Are SDCC lines really worth it? A few thoughts.

21 JULY 2025

If there's one question that pops up again and again in SDCC communities, it's this: "how bad do you think the line will be?"

You could earn a doctorate studying all the nuances and factors that shape each line - but past being prologue, we can predict a few things with some certainty. 

~ Hall H will definitely incur "walk-in" status at times, but that isn't necessarily smooth sailing. If you want to be somewhere in the front of the room, you'll need to line up or arrive a few panels early.

~ Ballroom 20 will be doable (for the most part) but again, base your arrival time on the quality of seat you wish to claim. 

~ Yes, George Lucas and Guillermo del Toro in Hall H on Sunday will have a line. Almost everyone I've spoken to about this is sacrificing their Saturday night plans to make this happen, but some are content with any wristband.

~ Most ticketed offsites do have standby lines but there's no guarantee you'll get in or that they'll be worth it. Most of us have baked in the sun for 2+ hours just to get into an offsite that turned out to be quick, mediocre, and pointless. That said - lines sometimes dwindle early or late, and sometimes crews will let people in for an extra hour.

~ Don't count on someone official managing lines and making responsible calls on where the cut-off should be so you can move on. 

Just when is it time to move on?

I am a big believer in enjoying the Con you're at - which is hard to do when you spend hours every day in a line. So try to be realistic about when a line is worth it. While that somewhat depends on your fandom level, you'll also need to ask yourself if:

• You'll be disappointed if the offsite experience is over with in 3 minutes and doesn't offer significant swag.
• You would prefer to do 3 C-list offsites than wait hours for 1 A-list offsite.
• You would be okay seeing the panel on YouTube or in the Playback room.
• You'll feel let down if your favorite actor only speaks once, while the director dominates the panel.
• You'll be disappointed if you get stuck so far back in the room you have to watch the panel on a screen anyhow.
• You haven't gotten a chance to thoroughly explore the Exhibit Hall.
• You're hungry, thirsty, hungover, irritated, or exhausted and you really need a break. 
• There's an option B that you really want to see.

If you answer yes to most of those - I wouldn't spend significant time in that line.

The ultimate line tip is to check socials for real-time updates - not just for what you want to do, but what you've already written off. You might be pleasantly surprised; something that had an unbearable line last year might be up against another popular panel this year, which draws off some of the crowd.

Make smart choices - and good luck.

Packing for your SDCC Adventure

 20 JULY 2025

At least 2 dozen "What to Pack for San Diego Comic-Con" articles are whizzing across the Internet right now. So why this one? For one, there is an unusually high number of first-timers this year (and warning, I'm not done with first-timer articles yet.) And two, it's easy to forget a few things in your pre-Con excitement. 

So let's review: what should you pack?

#1. Something warm to wear. If you haven't checked the San Diego weather forecast, it looks like we are in for some beautifully cool nights in the 60s. Bring a sweater or jacket - and if you're going to camp outside overnight, wear layers so you can bundle up and strip down accordingly.

#2. Sunscreen and sun visors. Even when it doesn't feel that hot, the sun can get intense. Attendee ears and scalps and arms get sunburned at SDCC all the time, and spending a day in line without shelter can annihilate you - so prepare accordingly. Don't worry about looking dorky under your umbrella, people rig up all manner of awkward shelters out there.

#3. Something comfortable to wear. So many people start out SDCC in their most flattering outfits and sexiest cosplays, only to end the week in Hokas and sweatpants. Smart attendees start out that way. Your feet will hurt, you will walk/run/stand more than you ever thought possible, and you will brush up against many sweaty people - so after a while you'll just want to be comfortable, no matter how vain you are.

#4. Cosplay repair. Wigs, sewing kits, backup cosplay, weapons, armor, makeup, glue, double-sided tape - just be prepared.

#5. Extra batteries, power banks, and portable chargers. Don't count on charging up when and where you need to - the convention center is a graveyard that way. It's more reliable to just pop in a fresh power source or use your own charger.

#6. A big tote, purse, or backpack. Yes, SDCC provides you with massive bags but I find them way too unwieldy to carry around. Possibly this is a short person issue. At any rate, I prefer to bring in my own big but manageable bag where I can stuff in purchases while being able to quickly access my money and phone.


#7. Cash.  Is it king? Not at all booths, but you can't always count on app connectivity either. It helps to have a big wad of moolah on hand to expedite transactions or pay people back quickly. But bring your credit cards as well.

#8. Portable chairs, collapsible stools, or air hammocks. Standing in line may not sound like a big deal, but after you've been walking miles every day, being able to sit down is the difference between heaven and hell. Those tiny stools really don't weigh that much so if you have room, considering packing one.

#9. Earplugs and sleep mask. If you have roommates, this is mandatory - but even if you don't, city and hotel noise can keep you up. Also consider a white noise app and some magnesium supplements at bedtime.

