With only 2 days to go until the Javits Center opens it’s doors to nerds from all over the world, I thought I’d share a little wisdom I’ve learned from cons past.
Tip#1: Walk the path less taken
Sure everyone wants to get into the big panels. The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Marvel, etc. But why not try some panels not attended by every nerd this side of the Mississippi? A few of my choices for the weekend include panels like:
Thursday’s Picks
60 Years of Bazooka Joe – 3:45pm in room 1A01. “The panel will expose the story behind the comics with a slideshow, jokes, fortunes, video clips and surprise giveaways for everyone in attendance!”
Women in Comics – 3:15pm in room 1A15. “This panel will cover all aspects of women in the comic book world: the creators, the mythos, the history and of course the superheroes.” I’ve attended this panel the past 2 years and it’s always worth going to.
Friday’s Picks
The Wheel of Time Turns & Epic Fantasy Remains Epic – 11am in room 1A17. “…an absolutely epic panel on high fantasy. In order to complete your quest to conquer this realm, you must learn what sets epic fantasy apart from other works of literary swords and sorcery.” Plus this panel has Bioware writer and Star Wars novelist Drew Karpyshyn. So it’s a win, win.
Felicia Day and Geek & Sundry Presents! – 12:15am in room 1A22. “Learn more about what’s coming up for Geek & Sundry with Felicia Day!” Felicia Day has become a veritable princess of nerdom and it’s always worth finding out what she has brewing.
Saturday’s Picks
Fathers of the Dark Knight – 11am in room 1B02. “Teaching artist Roberto William and a cast of talented teens have come together to tell the tale behind the creation of the Batman, his friends and foes.” This new play sounds really intriguing and will be opening in New York. Worth a look.
50 Years of Dr. Who – 11:15am in room 1A23. “TV’s longest running science fiction show celebrates it’s 50th anniversary in November and a panel of Experts celebrate our shared fandom.” The big 5-0 is approaching for Dr. who and for fans everywhere this panel is the perfect place to celebrate the show’s anniversary.
Sundays PIcks
It’s Morphin’ Time – 10:45am in room 1A22. “Get ready for a blast from the past because it’s Morphin’ Time! Check out the Power Rangers panel where Jason David Frank, Tommy the Green/White Ranger, is reunited with two old friends, Paul Schrier and Jason Narvy, or better known as the bullying duo of Angel Grove High, Bulk and Skull.” It’s the freaking White Ranger. He was definitely a big time crush of mine in high school!!! Sounds amazing!
Warner Archive Presents: Almost Forgotten TV Heroes – 1:30pm in room 1A10. “With Smallville’s triumphant 10-season run still fresh in our memories and a certain Man of Steel soaring high in the cinema, Warner Archive think it’s worth a look at some lesser known super-shows.” I love a good superhero montage and this panel sounds like it will offer just that!
I love to walk the path less taken. I rarely go towards the Main Stage, because I can usually watch those panels later on YouTube. But at the less populated panels, I always learn about something new. And I always enjoy not scrambling for a seat as I enter the panel room. Give it a try. What less obvious panels will you be attending this weekend?
All quoted text comes directly from the NYCC website. Head here for more info.
Nerd in Another City 
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