can easily refill at any of the drinking fountains. There is food and drink to be purchased there but it's pricey.

4) Comfortable Shoes and First Aid Supplies. I cannot tell you how many times I've seen guys walking around in dress shoes and girls in heels. Ladies, even low heels will kill you after a few short hours. Usually those are the girls who are there with their men and have no idea what they were getting themselves into. On that note, bring some band-aids for your ankles. Keep 'em in the backpack that way you don't have to leave what you're doing and hike all the way to First Aid. Somehow I tend to get at least one good papercut every year. Also, bring a small pack of Kleenex with you. You know, those little packs that hold like twenty? Perfect for SDCC and it fits right in the, you guessed it, backpack. You're in a room with over 100,000 other people. Guess what? At least one person among all those folks is gonna have a cold. Guess what? You'll be standing next to him at some point (unless that someone is you.) A little courtesy goes a long way. If you have to blow your nose, you'll be ready. Better to take 'em and not need 'em than need 'em and not have 'em. Trust me. While you're at it, throw some Tylenol in the backpack and a small travel-size deodarant. Don't laugh. You may be the one who's gotten a bit, shall we say, ripe? If you notice people giving you the stink eye, it may not be your eye that stinks! Again, just some courtesy to your fellow fans.

5) Have Your Camera Ready. If it's a digital, make sure it's fully charged. It may seem obvious to do so but you never know. When was the last time you used it? Plug it in the night before. If you don't have a digital, make sure you have fresh batteries. (and bring some extra for the backpack!) Several years ago, I met Bruce Campbell (in a mega-short line, I might add) and as he was signing a book I brought for a friend, my camera died. Not a digital, mind you. Dead battery. I never got the shot but I did make The Chin laugh at me.

6) Patience. I'll be the first to admit that I am NOT a patient person but I really make the effort to try to be a little more courteous and understanding when it comes to SDCC. Like I said before, you're not going to do everything you want to do and see everything you want to see. Understand that going in, and you'll be ahead of the game. Besides, you're only going to look like a moron if you lose your cool over something that is beyond your control. Didn't get into the "Avatar" panel? Oh well, get there earlier next time. Didn't get that exclusive comic book? Oops and shit happens. Also, the people that volunteer their time are not necessarily the brightest folks in the world but they do mean well and try their best. Try to sympathize with them and show a bit of respect to those people. Sometimes they simply get bad information which they pass along. It's happened to me before, where I've been misdirected or led to believe something simply because someone wearing a shirt that says "STAFF" told me so. Take a moment, have a swig of water, exhale, or whatever. But just chill.

7) Cash. Many of the smaller vendors take cash only. Some that do take plastic may have trouble getting a signal to ring up your card. If that's the case, exercise patience and see if they'll hold your item while you visit the nice long line at the ATM.

8) Address Labels. This is probably the best piece of advice I myself have gotten over the years. You know how you often get those sheets of pre-printed address labels sent to you from solicitors such as the March of Dimes, etc? Well, here's how you put them to good use. There are so many mailing lists you'll want to sign up for, as well as contests, raffles, newsletters, etc. that you'll wind up with carpal tunnel syndrome by the end of the Con. Have these in your handy backpack, slap one on the aforementioned sheet in front of you, and you're done. Sometimes you'll still have to write your email address or phone number or both but it will save you so much time and effort in the long run.

9) Smart Phones. We live in an age of technological wonder so you might as well take advantage of it with regards to SDCC. There are a few bulletin boards around the ‘con that show daily changes to the original programming schedule, but I’m also talking about last minute changes. We all have fallen victim to this in the past. Fortunately smart phone allows you to be proactive and stay ahead of the game. For instance, many vendors will post up to the minute changes on their blogs/websites. Whether there's been a last minute change to a panel or maybe a signing at a booth has been changed, this will help you keep up with the show. Some panels and/or booths now post updated information on Twitter. Also many exhibitors are now utilizing QR Codes to distribute information. Simply scan the QR Code with your phone and get instant updates and information. Also bring your phone charger with you. You may find yourself sitting in a line for an hour or so and if there is a wall outlet near you, plug it in! The downside of using all the apps on your phone and constantly checking for updates is that you’ll drain your battery before you know it.

Abel S. a.k.a. "Honest Abe" has written reviews for Dark Horizons, JoBlo and MusicTap. He has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. He can usually be found at his keyboard ranting and rambling about the human condition or watching Beavis & Butthead.