A Gal’s Guide to Comic-Con

Attention geeks, nerds, dorks, and fangirls of the world: prepare yourselves, because Comic-Con International kicks off  this Thursday, July 23! (Yes, I know it’s exciting. Grab a paper bag and breathe.)

By Marisa

For those not in the know, the San Diego Convention Center becomes a mecca every summer for fans of comics, science fiction, fantasy, and a lot of stuff in between. But even if you’re not a fan of any of those things (or a self-proclaimed geek like me!), Comic-Con has expanded over the years to encompass whatever’s hot in pop culture.

So if you’re going to be in SoCal from July 23-26 and can get yourself a pass, here are some reasons why you should check out Comic-Con (and if you can’t go this year, definitely mark your calendars for 2010):

1.   Check out upcoming films way before they’re released and hear from the filmmakers and cast.
The movie panels are a big hit each year, and 2009 isn’t going to be any different. Dozens of movies are going to be previewed at Comic-Con, but here’s just a sampling of what’s on the schedule next week: Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Avatar, Zombieland, 2012, The Imaginarium of Dr. Parnassus (Heath Ledger’s last film), Astro Boy…and, of course, Twilight. Yes, the cast is going to be there. Including RPattz.

Cue fangirl screams.

2.    Sit in on discussions and upcoming season previews with the cast and crew of your favorite TV shows.
Get the scoop on TV’s most popular shows from the writers themselves (and the hott-with-a-double-“t” cast members!). Shows that will be represented include Smallville, True Blood, Heroes, Dollhouse, Family Guy, Chuck, Lost, 24, and Dexter. If I could just see Stephen Moyer, Milo Ventimiglia, Joss Whedon, and Kiefer Sutherland, I would be able to die a happy, happy woman.

3.   It’s not just about the shows, movies, and comics – there’s intellectual discussion to be found!
Comic-Con will be hosting several discussion panels with college professors, writers, and other experts on everything from parody in art to the anthropology of Star Trek. There are a number of panels relating to women in pop culture and comics specifically, so put your thinking caps on, ladies!

4.    Did you dream about being a filmmaker as a kid? Well, now you can learn how to make your own movie, from pre-production to DVD!
Comic-Con is sponsoring a four-day film school seminar taught by professional filmmakers and screenwriters. They’ll walk you through the film-making process and show you how to make your dream a reality at a low cost. It may not be as comprehensive as film school, but for you aspiring screenwriters and directors out there, it’s not a bad way to spend your time at Comic-Con.

5.    It’s like Halloween in the summertime.
Many hardcore fans dress up in costumes at Comic-Con to show their dedication to what they love. Regardless of whether or not you choose to dress up, it’s fun to see all the different costumes, especially the ornate ones. After all, it’s not every day that you see a real-life Hellboy walking around!

6.   Free stuff!
Need I say more?

7.   Three words: Hot. Geeky. Guys.
And no, I don’t just mean the gorgeous actors who will be there to talk with fans and sign autographs. You won’t find more nerds anywhere else, so if you’re like me and love a geeky guy, you’d better high-tail it to San Diego (and take me with you, please!).