It’s a Wrap on Comic Con 2016

Comic Con 2016, everyone.

DAMN.

I’ve been fortunate enough to go to this event since I was a young teen, work there for years, and watch this event get crazier and crazier as time goes on. For anyone who hasn’t had the chance to experience one, I can tell you that it’s mayhem. It’s a ton of walking. It’s an assault on your senses. It’s inching your way slowly through crowds. It’s photo ops. It’s the chance to meet a favorite celeb. It’s the chance to just be in the same room as one of your fav celebs. It’s the chance to be introduced to some amazing artists. Get nostalgic on things from your past and get special previews of things coming soon. Long story short:

It’s a great way to geek out.

There are many ways to experience “The Con”, as I call it. Some people devote their time to getting into panels for their favorite TV shows or upcoming movies. Some go from booth to booth downstairs to get the scoop on freebies and how to score a wristband for an autograph signing. Some just go to buy stuff or get their cosplay on. Whichever way you do it (and I do urge you to do it), know that you’re gonna need a few things to smooth out the experience.

Comic Con Survival Items:

Large bottle of water. Dehydration is real. Bring your own because the water there is over $3. Save that $3 for the Comic Con exclusive plushie you have your eye on.
Portable phone battery charger. Your phone will barely spend any time in your pocket. Bringing a cord works too, but prepare to go on a hunt for an unoccupied wall socket and then squeeze between two sweaty dudes dressed as anime characters you’ve never heard of.
Cash. What is this phrase “cash only” they keep saying to me? People selling from the booths either prefer cash or it’s your only option.
Snacks. Geeking out takes energy, ya’ll. I brought almonds and rice cakes this year…but, I didn’t bring enough. Learn from my mistakes. Bring a protein bar.
Comfortable shoes. Get ready to do some serious walking…and some serious standing. All things that have to do with your feet will feel serious by the end of the day.
Patience. Lines and crowds. Crowds and lines. Do your best to go with the flow.
Acceptance. You will buy some sort of nonsense that you don’t need. Accept it and know that it’s part of the journey. Enjoy yourself.

I didn’t spend my time hittin’ the panels this year, but here are some of the highlights of my 2016 Comic Con experience:

SCROLL DOWN FOR THE PIC GALLERY

THE MR. ROBOT VR EXPERIENCE

Got it started on Thursday by heading to Petco Park for a VR experience with the cast of “Mr. Robot” along with hundreds of other people. They provided us with Google Cardboard sets and a free pair of Apple earbuds. The VR experience was pretty awesome to share with so many people at once and I was stoked to get to see Rami Malek and Christian Slater in person. So talented, so beautiful. If you haven’t seen this show yet, change that with the quickness.

THE NINTENDO LOUNGE AT THE MARRIOT

Always a go-to for me at every Comic Con. Snagged a quick pic with Mario and a photo op with Donkey Kong and one of his infamous barrels. Here’s the place to try out new Nintendo games or even participate in a tournament, if that’s your thing. Channel 93.3 had the music bumpin’ and the Marriott had the A/C turnt up. It’s a win-win. Goal for next year: Pic with Luigi. Or Yoshi. I’ve never seen them bring Yoshi out, but a girl can dream.

THE FLASH’S SUIT

I don’t know if you’ve seen “The Flash” that airs on CW, but I absolutely love it. Sign me up for Barry Allen and scroll down to see the look of joy that spread across my face just from standing next to his clothing. That’s either endearing or sad…haven’t decided yet.

BOOTH EXPLORATION

Got to chill on the stoop with the characters from one of my favorite childhood cartoons, “Hey Arnold”. Got to see the mannequin-wax figure-don’t know what they were made of representations of the cast of “The Walking Dead” all kneeling in front of Negan. Already stressed about watching that season premier in October. #ihopeitsnotglenn

ARTIST DISCOVERY

I love to head down to the Artist’s area of the Con to see what amazing artwork speaks to me. There’s always guaranteed to be a few with all the talent flying around that room. In fact, one of my favorite pieces of art hanging in my living room was a print that I bought there around 5 years ago.

Fell in love with the print on the right by Jermaine Rogers. Didn’t get a chance to pick it up. Regrets, ya’ll. Mad regrets.

Top artist picks:

Whether you classify yourself as a “nerd” or not, the best thing about Comic Con is that you have a chance to get a little closer to the fantasy. The celebs you see on TV are there in the flesh, you can take a pic with a stormtrooper, and you can watch Batman buy a hotdog. It’s living the dream, people.