Niagara Falls Comic Con Is Almost Here!

Niagara Falls Comic Con Is Almost Here! Niagara Falls Comic Con Is Almost Here! Niagara Falls Comic Con Is Almost Here!

Sorry. They gave away tons of free candy yesterday in the staff cafeteria and my sugar high has only just begun to fade.

I’m buzzing like Kanye West at an awards show. Fortunately, the extra energy will come in handy when I hit my local con on Saturday.

With my trip in mind, and for all those who have decided to embark upon their own comic convention adventure, here are a few guidelines to surviving the experience with whatever sanity you had to begin with still intact.

10)  Pack water! Lots of water! Granted, I hate the bland, tasteless stuff, and finding a washroom to dispose of it can be a pain, but the fact is, you’re going to dehydrate. And that ain’t good when you’re surrounded by thousands of distracted nerds. And purchasing bottled water at a convention requires a bank loan, so throw some in your bag (preferably, in a container of some sort), and you’ll be good to go.

9)  Bring a bag. A big bag. (Stop giggling.) Make sure it’s a bag you can sling over your shoulder or across your midriff. Many vendors don’t have bags at cons so you’ll need somewhere to stash your wares. And thrust me, you’ll acquire wares. Even non-nerds are certain to find a treasure or two at a comic convention.

8)  Embrace the crowds! Not literally, of course; unless you’re really into nerds, then have at it. Niagara Falls Comic Con, like every con I’ve been to, is a crowded affair. (Nerds rule the world, kids.) You’re going to bump into hundreds of heroes, villains, orcs, wizards and assorted characters, but don’t fret, they know what they’re getting into. You can try apologizing every time, but it’s a futile effort (like dropping a Kardashian in a public library and expecting them to do anything but drop into a fetal position and sob). Just smile and move on.

7)  Bring lots of $.  I mean tons. Cash is king at a con. At the every least, make sure you familiarize yourself with the location of any and all ATMs. And if you really can’t afford to blow a wad or two at Comic Con? Don’t go! Period. They’ll have lots of stuff you want and you’re weak.

6)  Free your mind. Cons are all about acceptance. Anyone can show up and be welcomed. If society were a comic convention we’d all be much happier and safer. So be prepared to see some… interesting characters. Just remember, they mean well and they’re harmless. Mostly.

5)  Wear comfortable shoes. This tip is vital if you’re a bellman and lifesaving if you’re attending a con. You’re going to do more walking – and standing in line – than Moses so deck yourself out appropriately.

And speaking of which…

4)  When in Rome – do as the nerds do. You don’t have to dress up but at the very least, don a superhero tee. Get in the spirit!

3)  Plan ahead. If you’re attending with a partner or group, designate a meeting place. After all, one has to experience a convention solo, if only for an hour. But the last thing you want is to wander the convention floor aimlessly. I’ve been there. It sucks.

2)  If possible, load up on carbs! Food is not cheap (I’ve seen food vendors that have organ donor cards beside their menu boards), at a con so go with a full stomach and a fistful of energy bars or granola.

1) Have fun!  You’re not going to be able to do everything you want. You’re going to be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, smells and other stimuli. You may even pass out. But that’s all part of the Niagara Falls Comic Con experience. baby!

There are no outcasts at cons.

No losers.

No one need ever be lonely or afraid of being judged.

Niagara Falls Comic Con is paradise for the disenfranchised, really.

So enjoy it. See you on the convention floor, kids…