#_author:Nicole Herviou

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Here's the Comic Con survival kit that everyone will need this weekend

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission.

Ready or not, here comes Comic Con International!

One of the biggest pop culture conventions in the world is this weekend, so it's about time for everyone to get excited. 

For those first timers out there, here's a list of all the things you'll need while on the floor of this massively geeky event. 

Image: Hot topic

A good backpack

You are going to need a lot of stuff. And you'll get a lot of free stuff. And then you'll buy a lot of stuff. 

STUFF!

So you're also going to need something to stuff your stuff in. A geeky backpack is the perfect way to go. You can get a bag that lets you embrace you love of Spider-Man, Supernatural, Star Wars, The Lion King, old-school Harley Quinn, new-school Harley Quinn, or Harry freaking Potter.

Check out all of these awesome backpacks and find the perfect one for you. It's a con essential for sure.

Image: Amazon

ALL the snacks

The amount of energy you will expend at a convention will amaze you. For real, it should not be that exhausting. But it is and it's worth it. 

You'll need to keep your stamina up with some nourishment, but no one wants to give up their Hall H seat to get a sandwich. So make sure you pack some granola bars and other snacks to keep you alert and ready to see some awesome stuff. 

And since the con lasts four full days, it does not hurt for you and your friends to buy in bulk. You'll be glad you did.

Image: hot topic

Refillable water bottle

It's also essential to stay hydrated. So save the environment and some money by bringing your own reusable water bottle and filling it at water fountains around the convention center. 

There are SO MANY geeky ones to choose from, including Wonder Woman and Doctor Who bottles, so you'll definitely find one that goes with your motif for the weekend. 

Image: Amazon

Art storage tube

You're gonna get art. You just are. 

Whether it's a poster or original prints from your favorite comic artist, you're going to walk out of the con with some sort of valuable piece of paper.

It's important to have something that will protect your new treasure so it endures no rips, folds, wrinkles, etc. You'll see these storage tubes everywhere, and it'll hold up for conventions to come.

Image: converse

Some comfortable shoes

There is a lot of walking around involved with a convention. Like, so much walking. So you'll need some comfortable shoes. 

If you want to get into the spirit from head to toe, DC Comics and Converse have a great line of sneakers that'll do the trick.

Image: Amazon

Fabric tape and safety pins

Are you cosplaying this year? Of course you are. Everyone should take a day during a con to partake in that great tradition. 

And you'll need to keep your cosplay on point. You'll probably hit some snags along the way, so be prepared with fabric tape and safety pins. They're the most useful tools when doing cosplay triage, and they're pretty small so they won't take up too much room in your bag.

Image: hot topic

Nerdy hoodie

For those days you're not in costume, you're gonna want to bring a sweatshirt. Because there are so many people packed into these convention centers, the air conditioning gets turned WAY up, making it pretty chilly at times.

A sweatshirt is the perfect remedy. This Deadpool hoodie allows you to stay warm and stay in character if you so choose. You can also show your love for Studio Ghibli with a My Neighbor Totoro hoodie, which is just adorable.

Or if a cardigan is more your speed, there's a Totoro one available that is also adorable.

Image: hot topic

Phone power pack

Your phone will probably die at some point. From all of the photos you'll snap, videos you'll take, frantic tweets and Facebook posts when big news is announced, and all of your other mobile activities, your battery will suffer the consequences.

So make sure you're not searching hopelessly for an outlet by getting a portable power pack. If you want something that isn't as plain, here's a fun cat one. (Because who doesn't love the internet's favorite memable critter?)

Pack all of these things, and you'll be all set. Have a great con!

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Suit up for Comic Con with these awesome fashion finds

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission.

Guys. We're a week out from Comic Con International in San Diego, and it's time to get excited about it.

Oh, you already were? Good, because SAME. 

But if you're still not sure what to wear over this amazing weekend filled with geekery and pop culture wonder, it's your lucky day. Embrace your geekness with these awesome additions to your wardrobe.

Image: Torrid/Boxlunch

Spider-Man

We're all still pretty pumped about Spider-Man: Homecoming, so why not show your enthusiasm with some Spidey wear?

This hoodie from BoxLunch is a great option, since it tends to get chilly in convention centers. You'll need a good layering item, and this could very well be your answer. 

But it is summer, after all. So show your love of the many faces of Spider-Man with this expressive tank from Torrid.

Image: BoxLunch

Rick and Morty

We are finally getting a third season of this delightful animated show. It's the prefect excuse to splurge on some great merch, right?

If you go crazy for szechuan sauce like Rick does, this tee is right up your alley. But if you're more into that incredible art and a colorful aesthetic, you can opt for this brilliant tank top. 

