SO YOU WANT TO GO TO A COMIC CONVENTION
BY JENNIFER M. CONTINO
Comic conventions are a lot of fun to attend, but how can you make the best out of your convention experience? What should you do to prepare for a convention? What's important to bring with you? We've got some suggestions on all that and more in our fun top ten suggestions for attending any comic convention.

In no particular order, here are the top ten suggestions to consider when attending a comic convention as a comics fan.

SUGGESTION NUMBER ONE: When To Get Tickets

If you're able, try to buy your ticket ahead of time. Some conventions offer discounted prices for purchasing tickets ahead of time or other freebies for buying before you arrive at the convention. Plus, with a lot of the shows, if you've pre-purchased your tickets, you're saved the long wait getting into the actual show.


If you can't afford to purchase your tickets ahead of time, try to get to the convention an hour before the show opens, or arrive about an hour or so after the show begins to avoid the longest waits.


SUGGESTION NUMBER TWO: Book Your Hotel As Soon As Possible

Most conventions have deals with surrounding hotels or the hotel the show is hosted in for cheaper rooms, but a lot of those rooms fill up very quickly, so the early bird gets the affordable rates! As soon as you're sure you'll be attending a show, you should try to get accommodations. Also check around online to find affordable deals for hotels, travel, and other specials. Sometimes, you're able to get better arrangements booking through those agencies, than what the "con deal" is.

Also, a few days before you leave for the show, double and triple check to make sure all your reservations are in order and there haven't been any changes. Always keep track of your confirmation numbers, the dates those were confirmed, and other important information. Keep a copy of those notes in your luggage and carry-on bag, so there's no chance in losing it.


SUGGESTION NUMBER ONE: Pack Smart

Remember if there are three days to a show, you should bring at least three changes of clothing or more. Pack a few extra shirts, make sure you have a nice pair of dress clothes - in case an opportunity arises to do something special. When I'm at shows, even in the dead of winter, I usually wear shorts and a short sleeve shirt. Most con rooms are crowded and being a little bit chilly is better than sweating and roasting while walking the floor.

Remember it's important to change your clothes every day at least once - even if you don't have a set hotel room and are "staying up" all day and night in the 24 hour rooms, change your clothes!

Plus, dressing in costumes is cool, but remember not everyone may be receptive to your outfits. So, if don't be surprised if you find some folks staring at you, if you're dressed a little outrageous.

When packing, also bring: band aids, toenail/nail clippers, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, pens (for autographs), sketchbook (if you're into getting original pictures), a role of quarters (for the vending machines), bags and backing boards (in case you find that one comic your collection's been missing for ages), dollar bills (because a lot of the vendors might not have exact change and who wants to spend time waiting around for someone else to find change?), and a credit card that doesn't have a high cash limit on it for emergencies.

As an aside, something that has been circling the 'net and is a good suggestion, is to take the contents of your wallet that you're bringing with you to the convention and photocopy both sides of the credit cards, licenses, social security card, and medical cards you have in it. Leave that copy with your parents or other relative and, if your wallet gets lost or stolen, you have an easy way to alert the credit card companies and other places about what was stolen or misplaced. If you have all your information in order like that, it could save you a lot of headaches later.

Also, get Travelers Cheques instead of carrying a large amount of cash. Just about every place accepts those and you can get them changed in a bank as well.

SUGGESTION NUMBER FOUR: Bring A Comfortable Bag

If you're going to take a lot of stuff to get signed or plan on purchasing a ton of comics, toys, or other items that might be found at any given show, make sure you have a comfortable bag to carry everything in. Bookbags can feel like dead weight after a few hours. The ones that roll and have an expandable handle are nice, but they also are tough to maneuver around the con floor sometimes. Check around at various stores and read reviews online about the best bags to buy, so you won't need to have chiropractic treatment after you return from the show. If you're staying in a hotel close to the show, it's a good idea to make a few trips and empty your bag. Your back will thank you later for that!

