One of the things I hope to acheive with this blog is pushing you to embrace your geeky side (if it exists) and go to Comicon. 

At least once. For me? 

But, before you go, pin this list so you're sure to at least have the basics!

1) Cellphone and Good Charger
You're going to use your phone A LOT. It's easy to use for pictures (I even use mine to take pictures of things like where I parked or merchandise that catches my eye), you'll use it to get in touch with any friends attending the convention (I even made new ones!), and you can make notes if you're at an awesome panel and want to look something up later. 
I say GOOD charger because I screwed up and brought my subpar one. I have a "rapid charger" that pumps my phone so full of juice it gets hot on occasion (probably not good for it but it came in the box so....) and one that didn't originally come with the phone but "fits" so I use it for longer, overnight charges. 
You want the best charge when you're sitting between panels trying to bump your phone up to functional. 

2) Food and Water
"Don't they have food and drink at these things?" 
Yes. Yes they do. But it's convention food...think $10 for that crappy cheeseburger you got in high school. My husband figured out that the drinks in the vending machines were only $2.50 each...as opposed to $4 or more from a vendor booth. 
So pack some hearty snacks and bring a bottle you can fill at water fountains! Save yourself the money. 

Speaking of money...

3) Cash
I don't like carrying cash around. I've always hated doing it, even before I got my card. But a lot of vendors only take cash and it's much faster to hand a $10 bill instead of going through the song and dance of swiping a card. Plus, it's not uncommon to run into technical issues with card readers and every second counts when you're running to your next panel. 

4) A Book or E-Reader
If you plan on going to the big celebrity spotlight panels, I suggest showing up early. 
Really early if possible. 
Like...an hour early if you really want good seats. 
Sitting in a single seat for an hour is really boring. It's double boring if you forget to bring something to read. (I speak from experience) 

5) Repair Kit
Now, my Comicon has a "repair center" stocked with all sorts of tape, glue, etc... but I don't think every convention is like that. (Correct me if I'm wrong in the comments!) 
What you put in your repair kit is dependent on your cosplay. I had tights so I put clear nail polish in mine. I also had eyelash glue (for errant edges of falsies) and makeup wipes (for quick cleanup of lipstick reapplication) You may have a tube of super glue or safety pins. 
Basically, look at your costume and ask "What can go wrong?" You may have a smooth convention with no issues...or you may tear your pants brushing by someone. Be prepared. ​

What did you put in your Comicon bag?

2016 marks my first year attending the full (well, 3/4 days) event. 

And it was awesome.

I got to see Mark Pellegrino, Emma Caulfield, Kane Hodder, and James Marsters.

I attended some super fun panels on all sorts of random topics. 

I won a pretty kickass poster for "Now You See Me 2." 

But most of all...I got to be myself. 

Physically, I'm still exhausted. I woke up "early" and spend 3 days fairly active. I have a sore bruise on my shoulder (no clue where that came from) and marks on my thighs from ill-fitting tights. My hips and ankles were SORE thanks to cheap shoes with zero support. 

Emotionally, however, I felt at ease. They estimate 85,000 people made their way around the convention center during the 4 days. You'd think my social anxiety would have been through the roof and I would have spent it miserable. 

I wasn't. I got to just...exist. I didn't have to impress anyone. I didn't have to adhere to any particular societal rules (Rules: Cosplay is not consent and don't stand in the walkways). People watching is pretty much encouraged at these events. Squealing and clapping when you see something you like just blends in to the other weirdos doing the same thing. Wear what you want as long as the important bits are covered (for the most part). 

It's definitely my favorite part of Comicon. 

I'll have posts about specific experiences as the weeks go by! I didn't want to word-vomit all over and expect you to read a novel cataloguing every single thing I did over the 3 days. 

I'm already excited for next year. 

And, yes, I already have my cosplay planned. 

No. I won't tell you. You'll just have to wait and see in 2017.