A Fan's First Journey to ComicDom....

As I sit pondering the uncertainty of what to expect on my first excursion to the coveted San Diego Comic Con, I must admit it's a bit overwhelming.  After speaking with a couple of my friends from The Nerd Element, Kim and Natasha, who have braved the Con numerous times, I'm learning there are many moving parts to ensure fans get to see their favorite television/comic book/gaming stars up close and personal, ie: bracelets to get into panel rooms, camping out overnight to ensure a spot inside the rooms, making sure portable everything is within your grip to keep your electronics going while waiting in lines, etc...  For a newbie it can be very intimidating.  However, I am planning to embrace it all and bring my experience to those who don't have the luxury of making the trek themselves. I've learned a few things that I thought some who are also first-timers may want to know.

1. If you can get to Preview Night, this is the best thing to do because there are less crowds and apparently you must bring an extra bag for all the swag!  Lots of swag is given out, so this is the ticket fans should think about getting.

2. Thursday is probably the best day to navigate the main floor booths, because Saturday and Sunday is very busy.  All I know personally, is that with Trubies on hand for the final ever autograph signings and panel, it's going to be CRAZY on Saturday.  If you're planning to go to the True Blood events, better get in line for Ballroom 20 as early as you can on Friday and plan to camp overnight because otherwise, sadly, you'll be lucky to get into True Blood anything if you don't.  If you have a group that you can spread out to cover these lines (aka) line buddies, do it!  That's your only line of defense in ensuring a spot for many of your favorite shows.  I know my SleepyHead friends are planning to camp overnight to ensure they get into Hall H for the Sleepy Hollow panel, so if you have a line buddy you have a better chance getting into the panels.

3. I hear the Petco Interactive Zone IS A MUST!  There are various cool activities for numerous television and movies, including times when the casts or producers show up for Q&A, as well as autograph signings.  The best thing to do is check the Comic Con Website for dates and times of these cool events. I know that Sleepy Hollow has an interactive involving the Headless Horseman!  The cast will be on hand Saturday July 26 from 12:00-1:00 pm to experience it themselves, chat with press and sign autographs for fans.  They will be arriving at noon, will go through the attraction at 12:15, chat with press at 12:30 and then sign autographs at 12:45.  Best to get in line early for this!  If you went to PaleyFest, then you'll know how much fun the cast is and you can expect to get alot of cool, candid shots of them!

4. For those of us who did not get into one of the hotels surrounding the convention center or within walking distance, there are shuttles that will take you back and forth to some of the outlying hotels. Check with your hotel concierge to find out if yours does.

5. I hear that as far as restaurants go, best thing to do is get out of the main area near the convention because you'll be waiting probably as long to get into there, as you will to go to a panel!  I know alot of fans planning to wait in line are bringing lots of snacks to munch on while manning their positions, so it's probably a good idea.  Another great piece of advice-- drink lots of WATER! Getting dehydrated trying to navigate throughout the Con, it's best to carry bottled water with you.  Worse thing would be to pass out in the middle of the caos!

That's everything I know thus far!  Be sure to follow my blog as I head into ComicDom to get the experience from a fan's point of view!  MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU!