It was big. It was awesome. It was conquered. There were so many things to see and experience that, although I did a LOT, I still feel like I could go year after year and always have something new to do. First thing's first. The Convention Center. The center is huge. There were dozens of rooms where the panels were being held, a rooftop artist's and creator's corner, and the main hall where vendors came in droves. Wares of movies, games, manga, comics, artwork, books, and toys lined every wall, except at the Viz booth. They had a couple iPads tethered to a wall (??).

If you make it out at any point, make sure to take the time to look at all the insanely amazing resin statues/figures everywhere. I saw this Batman one that was a dead ringer for Christian Bale. Only he was like, 8 inches tall. Scary amazing. Every game and manga and comic you could think of had 'em. Halo, Final Fantasy, Naruto, Okami -- so ridiculously pretty that I wish I had the money and giant geek room (g-eek ruum, n. a secluded place, generally a parents' basement, used to as a shrine all the figurines, comics, and comic art that causes non-otaku girls to run away shouting "geek," "geek," "geek" all the way home) to properly store them.

With a heavy heart I must admit that whilst in the throes of first time Comic Con visitor-ness, I fell prey to Swag-fever. So, as I recover from Swag-fever I offer my advice to those trying to avoid infection in the future: partly as a letter of warning to my future self as well.

First Caveat of Swag: Swag is heavy. You literally spend all day on your feet at this event. And comfy shoes aren't enough to avoid the pains of such expenditure. If you start to notice that your feet or shoulders are especially worn out, that means you might be falling to Swag's Siren call. Prioritize. Do you want more random magazines or more resin statues?

Second Caveat of Swag: You are a walking Advertisement. If you are being asked all kinds of questions by random people about some random thing you picked up but don't even like, then you may be coming down with Swag-fever. Swag is designed to be seen. If you're a hardcore fan for something, then collect and wear/use the Swag liberally. Represent.

Third Caveat of Swag: It's so shiny... This caveat is self-explanatory.

Fourth Caveat of Swag: Reduce, reuse, recycle. People will ask you for your swag. If you're not using it or not wanting it, why not? Some people make clothes or artwork out of random things like the big bags they give you or the flyers people hand out. Swag-fever may make you excessively possessive about things you may not even want. Beware.

Fifth Caveat of Swag: T-shirts are awesome. Get them early and jump through the hoops to get them. It seems like everyone runs out of Medium and Large shirts. Bonus! Because T-shirts are light weight, advertise pretty things, and are reusable, they don't count toward Swag-fever infection! Huzzah!

I'll be going back next year. I just gotta remember to reflect upon this rant before then.

- Glenn