New York Comic Con and Anime Festival
October 11–14
This annual fan convention at the Javits Center is dedicated to comics, graphic novels, anime, manga, video games, toys, movies and television. In the past, the event has featured such guests as Todd McFarlane, John Landis and Kevin Smith. Panels, screenings and the opportunity to have your comic book signed by your hero will all be on tap. The New York Anime Festival alliance is still in effect, too, so expect to see cosplayers (costumed participants dressed like fictional characters). They'll provide plenty to gawk at, even if you don't hit the fest's many booths, panels and screenings.