The con begins tomorrow so I think it’s a good time to revisit some rules I laid down for myself last year:
1) Park in the CTA lot.
2) No buying recent comics for more than $2.
3) No buying books I can easily pick up through my local comic shop, Borders, Barne & Noble or Amazon.
A) A savings of 45% or more
B) or a savings of more than $25 off cover price
4) Keep food bill down.
Last year, these rules served me pretty well and I walked out of Rosemont with some interesting books like Jack Kirby’s adaptation of 2001, the adaptation of Spielberg’s 1941 and an old Alex Nino graphic novel published by DC back in the 80s. It was a good con from that aspect.
The same rules are going to be in effect this year. The CTA parking was actually kind of nice and as long as there’s no weather issues, I’ll probably go that route again this year. The only recent books that may entice me at the con are DC’s Trinity if I can pick up the first month’s worth of issues for $1 a piece. Anymore than that and I’ll easily walk away. I’m curious about Trinity but not that interested.
The third rule will be a bit more trickier this year. I’ve already made what was going to be my big con purchase when I found Absolute Sandman V3 at Borders for 30% off earlier this week. Two hardcovers I’d like to get are the just released All Star Batman and Robin and the second half of The Sinestro Corps storyline. If I walk away with those books this weekend, I’ll be very happy.
The fourth rule should be another easy one as I’ll try to take food and con munchies with me.
I think avoiding spending money this year will be easier than it has been in the past. This year, I’m looking forward to meeting people and actually socializing a bit during con hours. Saturday is the only completely open day I have to wander the floor. On Friday, I’ll be at the con by 9am but thanks to volunteering and the podcasting panel, I probably won’t be actually hitting the floor until 3pm.