Comic books! Movies! Video games! Toys! There’s so much to see and do at the San Diego Comic-Con, it can be a little overwhelming. Don’t worry, Kotaku is happy to help you survive the rigors of comic book convention attendance.
If this is your first time attending the San Diego Comic-Con, don’t go unprepared. Armed with the right gear, some helpful hints and a heaping dose of common sense, you’ll survive all four and a half days of pop culture’s biggest gathering easily.
And if you see a Kotaku editor you recognize at the Con, don’t be shy.
Gear Up
• Shoes: Unless you’re cosplaying as the Scarlet Witch or Master Chief, wear the most comfortable shoes possible. The San Diego Convention Center is a massive facility, even if Comic-Con is outgrowing it. Plan on hoofing it from room to room if you’re interested in partaking in any of the panels and expect to wait in lines—obscenely long lines—for all but the least popular sessions. Stay comfy in a pair of Supernova Riot 2 Trail-Running shoes, Vans or Clarks Desert Boots, but bring some big boy shoes for classier restaurants and parties.
• Clothes: Stay cool and comfortable in the Con. Temperatures should be pretty mild in San Diego and casual is key, so t-shirt and jeans is fine. I’d advise against wearing a kilt, but if you must ventilate down there, no one at Comic-Con will bat an eye. Bring a hoodie or windbreaker for evenings and the chillier rooms of the convention center. If you forget anything, there are plenty of retailers at the show ready and willing to sell you apparel.
• Gear Bag: Bring roomy, mostly empty, reliable storage—tote bag, backpack, over-the-shoulder courier bag—to Comic-Con if you plan on purchasing any collectibles. Stuff it with the bare essentials, like your phone, camera and snacks, but leave yourself plenty of space. Mishka NYC’s Panzer rucksack and Gravis’ line of bags come highly recommended, as does Incase’s nylon series.
• Electronics: Most important, bring a camera. You’ll see some wacky, extremely enthusiastic and incredibly talented people at Comic-Con which means great photo opportunities.
• Water & Snacks: While you may find some deals on action figures, comic books and sundry collectibles, but expect to pay top dollar for bottom barrel food at the Con. Instead of waiting in long lines to pay good money for bad food, stock up on grub that can be easily transported and noshed on anytime. Clif Bars, bananas, and a bottle of water (I like the Thermos Intak) should tide you over and keep you hydrated, letting you save your dedicated meals for something finer.
• Vitamins & Protection: The Comic-Con diet may wreak havoc on your eating patterns, so supplement with vitamins, especially since you’re going to be around tens of thousand of people handling money and merchandise. Keep some Purell around and wash those hands or you’ll come back from the Con with the Nerd Flu. Also, bring some sunblock and shades. Even though the Con’s mostly indoors, you may find yourself waiting in line outside for extended periods, especially if you’re plan on attending anything in Hall H or the big ballrooms on the convention center’s upper levels.
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