Submitted by:

Jessica Goebel
Denver, Colorado

Though San Diego is more often noted for its world-class zoo and scenic beaches, the city also plays host to one of pop culture’s weirdest, wildest events: Comic-Con. What started in the 70s with a modest gathering of comic book fans has ballooned into a colossal affair attracting proud geeks from every corner of fandom.

Located at the harbor-side San Diego Convention Center since 1991, “the Con” now encompasses not just comic books and graphic novels, but film, television, toys, gaming, collectibles, and any other venture that dips a toe in the “genre” waters of sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and the like. Then again, in recent years, goofy comedies like Superbad and Good Luck Chuck have managed to sneak onstage. Some bemoan the Con’s gradual slide away from the supernatural; others celebrate it. Wherever you stand, the march toward the mainstream is all but inevitable at this point.

Comic Con - V for Vendetta masks

The best value for Comic-Con admission is undoubtedly the four-day pass, which is a steal at $75. The annual event traditionally runs from Thursday to Sunday (with a Preview Night on Wednesday) on a week during the summer, typically late July.

Comic Con - The San Diego Convention Center

The programming schedule spreads the love to offer marquee events on each day…except Sunday! Beware the final day—“Kids’ Day”—when the star power just doesn’t compare to the first three days. It’s worth taking a day off work to attend Thursday and/or Friday instead. If you hope to purchase a pass, plan to register online early because they can sell out as early as March. It’s also a good idea to book a hotel room far in advance, since vacancy that week is as rare as a discontinued “Boba Fett with working rocket launcher” action figure.

Comic Con - A Star Wars Scouttrooper and a cute little girl

If you’re savvy enough to have secured a pass+flight+lodging for the weekend, then you have some legwork to do to ensure that you maximize your Comic-Con experience. The programming schedule is posted online a few weeks before the event. As the schedule is quite dense, it’s a good idea to peruse it carefully and make note of the panels, screenings, autograph signings, and other presentations that interest you.

After poring over the drool-inducing programming guide, many newbies to the Con become disenchanted when they realize how difficult it can be to move between rooms. While it might sound great to catch a screening of an NBC pilot in Ballroom 20, then jam over to Hall H to see Kevin Smith afterward, you’ll find your plan foiled by the distance between the rooms and inevitable long lines. It might be a better bet to stick around for Sarah Silverman in Ballroom 20 since you have a guaranteed seat, even if you only watch her show sometimes. Be prepared to prioritize and make tough decisions. (Seth Green is awesome, but what are you willing to risk to hear him speak on a panel with five dudes you’ve never heard of? Not much.)

Comic Con - Batman and Superman

There’s a reason lines are so long (and downright prohibitive) at Comic-Con. Studios like Disney, Warner Bros., and Universal bring A-list talent to promote their upcoming films. Recent years have featured appearances by Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Robert Downey, Jr., Samuel L. Jackson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Terrence Howard, Clive Owen, Charlize Theron, and others. Of course, certain franchises spawn Comic-Con royalty, so don’t be surprised to see anyone involved in the making of: the holy “Star” triumvirate (Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica), any movie based on characters from the Marvel or DC Comics universe, the Harry Potter movies, or anything helmed by Peter Jackson or J.J. Abrams.

Comic Con - Cameron Diaz

Directors frequently unveil exclusive trailers and clips to the die-hard audiences of Comic-Con, hoping to generate buzz for their projects. Television networks debut pilots that the rest of America won’t see until fall—Lost and Heroes were first viewed at the Con. Other hot shows like True Blood and 24 have brought cast members for raucous Q&A sessions with fans. Bonus: you’re likely to score quirky swag at these panels (i.e. a ballpoint pen shaped like a femur, courtesy of Bones).

Comic Con - The True Blood Q&A panel

Be sure to carve out some time to explore the enormous exhibit hall, where you’ll find a dizzying display of memorabilia, comics, and interactive booths. Rub elbows with the costumed masses as you browse the endless aisles of creative merchandise. Who knows? Maybe the Uglydoll creator will sign your Gato Deluxe.

Comic Con - Ugly Dolls

Last minute tips: bring food unless you can survive on Starbucks, pretzels, and Mrs. Field’s cookies. Wear sunscreen since you might get stuck in line outside for a while. Don’t lose heart no matter how long a line appears—Hall H holds 6,000 people! That’s a lot! Lastly, enjoy the nightlife in the nearby Gaslamp Quarter when the events wind down—you might even run into a celebrity on his or her way to an after party.  And be sure to raise a glass to those who spent the Con encased uncomfortably in leather/foam/bodypaint/spandex/cardboard so that hundreds of passers-by might utter, “Ooh, neat costume.”

Comic Con - A costume you probably wont see out at the bars