Sherlock: The Blind Banker Premieres!

Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.

The second episode of Steven Moffat's Sherlock premieres tonight on PBS! Not the spookiest way to end your Halloween, but it may be one of the best.

Send Us Your Costume Pics and Win Prizes!

Getting fully suited up in a killer Dr. Who, Dana White, Iron Man (actually made of iron) or Lady Gaga (Danielle from the ReedPOP team is dressing up as her this year) for Halloween? Send us your pics and we'll send you some ReedPOP swag. We want to see you in your Halloweeniest finery!

Send the pics right here and if we post them, we'll send you swag!

-Lance

SPOOKY BLACK CAT CATURDAY

Trick or Treat. ReedPOP Style.

The office Halloween party's about to begin. We're clearly the most awesome people here.

Plan Your Nerdy Halloween Now!

Looking for nerdy things to do this ooky spooky weekend in NYC?  Look no further.  Our friends at nerdyorkcity.com have a disturbingly detailed list of events going on in and around New York City all year round, and here are this weekend's bone chilling highlights...

All Weekend
Boo At The Zoo (Bronx Zoo)
Halloween At The A-Scarium (New York Aquarium)
Steampunk Haunted House
Houdini: Art and Magic Exhibition
Nevermore: An Edgar Allan Poe Musical

Friday
Zombie Prom

Saturday
St. John The Divine Crypt Crawl Tours
Best of Heebie Jeebies: Children's Freaky Film Festival
Central Park Pumpkin Festival
Jerry Pinkney, David Wiesner, and Paul O. Zelinsky at Books of Wonder
Pumpkin Catapult at the New York Hall of Science

Sunday
Best of Heebie Jeebies: Children's Freaky Film Festival
Halloween at High Line Garden
Pumpkin Catapult at the New York Hall of Science
Village Halloween Parade
Dances of Vice: Edward Gorey Halloween Spectacular
Meet Japan's Folktale Creatures and Ghosts at Japan Society
Spooky Japanese Movies and Drink Specials at Kyotofu
Be With Me Free Screening at Tribeca Cinemas

For more info, visit nerdyorkcity.com!

Boo!

Lunch and Learn at ReedPOP

Reed holds various Lunch and Learns, educational classes kicking off at noon, throughout the year. Lunch and Learns cover time management, marketing best practices, email etiquette, and other corporate stuff. Today, though, a surprise Lunch and Learn was held. The best Lunch and Learn of the year. The best Lunch and Learn ever.

Marketing Director - and Ghost Hunter - Brian brought in his gear and gave an interactive workshop in hauntings and records from his own investigations.

Non-Spooky Pre-Halloween Happenings!

Ah, New York City.  Always, always overflowing with things -- nerdy things -- to do.  While you may be planning on taking it easy today to rest up prior to getting into Halloween hijinks, I've got four events going on today that may make you reconsider spending today indoors.  And one of 'ems got Adam Savage!  Swoon!

MangaNEXT - Oct 29 – 31 2010
Hilton East Brunswick Hotel & Executive Meeting Center
MangaNEXT is a fan-run manga convention. Anime conventions have been existence for many years, and manga has had a large presence at these events, but there has yet to be a convention dedicated to manga. MangaNEXT aims to correct that. http://www.manganext.org/
 
She’s Geeky unConference - Oct 29 – 30 2010
Microsoft's 1290 Ave of the Americas Offices
She’s Geeky hosts unConferences across North America, providing a unique environment for women working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) fields to learn from one another, grow networks, connect across generations and discuss issues. Register online at http://www.shesgeeky.org/.
 
w00tstock - October 29
Best Buy Theater
3 hours of geeks and music, featuring Adam Savage, Paul and Storm, and special guest Jonathan Coulton. For decades, geeks were ostracized, picked on, laughed at and punished by the sun's harmful UV rays. But there is only so long that a people can be kept down before they rise up against their oppressors; and, indeed, the dawn of the 21st century has seen the ascendancy of geeks and geek culture. We now celebrate that rise to power-and let's face it, nerds pretty much run everything now-with w00tstock, a special event for geeks of every stripe. Television host/special-effects artist Adam Savage ("MythBusters"), and music-comedy duo Paul and Storm (The Internet, Da Vinci's Notebook) present a night of songs, readings, comedy, demonstrations, short films, special guests, and other clever widgets born from and dedicated to the enthusiasms, obsessions, trials and joys of geek pride. This is the dawning of the Age of Geekdom-and its voices will ring true at w00tstock. Ticket Prices: $35.00-$40.00 http://bestbuytheater.com/eventdetail.php?id=29362
 
Live From Tokyo Screening - October 29
Asia Society
Tokyo's reputation as a media-saturated hub for global information and cutting-edge innovation makes it the perfect sample for addressing a new outlook on music culture. This documentary takes the viewer through the back streets in Shinjuku, the intersections in Shibuya, the alleys in Koenji, and all over Tokyo, as it highlights the innovative musicians who create this multi-faceted artistic culture. $11. http://asiasociety.org/events-calendar/live-tokyo

Find more nerdy events here.

In Singapore

Big media event today for Singapore Toy Gaming and Comic Con.

Lots more on STGCC to come when I have some time to type it all up.

For now know that Singapore is a hotbed for pop culture and its just plain hot.

More soon from the other side of the world.

-Lance

Lance Fensterman
Group Vice President
ReedPOP - A Quirky Offshoot of Reed Exhibitions
New York Comic Con*Star Wars Celebration*C2E2*PAX*New York Anime Fest*UFC Fan Expo*Singapore Toy Gaming & Comic Con
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
Web: www.reedpop.com
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)

--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

From Today's USA Today

A - Half of America would share their home with a ghost.

B - Someone's job is to make infographics about ghosts.

The High Point of My NYCC

A lot happened at NYCC this year.  But wading through the tsunami of comics, movies, anime, and celebrities, what got me most excited?  This.

Don't see it?  Look at the trending topics.  Yeah.  Woot.  I'm a nerd.

Sherlock Tweetapalooza!

From PBS.org...

Blowing away the fog of the Victorian era, the world's most famous detective — Sherlock, enters the 21st century in a thrilling update of the classic Sherlock Holmes stories this Fall on Masterpiece mystery! Masterpiece mystery! celebrates Sherlock Holmes and his powers of deduction with a live Twitter event on Sunday, October 24, 2010, during the premiere of Sherlock: A Study in Pink. You're welcomed whenever you're watching, but during 9-10:30pm Eastern time, PBS and Masterpiece insiders — as well as mystery experts from Baker Street Blog, The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes and The Strand magazine — will be tweeting too.

