As Phoenix Comicon approaches, cosplayers prepare their armor.

Cosplaying is the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game and is a shortened form of “costume play.” Cosplayers know the ins and outs of attending conventions and they are always open to giving advice on how to survive Phoenix Comicon.

This year’s Comicon takes place June 2-5 in the downtown Phoenix Metro area at the Phoenix Convention Center. It is easy to hop on the light rail and take it all the way to downtown or, if going by car, be prepared to pay a bit at the parking garages. You will know you are there when you see Gokus and Deadpools trotting around.

Hours can fly by while you walk around. There are food vendors and free water fountains, but you will also need time to relax. Restaurants are packed when leaving the convention, so prepare for this. In this regard, cosplayers have experience with how to handle situations. Local cosplayer Chii Hill cannot stress strong enough the value of knowing what to bring beforehand.

“Please, please, please feed yourself,” Hill said. “Bring food, bring snacks and bring lots and lots of water. Secondly, take breaks. It’s a big place with a lot to see but you need to give yourself a rest and refuel often. Also, wear comfortable shoes. Even a small heel will quickly become cruel and unusual punishment after about an hour. Lastly, there are going to be a lot of people and a lot of neat things everywhere.”

One of the main attractions about Comicon is that it appeals to people of all ages, including children. However, an adult must accompany children under the age of 12. There are enough things to keep the kids interested and the parents excited. Another big part of Phoenix Comicon is experiencing the culture of cosplay. The best thing you can do for yourself is be open-minded about geek culture. This can be done by admiring the costumes, talking to the people about their passions, or even trying cosplay yourself or your kids. It is strongly advised that before attending Comicon you read the “Cosplay is not Consent” section of the rules of behavior section for the convention. While Comicon is a family friendly event there may be some in scantily-clad costumes to reflect characters and it is important that people also ask first before they take a photo of someone in costume.

For adults looking to get in on the cosplay action make a list of what your outfit needs such as props, weapons and wigs. You will want to get started now to avoid the last-minute rush of having your costume done in time. Many cosplayers prepare months in advance to perfect their outfits.

Phoenix Comicon is a great place to experience something completely new. It is a place to have fun and hang out with people that enjoy geek culture. But with attendance growing annually, it can become a hassle very quickly if you do not know what to do to prepare. Make sure to bring your own food, water, and take plenty of breaks. Following the advice from fellow cosplayers can save you time and energy.