Image: BoxLunch

Game of Thrones

Ah, yet another season of heartbreak and twists is headed our way. What will be the next "hold the door" moment? The next Red Wedding? We cannot wait to find out. 

Show your allegiance to The First of Her Name, the Unburnt, Queen of Meereen, Queen of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains and Mother of Dragons with this Targaryen sigil tee. 

Or if your more of the type of person who just likes to drink and know things, you can get the shirt we all immediately wanted to buy as soon as Tyrion uttered those words. 

Image: Torrid/Boxlunch

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

The Buffy team had a long-awaited reunion earlier this year, and we're all still recovering. Wear that pride on your sleeve and find your fellow slayers by rocking some Buffy gear at the con. 

Spike or Angel? No need to chose anymore. (Even though we know you will. We all have very strong feelings about this.) You can have both of them, and Buffy, with this great portrait tee. 

And if you're feeling more of a vintage vibe, you can go with this classic logo tank.

Image: Torrid

Star Wars

Star Wars will always be a classic, so you absolutely can't go wrong with these choices.

The vintage look is alive and well with this 80s-tastic tee. I mean, is that an old poster? Is it just some cool art? I don't know, but I want it!

And fashionistas will go nuts over this chic Darth Vader tank. The Force will definitely be with you at Comic Con if you go in that. Just beware of the Dark Side!

Image: boxlunch

Wonder Woman

Wonder Woman kicked butt at the box office this summer, and these accessories are just as badass. 

This choker looks just like the iconic Lasso of Truth Diana carries with her, and that's just incredible. It may not do you any good in battle, but you'll still slay in it. 

And you're going to need something to carry your stuff in! A Wonder Woman mini backpack is the perfect bag, and this one is just too cute for words. 

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These budget-friendly necessities will make your first apartment a home

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission.

So you're about to reach a whole new level of independence and freedom with your very own apartment. Congratulations! This is a huge step.   

SEE ALSO: 9 pool floats you need right now

You'll soon find out that there are a lot of things you'll need in your first place. From necessities like furniture to the more decorative and comfortable touches, you'll need a lot of stuff to make this space your own.   

Here are some ideas for where to shop so you can get started.  

Image: IKEA

Lack collection from IKEA  

These tables and shelves are functional, sleek, and easy on the wallet. They're great for the minimalist who doesn't need any frills, but still wants something stylish. This line does require some assembly, but not quite as much as other IKEA furniture. You'll get these set up quickly, and you'll be glad to have a few of these great utility pieces. Check out the series here.   

Image: Thinkgeek

Decorative mirrors   

You're going to need a mirror, so why not pick one up that both does the job and adds a little flair to your space? These Death Star and TIE Fighter mirrors are perfect for Star Wars fans who want to add a little dimension to a bedroom or main living area. You can get this set here for only $24.99.  

Image: target

Throw pillows   

Ah, throw pillows. They're the perfect way to add both personality and comfort to any room. There are oh so many different kinds to choose from, so you're sure to find one that suits your particular taste. Target has a great collection here for less than $20.    

      Image: Amazon

A gaming system   

Okay, this one may seem a little expensive at first glance, but it's extremely economical once you take a closer look. These systems are for more than gaming now – they're complete entertainment dashboards. They play DVD and Blu-ray discs in addition to video games. They also connect to the internet, so you can stream services like Hulu and Netflix, allowing you to cut the cable cord and save money in the long run. This is definitely an investment, but if you're an entertainment junkie, you'll find that it's worth it. You can pick up the PlayStation 4, for example, here for $264.99.  

Image: thinkgeek

A kitchen timer 

Yes. You do need this R2-D2 kitchen timer. It's an adorable little decoration, and it'll help you in all of your cooking and baking endeavors. Have fun in the kitchen – and don't burn anything – with your new buddy. Pick him up from ThinkGeek for only $6.99.  

Image: amazon

A toolbox   

It seems extremely basic, but you'll definitely want one of these around the house. For little everyday projects like tightening screws, or for full-fledged emergencies, a toolbox is an absolute staple in every home. You can pick one up from Amazon to make sure you'll be as prepared as possible.   

Image: amazon

A doormat   

Let's keep it clean, kids. A fun doormat, like this Harry Potter-inspired one, will set the tone for you and your guests as soon as they cross over your threshold. And it'll also keep your floors from getting unnecessarily dirty. (The less cleaning the better, right?) Pick this one up here.   

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You're going to want to help fund these Kickstarter campaigns, like ASAP

Just to let you know, if you buy something featured here, Mashable might earn an affiliate commission.

