Ever since movie stars and big production companies have started making their presences known at Comic-Con in San Diego, the crowds have gotten bigger and bigger. This year, I'm going to the New York Comic-Con this October 10th-13th, and I have some advice for you if you plan to go and it's your first time. Pay attention, fan-boys and girls. This is going to get detailed.
1. Prepare, prepare, prepare
One thing that might dishearten you if you're dying to see something like the cast of
The Walking Dead or the guys from
Comic Book Men is that you actually have to arrive about an hour early to panels just to see them. You might even have to sit through a panel you don't even care about just to get a seat for the event you're interested in. I'm not even joking. These panels fill up so quickly, it's ridiculous. My advice to you is that if you're going to Comic-Con specifically to see certain actors or events, make sure that they're your primary objective for being there. You might want to walk around a bit, but it's not worth it. Get into a panel about a half an hour to an hour early and just sit there and wait. It's really the only way to guarantee that you'll get into the really popular attractions.
2. Learn the Lay-out
The Jacob Javits Center isn't too hard to figure out, but you'll want to know the lay of the land before you do anything else. As I mentioned earlier, prepare for what you want to see. If you're just there to walk around and take it all in, then fine. Do that. But if you want to see specific attractions at Comic-Con, learn the lay-out and plan out your day fully. It will save you a lot of grief in the end.
3. Don't wear an elaborate costume if you choose to wear a costume at all
I know this might sound like a big sacrifice to you, but if you have plans to see certain things, then don't wear a costume. You will literally be stopped at least once every three minutes for somebody to take a picture of you. Again, if you're just there to have fun, then go ahead, wear a costume. I'd actually love it if you did because seeing all those people dress up and mingle is the best part for me. But I'm also one of those people who WILL stop you so I can take a picture. So take note. I am not alone.
4. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are much better days to go than Saturday
Unless you've already purchased your Saturday ticket, you're not going Saturday anyway. But if you did happen to purchase it, just know this--Comic Con is not for the claustrophobic. There are so many people in the Jacob Javits Center on Saturday, that it's hard to move two steps at a time, let alone breathe. Thursday, Friday, and Sunday are much better days to go if you want a more relaxed experience. Sure, you're not going to see the more interesting panels that day, but it will save you a lot of trouble if you can manage going another day. Saturday is ridiculous.
5. Have a Good Time
If worse comes to worst and you don't get to see any panels that you want to see, everybody's taking pictures of you, and you're trapped between a Jedi and a Trekkie, just let it go and have a good time. Remember, Comic Con IS all about having fun. If things don't go your way, just try to enjoy it the best you can. Because hey, just remember, it will be back again next year.