Tag your posts with the hashtag #sherlock_pbs and then visit us on TweetGrid, or use your own favorite aggregator.

WHAT: PBS and Masterpiece are hosting a live Twitter discussion (#sherlock_pbs)

WHEN: Sunday, October 24th, 2010, 9-10:30pm Eastern time

WHERE: Join us using our own custom Tweetgrid (Use hashtag #sherlock_pbs).

TOPICS: Sherlock Holmes, mysteries, Masterpiece mystery!

WHO: @pbs; @masterpiecepbs; Scott Monty (@BakerStreetBlog) BSI, editor of the Baker Street Blog and co-host of I Hear of Sherlock Everywhere; Leslie Klinger (@lklinger) editor of The New Annotated Sherlock Holmes; and Andrew Gulli, editor of The Strand magazine (@strandmag) — and YOU!

RSVP: Please follow and be followed (on Twitter, of course!) by other #sherlock_pbs tweeters

Sherlock Premieres Tonight!

NYCC was honored to have worked with BBC America and PBS to hold the US Premiere of Moffat's Sherlock -- a contemporary retelling of the Sherlock Holmes mythos.  Didn't see it at NYCC?  Or want to see it again?

Watch the full episode. See more Masterpiece.

Sherlock's first episode -- A Study in Pink -- premieres tonight on PBS at 9 PM.  It's well, well, well worth your time.

Caturday

This is not a cat.  Deal with it.

More, Cheaper Flights To Japan!

Our friends at American Airlines were part of NYAF for the first time, and, in the wake of the show, they've announced new, expanded flights to Tokyo's Haneda airport in 2011.  American Airlines is now offering a special winter deal on flight + 3 nights hotel packages starting as low as $899 per person. You need to book by Dec. 31 and travel between Jan. 1-Feb. 28, 2011.

Get all the details at www.AAVacations.com/Japan

Alec Baldwin Hates Public Radio

WNYC's -- NYC's public radio station -- fall pledge drive is going on now.  I'm a member.  Alec Baldwin, though, isn't, and he isn't a fan of public radio in general.  Take a listen as he condemns WNYC...



And take a listen to three more of his radio spots airing on WNYC now...

http://www.wnyc.org/support/baldwin/

NYC Halloween Dog Parade!

While NY's big Halloween Parade isn't for another week, this weekend, there's another costume parade.  This one with a bit more bite.  Yeah, I can't believe I said that, either.

Check out the Halloween Dog Parade on Saturday from noon to 3 at the Tompkins Square Dog Run.  Then, if you're like me, try to buy all the Red Shirts they've got at Halloween Adventure a few blocks away.

NYCC Chalk Art! Three Days in Five Minutes!

Eric Maruscak has created chalk murals around the country, as well as at NYCC for the past few years.  This year, he teamed up with Toonzaki to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Yu-Gi-Oh.  Take a look at over three days of long hours and hard work from Eric in just under five minutes.



For more of Eric's murals, visit pepperink.com.

Wes Craven at the Times Center!

Legendary director Wes Craven (“Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” “My Soul to Take”) will be talking scary movies with Jason Zinoman, New York Times theater critic, on October 27th at 6:30 PM.  Wanna go?  Get $5 off tickets with code "NYCC".

Wednesday, October 27
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
The TimesCenter
242 West 41st St. NYC

http://nytimes.whsites.net/timestalks/

AMV Contest Winners!

NYAF’s AMV Contest finals took place October 9, screening a dozen of the most diverse, dramatic, and action-packed AMVs we received this year. The ballots have come back and been checked and rechecked. We’re pleased to reveal the winners!

BEST ACTION
This is War by Sloken18

BEST DRAMA
Evangelion.0: You (Mustn’t) Run Away by k8fin

BEST EDITING
The Resurrection by Sanj008

BEST IN SHOW
Evangelion.0: You (Mustn’t) Run Away by k8fin

Congrats to the winners and all our finalists – and a big thanks to everyone who entered! Our winners and finalists will be hearing from us shortly with info on their prize mailing!

Cool NYCC Vid Coverage From A Fan

Big thanks to David Jr for the footage. If you've got your own footage, leave a link in the comics field....

-Lance

Caturday!

Pandas are cats, right?

PS: Meet The Breeds, a dog and cat convention, is going on today and tomorrow in the Javits Center.

Some Mainstream NYCC Vid Coverage

PSP Games - E3 2011 - Captain America: Super Soldier

NYCC Coverage start at the 13:00 mark.

Some Post NYCC Thoughts.....

NYCC. Was. Crazy.

I'm not sure what else to say other than that. I've gotten some more retailer numbers back and the total attendance number is now pushing 96,000. First and foremost I want to thank everyone who came to the show; all of the fans, the exhibitors, the amazing guests, the speakers, everyone. You were part of something pretty monumental this weekend.

New York Comic Con took a huge step forward in cementing itself as a can't miss international event this weekend and we also took some steps backward as well and I'll get to those shortly. This was a year of questions for us on NYCC, with 18 months between shows we simply did not know how the community would react. Combining NYAF and NYCC was a totally new wrinkle for us. Moving to permanent dates in October created a totally different profile for the con. The construction going on at the Javits Center was an unknown. In a sense, a very different team was working on the show as we created and launched ReedPOP along with 6 new events since we last had a NYCC. In short, the landscape, the show and the very group I helm were all quite different. However, the reaction was intense. 96,000 people. A nearly 20% jump in attendance. Wow. Thank you.

Now what we need to work on. I know there is a lot, there always is. I also know many of you will post comments on additional things we did not get right. I appreciate the feedback, all of it. Please know, as a general rule; we know we are not perfect as a team, we do not promise perfection, but we do promise to always listen and always improve. The fact remains that NYCC has grown so fast in 5 years, that we seem to always be playing catch up with the growth. Every year we have had a totally different space at the Javits, which means every year trying to learn from the previous year, yet craft a largely brand new plan. These are not excuses, but rather the reality of the undertaking the team faces. Our goal is happy fans, and I know not everyone was happy this year so once again, or commitment is to always, always improve and the first step in doing that is acknowledging where we fell short of your expectations.

Saturday was too crowded. No doubt. This crowding sometimes created confusion as we tried to move people into the building and create an organized system to get that many people into the con. I spoke with Milton Griepp from ICV2 on Sunday night and explained to him the inexact science of coming up with a capacity number. It truly is a moving target and a best guess, here is what I told ICV2:

We asked Fensterman what the maximum capacity of the con is at the current number of days. “That’s tricky to say because they don’t give you a number,” he said. “It’s essentially how it feels. So public safety simply looks at the show floor and if there’s too many people on it, they shut you down. It’s that subjective. So everything we do we have to do is by how many people could be in the building at any given time, because we don’t know how many people are in the building. We know how many tickets we’ve sold, we know how many exhibitor passes are out there, we know how many pro passes are out there. But we don’t know how many of them are going to show up at any one time. So we have to peg it to what we think is the top number that could be in the building at any one time based on the space we have. It’s an inexact science.”

