MANHATTAN — The nerds are coming.
New York Comic Con, the East Coast's largest pop culture convention, brings a world of science fiction and fantasy to the Jacob Javits Center on Thursday and runs through the weekend.
The convention starts with a press and VIP preview on Thursday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is open to the public Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets for the mega-event, which typically draws about 100,000 fans, have already sold out, though there are plenty of passes on Craigslist.
But, if you can't get there, not to worry. For the first time ever, the con will live stream video of its most popular panels for free.
The panels include event director Kevin Smith and his gang of comic book experts on Friday, one with the cast of "The Walking Dead" on Saturday, and a special video presentation of the new CW show "Arrow" on Sunday, with a Q&A session afterward. A full list is available online.
Comic Con is also one of the best places to pick up the finest in collectibles and geek swag, from comics to rare action figures. Attendees can also compete in costume contests on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The events will even give comic fans a shot at love during Sci-Fi Speed Dating — with seven sessions throughout the weekend.
The con will have hundreds of actors, directors, and artists from comic, film, and TV franchises, including Adam West, Bruce Campbell, Carrie Fisher, Christopher Lloyd, and even Elmo.
Each will meet and greet with fans and sign autographs. A full listing and schedule of who will be there is available on the Comic Con website.
