Undeniably, Batman’s utility belt stands out as the most mysterious device in the entire multiverse. It houses everything from pharmaceuticals to shark repellent spray. It’s akin to the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter. It’s rather insane how many tchotchkes and trinkets is contained within that beautiful yellow belt. Honestly, I’m surprised the Justice League hasn’t launched an internal investigation on the mystery of said belt. Think about it – what if the belt itself is not of this earth?! Where ARE all the missing people of gotham – inside POCKET X, of course.

Contemplating Batman’s utility belt gave me great pause. I realized that we convention-goers should really consider having our own utility belt. In my previous article, I stressed the importance of  planning. Now, I’d like to delve into crafting a metaphorical ( or not  ) utility belt that can aid in smoothly navigating Fan Expo Chicago. However, I acknowledge that many of you might already possess a IRL utility belt. God bless you, cosplayers!



So, ask yourself what items would you want to include in your utility belt?

Money was the first thing that came to mind. The second was Aleve or some pain-relieving wonder drug. As I write this, I’m dealing with a severely pinched nerve in my shoulder, impacting my mobility. Experiencing this torture makes me appreciate the trials Batman and all our other fictional heroes face… Eh, well that isn’t true. The pain is far too freakingg horrible to make any sort of fictional comparison. Anyways,  It’s also evident that carrying a few legitimate painkillers is a smart choice. Consider this – we’ll be at the convention for the entire weekend.  That means we will be covering a lot of miles on foot. Just thinking about it has my bones, joints, and confidence already aching.

With significant walking comes great hunger. This leads to the next essential in our utility belt – snacks! I don’t mean (insert Chicago accent) Flamin’ Hots, candies, or sugary treats. I’m referring to protein-rich, energy-fueling delights like energy bars, protein bars, and assorted dried meats. We’ll be burning calories faster than the Flash. We need proper refueling. Personally, I’ve moved past the days of toughing it out without feeding. Without sustenance, I’ll transform into a grumpy Hulk aka Harrison Ford as the future Red Hulk. For those rolling their eyes at my weakness, think of it as a money-saving move – con food is pricey!

Alright, so we have pain relief and various snacks. Now, what else can we bring? Not gas pellets – not that kind of gas. And definitely not Bat-cuffs – that’s just odd and might get you banned for life.  Ah, I have it! Headphones for your preferred listening device. While browsing through long boxes and focusing on my pull list, I prefer listening to music that aids in concentration and helps deter extraverted people away. Usually, it’s a superhero soundtrack. Sometimes, the energy and noise of the Con can be overwhelming, so having an auditory escape is wise. If interested, I put together a Comic Con playlist on Spotify. Check it out!

Now, consider how you’ll carry all this while also holding onto the merchandise you acquire from the Con. This is where our next utility belt addition comes in – a backpack. Don’t tell me it won’t fit in a utility belt; Batman manages to have an entire forensics lab in his! A backpack is reasonable. Using a comfortable backpack allows you to carry more items and organize everything mentioned earlier. For more than a decade, my best friend was the one with the backpack. This year, I’m dedicating my back to my own backpack.

Ultimately, the contents of your utility belt for any given comic con are up to you. However, I believe each item should be meaningful, practical, and selected to enhance your overall experience.

Speaking of experiences, and wrapping this up, we have officially made it to the opening of Fan Expo Chicago!!

I’m bursting with excitement for all things fandom that I will engage in, discover, and inevitably buy. I genuinely feel that this year will bring back the golden days of comic book conventions. Something about having Frank Miller, Chris Claremont, and Klaus Janson under the same roof really makes me smile.

Friends, I look forward to sharing my discoveries and experiences with you all through the weekend. As always, stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the Con to the MAXXXX!