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Essentials for Comic Con

When you're about to attend San Diego's Comic-Con, the prospect of meeting your favorite creators and adding new treasures to your collection can be a heady rush. Still, your anticipation can sour if you find yourself overwhelmed by the experience, unsure of where and when the events you want to attend are held, and finding yourself at the mercy of vendors charging exorbitant amounts for sub-par food. Knowing what to expect at Comic-Con and planning accordingly can help you avoid such mishaps, while maximizing your convention enjoyment.

Planning
- Comic-Con holds 400 events over its four days and it's impossible to see everything at the show. Read the convention schedule well before you attend and pick the events you find the most enticing. Once you've made your personal schedule, familiarize yourself with the convention floor so that you know how to find the panels and creator signings you want to attend. Lines for the most eagerly-anticipated Comic-Con events, particularly the panels and previews in Hall H, begin forming hours before the event, so get in line well in advance. Seating capacity is limited due to San Diego fire regulations and your convention badge doesn't guarantee admission. If possible, wait in line with a friend so that if one of you needs a bathroom break, neither of you will lose your place.
Spending Money
- You'll be tempted with all manner of merchandise, including items exclusive to Comic-Con, that you're unlikely to see again outside an online auction site, but set a budget before you attend and stick to it. Your euphoria with a rare collector's item will fade fast if you come up short when it's time for your car payment. Have the cash you think you'll need on hand when you arrive at the convention. Not every vendor accepts credit cards and using an ATM at the convention site usually requires waiting in line an hour or longer.
Food &Comfort
- Wear your most comfortable shoes for the convention, as you'll be walking or standing for most of the four-day event. Make sure you wear closed-toe shoes -- while your favorite pair of sandals may be extremely comfortable, you'll have your toes tromped on repeatedly by the throngs on the convention floor. Be sure to bring your own snacks and water to the con. Comic-Con has refreshment vendors, but their prices are extremely expensive.
Cosplayer Encounters
- You'll see a plethora of cosplayers on Comic-Con's convention floor and at the Saturday night Masquerade, people dressed up as their favorite comic or anime characters, so have a camera on hand. Just remember to ask permission before getting your snapshot. Cosplayers are proud of their costumes and generally happy to pose for photos, but they always appreciate courtesy, especially if they've been on the receiving end of obnoxious fans who wrap their arms around them without warning.

Comic Book Collecting