The massive crowds at Comic-con are a testament to how popular “popular culture” truly is.  Mostly appealing to teens, the rest of the nearly 130,000 people are mostly made up of young men in their twenties and thirties, their female peers are often in costume. There is the occasional middle-aged men with their lifelong love of comics, and the few middle-aged women around seem to be here accompanying their teen daughters, grandsons, etc. (or at least using that as their excuse).  Then there are the hordes of screaming girls here to get a sneak peak of “Twilight – the New Moon” movie and the hunky star,  Robert Pattinson,  video game enthusiasts (both young men and women), and fans of all ages of TV shows and movies.

But as the video shows…you have to be pretty committed (and extremely patient) to make your way though the exhibit hall. Moving slowly in a stream of shoulder to shoulder bodies, you catch glimpses of the big studio exhibits.  Giveaway promotional items (mostly high gloss postcards with kitchy graphics displaying web addresses) are shoved into our hands by Cheerleaders, scantily-costumed sci-fi girls and theme-costumed guys by major studios who know how to attract attention at a convention.

If you want to survive Comic-Con, you must

1. Get in touch with your “inner fan.” remember when movie stars made you swoon?  Are you excited to see what’s coming next on your favorite TV show or movie? (I met an anthropologist who was standing in line for “Twilight.”  I’ll be talking to her more about fans and the importance of myths in our lives.)
2. Play! Leave you inner critic at the door.
3. Don’t try to get anywhere fast. – you won’t and you’ll frustrate yourself
4. Bring something to do while you wait in line for hours for panels about your favorite shows/comics/stars and you’ll probably want to be sure you have your charger or extra batteries, or just a good book.  And be sure you get in line early for those things you want. As an extreme…here is what happened with those young girls waiting for the “Twilight New Moon panel”
5. Accept your experience This means that if you don’t get the coveted swag (bags and other giveaways), or get to see the stars, the experience is good overall.  Keep your eyes open to see your own exciting moments. (even though I missed Tim Burton and Johnny Depp I DID get to experience some inspiring words from Stan Lee and spend an hour with my cartoonist heros–check it out in the coming blogs).
6. If you are there for your kids…Help them navigate and display all the patience in the world.Exhibit Hall at Comic-Con 2009