As none of you know (ok, maybe 2 or 3 of you) the Wizard World Chicago comic convention is rolling into town next week. I've gone to it for maybe the last 7 or 8 years, it's been so long I don't even remember. It's an event that I look forward to every year! This year's guests will be Kelly Hu (X-Men 2), Kevin Smith and Jason Mewes (Jay and Silent Bob), Joss Whdeon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Jim Lee, and many many more. I'm pretty excited!!! It should be a lot of fun!

I'm a comic convention whore. I'll be the first to admit it. And I'll admit that I go to comic forums just to check out what other people are saying about books that are out. And something that always seems to come up before a big convention is someone asking about advice of what to do and what not to do at a convention. So to make it easier, rather than posting the same thing over and over again, I'll put all my little hints and tricks here.

- How do I get a sketch? Are sketches free?
It never hurts to ask! The worst they can say is no. All you have to say is "Do you do sketches? For free? Can I have a sketch?" Sometimes they cost money, sometimes they don't. Depending on who you ask. The big names, like will sometimes do quick sketches after a signing, but that's only if they have time afterwards, which is really rare because they usually have a pretty packed schedule, but if you wait around, it may happen. I think they rarely do sketches during an actual signing unless you're really lucky. If you go to artists in the artists alley (in the back) some charge, some don't. The quality of art is sometimes better when they charge, but not always. Some people also have themes for sketches - like a sketchbook just of one character (mine is Psylocke). If you want an artist to sketch a particular person for you, make sure to have a picture for them to reference when they draw. One thing you want to do is check out people's art - some guy you've never heard of before might be doing free sketches, take a couple minutes and let him draw you something. Next year he (or she) might be the next big thing! But you just have to have the guts to ask. Then again, know when a good time to ask is. Don't go up to an artist and ask for a sketch when they're walking around, checking out the con or when they're eating. And if you've already had a sketch done by a particular artist, try and let others who have never had a sketch done before you. Share the wealth. Let someone else have the joy of having a sketch done for them!

- When con editions are listed on sites after a con, they're pretty expensive. Are they expensive at the con? Why do they cost so much?

I remember the Aspen exclusives at the Chicago con ranging from $5 - $25, with the higher priced ones being leftover issues from a previous con, and those sold out really fast since the supply was pretty low to begin with. Also, anyone who buys a 3 day pre-admission usually gets some sort of cool con exclusive (WWLA gave out a con edition of Wolverine: The End). You can usually get con editions for a lower price, but since there are so few that are given out, and they aren't distributed all over, they're worth more once the con has passed. Then again, this is only for a book that is eventually successful. If you've got the con exclusive for Joe Schmoe that never gets anywhere, it's not going to be worth much.

- Usually cons are 3 or 4 days. Can I do a con in just one day?

If you want to go just to check out the booths and get a couple key sketches, yes. If that's what you want, makes sure to get a schedule before hand (Wizard usually posts it on their site a day or two in advance) to plan your day. Give at least a two hour window for waiting in line for a sketch for the bigger names. Make sure to get in line early. Just because a signing starts at 1pm doesn't mean that they're not going to cut off the line at 12:59 because it's too line. Make sure to stop by 15 minutes beforehand to see if there's a line forming already. If you want to get the full experience, though, I suggest going all three days and going to the panels and discussions. You get a lot more free time and you also get a chance to get some good sketches from a lot of different artists. WWC is also when they do the Wizard Fan Awards, so that's the best time to see what these creators look like, and it's usually a lot of fun to watch, too.

- What exactly can you DO at a 'con?

At the Wizard World cons, you can do a whole bunch of things!

- Meet creators. Come and see the people behind comics, the writers, the artists, colorists, inkers, etc. If you're nice and if they have time, you might even get a sketch out of it.

- Check out booths. All the big companies have their booths set up where you can get posters, comics, limited edition stuff and a whole lot more. Free stuff, too!

- Play games. Check out the latest comic/anime related games, like Hero Clix or test out new video games.

- Go to panels. Various creators and groups have panels and workshops they offer. Joe Quesada does 'A Cup of Joe' which is a preview of what Marvel has coming up in the year. There's also workshops that help attendees fine tune their skills - from creating a cover to writing a story. Watch out, though, the more popular panels, like Kevin Smith, get full quickly and you may even be require to get a ticket beforehand (it's free) to get in.

