I'm missing preview night but I promised some people I'd hook them up with that super limited MOTU art book. I'm thinking that if I arrive at the convention center between 3 and 4 AM Wednesday night/Thursday morning I would be close to first in line right? Right?

I'm going to be honest FE, I would probable show up 30-60 minutes after the doors open. I'm assuming this is your first SDCC? Getting up that early and waiting isn't going to do anything but tire youself out for the day and honestly, it doesn't guarantee you are going to beat anyone to the Mattel booth or get to the head of the line. Think of it this way, it's like the guys who are at the stores when the doors open and run to the toy aisles to insure they are going to get that one figure/car first. At SDCC it's a whole lot worse and my wife and I usually got there about 45 minutes into the show, the lines are down to get inside and you can move to your own pace. Besides, Mattel and Hasbro will probable have a raffle system anyway. So why not save up your energy for that line. Good luck and remember to have fun. Wish we were going.

There are a bunch of variables that may waste your effort's to lineup early. Unlike most shows that only have one entrance, SDCC has multiple entrances like a football stadium. The entrances do not open all at the same time, there is a slight stagger by a few seconds. The two entrances for Hasbro and Mattel are side-by-side and usually have large mobs gathering an hour before opening. When the doors open, it's like the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain.

Hasbro and Mattel should be handing out Fast Passes. Each pass guarantees you admittance into the booth's line at a later time. For example, if you grab a Fast Pass Thursday morning, it may promise you admittance after 12 the same day. Hasbro did this last year and it was much better than a raffle system.

The trick is getting your admission ticket registered for a badge...as long as you have the badge to get in, I agree with Donster, you only have to be there a little bit early because they hold everyone outside until the doors open and that is usually chaos. You should also consult a floor plan to see where the Mattel booth is stationed and line yourself up in front of that appropriate entrance. Good Luck!

Yeah, man, don't go nuts. Honestly, its not worth it. Even the times I've been close to the front getting in there was still a massive line at Mattel and Hasbro when I got there. Don't know how it happens. Its evil magic. My biggest advice is don't ruin Con by stressing too much about any one thing. I know its very hard but you'll enjoy the show a million times more if you can accept the mentality of: "Well, if I don't get such-and-such its not really a big deal."

Actually I've been going since 1997, and since 2000 have always had a four day badge, except for the last two years when they have sold out! I'm familiar with the early morning herd, but I have never once arrived before 10 am. I know the floor plan pretty well, I know the best ways to get in.
The MOTU art books will be sold to the first 250 to get to the Mattel booth. A fast pass will do me no good when the books sell out in less then an hour. That is why I'm entering the running of the San Diego bulls. But like I said I know my way around. I know how problematic and aggravating it will be. But it should be all worth it when I walk away with my allotment of art books for me and my fellow He-Man.org members. I appreciate all the advice, as I would tell my self the same thing under any other circumstance. I really just need to know how early in the morning people began to line up outside the convention center. I need to make sure I get my badge as fast as I can so I can be one of the first bulls out of the gate




Normally you would be right, and I would avoid the madness like i have these last 12 years, but If i let 250 people get in my way I'm going to be disappointing a lot of people. I'm picking up these books because I have already sold them, and since I lost my job this is the ONLY money I have to spend at SDCC.

Best of luck, my friend! Or should I say "Buena suerte, mi amigo!"
Don't get mauled!

I'm the bull remember

Man oh man. With 250 books a day and a limit of 2 per person, letting 125 people get in front of you will ruin the day. As I'm sure most people in line will buy the book whether they want it or not. Best of luck to you.

I think it's actually 1000 total.

500 on Wednesday and 500 on Thursday.

There is a cap of 2 books per, but there is always certainly some people who only want one...like me.

Good luck!

Thursday?
Real Con attendees show up on Wednesday Night!

Correct. With the secondary market value of these books as high as they are, most people are going to be buying these and not even keeping one!
I think you are the only person planning on just getting one.



Yeah It certainly would take out a lot of stress if I was going on preview night! I can't believe four day passes sold out as quick as they did this year!