This photo is an example of: 1. An unexpected celebrity sighting (Nathan Fillion!) for which you need a camera 2. A poster tube coming in handy for the poster that is being autographed by said celebrity 3. A poster tube making the wearer look like a cool Jedi.

It’s almost here!

Two weeks from today I’m flying to San Diego for Comic-Con 2011 where I’ll be enjoying four exhausting days of Nerd Herding, Browncoating and Doctor Whovian excitement. And, of course, LOTS of free swag.

This year I’m especially looking forward to the panels for “Chuck”, “Doctor Who”, “Fringe” and the new Sarah Michelle Gellar show, “The Ringer”. I imagine when Buffy takes the stage she’s going to bring down the house. Too bad the “Bones” panel isn’t the same day or we could have a Buffy and Angel reunion.

But I’m also looking forward to some of the events taking place outside of the convention center, like the showing of “Serenity” by a “Firefly” fan group (they’re having events all over the world – find a showing near you), the zombie walk, and the premiere of “Cowboys and Aliens”, although I’m sure getting into that will be next to impossible.

If you’re heading to Comic-Con for the first time, or even if you’re going to another con this summer, here are the conventional tips I’ve picked up over the last two years:

Wear comfy shoes. This is one thing your mother was totally right about. It’s nice to look good, but after 58 hours of standing in lines, your bleeding toes aren’t going to look good in any sandal, no matter how cute and expensive, so bring clean socks and footwear that offers some cushioning.

Carry Band-aids with you, just in case those sensible shoes don’t work out. One bad blister can ruin your whole weekend.

Pack some snacks. Comic-Con isn’t cheap. You’ll want to buy shirts and toys and posters and maybe shell out $40 to have your photo taken with your favorite dreamy BSG cast member. So don’t waste an extra $20 a day on bottled water and potato chips. (You also don’t want to give up your seat or place in line to go buy them.)

I took along some nuts, granola bars and M&Ms and that way only had to buy a sandwich or something once a day, saving time and money.

Smile! Say hello to people and if you like someone’s outfit, tell them. They probably worked hard on it and will love to get a compliment. Chat people up, make some new friends, and if someone looks like they’ve been to a few of these things, ask them if they have any tips.

Photo by "Max" at Picasa

Bring a big frakkin bag. A lot of booths will hand out bags, but it’s better to come prepared and have a way to keep all of the stuff you buy in good shape. A sturdy folder is great for signed photos and a poster tube is handy, too. Get one with a strap so you can wear it on your back and you get the added bonus of feeling like a Jedi.

Always have your camera/phone ready. Always. You’ll have it ready when stars take the stage, but even walking through the main exhibition hall you never know when Matt Groening is going to walk past you, or when you’re going to see someone in the most incredible Dalek costume ever.

Bring your ISIC. Many San Diego attractions offer discounts if you show your International Student Identity Card including some harbor tours, the San Diego Wild Animal Park, the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld.

The cast of the BBC's "Being Human" signed autographs and were incredibly friendly during Comic-Con 2010

Bring a book or something to help you kill time. The lines for the more popular panels will be crazy long. Want to see “Glee” at 10 a.m. in Hall H? Get there at 8 a.m. Or 6 a.m. if you want a good seat. Actually, get there the night before and let the song in your heart keep you warm.

Don’t blink. It will all go by really fast, so remember to take a breath every now and then, have a look around you and enjoy the madness. (Not blinking will also keep you from being killed by Angels, as every good Whovian knows.)

I’ll be blogging from the con if the wi-fi will let me, so stay tuned for my crazy, geeky gushing and ranting.

Geronimo!
Lisa