Big Show

BIG SHOW

NYCC 2016

We had time to take in the view of NYPD and security supervising the flow of pedestrians and traffic blocks away from the Javits Center because the line was so long and so slow.

Madeline Strum Photography

Madeline Strum Photography

Inside the Javits Center, one needed to get in line again immediately to obtain a wristband to join more exclusive lines later that day. This is Luis’ wristband to wait in line to see Jim Lee at the end of the day.

Madeline Strum Photography

Madeline Strum Photography

The Happiest 4 Days

October is quickly becoming my favorite month. Few events bring me as much joy as New York Comic Con. It’s the one time of year where you can truly let your geek flag fly. The city is absolutely overrun with comic-inspired goodness. More than the other conventions we attended, this show completely envelopes its entire surroundings.

2016 saw the added luxury of me trying to navigate NYCC with one arm tied in front of me. I tore a ligament in my elbow weeks earlier, so I was traipsing around the Show Floor in a sling. Try carrying a stack of comics for creators to sign and a sketch pad for artists to add to while also hunting collectibles. Needless to say that was tough. These complications led me to eschew the Show Floor and concentrate primarily on the DC area (off the main floor) as well as navigating the Experiential Zone (the area right below DC). Even with those limitations, NYCC did not disappoint.

Meeting Scott Snyder and Tom King was a huge highlight. My lack of mobility led me to meet writers who both wrote books on my top of the year chart (Page 65). Between creator meetings and being in awe of the creations cosplayers came up with (Page 40), NYCC was quite the experience. In many ways NYCC was the perfect highlight to the Dubbs Year of Convention going. —LV

In 2016, it was easy to find girly ways to represent your fandom. I spotted these earrings while waiting to enter the first day.

Madeline Strum Photography

ALL KINDS OF FANS

In 2014, Popcycled’s recycle mistress Laura told me all about what it was like to be at the forefront of creating girly fan pieces. NYCC has receached such an all-encompassing level of acceptance that everyone from a girl with Tardis earrings to a man with a suitcase full of bagged and boarded comic books can feel at home. NYCC 2016 became a pop culture celebration for all “verified” fans with clearly defined shopping areas, more food options on site, wristbands on top of badges, and offerings that ranged from Marvel to WWE.

My kid might be dressed like Little Red Riding Hood. I might have a Star Wars shirt. It really doesn’t matter as long as we tap our badges and don’t try to make you feel bad about what you’re wearing or how much you know. No matter what brought you in, something else on site would also grab your attention and add to the experience of being there. —MV

Luis and Betty enjoy empanadas from the food trucks parked where cosplayers used to pose. Saturday and Sunday, the trucks moved to the underpass, revealing the new fence blocking the stairs where meet ups used to gather. Trees along the sidewalk above further insulated the event from non-verified fans.

Madeline Strum Photography

Madeline Strum Photography

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