- WHAT TO EXPECT / HOW TO DEAL WITH THE DAY
Although Comic Con International is about the most fun many people can imagine, it does last... well, pretty much 24 hours per day, for 4 complete days. What that means is, it’s easy to get tired, hungry, and dehydrated. Here are some rules and advice to follow. Take it from us - we’ve been doing this over 16 years.
CLOTHING -
The main thing to remember is that you’re in San Diego. Although not tropical, this is one of the most temperate cities in the country. This means, it’s warm. Do not drag around sweaters and jackets. You’d be insane. If you are not coming in any sort of costume, we recommend the following:
* Most important! Comfortable walking shoes. This cannot be stressed enough. You will be on your feet all day. Repeat, ALL DAY. And for many of you, all night too. Most likely, you will not be sitting anywhere. Not for any length of time. Your shoes will be your best friend, and your feet will thank you for that. When thinking of sandals or thongs, remember that split toe slip-on thong sandals really can be harmful to your feet. Just stick with your basic shoe that has good support.
* Loose, light clothing. Unless you’re a super-hottie who believes that one must truly suffer for fashion, you will definitely want to keep it loose and comfy. T-shirts, polo shirts, loose casual button-ups, along with shorts or looser slacks. Tight jeans will eventually grind your skin, chaff it, and ride up your buttocks in a most unflattering, and painful, manner.
* Hats. Not necessary inside, but if you are walking any distance to and from the Convention Center, you might want to keep your head covered from the sun.
* If you’re crippled in some way, crutches and wheelchairs are allowed, but let someone from the staff assist you in your needs. Walking sticks - no go.
* And just as a reminder... although there are some very hot, scantily dressed “booth babes,” Comic Con International is NOT “Clothing Optional.”
WHAT YOU CANNOT BRING IN -
* Although you might feel pretty mighty, in costume, bringing in that knife, sword, or deadly gun - NO REAL WEAPONS ARE ALLOWED. I shouldn’t even have to tell you that, but some people you have to wonder about. Again, no sharp blades, and no real guns, and no fake guns that appear overly realistic.
* Booze - I doubt it. Keep it realistic. This is a family event. No boozing it up inside. And for that matter, don’t come pre-blotto already. Every day will be a hot day, you’ll get agitated and onry, and it’ll just be ugly. Keep it sober and fun.
* Offensive materials - Shirts and/or placards of any sort, that are truly crossing the line most likely will be escorted, along with you, off of the premises. Granted there are things of questionable nature, usually for sale, and in the name of art, inside the Con, they are usually hidden away from children’s view. If you are walking around, publicly, then you are being seen by children. No go. You don’t have to keep it puritan simple, but just have a bit of tact.
HOW TO GET AROUND -
* The beauty of Comic Con International is that you can park your car and not worry about it. There are Con Shuttles that run very regularly all throughout the day and night. They are set up to take you all around downtown, and to drop you at your hotels. They really are convenient, although they might end up a bit full during peak times (especially after the Con closes the main hall in the evenings). Step outside, look for the letter with the appropriate corresponding hotel that you need to go to, and get on the bus, Gus. No need to make a new plan, Stan. (Sorry, couldn’t resist.) In addition, there are the "Cart People" who are always available to do the bicycle rickshaw thing to your destination. This does cost a bit, but you get a pedal-pushing servant to take you around in a bicycle-pulled cart. They are a definitely pushier than the cabbies.
FOOD -
If you are hungry and thirsty, the Convention Center offers up a food court of expensive snacks. There is also a Starbucks inside. (But of course. What did you expect?) I recommend the Greek Gyros in the far back right corner of the Exhibit Hall. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there are a number of restaurants in the immediate area, most especially in the Gaslamp district across the street. For quick and simple Chinese food, we have always favored China Too at 916 5th Ave - (619) 239-4283. They like to close on Saturday though, as they don’t like to deal with the amount of traffic coming through. Any other time is fine. Call ahead for current hours.
