Going to Comic-Con? You need this.

The evening of July 21st marks the start of Geek Mecca. Otherwise known as San Diego Comic-Con International.

If you’re going, then take it from someone who’s been many times: there’s a lot you need to know before you get there. Being non-savvy about Comic-Con‘s ins and outs could be costlier than you can imagine. There’s more to see and do than any one human being could accomplish in a single week. Endless panels to attend, a giganimous exhibit hall that can take days to explore, tons of free swag to acquire, free movie and TV screenings to go to, contests and prizes, autographs to get, role-playing games to play, late-night parties, a masquerade ball, and lots more. And don’t even get me started on how hard it is to find a hotel room that won’t bankrupt you.

There’s no way to do it all, but you can maximize your Comic-Con experience and soak up everything possible in five and a half days’ time. Need to know where to score the best swag? Or whether a long line is worth waiting in? Or where to eat? Where to park? Where to get away when the crowds get to be too much?

The Unauthorized San Diego Comic-Con Survival Guide is the answer. Comic-Con attendees have needed this for a long, long time.

The pocket-sized guide book, written by my good friend Doug Kline, is available to order now, and it costs just $7. And believe me when I say, the Force is strong with Doug. If you want to know how to meticulously prepare for your adventure at Comic-Con, how to survive it once you’re there, and how to recover when you return home, this little book is the treasure trove you’ve been waiting for.

Yeah, I’m a bit biased. Doug’s my pal and he even asked me to write the Forward for the book. But I don’t get anything for recommending the book to you; I’m just someone who’s benefited from Doug’s convention-mastering talents. He is the one, Neo.

For more information about this must-have guide book, visit sdccsurvivalguide.com, or follow updates about it on Twitter.