Fans packing Javits Center for New York Comic Con
NEW YORK -- You may see people dressed up in costumes around New York City this weekend. New York Comic Con, the East Coast's largest pop culture event, opened Thursday at the Jacob Javits Center.
Around 200,000 people are expected to partake in the four-day event, organizers told CBS2. It's being held in this capacity for the first time since the pandemic started and face masks are required.
The event is sold out for the weekend.
Follow updates below.
Cosplayers show off intricate costumes at New York Comic Con
"For four days you get to be anything you want that's not yourself."
Thousands of superheroes and villains are being spotted in Manhattan. That's because Comic Con is back in town at the Javits Center.
CBS2's Dave Carlin was there and spoke to many a caped crusader on Thursday.
"Everyone is so happy," one person dressed as Spider-Man said.
"I just love the stuff I can see," Ashley Luzon said.
Luzon and Cleon Watson share a rule for Comic Con -- go big or go home. They put in creative efforts that show.
"I didn't go to sleep last night. That's what it took. I didn't sleep at all," said Luzon, of Harlem.
"It's like really nice when you work on a costume and people are giving you compliments, and they take pictures. It's like, really like, for your heart," Watson added.
Each member of one foursome was fantastically dedicated, with at least four looks each for their four days at the event.
"For four days you get to be anything you want that's not yourself," a woman named Samantha said.
"Six different cosplays just to make it work," Cornell Wilson said. "Thor, Optimus, Megatron, black suit, regular Spidey and if I can fit it, Superman."
"You meet people that like become friends for life," said Sarah Camps of Union, New Jersey.
"When we lost the year to COVID, we were bummed. The year we come back, it's worth it, well worth it," Justin Devoe said.
"The energy of the entire thing is amazing. The community around Comic Con, it's good thing. The lovely put into the cosplay the love and the craftsmanship they put into things like this booths I adore," Clarissa Hernandez added.
For some people, the absolute highlight of Comic Con is meeting the legendary artist and creating the characters they love.
"I am very much an introvert, believe it or not, but when I'm in public meeting people like the fans and readers of what I do is such a pleasure," artists Bill Sienkiewicz said.
"I love it. I've been coming here before her and now she loves it, so it's good," Adrian Cepeda said. "This was her idea. This was her costume idea. I didn't come up with any of it. It's all her."
For Cepeda and 4-year-old daughter Andrea, vivid memories are made.
At this event, where superhero3s meet as strangers and quickly feel like family.
"All of us can be nerds together"
The Javits Center was packed after doors opened at 10 a.m., CBS2's John Dias reported Thursday.
Many of those dressed elaborately for the event said they made their costumes themselves.
There's a blend of comic book culture, including superheroes, anime, video games, cosplay and more.
"For me, it's like adult trick-or-treating. I get to dress up, have fun," said Angela Taylor.
"A lot of fans that come for it to be one collective experience. All of us can be nerds together," said Lance Ferrer.
"Whether you're a Mecca fan, an anime fan, comic book fan, Star Wars fan, there is something here for everybody," another fan said.
"I come in and I'm just happy. I'm like wow, this is a place where everything I love is here," said another.
Illustrator shares inspiration
As New York Comic Con returns, we hear from award-winning artist Ed Steckley about the illustrations that help bring the page-turning stories to life.
Fans start lining up early
The self-proclaimed "geek fest" is not just a costume party. From now until Sunday, New York will be home to a blend of comic book culture.
And of course, that will include lots of superheroes, anime, video games, cosplay and more.
While creative costumes will be on full display, there's also merchandise, unique artwork, tons of photo-ops and panels with celebrities.
Because of such high demand for certain panels, organizers encourage spectators to use their new reservation system to guarantee seating.
The show floor opens at 10 a.m., and tickets are still available.
"Got here extra early. Just few in from Chicago like an hour ago," Zachary Joy told CBS2's John Dias.
"It's my social getaway. I love collecting and reselling, I love it all," Massapequa resident Matt Farino said.
"It's exciting. It's tiring, but it's worth it," said Elmhurst resident Juan Pinilia. "I'm looking forward to One Piece Tour. That's an anime that's been really popular in Japan, and they're having a booth here this year."
Keep in mind, face masks must be worn at all times. But proof of a COVID vaccine or negative COVID test are not required this year.