Would I have cut off ticket sales a couple thousand earlier if I had Saturday to do again? Yes. For the future, we will need to determine how best to use additional space at the Javits. For us to grow further, create even more 20 foot wide aisles (perhaps a few 30 footers as well) we will likely need to expand the show floor to multiple levels of the building. This year, due to the construction, the space above the show floor (it's called the Galleria and River Pavilion) was not available. I see that space, or perhaps a hall downstairs as the best options to assure we have all the space we need for the show floor.

The lines to pick up your badge if you purchased online were too long, they moved quite fast, but we can still do a better job on this. An idea might be extending the deadline to get your tickets mailed to you. Another is better signage outside the building so fans know exactly where to go. Yet another is handheld scanner for the staff to work the lines.

I got feedback that staff and volunteers were not knowledgeable enough and did not provide good direction. We can ALWAYS do better in this area. Always. ReedPOP is a team of about 20, so we bring lots of additional staffers from Reed Exhibitions events, and they are amazing people, but do not know the show as well as we do. We will work to better orientate them. We also plan to hire additional security (we had about 100 at any given time in uniform and plain clothes) and additional temp staffers. Keep in mind, that as crowds began to form (Saturday was most chaotic as a vast majority of fans arrived in large bunches between 10:30 and 11:30) we have to change plans on the fly to do our best to keep a semblance of organization, this creates challenges in communicating those changes to 500 security, staff and volunteers. We need to improve our communication across all those folks on site.

I've heard from a number of Anime fans that they felt NYAF got pushed to the side and that's disappointing. We plan to do some meet up's with the Otaku to discuss how we can improve this in the future. I will say this, we had nearly the same number of Anime panels and screenings as we did at any NYAF, the same amount of space committed to panels and screenings and exhibitors from previous NYAF's were consulted with about having a separate show floor for Anime vendors, besides the artists (who we accommodated with a separate Artist Alley) they did not want a separate space. That said, we do know we can do better to create the environment the Otaku really wants and we'll be asking for your help on just how we can do that.

I share all these thoughts with you in an effort to show you that we care about always improving and we do listen to all of you. On balance (and I fear some of you may insist otherwise) I think NYCC/NYAF made tremendous strides forward as being a can't miss event on a national and international level this year and I'm proud of the amazingly hard work the team put in to create it for you. Will we work hard for the next 12 months to learn from our shortcomings this year and get even better? You are god damn right we will. We build this show for you. Our motto is Fans First. Always. And I promise we'll put you first as we craft plans for 2011.

Thanks again for making NYCC something special, even if not perfect.

No rest for me, I'm in Europe on business for the rest of this week, so if I'm slow to reply to emails or comments posted here, that's why, but know I am reading them.

-Lance

BONUS SUNDAY CATURDAY!

NYCC and NYAF are a wrap!  Shall we celebrate with a little more DJ Kitty?

HATSUNE MIKU ENCORE SCREENING!

The Hatsune Miku Concert took place earlier today.  It was packed.  Jam packed.  So we're going to screen it again.  The encore screening is tonight at 8 PM in the American Airlines Theatre -- Room 1E09!

Caturday

From my sister.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, KIM!

Caturday comes early.  See, NYCC kicked off today, and it's also NYCC Programming Manager Kim Mueller's big B-day!  Huzzah and kudos, Kim!

To celebrate, DJ Kitty!



Get the full scoop on DJ Kitty here...

http://gothamist.com/2010/10/06/video_tampa_bay_rays_dj_kitty.php

The Doors Are Open to NYCC 2010! Here are a few links for you...

We opened the doors to professionals at 10am officially kicking off NYCC 2010.

A few quick links for you:

Newsarama is doing live streaming from the show. This is so cool that they pulled it off! Check out the feed page right here.

Over at Comic Book resources I did a show preview with my pal (and your pal) Kiel Phegley. Its a fun piece, but he does rag on me for my beloved Minnesota Twins tanking the first two games of the ALDS to the hated Yankees. Read it right here.

I also did my annual check in with Tom Spurgeon who always hits me with good questions. and Tom was kind enough to leave my Twins out of the interview. Read the entire chat right here.

-Lance

NYCC Alert - We have stopped selling Saturday & Weekend Passes

Outragity! Listen up fans—this is HUGE NYCC/NYAF news. ..so brace yourself! We are cutting off ONLINE and ONSITE tickets sales for Saturday and Weekend passes!

We’re totally stoked so many (so many!!) of you snazzy peeps are coming, and we want to make sure everyone has a wicked time! We will still be selling Friday and Sunday passes—both online and onsite at the Javits. So you’re still golden to get to the Show! You also can rush down to NYCC retailers for the remaining Saturday and weekend passes (while supplies last). They’re still good, no worries!

If you already have a Saturday or Weekend pass, you will get in!

We’ll revisit this issue on Saturday at noon (12 pm) to see where we are. At that time, we MAY resume selling Saturday passes. Just stay tuned—check out our official blog (MediumatLarge.net ), twitter (@ny_comic_con and @ny_anime_fest) or the NYCC/NYAF website.

However, do not count on us selling more Saturday tickets, if you want a ticket to the show, my advice is to get a Friday or Sunday pass online now.

We’ll see you guys at the Javits—HERE WE GO!

-Lance

Spotlight on the Women of Battlestar Galactica

IGN Theater update! Get up close and personal with Katee Sackhoff, Tricia Helfer, Michelle Forbes and Nicki Clyne in this spotlight panel on the woman of one of the biggest shows of all time, Battlestar Gallactica!

2:30 PM to 3:30 PM – Saturday - IGN Theater ‪‪

Exhibitor Change

Artists Fiona Stephenson and Dean Ormston will be appearing in booth 656, formerly held by Red Robot, at NYCC!

The Few. The Proud. The Brave.

The Team Leaders.

CBLDF Pre-Party Tonight!