Also if you plan on getting a lot of things, remember you have to bring all of those items home with you as well. So make sure you leave room in your luggage to bring all your treasures home. Or, check where the nearest post office or Federal Express is, and have some of your con finds sent ahead. If you buy a nice piece or original art, the last thing you want to do is have it ruined by being stuffed in a bag or folded up in your suitcase.

SUGGESTION NUMBER FIVE: Use Good Hygiene!

I know a running gag about comic conventions involves unwashed masses who aren't able to follow simple deodorant instructions, but let's try to put an end to that. Take a shower at least once a day. If you know you have a problem with perspiration or other bodily odors, bathe twice or thrice each day. That five minute shower could save your reputation. It's ok to be a fanboy, but don't get stereotyped as the stinky fanboy. And, after you spend that time showering, use deodorant. I know some folks who , along with their best spray or roll on antiperspirant also buy a 59 cent box of baking soda and sprinkle some of that under their arm pits, knee pits, and in their shoes to help control wetness and odors.

And after you've got your body all clean and fresh, turn your attention to your choppers. Brusha, brusha, brusha! Just as bad as those horrible body odors is bad breath that could turn milk sour. Brush your teeth, the roof of your mouth, your tongue - if it's in your mouth, brush it and brush it well.

Also keep some breath strips or mints handy and use them several times a day - especially if you're a smoker. Comic pros will be a lot more receptive to talking and spending time with you, if you smell nice.

A very important thing to note is that perfume, cologne, and after shave are NOT a replacement for a shower.

SUGGESTION NUMBER SIX: Have A Plan

If you have twenty or so comics you want autographed, check the con schedules and try to do it all in one morning or afternoon. That leaves you time to meet other pros, go to panels, or roam the floor looking for bargains. Also remember to look around at a lot of the dealers wares, before buying anything. There are deals to be had everywhere - especially that last day of the show. Most dealers would rather sell things for a few dollars less, than ship everything back to their home store. There usually are extra special deals on the final day of any show.

Also, concerning panels, some rooms can only hold so many people in them, so if it's a panel you have to attend, get there forty-five minutes earlier, and don't be surprised - even then - if the room is already filled and you can't get in.

Be sure to check the programs and official websites to see if there have been any changes in schedules. Sometimes a pro is only at the show one or two days of it, so if it's important for you to meet Mr. Golden Age or Miss Comic Writer, make sure he or she is actually going to be at the show the days you are attending. I see more and more comic artists letting their fans sign up early for an original art sketch or something like that. Some pros only have time to do a handful of pieces at a weekend show, so if you have to have an original drawing by Creator Z, make sure you get on the list.

SUGGESTION NUMBER SEVEN: Smile and Be Respectful

Remember when you are at a show, no one owes you anything. But you'll win more friends with smiles than snarls or snarky remarks. Be cheerful. Be friendly. Be respectful to everyone around you. Talk nicely. Remember all those lessons you learned in kindergarten about how to make friend and play nice with the other children. The creators you're meeting are there for the fans, but that doesn't mean each can't have a bad day or hour or minute. Don't take things personally if you don't have the most amazing time meeting comic creator Z. Remember to think before you speak and also be appreciative of any attention you get. Just because someone is a comic creator doesn't mean he or she isn't shy or a great public speaker or anything like that.

I know a few people who met a "famous" comic creator and were put off, because the creator wasn't the most talkative person. One even took offense that the comic celebrity didn't really go out of their way to be "entertaining." I don't think that's a pro's job at a show, unless he or she are on a panel designed for that purpose.

Also remember if you get a sketch or autograph to say "thank you." Those two little words are the best ones to remember.

SUGGESTION NUMBER EIGHT: If You Ask For Advice, Take It!

If you're going to bring a portfolio or other items for a critique or review, accept the critique and review. Don't argue with the pro. Don't justify why you did this or that. Listen and learn. Most people who offer to do reviews are experts in the field, so be thankful for the time and energy they expend giving you some pointers or tips. And don't say, "well this isn't my best work," because you shouldn't be showing it, if you're not proud of the work. Wait until you can show your best work to ask for advice, or don't be offended by getting a bad critique if you feel the work isn't A-1.

