Whether you missed last May's Dallas Comic Con or it's simply been too long since you've cosplayed, this weekend's Comic Con Fan Days has you covered. It's not just mid-year filler fandom either. Some of pop culture's biggest names in movies, television and comic books are Texas-bound this weekend, and we've got your A-Z guide on what to expect right here.
Autographs Waiting for an hour to reach the front of the line where someone sits at a long table seems pretty ridiculous, but it's oh-so-worth it when you have that signed headshot of John Barrowman and an additional self-esteem boost after he hits on you. Now is definitely the time, Captain. Don't come empty-handed though, because autographs don't come cheap at Comic Con. One autograph will cost you anywhere from $30 to $90 depending on the celebrity and item autographed. Be sure to also check the site ahead of time to see which big names require pre-purchased tickets.
Breaking Bad Spoilers Do you have a problem with meth? Already suffering withdrawal after Sunday's Breaking Bad finale? Then you won't want to miss Saturday's Breaking Bad Q&A with two of the show's awesome supporting cast, Giancarlo Esposito (Gus) and Charles Baker (Skinny Pete). However, if you're one of the many people who have been avoiding Facebook and social interactions in general because you're not caught up yet, you may want to avoid the main stage on Saturday around 2 p.m.
Cosplay The essential element to any fan convention. The best cosplayers get almost as much attention as the celebrities themselves, and this year's Fan Days features cosplay favorites Nicole Marie Jean and Destiny Nickelson. Come in your own Sunday best and strut your stuff down the Cosplay Red Carpet. Check the schedule to find out when your character makes their appearance.
Draco Malfoy OK, so he went through an awkward phase somewhere around Goblet of Fire, but he did finally grow into his nose. And if you've got a thing for adolescent assholes turned morally conflicted teenagers, you're in luck. Sport your house colors and say hi to the Slytherin elite, Draco Malfoy, A.K.A. Tom Felton, who will be on-hand for autographs photo-ops and a Q&A.
Exhibitors Hope you saved up because, as always, the Exhibit Hall on the first floor will be jam-packed with comic-books, toys, T-shirts, art and all things geeky for your purchasing pleasure. Save up or have bring your credit card.
Fans That's what it's all about right? It is called Fan Days, after all. This is where the super-obsessed come together to revel in the gloriousness that is nerding out to your favorite pop culture phenomenon. Whether you let your geek flag fly all year long or only let it come out to play once or twice a year at Comic-Con, take this time to let your inner fanboy or fangirl let loose amongst your own.
Green Ranger I know, I know. He's there every year. But you know what? It's OK. You know why? Because he's smoking hot. And he's the Green Ranger for God's sake! You won't want to miss Jason David Frank Fan Days edition wearing his Power Ranger costume!!
Hellboy After five seasons of Sons of Anarchy, I love and hate Ron Perlman so much I might just wait in line to punch him in the face. But then I remember him with fondness as Hellboy. Who else could pull off gruff, sarcastic and charismatic? And with layers of makeup and prosthetics to boot, he still manages to look like Ron Perlman.
Irving Convention Center As always, this is where it's at. If you think it's out of the way, just remember you don't have to deal with downtown Dallas. With three spacious floors of nerdery to revel in, we really can't complain. Here's to hoping they worked out the escalator traffic issues from last May.
John Barrowman Oh, Captain Jack Harkness. How we love thee. ... And he loves us too -- male, female, whatever. OK, mostly male. But that doesn't mean we can't flirt and swoon when Barrowman flashes that trademark smile. The beloved star of Doctor Who and Torchwood will be surely be one of the weekend's biggest draws so check his schedule and plan accordingly.
Kane Hodder Just in time for Halloween, don't miss everyone's favorite Jason. Hodder played Mr. Voorhees in Friday the 13th Part VII, VIII and Jason Goes to Hell. Hope you're a virgin or you might want to watch your back.
Lex Luthor If you've already seen the Green Ranger and Draco Malfoy, go on, give in to the Kryptonite and check out Michael Rosenbaum before changing out of your green duds for something a little less evil. He may not be Gene Hackman or Kevin Spacey, but he played Lex Luthor for seven seasons on Smallville and just this year was included in TV Guide's list of "The 60 Nastiest Villains of All Time."
Money Bring it. Parking. Autographs. Impulse Buys. Food. You get the idea.
Neal Adams Headlining the artist guest list is legendary Eisner award-winning Neal Adams. He will be there all three days. Be sure to oh-so-carefully pull the best of your Adams repertoire from storage and gingerly pack it in your bag so that he can add some value with his autograph.
Online tickets This is important, guys. New rule for this year: The box office will not open each day until pre-registered guests have been admitted. Save yourself time and buy your tickets now!
Parking It's plentiful, but get there early to snag the best spots. And bring cash. It's not free.
Q&As The bread and butter of Comic-Con is attending the Q&A Panels to get a glimpse and maybe even ask a question of your favorite star. If there's one you don't want to miss, get to the auditorium a few panels ahead of time to guarantee yourself a seat. You can use that extra time to think of a question that's not stupid. We'll all appreciate it.
Rules They exist. Got fake weapons to go with your fabulous cosplay? Gotta prove they're fake first. Stop by the Weapons Check Desk in the main lobby for approval from the Irving Police Department.
Starbuck & Apollo The most sexually frustrated non-couple in the history of the galaxy. Battlestar Galactica actors Katee Sackhoff and Jamie Bamber will be on-hand for autographs, photo-ops and a panel revolving around the cult TV show.
T-1000 Before he gave cosplayers a reason to don head-to-toe blue, James Cameron created one of the most badass robots of all time, the T-1000 stoically played by Robert Patrick (also of X-Files fame). Between Cameron's special effects pioneering and Patrick's T-1000, we are left to wonder every time: How the hell is he going to be defeated?
Updated guest lists There were some pretty upset guests when Nathan Fillion pulled out at the last minute from Dallas Comic-Con earlier this year. Take note and check for updates often. Cancellations thus far: Carrie Fisher, Dave Prowse and John Rhys Davies.
Vote for Pedro "I see you're drinking 1 percent. Is that 'cause you think you're fat? 'Cause you're not. You could be drinking whole if you wanted to." It's hard to believe it's been almost a decade since we first heard of a Liger. Gosh! Grab your nunchucks so you can ask Jon Heder to recite your favorite Napolean Dynamite quote. He's going to love it.
Waiting The only thing more annoying than waiting in line is waiting in line behind someone who won't stop bitching about it. It's Comic-Con. That's what it is. You saw the line before you got in it. Get over it or get outta line.
X-Men Artists And Batman artists and Incredible Hulk artists and Sandman artists and Spiderman and Superman artists and ... well, you get the idea. Nearly 30 famed comic book artists will be available with their pens at the ready for autographs and sketches. Heads up, some require a fee.
Yoda & Friends Celebrate all things Star Wars this weekend with actors from across the franchise. Tom Kane, Clone Wars voice of Yoda, will be signing autographs for FREE. Refer to "W" above because who doesn't love free stuff? Just make sure you're finished in time to catch the Star Wars Q&A with Anthony Daniels and Peter Mayhew, otherwise known as C3PO and Chewbacca from the original trilogy. Yeah, that's right.
Zombie Killer Steven Yeun's Glenn has become quite effective at staving off zombies to protect his brains. And while the pop culture phenomenon of everything-zombie is waning, the popularity of AMC's Walking Dead certainly is not. Binge watch the latest season and check out the Q&A with one of the original cast members.