#10. A regular book. I know this seems like bringing sand to the beach, but you might find yourself with more reading time than you think. And if like me, you like to read your new books and comics with a certain level of ceremony, you may not want to read yours in the Ballroom 20 line. Bringing a paperback will keep you from running down your phone, too.


#11. Swimsuit. Maybe you'll visit the beach; maybe you'll skip the parties and spend a few relaxing hours at your hotel pool or hot tub one night. 

#12. A refillable water bottle. There are water fountains at the convention center where you can refill it to stay hydrated. You really don't want to keep paying their prices for a tiny bottle of water.

#13. A personal pharmacy. Hand sanitizer, painkillers, wipes, and bandages for any blisters - yes, your hotel gift shop will have those but you don't want to pay those prices either.

#14. Poster tubes, notebooks, sketchbooks, and sharpies.  Be prepared for impromptu signings and sketches.

#15. Your passport or real ID - and any international travel documents. It's dicey out there. Anyone who's flying should ensure they have the right ID but international attendees should also make sure their passport is valid for at least the next 6 months and that their visa or ESTA (electronic system for travel authorization) documents are in order. 

#16. Your badge. I have already had 2 SDCC dreams this month in the "I forgot my badge!" genre. While CCI will assist, it's still a terrible feeling to step off the plane and realize your badge is sitting on your nightstand 3000 miles away. Also bring a lanyard, even if you intend on buying a new one. 

Don't bother to pack these things

A bunch of different outfits and shoes. You can probably get by on your support shoes and one pair of going-out shoes.

An entire of suitcase of back issues and old action figures to sell. The vendors aren't interested unless you've got something super special.

A nest of devices. Do you really need your laptop, GoPro, tripod, phone, and iPad at SDCC? I'm going to say you can get by on 2 of those unless you're there in a media capacity. Don't weigh yourself down.

3 more nights to Preview Night. 

Advice from SDCC first-timers for first-timers

 18 JULY 2025

When I moved out West, one of my immediate goals was to hit up San Diego Comic-Con. I still remember clearly my first impressions (and oddly, the first person I spoke to was one of my favorite artists who remains a friend today.) But that was a long time ago and so much has changed! So in that sense, some of the best advice a first-timer can get will be from other first-timers - or second- or third-timers.

Here's one big difference for modern tenderfoots: when I lived in NY, my impressions of SDCC came from photos I saw in the back of comic books. Few non-nerds had heard of it and my expectations were minimal. In fact, I had to persuade my girlfriend of the time that it wasn't just stacks of back issues in a civic building basement. Today, the SDCC brand is massive and first-timers usually show up with many expectations. They also have a lot of rich and well-informed resources to prepare them.

Nevertheless, nothing teaches like personal experience. Here's a round-up of tips from first-timers.

Learn the basics and read the Toucan blog. 

A few years ago, I remotely mentored a friend's daughter. I tried not to be smothering but in retrospect, I wish I had been more hands-on with her - because she and her friends thought the Con was just walking around and looking at cosplayers. They had no idea they were supposed to go up and get their bag and books - or that CCI had a website with a helpful blog or that there was a huge SDCC online community.

I hate to criticize CCI but I do think their website-first comms approach is a little outdated. A lot of people these days, especially younger, expect information to be fed directly to their phones and socials. They don't always make the effort to proactively go to a website. You have to be where your audience is and for that reason - along with a surprising number of first-timers who don't follow CCI or SDCC influencers - I think they could massively elevate the attendee experience through more frequent email and SMS micro-campaigns and graphic-driven social campaigns. Today, for instance, I asked a first-timer if they'd seen CCI's helpful Hall H video and they were baffled. Yes, they should follow CCI but they don't and you don't know what you don't know - like how overwhelming SDCC is until you show up.

Okay, I'm done making unwanted suggestions. First-timers - look at CCI's website and check out their many resources on A) programming and B) the convention center. You don't have to memorize every room location but understanding the location of Hall H, Ballroom 20, Indigo Ballroom, and the Exhibit Hall and Marriott will go far in helping you understand where to go. Otherwise, it's easy to get turned around and frustrated.

Build your day around 1-3 must-haves.

Sometimes it might even just be 1 if you're chasing an SDCC white whale. It's adorable when first-timers fill up their schedule back-to-back with activities because they think it's a 3-minute walk between panels and locations. But you'll be walking long distances and the lines are ungodly. Just because Panel 1 ends at 1:00 and the next one doesn't start until 1:30 doesn't mean you'll get in. You might - but if it's a hot ticket panel, you might not.

Pick your top priorities and then forever hold your peace. If you try to be the ultimate SDCC achiever, you're setting yourself up for failure.

But don't be afraid to pivot.

This isn't a contradiction! Sometimes your dream panel turns out to be a dud; go ahead and seek greener pastures. Or sometimes someone opens the door to a better offsite or event. SDCC is volatile so don't be too rigid.

Learn how to navigate the convention center.