SUGGESTION NUMBER NINE: Try To See Everything

Most comic conventions are big creatures, but some people only stand in one section or area the entire time. It's good to know what you want, but don't limit yourself by staying in just one place. You might discover the next great book you can't live without by venturing from your safety zone into another area. Explore and support the small press by buying at least one or two indy books. Ask around, you might be surprised by what you discover at a convention.

SUGGESTION NUMBER TEN: Original Art Smart

I mentioned before about getting original art, but if you see one of your favorite artists is going to the show and you just have to get a page of original art from him or her, try contacting the artist ahead of time, telling him/her what page(s) you're interested in, and arrange a time to pick up those pages at the show. If you wait until you get to the con to see about buying some pages, you might miss out. The artist might not bring that page you have to own or someone else might beat you to the punch by buying your favorite page.

Also, as I mentioned before, if you do buy a page of art, plan ahead on how to return that page to your home without damaging it. Some places sell material to hold your original art, but you might want to plan ahead of time how to transport that art to and from the convention.

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So, if you're planning on attending a comic convention this year, these bits of advice should help you have a great con experience. And if you're ready to try to attend a comic convention, you can find out about small and large conventions at this helpful website:


http://www.comicbookconventions.com/

I would recommend bringing condoms, contraception etc... Despite the myths it is possible to get laid at a convention. Nothing worse than being denied at the vital moment because you haven't got your "raingear" with you.

Jen-- what a great column, and written in the fun spirit it was intended.

I've read these types of things before, and they have often bordered on insulting-- not so here; just the opposite.

About the portfolio review-- nice point. Out of all the reviews I've done at shows, two-- count'em two have actually come back and shown me that they took my advice-- one of which is doing comics today, and a damn fine creator, Danielle Corsetto-- who now blows my humble art away with her confident brush strokes.

Being polite never hurts, no matter what someone says-- my last portfolio review before getting published was brutal-- a very polite but stern artist proceeded to nail me for lazy backgrounds, poor anatomy, a couple of cheats here and there, barely sayiong anything nice. I thanked him, and, noticing I was a bit shaken, he asked if I was okay.

I politely explained that I appreciated and agreed w/ his criticisms, but no one had ever been so ... "honest" before.

The creator laughed and said, "Kid, you probably weren't good enough to hear the truth before-- now you're good enough, someone can tell you what you REALLY need to work on!"

And I truly appreciated how tough it was for any creator to critique someopne's work.

Thanks! I thought it would be fun to do something like this and I * love * the drawings Leigh did to go with it.

Jen

Well, all you can do all of the great ideas above and the convention falls apart like it did in NYC this winter (sob!).

I addition to what Jen wrote, I'd like to add these tidbits.

1. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be standing and walking all day. You feet will be taking so much punishment the way it is. Try to make them as comfortable as possible.

2. I can agree more with Jen about the hygene thing. I don't know why, but comic book conventions are hotter than any other event I've ever attended. You will sweat. Sweat equals stink. If you are a bit wiffy hitting the show floor, you will be repugnant after a few hours.

3. Bring cash. Not all dealers accept credit (and the one ones that do usually sell the higher end books) and I've actually seen a dealer yell at a kid for trying to pay with a check.

4. If a celebrity is doing a signing at a certain time, get to the location early. Because a lot of people will. If the signing starts at 11 am get there by 10:30 at least. Because if you decided to scour the back issue bins until 10:55 you will probably arrive at the signing and realize that the either the line is way long and/or closed to new customers.

5. And if you are getting stuff signed, limit it to 3 or 4 items, if not less. This is just to be considerate of the rest of the people in line behind you.

6. And finally, be patient. You will have to wait in line. You will be trying to leave and be stuck in an aisle that is packed with people who are barely moving. There will be 200 people in front of you waiting for Kevin Smith's autograph. And you are not alone in having this happen to you. Yes, it's frustrating, but just grin and bear it.

