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Comic Con Glossary of Terms: All the key lingo you need to navigate an upcoming cosplay, comic book, or anime convention
From Badges to Cosplans to what's the big deal about Hall H, we've got you covered.
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The world of comic book conventions is a magical place where nearly anything is possible, but it does come with a lingo of its own. Some terms are specific to certain conventions – Hall H is very much a San Diego Comic-Con thing, for example – while others are used more generally around the convention circuit. Even if you’re a veteran convention goer, there might still be some comic con terms that catch you off guard – which is why we’re here to help.
Here at Popverse, we go to a lot of conventions scattered across the US and even a couple overseas, so we’re in a good position to tell you what you can expect to find on most show floors. If you’ve ever come across a term on a convention website that had you scratching your head, here is what they mean:
After Dark: Not every convention has late-night programming, but those that do will often refer to it as "After Dark" programming - a sign that it is not for either kids or those with a particularly sensitive disposition. Prudes beware!
Artist Alley: If you're looking to find a creator to chat to, buy original art from, or simply say hello, there's no better place to do it than Artist Alley - an essential part of every show that also doubles as a highlight of every show, as well.
Autograph Area: Sure, it might seem surprising, but there really are spaces at all major cons where your favorite celebrities and assorted guests will happily wait and sign whatever you want. Just try to keep it clean. This is a family show.
Badge: A physical, plastic version of your entry ticket; essentially, it is your key to the event that you need to show to get into the convention. Note that some conventions use wristbands instead of badges, but they function the same way.
Blind Box: Traditionally con-exclusive merchandise from a familiar vendor or manufacturer, but packaged in such a way that you won't actually know what you've bought until it's in your hands. Think of it as adding a small little thrill of gambling to your shopping. Good luck!
Con Crud: That feeling you get when your health crashes after a convention. Is it COVID? Probably not. Is it a cold? Unlikely. So why are you feeling so tired, lethargic, and achy? That would be the Con Crud. You're welcome. (Also, wash your hands more often.)
Con Crunch: That last-minute rush to get your cosplay together for the convention. This can include finishing sewing a piece together, putting the final touches on some armor, or dousing your wig in enough hot glue that it defies gravity.
Cosplans: Your cosplay plans for each day of the event, complete with character names and visual references.
Cosplay Medic: Wish you could fix your costume in the middle of the convention, but you don't have the correct tools to do so? Look for a nearby Cosplay Medic; these brave souls wander conventions armed with everything necessary to keep costumes looking pristine. They're doing the hard work on the floor.
Crystal Palace: The lobby at NYCC where Will Call is located. The Show Floor entrances can also be accessed via this room.
Deodorant: Something that is absolutely necessary when you’re going to be in a big room with thousands of other excited fans for the weekend.
DoorDash: Con-exclusive terminology? Of course not, but food delivery (through Doordash or any other option) can be a necessity to make sure you're eating after a day at the convention. No show is worth starving yourself for.
Fan Verification: A unique fan profile that connects your badge with everything happening at the convention. Used at shows like New York Comic Con to access ticket presales and select panels and reservations.
Hall H: The main hall at SDCC where some of the biggest announcements are made. Think back to when Robert Downey Jr. was announced as Doctor Doom – that is the kind of stuff you see at Hall H.
Lanyard: A piece of fabric worn around your neck that holds your badge. Most shows offer basic ones upon arrival or exclusive ones at the show store.
LFG: Looking for Group. This is often used by fans who are looking for other fans to hang out with. Things are more fun in a group, after all. Not to be confused with 'LFG' as in 'Let's F---ing Go' as popularized in Deadpool vs. Wolverine.
Masquerade: The main cosplay competition of most conventions. Here is where you’ll see what kind of costumes hours of work and gallons of caffeine can produce.
Panels: One of the biggest events at any convention. This is where celebrities, writers, and fans take to the stage to talk about what they do and why they love it.
Queue Hall: The gathering place for fans to take their place in line before the event opens. Getting in line early can get you into the show a bit sooner.
Quiet Room: Conventions can be really overwhelming places, with literally tens of thousands of people surrounding you at any given moment. Quiet rooms are escapes from the crowds - literal spaces where you can get away from it all and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Reservations: Your confirmation that you have a place in a specific panel or event that has a limited entry. Not all panels require Reservations, but those that are expected to be busy usually do.
Show Floor: Where the magic happens. This is the main open space where many of the convention’s main attractions are, including Exhibitors and the official Show Store.
Show Store: If you’re looking to pick up official merchandise from the convention, like t-shirts, lanyards, and tote bags, this is the place to do it.
Ticket Mailing Deadline: The last day to purchase tickets if you want to receive them by mail. If you buy tickets after the deadline, you will need to stand in long lines to pick them up at the event. Avoid the lines and buy tickets early!
Volunteer: Chances are, that person in an official convention t-shirt helping direct foot traffic in the middle of the show is actually a volunteer for the show. They'll be able to answer questions and offer advice where possible, but please be kind to them; they're probably very tired.
Weapons Check: Safety is paramount at a convention, and as part of that, it's important to make sure that the replica weapons that cosplayers are carrying are... well, safe to carry around the show and not actual weapons, really. An essential part of maintaining the peace of a show.
Will Call: The location to pick up your badges if you do not receive them by mail. Will Call opens days before the event and it is recommended to pick badges up here as early as you can.
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