Thread: Taking the plunge- Going to my first Con (WonderCon) What should I expect

Okay, so I have decided that I am going to go to Wonder Con this year (for one day only so my wife does not kill me) since it is close and can drive there. A couple of questions for all you con pros:

What should I expect (honestly, and not what a website says)

How early should I buy badges? (I know it is not San Diego, but does Wonder Con sell out?)

How early should I get there?

Also, and lastly (and most important to me) if I was to buy 1 comic to be kept, but then passed down to my son which one should it be? Or what would be a good series to start him on. TMNT is making a comeback and is hot right now (meaning more $$$), but he does like Batman (but some of those are fairly dark). Please con and comic folks, please help me out

Adgy...you are better suited to handle this one than anyone I think...

Originally Posted by spjon25

Okay, so I have decided that I am going to go to Wonder Con this year (for one day only so my wife does not kill me) since it is close and can drive there. A couple of questions for all you con pros:

We aim to please. I went to WonderCon last year, so that's what I'm going to base my answers on. I don't know if they're doing anything different this year.

What should I expect (honestly, and not what a website says)

Uh... I guess I'm not sure exactly what you mean. It can get pretty crowded, especially in the areas of the floor with stuff that isn't just comic books. The areas where the dealers that sell toys and, like, Adventure Time hats and stuff are probably the most dense. I got a general sense that when they laid the floor out, they did their best to keep similar booths in the same area (although without a lot of identical booths right next to each other). Is that what you meant?

Compared to the crowds at San Diego Comic Con I've seen, though, it's nowhere near as bad.

It's going to be crowded, the food options were, in my opinion, pretty crappy and the lines were long. I recommend bringing a bottle of water with you, if you've got somewhere to carry it. For someone like me, who buys a lot of books and ****, something like a backpack is essential, and I have one with little pockets on the side that are perfect for water bottles. You're going to lose some style points, but who gives a ****? You're going to need water. As far as food, being in downtown Anaheim makes it easier to go outside and get food, but keep in mind the crowd factor there, too. You're not the only one who has the bright idea to visit the Subway down the street.

If you're looking for anything more specific, let me know. Are you hoping to hit up any panels or anything like that? Or just wander the floor? Get some autographs?

How early should I buy badges? (I know it is not San Diego, but does Wonder Con sell out?)

I don't recall WonderCon selling out last year, but I think you're better off buying sooner just in case.

How early should I get there?

That depends on what you want to do. If you're just wandering the floor, then the earlier you get there, the less crowded it will be. The place will fill up by noon. But if there isn't anything at any specific time you're wanting to do, then I guess it's not a big deal. Last year, BoobyTrap and I parked at Angels Stadium and took a free shuttle bus from there to the convention center. Traffic around the center was a ****ing nightmare, and I'm really glad I didn't have to drive in it. I would recommend doing the same, especially if you don't plan to be there butt ass early. The only drawback is that you pretty much have to carry everything with you all day long, as going to your car to drop off or pick up stuff is a much more difficult and time consuming task. I recommend the shuttle and getting there at or near opening time.

Also, and lastly (and most important to me) if I was to buy 1 comic to be kept, but then passed down to my son which one should it be? Or what would be a good series to start him on. TMNT is making a comeback and is hot right now (meaning more $$$), but he does like Batman (but some of those are fairly dark). Please con and comic folks, please help me out

This is tough. Are you looking for something that will likely increase in value the most? Are you looking for something your son can read now? Because those are kind of at odds. And how much do you want to spend? Are you looking for something not too expensive now that might be worth more later, or are you ready to drop $800 or so for a copy of The Walking Dead #1, assuming it will continue rising in price?

As far as straight up investment, the hot/popular thing to buy nowadays seems to be the first issue of some of the new books Image is putting out. They don't do a real large run, so the first printings of the first issues are selling out and then going for much bigger prices on eBay. The first issue of Saga, for example, just came out, what, about a year ago, and is already selling for almost $100. Will it stay that high? I don't know, but if previous Image first issues are anything to go by (like The Walking Dead or Chew), then, yeah, it probably will. So if you can find a first printing of that #1 for a decent price, it might be worthwhile.

But it's not a comic you want to give to a young child, not just because you don't want it to get damaged, but because it's got some definitely adult stuff in it.

So let me know a little more about what you're looking for and I'll help however I can.

Adgy, in terms of the comics, I was just thinking of one somewhat nice one (I don't want to break the bank and such) but also some for fun (cause what fun are they if you cannot tear into some and read them. I just want to pass down the love of the art, and the writing and such. My friend is going with me, he is going for all 3 days, and used to run an online comic store until his partner started embezzling and such (long store and still being dealt with in the courts) so I could lean on him also for some help. It seems like there is a lot to see at these cons so I just wanted a heads up of what to look for. Thanks for the help, it is appreciated by my Radiohead hating self (ya know I had to bring it up)

IN terms of carrying crap---I am a teacher dammit so cool is not a word that I know (come on I taught Math and Science and now teach History- I have uncool written all over) so Backpack is a go, and will park at Angel Stadium like you suggested. Many thanks, and maybe I will see you guys there.

Originally Posted by spjon25

Adgy, in terms of the comics, I was just thinking of one somewhat nice one (I don't want to break the bank and such) but also some for fun (cause what fun are they if you cannot tear into some and read them. I just want to pass down the love of the art, and the writing and such. My friend is going with me, he is going for all 3 days, and used to run an online comic store until his partner started embezzling and such (long store and still being dealt with in the courts) so I could lean on him also for some help. It seems like there is a lot to see at these cons so I just wanted a heads up of what to look for. Thanks for the help, it is appreciated by my Radiohead hating self (ya know I had to bring it up)

Ok, cool. Myself and the woman will be there all three days, as well. We'll probably run into each other.

IN terms of carrying crap---I am a teacher dammit so cool is not a word that I know (come on I taught Math and Science and now teach History- I have uncool written all over) so Backpack is a go, and will park at Angel Stadium like you suggested. Many thanks, and maybe I will see you guys there.

I haven't heard any official word that they're doing the Angels Stadium thing again, but I'm sure they'll do a service shuttle from somewhere to there. When something gets announced, I'll let you know.

WonderCon Convention Floor Including Tom Cruise’s Ship from OBLIVION, Mondo, and More | Collider

Hope you kids had a good time. Damn I should have gone. Oh well, got to wait for ComiCon.

Thank you for contributing to my salary......

I had a great time.

Jim Steranko was the nicest ****ing guy ever. I think I was the only person under 40 in line to meet him all weekend. He talked to everyone and told everyone stories and ****. Real nice guy.