NYCC starts on October 8, but we want you to get in that New York Comic Con frame of mind a day early. Kick off the con on tonight (Thursday, October 7) with the CBLDF Welcome Party! Celebrating the premiere of the LIBERTY ANNUAL 2010, the CBLDF's NYCC Welcome Party brings together the best creators, fans and insiders for a star-spangled celebration of good comics and free speech! The party’s from 8 to 10pm at the Village Pourhouse on Restaurant Row. Come out to get your copy of the LIBERTY ANNUAL, free apps, and special giveaways. The party is open to all, but with a suggested donation of $10 or more you'll receive a special CBLDF gift bag. The CBLDF also offers two levels that include an OPEN BAR:

$30 -- Entry to the party, wristband for 2-hour open bar (Bud Light/Well/Red & White Wine), CBLDF's Liberty Annual 2010, and a gift bag from CBLDF & our corporate members

$50 -- Entry to party, wristband for 2-hour open bar (Bud Light/Well/Red & White Wine), NYCC Variant Cover of CBLDF's Liberty Annual 2010, and a gift bag from CBLDF & our corporate members Come support Free Expression and meet the best and brightest in comics at the CBLDF's NYCC Welcome Party!

Pre-register for the party now at... http://www.cbldf.com/product_p/nyccwelcome2010.htm

What: CBLDF's NYCC Welcome Party
When: Thursday, October 7 from 8 to 10pm
Where: Village Pourhouse - 366 W. 46th St.
Who: Anyone who is 21 and over - IDs will be checked!
Why: Support Free Speech, Mingle With Top Creators, and Enjoy free food and gifts!

ComicConnect.com Presents Golden Age Great Jerry Robinson at NYCC

ComicConnect.com (Booth #2511), the company who sold the first comic book for a million dollars, will be at NYCC this weekend. The company is gearing up for their November Event Auction which will feature two of the most important pieces of existing Golden Age Cover art known. The pieces are consigned by Jerry Robinson, best known for creating The Joker and co-creating Robin and will be premiered at the New York Comic Con.

ComicConnect.com will feature appearances by Mr. Robinson at the booth on Saturday at 12:00 noon and on Sunday at 1:00 PM.

This Just In! Your Highness Talent at NYCC!

Universal will be talking about their upcoming film, Your Highness, in the IGN Theater on Saturday at NYCC. We've mentioned this before. We haven't, though, said who will be talking about the film.

Today, we can.

Danny McBride, James Franco, Justin Theroux, and Director David Gordon Green will be at New York Comic Con for the Your Highness panel.

Happy Thursday!

Graphitti Designs Exclusives!

Graphitti Designs has exclusive Brightest Day figures and rings!  Get the details here...

http://www.graphittidesigns.com/nycc.html

Zenescope and Comixology NYCC Raffle!

Zenescope and Comixology are raffling off loads of prizes Friday and Saturday, October 8th and 9th, at NYCC! Fans who come by Zenescope's booth (2335) can win a variety of prizes including an Apple iPad on Saturday that comes with a Comixology code for a multitude of free Zenescope digital comic downloads.

For every $25 dollars spent at the Zenescope booth,  fans will receive one raffle ticket. The winners will be announced on both Friday and Saturday at 6 PM sharp and attendees must be present to win.

Friday Prize List

Grand Prize (1 winner) - Remote Controlled BigFoot courtesy of Zenescope's upcoming Monster Hunters' Survival Guide

2nd Prize (1 winner) - Pint Glass Set & Signed Escape From Wonderland Hardcover

3rd Prize (1 winner) - A Limited Edition Art Print + Shot Glass Set

4th Prize (2 winners) - Set of Zenescope Grimm Volume 6, 7, 8 TPBs + 2011 Zenescope Calendar

5th Prize (3 winners) - Zenescope T-shirt

6th Prize (3 winners) - Signed NYCC Exclusive

-

Saturday Prize List

Grand Prize (1 winner) - Apple iPad with free Zenescope comics download code courtesy of Comixology

2nd Prize (1 winner) - Remote Controlled BigFoot courtesy of Zenescope's upcoming Monster Hunters' Survival Guide

3rd Prize (1 winner) - Pint Glass Set & Signed Escape From Wonderland Hardcover

4th Prize (1 winner) - A Limited Edition Art Print + Shot Glass Set

5th Prize (2 winners) - 2011 Zenescope Calendar & 3 Zenescope TPBs (TBD)

6th Prize (2 winners) - Zenescope T-Shirt

7th Prize (2 winners) - Signed NYCC Exclusive

Ian Sinclair at NYAF!

We're proud to reveal FUNimation's bringing Ian Sinclair to NYAF! A lifelong comic book, cartoon and videogame fan, Ian got his start in the dub world when he visited FUNimation as a college student in 2004 in order to sit in on a friend’s session. The director asked him if he’d like to jump in the booth for a one-liner, which ended up being a small recurring role, and from that moment on, he was hooked. A Dallas native, Ian graduated from TCU with a degree in Theatre and immediately began his career as a stage actor, earning Dallas’ award for Best Local Actor in 2009. He continued at FUNimation, gradually working his way up from regular bit-character boy until his big break as Dallas Genoard in Baccano!, a show which he Assistant Directed. Since then he has performed in roles such as Toraji Ishida in Bamboo Blade, Douglas Rosenberg in El Cazador de la Bruja, Sobi Nakajima in Linebarrels of Iron, Haruki in Master of Martial Arts, Kaoru Seo in Sekirei, Shinze Kamiu in Shikabane Hime: Kuro, Romano in Hetalia - Axis Powers, and most recently Bardroy in Kuroshitsuji (Black Butler), on which he also served as Director. Additionally, Ian can be heard in numerous radio/TV spots, and as the voice of Baron Flint in the video game, Borderlands.

The Best Part of True Blood Season II!

Michael McMillian -- Rev. Newlin from Season II of True Blood -- will be signing at the Archaia Booth (2031)!

Mike Sinterniklaas Is At NYAF!

A 16 year veteran of the anime industry, Michael Sinterniklaas is coming to NYAF! He founded NYAV Post in 2000 and now runs facilities in both New York and Los Angeles. Mr. Sinterniklaas has been busy at work this year voice acting in and directing two new “top secret” original animated series, one for Cartoon Network and one for Nickelodeon, that will premiere later this year as well as the second season of Speed Racer for Cartoon Network. In the world of anime, Michael's been directing Sunrise’s Gundam UC, and producing and acting in FUNimation's two new Slayers series in the role of Xellos. Michael’s other acting projects this year include FUNimation's Eden of The East, Summer Wars, and Sengoku Basara. Last but not least, Michael finished up season four of Adult Swim's Venture Bros. He plays a little character named Dean Venture.

The big news, though, (or just news to me) is that Mike's a Doctor Who fan. So, be sure to ask him geeky questions about River Song. Who does Mike think she is? I don't know, but I want to find out.

I think she's Jenny.

Game on!!!!!

NYCC is afoot kids!