That includes A) going in the evening hours when it empties out B) choosing the bathrooms at the back, as they are often less crowded and C) using the lobby to make your way from one end to the other, rather than trying to push through the crowds. Also: don't clog the aisles! Keep it moving. Finally, if you see an item you want to return to, take a photo of the booth floor number.

Order groceries.

Now that we live in the glorious age of Insta-cart and Whole Foods delivery, it's really easy to fill up your room with things for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Not only will it save you money, it more importantly saves you oodles of time - the most valuable currency at Comic-Con.

Read the Panel Descriptions

One first-timer noted that a lot of great panels suffer from bad titles. This is true and I'll admit I am guilty of moving right past a boring panel title, only to be startled when my friends mention someone amazing I missed in the programming. 

Put yourself out there.

2 of the happiest first-timers I ever spoke to had a mindblowingly successful Con - all the right parties, incredible celebrity photos, generous swag. Their secret? Speaking up, asking questions, asking for advice, being friendly. Doing this opened a lot of doors for them. I'd be remiss if I didn't add that they were both gorgeous, which I suspect played a role in their good luck - but it's good advice to follow.

Follow line etiquette.

Study the Hall H rules and understand that while you can hold spots in line for a few people, you cannot be by yourself for hours and then have 9 people join you just as you're walking into the room.

Ultimately Comic-Con is what you make it - but preparation is your friend. Be open to adventure, be flexible enough to let go of whatever isn't working out, and make the most of what does happen. If you can do that, you'll have an incredible time.

Comic Creator Connection: Advice from an All Star

17 JULY 2025

Meet Josh White, illustrator on Area 51 Studios. Two years ago he went to his first San Diego Comic-Con and met his future collaborator, Ernie Altbacker, at Comic Creator Connection. Today they have a graphic novel coming out - and you can hear them speak at the Comic Creator Connection All Stars panel.

Josh shares his opinion of CCC and his advice for finding a collaborator.

 

So Josh, I know this happened at your first SDCC in 2023. Why did you go to Comic Creator Connection? How did you know about it?

I'd always wanted to go to San Diego. I was looking to network and a few of you recommended it. So I put it on my list of stuff to check out.

 

What happens at Comic Creator Connection? I think it's like speed dating, is that correct?

Kind of. As the artist, you're the hot date. There's 10 times the number of writers as artists there. Yeah, I think there were 10 artists and about 30 writers.

 

As an artist, you're stationary and everyone else is moving.

 

Sounds like it should be a reality show. What was your impression of the people there, the level of creative talent? Be honest.

Definitely a mixed bag, but mostly not great.

 

I've heard that from other people.

But you never know who you're going to meet there. Most people didn't have very good ideas to begin with. One person had a story where their plot was a purple dildo with swords coming out of it. I thought, this is going nowhere with any publisher. It was strange. Some people seemed to be looking for a way to get someone to listen them. A lot of it was too weird to even be marketable.

 

There were few artists you could do projects with. There were fine artists who did painting, sculptors… Of the 10 artists, 2 or 3 could put together a graphic novel.

 

They probably need to do some vetting. But they've had a number who've come through and create legitimate published projects. Several have done graphic novels. Like anything else, it's a numbers game.

 

But despite all that, I would still do it again if I was looking to do a project. You never know unless you try. It’s worth checking out.

 

People talk about it like they're hoping to be discovered - like it's Schwab's drugstore and they're Lana Turner.

Yeah. I'll say that when it comes to anyone successful, you don't see the journey there - the doors slamming in their face before they get famous. That part gets ignored. You're still going to put in the work and do crappy networking events.

 

So what happened with Ernie?

Ernie was one of the few writers there that had cohesive ideas, and a way to articulate them. I was the first artist he saw whose portfolio showed work that could be put in a book. I think the mutual connection was pretty quick.

 

Did he show you a treatment? How did it work?

There was no time for that. Writers only had about 5 minutes total to talk about what they’ve written and their ideas. I'd seen 10 people at the point. Ernie showed up and told me he'd written some things for DC. Then he saw my stuff and said, This is where I want to go. That's how the conversation progressed.

 

Then I reached out and we went back and forth and he pitched 4 or 5 different ideas. I thought Area 51 was a great idea, and it was a self-contained story we could do in a one-shot with a clear story.

 

You left out the part where we were in Ballroom 20 watching Justice League: Warworld and he came out on stage.

When the CCC ended, there was only one event left for the day, which was the DC Justice League: Warworld premier. They brought the producers and writers out for a panel before the premier, and Ernie was the first one called. I turned to the people I was with saying, that's the guy! while showing them the card he gave me at the event.

 

What's your advice for people who want to try their hand at Comic Creator Connection?

Make sure you've got something that can be marketed. If you're a fine artist or doing watercolor portrait work, even if it was compatible with a writer trying to do a graphic novel, it could take more than a year to just produce the artwork to get it published.

 

Go into this having thought it through: What can I bring to market that makes sense? Is it a story that can be adapted, does it have a beginning and end? If you're an artist: can I reasonably produce this thing, could I draw through it in a couple of months and get something made?

