CHRIS GIANCAMILLI
STAFF WRITER

Comic-Con has been a San Diego tradition for quite some time now. San Diegans and comic fans from around the world gather for this exciting event every year.

Though Comic-Con can be heaven for some, it also has its share of criticisms.

For example, buying tickets gets increasingly difficult with each passing convention. Comic-Con tries to alleviate the situation by adding more purchasing options such as offering a second chance day to buy tickets. But offering a second day to purchase tickets doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be easier to buy them. Every time Comic- Con allows the public to purchase passes online, they sell out in minutes.

And with such a popular demand for tickets, crowding and long wait lines are always expected. It’s very difficult to navigate through the exhibit hall. Attendees should make sure they have their cell phones fully charged just in case they lose their party.

While the exhibits are fun to hang out at, the panels are also an interesting aspect of the con experience. But the long wait lines sometimes prevent attendees from getting into the panel they’ve been dying to see. Some Comic-Con attendees wait in the room of a panel they don’t particularly care for just to guarantee themselves a spot in a later panel taking place in the same room.

Those of us who reside in San Diego County will have another problem to face— parking. Although you can purchase a parking pass from the Comic-Con website, they’re pretty expensive. Each pass costs around $20 for all day parking for one day. There are cheaper lots around the city, but they are not within walking distance of the convention center. Thankfully, Comic- Con offers a free shuttle service that has various stops around the city.

Unfortunately, San Diego Comic-Con tickets are sold out for this year. However, fans should keep an eye out for the big entertainment news and announcements made during that time.

Though Comic-Con has several problems and minor annoyances, it is a very unique scene. Die-hard fans of comics and all-things-nerdy should attend Comic- Con at least once. It’s still an incredible experience where you can be around other people who genuinely love the art, the industry, and the wonder of comics.