Lance

Lance Fensterman
Group Vice President
ReedPOP - A Quirky Offshoot of Reed Exhibitions
New York Comic Con*Star Wars Celebration*C2E2*PAX*New York Anime Fest*UFC Fan Expo*Singapore Toy Gaming & Comic Con
Blog: www.mediumatlarge.net
Web: www.reedpop.com
203.840.5507 (o) 203.417.3607 (m)

--------------------------
Sent from my BlackBerry Wireless Handheld - Please excuse any typos!

J-Rocker Yoshiki Comes To NYAF and NYCC! For An Apperance With Stan Lee!

X Japan founder and world renowned musical artist Yoshiki will appear at New York Comic Con and the New York Anime Festival on Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 6:30 to 7:30 PM in Room 1A08! Joining him will be a special guest – Stan “The Man” Lee! Attendees will be the first to hear a joint announcement by Yoshiki and Stan Lee and have the opportunity to win tickets to X Japan’s first-ever New York concert -- Sunday, October 10, 2010 at the Roseland Ballroom.

Unfamiliar with X Japan and Yoshiki? X Japan is the only most successful rock band in Japanese history, and the heart of X Japan is Yoshiki -- a songwriter, drummer, and classically-trained pianist who also plays guitar, bass and trumpet. X Japan has sold more than 30 million albums, singles and videos, and Yoshiki is uniquely both an iconic rock star/drummer for the band, as well as a world renowned classically trained composer/musician who has performed for the Emperor of Japan. Yoshiki is arguably Asia's most influential musical artist and biggest rock icon and has now set his sights on the U.S. But, it's not only his music! Yoshiki is extremely influential in the U.S. with American fans of Japanese culture be it fashion, anime, visual kei, music, J-rock and J-Pop! See him at NYCC and NYAF and then at Roseland!

It's gonna be a busy weekend.

The Beat Has Killer NYCC Pre Con Coverage

Go check out all of Heidi's preview info for NYCC at The Comics Beat. She does a better job of covering NYCC than we do.

Seriously.

Click here, she's got tons of panel highlights, in booth signings, exclusives, etc.

-Lance

The Indy After Party at NYCC

Don't miss this one guys, its open to all!

Now in its fifth year, the Indy After Party sponsors invite attendees and exhibitors to celebrate their independence at Blaggards Pub. Last Year’s party drew in a cross-spectrum of professionals in the industry, and a crowd of over 300 patrons. Blaggards, which is just six blocks from the Jacob Javits Convention Center, has become the new home for this increasingly popular and successful event. We welcome you to celebrate our common cultural icons, and the new ones we are about to create. This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, October 9th, 2010 from 8pm to midnight. The pillars of this event are the trio of Atlas Unleashed, Red Anvil Comics, and an exciting new company, the RedZoneGirls!

This year's we are proud to welcome major recording artists,
Gordon Gano & The Ryans! Gordon Gano of the Violent Femmes is joined by Billy and Brendan Ryan of The Bogmen.

See you there?

-Lance

THANK. YOU. JAVITS. CENTER.

In addition to pizza, sammies, coffee, and the like, the Javits now has churros.

New Puffy Tunes!

In the lead up to their appear at NYAF and the Far East To East Showcase, Puffy AmiYumi albums "Bring It!" and "honeycreeper" have both been released in the US.  Both are now available digitally on iTunes and all major digital outlets.  Grab tickets to their NYC concert at superglorious.com.

MTV Geek Is Go!

MTV Geek's hosting a panel on Saturday at NYCC.  But, what's MTV Geek?  Just launched, MTV Geek (geek.mtv.com) is a new, central hub for comic related and inspired content on MTV.com. MTV Geek will curate content beyond comics, spanning sci-fi, fantasy, music, horror, toys, tech, and gaming. The site's just launched, but already contains previews from publishers including Marvel, Image, and Dark Horse and POW! Entertainment, along with exclusive full issues and graphic novels.

In addition, the site will provide ongoing coverage of events and conventions from around the globe with coverage of this year's DragonCon, Star Wars Celebration, and San Diego Comic-Con already live -- and live news being posted on MTV Geek throughout NYCC.

Give it a gander at geek.mtv.com now.

Masquerade Prize Parade!

Cosplay is a unique and beautiful part of fandom, and the New York Anime Festival and New York Comic Con celebrate the world of cosplay with a Masquerade — a costume showcase that is part fashion show and part talent show — like no other. The winning team takes home the Yume Cosplay Prize — a trip to a global cosplay destination! The event kicks off at 7:30 PM on Saturday (launching with a concert by Guest of Honor Minori Chihara).

But what exactly is that "global cosplay destination" bit?

Last year, we sent the Masquerade winners to the Tokyo Anime Fair. This year, working together with Pop Japan Travel, we’ll be sending the winning team to their choice of the below trips, giving them two tickets to the below tour of their choice...

Cold Steel Redux 2011 (February 7-14) - This tour has an additional flight included from Tokyo to Sapporo to see the annual Sapporo Snow Festival.

Nifty Thrifty Tour 2011 (March 14-23) - This tour takes a "backpacking-style" approach to travel for a nifty-thrifty experience.

Tokyo Anime Fair 2011 (March 22-27) - This tour goes to Tokyo Anime Fair, where Japan's top anime companies showcase their latest and greatest releases.

Ninja x Samurai Tour 2011 (April) - Unlike our other tours, this tour starts in Kansai to explore the way of the samurai and ninja.

Fangirl Paradise 2011 (May 11-17) - This tour focuses on yaoi, johnny's, pop idols, fashion - everything and anything to please a fangirl.

Akadot Retail Tour 2011 (July 13-19) - This tour specializes in attaining unique Japanese goods not found in the US.

Hanabi Tour 2011 (August 3-11) - This tour goes to two major Hanabi, or firework, festivals and allows participants to stay in a Japanese style hotel.

Mind Over Manga 2010 (November 10-16) - This tour goes to Comitia, an original art convention, where participants can sell their own work.

Winter Luminaria 2010 (December 13-19) - This tour celebrates the culture of cute with visits to the Ghibli Musuem, Tokyo Disney Sea, and Sanrio Puroland.

Pretty swank, huh?  And in addition to the grand prize – the trip to Japan – our friends at Gaia Online will present over $1000 in prizes! This year’s Masquerade will be a record-breaking first with thousands of viewers participating through a Gaia Online’s webcast of the event. Viewers at home will be able to watch and vote online for their favorite contestant, with the top pick receiving a $500 Gaia Cash Card and the special title of “Gaia’s Choice”. In addition, the top contestants in each category will receive a $100 Gaia Cash Card-- a total of over $1,000 in prizes. You can watch online at http://www.gaiaonline.com/.

