This past weekend, editor-at-large Richard Burns visited New York Comic Con at the Javits Center and mixed with a brace of Batmen, Yu-Gi-Oh and Konami characters, Super Mario Brothers, Power Puff Girls, and many, many others–and is now pleased to present you with his top 10 reasons why New York Comic Con rocks:
10) Because 51-year-old, overweight men can slip into Batman outfits and, far from being laughed at, are photographed!
9) Because it’s one of the biggest shows in New York City all year and probably the only one that can lay claim to having the whole range of family members there from grandma to newborn (I don’t buy the argument that the Auto Show’s not primarily for grown up males).
8) Because 51-year-old, overweight women can slip into Wonder Woman costumes and, far from being laughed at, are photographed!
7) Because you can find a mint-condition Black Lotus card from the original Magic The Gathering deck selling for over $20,000.
6) Because you can go to panels as diverse as “Chicks Kick Ass – The Ongoing Epic” and “Saber Guild’s Padawan Training Institute,” to a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the movie “Clueless” – and it all makes sense.
5) Because despite all the posturing, weaponry, bulging neck and leg muscles, and Mortal Kombat Kung-Fu stances, the 150,000+ folks that participate are basically a bunch of passionate, nerdy, kind, easy-going enthusiasts.
4) Because there’s a sign right by every entrance to the Javits Center, very easy to see and read, that says: “Cosplay is not Consent.” (Cosplay = dressing up in costumes).
3) Because teenagers can take a bunch of used toilet paper rolls, empty detergent bottles, some cupboard boxes, paint, and glue and become Jedi Masters, and no one laughs and they’re photographed!
2) Because you simply have no idea of the range and complexity of the Japanese anime universe until you see so much in one place. My new favorites are the Frombies (Friendly Zombies) and anything from Konami.
1) Because it’s ultimately a safe environment, especially for girls, where they can see other girls and women in costume, unashamed, and bold. My 5-year-old was given a cape from DC Comics promoting their new Supero Hero Girl characters. She promptly christened herself “Kickypants.” Priceless.
To learn more about New York Comic Con, visit newyorkcomiccon.com!
Richard Burns writes regularly about traveling and things to do with children for New York Family.
