By Michael Avila
Special to DNAinfo.com
MANHATTAN — Don’t be alarmed by the Caped Crusaders, X-Men, Jedi masters and Cobra Commanders you may see around the West side of Manhattan this weekend. Halloween hasn't come early this year — it’s all part of the geek conference the New York Comic Con.
Originally conceived as the East Coast’s answer to the San Diego Comic Con, NYCC, now in its fifth year, has defied all expectations. With more than 77,000 people attending last year, it’s now the second-largest pop culture convention in the U.S., behind only San Diego. This year, expect an all-star lineup of events and panels at the Jacob Javits Center related to movies, television, comics and anime.
While the star power isn’t as bright as San Diego – it’s not easy to get A-listers to fly cross-country for a comic book convention – big names such as James Franco, Eric Bana, Adrien Brody, Danny McBride, Maggie Q, Noah Wyle and the stars of TV shows including the alien thriller “V” will be attending the convention to meet fans and of course, plug their upcoming projects.
But the biggest star at the convention may be one of its oldest.
87-year-old Stan Lee, the legendary co-creator of characters like Spider-Man, Iron Man and the Fantastic Four, will be hosting panels and doing meet-and-greets all weekend long. If past conventions are any indication, Lee’s autograph lines will be the longest of the weekend.
In terms of movies, the programming is surprisingly light. The most interesting film panels are on Saturday and involve the thriller “Hanna” starring Bana and Saoirse Ronan.
There will also be a panel promising a first look at footage from the prequel to John Carpenter’s horror classic “The Thing.”
Three documentaries with important ties to the comics industry will be screened this weekend. The first is “Secret Origin: The History of DC Comics.” The title is self-explanatory, and any self-respecting comics fans should try to attend Saturday’s screening. The same goes for “Will Eisner: Portrait of a Sequential Artist.” The film documents the life of the creator of “The Spirit” and the father of the graphic novel. “Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods” is a look at one of today’s most popular comic book writers.
TV fans have choices aplenty, with the world premiere screening of “Sherlock,” the BBC’s new, modernized take on the world’s greatest detective. “Dr. Who’s” showrunner Stephen Moffat is behind this adaptation.
Other TV highlights include an early look at AMC’s adaptation of the hit zombie comic series, “The Walking Dead”; Panels on the new spy drama “La Femme Nikita” and ABC’s returning alien invasion reboot “V.”
There will also be a presentation about the upcoming “Green Lantern” animated series, which is set to debut next year around the time the live-action film hits theaters.
As for the more esoteric programming, this year will see a return of fan favorite panel “How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse,” along with a new panel, “The Science of Battlestar Galactica.”
“Kirby Krackle – Live” is a VH1 Storytellers-style panel hosted by a geek-rock band from Seattle that incorporates their love of comics into their music.
Sunday is Kids Day at the con, and The Kid’s Costume Contest promises enough cute heroes and villains to fill the Hall of Justice.
NYCC has always made sure not to take the ‘comic’ portion of its name lightly, and this year is no different. There is a strong emphasis on comics programming.
Think you have what it takes to be the next Jim Lee? Both DC and Marvel will have panels describing what they look for in new artists. If you’re lucky, you may get your portfolio reviewed.
Dozens of other comic imprints will be inside the Javits Center offering up quality content, from Archie Comics to Archaia, Image Comics to Top Cow. Once you get tired of hearing about comics and want to read them, go and browse the convention floor.
Expect to find several hundred thousand comics, original art, toys and other collectibles for sale. Tip: Wait until the last day and then go bargain hunting.
