Rhode Island Comic Con: A Crash Course

A self-proclaimed nerd offers her Comic Con survival guide for newbies.

This weekend, Providence will be overrun with thousands of comic book enthusiasts, film buffs, television addicts and gamers, a.k.a. fanboys and fangirls (this blogger included), thanks to Rhode Island Comic Con (RICC).

The state’s unconventional convention is coming back to the Rhode Island Convention Center and the Amica Mutual Pavilion from Friday, November 1 through Sunday, November 3. This year’s con will not only see the return of celebrity guests and vendors, but also cosplay contests, gaming tournaments and an enchanting afterparty, plus new additions like an ultimate Back to the Future meet and greet experience, a special screening of Twister with Helen Hunt and more.

If this is your first foray into the world of in-person fandom, then let me be first to tell you: Comic Con is not for the faint of heart. Even if you’re only planning to attend just one day out of the three, a little preparation will go a long way. But fret not: This self-proclaimed nerd has several convention attendances under her belt and is willing to share her top ten tips in a handy survival guide. (Afterwards, don’t forget to go check our list of can’t-miss 2024 con events here).

1. Check RI Comic Con’s website/mobile app/social media accounts regularly.

You’ve hopefully already checked the events tab before purchasing your tickets as some celebrity appearances and events are scheduled for certain days throughout the weekend, but don’t clear the page from your browser history. Times and locations may be subject to change up until the day (or even hour) of due to the guests’ travel plans, panel capacity needs and so on, so you’re going to want to check in regularly.

In fact, RICC’s digital and social platforms can answer any of your questions (not sure if the replica swords that complete your Deadpool aesthetic are allowed? Check the FAQ page).

2. Arrive early.

This goes not just for the convention itself, which can often see lines wrap around the building at entry time, but also the con’s individual events. If you’re planning to attend a specific panel, arriving ten minutes before starting time often won’t cut it. There will be hundreds of like-minded visitors in attendance, so give yourself a half-an-hour head start at least (or if you have your eyes on the Twilight panel on Friday, or the Back to the Future meet and greet on Sunday, more like an hour).

3. Dress up! 

And I don’t mean in a swanky suit or a fancy dress. In this case, it’s called “cosplay” — a contraction of the words “costume” and “play” — and it’s an art form. Sure, some people (ahem, me) will double dip with their Halloween costumes, but the super-dedicated will pour hours into hand-sewing their very own Sally get up from The Nightmare Before Christmas or perfecting the gaunt, crazed look of their Joker makeup. Don’t have the time, money or energy to go all out? You can easily blend in with a simple Harry Potter, Marvel, “Stranger Things” or other pop culture franchise T-shirt.

If Halloween was any indication, I’m thinking Taylor Swift, characters from Beetlejuice, Deadpool and/or Wolverine, and Raygun (of the summer Olympics fame) will be amongst some of the most popular cosplays this year. I’m setting myself the challenge of getting photos of at least one. Check back next Monday for our best of RICC cosplay roundup to see if I succeed!

4. That being said, wear sensible shoes.

Even if your cosplay calls for otherwise. Or, at the very least, bring a backup pair. Yes, I know Harley Quinn wore killer (literally) heels throughout the entirety of Suicide Squad, but you better believe Margot Robbie got to sit/take those things off in between takes. You, on the other hand, most likely won’t have the luxury of sitting much (outside of the panels). The convention centers are huge, so there’s lots of walking around from booth to booth, ballroom to ballroom, and many other people will also be in the same boat, aching feet and all — seating and floor space to pop-a-squat will be scarce.

5. Prioritize your time.

Celebrity photo ops and autographs are available for advance purchase here or for cash purchase at the convention. But I urge you to consider what’s more important to you: easily shareable evidence that you met a celebrity, or IRL face time with said celebrity? A photo op is great if you want a professional, high-quality photo, but prepare for a very quick interaction, and the fact that your scheduled photo op time may conflict with other comic con events. On the flip side, autograph signings offer a little more of a one-on-one opportunity. If you don’t have anything for your favorite celeb to sign, RICC can supply you with a picture of said celeb for an additional fee. Click here for a full list of this year’s guests.

One of the best parts of RICC, however, are the panels, which are already included in your admission ticket price. The panels allow you to see more than one celebrity at once, and there’s usually a chance to ask fan questions towards the end of the allotted hour. See the 2024 panel schedule here.

6. Bring water/ a water bottle to fill up.

Between wearing a costume, being surrounded by many people in one space, lots of walking and long wait times, hydration is always a good idea.

7. Ditch the (large) bags.

Bringing a backpack will mean bag checks, which will mean longer waiting time to get in to the facilities. I know I just told you to bring water, but if you’re mostly bringing in smaller items, think about keeping them in hand, in pockets or a small bag until you’re inside and can use the plastic bags you will acquire from buying things. Which is a nice segue to…

8. Prepare to spend money.

“Yeah, right,” you say. “I already spent enough on the admission ticket and various photo ops and/or signings!” But don’t say I didn’t warn you when you catch yourself on the arena floor swiping your credit card for that awesome Tardis coffee mug or adorable Khaleesi Funko Pop doll.

9. And my last bit of advice that really just applies to anyone who is planning to leave the house, ever: Bring a phone charger.

It’s a long day. Too much precious battery power is spent documenting everything on Instagram. (Cue the shameless plug: Follow us at @rimonthly to see what we get up to at the con.)

 

So, go forth, my dear Padawans, and enjoy your very first Comic Con adventure (tickets are still available here)! If you do it right, I can almost guarantee it won’t be your last.