How to Survive New York Comic Con

New York Comic Con is Nearly Upon Us! Here's What You Need to Know to Survive This Weekend.

It's that wonderful time of the year again when the streets of New York City will be swarmed with comic book loving citizens. Some will be dressed in spandex while others will remain incognito in their secret identity. But all will be sharing one thing: everyone will be wearing a special badge around their neck that has a photo of a Walking Dead character and the letters NYCC 2014 on it. That's right, it's time for the New York Comic Con.

If you've never been to a comic con, you're in for a treat. It's an annual event that takes place in both San Diego and New York City. During the con there are many panels where you will hear the latest news in the comic, movie, television and pop culture world. You can also shop for the latest comic book swag, meet artists both professional and independent, and if you're lucky enough meet your favorite writer, actor or illustrator. An added bonus is that you will see fans from around the world dressed up as your favorite comic-book hero walking the halls of the Jacob Javits Center; if you're lucky enough you can be in the center of both Princess Leia and Poison Ivy or Wonder Woman and Black Canary.

Here's a few tips on what to do before, during and after the con.

1. Activate your badge. Security is strict at the con and they will not let you in if your badge has not been activated. It's simple, just log onto the website that's listed on the back of it, enter the badge number and presto, you're done.

2. Don't lose your badge. This your only way in and out of the con, security will have you scan your pass as you enter and exit the building. This means that you shouldn't enter the con, borrow a friends badge who already got the green light to try to sneak in a friend. It won't work. Security will scan the badges out. Sorry to burst any bubbles.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. You'll be walking a lot. Trust me, your feet will thank you.

4. Bring a backpack. Stuff that backpack with the following: a phone charger or a rechargeable battery, a water bottle, peanuts or a quick snack, a camera, and a sharpie for autographs.

5. Bring cash. A lot of vendors will take credit cards but others only take cash. The ATM fees on the show floor are expensive. If you have Chase, you can avoid those fees by going to a Chase ATM by the food court in the lower level - just be ready for a long line.

6. Don't lose your badge.

7. If you have a smart phone, download the NYCC app. It will detail all the panels that are happening, what celebrities are coming and where they and all other events will take place. It will also show you a calendar that has the events listed for the whole weekend.

8. Have a game plan. Planning before hand will make your experience at the con a lot easier and you'll have more fun.

9. Play the scavenger hunt, it's actually a lot of fun and will show you different parts of the con. The game should be on the app.

10. Go to booths and either tweet, hashtag, or Instagram their name. For helping with their publicity you might get some free swag.

11. Meet the Green Ranger and Xena. Jason David Frank, Lucy Lawless and other celebrities will be there.

12. Check out booths like Dark Horse Comics, Marvel Comics, DC Comics and others for some more free swag.

13. Go to Artists Alley. Here's a nice little gem that's part of the con. In years passed they've had Artist Alley on the North end of The Javits Center. Here is where you can meet your favorite published artist and discover new talent. My advice is walking around once before buying anything. There is so much talent in this room that you will want to be everything you see. Yes, it will feel weird looking through portfolios and not buying anything so just mingle with the artists and take their business cards. If you like something come back and buy it. By the entrance of the alley, you'll see a large booth that has plastic folders in various sizes to protect the art you buy. Go there, they are awesome.

14. Take breaks. There's a lot happening at the con and you will get tired. Take a second to recharge.

15. Go with friends. It's always fun to be with a buddy that can enjoy and understand why you love this world. Please don't take someone who hates comics, give that pass to someone who will love this event.

16. Don't forget your badge. (See a pattern, here?)

17. Thursday is a chill day. Friday is a little busier. Saturday is plain nuts so be expected for crowds. Sunday is kid's day - it's really cute seeing little girls dressed as Wonder Woman and little boys dressed up like Logan with the side burns, leather jacket and claws.

18. Take photos!

19. Have fun and stay safe.

New York Comic Con is held at the Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. The Javits Center is located at 655 West 34th Street.  For more information and hours, check out the FAQ section of the NYCC official website at: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/About/NYCC-Fan-FAQs/.

Enjoy the con and remember to take care of yourself.

Stay geeky, my friends.