How to prepare for a Comic Con -Allie Ladage

Comic Con

Have you ever been to a mov Comic Con? I haven’t, but my daughter Allie has been to several and she is a movie trivia expert. She described a Comic Con as, “An event, and for comic book fans who love Anime, Manga, video games and other media related to pop culture, this includes celebrities.”

I took a minute to have a Q & A to find out how best to prepare for a Comic Con to manage time and money.

How do you plan ahead who you want to see, and what are the rules for taking photos and getting autographs?

Comic Con
Allie with Andy Black and her friend Jenny in Peoria last November.

“Planning ahead is a good idea for a Comic Con. The way to prepare is to go online to the specific website that is hosting the event. The website should have all the information that you need which includes address, list of celebrity guest appearances, a schedule for Q & A panels. They should also have a list of vendors. They will list the price for pictures and autographs, however if they don’t post you will find out when you get there. Note each celebrity is different. The most I have seen is around $60 for a picture, and maybe the same for an autograph. You can also do a package deal for both and sometimes save money.”

If you don’t have extra cash, how can you enjoy the celebrity experience without laying out a pretty penny?

“You can go through the line and meet them, shake hands, say hi, talk for a minute or two, but no pics or autographs without paying.”

Are there other costs involved?

“Yes, there is an entry fee, you can usually purchase in advance for a pass, weekend, or day depending on how long the event lasts,” Allie explained. “Depending on the location it is best to prepare money for parking. If buying from a vendor have money set aside.”

What kind of vendors do you have at a Comic Con?

“Each vendor is different, some sell comic books, jewelry, memorabilia, and if action heroes are included, they may have swords and such. “

Food.

Allie shares, “Be prepared because not all Comic Cons have food so be mindful of extra money for lunch or pack your own and eat in the car. Sometimes they have security checks as well think about what is in your bag.

Are their opportunities for entertainment?

Comic Con
Panel with Sean Ashtin at a Comic Con in Springfield Missouri.

“They offer artists that sell books and artwork. For Cosplayers, attendees sometimes dress up in costumes like the characters they like, it can be movie or video game, it varies,” Allie added. At the Comic Cons she has attended she said, “They have panels where you can ask celebrity guests questions, and there is a dedicated exhibit for artwork, and vendor market for merchandise etc.”

If you are into the comic world, this might be right up your alley! Keep your eyes out for a blog from Allie sharing her latest Comic Con experience. Have you been? Share your experience!

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