Don’t get me wrong, Comic-Con is a great event. It’s basically the Mecca for all things dork related. That said, at the end of the day, it’s still a convention, and like all conventions, there’s a lot of B.S. to deal with. However, a little preparation will go along way to making your Comic-Con experience an enjoyable one. Following these simple tips will ensure you don’t have the “worst Comic-Con ever.”

Read the Schedule/Plan Ahead

There’s a reason we’ve been posting the schedule for each day’s events. With so much to see and do, it’s essential for you to prioritize and plan ahead. Unfortunately, you’re not going to see everything. There’s simply too much going on, and events often conflict. Sure, getting your picture with Elvira: Mistress of the Dark would be kind of neat, but is she worth missing out on the cast of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia? Do your homework, and keep in mind that popular events fill up fast. It pays to be early.

Bring Snacks

You know that panel that you’re really dying to see? Well guess what; everyone else is dying to see it, too. This means you’ll be waiting in line for a very, very long time. Lunch? Forget about it. Yeah, you might be able to send your friend to buy some overpriced concession-stand slop, but you run the risk of losing his spot in line, or pissing off the people behind you. Your best bet is to bring your own grub: protein bars, bananas, or anything you can eat without making a mess. It will tide you over, and go a long way toward keeping you sane while you wait.

Bring Sunscreen

Many convention centers are completely contained within one building or connected by covered walkways. This makes sense in Chicago, where temperatures are unbearable for at least six months out of the year. But in sunny San Diego, this isn’t the case, and you may find yourself waiting in a line that is outdoors. If you’re prone to sunburn, it makes sense to bring some sunblock, or at the very least, a hat. Unless of course you’d like to be mistaken for Red Skull, in which case you can disregard this tip.

Chose a Costume Wisely

So, you’re going to try your hand at cosplay. I salute you (especially if you’re a young, attractive female). But keep in mind that while dressing up like a member of the Incredibles might look great, it might also be incredibly uncomfortable. Superheroes are able to pull off tights and battle armor for long periods of time, but are you prepared to go the whole day dressed as a marine from StarCraft? And even if you bring a change of clothes, are you prepared to lug your discarded costume around for the rest of the day? Obviously we’re all for cosplay, so by all means, go for it. All we’re saying is that a little preparation goes a long way. Have a plan in place, and you can avoid a lot of headaches.

Bring Extra Batteries

When attending an event of this scope, there’s literally something to photograph or tweet about around every corner. How long does your cellphone battery last? The same question applies to your freestanding camera or camcorder. It never hurts to have a backup battery on hand. After all, I’d hate for you to miss out on getting your picture taken with Romulan #3 from episode 27 of Star Trek: Voyager.

Consider Using The Stadium Pal

Speaking of long lines, do you really want to risk your spot just because you have to take a leak? Besides, have you ever been in a bathroom that’s been used by Wookiees? Trust me, it’s disgusting. But with the Stadium Pal, you can relieve yourself while you wait in line, and those around you will be oblivious. Yes, this all-in-one urine catching apparatus might be a little embarrassing, but with all the crazy cosplay going on, no one is going to be looking at you. Then again, if you can work an adult diaper into your cosplay outfit, maybe the Stadium Pal is unnecessary.

Speaking of cosplay…

Bring Condoms (Because You Never Know)

If the stereotypes are to be believed, your average Comic-Con attendee probably doesn’t have a lot of game when it comes to meeting ladies. Whether that’s true or not is debatable. Regardless, at Comic-Con, anything is possible. If a girl is willing to set foot in this convention of her own free will, chances are she’s into dorky guys. And if she’s walking around dressed as Power Girl or Slave Leia, she obviously needs a lot of male attention. Sure, the ratio of guys to girls will be against you, but who knows? Maybe you’ll be the lucky man who reminds her of the dad she obviously never had. And if that’s the case, the last thing you want is to catch a case of “The Stigma” from some Vulcan hottie. So, make sure your web slinger is wearing his mask.

