New York Comic-Con 2014

If conventions are like giant fandom pilgrimages, then YouTube. Despite having the word “comic” in the title, this is the type of massive, multimedia event that grabs the attention of every major and periphery fandom, and manages to cater to them all over the course of four long, eventful days. It is an oasis of fandom celebration, minus the kitchen sink (unless some brave cosplayer decided to get in on that old joke).

But is it for fans of anime and manga? Is New York Comic Con worth it? From an anime and manga view, it was hit or miss.

The exhibitors hall did have a presence with such anime and manga standbys as Sailor Moon and Kiki.

While the anime focused s were happily full, a problem quickly arose with both room capacity and lines: it became apparent that to get a “good seat”, either attendees had to “camp” a previous or two (there were no room clears) or wait in line. Even if the attendee got to the location and proper line an hour in advance, that was no guarantee they would be able to find a seat. Good luck if the in question was about Star Wars or Doctor Who- lines for both franchises were hours long, with prepared fans bringing snacks and doing restroom breaks if they had someone to hold their place in line. Only Main Events had room clears- everyone else had to wait, or camp. While some s had some value to manga fans, value for anime fans seemed low in relation to the lines and other media represented at the event. There simply was not much to see for anime fans, and while there were cosplays, a smattering of s, and opportunities for the exhibitors’ hall, anime fans would be better served at an anime convention.

Manga seemed to have a greater presence at this convention, but greater is a relative term. Pandora Hearts art book - and while chances to win a prize relied on being amusing or knowing Yen Press trivia, it was still something fun for those in the . If, of course, the fans were willing to brave the lines.

The huge lines for just about everything (restrooms included), combined with the inconvenience of obtaining enough food and drink to make it through the day, once people left the convention they seemed to simply leave for the day. Exhaustion was a major consequence of this convention, and it could be seen in the many people sitting down on stairs, in the hallways, in the foyer to the Artists Alley, and in the ever-present lines.

New York Comic Con was high-energy, but somehow with none of the fun and soul that one associates with conventions like Comic-Con, or Otakon, and nor should it be. But as a convention, New York Comic Con feels like it is still trying to figure out what it is.

If you are a manga fan, and want a convention to go to with a family or with relatives, this may be a good convention for you to save up for - bearing in mind that 3-day es sell out within minutes and tickets aside from that are hard to come by unless you're really on top of it. Hotel space is an uphill battle too - but it could be worth it if your relationship with manga fandom has you wanting personal access to NYC's manga publishers. Barring that? Try setting your eyes on Anime Expo or Otakon.

---