 

It's Comic Creator Connection. If I have a stylized painterly style, having process down to produce it quickly is the only way I’m going to get it done. If you don’t work digitally, I’d need a proven workflow to achieve that success. Look at your stuff and make sure whatever you're presenting communicates that you can create a comic or graphic novel.

 

Tell us about your comic, Area 51 Studios.

Area 51 is not a secret government facility. It's a soundstage where aliens make TV shows, including human dramas like the Black Plague or the Crusades. The comic is the story of a producer is trying to get his mojo back. He's won awards for producing the Crusades and this is his attempt to do a comeback story.

 

They do different shows for other planets all over the galaxy – humans don’t know the only reason they haven’t been wiped out already is because it’s more trouble than it’s worth to find a new budget TV studio.

Sounds amazing.

 

You can see Josh and other CCC All Stars at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 26 in room 29AB. Want to hear more about his comic? Visit Area51comic.com.

Answers to common SDCC questions

13 JULY 2025

It's that time of year when questions about San Diego Comic-Con reach fever pitch. It's hard to anticipate what might confuse you when you arrive, so here are a few answers to some common questions.

Can I cancel my badge or hotel?

Not entirely. If you have a really good excuse (say, medical) you can contact CCI and plead for mercy. But the refund deadline passed a while ago.

If you booked your hotel on your own, it's a matter of whether it's refundable or not. If you went through the CCI hotel sale, you've already paid 2 nights and that deposit isn't coming back. However - right now at this moment - you can probably still cancel the other 2 nights.

When do I get in line?

The ultimate Comic-Con question. Here's my unsatisfying answer: it depends. Don't just assume you can play it safe by lining up days in advance - people have tried this and been forced to disperse, or staff have started an official line elsewhere and those people have had to join the end of that line. 

If you're trying to get in Hall H, pay attention to the wristband rules and ask yourself how important it is to you to sit up front. Hall H is huge. Your best bet is to work with a group and pay attention to the Hall H line twitter account. 

While Hall H has a fearsome reputation, it is walk-in at times - and this year that will probably hold true. Sunday's George Lucas /Guillermo Del Toro panel will probably be the line monster of the year so build your Saturday plans with that in mind.

For the Exhibit Hall, it depends on how desperate you are to buy certain items. I haven't lined up for this in years so I can't speak precisely to this, but hardcore collectors line up early. If you are dying to be in the first few hundred who get into Preview Night or the Exhibit Hall, you'll need to join these people and sacrifice a fair bit of time.

Can I bring tents/sleeping bags/coolers?

CCI does not want anyone erecting a full-scale shanty town - but sleeping bags, umbrellas (to block the sun), blankets, and chairs are fine. Remember that whatever you bring will need to go into the panels with you unless you have a very good friend who will come unburden you at the right moment.

You can use the Lobby G restrooms overnight.

Will offsites have standby lines?

Some will. Your best bets are early in the morning or end of day. But before you decide to fully commit, ask around online and see how long people have been waiting. Also look online for commentary on these offsites. You'll often hear people saying they're not worth it.

Can I barter in the Exhibit Hall?

It depends. When the Con first gets started, prices are usually as marked. You can ask for volume discounts (or the seller proposes one) but if you go in and try to haggle aggressively, you probably won't be successful. The exception is Sunday, when vendors want to unload as much product as possible. You'll see lots of markdowns, but go ahead and ask about getting a deal if you don't see anything advertised. Just be respectful about it.

Will booths have standby lines for people who didn't get picked in the lottery?

Most will. Some won't. I don't want to promise anything, so I'll just say that you should approach the desired booth, ask nicely, and be as charming as possible. Treat a "No" like a "Not right now" and say, "So maybe we could try again at end of day?" unless the volunteer/staffer seems angry at you. Then swing back when someone new is working. 

I accessed my favorite small, high-demand booth last year only by being stoic, friendly, patient, and desperate all at the same time, eventually leading to the staffer (who kept banning me from even being in the area) allowing me to join a capped line. Bring all your soft skills to the Exhibit Hall because you will need them.

Can I buy exclusives anywhere else?

Quite often you can. Mattel and Funko are notorious for selling through multiple retailers, though some items will truly be Con-only.

Should I bring cash or card?

Both. Cash used to be king in the Exhibit Hall but most people take cards now and some don't take cash. Have both on hand.

Can I take pictures of cosplayers?

Sure. The general etiquette is to ask first. However, if someone is already posing for 6 cameras, there's no harm in jumping into the mix. 

In terms of taking pictures with cosplayers, things get more nuanced. Remember that you're often going to be in a humid, crowded environment; cosplayers may not want dozens of sweaty strangers pressing up against them. (Would you?) So if you do take a photo with them, don't try to squeeze in. Be respectful; I shouldn't have to say this, but don't be one of those gross attendees making crude comments, groping, or even licking male and female cosplayers.

Where can I charge my devices?

