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« Inside Comic-Con 2007
Preparing for Comic-Con
Comic-Con is a big event, and it takes a lot of preparation. I've started planning which sessions I'd like to go to, and which sessions I think will be insanely busy (ummm....Heroes?).
Last year was my first Comic-Con, and I learned a few things:
1) There are lots of people. I was told there would be big crowds, but I didn't fully prepare myself for "Tokyo subway" crowds. Shoulder-to-shoulder people on the show floor, and lines that seemed to be endless to get into some of the sessions.
2) Get there early. I quickly learned that people camp out for popular sessions, often sitting through panels they're not interested in just so they can get a seat for the one they really care about. That lead to me sitting through two Nickelodeon sessions so I had a seat for The Adventures of Brisco County Jr.. It was worth it.
3) Food quality at the convention center is poor. Unless you want greasy, fatty foods at high prices, it's not wise to eat at the convention. Thankfully there are lots of good restaurants just north of the convention center, and there's a grocery store in the area for people who want to make their own lunches. Not only is it healthier, it's also cheaper, which means you have more money to spend at the show.
4) The costumes are crazy. People spend a lot of time making their costumes, and some of them are pretty cool. I found it a little annoying that people would stop for photos on the show floor, causing a big traffic jam.
5) Bring lots of money. I spent hundreds of dollars at the show, and I was holding back. I picked up some T-shirts, a toy and some nice prints, but there were so many other things I wanted. I tried to pick up a few graphic novels on the last day of the show, but the crowds around the sale tables were insane (but at 50 percent off, who can blame them?).
There's a 15-minute break between panels, which should make it easier to clear a room and get people seated before the next panel starts. That bothered me a lot about the convention last year, so I was happy to see it change.
So, who else is going to Comic-Con this year? What are the must-see events for you, and do you have any tips to share?
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Jul 20, 2007 1:51 PM
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I believe Ben Browder is going to be there promoting his new venture "Homer something, but more importantly, he might talk about the new Web Based Farscape episodes coming up. If you really do go to Comic Con, you should go to that. Then you can fill us in on any news. 
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Jul 20, 2007 3:31 PM
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Gord, my absolute passionate must-see will be the Supernatural panel on Saturday afternoon. Staking out territory in advance? You betcha!
This will be my first Comic-Con, although not my first major convention with wall-to-wall populous insanity. I'm planning on spending my first day scoping everything out and laying my strategy for surviving while seeing the maximum I can manage, and trying NOT to spend to excess.
For the rest - comfy shoes, a handy shoulder bag for stashing irresistable finds, and a supply of Kashi bars to stave off starvation and high-fat nonsense ...
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Jul 20, 2007 3:34 PM
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I am soooooo jealous! I am from San Diego (now living in TN) and I am jonesin' for some Rubio's...
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Jul 20, 2007 4:58 PM
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Say hello to Johnny Drama at the Viking Quest booth for me!
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Jul 20, 2007 7:17 PM
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Telltale Games have a panel on their Sam & Max episodic series which plays out much like a tv sitcom. 6 games monthly in a season. one not to miss!
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Jul 21, 2007 4:00 AM
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Seriously, go with a friend or family member. My husband and kids (19, 17) are my team. My husband carries a huge backpack and functions as chief pack-rat. Each kid gets a 20 and a sandwich. It's ALWAYS worth it to check out the new shows. Last year, Heroes was easy to find a front-row seat at. Three years ago, ditto for Lost.
Some panels are just not worth it -- Galactica and Lost these days -- because they are so crammed. Footage will get out on youtube or Aint It Cool by the time we get back to the beach house we rent for the week. But the smaller panels, such as Richard Hatch and the Galactica composer's--are worth it.
Bring your food in the morning--sandwiches, fruit, and beverages.
If someone offers you a pass to a movie, go--even if you have no wish to see the dreck being hawked. Last year, going to see 'Accepted' netted us a nice barbecue picnic and a total of $20 in itunes for our family.
Video iPods are a great way to while away the non-productive time spent waiting.
By the way, my family has yet to spend any money at comic con other than the fee/food. There's so much free stuff that I often have to lay down the law because otherwise we won't get it all in the car for the day-long drive back home.
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Jul 21, 2007 4:09 AM
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You must attend the Ladies of Battlestar Galactica Panel! Then report back immediately. TVGuide is the reason I started watching BSG, as have many others. In other words, you made me a fan and you owe me! BIG!
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Jul 21, 2007 5:07 AM
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I do not understand why or how a lot of people forget to use the shower the day of the convention or use arm deoderant. Also, the lines for the ATM can be CRAZY!
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Jul 21, 2007 5:09 AM
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Ranger 99-- Say hello to Johnny Drama at the Viking Quest booth for me!
Love it!
Don't forget the guys from Psych (what were their names when they went to the convention? Captain Psych and the Magic Head?)
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Jul 21, 2007 12:38 PM
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My sis and I are going all four days! Our absolute must see is Supernatural!! She is planning to seek seats in advance too.
This year is gonna be tough because pretty much every panel I want to see some how overlaps into other panels.
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Jul 21, 2007 12:53 PM
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I'm unable to go this year, but would LOVE to go to see these panels:
STARGATE SG-1
12:15-1:15 - a panel regarding the franchise's FIRST made-for-DVD movie, "The Ark of Truth." Panel includes: Ben Browder (as Cameron Mitchell), Amanda Tapping (as Samantha Carter), Michael Shanks (as Daniel
Jackson), Christopher Judge (as Teal'c) and executive producer/director Robert Cooper. Ballroom 20
STARGATE ATLANTIS
1:15-2:15 - Panel includes: Amanda Tapping (Col. Carter who joins SGA in Season Four), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay), Joe Mallozzi (executive producer/writer), Nora O'Brien (VP, original programming, SCI FI), Charlie Cohen (senior executive VP, MGM
Studios), and Robert Cooper, executive producer/writer. Moderated by
Gary Jones (Chief Master Sergeant Walter Harriman, Stargate SG-1).
Ballroom 20
Enjoy!
Looking forward to your reports.
Morjana
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Jul 21, 2007 2:39 PM
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Wear comfortable clothes -- there's a lot of sitting and standing around, especially outside waiting to get in.
Bring your own pass-the-time amusements, again for the much downtime you'll find you have between panels.
Make the rounds several times. You'll be surprised what you miss on one pass but find on the next.
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Jul 22, 2007 2:37 AM
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This will be my 3rd year of going to ComicCon with my daughter. We usually only go for Saturday and never, I mean never, have seen all of the exhibits. We have our favorites that we must see (SciFi Channel,MGM,and artist Theresa Mather) and always the Stargate Panels.
This year we are going for 3 of the 4 days. Hopefully we will see alot more!
The one complaint I have is on the exhibit floor there is very little seating just to rest except in a food court or the art auction.
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Jul 22, 2007 5:01 AM
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Where is Comic-con? I always read about it but never know where it is. I would love to go....next year.
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Jul 22, 2007 2:25 PM
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