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This is not a hugely original idea, but a lot of us like to choose this when we get a chance to meet actors and directors. You can bring DVDs/blu-rays and have him sign the case.

What I like to do when I go to a signing with any famous actor/director or writer/creator, is to bring some of their "lesser known" works that are very important to them - movies or books - to have them sign too, not just what they are most famous for. Of course you could bring any Marvel movies DVDs/blu-rays that Chris is famous for. But everybody does that, and you don't stand out from a crowd. So you could consider bringing "Snowpiercer" because it is different, and he was very proud to appear in that film, and he did great work in that [and Snowpiercer is based on the famous French graphic novel "Snowpiercer"]. But if you wanted to really show him that you care, you could bring a DVD/blu-ray of "Before We Go" because he DIRECTED that movie, as well as acted in it. Few people have seen it, but he fought very hard to get a chance to make and direct it, he promoted it as best he could, he was grateful to make the film, and he would probably be so glad and proud to be able to sign a copy for you.

I've gotten the most personal reactions from people when they are handed one of their "lesser" works they are personally very proud of, or when the work is more rare and not as well known but you bring it to a signing. It shows you truly follow and appreciate their career and who they are. What is nice about getting DVD/blu-ray cases signed is that they are relatively small and easy to pack and take to the signing, and when at home it is easy to keep them and display them for a long time to preserve the memory of having met the person at a signing.

"Before We Go": https://www.amazon.com/Before-We-Go-Chris-Evans/dp/B0148Z6VT6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538898962&sr=8-3&keywords=chris+evans+movies+dvd

"Snowpiercer": https://www.amazon.com/Snowpiercer-Chris-Evans/dp/B00M7D82E4/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1538898962&sr=8-15&keywords=chris+evans+movies+dvd

There's also "Gifted": https://www.amazon.com/Gifted-Chris-Evans/dp/B071D5P29V/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1538900986&sr=8-1&keywords=chris+evans+movies+dvd+gifted

edited to add links to DVDs

As the con gets closer they start to release a list of exclusives.

There is a line that forms outside of the convention center. It lasts until the following morning when the organizers release the line into the facility and direct you to the retailers. All I have ever done is Hasbro. You get a ticket with an hour block on it and then when your hour starts, you show up at the booth and get on another line to buy your items.

I HIGHLY recommend something like this if you plan on campiing out on the line over night

https://smile.amazon.com/HAKE-Inflatable-Portable-Wonderful-Swimming/dp/B073CQ1XH7/ref=pd_sbs_468_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B073CQ1XH7&pd_rd_r=D756X6HZTG2Z4WTB9BAE&pd_rd_w=fITYT&pd_rd_wg=TEuci&refRID=D756X6HZTG2Z4WTB9BAE

Best of luck and have a great con :)

First off, congratulations! You know how the crowds will be, the waiting, and the bathroom situations, so honestly, you are already looking good there.

Last year, my wife attended and was about the same in terms of being in the first trimester (also first pregnancy). /u/housecatspeaks already has some great points about resting more. I would also recommend these mini-usb fans to keep cool: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PWD24LL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They plug into any USB port so if you have a battery pack for your phone, you can use these on there and they will move the air exactly were you need it.

One last thing, be sure to bring whatever snacks you CAN eat since my wife didn't like the smell of anything in the food courts or nearby restaurants.

If you're planning to brave the Hall H line and camp overnight, consider buying an inflatable lounger!

This is super easy to inflate (you just look like an idiot running around with it in your hands for a couple of minutes), keeps you off the ground, folds into a small pouch that's easy to toss in your backpack/bag, and is pretty damn comfortable! We're planning on braving the line for TWO nights this year to get prime Saturday seating, and I wouldn't dream of doing it without it.

it couldn't hurt... but unless you plan on being on your phone all day, i'm sure your phone will hold out.

as far as back pack essentials... here's what i put in my backpack. snacks, water, deodorant (it gets quite pungent on the floor), even though panels are listed in the book as well as a map, it's nice to have a notepad with a list of panels you want to go to.. i bring pens, sharpies, colored markers/highlighters... i also bring an adjustable poster tube, so if i buy posters or prints i know they're safe (and you will see these for sale around con for bank)... i also carry a file folder so i have something sturdy to put comics in.

Like others have said, it really depends on what you plan on buying. Besides one or two convention exclusives, I never have a set idea of what I'm buying while I'm on the floor. If something catches my interest, I'll scope out the price and make decision.

As far as how fair the pricing is, I've gotten some moderately generous deals before. I ended up buying The Sky: The Art of Final Fantasy from some shady-looking dude on the floor for $10 less than its asking price, a week or so before it hit the market. I've also been able to buy some vintage PS2/GameCube games at half their normal eBay or Amazon costs. Just take a good look at all the smaller, niche booths. You can sometimes find gold.

Get a comfortable 2 strap backpack and pack it with -

sunscreen
cell phone charger
water bottle
granola
small tripod chair
a book (seriously so many lines)


Other things I learned (this was my first time also)
Book a hotel away from the convention center - I booked at the Summerset Suites for around $110 per night. The room had a full kitchen so we could eat on the cheap, and continental breakfast. They also have a free bbq for patrons every Friday night which was awesome. Between that and carrying around Cliff bars we maybe paid out $30 per person per day for food and alcohol. There were a lot of good restaurants around the hotel, and it felt really great to get away from the madness.

Take the bus - the 3 and 11 got us to the convention center from the hotel in about 20 minutes for $2.25 a ride.

Got this one for SDCC 2018: Rolling Backpack, Gonex Water Repellent Wheeled Backpack Nylon 20inch Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0757HNXK8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_Pg63BbB3W92J0

Best decision I've made to save my back for comic con. I carry around tons of books to get signed (oversized hardcovers and omnibuses) It converts to a roller bag, so whenever I was outside and going back and forth to the car or hotel, I could roll it. I was so much less exhausted than with my regular backpack the previous year. It's a super tough bag, too. (No, I don't sell them; I just really like mine)

Thanks! I make them up, but their basic shapes are based on two patterns:

1. This free Ogilvy dolls pattern: http://www.suncatchereyes.net/The_Ogilvies.html
   
   
2. The basic head and body patterns found in "Creepy Cute" by Christen Haden
   
   I find that the pattern from Creepy Cute gets a little more of that chubby-cutesy look. Everything else is a matter of trial and error!

We bought one of these one year and it seemed to be the best option. As far as the one that can't roll up, I'm not sure the best option besides over in it so nothing gets on it