Puffy AmiYumi and Boom Boom Satellite Group Tickets

Early in the year, the Far East To East Showcase offered a limited number of group passes to their show this Sunday.  In the final run-up to the event, they're happy to release an additional number of four-pack passes again.  Wanna see Puffy AmiYumi, Boom Boom Satellites, Zazen Boys, and Echostream with your BFFs?

Grab the group tickets at..

http://www.livenation.com/event/000044ECAE537CC9

Tips & Tricks for NYCC from Lance – Please Read This!

I updated this with more info at 7:30pm Tuesday night.......

OK con kiddies, I head to NYC tomorrow to start building the big show for all of you (really, I don’t build it, an army of union laborers build it, while I tiptoe in between forklifts and scissor lifts hoping to not get yelled at by any of them). This means that we are in the final stretch run to what is shaping up to be the largest NYCC ever – and largest by a long shot. We’ve got the entire Javits Center to spread out in (that’s about a million square feet, in case you are counting) and ticket sales are still about 105% ahead of last year.

So with all that extra space, bigger show floor (40% more exhibit space), more panels (nearly 350 in all), more guests (artist alley is over 350 table this year!) etc, you are bound to get confused, lost, maybe even wet, cold and hungry, so let me attempt to help with my annual Tips & Tricks From Lance post. Also, I hope you will read this before you send me an email asking a question that I’ve already answered here. Lance helps those who help themselves.

Building Overview

Here’s a handy little map, that you probably can’t read, but that’s OK, I’ll break it down for you. The exhibit floor is on the 3rd level. The uptown side (Halls 3 A&B) are just exhibits and dealers the downtown side (Hall 3E) are more exhibits, artist alley, autograph alley, the Intel Extreme Masters Booth and the Variant Stage.

Level 1 is where all of the panel and screening rooms are. The downtown end (Hall 1E) are the NYAF panel and screening rooms plus our Anime artist alley and the uptown side (Hall 1A) are the NYCC panels and screening rooms. The IGN Theatre is located in between the two panel rooms areas (Hall 1D).

Construction

Here’s a fun fact. What convention center in New York City is undergoing 7 years of renovations to update it and repair its famously leaky roof? Why the only convention center in NYC, of course, The Javits Center!

So what does this mean for you? Not much, other than the big exhibit hall on level 3 is actually 2 exhibit halls with short walk ways connecting them. That’s all.

Where to Get Your Tickets

Fans who have barcodes or need to buy tickets – Use the entrance “upstairs”, closest to 35th Street. Walk inside and you’ll see our registration counters.

Exhibitors, Professionals & Speakers – Your registration area is “downstairs” on level 2. Use the entrance near 37th street.

Entering The Show

Because we can't let tens of thousands of people into the show all at once, we will use hall 1C downstairs as the queuing hall. Once the show opens we will empty out that hall and then all doors will open.

VIP's & Pros

You have your own entrances! VIP can line up at the bottom of the escalator in front of 3A to get in first. Pro's can line up at the bottom of the escalator in front of 3B to get in.

Pick Up Your Tickets Early

Here are the hours that registration will be open. You can come by any time to get your badges (either to purchase or pick one up you have already purchased). It’ll save you some time.

Thursday, 9-4:30
Friday 7-7
Saturday 7-7
Sunday 7-5

The IGN Theatre Line Up

Don't miss what's happening on the biggest stage NYCC has to offer. Click here for the most recent line up.

Get The Ap

We built a pretty cool ap for the Android and the iPhone that’ll make sure you have all of the up to date info. You can download it by clicking here.

Make a Customized Schedule

You can search panels, events and exhibitors by subject, category day and time, but even better you can add all of it to your own customizable planner so you know where to be and when to be there so you don’t miss anything. Start your customized schedule now.

Interactive Floorplan

See what the show floor looks like, where the cool exclusives are, and plot your course though the maze of cool that s NYCC. Plus, as I already told you, you can add all the booths you want to visit to your own planner. Click here to get started!

Cool NYCC Merch

We’ve made some cool new tee’s and toys for you this year that you should take a look at. Me wants a hoodie. Click here to see it all.

Autogrpahs

There are a ton of pop culture icons of all varieties that will be signing. Some a free, some are paid some are ticketed. Check out our autograph page right here to scroll through the latest list.

Don’t Forget The In Booth Signings

If you can’t figure out where your favorite artist is signing at NYCC and you’ve looked through all the guides, scoured online and still don’t have a clue, try looking up the publishers web site. A lot of personalities and artists are signing in an exhibitor’s booth. While we ado our damnest to get you that info, sometimes we don’t even know.

Cool Exclusives

Who has the cool limited edition, signed and numbered killer exclusives? We’ve done our best to compile a list for you of all the one’s we know about. Click here to see catalog.

You've Got To Eat

There is a food court on level 2 outside the IGN Theatre. Its not too bad if you like $8 hot dogs! Better yet, pack a snack or try the Greek place way back in the corner, it's the best thing there.

Parties

Here are a few shindigs that I’m aware of, and while we are not organizing them, they do sounds pretty fun….

Rock Comic Con – Indie Spinner Rack is doing a really fun, late night nerd rock concert with some great bands, Kirby Krackle, Fortress of Attitude and my own, H2Awesome! The event is being hosted by FUSE TV's Steven Smith (Steven's Untitled Rock Show!), a comedian, VJ and comic book afficionado in his own right. Details can be found right here.

Unofficial NYCC After Party – Had a fan (Chris Pacicca) ask me if we were doing an after party. I told him my after party was sobbing in exhaustion alone on my couch with a beer around Midnight on Sunday night, Chris took matters into his own hands. What can’t you all be more like Chris? Perdition (692 10th Ave) form 9 until whenever.

The CBLDF NYCC & Liberty Kick Off Party - What: CBLDF's NYCC Welcome Party. When: Thursday, October 7 from 8 to 10pm Where: Village Pourhouse - 366 W. 46th St. Who: Anyone who is 21 and over - IDs will be checked! Why: Support Free Speech, Mingle With Top Creators, and Enjoy free food and gifts!

My Voice In Your Head, My Words in Your Brian

I did a chat last week with my pals at Comic Geek Speak. I swear and I discuss my pants – oh yeah, and we talk NYCC. Click hear to listen to me prattle on.

My pal Rick Marshall at MTV.com did a fun interview with me that you can read right here.

Coat/Bag Check & ATM's

We are putting a bunch of ATM's on the show floor so don't get stuck standing in line for the one up by fan registration, just go on the show floor, there will be more there with less lines. Coat and bag check will likely be one floor down from fan registration by the Starbucks. If not we'll have one down by professional registration.

Well gang, that's all I could think of that you'd need to help you have an excellent time at the con. I know you'll have more questions and I'm sure you'll post em in the comments section and you can count on me doing my best to answer them.

