TOP TEN TIPS FOR A PLEASANT COMIC-CON EXPERIENCE !

March.26.2008
by Sonia Yeh

Hey y'all readers! We at the RAGING CHEETAH staff have collectively spent decades of our lives roaming convention halls for comics goods, gadgets and eye candy. We thought it might be helpful to offer to you now our two cents worth of advice. So here it is - our TOP TEN TIPS FOR A PLEASANT COMIC-CON EXPERIENCE:

10. Get a good night's sleep before the con. You'll want to feel well rested and fully charged for the weekend of the Big Show.

9. Be organized. Have everything ready beforehand. This includes a trip to the ATM if needed. Those lines are always so long at the convention center...

8. Wear comfortable shoes.

7. Bring gum or something to drink as refreshment prices are typically inflated at these events. Just make sure your beverage is in a cappable container so you don't accidentally soil your valuable items while walking around.

6. Wear pants or shorts with lots of pockets (for keys, wallet(s), business cards, Sharpies, lip balm, etc).

5. If you're a volume buyer, consider bringing a suitcase or other bag on wheels so that you're not dragged down by having to carry multiple items throughout the con. This will save you a lot of aches and pains.

4. When you need to pull out your wallet for a purchase go around to the dealer's side of the table, away from where the crowds - and any potential pickpockets - are gathered.

3. Make frequent trips to your car to unload. This way you can stay light on your feet!

2. Do not ever leave your stuff for a second! If you've got that much stuff ask the dealer or artist to watch your item for you until you can come back and get it.

1. Although the crowds that these events attract can be overwhelming at times, remember that most everyone is friendly and well-meaning. Keep a pleasant outlook and be patient. The point here is to have fun.