Greater Austin Comic Con Tickets

This is the second time I have attended the Greater Austin Comic Con to add context to my review. The parking availability at the H-E-B Center was amazing! The $8 fee for parking was very reasonable and there was ample parking space. The show floor for vendors was in complete contrast to the parking. Vendor booths were packed tightly together leaving very little room for movement between them. I was constantly bumping into others or getting bumped into as I navigated along the narrow pathway left for guests. Everyone was packed in like sardines in a tin. Shopping at the booths was challenging because there was not enough space to investigate vendors' offerings. It was also difficult to truly appreciate the efforts of cosplayers because I couldn't get a good view of their costumes. I almost missed the 501st Legion because they were located on the 2nd floor and information on how to get to the 2nd floor was lacking. I don't regret attending, I just wish there had been more space to allow for the flow of traffic.

So arriving at the HEB center, I went right to the East entrance per the event's posted rules so that I could go through a security screening for my costume. The folks in the security uniforms informed me that 1) my empty water bottle was considered a weapon and then 2) asked if my animatronic droid prop had any metal. I explained that it contained wires, servos, screws, circuit boards etc to facilitate the sounds and motion. They asked "but does it have metal?" After I explained in more simple terms, they informed that after my water bottle was returned to my car, I'd need to go through security at the North entrance. After a lengthy walk in costume and a long wait in line in 100+ degree heat, the security officers at the North entrance asked what I was doing there and sent me back to East. At the East entrance they tried to send me back to North. Then they directed me to one line, who sent me to another line, who sent me to the metal detectors. I passed through my droid, lightsaber hilt, phone etc. only to see them DROP AND BREAK both props as I was going through the metal detectors. Then they put "security tags" on them, sticking the adhesive all over my props. And they yelled at me for "holding up the line" while I was trying to collect all the broken pieces. Once inside, i saw DOZENS of cosplayers with prop guns with no tags, carrying reusable water bottles, and who admitted security had "waived them through" with no issues. Add to this the general decline in the convention from the past two times I went, and I would say this is a terrible comic convention and definitely one to avoid.

The guest were good super nice people all around. And the facilities were good. We were just not impressed with the variety of things to look at and buy. Its the same thing at every shop just about. Wish it was more unique things craft, art, etc.... Like if you were to have a live Etsy shop at a comicon with gamer,movie,tv,comic book, toys, crafts, clothing, etc....

My first con since 2019! I went specifically for Janet Varney and the artist booths. While the venue seems a bit small for the number of attendees, it was very well organized and secured with staff all over, available to ask for help. I went for a single day and stayed for about 6 hours. One of the best weekends of my year, so far! 4/5 stars due to the surprise payment required for parking. Make sure to tell people next time!

Unless you were present in the first hour of the event, you would have difficulty walking through the aisles or even stopping to see the different vendors. For those that did stop, it was similar to a traffic jam. Unless the venue changes, I won't be attending this ComicCon again.

While I appreciate that this is a small venue, I feel that there was just too much crammed onto the floor. My suggestion would be to move the autograph/special guests tables up to the 2nd floor. This way you open up the area for vendors and people who don't want autographs can avoid those crowded areas.

The staff was fine. Their direction on how to proceed with VIPs and regular folks was horrible. Every other convention before this to include San Diego, Frankfurt or Detroit there are two lines. VIP and is common folk. The people in charge would let one or VIPs go then a common person. At this show specifically for the James Hong line every VIP that showed up was allowed to get in front of the common people. It took 3 1/3 hours before I was allowed in to get an autograph and I was the first common person in line. This was the worst run convention in my live and I’m 51. Been going since I was 14.

The people working the comic con were rude. You could not move around because just too many people. My grandson would have like to look at thing but you could not because if you did would have got run over. We were only there a hour before we leave, my grandkids were not happy at all. You may were to think about coming it to a big place.

Overall, we were happy with the majority of positive attitudes and enthusiasm from the attendees and exhibitioners. No negative experiences due to interactions with other attendees or the celebs or exhibitioners. However, I feel the physical venue was not ideal. The exhibit floor was far too cramped given all the people and vendors. Felt like a sardine all day. Not enough aisle space to stop and visit a booth while others tried to pass. Lots of jostling and apologizing as people kept bumping into each other. Kudos to everyone keeping their cool. Also, it was confusing that there were some booths and celebrity stations on the second floor, tucked away in suites or common areas, while some were on the floor at one end or in the first floor concourse. The logic for what was put where was not obvious. While there was ample signage on the first floor to indicate there was more on the second floor, it still felt like we were "hunting" for things. Navigating the hallways filled with people trying to see the celebs could be... challenging.

The venue was far too small for how many people were there. It was near impossible to even see the vendors. Line to enter was very slow and the overall quality of the entire event was very poor. Will NOT buy tickets again.

For a small venue it was a bit crowded but i will say i enjoyed the weekend at comic con.

There was a limited number of famous people. The venue is too small which made it extremely difficult to walk and see the vendors. We could not enjoy the experience due to the size.

This was my wife and I first comicon. We got there early expecting a big crowd in the parking lot, turns out very few people came as early as we did. Once the line opened up after the VIP, it was neat. After about an hour the place was way way too crowded. Spent more time trying to find a path than looking at the vendors.

It was extremely crowded to the point where my son couldn’t even walk with my husband and I without Being squashed or pushed around. We had to carry him because the aisles were so small. Wish there was more celebrity appearances as well.

Lots of people like cons, especially in the big city of Austin. They also like to show off their awesome cosplays which is always fun to see. Unfortunately the venue for such a big city is the biggest bummer. You pay a heavy price for entry tickets and you cant really enjoy all the shops . You are either too busy to keeping moving and walking/standing by like sardines. I hope this con can soon get the moody center to host next shows.

It was fun overall. There needs to be more space in the walkway between vendors. Basically it was enough room to be a one way walkway 2 lane no way

Awesome experience! So many local vendors as well as some big time vendors. Has everything for every comic book/Manga readers as well as tabletop players! Will attended next year.

A very enjoyable event. It was a little crowded, but we all had a good time and found a lot of cool stuff and people. I hope they have another one next year.

We (family of 4) went both days and had a fantastic time. My only comment would be to have more food/drink vendors and more panel rooms. I love the classes and the chance to kind of decompress from the crowds and noise. More of those with maybe 2 or 3 conference rooms going instead of the main stage in the arena would be perfection. Otherwise, loved it and will go again for sure!

I went with my sons. It was my first time to any Comicon. It ended up being a used toy flea market that slammed as many people as they could together on the floor. Some vendors had absolutely nothing of value to sell and some wouldn't tell you what they were selling (sealed yum yum bag). I have over 100 brand new Lego Boxes so I could've done a lot better then most. I ended up buying over $200 worth of toys for my kids. Not sure I'll go back. Yes - Cosplay people were there, but they all hang together like a clique. Not sure what characters any of them were. Creepy old guys hitting on young girls who are dressed like anime char. OH - and washed up actors from shows long forgotten. I think that sums it up.