In the world of Geekdom, there is no bigger disappointment than not scoring badges to Comic Con International in San Diego. Realistically, it's a lot like winning the lottery. Only so many badges, and several million people to maneuver around to get those passes. What is one to do to fill the void of not going to Comic Con? Always have a plan B. There are so many other great conventions you can make memories at that are worth your time. Luckily, I have been to several of them. Keep your chin up as we go through the top five pop culture conventions you should attend not named Comic Con International.
MEGACON is the largest fan convention in North America. Held every March at the Orange County Convention Center, this convention is as huge as its name implies. This 4 day convention celebrates Sci-Fi, Horror, Gaming, and Anime. MEGACON has a vast selection of vendors and artists compared to many other conventions. It is a Fanboy's dream. This year, 160,000 con goers had a blast at MEGACON. Celebrity guests included Ron Howard, Millie Bobbi Brown, Jude Law, and the cast of THE BREAKFAST CLUB. Great convention to buy merch and make new friends.
If you are a cosplayer, this is your convention. Dragon Con has a reputation as the top Cosplay convention around. Dragon Con has something for everyone. Focusing on Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming, Comics, Literature, Art, Music, and Film......this convention is a blast for the nearly 75,000 attendees that make their pilgrimage to Atlanta every Labor Day weekend. The con starts off with a huge parade going through downtown Atlanta. It's a huge convention since it spreads across five hotels. That's right.......five hotels. There are many after hour parties to be had. It's a great con where everyone is welcome.
The First of two Reed*Pop conventions on this list, C2E2 is an attack on the senses in the best way possible. Every fandom imaginable can be found at this con. There is even something for wrestling fans here as well. Held at the gigantic McCormick Place Convention Center, C2E2 welcomes over 100,000 con goers every year. If exclusive merchandise is your thing, C2E2 has what you want in Spades. This convention is known for its amazing panels and vendor area. It is well run by the guys who brought you Star Wars Celebration. Also, the Crown Championships Of Cosplay is held at C2E2.
Just imagine celebrating your love of Japanese Pop culture surrounded by 400,000 others doing the same. Anime Expo brings that dream to life. Easily the largest Anime convention not held in Japan. This amazing con brings you cosplay competitions, gaming tournaments, concerts, raves, and a Masquerade Ball worth looking into. It takes place at the LA Convention Center, home of LA Comic Con. Every first weekend of July, Japan comes to this spirited gathering. It's Otaku Paradise.
If there is a pop culture convention that rivals Comic Con International, it's NEW YORK COMIC CON. Taking place at the Jacob Javitz Center just minutes from Times Square, NYCC is a blast. It focuses more on Comics and graphic novels, but still has sections of movies, TV shows, anime, gaming, and Sci-fi around. It is at this con you will find the largest artist alley you have ever seen. In 2013, I couldn't get a badge for Comic Con International, so I chose to go to NYCC. Best decision I ever made. I had four days of fun meeting cosplayers, comic book artists, the Toy Hunter, fellow con goers, and the one and only Stan Lee. There is always something to do at NYCC. You are in NEW YORK CITY for crying out loud. Every October, 200,000 fans converge to NYCC to make memories. I sure did.
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