Another two regular favorites are:
Dick’s Last Resort at 345 4th Ave - (619) 231-9100. This is a bar & grill with entertainment. Their motto is: “You can’t kill a man born to hang.” With their assortment of T-shirts, shot glasses, and giant beer mugs, to go with their assorted liquors and chicken wings, this is a sure party spot. Visit them at: www.dickslastresort.com (click on San Diego).
Old Spaghetti Factory at 275 5th St - (619) 233-4323 - is a classic Italian joint featuring, duh, spaghetti and other pasta dishes. Good for a night’s eating out.
And if you can’t decide, but just want snacks, a quick sandwich, fruit, or anything else... my haven away from havens is Ralph’s Grocery Store! Yeah! It’s 24 hours a day. Anytime we are not at the Con, or at the hotel, we can be found perusing the aisles at Ralph’s. It’s an obsession. Don’t ask. They are located at 101 G St - (619) 595-1581. Don’t forget to check out their focaccia sandwiches during the daytime hours. If you have a hotel with a kitchenette, or at least a fridge or microwave, knowing that this store is 24 hours is a lifesaver.
The above should give you some ideas of how your trip can go. We hope that this helps you have a more enjoyable time at Comic Con International. And tell them KAOS2000 sent you.
- COMMON LOGIC PRACTICES
FREEBIES & GIVEAWAYS -
Parents - be an example to your children. I know the economy is bad, and we all appreciate free things and prizes. But for God’s sake, the use of knees, elbows, and knuckles is unbecoming of a parent who is trying to shove Little Junior above and ahead of the crowd just to get a plastic or paper trinket, that will probably get destroyed during your return trip anyhow. It ain’t worth it. I’ve literally seen people go rabid when items at booths are raised to be tossed. You couldn’t get Jesus tossing Holy water to garner more attention that trinkets do at Comic Con. In a way, it’s a fun study of human nature. Kind one moment, while sharing the experience of the Con, turning into “It’s MINE, all MINE. Back off!!” the next minute. I tell ya.
GETTING IN LINE FOR EVENTS
People, listen up, especially if this is your first time, this is worse than the TSA at La Guardia Airport during Red Alert. If your event features someone who is currently the hot ticket in entertainment, give yourself a realistic two hours minimum standing in line time. No joke. 2008 was a madhouse! Literallly, for one Star Wars related event, the line curved around on itself three times in almost one mile. I can assure you that many of those people did not get in - that means those who waited at the end. And if it’s something along the line of “Twilight” or “Harry Potter,” you may want to consider packing overnight gear and getting in line 24 hours ahead. No, I’m kidding about that (sort of). But hopefully you’ll get my exaggerated suggestion.
IF YOU LOSE SOMEONE -
Good luck! There is no P.A. system for public use. Unless there is a dire medical emergency, or something of that sort, you are on your own. I might suggest leaving your cell phone on (although there is spotty signal inside the hall), or bring walkie-talkies, if you’re prone to losing people. Otherwise, there are noteboards set up in the lobby. Or make a meeting point for certain times.
WHY ARE THERE MILITARY PERSONAL AS SECURITY?
Last year I saw quite a few military men at different locations throughout the convention hall, working as security. I don't recall but they may have been Marines. I was informed by a Con staff that, as a precaution, they are put there because the sheer amount of people attending makes it a security risk. As well, I had forgotten that San Diego is a military town, with a military base, and armaments to protect. So it would seem logical in our current situation, that the military would be standing guard as well. It disturbed me for a bit, but I have to say I felt safer knowing they're there.
Written by Philip Anderson
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- Stories / Events
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- Thurs. July 23
- Fri. July 24
- Sat. July 25
- Sun. July 26
- Comic Con 2008
- Photos
- Interviews:
- Dean Haglund
- ("X-Files")
- Candace Kita
- ("Chuck & Larry)
- Conchita Campbell ("4400")
- Megalyn Echikunwoke ("4400")
- Ira Behr / Craig Sweeney ("4400")
- Jeffrey Combs ("4400" / "Reanimator")
- Rafael Navarro (Artist "Scooby Doo" / "Sonambulo")
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