This was my first time going to the New York Comic Con and hopefully I’ll be going back next year. I’m not a professional journalist, I’m a tech head so bear with me here.
Upon arriving at the event I was greeted by the very helpful staff that were tasked on running the Press Office. After asking them a few questions regarding various things I was on my way.
Once I picked up my “Press Pass” I was up and running, starting off with watching the incoming flux of Comic Con goes and snapping pictures of the Cosplayers that were in attendance. You simply can not have a Comic Con without Cosplayers, that’s like Street Fighter without Ryu, it simply can not happen!
There were tons of attractions for people to try and I found my several just watching them, especially the Black Eyed Peas Experience. I mean have you even seen a Storm Trooper dance his way to a Black Eyed Peas track? Even my son got involved and proceeded to dance his way to the hearts of those watching him. Yes I’m proud of him and somewhat jealous…..
I eventually made my way over to the Artists Alley which was a section devoted to many amateur and professional artists to to showcase their talents via fantastic works of art. I spoke to many people and enjoyed my time with them, they were very friendly, courteous and some where even showing off their craft by doing works just there on the floor. These guys and gals have some serious talent I wish them all the best of luck and success. I also wanted to give a big shout out to the gang over at “Fierce Comics”, I truly enjoyed our little chat.
If you game to the Comic Con for either games, then you definitely were not disappointed, well unless you didn’t like long lines. Several companies came to show off their recently released and upcoming games such as; Street Fighter x Tekken, Ultimate Mortal Kombat Marvel vs Capcom 3, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Battlefield 3, Skullgirls, Forza Motorsports 4, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Batman: Arkham City, Max Payne 3, Transformers MMO and much much more. Sadly I didn’t get to play the fighters as I was too busy chatting it up everyone I encountered, though I wasn’t too dismayed as we’ll be able to play them in the comfort of our own homes soon enough, so I can wait that out.
There were tons of places you could go to pick up various works of art, toys, accessories or anything that your heart desired, though some were quite expensive. However expensive you ask? Well I saw a really nice replica of Captain America’s shield and I inquired about the price. Surely wasn’t anymore than $100 (Which I likely would not have spent anyway) but I was informed that it was $500+tax. I might like the Cap and all but $500 for a replica shield that won’t stop a sword or a bullet is just a little too pricey for me. We’ll talk once you make it out of vibranium and steel, ok?
This was truly something that you had to experience for yourself and if you were unable to make it then you own it your self to try and attend next years event, the 2012 New York Comic Con. I know I will!
The only suggestions that I have for the next New York Comic Con are that they try and find a new revenue for the event, perhaps the Madison Square Gardens? The event, especially on Saturday was way too crowded and with people standing in the aisles that were either snapping pictures, watching the events / attractions or merely talking, it made travel nearly impossible. In several instances when I was trying to navigate the aisles I had to yell to people to move out of the aisles as people were walking. It was even worse for parents who brought their children and were pushing them in strollers.
I can’t wait to find out the actual number of attendees for this event and seeing how many people were there it has to be higher than last years numbers. Oh last years numbers 96,000 people in attendance during the entire event. There also needs to be some limit to the amount of people that can access the panels, perhaps by using a signup system so at least that way you will know the limit before you waste 2+ hours standing in line only to be turned away in the end. Noone likes lines, especially long lines.
Thanks to Reed Exhibitions for organizing the event, Thanks to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center for allowing us to bum-rush your location and finally Thanks to everyone who came out and made the New York Comic Con what it is today.
Damn, is it next year yet?
Check out all the 2011 New York Comic-con gallery – here.