Kickstarter has created a wave of opportunity for entrepreneurs. From video games, to 3D printers, to VR headsets, the crowdsharing platform has become a hotbed for innovation, helping to launch upwards of 127,000 successful campaigns over the years.            

SEE ALSO: Take your avocado obsession to the next level with these products

But with thousands of projects on this crowdfunding site at any given time, it can be difficult to know which ones to back. You only have so much cash to spend in support of neat gadgets and creative ventures, after all.   

We’re here to help you narrow it down with some of the projects we think are particularly interesting.        

Settle

Image: settle / kickstarter

This modular furniture is sure to satisfy your itch to match your home's aesthetic to The Jetsons. Not only is it sleek and stylish, but it's also extremely customizable. You can use it as a chair, a table, and put several together to make a bench. Follow your heart and do something unique with it. 

You can back the campaign here. 

Pellet

Image: Pellet / kickstarter

Pets and smart tech are a magical combination. With a little training, this gizmo will allow your pup to tell you when he needs to go outside, or when he’s ready to come back in. Once your dog hits the button, you'll get an alert on your smartphone that your fur baby needs some assistance. 

Invest in this cool new way to close the communication barrier between you and your very good doggo here. 

World Map Pillow 

Image: world map pillow/ kickstarter

Most people would love to travel around the world if they could. And why not set that lofty goal for yourself? You can track your progress in a pretty smart way with the World Map Pillow. With this pillow and a fabric marker, you can create a super cute, functional decoration that will remind you of your travels every day. 

Start coloring in the world in by contributing to the campaign here. 

Gizzo

Image: gizzo / Kickstarter

There's something satisfying about being able to cook up a few burgers or hotdogs wherever you go. This grill does exactly that. Gizzo could very well be the new necessity for camping, tailgates, and other outdoor activities during which you'd want to eat well. 

Embark on your next adventure with the Gizzo by backing the project here.

The Backtab

Image: The Backtab/ Kickstarter

Speaking of things that are amazingly compact, check out this brilliant little seat. It's made of a strong material called glass fiber reinforced plastic – which is also used to make helicopter blades – so it'll have no problem supporting your weight. It's also lightweight and folds to about the size of a notebook. You're going to want to bring this thing everywhere with you. 

Back the project here to get your hands on it.

BELLAFIT

Image: bellafit/ kickstarter

Get ready to have the most stylish fitness tracker ever. This bracelet fits over your traditionally drab-looking tracker to transform it into a glamorous accessory. It comes in a few different colors, so you'll be able to switch it up if you want. 

You can support the BELLAFIT team and get your own here.

Escuro Bicycle Bag

Image: Escuro bicycle bag / kickstarter

As bikes are becoming more popular as a form of transportation,  a lot of us are still figuring out best practices while riding them. Carrying all your stuff, for instance, can be a little tough. If you carry a purse or messenger bag, that can be tricky for balance. And backpacks can be cumbersome. This bag is here to solve that problem. 

You can support the project here.

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My response to the nastiest OKCupid message I've ever received

I don't really like online dating at all. But once in a while I give it a try, just to see what happens.   

Recently, I made an OkCupid profile. I wasn't finding any good conversations or connections, but I stuck with it because hey, you never know.   

But as we've seen in one viral story after another, it is not easy for women on dating apps (or social media in general) to avoid being berated. 

SEE ALSO: Face it, Super Liking on Tinder is for losers

Messages from potential suitors

Like any woman on one of these apps, I got a significant amount of comments about my appearance and a lot of extremely forward, sexual messages.

But I've also gotten other kinds of messages that directly address my character. I am a very open person, so I mention on my profile that I work in media, am a feminist (I believe in the systematic, social and economic equality of the sexes) and that I am a nerd (I like pop culture and stuff). I also wrote that you should message me, "If you're not a f*ckboy." 

If a guy can laugh at that, then we're one step closer to getting along. 

However, I also get called out for my social/political beliefs just as much as I am quizzed on how much of a nerd I actually am. I usually feel like Marissa Tomei's character showing off her automotive prowess in that scene from My Cousin Vinny.

At this point, I'm used to it. If you're a woman who works in the public eye in any capacity, you expect to get some crap thrown at you.

But then I was sent this delightful message:

(Warning: This message contains fowl, potentially offensive language):

Image: Nicole Herviou

In full, the message (the first one the guy ever sent me) reads:

At first, I tried to shake it off, but that was pretty much impossible. I wondered why the heck anyone would think it's okay to send a message like this. My friends (who were amazing and supportive) wondered the same. 