Before things get truly crazy I want to tell all of you thanks. NYCC is shaping up to really be something special this year and it's because all of you have made it that way. Its an honor to work for all of you.....

See you at the con!!!!

-Lance

Thought you'd like to know...

Steve Lang (Avatar) is signing in the FOX Booth (1777) Saturday from 11am to 2pm. Adrien Brody (Predators) is signing in the FOX Booth Saturday from 12:30pm to 3:30pm.

Late Breaking Romita Information!

We’ve got some late breaking Romita information. While originally listed as appearing in Artist Alley, John Romita, Sr. and Jr. will instead be appearing in Autograph Alley. The difference? Both are next to each other on the show floor, but rather than signing all show long, they’ll instead be appearing for select times to sign for fans...

Friday – 5 PM to 6 PM – Tables 12 and 13
Saturday – 5 PM to 6 PM – Tables 1 and 2
Sunday – 12 PM to 1 PM – Tables 1 and 2

Romita, Sr. will also be signing at the Hero Initiative booth (333) from 2:30 to 4 PM on Saturday.

Puffy AmiYumi and Boom Boom Satellites Signings Added!

Two big, new signings, boys and girls! Boom Boom Satellites and Puffy AmiYumi, both performing as part of Sunday's Far East To East Showcase (get tickets at superglorious.com), will both be signing on Saturday at NYAF. No special tickets required...
Puffy AmiYumi
Room 1C02 - Saturday
3:45 PM to 4:45 PM

Boom Boom Satellites
Room 1C02 - Saturday
5:00 PM to 6:00 PM

From Richie... Our Scout on The Ground...

NYAF Charity Auction!

We've been proud to have worked with NYC voice actor Jamie McGonnigal since NYAF's very first year to host a Charity Auction, and this year is no different.  Sunday at 2:45 PM in Room 1E13, Jamie and fellow cartoon and anime voice actors will be selling their wares to raise money for Maddie's Fund. Maddie's Fund, named after the late great Maddie Blaustein (the voice of Meowth for many years of Pokemon, as well as many other favorite animated characters). Maddie was an openly-transgender voice actor who worked frequently with adolescent teens struggling with being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender.

The fund will help continue Maddie's work at the LGBT Center of New York. Some of the items included in this year's auction include autographs from actors on Bleach, Naruto, and Pokemon, the very first sold-out edition of an Archie Comic Book (autographed by the creators), the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to audition for an animated feature, and dinner with some cartoon voice actors.

Bring your checkbooks and a smile!



It's Coming

Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers Art Contest Winners

NYCC is October 8-10 in the Javits Center. What's your plan for after the show floor runs down? It should be to hitch a ride or hike over to Radio City of The Lord of The Rings: The Two Towers. Radio City is presenting the full film with a live orchestra, performing the score live to the movie. The Fellowship was presented here last year, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. While the NYCC staff will be chained to the Javits until the wee hours of the morning each day of the con, you're not, and you should definitely check out The Two Towers.

You can get dates, times, and details at http://www.theradiocitylotrconcert.com/.

In anticipation of the concerts, too, we ran a LOTR art contest throughout September. We had over 100 entries -- in a wide range of styles and media -- and we're proud now to reveal the winners...

1ST PLACE
Eowyn by Shiloh Penfield

2ND PLACE
Dead Marshes by Annie Stoll
Eowyn Battles The Witch King by Courtney Thomas
Morning in Rohan by Mirana Reveier

3RD PLACE
Frodo's Burden by Art O`Callaghan
To Fangorn by Jenna Kass
Taking A Stroll by Nathan Bulmer
To the King by Tim Ferrara
Among the Mountains by Stephanie Han

4TH PLACE
Manipulation by Allison Gazdik
Gollum Leads Master Frodo and Samwise into Mordor by Casey Blandford
Warg Rider by Katie Taylor Smith
Treebeard at Nightfall by Rose Khan
Fellowship of the Ring by Winston Young

KID'S DIVISION WINNERS
The Magic of Fireworks by Alexandra Neuman
Nazgul by Danielle Shepherd
Map of Rohan in Charcoal by Hannah Nazzaro
The Fellowship by Katy Allie
The Witch King by Nic Shepherd

To the right is Shiloh Penfield's Eowyn. You can see all the artwork here...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYCC/Events/Two-Towers-Art-Contest/

NYCC and NYAF Updates - Panels and Autographing

Two wonky updates went up today.  Will you care?  Maybe.  Actually, you probably will.

First up, on the panel side, we've got PDFs now online of the panel grid.  Browse each day's panels, print em out, circle your favorites, and make a plan right now...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYCC/Events/Panels--Screenings/

Next up, we rejiggered the Autograph Page. Hearing back about confusion about the listings, they're now all one massive, master list.  Scroll on through, as it's all in there...

http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYCC/Autographs/

Note, though, we're still a few days out, and there'll be a few tweaks and additions to each.

One Addition and Two Cancellations

NYCC features over a hundred comics creators from the big publishers, to the indie press, to guys and girls who publish their own comics right on the web. And, as is unfortunately the case, guests sometimes have to cancel. Be it for health, family matters, or scheduling conflicts, it’s unforeseen as we start planning a con, but it becomes unavoidable as we get into the final days.

We've recently learned guests J. Scott Campbell and Paul McGann will no longer be able to attend the convention.

DoctorWhoStore.com, who were bringing McGann to the con, have said, "Paul apologizes for not being able to make it and will make it up to his New York fans in the future."  Additionally, they've now announced Daphne Ashbrook -- who starred as Dr. Grace Holloway in the 1996 Doctor Who movie -- the Eighth Doctor's Companion, will be attending.  She'll be signing at the DoctorWhoStore.com booth at various times throughout the show.

Liberty Annual Pre-Order Ends Today!

Just a reminder the New York Comic Con variant cover of the CBLDF’s Liberty 2010 annual, featuring all new cover art by Charlie Adlard, the artist behind The Walking Dead, is available for order now at nycomiccon.com.  The Liberty Comics Variant costs $10 and is available online until 11:59 PM EST on October 3rd. That's tonight!  Click the below for all the details.


http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/en/NYCC/Show-Store/Liberty-Comics/


This variant is limited to 1,500 books, and when they're gone, they're gone.

You support liberty, don't you?

The Official Water of Minori Chihara

From France, by way of Forest Hills.

NYAF Shindig at Kinokuniya Today

The kick-off party for John Arzayus's Japanese toy photo exhibition -- Ciné Dramatíque -- takes place today at Kinokuniya. John’ll be speaking about his work, and friends of show Mario Bueno and GeekNights will be joining in as well. And, oh, they’ll be a raffle with some very interesting goodies up for grabs. Including Minori Chihara autograph tickets!