Getting a good charge can be tough in the convention center. The easiest answer here is bringing battery packs and power bars. You can usually find free outlets upstairs in the room 27 area - one of the most spacious, coolest areas of the center. And you can bring a splitter to increase the odds. But if you're desperate to get some good charging action and the outlets at the convention center aren't delivering, walk over to the hallway lounges in the North Tower at the Marriott. 

Where can I put my stuff?

Bag check. It's in the lobby near A and E and lets you roam around free and unencumbered. But I believe you can't leave your items overnight.

If you've accrued a lot of books/art/plushies/swag and you aren't local - ship it home and keep your hotel room tidy. There's a FedEx in the convention center and at the Marriott next door, with some other options in the Gaslamp. 

How do I meet people?

This used to be the #1 question, before lines became our prevailing obsession. I don't think it's just about romance (though that does seem to be on many attendee minds) but also making friends and building community. If you go to enough Cons, you eventually come to treasure seeing Con friends as much as the panels and parties. 

The answer here is really simple, it's.... talk to people. Wherever you find yourself, there will be something to talk about. There's always a rumor about a celebrity cancelation or a fight breaking out at a booth or a scandalous cosplayer costume or some other salacious detail of Comic-Con life. Attendees tend to be pretty friendly and laidback, so just turn around and get it started. Ask about a surprise offsite or live art show. SDCC is one nonstop information exchange. 

If you are looking to hook up (and I admire your having that energy after a long day of Comic-Conning), your best bet is to go to events and bars and hit the apps just like you would normally. I'm currently dating someone who's convinced SDCC is a hedonistic Spring Break nerd orgy; this seems to be a common perception but it's an untrue one, in my experience. The unglamorous reality for many of us is that we limp back to our hotels on sore feet at the end of the night, too tired for anything else.

How do I meet famous people?

Here's the law of Comic-Con: you run into all the celebrities your mom or coworkers or roommate care about, while someone else runs into the celebrities you care about. 

A few exceptions include my running into Zach Woods in the lobby of the Omni at the crack of dawn; my ex-partner ran into Angelina Jolie and her guards behind the convention center by accident; my friend and I encountered James McAvoy at 4 am in a hallway in the Hard Rock. You can't plan that kind of thing. But I know people have their bag of tricks for this, like waiting in certain areas to see celebrities and their handlers emerge or lingering by certain booths after signings are over. Gaslamp bars will produce at least a few drunk actors, which leads to some amusing photos.

This should go without saying - but always be polite and respect whatever signals they're throwing up. I've seen abominable treatment of celebrities at the Con. Early in my SDCC days, I was swept into a Jack Black Exhibit Hall vortex that was terrifying. People pressed me against him (I apologized and he was very nice about it) and I saw the fear in his eyes as dozens of fanboys surrounded him. 

I feel like I'm going to miss out on everything. How do I know what's happening?

Check social, check YouTube reports, check the blogs and forums, and check mainstream nerd media. It might seem odd to read articles and watch videos about the Con when you're already there, but it's your best bet for finding out about things you'd otherwise miss. I am constantly hearing about booths/items on the floor that I somehow didn't notice or learning about screenings and events that were announced last minute. It's worth devoting time to this, because it feels horrible to come home and read about it all when it's too late.


I didn't get a badge. How can I get one?

You can pay $1900 to join the Comic-Con Museum or you can register yourself on comic-con.org and wait for Open Registration this fall. Next summer might seem far away but it does go quickly. In the meantime, join all the online communities, ask questions, make friends, and be ready for summer 2026.

What you shouldn't do: fall victim to some huckster who promises to sell you their badge. The odds are painfully high that you'll be taken for a ride.

Listen. Comic-Con is a bewildering, glittering monster that is way large to completely explore or master. But if you do a modicum of research and show up with your badge and a comfortable pair of shoes, you're guaranteed to have a good time. Stay tuned!

You'll want to check out the Exhibit Hall map and other lists

 8 JULY 2025

It's that time of year when you desperately scour your screens for Comic-Con news - well, good news, instead of the "Studio X snubs San Diego Comic-Con, Geeks Weep" headlines that seem a bit prevalent these days. You want to know if your favorite actor will be there, if Hall H Friday is in reach or the impossible dream, and just what is the best exclusives lottery strategy.

I get it. And compared to all that, you might find The Exhibit Hall maps both overly detailed and trivial - the whole thing is experiential, after all, perhaps the ultimate SDCC in-person, dazzling, immersive activity.

But CCI released those very details today and they are worth studying, especially if you're a tender SDCC fledgling. If you're thinking, "But I'm a spontaneous cowboy who doesn't do plans and maps, I ride where my instincts take me" - trust me, you still want to look at the floor map.

It won't suck all the mystery out of the Con. It won't tether you to a boring itinerary. It will prepare you to get the items/signings/encounters you want the most. And it will (somewhat) spare you of that hellish moment when you get home from SDCC and realize you missed the perfect booth.

Here's what may or may not happen in the Exhibit Hall, depending on your prep level.

