A n00b's Guide to #ComicCon

By Evan McKay

This weekend, nerds and geeks everywhere will descend upon the city of Providence to attend the 2nd annual RI ComicCon. Many attending will be experiencing their first con, and may not be prepared for the sensory onslaught typical of these type of shows. 

As an experienced show-goer, here are a few tips to prevent being bullied by the bullied:

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The first thing you may or not notice at Cons is the madness that is cosplay. Cosplay is when people dress up as their beloved characters just because they can. There usually is a contest to incentivise people dressing and putting their heart into it but mostly, Its a labor of love. As a non-cosplayed character you get the luxury of enjoying these beautiful costumes. When trying to engage a cosplayer just remember… be cool and polite! When someone is in costume they are usually absolutey ok with anyone taking their picture..usually in a signature pose. Feel free to go up to those folk and request a pic...trust me they want the pics!!! 

What you are NOT allowed to do is touch them or their props for any reason!!! If they have a cool weapon or epaulets or bracers dont just get all grabby mcgrabberson like its prom night. These props have been constructed in under tight deadlines with limited budgets as a hobby. Typically they are held together by hopes,dreams,and some cleverly hidden duct tape. A n00b groping someones handcrafted Captain America shield or Cable’s kinetic blaster that breaks it may start a fist fight or worse...get kicked out of con and charged with assault. Another point on this...don’t be a creep..like, ever- but especially at a con where scantily clad ladies are the ley of the land. Ask for pics and don't linger!!!

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watch ya back

The sad part of Cons is that all nerds are not created equal and the actual doors of a convention are downtown open to the public in the lobby or near the exits. With that in mind I recommend that you never set your stuff down or leave it unattended. This is standard advice at any tourist spot or destination. Cons are loud and a feast for all senses(uggh nerdstank is sadly real) and you can get swept up when there are flash mobs, chanting, and surprise group photo shoots. The bad guys also know this and will flock to distracted cash-and-electronic carrying nerds like wolves to wounded lamb babies. They will steal stuff that is unattended!!! Cons are not usually dangerous but will bring the street toughs out looking for free swag so please be careful.

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One last basic thing I will stress is that you are still a human being. Albeit one with stars in their eyes and credit cards ready to charge in the vendors room. Dont let the event distract you from your basic human tasks. Hygiene, spatial awareness, nutrition and proper etiquette! Yes this means you. I know it may sound silly but I’ve seen and smelt the worst. If you hate to wait in a long line, bring water and a snack. If you bump into Captain Planet or a sexy Tardis say “excuse me” or “im sorry.” Don’t let the teeming mass of nerd flesh scare you. People can get a little testy in crowds. Especially those who spend more time with computers and pokemons then other people. Remember- a smile and an apology can go a LONG way, since everyone at the end of the day wants to have fun!


Heed my words and fear not, young n00bs- I was once in your shoes, so innocent and afraid, but with continued experience, have grown into the mighty steed you see before you. One day, all this too can be yours.

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