Here’s the game plan...

4:00pm Opening reception: Preshow Buffet
5:00pm Mario Bueno: Musical cosplay performance
5:30pm The American Otaku Interview: Q&A with John Arzayus
6:00pm NYAF Pre-Game Panel: With special hosts Rym and Scott of GeekNights
6:30pm NYAF Raffle

Caturday

I've been told that bears aren't technically cats, but I've yet to see a scientist prove it.

Reni Mimura's Message to NYAF Attendees

Gundam UC Blasts Off At NYAF!

"Blasts off"?  Really?  Did I really type that?  Yup.  Cheesy, I know, but I can get away with it 'cause the rest of this is awesome.  Bandai Visual's coming to NYAF with just a wee bit of Gundam UC.

The big highlight is a panel dedicated to Gundam UC with Stephanie Sheh (voice of heroine, Audrey Burne), Michael Sinterniklaas (voice of Angelo Sauper, as well as voice director), Masayuki Ozaki (Producer and General Manager of Int’l Sales Dept. at SUNRISE, the production company of Gundam UC) and Akane Hagino (Int’l Sales & Promotion). They'll be speaking about behind-the-scenes info made public for the first time. During the panel, Episode 1 will be screened immediately followed by a new, exclusive glimpse of Episode 2. Gundam UC: Episode 1 will be available for sale at the Bandai Booth (1605).

Gundam UC events at NYAF include...

Friday, October 8
4:00-5:00PM Autograph Session at Bandai Entertainment’s booth (Stephanie)

Saturday, October 9
3:45-4:15PM Autograph Session at 1C01 (Stephanie, Michael)
4:30-6:30PM Screening & Panel at 1E09 (Stephanie, Michael and Sunrise)
6:30-7:00PM Autograph Session at 1C01 (Stephanie, Michael)

At the screening, a survey will be handed to each attendee, and in exchange for survey answers, a Gundam UC original fan will be given. This fan is created exclusively for NYAF and only 500 pieces are available and will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Gundam UC posters are given-away to those who attend the autograph sessions. This poster was originally used for Japanese marketing and has never been released in the US before. Only 200 posters are available and also will be given on a first-come, first served basis.

Those purchasing the Gundam UC Blu-ray will receive a set of four postcards while supplies last.

For more information about the show, visit the official site (gundam-unicorn.net/en/) and recently opened Facebook page (facebook.com/GundamUnicorn). Trailers for Episode 2 are also available for view at http://www.youtube.com/bandaientertainment.

CB's NYC Food Guide

CB Cebulski is an awesome dude.  Marvel's international talent scout, he combs the world for new creators.  And while combing the world for amazing artists, he often gets peckish.  What's a hungry guy to do?  Explore the world's awesome cuisines and blog about it here -- http://eataku.tumblr.com/.

With NYCC just days away, CB's now turned the lens of Eataku to NYC, with his guide to New York's food scene.

 It begins...

New York Comic Con is upon us! Happening October 8-10th at the Jacob Javits Center here in… NYC, obviously. 75,000 comic creators and fans descending on our fair city to share in a communal love of graphic storytelling. With every single one of you also needing to feed your faces during your stay here!


The good thing is it’s New York City, one of, if not THE best, food city on the planet, with more restaurants than anyone can try in the course of a lifetime, let alone a three day weekend. So in order to help all my friends who are coming to town avoid shitty con food and bad Irish pub grub, I’ve decided to put together a quick little guide of some place for good eats here in the Big Apple. I’ll divide this list up into a few sections over a few days, to first get you some recommendations of places to eat in the vicinity of the con center, and then hit you with some other farther and pricier establishments that I do suggest you try if you have time. This list will be my selection of suggestions based on my personal eating experiences. For every joint I jot down here, there are a thousand other places to eat, yes, but I just wanted to get the ball rolling with my thoughts. And I’d love to see other New Yorkers post their favorites places in the comments section here!


Now let’s face it, the Javits Center isn’t the most convenient place on Earth, flung all the way over on the far West Side of Manhattan on 11th Ave. However, as long as you don’t mind a 10-15 walk, 10th and 9th Avenues do offer an extraordinary number of great restaurant and bar options for lunches and dinners. Starting on 10th Ave…

You can find the full story at http://eataku.tumblr.com/.  It's well, well worth the read.

FUN FACT: CB and I both used to work for Central Park Media. This said, CB's not awesome because of CPM.  Nope, he's awesome because he's awesome.

Garth Ennis at NYCC!

Psst. Garth Ennis is coming to NYCC. Garth Ennis has been writing comics for almost twenty years, initially for British titles like Crisis and 2000 AD, then for various American publishers. Credits include Preacher, Hitman, The Demon, The Punisher, Fury, Barracuda, Battler Britton, Kev, Dicks, Adventures in the Rifle Brigade, 202, Chronicles of Wormwood, Crossed, War Story, The Pro, The Boys and Battlefields. Originally hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, Ennis now resides in New York City with his wife, Ruth.

Garth is appearing via Dynamite and Midtown – exclusively at the Midtown Comics booth, signing on Friday from 2-3 and Saturday from 12-1:30.

Universal Presents Sneak Peeks of The Thing and Your Highness at NYCC!

Happy Friday!  Really?  It's raining.  Grey.  Yucky outside.  Why's it happy?  Here's why. Talent and more from Universal's The Thing and Your Highness will be coming to New York Comic Con!

The Thing Panel
Universal presents the cast and filmmakers from its upcoming thriller The Thing. In the film that serves as a prelude to John Carpenter’s classic 1982 thriller of the same name, paranoia spreads like an epidemic among a group of researchers as they’re infected, one by one, by a mystery from another planet. 1:30 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.  Saturday.  IGN Theater.

Your Highness Panel
Join the stars and filmmakers of Your Highness for a fantastical discussion about an epic comedy adventure from the director of Pineapple Express. In the film from David Gordon Green, Danny McBride and James Franco star as two princes on a daring mission to rescue the heir apparent’s fiancée before their kingdom is destroyed.  10:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.  Saturday.  IGN Theater.

Your Highness: The Quest for the Blade of Unicorn
Universal presents an exclusive scavenger hunt - Your Highness: The Quest for the Blade of Unicorn - at NYCC.  Get info at www.facebook.com/yourhighness. The Quest begins at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 8, and at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 9. Check-in will be at the Castle of Mourne, located inside the entrance of the Javits Center. Participation is limited, and guests will be allowed on a first-come, first-served basis. You must be 18 or older to participate.

More details coming soon.