Okay, so, Comic-Con 2024, right? The exclusives are always a HUGE deal. I decided this year I was actually going to try and snag some, instead of just drooling over them online afterward. Big mistake? Maybe. Awesome experience? Definitely.
First, I spent like a week just researching. I mean, really researching. I checked out all the official announcements, scoured fan forums, looked at leaked lists – the whole nine yards. I wanted to know what was dropping, when, and where. It was information overload, honestly.
Then, I made a list. A very, very detailed list. I prioritized my must-haves, my “if-I’m-lucky” items, and the “yeah, right” dream items. I even color-coded it! (Don’t judge, it helped.)
The Pre-Con Hustle
Before the con even started, the madness began. Some companies did online lotteries for exclusives. So I entered every single one I could, crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. I got lucky with a couple, which was a HUGE relief.
I also joined a bunch of Facebook groups and Discord servers dedicated to Comic-Con exclusives. This was a goldmine of information, tips, and even some people offering to mule (pick up exclusives for others). It was super helpful to connect with other collectors and see what strategies they were using.
The Con Itself – Total Mayhem!
- Day 1: I rushed to the convention center the second it opened. It was like a stampede! I headed straight for the booths of the exclusives I wanted most, only to find insane lines already snaking around the hall.
- Waiting: I spent HOURS in lines. Hours! I brought snacks, water, a portable charger – the essentials. I even made friends with the people around me, which made the time pass a little faster. We traded stories, tips, and even some snacks!
- The Thrill of the Hunt: There’s something about finally getting to the front of the line and scoring that exclusive you’ve been wanting. It’s like a mini victory! I managed to get a few of my top picks, which was amazing.
- The Disappointments: Of course, I also missed out on some stuff. Some lines were just too long, some items sold out in minutes, and some were just plain impossible to get. It’s part of the game, though.
The Aftermath
Back at hotel, I organized and safekeep my gains.
Overall, it was a crazy, exhausting, but ultimately awesome experience. I got some cool stuff, met some great people, and learned a lot about the world of Comic-Con exclusives. Would I do it again? Probably. Am I already planning for next year? You bet!