Stephanie Nerds Out at NYCC

Stephanie and a green power ranger at NYCC

BY: STEPHANIE FROM COMMACK
@Nenners

Comic con is the epitome of nerdom.

Nerds traveled from across the land for this epic event. To be quite honest the entire experience was so overwhelming, that it is hard for me to process the reality of my day. I went to the Javits Center in New York with no plan and now that I'm sitting here writing this, I
can admit to what a n00b I was in making that poor decision. Games, comics, merchandise, panels, and screenings are everywhere you look, without a plan you simply walk in to mass chaos.

I spent all of Saturday walking around the show floor, and I'm sure I only saw about half of what was there to see. Every time I thought I had seen every nook and cranny of the center, I’d find a whole new huge area that had the answer to every nerd’s prayers.

One of my favorite areas was Artist's Alley. The amount of talent exuded the very distinguished odor of nerd as I walked down aisles upon aisles of artists with their work beautifully displayed. In fact, I promised myself Sunday would be my “merch” day that way I could wait to decide on what I really wanted to spend money on to avoid spending every penny I had. However, when I came across Jeffrey Brown, author of "Darth Vader and Son," I had to buy it. But, I'm totally glad I did because he signed it and drew me a baby Leia, which I’m now considering as a future tattoo!  If you haven't read it, the illustrations in the book are beautiful. I don’t know about you, but the concept of Vader and baby Luke being placed in traditional everyday roles is hilarious to me.  It's a must have in my book and I can’t wait for May 4^th when Vader’s Little Princess comes out.


The highlight of my day was seeing segment producer from The Howard Stern show and Howard TV, Jason Kaplan. It was a brief, friendly exchange but I got a new picture for my Kaplan shrine.

The rest of my Saturday was spent admiring costumes. The amount of time, effort and money that went into some of these costumes was quite apparent. Some looked like they came right off a movie set, it was simply amazing. I must have asked 100 random people if I could take pictures of their outfits. If I was to pick a favorite, I would have to go with the most, I guess cliché’, but the Chewbacca I saw was simply flawless and quite frankly adorable. And I would be remiss if I didn't give props to some of the storm troopers who were pretty bad ass as well.

Don't get me wrong, there were lots of not so great costumes as well. I was in jeans and my muggle shirt so I can’t really talk, but next year I am without a doubt dressing up.

Here are just a few examples of costumed con-goers, including my favorite Chewy:

Sunday was meticulously planned out. Because I had missed literally every single panel, screening, and autograph I had wanted to see on Saturday, I made it a point to make the best of Sunday and, of course, there was still plenty to take in. I started my morning with a screening of Kevin Bacon’s new show “The Following.” I’m a huge fan of serial killer shows…and Kevin Bacon, so obviously this was most exciting part of the day for me. They showed the entire first pilot, which will air in January, with storyline I found so bad ass it was hard to contain myself during the screening. I don’t want to give anything away, but I seriously suggest giving this show a chance.

Admittedly, I’m a sucker for celebs and sitting in the same room with Kevin Bacon and the rest of the cast was thrilling but not nearly as thrilling as being recognized  by Judah Friedlander whom I met sitting third row for the unscheduled Sean Astin Q&A.

I had heard that Judah was not charging for autographs and pictures, which at comic con is a serious treasure. Autographs are ridiculously expensive, especially from those worth getting a signature from.  And besides the expense, technically cameras are not allowed in that area at all.  No cash, no photo, even if you’re 15 feet away. I had seen Judah a few weeks before at an Artie Lange show in NYC, hung with him outside after the show for a little bit and had him sign my Howard Stern Superfans T-Shirt. Even so I was still surprised when I approached and mentioned the show, not only did he remember me as the “Howard Stern girl,” which completely blew my mind up, but then he gestured to signs he had made that said “Photographs $0." I thought it was really amazing of him to make a point and honestly, it showed that he really appreciates his fans. His act of good will towards fans made me want to give him my money anyway, so instead I bought a book which he signed “Thanks for last night”.

Sean Astin seemed so absolutely down to earth, there was no moderator, so he held a Q&A and just joked and answered the fan’s questions. As a lifelong fan of Sean's, his approachability was reassuring and appreciated by all who attended the impromptu Q&A. He came off as a real person, and that's often a difficult thing for celebrities to achieve. Not to mention, it was the very end of the 4^th day of comic con, I’m sure he was exhausted after all the signing, photos, and panels he had done and yet he took the time to do an extra panel which just so happened to make my day, month, possibly year or until the next comic con at the very least.