fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and action figures came to life at new york comic con

This past weekend, fantasy, sci-fi, romance, and action figures came to life, roamed freely on the streets of Manhattan, and descended on the Jacob Javitz Center for the 2013 New York Comic Con. NYCC was first held in 2006, and has been steadily growing ever since. Around the same time last year, I was roaming 34th St., and saw tons of people dressed in costume. I assumed that there was some Halloween event that I was missing out on, but, apparently, there was something much more.

By Myeashea Alexander
Banner photo: source
Photos below by René Scotland

So, this year, I decided to attend all 4 days of the Con to see what this craziness was about. I should preface this by saying that I am not a comic book, anime, manga, video game, sci-fi fan. I do love fairytales, and Harry Potter, but beyond that attending comic con was a matter of pure curiosity. Along with 130,000+ people, I participate in this year’s NYCC. And, I must say, this is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their life.

From singing holograms to the scores of independent artists selling their self-published awesomeness, my mind was blown over and over again. One of the most impressive events I attended was a panel on an up-and-coming graphic novel by Black Eyed Peas front man, Will.I.Am and Intel Futurist, Brian David Johnson. The project is called Wizards and Robots. The premise of Wizards and Robots forces readers to re-imagine history and the future. The creators base their graphic novel in reality- actual math, computer science and quantum physics was used to create this universe of the future. As I set in the audience, listening to how Will.I.Am and Johnson developed this project, I realized that they may have just created a comic book fan.

I was also very fascinated with the Sci-Fi Speed Dating! I actually kinda wish I participated. It’s speed dating in costume! Can you imagine a room filled with Harley-Quinn’s, Batman’s, various Power Rangers, Ghost Busters and Poison Ivy’s trying to get each other’s digits?! Neither could I. But it was happening.

I had the chance to walk through Artist Alley. Artist Alley is a place primarily for independent artist and writers to showcase their creations. There are not enough words to describe the number of talented, diverse and interesting works out there. I could have easily spent an entire day roaming the alley, getting to know the artists, and buying great new books, comics, and prints. Many artists were also doing signings, on the spot drawings for fans.

Lastly, the showroom floor was where the major exhibitors are- intel, Marvel, Nintendo, Harper Collins publishing and more. Booths provided opportunities to preview new video games, films, tv shows, comic book characters, collectible figures, and be the first to read advanced copies of new books. I got a pretty nice haul.

The whole event was absolutely overwhelming and was a complete sensory immersion experience. I also must give a shout out to spandex! That is one hardworking, versatile fabric! Creativity, passion and imagination are definitely the words that epitomize NYCC.