Why this is even a thing?

I think men who send messages like these are insecure in their own unhealthy ideas of traditional masculinity. Some people rely so heavily on their male privilege that if anything or anyone mentions that it may not be the best thing for society, they lash out. Their power is threatened and they don't like it.

This is why men can sometimes act violently when they're rejected by women. 

Society undervalues women. We see it when convicted rapists are given short sentences so that their lives aren't severely impacted by this one act, while the survivor has to live with it for the rest of her life, and when survivors who do speak out are often mistrusted. We see it when the right to make decisions about one's own body is questioned and attacked. We see it when women are sexualized and demeaned constantly by advertisers and the media.

These societal actions teach men early on that women don't have the same personhood as them. That leads to the misogynistic tendencies which teach men that they have a right to women's bodies. It leads to catcalling, slut shaming, victim blaming and other atrocities that women face every single day.  

But when men have the additional protection of distance and anonymity, they're allowed to say things they'd never say to a woman's face. Just take the comments made to women who work in sports media as an example. 

This smokescreen gives them even more "power" than they already have. That anonymity means that they face next to no repercussions for their hurtful, caustic words. The more they get away with saying these terrible things, the more likely they are to repeat their actions.

They get even more power when no one calls them out on it. Although, no woman's response to this kind of attack is invalid. It is completely acceptable to fight back. It is completely acceptable to block and ignore a person. Everything in between is OK, as long as you're not doing any further harm to anyone involved. But when these men are not challenged, the perpetrator gets away with it and will ultimately do it again. 

"Do not get a chance to respond," huh?

As you may have noticed, the person who confronted me decided to tell me that I "do not get a chance to respond." This made me laugh.

I could have easily sent an angry message back in the heat of the moment, but I decided to block and report him instead, letting the folks at OkCupid deal with it. (Though I don't know if my actions are the reason, this user's profile was deactivated only hours after I blocked him.)

Luckily, I'm pretty confident and messages like this don't make me think less of myself. But that isn't necessarily true for other young women who are sent this vitriol. And since I have a platform here at Mashable that not many other young women have, I decided I'd use it to bring up a few things to this person:

First of all, the statement that I have no credibility as a human being is simply false. You can't glean that from a joke on my profile. And if you don't think it's funny, that's just fine with me. 

Second, *you're.

Third, using a crass word for female genitalia as an insult shows class and maturity, and also shows me just how much you value women.

Being a "nerdgirl" (not a word) is not a ploy I use to appear "original." It's just a part of who I am and I wear it on my sleeve like the Batman costume I wore for Halloween when I was 3 years old. (It was too big for me, but I didn't care. I strutted in that thing.)

I'm not a misandrist. I am very close with the men in my life and I adore them. I'd just like to be valued by society just as much as they are. And FYI, my best guy friend read your message and he doesn't like you very much. 

As for the hardship and discrimination I've faced, I've been through my share of tough times. I was bullied to the point of suicidal thoughts in middle school. I've been catcalled almost every day on my way to work this week. There are places I can't go by myself at night for fear that I'll be hurt in some way. But my feminism is intersectional, so I acknowledge that I have privilege because I'm straight, cisgender and white. I have not been discriminated against because of my race or sexual orientation, but I believe in the equality of people of color and those in the LGBTQ community.  I know they experience their own set of difficulties and hurdles that make my life look easy. 

As for where I write and work, I'm proud as hell to work for a company called Mashable. Not only is this where I get my news, it's where I am surrounded by intelligent and wonderful people who support me enough to let me tell my story and share my voice. 

How's that for a "chance to respond?"

BONUS: The New OKCupid

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Taco Bell's Naked Chicken Chalupa isn't intense enough, so we improved it

When it comes to greasy, messy, comfort food, Taco Bell is a champion. 

For years, Cheesy Gordita Cruches, Doritos Locos Tacos and Crunch Wrap Supremes have filled a tiny corner of our stomachs that only grease and absurd culinary collaborations could fill. 

The Naked Chicken Chalupa should be the continuation of that legacy. But – hot take – it isn't all that great.

Consuming this thing should have been an adventure. But it's kind of like if Bilbo Baggins got to the end of the Shire, said, "That's quite enough for me," and turned back toward home. But I wanted to go all the way to The Lonely Mountain and back. 

SEE ALSO: Taco Bell's newest creation may be the grossest fast food invention yet

I wanted to be wowed. I wanted it to taste so good I'd want five more, but know in my heart that I could not possibly handle that. Honestly, I wanted to walk away hating myself for eating it.

I had no such feelings of guilt, or accomplishment. No, this is not the Taco Bell version of KFC's Double Down. It's disappointingly pedestrian.

