This year’s NYCC was pretty overwhelming in scale and scope: over 116,000 attendees passed through the Javits Center over the four days of the convention (with uncountable exhibitors, speakers, creators, celebrity guests, and convention staff and volunteers not included in that number). It was a headspinning half-week of sensory overload, a nonstop barrage of pop culture imagery. And despite the chaos, the noise, the narrow passageways and massive crowds, it was an amazing experience. There were so many brilliant things to see and do, it was all I could to to focus and keep moving in a straight line.
One of the first things that struck me was how well things were laid out this year. Artists Alley had the entire North Annex of the building to itself, rather than simply being stuck at the back half of the main showroom. The video game exhibitors were all fairly centralized. Rare comic dealers had their own section of the floor, small publishers were placed together, vinyl toys and collectibles formed a mini-complex toward the front of the south wing, children’s book publishers had their booths alongside one another by one of the entrances. It was easy to find the things you cared about, and easy to avoid the things you didn’t.
There were also all the usual convention standbys. A diverse and wide-ranging schedule of programming, with panels for every stripe of fan. Giant entertainment companies exhibiting their wares and showcasing new projects. Kids’ Day on Sunday, with activities and events geared toward families. And, of course, swarms of people in elaborate costumes.
Our ‘Hip-Hop & Comics’ panel on Saturday was a smashing success, I caught up with a lot of old friends (and made many new ones), and I had an incredible time. We’ll be posting more coverage in days to come, but for now, here’s a few glimpses of the weekend.
Photos © 2012 Marnie Ann Joyce.