Advice for newbies and pros on navigating Comic Con … from a fangirl who knows from experience
ACROSS THE UNIVERSES | Why is Marvel’s Spider-Man in front of DC’s Batmobile? Forget it, Jake — it’s Comic Con.
CHAKA CUMBERBATCH | Contributing Writer
chakacumberbatch@gmail.com
Since 1994, Dallas Comic Con has been serving up a super-powered collision of comic books, cartoons and caped crusaders galore to the denizens of DFW. If history is any indication, this weekend’s FanDays event at the Irving Convention Center will be no exception.
But if you’ve never ventured into the triannual meeting of the pop culture Justice League, you might have some questions — about the dress code (and how it relates to Spandex), or where to park your Batmobile (though true superheroes take public transportation — good for the environment). With great power comes great responsibility, so allow me to give you a quick primer on what to expect.
How to arrive. Expect to pay, and expect to walk — or fly, if that happens to be one of your extraordinary powers. Arrive as early as you can and snag a spot in the parking garage down the street, then catch the shuttle to the center. Trust me — if you’re coming in costume, the last thing you want to do is trudge through the perpetually muddy grassy area across from the convention center in a floor length cape and four inch heels. Not that I know this from personal experience. (The light rail does let off near the center, though it can be a bit of a walk …no biggie for an Avenger, though.)
When to come. I’m a big fan of pre-paying for passes, since the lines to buy on-site can get long and they can be more expensive. ($25–$40 for one day, $60 for the weekend). And if you’re busy fighting crime, and are only able to come for one day? For a more relaxed con experience, go Friday. That’s when things are just getting started, and you can see the sights without battling too many crowds. To see the con at the height of its activity, go Saturday — that’s when all the best costumes hit the floor and most sought-after panels are taking place.
If you’re looking to stock up on some geek swag, check out the con on Sunday. Sellers are often willing to cut you a bargain on remaining stock to avoid having to pack it up and lug it back to headquarters. Yours truly has scored some of her best graphic novels that way.
Panels. Pro-tip: check out the Dallas Comic Con website and make a schedule before you go. The more popular the subject matter, the faster the panels will fill up, so it helps to be ahead of the game. You might have to wait in a line for an hour or so, but you definitely won’t be sleeping outside in a tent overnight to beat the diehards. (Yes, this happens.) Don’t get too married to it, however — you never know when a chance encounter with a celebrity or an impromptu hallway dance-off might derail your plans (yes, this happens, too).
Personalities. The Dalla
s Comic Con shows are known for bringing big names to Big D. This year, expect to see the likes of Elijah Wood and Adam West, along with James and Oliver Phelps milling in the halls. (If you don’t know those names, you should.) Where else can you find hobbits and superheroes and wizards all in the same place? Make sure you bring cash for those photo-ops and autographs, as they can get pricey. If you’re like me, and you happen across a certain star of a certain show about a certain high-school-teacher-turned-meth-kingpin, get creative: Just take off a part of your costume and have them sign that. This is why my Captain America helmet now bears an incredibly cryptic message from Heisenberg.
Parties. After an action-packed day filled with battling villains and protecting the innocent, it’s perfectly natural for a superhero to want to take off her mask and cut loose on the dancefloor. Here’s the 411 on all the after party action.
Friday: Get to know your fellow con-goers at the Friday Night Kick Off Shindig at 8 p.m., presented by Bacon Samurai Productions. The weekend opener, complete with karaoke and a Cards Against Humanity tournament, is free to attend with two food item donations for the North Texas Food Bank.
Saturday: Let your hair down at the FanDays 2014 Saturday Night Social, which kicks off around 8 p.m. and takes place at the Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill. There will be music of the Jonathan Coulter variety, beverages of the alcoholic variety, and costumes of the comic book variety — what else could a nerd want? Other than the power to resist a hangover, of course.
There you have it, superfriends — you’re now empowered to embark on your Dallas Comic Con: FanDays adventure. Remember, no matter how crowded or stressful the convention will get, everyone’s just there to geek out and have a good time. So power up your cameras, strap on your utility belts and get ready to get nerdy.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition October 17, 2014.