You forget what you wanted to buy. There are just too many distractions. You'll want to keep a list on your phone with booth numbers of where you need to go. 

The aisles are too crowded to notice everything. It's frustrating to make what you think is a thorough pass through the entire Exhibit Hall, only to read about some amazing booth/item that you completely missed. Sometimes there's just too much to take in, sometimes it's too crowded to see everything, or an author's line or group cosplay is blocking something important.

You discover great new artists and work. SDCC is not the comic nerd's paradise it was once, and - let's be frank - walking through the Exhibit Hall can feel like walking through a spacious Barnes and Noble. But there are still some interesting creators and weird little booths afoot. 

You close in on your prey much faster. The Exhibit Hall, like most of the Con, is a killing field. You have to be fast, cunning, and organized to land your quarry. Knowing where to go can mean getting your hands on the last item or getting in a line before it's capped.   

It's reassuring. Okay, this is for veteran attendees, not first-timers. But after the fade of so many beloved booths from the floor, it's always comforting to see old favorites.

So. Take a look at the Small Press, Artists' Alley, Fan Tables, and Exhibitors - and at least decide if there's a strategy to be had there. Because there probably is.

10 things to buy on Amazon Prime Days and other big box sales

 8 JULY 2025

Amazon Prime Day starts today - giving you the chance to retroactively fund the most elegant and tasteful wedding of the century. (Yes, I know Bezos isn't CEO anymore but he's still Chief Shareholder.) If you felt your stomach lurch on reading that, other stores are launching sales - Target, WalMart, other big box titans. You can't deny that the timing is perfect for we Comic-Con warriors heading off into battle. 

Hopefully you already know a lot of these sales are bogus, with retailers sometimes hiking up prices just to bring them down for the "sale." But there definitely are deals to be had - so as you're shopping, consider throwing these SDCC weapons in your cart.

#1. Orthotics and/or supportive shoes. You should have your Con shoes ready by now - but if not, invest in a good pair of Hokas or some other brand that will save your feet when you're walking 20,000+ steps a day and standing in line for hours. Also helpful: cushiony orthotics or extra support.  

When it comes to SDCC footwear, a general rule of thumb is that the dorkier it looks, the better your feet will feel.

#2. Backup batteries and power supplies. Comic-Con is a vampire that sucks the power from your devices - and it can be hard to get a good charge within the convention center. Bring all the extra power sources you can.

#3. GoPros, cameras, and phones. If you're going to upgrade anyhow sometime this year, do it now. Give yourself enough time to play with the camera and recorder and other features so you're smooth when it counts. Also, if your current film gear is heavy and cumbersome, consider getting some smaller, Con-friendly devices.

 #4. Air hammocks and portable chairs. Brag time: A few years ago, I bought an incredible chair on Prime Day with a little canopy. I felt kind of ostentatious unfolding it in line. But it was a life saver as everyone else burned in the sun. 

Incredible advances have been made in the world of camp and portable chairs, so go ahead and invest. Those collapsible stools might look cheap and silly, but you will be grateful for one when you're waiting hours in line. Same for air mattresses, if you're cramming a bunch of people in one hotel room. 

#5. Earplugs and sleep masks. Roommates creep in and out at all hours at SDCC and some hotels are really noisy, especially Gaslamp hotels with rooms close to street level.  

#6. Braces, splints and other supports. It's easy to aggravate your plantar fasciitis, bad knee, slipped disc, etc. at SDCC. If you have any kind of structural weak spot, give yourself support before it starts hurting.

#7. Cosplay components. It's always a good idea to buy back-up wigs, props, theatre makeup, fixative sprays, and sewing kits, just to be safe. If you're banking on your cosplay carrying you through every day of the Con, take a few everyday outfits just in case. It's not uncommon for people to get sick of their cosplay by day 3 and sometimes you just want to hunt the Exhibit Hall without being asked for a picture every 30 seconds.

#8. OTC drugs. At some point in SDCC, it's a safe bet you or someone in your group will have sunburn, constipation, a hangover, blisters, a surprise period, a surprise hookup, a headache, a stiff neck from a terrible hotel pillow, eye strain, or some other ailment. And hotel gift shop prices are pure robbery. Bring your own mini-pharmacy.

#9. Good water bottles, coolers, and lunch packs. It's amazing to think of how we all used to bake in the sun for hours in line with just a small plastic bottle of water for hydration. Now insulated lunch packs and tumblers can carry us comfortably through a long day of panels and lines.

#12. Totes, poster tubes, sketchbooks, sharpies and other transactional supplies. The Exhibit Hall can take you surprising places. You might plan on not buying much, but then spot a favorite piece of art, a favorite artist, a favorite out-of-print book. Having a sharpie on you for a signing or a poster tube to protect a free flyer is smart. You'll also want to bring a bag of some type to carry everything in - the massive backpack bags you'll receive with your guide are just too big to let you quickly get to your money or other items. 

How ready do you feel?