Iron Fist

Iron Fist harnessing his chi

First up is the enigmatic “Iron Fist”. Although a feature film was supposed to be in the works, it seems to have become lost in development hell since nothing concrete has ever materialized. A pity because Iron Fist is definitely one of the more interesting characters in comic books. A formidable martial-arts fighter, Iron Fist trained under the venerable master, Lei Kung. Through his training he learned deadly fighting techniques and developed the ability to focus his chi to augment his already impressive physical attributes. As a result, Iron Fist has enhanced strength, speed, reflexes, agility and durability. At one point, he even battled the powerfu Iron Man to a near standstill. How’s that for cinema worthy?

Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel shooting fire blasts

Not to be mistaken for Shazam, the DC Comics character with the lightning bolt motif on his chest and a host of powers similar to Superman‘s (though their super suits are so similar you’d be hard-pressed to distinguish the two), Captain Marvel is Marvel Comics‘ version of, well, Superman. But Captain Marvel is his own man—a superhero secretly sent by an alien race to spy on humanity, while living with the people of Earth, he fought alongside this planet’s heroes defending the populace from evildoers. Slowly, Captain Marvel began to understand us and empathize with us. When his superiors learn about his apparent betrayal, he is branded a traitor for his transgressions. Captain Marvel has the ability to fly and fire energy blasts. He’ll also kick anyone’s ass in a fight.

Winter Soldier

Marvel Comics' Winter Soldier

Comic aficionados know that Captain America once had a dependable sidekick. The young James “Bucky” Barnes bravely fought and stood by Captain America against the Nazis during World War II. Unfortunately, he suffered a terrible plane accident and was thought lost over the raging seas. Miraculously, his cold-preserved but badly battered body was then found by the Russians who saved him from certain doom. Unfortunately though, the hero was also brainwashed. He then was given cyborg appendages and became an elite assassin for the Soviets. Sounds like an intriguing Manchurian Candidate-esque concept ripe for a 3D viewing to us.

Machine Man

Machine Man

This obscure character started off his existence as a robot but was eventually granted the gift of sentience. An unlikely hero, he often wonders what it would be like to be human. He initially had a hokey, mechanized look but eventually made himself look more like a real person. Machine Man has a variety of weapons and has telescopic arms and legs which he uses for a variety of attacks. He also has superhuman strength as well as enhanced stamina and speed. Neo Terminator, anyone?

Zombie Spider-Man

Zombie Spider-Man attacking a fellow ghoul

The Marvel Zombie Universe is an alternate Marvel reality where most of the world’s super-powered individuals and regular folk have been devoured or turned into flesh-eating zombies. Unfortunately for us, the great Spider-Man has been zombified and teams up with most of the former heroes who have also been turned into to a rampaging horde of ravenous creatures. With their powers and abilities still intact, thi unstoppable army of the undead have the upper hand and systematically pick off the planet’s remaining survivors. The Marvel Zombie Universe effectively combines super-heroics with the time-tested zombie genre for some slam-bang action and intense terror. While the Spider-Man movies were great, a Zombie Spider-Man would indubitably be even better.

It’s finally here: Comic-Con 2009!  Whether you’re reading this from the comfort of your living room in the Midwest, or the comfort of a hard sidewalk as you wait in line for the NEW MOON panel, your heart has to be racing for all the fun in store these next few days.  Screen Junkies will be there the entire time, quick on the draw with our Twitter, and posting updates right here on the site.

To kick off the convention, we thought we’d offer a word to the wise attendee.  In the below video clip, Kevin Smith shows us why you never heckle a man with a microphone.  His voice projects a lot louder than yours, and that includes when he makes fun of your mother.  So remember fans, well thought out inquires only.      

Note: If you have trouble viewing the video click here.

EMBED-Kevin Smith Owns Jerk At Comic Con – Watch more free videos

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Television’s ultimate pitchman has passed away. Billy Mays, the charismatic and clamorous infomercial host died in his sleep after sustaining a head injury during a rough plane landing this past weekend. The very likeable Mays is currently co-starring with Anthony Sullivan on the Discovery Channel show Pitchmen. This really is such a shame. It’s always sad to see someone cut down while their star is on the rise. His contributions to the tapestry of television will be sorely missed. (Variety)

And on a side note, can we please put a stop to all of these recent high profile deaths? Keyboard Cat’s paws are gonna fall off at this rate.