The Daily OrangeComic fans journey to Big Apple for convention
By Andrew Steinbeiser
Posted: 2/9/09, 4:52 AM EST Section: Feature
It's been nearly 24 hours since Shaun Selberg left the fourth annual New York City Comic Con, and he's still trying to catch his breath.
The New York City Comic Con, located within the massive Jacob K. Javits Center, comes to the Big Apple once a year to dazzle aficionados from the obscure corners of American society.
The convention has become a pop culture phenomenon, corralling the top names in the video game, television and most importantly, comic book industries under one roof.
Selberg, a freshman architecture major, was in attendance with countless others as he patiently waited for the convention to open its doors. Beside him was Captain America, Imperial Stormtroopers and yes, even a Jedi-Joker.
"I thought it was really neat how all these people came together for this one passion. It didn't matter what your status was, everyone was there to enjoy their love of comics," Selberg said.
Selberg, who has barely read a comic book in his life, let alone attended the largest convention on the Eastern Seaboard, has discovered that it's so much more than the typical nerd-convention portrayed on TV.
"At first, the whole comic book thing seemed childish in a sense, but I came out with a new respect for the comics, the fans and the creators," Selberg said.
Selberg spent a majority of his time at the con in "Artist's Alley," a large amount of floor space devoted to the artists who illustrate comics and other media.
The artists sit in rows of tables where fans can get autographs, original sketches of their favorite comic character, or even a simple handshake while congratulating them on their achievements.
"I don't know much about comics or the artists," said Selberg, "but to see their art was like walking through an art museum with a different flair."
The alley, along with the rest of the show, is a unique way for fans to view art and meet the writers and illustrators they admire.
"It was amazing to see fans discuss comics face to face with their favorite creators. I was surprised at how personable they were. They were just as excited to talk about their art and meet the fans as the fans were to meet them."
The New York City Comic Con, located within the massive Jacob K. Javits Center, comes to the Big Apple once a year to dazzle aficionados from the obscure corners of American society.
The convention has become a pop culture phenomenon, corralling the top names in the video game, television and most importantly, comic book industries under one roof.
Selberg, a freshman architecture major, was in attendance with countless others as he patiently waited for the convention to open its doors. Beside him was Captain America, Imperial Stormtroopers and yes, even a Jedi-Joker.
"I thought it was really neat how all these people came together for this one passion. It didn't matter what your status was, everyone was there to enjoy their love of comics," Selberg said.
Selberg, who has barely read a comic book in his life, let alone attended the largest convention on the Eastern Seaboard, has discovered that it's so much more than the typical nerd-convention portrayed on TV.
"At first, the whole comic book thing seemed childish in a sense, but I came out with a new respect for the comics, the fans and the creators," Selberg said.
Selberg spent a majority of his time at the con in "Artist's Alley," a large amount of floor space devoted to the artists who illustrate comics and other media.
The artists sit in rows of tables where fans can get autographs, original sketches of their favorite comic character, or even a simple handshake while congratulating them on their achievements.
"I don't know much about comics or the artists," said Selberg, "but to see their art was like walking through an art museum with a different flair."
The alley, along with the rest of the show, is a unique way for fans to view art and meet the writers and illustrators they admire.
"It was amazing to see fans discuss comics face to face with their favorite creators. I was surprised at how personable they were. They were just as excited to talk about their art and meet the fans as the fans were to meet them."
Be the first to comment on this story