2016 San Diego Comic-Con, a first-timer’s perspective

The legends surrounding San Diego Comic Con do not do it service. Despite all of the articles and video tutorials describing the convention and how to survive the four-day event, there is nothing that could prepare a first timer for how overwhelming and chaotic SDCC truly is. Comic-Con International: San Diego carried out its hostile takeover from July 21-24, 2016, with an army of well over 130,000 attendees. SDCC 2016 took place at the San Diego Convention Center, the Hilton Bayfront, the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina, and various other locations scattered throughout the downtown area. The festivities were not just limited to the convention center and hotels, there were activities and interactive photo opportunities throughout the surrounding area. When approaching the convention center, thousands of people could be seen from the streets clad in brilliant colors, extravagant cosplays, and bearing huge bags full of loot. SDCC 2016 certainly proved to not be for the faint of heart; the amount of time waiting in lines for panels, merchandise, or just trying to weave through the crowds was absurd. Glancing at the schedule, hundreds of panels and events going on simultaneously kept the con-goers busy for four days straight. Once an attendee managed to pick up their pass and enter the exhibit hall, they were immediately met with over 5,000 booths dedicated to independent artists, merchandise, advertising new or upcoming video games, or signing sessions with celebrities. The overwhelming amount of people in and out of the convention center was claustrophobia inducing; however, the excitement of the booths’ wares and attractions were enough to distract the attendees. The colors and extravagant displays of each of the booths were jaw dropping; there was exclusive merch, props from popular TV shows and films, and incredible figures and models everywhere you looked. Despite the limited spaces to maneuver through, attendees dressed their best and dawned their phenomenal cosplays, which people flocked to take photos of and with. Outside of the exhibit hall, people were hustling and bustling about to get to the panel featuring people who inspire them. The moderators and guest panelists discussed their respective projects, plans for the future, and interacted with the attendees through Q&A’s. The famed Hall H seemed to have a perpetual line outside its doors from day 1, with people going as far as to set up and sleep in tents for their desired panel. Outside of the convention center, SDCC had a ton of fun outdoor activities to interact with, such as, rock climbing, exclusive sneak peek screenings, carnivals, galleries, and more! Even local restaurants and shops joined in on the fun by cosplaying and displaying artwork on their windows. Although there was a lot of time spent waiting in lines or swimming through seas of people, being able to see celebrities, get amazing merchandise, and meet and speak with other attendees from around the world about common interests is an incredible experience like no other. If you have any reservations, but adore the geek culture community and conventions, do not hesitate to try to get to Comic-Con International: San Diego for the experience of a lifetime.