Experienced cosplayers know that planning for comic-con is a lot like planning for the apocalypse. Prepare for anything that comes your way with a smartphone filled with the latest and greatest comic-con tech tools. Lost amidst a herd of Bronies? We’ve got you covered. Looking for the nearest parking spot? There’s an app for that. Don’t know where to fuel up for the big day? No problem! Stuck in line waiting for a chance to hyperventilate in front of your favorite comic book artist? Well, you’re on your own there buddy. The following five essential apps will help you out with everything else.
Official International Comic-Con
Cosplayers attending Comic-Con International in San Diego need the event’s official Comic-Con app. The program schedules, maps and list of exhibitors included in this free app will help you create the perfect itinerary, so you’ll have more than enough time to meet both Neal Adams and Kevin Eastman. The app also features local hotels and nearby shuttles to help you plan your stay before you even step foot in San Diego. The Official International Comic-Con app is available for both iPhone and Android.
ComicRack
Pass the time during the inevitable waits at comic-con with ComicRack. This free app stores and organizes digital copies of your favorite comics and allows you to view them in full screen reading mode. ComicRack works best on tablets and smartphone with large screens like the LG Optimus L90 from T-Mobile. Other app features include, fast navigation, auto scrolling, auto rotation, dynamic zooming, automatic page fitting, magnifier, manga mode, dual screen support and a multiple tab interface.
Best Parking
Comic-Con veterans know that the most difficult part isn’t creating a costume, it’s finding a parking space within five miles of the event. Avoid driving around for hours to find a spot with the Best Parking app. This amazing tool instantly finds the nearest and cheapest parking garages near you. It will also include information on the parking facility, such as hours of operation and phone number. Over 105 major cities throughout the U.S. are supported by the Best Parking app, which works on both iPhone and Android.
Localmind
If you’ve ever wondered whether the eatery across the street takes credit cards or how clean the bathrooms are at the local pub, Localmind is the app for you. The ingenious app allows users to send questions to someone that is checked-in at a location through Foursquare or Facebook. Comic-Con goers traveling out of state will find this app to be a total life-saver in a unfamiliar area. It’s like having a local as your BFF.
Comic Strip It!
Turn the photos you took at comic-con (we’re guessing you took quite a few) into a comic strip that you can share with friends and post on all your social media platforms. You can position, resize or rotate images from your gallery and add captions, image effects and speech bubbles to them. Continue to enjoy comic-con long after it’s over by making your own comics with Comic Strip It! The lite version of Comic Strip It! is free and the pro version is 99 cents. Both versions are available on Android.