Let’s start with the origins of Comic Con. The term comes from the shortening of ‘Comic Book Convention,’ and today often gets further shortened to ‘Con,’ although Con can also refer to Sci Fi Conventions. The very first convention was Worldcon in 1939. In the early days, fan conventions were a place to discuss science fiction and they also gave birth to cosplay. Comic book conventions later got their start in the 1960s, though it was in 1970 that San Diego Comic Con started, the largest of them all. Whether you’re a first timer or a veteran, here are our tips for surviving Comic Con.
Planning
Take Your Time – It’s worth taking a look around before deciding what to buy so you don’t regret it later if you spot something you really want
Set A Budget – It’s easy to get carried away, and setting out a budget can help you in deciding what to purchase
Charge Your Phone – This is a pretty obvious one, but you’ll want to make sure your phone has full battery as you may become separated from your friends. Plus, you’ll want to take pictures!
Cosplay Competition – If you’re planning on entering a cosplay competition it’s worth signing up to that first, before exploring the event
Check The Itinerary – If there’s an itinerary available, find this on arrival so you can plan your day and avoid missing out
What To Bring
Cash – It’s worth bringing cash with you as some traders may not accept card
A Backpack – There may not be a cloakroom available so you’ll want to bring a backpack you can store any layers in if you get too warm, or any purchases
A Water Bottle – It’s important to stay hydrated and there’ll usually be a station to fill up your water bottle
Deodorant – If you’re wearing a costume it can get pretty sweaty throughout the day
A Spare T-shirt – Again, if you’re wearing a costume, you may want to bring a change of clothes so you can travel home more comfortably
What To Wear
Comfortable Shoes – You’re going to be on your feet for a lot of the day and there will likely be queues, so comfort is key!
Layers – It can get pretty hot at convention centres, so it’s worth wearing layers you can take off during the day