How to Attend Comic-Con International in San Diego

For comic, animation, anime and science fiction lovers, Comic-Con International in San Diego has become the preeminent comic show in the world to attend. Over the 39 years that this event has been in existence, it has become so successful that it draws over 100,000 attendees over the 4 days of the event. It is the model for all other comic conventions in the country and continues to add activities and special programming each year. The dates for the 2008 convention are July 24 to 27.

Instructions

1. Register for a 4-day membership and attend the special preview night. You will be able to see the offerings of Comic-Con International before any other attendees. The memberships are available for $75 at the official Comic-Con website (see Resources below). The price is $35 for kids and seniors.

2. Take public transportation to the event to avoid traffic and the horrible parking situation that results from 100,000 attendees vying for spots. The City of San Diego even offers a special Comic-Con trolley that drops convention-goers off close to the entrance. You can find detailed information on the transportation page of Comic-Con's official website (see Resources below).

3. Secure your Events Guide to make your way around the show. Don't forget the official Souvenir Book, which is full of artwork, articles and biographies. Both of these items are free to those attending the convention.

4. Admire, buy or bid on art at the show. With an art show featuring new artists, an art auction and Artist's Alley, which features dozens of professional artists selling their works, any comics lover should be able to stock up on collectible items.

5. Head to the mezzanine level of the convention center or to the nearby Marriott Hotel to enjoy both card and video gaming. Pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, anachronism and Tekken 5 are all represented with tournaments, while video game companies like EA, Sony Playstation and Blizzard Entertainment sponsor video gaming contests and demos.

Tips & Warnings

• Show producers make it possible for everyone to attend and enjoy Comic-Con International in San Diego by making the event fully accessible to disabled attendees. There are wheelchairs, rest areas and special seating for all events. There are also sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired.

• Find out who will receive the coveted Eisner awards during the convention. These annual awards honor the best artists, creators and writers in the comic industry.

• Bring your entire family to Comic-Con. For children too young to enjoy the event, child care is provided.

• If you want to purchase a single- or multi-day membership in advance, be sure to register as early as possible, as these tickets sell out early.

Resources

• Comic-Con International website for event information
• Comic-Con transportation information page