I love Jen's and William's ideas.

But, here's my chance to be a total... ahem...

If you have young kids, KEEP THEM HOME!

Even though I love the idea of sharing the comic hobby with your kids (I have two daughters, 8 & 10 who love comics and superheroes - their knowledge of the DC universe is amazing), please keep the kids home.

Like William stated above, those conventions can get really HOT, and there is nothing more irritating than an irritated 2-10 year old waiting for Dad to flip through the quarter bins.

It amazes me how many people bring their kids in strollers and clog up the aisles.

I am 6'-3" tall and 200lbs, and I am CONSTANTLY worried that I am going to step on a carpet muncher.

You forgot BRING FOOD. Convention food is neither cheap, healthy, or good. For what you'd pay for a hot dog, bag of chips, and watered down coke, you could easily buy a discounted trade or a few single issues. Eat a big breakfast and snack for lunch or brown bag it. The money you save will be worth it.

Look for alternate parking. The parking in Chicago is obscene but there's a CTA lot just 2 blocks away that only costs $1.50 (in quarters). Get online a day or two before and search out your parking options.

There's a joke here that really wants to come out and it's not about kids.

But I couldn't disagree with you more. Bring the kids if they're old enough to be on their feet and let them have fun. If you're too big to wander the aisles without stepping on people, maybe the problem is yours. The real problem at conventions is the guys with their long boxes on wheels or little suitcases that block the aisles or bump people's legs. Conventions need to either thing about wideneing the aisles or banning these wheeled contraptions.

It's funny that you should mention Chicago because that was EXACTLY what I was referring to.

As for your reply, how the hell is someone bringing a stroller with a twitchy, fussy, whiney, snot-machine MY problem?

I don't like the long-box-on-wheels idea any more than you, but at least those things can be shoved out of the way unlike a baby/toddler stroller. With the long-box-on-wheels idea, you can at least stick the thing in front of you while flipping through a box of comics, whereas the stroller will be parked right-beside Dad taking up at least three long-boxes of real estate. I honestly think this is a deliberate ploy to prevent others from getting to the comics before anyone else does.

The last time I was in Chicago, I was standing at a dealer's table going through one of his long boxes when some twit with a baby stroller deliberately banged into the back of my legs repeatedly trying to wedge in the same spot where I was ALREADY standing.

For the first time in my life I actually threatened a total stranger with bodily harm (and I am supposed to be the happy-go-lucky polite Canadian). I said "you can either quit hitting me in the back of the legs with that stroller, or I swear to God YOU will need a stroller if I get my hands on you"

He left.

The ironic part was that I was the ONLY person along that particular side at the dealers table. There was PLENTY of room to my right where he could park the stroller, but he felt that he HAD to start from the very left where I was already standing.

You're... you're afraid you'll step on a lesbian? *giggle*

(I think you meant "rug rat!")

A little advice for those who DO bring their kids: you'll wanna keep distance between the tables and your child. Even RESPECTABLE dealers and exhibitors will slip and leave an offensive piece of art/book out on the table for all to see. For people like me who don't have kids, it's an easy mistake to make (we kidless 20-somethings tend to think the rest of the world is on our own R-rated frequency).

I'm all for kids picking things up early rather than being over-protected, but I've seen things on people's tables that have offended even ME, and I'm not easily offended, to say the least!

(And Mr. Gallagher, speaking of humbling, I'm humbled by your words - thank you! Glad you realize what a help & inspiration you and Rich were early on for me.)

Great post, Jen, and Leigh's artwork? *muah!* Love it!

One last thing; thanks, Jen, for pointing out that creators aren't always gonna be at their best, that we're human, and that we can be shy. I for one am not nearly as funny as people who read my comics must think I'd be! And I've seen brief (VERY brief!) interactions between fans and normally-friendly creators that have resulted in the fan telling everyone what a jerk the creator is. Take it easy on the people you admire; some of them are even more nervous and shy about meeting you than you are, believe it or not!

d