Surviving Comic-Con: A How-To Guide.

In addition to being a world-class bellman/blogger, The Hook is – much to his wife’s eternal dismay – a fan boy extraordinaire.

And so with the imminent arrival of comic convention season, here are a few tips and guidelines that should prove helpful to anyone brave enter another dimension; one of sights and sounds unlike any you have ever encountered.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND!

This is the single most important piece of advice I can convey; if you’re driven into a murderous rage by the sight of grown men and women dressed as fantasy icons, a comic book convention probably isn’t for you.

Fan Expo 2011 (Photo credit: SteFou!)

That having been said, I can understand just why some people are put off by the following sights…

• Fan boys who squint in the harsh light of day. The sun is much brighter than the fluorescent lights in their parents’ basement.
• Portly gentleman in tight-fitting Batman t-shirts. FYI: the blood around their mouths is most likely their own; it’s tough chewing through those hospital restraints. Or so I’m told.
• Fans engaged in a philosophical debate as old as time; Kirk or Picard. Don’t get too close, people have been hospitalized over less at these events.
• People – of both genders – whose “costume” is actually body paint. This is as scary as it sounds.

But if you’re still planning on attending a ‘con you’re going to need to add a few items to your “utility belt”. And no, I’m not apologizing for that pun, so get over it!

H2O

Thousands of fans crammed into one space is bad enough, but when you factor in exhibit space, celebrities and vendors, you run the risk of dehydration taking you out before the guy in the Boba Fett costume who you outbid for those “naked pics” of Carrie Fisher.

By the way, a bottle of “‘con water” will usually run you close to $5, so for God’s sake, bring your own!

ASPIRIN!

I don’t think I need to elaborate on this one, do I? 

ENVELOPES AND CARDBOARD BACKING.

Conventions are all about the celebrities; the most stoic individual will find themselves reduced to a quivering mass of giggling jelly once they acquire the autograph of one of their favorite stars. Unfortunately these days you have to sell a kidney or rob a bank to pay for a signature or photo!

Nevertheless, you’ll want to preserve that keepsake and this is where the  large envelope and a comic book backing board come into play. After all, the last thing you want is to arrive home, crash on the couch and open your bag to discover your $80 William Shatner pic had been crumpled beyond recognition.

EXTRA CASH – LOTS OF IT!

You’ll discover loads of unanticipated treasures at a ‘con – and they don’t come cheap! And let’s not forget lunch – hunger and dehydration are the enemy – and parking prices which seem to rise dramatically whenever a convention or sporting event are taking place. Funny how that works, right?

I’m certain I’ve forgotten a tip or two, but the essentials are here. Just remember, conventions are a blast – if you’re prepared in mind and body, that is!

So have fun, and keep an eye out for The Hook, okay?

YOU KNEW THIS WAS COMING, RIGHT?

June 9. 2012 10 A.M – 7 P.M.
Scotiabank Convention Centre
Niagara Falls. Ontario. Canada

For full details, click here, fan boys and girls!

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