First-timers: what to expect over the next 2 weeks

 6 JULY 2025

In 17 nights, we'll walk into the splendor and bombast of Preview Night. If this is your first San Diego Comic-Con, you might be wondering about, well, everything. Here's a quick summary of the announcements and updates to look out for between now and SDCC.

Panels and programming

The big announcements: SDCC panels and programming are usually announced 2 weeks to the day before. So you'll get the programming for Thursday, July 24 on Thursday, July 10, etc.

The Exhibit Hall map

The Exhibit Hall is the nerve center of the convention center - a massive space full of vendor booths as far as the eye can see. It's crowded, it's chaotic, and the merchandise on sale ranges from tacky trinkets to rare nerd treasures. Even if you are focused solely on parties and screenings, you'll want to take a spin through it. CCI will publish this soon.

Guest and celebrity announcements

CCI has already announced 7 rounds of special guests - but you'll hear about more actors, artists, writers, and creators who are confirmed to show up somewhere on the premises. If you have specific smaller creators or exhibitors you'd like to visit, watch their socials. Many of them will announce what they're bringing, invite you to enter a lottery for certain exclusives, take pre-orders and commissions, and generally offer useful information.

Offsites

We've heard about the Lodge and a few others, but more will be announced. I find the best ones are never that anticipated in advance, such as the Blade Runner activation or the Dungeons and Dragons one from a few years ago. Your best source here is fellow attendees, whose recommendations are more trustworthy than a marketing campaign. Pay attention early on; as word of mouth grows, the best offsites will grow longer and longer lines each day.

Shuttle map

SDCC shuttles go hither and yon, and it's good to know how and where you can leverage that free transportation - especially late at night when you wind up in unexpected parts of town.

Lotteries and sign-ups

Photo ops, autographs, and exclusives aren't easy to get and people always have some kind of complaint about it. The exclusives portal opens in a few days. If you have any questions on the process or instructions, ask people before you take your shot. I've seen people waste lottery entries because they didn't realize their options.

Local events

These aren't official, sponsored events, but you'll see plenty of promotions for bar specials, club parties, and other businesses trying to capitalize on SDCC. My only advice here is find out how far they are and don't travel too far - it's usually not worth it.

343 SDCC Checklists

Every website in existence, including this one, will publish some kind of  "2 things to bring to Comic-Con" list. These are helpful if repetitive. What really matters is making your own list and staying organized rather than throwing a bunch of stuff into a duffle bag on the night of July 22.

Amazon Prime Day and other big box retailer sales

This is a great opportunity to get things like an air mattress or sunscreen or a sketchbook.

A few hotel rooms popping up

Don't be too optimistic, but some people will begin canceling or shortening their trips over the next few weeks. Sometimes Sunday panels are a snoozer and people decide to leave Saturday. Some people will get ill or have something come up at work. This means a few A-list hotel rooms will flicker back to life, but you'll have to be quick to grab them. 

Essentially - a lot of information will flow your way the next few weeks. Some of it will be trivial, some of it meaningful, and it's easy to miss something that would be personally relevant to you. If you haven't yet, create some kind of system now where you document your wish list, schedule etc. and make sure it's accessible on your phone. CCI has an app but it won't cover everything you're tracking.

Finally, I know this has been a quiet year and if you're thinking something mind-blowing is going to pop up that changes everything.... Well, I think it's best to temper expectations. Don't be disappointed if you don't hear anything earth shattering. SDCC will still have plenty of surprises - look at last year's drone show. Everyone was thrilled/angry about Deadpool and Wolverine, which turned into a mean and wicked mess, and then was dazzled by a surprise light show. Enter into this Con with neutral expectations and I'm sure you're going to find something beautiful.

It only gets better from here!

Are we in for a quiet Comic-Con?

 18 JUNE 2025

What are your favorite San Diego Comic-Con memories? If you're like a lot of attendees, some will probably be personal - finding a certain collectible, meeting a favorite artist - but many will probably involve the kind of bombast and spectacle that SDCC is famous for. Legendary Hall H panels, incredible offsites, that Star Wars concert that will live on forever - big, euphoric group experiences are part of what makes the Con the Con. Will we get them this year? 

I don't know. I mean, I'm sure we'll get something that feels special and quasi-magical. But it's hard not to notice a certain quiet in the air; a lack of buzz, a lack of momentum. Even the high anticipation of the Barbie Cafe dropped off after people realized it's a half hour walk from the convention center.

We've gotten some exclusives and events announced. The final wave of special guests was published. I'm dubious about a Fantastic 4 screening after the Deadpool Wolverine fiasco last year, but there are fan events around town. And of course, July will bring programming and panel announcements, more offsite details. 

But compared to years gone by, this SDCC season does seem a little quiet.

Someone reminded me today that June was quiet last year too, so this is probably my warped old-timer perspective leading me astray. I know a lot of us still remember Nerd HQ, Conan, and all the other special events that absorbed our attention for weeks on end before past Cons. SDCC was an embarrassment of riches then. 

