So, I'll have to report eventually that I attended New York Comic-Con a few weeks ago and literally had myself a blast! It was my first "comic book" convention (mind you, I've been to several Anime conventions) but I have to say that I'm starting to really dig the old-school American comics. I am always going to suggest to comic lovers that they attend BOTH a Comic-Con and an "Anime-Con" to get a real taste of the comic book world and the artwork associated with it...there's so many different perspectives and styles and artists out there that you're always bound to find something that relates to you.

But all conventions are NOT THE SAME! So, for those of you who have attended one or the other (but not both), let me point out some difference that you should be aware of (and that I noticed):

1) At Comic-Con, I didn't see that many costumed citizens or masked crusaders. While Otakon (as well as pretty much every other "Anime-Con") is known of its cosplayers, and a great abundance of them, the closest thing I saw to cosplaying most of the time was people wearing their favorite comic-influenced t-shirts or backpacks.Of course, there were some people dressed up... and if you're going to be in costume, people, at least put some effort into it (and find the right style that fits your body type, PLEASE, it's hard to crane my neck that far not to look at you)!

2)Comic-Con attendees are not very fond of Anime fans...they WILL yell at you and poke fun at you if you attend as a character from Bleach, Dragon Ball or any other popularly-known Anime...with the exception of Avatar, they like that one? But don't fear! There were plenty of panels and tables at Comic-Con for Anime fans to gather, which you don't see any American-based comic panels or tables at all at Otakon (I haven't found one yet, at least). In any case, don't go to Comic-Con looking for Anime, and visa-versa...it's just weird.

3)The artist-alley and seller's alley are conjoined at Comic-Con, making it easy and convenient to move from comic books and memorabilia to the actually artists that created them! I got a ton of signature from all different artists, writers and inkers for some of my favorite comics. At Otakon, it's very rare you find the artist attending to get a signature...in fact, most of the artists in attendance are amateurs either selling their Anime-based art or are webcomic artists looking to expand their fan base. I guarantee, you're going to be spending most of your time and money buying Anime goodies anyway, so Artist's Alley? Where's that?

4) All "fan-boys" are the same...and you can't escape them!

5) All Cons are packed: Be prepared to walk, push, shove, bite, snarl and eat your way through the crowd to get to what you want! These places are not for the faint of heart...one of my friends was verbally attacked by a "fan-girl" after he called her favorite male character, basically, a 'murder and a coward'. It took everything we had to pry her from him as she tried to convince him otherwise...

True Story.

6) Bring food and snacks...Cons are notorious for ripping people off in terms of food and beverage costs, and this goes for all cons.

For any one else who can find differences and similarities, I invite them to comment. I'm sure I've forgotten a lot which I will remember later.


I'm not being biased, as I enjoy both Otakon and Comic-Con. I believe both events hold a little something for everyone, depending on what you're into and what you're looking for. Over-time, my preference and style as an artist has changed, so I'm not exactly sure where I fit at this point. In any case, I HIGHLY recommend going to Comic-Con (as I will be going again next year)...and I'll see you at Otakon this year.