If you are a comic book beginner or a seasoned collector eventually you will want to attend a comic book convention. Comic Cons or sometimes called just “Cons” are extremely fun and offer a range of activities from lectures / panel discussions, meeting actors and comic creators, cosplay and of course… comics! The largest  Comic Cons are in San Diego in July and New York in October, but most major cities have conventions at different times at least once a year. 

BrooklynComicShop prides itself on our great selection of autographed comics. As you can imagine, we attend many comic book conventions throughout the year. 

Here are our top 5 tips for comic con:

1. Plan Ahead

Comic Cons are usually announced a year ahead of time with guest updates and a schedule of events usually worked out months ahead of time. Social media is a great way to keep up to date as websites may not always be current. Likewise, the physical convention program may also be missing the latest changes because they are usually printed a month in advance. 

Depending on how large the convention is, there may be many things to do and sometimes too much to do. Prioritize your “must” list and research the things you want to do. Special lectures may require wristbands or extra tickets. Also, artist and creators may be attending only on certain days or at designated times. The more you know ahead of the convention, the better you can maximize your time. 

2. Getting Your Comics Signed

Meeting your favorite comic book artist, creator or actor is a fun and unique aspect to comic cons. Nothing can be more awkward then trying to talk to your favorite comic artist while juggling having to take your comics in and out of bags, desperately trying to avoid tape getting stuck to it. Not to mention it can become a time consuming project to reorganize yourself. 

The best way to avoid this is to pre-cut a window in the plastic sleeve ahead of time. Make sure the window is no smaller than 2″x2″. This way you avoid all the time and stress of doing everything on the spot and you have more time to spend with the creator. 

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Bargain 

What’s better than getting a vintage comic or the hottest new action figure is getting it for a good price!  Unlike buying from Target or WalMart, the vendors at conventions are very often the owners too. They are there as an opportunity to move their merchandise. Many will already offer great deals, but if you’re not happy with the price you can always make an offer. If the offer is fair, you may end up with some extra savings!

4. Bring Lots of Money

It sounds kinda obvious but true. In the past, Comic Con attendees would receive exclusive comics and posters for free just for showing up. Also back then, comic creators were paid by the convention to attend so they would sign for free as well. 

Unfortunately today, comic con tickets only entitle you to get in the door. Plan on spending money for everything you want to do there. This includes Con Exclusives, photos with celebrities, and signings and special events. 

Also, comic creators rarely announce how much they are selling their signature and they often raise or lower the price from past conventions. So prepare to spend on everything. If you don’t set a budget, you may find yourself missing out on things you want to do. 

5. Take Time to Have Fun

Comic conventions are a fun break from the daily grind and a great day to be with comic nerds just like you! So take time to soak in the environment. Almost every costumed character will want to take pictures with you if you ask first. Make friends with the people next to you in line, most people are happy to talk shop and can share a lot of great stories. The vintage dealers are a special opportunity to see rare gems and original art on display. The independent artists are eager to talk to you about their latest projects… who knows maybe you’ll discover the next Walking Dead.  You may be in for a busy day, just remember: Comics are Fun!

Joshua H. Stulman

Owner, BrooklynComicShop