There's nothing wrong with a lower-wattage Con, as long as there are enough magnet activities to draw people away from converging on the Exhibit Hall or certain panels all at once. Either way, we'll see what July brings. Hopefully I'm eating my words a month from now.

What are you looking forward to this year?

Preview Night is 2 months away. 4 actions you should take now.

23 MAY 2025

Does it seem incredible to anyone else that Preview Night is 2 months away? I feel like I'm running about 10 weeks behind the calendar year, where it's still tax season and San Diego Comic-Con is safely 4-5 months away. Maybe it's my wish for a hotel lottery do-over.  

But Preview Night is quite close when you consider how much will happen from now until then: more events and party tickets going live, exclusives announced, programming and offsite details getting published, etc. Which makes now the time to think about more big-picture details before the tsunami of Comic-Con details engulfs us and we (joyfully) drown.

Save - and make - money.

While the evening news assures me that our economy is "strong," stock market turbulence, tech friends' layoffs, and the AI juggernaut steamrolling over creative jobs tells me otherwise. I only know 1 couple who cancelled their SDCC trip so far. But multiple people have confided to me that they plan to radically reduce their SDCC spending. Fewer expensive parties, fewer toys, more sandwiches in the backpack instead of nice restaurants: it's all very understandable. 

If you too are in a rocky financial boat, now really is the time to cut back. You've got 2 months to restrict yourself (whatever that looks like for you) so you can save up for at least a few special things at SDCC. If you have a way to earn extra cash, it doesn't hurt to pick up some extra shifts so you can really indulge yourself in the Exhibit Hall.

Buff up.

There are 2 aspects to this one. One: your fitness for duty. I know we have a lot of first-timers this year and from some of their charmingly naive remarks, I can tell they have no idea of what a triathlon SDCC is. If you're new and you're thinking, "Whatever, I get 10K steps in every day," please know this is a little different. Not only do many people walk 20-30K steps a day at the Con, it's a lot of standing, sitting in the sun, sitting in uncomfortable hallways, being forced to march one way through the convention center only to be routed back across another way, standing in more lines, and generally arduous physical demands that can wear out even the most dedicated gym bunny.

And if you don't walk or exert yourself much at all, you're going to either limit your Con potential or suffer badly. Now is a great time to start stretching and walking. Build up week over week so you can traverse the Gaslamp and massive convention center with ease by day and still have the energy to go out at night.

Oh, and the other aspect? Your cosplay. If you have a specific look/character/story you're committed to, start testing it out now - especially if you're one of those "I'm going to be Black Widow / Lara Croft / Poison Ivy as soon as I lose 20 pounds" people.

Let me be clear, I believe every body type should feel free to shine. But I've known many people to abandon their plans at the last second because the reality of how they look in their cosplay is so different from what they pictured. I know this is a sensitive discussion but it's worth thinking about now so you can develop a presentation that makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Map out your master plan.

As they say in the Dark Arts, "Divine short, conjure long." Translated into SDCC talk, surprises will happen but you still want to lay an immaculate foundation well in advance.

Once the deluge of information hits - a trickle has already begun - you'll want to document and organize everything you notice. Don't assume you'll remember it. Too much will come your way. There are so many apps now (not just the CCI one) to organize trips and goals; if you do that, be sure your bible is structured for the elements you value. That could be the special guests or vendors you care about most, a section for Christmas shopping for your nephews or coworker requests, missing comic issues from your collection, etc. Planning isn't just about what panel or party you want to hit when.

It's also the right time to reach out to people. Not every artist is good at advertising commissions or the collection they're bringing to SDCC. Reach out to your favorites and ask. Ditto your favorite vendors, who are deciding right now what to ship and what to leave at home. If you want to interview someone, meet a specific leader in your field, or find out if there's an industry meetup - ask. Same with old friends. If you want to book a private dining room or organize some other small-scale shindig, start asking. (Though a lot of places are already booked.)

Now is also the time to ward off the intrusions of family and jobs. Hopefully you've already requested PTO at work so you're not thwarted by a coworker's wedding - and if you have clients, set that boundary now. I just ringfenced my entire SDCC week and 2 days recovery time with a new client to set very clear expectations. 

Finally - I know there is a lot of talk and anxiety in the international corner of our community. I think you'll be fine, but of course you'll want to have all your documents in order, purchase travel insurance, and have the contact information of your local embassy. Just to be safe.

Study up on the SDCC life. 

If you're a first-timer, I advise you to read and watch widely. There are so many blogs and forums and influencers about SDCC these days; don't just pick one. Sample generously of the information out there to get different perspectives and tips that can radically improve your Con experience. 

Major outlets love to publish super-basic listicles like "8 tips for Comic-Con" a week before and honestly, they skim the surface. If you want to skillfully maximize your SDCC experience, dive into the digital world now, ask all the dumb questions you can think of, and you will avoid a lot of mistakes and have much more fun.

In short: take care of the tedious stuff now so you can enjoy all the thrilling news rolling our way. It's coming up fast, kids!