Bryan is going to his first Wizard, so while I was thinking of things to advise him with, I decided to provide:
Redhead Fangirls tips for attending a big comicon:1. No matter how big a fan or how excited you are to meet an artist or writer, they might not look up from sketching even when you are buying their work for a friend (cough, Linsner) -- or they might ignore you for someone 'better' or 'bigger' (cough, Greg Horn) -- or they might look at you and not respond while you are trying to have your minute with them (cough, Jim Starlin)-- or they might have met you four times before at previous cons but never remember you (cough, Ivan Brandon).
2. Big name artists (Van Sciver, Morales, Oeming) can be incredibly friendly and giving of their time, even though they are swamped for sketches and autographs.
3. Girls are treated differently. You'll be hit on, or treated like you can't possibly be a real fan. Just roll with it, and if you feel uncomfortable, just leave the table or panel.
4. You need cash. Most artists don't take credit, and some dealers do, but not all.
5. Even if you get to the con over an hour before the doors open, you'll still probably wait in a long line to get on the floor an hour or so later. New York con, like 2 hours. Go to the bathroom. Get a drink and a snack or have one. Bring things to read (comics)!
6. Order your badge before the show or else you might also wait in a line before waiting in the main line.
7. Print out the guest and artist alley list. Go through your comics at home and bring the ones you want signed. However...
8. Chances are you will carry those comics around and won't get the chance to get a bracelet to meet even get in line to wait (Geoff Johns) , or you give up from the wait (Jim Lee).
9. Look at the programming schedule before hand. No matter what you decide, you will end up doing about 1/2 of what you want, because you run into people, or need to eat, or spend more time shopping. Pick the 2 or 3 most important things for the day.
10. Go with an easygoing friend who is willing to split off if you want do different things.
11. Sketches can cost $20 or $150. Hot artists will have their daily list filled very early, so if you have to have that Hawkgirl sketch by XYZ artist, get there as soon as you can.
12. Take the train to avoid parking hassles and fees. But count on the train being late (NYCC- had to de-train and wait on a freezing cold platform for the next train).
13. DC and Marvel usually put up a signing schedule for you to look over once you get to the con to help you plan. Sometimes you will be unexpectedly surprised by who will be there (Gail Simone).
14. Most creators will take a picture with you, or let you take one of them, but try to ask if it's OK. Then don't dork out like I did with Brian Wood and leave the comics he just signed because you're all gaga from meeting him and taking a picture. You will have to return and say "i'm a dork" to the DC staff and him.
The library just got in four 'adult' GNs today: Y #9, Justice 2, and two I want to read: Garage Band, God Save the Queen.
Labels: comicon convention tips
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