- Buy stuff. There's a whole lot of comic book retailers in the back, so if you're missing that key issue of Spiderman, you just might find it. Or if you're looking for that cute Atari shirt I'm sporting in my pictures, you can get it back there, too. Paintings, swords and life sized Yodas are available, too!

- Check out the Artist's Alley. You'll find artists who want to have their own table at the 'con here. They have a lot to offer back there, and make sure to check out their portfolios, because you'll see some excellent stuff.

- Watch wrestling. For some reason, there's always wrestling at the Chicago 'con. I don't know why!

- See actors you knew when you were a kid. Ever whatever happened to Lou Ferrigno, the original Incredible Hulk? He's at the Chicago Con every year! But watch out, it'll cost $$$ to take a pic with him.

- Take a picture with a stormtrooper. You'll see at least 10 people dressed up as one. Lots of people dress up, from the really cool to the really absurd.

- Hang out at the afterparties. There's usually something going on after each night of the 'con.

There's a program of events posted online before the con, so it's a good idea to plan your day before going there, or at least have some idea of what you want to see. Be sure to allocate walking time and waiting time.

- What is this ticket thing I need to see Kevin Smith? (or any of the other guests of honor) Do I have to buy it?

To make sure that they can fit everyone, Wizard hands out tickets for signings and major panels at the beginning of the day of that event. That way, they can make sure they control how many people go and don't have to worry about some people not getting a chance to get something signed or someone not getting a seat at a panel. The ticket is free, but you'll need a ticket to get in line or get into the panel.

- What should I bring?

- A sketchbook, something that's easy to sketch in, so it's not in the artist's way when they draw. Also have a loose sheet of paper in there or comic board - sometimes they like to use permanent marker, and it bleeds through.

- A camera. Some people have some really funky costumes! Also, having a picture with your favorite creator is better than getting their autograph. Beware, some people charge for pictures.

- Cash. If you run out, the line for the ATM is longer than the line for Jim Lee! And sometimes they don't take credit cards.

- A backpack. You'll get a free bag, but it gets annoying and your fingers start hurting as you accumulate more and more crap to put in your bag.

- Water bottle and snacks. It's a long day, and you'll get thirsty and may get the munchies. Rather than paying $3.50 for nachos, bring some chips.

- A poster tube. You can get them at the UPS store for about 2 bucks, rather than paying more at a con. Lots of booths give out free posters. Also, if you get a nice sketch done on bigger paper, or get a lithograph or something, you may want to protect it.

- A sharpie. What's that? A permanent marker. You never know what celebrity you might run into!

- Your portfolio of art. Sometimes the publishers check out portfolios. Check at the booths for the times when they do portfolio reviews. Who knows, you could be the next big thing!

- Wear comfortable shoes. There's a lot of walking going on!

- Eat a big meal before coming. Food ain't cheap there, baby!

- And a couple extras:

- Check the times when artists are going to be doing signings - usually they have them on a board in the booth. Come at least half an hour early if you want a good spot. However, remember that they don't always do sketches during signings. Ask around to see if they'll be doing sketches at the same time. Chances are, they'll tell you that he'll try to fit them in after. And a personal plea - if you have already had sketches done by Mike, let someone who hasn't had one yet before you...spread the wealth! I saw too many sad faces turned away at Chicago...

- Don't just shop around at the big dogs (Marvel, DC) - some of the smaller comic companies have some great finds and really nice artists!

- Shower. Not for you, but for me. I'll be there, and I don't want to smell you before I see you.

[added 08.09.04]

- How do I go about getting the toy exclusives?

here is the lowdown. you stop by the booth early in the day to get a ticket. they hand them out to about noon or 1 pm. at 1:30 they then draw a number range. if your ticket falls in that group you win a chance to buy that figure. most of the toys that they do that to are really limited. they only have so many to giveaway each day. i think each day they gave away about 500 of each. (from Jester)

- Pat's advice

On sketches: IF a creator is doing a signing in a company booth, they are (in more cases than not) doing free sketches. That's how I collect most of mine. Now if you go to artist alley, they will most likely charge you. Rates go from as low as 5 bucks.

Con exclusives: get them at the con while you can, or if the official site that sells the said exclusive has an offer, get it there. That's the lowest you can go...don't feed the Ebay-ing public. What made San Diego hell for the exclusives is the scalpers, who would literally take family along to up their chances at some exclusives, and in a lot of cases, each get one for re-sale....

____________________

Um, that's all I have for now...if I think of anymore I'll post them here....or if you have any questions or suggestions, I'll answer them here!

Posted by Yano at August 6, 2004 10:59 AM

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---