first time attendee (and first day I will be solo 🫣)

[u/bskye7]

My goal for this year is to be braver. I booked ComicCon tickets as part of this, and the first day I will be solo. I am also doing cosplay for the first time ever. Safe to say my nerves are pretty high 😅

So here are some questions:

1) are there any meet ups for socially anxious/awkward solo attendees?

2) how hot does the event get? I will be wearing a three layer dress (light fabrics luckily!) - will I get overheated or should I be okay?

3) how long should I expect to wait in queues? I mainly plan on attending Writer's Block on day one (along with Critical Role panel and some browsing/shopping stalls). I haven't fully mapped out my day yet as I want to be realistic about timings 😅

Thank you!! :)

[u/TheRapture9]

1. Should be pretty cool temperature wise massive open warehouse type vibe in october.

[u/bskye7 → u/TheRapture9]

good to know - thank you! I have been to Excel before but it was a much smaller event so not nearly as crowded as I imagine this gets

[u/pixierixie6]

Socially anxious cosplayer here! I really recommend going to any meetups for fandoms you're in, especially the one you're cosplaying. Usually a meetup will have photos taken of the cosplayers (by the meetup organisers and sometimes other people with their phones/cameras) and then some time to chat afterwards. I've met people who I consider my close friends at these meetups! MCM has a whole list of what meetups are happening on what days/times: https://www.mcmcomiccon.com/london/en-us/things-to-do/fans-meet.html If they sound too intimidating, you have no obligation to join the photos or stick around. Meetups are very casual and you know you have at least one thing in common with the people there: The fandom! If things get too overwhelming, I recommend going to the quieter spots upstairs near Cosplay Central just to give yourself a break away from the majority of the crowds. Cosplay Central itself is a very chill area, I went up several times during this year's May con when the heat was too much and I just needed a quieter moment where I wasn't feeling like I had to be prepared for someone to approach me for photos or something. From one anxious person to another, solo cons can be very fun if you pace yourself and I find myself being more confident in cosplay and in the "con bubble" than in regular life. You know yourself best, so just listen to your body when you need a minute to regulate. And don't be scared to leave the con, take off your cosplay and come back (if you're staying nearby the Excel), you don't need to pressure yourself if you just aren't feeling it. Hope you have a good time! :)

[u/bskye7 → u/pixierixie6]

ooh thank you for the tips!! unfortunately, it looks like there aren't any meet ups for the one I'm cosplaying (Ascendance of a Bookworm) or any of my other major interests, but there are some for some of my less intensive interests so maybe I'll try that 😁

[u/Cumulus-Crafts]

1) I don't think so, but if you have a fandom, chances are there's a meet for it! All the meets are posted on the MCM website 2) It gets pretty warm. I bring a neck fan and a hand fan. You can always step outside if it's too hot. 3) It's a 'how long is a piece of string' issue, but I know critical role is a big pull for a lot of people this con, so you'll be queuing for a bit to get into that one

[u/bskye7 → u/Cumulus-Crafts]

any idea how long you queue for Writer's Block generally? I want to go to the Travis Baldree signing and (if time permits) KJ Charles before I have to leave.

[u/Aab0289]

There’s meets throughout the day for different fandoms & there’s also the recharge areas if you’re feeling overly anxious or need to chill. (Platinum suite is a great place to chill out & relax between things.)

There’s refill water stations in event, so I’d advise taking a drink bottle to stay cool. Also a portable fan, it helps since a few areas get hot.

Any panel, give plenty of time to get there & have your reservation code for it ready. (Queue won’t open till they let last queue in. If you got reservation then you got a seat but get there before it gets too crowded. If you don’t have reservation, you may still get in but only if anyone with a reservation is a no show.)

Map & times should be up, so it’s advisable to plan out a timetable & it also helps to note where loos & other areas you want to visit. (Saves legwork.)

[u/Aab0289]

Also, don’t panic if you experience a cosplay mishap, there’s several cosplay repair areas & also a shop in the downstairs section for any repairs/materials.

Plus every cosplayer has experienced some mishap or need repair. Don’t feel afraid to ask & make note of the nearest free space or cosplay area.