Comic Con NYC

Comic Con NYC was exactly what I’d envisioned (and hoped) it would be. Tens of thousands of die-hard fans, many dressed in full costume, eagerly exploring the show floor, scoping out their favorite video game/comic/movie, and celebrating their passion. 

While I used to be an avid reader of macabre comics in my late teens-early 20s (check out Johnny the Homicidal Maniac), I haven’t been a big reader since. That said, when I heard Comic Con would be in town, I jumped at the chance to check this out. Thankfully, a sweet cousin scored us tickets and we were able to attend, despite the sold out status. 

We arrived a little before opening time at 10 a.m. and I was shocked at how many were already queued up to get in. After a short wait, the crowd herded into the Javits Center and was unleashed on the hundreds of vendors, numerous speakers and varied programs just waiting. Rob and I took a tour of the show floor and marveled at some of the booths and set-ups. A huge fan of Ugly Dolls, I spotted the sign for their booth and proceed in that direction. 

Once we arrived, I marveled at what a great job they did on the design and execution. I loved and appreciated how it fit so well with the overall look and feel of the brand. It was bright, enticing, carefree, silly and filled with good goods. We got a doll for our niece and I picked up two great shopping bags!

After a good walk, we proceeded to Roman Dirge’s spotlight discussion on his art, comics and process. If you’re not familiar, Roman is the author of the wonderful comic, Lenore the Cute Little Dead Girl. These stories tell about the unlife of Lenore, the strange friends she encounters in her town of Nevermore and her adventures (or misadventures).  All of the stories have a childlike, fairy-tale feel with the twist of death and the macabre. 

Roman gave an interesting and casual explanation of what he does, his process, the character development and more. There were numerous fans in the audience and some were clearly more than thrilled to be in his presence. One such fan was in a full, handmade Lenore costume and he liked it so much, Roman asked the girl if he could take a picture with her. 

After the hour-long discussion we went back out on the floor, but were not thrilled to see how it had become even more packed. It felt as if it were at full capacity (despite the fact that more and more continued to flood in) and after shuffling around for a while longer, I was ready to call it a day. 

It was a great experience and something that I’d highly recommend. While I enjoy comics, I was most clearly awestruck at the passion of these fans. Anything that brings together enthusiastic people for a common theme gets me excited and inspired. Comic Con NYC wasn’t lacking in the least.