The shell doesn't really taste at all like authentic fried chicken – it's more like a chicken patty you'd get in a school cafeteria. The spicy breading is interesting, but the intensity of the heat overwhelms any other flavor, most notably the avocado ranch.  

Hence, a fateful decision was made – I set out to make the Naked Chicken Chalupa even more insane than it already sounded.

Image: MARTHA TESEMA/MASHABLE

1. Naked Chicken Chalupa + Taco Meat

I was actually under the impression that traditional taco beef was one of the ingredients in the Naked Chicken Chalupa, but I was mistaken. 

So for my first creation, I threw in the beef, and also included some sour cream since the NCC does not have a "supreme" option – yet another drawback.

These additions were definitely an improvement on the original, but it didn't quite trigger the self-loathing I was looking for. I could probably eat a couple of these and feel very little guilt and zero regret.

That's a positive thing in most cases, but this version still isn't as off-the-wall as it should be. 

And besides, it's still missing something.

Image: MARTHA TESEMA/MASHABLE

2. Naked Chicken Chalupa + Chips and Queso

Crunch. 

That's one of the main things the NCC is lacking. 

This variation definitely helps in that department. Its texture is much more enjoyable than the original, and the chips help to cut a little bit of the heat from the breading. Then again, there's also a bit of spice in Taco Bell's queso, so people who are into that wouldn't be disappointed.

This option is probably the best tasting of all the ones I tried, but it still isn't crazy. To expand on the Hobbit metaphor, this is like Frodo Baggins leaving the Ring in Rivendell instead of going all the way to Mordor – it's fine, but it's not quite as wild as it could be.

By the same token, if Taco Bell included this option on its menu, I might have to squeeze it into my usual order. It was pretty damn delicious.

Image: MARTHA TESEMA/MASHABLE

3. Naked Chicken Chalupa + Hard Taco Supreme

This is kind of a combination of the previous two. I emptied out the NCC and wrapped the shell, still dripping with avocado ranch, around a hard taco – supreme, of course.

Think of it as a bastardization of the Cheesy Gordita Crunch.

This time, I was on the right track. As I learned with my first option, the combo of beef and chicken is tastier than you'd think, and the crunchiness of the taco shell is a plus. Eating it was a great experience, but I didn't really have any desire to finish it. 

The flavor combinations were pleasing, but not quite intense enough. I still kind of wanted to be overwhelmed.

I wasn't there yet, but I had a feeling the next one was going to do the trick.

Image: MARTHA TESEMA/MASHABLE

4. Naked Chicken Chalupa + Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco Supreme

Folks, we have a winner.

I did the exact same thing as with the previous concoction, but the hard taco was a Doritos Locos Taco instead. I chose Cool Ranch because I thought it might help to cut some of the heat from the chicken shell. 

My notion was exactly correct, but the Cool Ranch also helped to bring out a bit more of the avocado ranch sauce. I was never able to taste it before this combo, and it was really wonderful. 

An added benefit of using Doritos Locos Tacos is that you have a few options. If you're a sucker for all things spicy, the Firey option could work well for you. The Nacho would probably be downright gross, but that is also kind of the point here.

One of these things is definitely enough for anyone, and finishing it would have been an impressive feat.  It's wild, but also tasty and just mildly gross enough to make you want to talk about it a lot. So mission accomplished!

Here's an actual depiction of me getting ready to eat one:

But I still had one more option to try, and it was pretty weird.

Image: MARTHA TESEMA/MASHABLE

5. Naked Chicken Chalupa + Fries

Since the pure iteration of the Naked Chicken Chalupa is really just a glorified chicken sandwich without bread, I figured I should treat it as such.

So I popped over to McDonald's, got some fries and threw them in the NCC.

And I gotta say, it was not as good as I wanted it to be. The taste of the fries was lost in the lettuce, tomatoes and cheese and the textures didn't really mix. 

A sad lesson to learn, but it was worth a shot.

So at the end of the day, the Naked Chicken Chalupa with a Cool Ranch Doritos Locos Taco was the best option if you're looking for a wild combo that also tastes great. The only drawback is that the NCC shell isn't big enough to completely cover a traditional hard taco, so the shell is more "naked" than the chicken chalupa is. 

But if you're looking for an easy way to shake up your NCC for the better, adding chips and queso will absolutely do the trick. 

Either way, it seems like Taco Bell missed an opportunity here. And if they need a taste-tester or someone to invent crazy menu items that are better than this one, I volunteer as tribute. 

BONUS: Someone decided to make Lego-inspired square burgers