What Is New York Comic Con?
New York Comic Con is the East Coast's biggest and most exciting popular culture convention. Our show floor plays host to the latest and greatest in comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies, and television. Our panels and autograph sessions give fans a chance to interact with their favorite creators. Our screening rooms feature sneak peeks at films and television shows months before they hit either big or small screens. And with dedicated professional hours, New York Comic Con is a market place, bringing together the major players in the entertainment industry. New York Comic Con is the second largest pop culture convention in America and the only one that takes place in the comic book, publishing, media, and licensing capital of the world -- Gotham City.
How Big Is New York Comic Con?
New York Comic Con attracted over 96,000 attendees in 2010, easily making it the second largest comic book and pop culture gathering in the country. And Crain's New York Business has ranked NYCC as the second largest event in New York City! We don't toot our own horn often, but that's pretty awesome!
Is New York Comic Con Affiliated With…
There are a number of comic book shows around the country and even around New York City. New York Comic Con is ONLY affiliated with C2E2: The Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo. We do not run, do not staff, are not part of any other comic conventions.
When Is New York Comic Con?
Open to the Public:
- Thursday, October 13, 2011 – 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
*Note: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Professional Panels Only
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Show Floor only open to Press, Professionals, VIPS and fans that purchase a 4 Day Pass.
- Friday, October 14, 2011 – 10:00 PM - 7:00 PM
- Saturday, October 15, 2011 – 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Sunday, October 16, 2011 – 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Where Is New York Comic Con?
New York Comic Con is held at the Jacob K. Javits Center in Midtown Manhattan. The Javits Center is located at 655 West 34th Street. See our Travel page for directions and information about New York City's buses and subways.
What Does New York Comic Con Have To Do With The New York Anime Festival?
NYCC and NYAF are both being held at the Jacob Javits Center on October 13-16, 2011. Together, the two shows will take up the whole building and celebrate the best of popular culture on both sides of the Pacific. And, one badge will get you into both events. That's right. Buy a badge to New York Comic Con and you can use it to enter the New York Anime Festival as well!
Who Needs A Ticket?
All attendees five-years-old and up need a ticket to enter New York Comic Con between October 13 – 15, 2011. Children 12 and under are admitted for free on Kids Day -- Sunday, October 16, 2011. Children 12 or under must show proof of age to be admitted for free on Kids Day. Please note, New York Comic Con recommends all children under 18 attend with an adult, and all children under 13 must have an adult with them while at New York Comic Con.
Can I Take Pictures?
For the most part, you're welcome to take still pictures and video at New York Comic Con; however, please note that all photography and recording is prohibited during screenings and concerts. Also, please understand that guests may or may not pose for photographs with fans. Guests have a right to their privacy, and if they ask not to have their picture taken, please respect their wishes.
Will I Be On Camera?
New York Comic Con attracts local, national, and international press including David Letterman, G4, TV Aichi, and Sci Fi Ninja Theater. By attending New York Comic Con, you give your consent to be photographed and appear on camera. Who knows, you may end up on The Late Show or YouTube!
Will Guests Sign Autographs?
New York Comic Con's guests will sign autographs both in New York Comic Con's Autograph Alley and at various booths on the show floor. Booth signing schedules will be posted throughout the Exhibition Hall. Guests will sign your New York Comic Con program guide and officially licensed DVDs, comics, toys, and other collectibles, but they will not sign bootleg merchandise. Also, please only bring one item to be signed during each autograph session and understand that guests may or may not pose for photographs with fans. Guests have a right to their privacy, and if they ask not to have their picture taken, please respect their wishes.
Weapons Policy
Please read this entire policy before attending New York Comic Con. Failure to follow this policy may result in your removal from the convention without refund.
The following items are forbidden at New York Comic Con:
- Functional firearms (including air soft guns, BB guns, cap guns, paintball guns, and pellet guns)
- Functional projectile weapons (including blow guns, crossbows, long bows, silly string, slingshots, water balloons, and water guns)
- Metal-bladed weapons (including axes, daggers, hatchets, knives, kunai, shuriken, swords, sword canes, and switch blades)
- Explosives (including firecrackers and fireworks)
- Chemical weapons (including mace and pepper spray)
- Blunt weapons (including brass knuckles, clubs, and nunchaku)
- Instruments which cause excessive noise (including vuvuzelas)
Prop weapons will be allowed providing they are composed of cardboard, foam, wood, or other light materials. Prop firearms are allowed only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. The barrels of all prop firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps. Prop bows will be allowed providing all arrows have soft tips.
Metal-bladed weapons can be bought and sold provided they are not sharpened, remain in their sheathes while on display, and are placed in sealed boxes immediately upon purchase. Replica firearms can be bought and sold only if they cannot be mistaken for real weapons. The barrels of all replica firearms must be covered with brightly-colored caps.
Basically, don't be an idiot. If you bring a prop that could maim, damage, or cause serious bodily harm, we're going to take issue. If you're smart, come to New York Comic Con to have a good time, and have a Zangetsu made out of wood instead of steel, we're going to welcome you to the show.
Bootleg Policy
The buying and selling of counterfeit / knock-off / unlicensed materials is not tolerated at New York Comic Con. NYCC is a celebration of the best of popular culture, and bootlegs have no place in the show. Violation of this rule will result in one and only one warning. A second violation and you'll be removed from the show.
Is There A Coat Check?
Yes. The Jacob Javits Center operates a coat check open to all exhibitors and attendees.
Is There Wifi In The Javits?
Yes. A 128K WiFi network is available in the Javits. To logon, simply connect to the network named "Javits" and open an internet browser. When the browser loads, it'll automatically open a Javits WiFi entry page. Select your service and pay via credit card. A receipt will be e-mailed to you. (Please be aware that VPNs are not supported. Also, the Javits does not sell wireless cards or other wireless accessories.)
Can You Page Someone For Me?
There is no PA system available inside the Javits. Arrange a time and a place to meet beforehand, or we suggest using those cool cell phone things.
Can I Bring My Pet?
If you have pets, please leave them at home. The Javits Center will not allow animals -- except for service animals -- into the building.
Can I Bring A Suitcase Or Handcart With Me?
Please be aware that handcarts, trolleys, oversized strollers, rolling luggage, and wheeled backpacks are not allowed in the Exhibition Hall.
Can You Watch My Kids?
Sorry. New York Comic Con does not provide Child Care services at this time.
Remember To Be Nice!
Please turn your cell phones off or to vibrate when you're in panel or screening rooms. If you must take or make a call, please step outside.
Who's The Organizer?
New York Comic Con is operated by Reed Exhibitions, the world's largest event organizer. Reed also runs C2E2, BookExpo America, the London Book Fair, the Tokyo International Book Fair, and MIPCOM. Reed's publishing branch is responsible for magazines including Variety, Publishers Weekly, Video Business, and Playthings.
