AfroPunk means different things to different people, but you have to go at least once to find your own meaning…
AfroPunk means different things to different people, but you have to go at least once to find your own meaning…
The founder of Khemfest, Naseed Gifted, wanted to put an event together as a way to give New Jersey and Black culture its own Comic Book Festival. Now in its fourth year, Khemfest is becoming a staple for Black culture in the world of art and comics. I manage to meet with some of the vendors at the festival to get the chance to pick some of their brains.
As I reflect on my experience this year, I get a wave of nostalgia along with irritation and something else I’ve been trying to figure out. I came into the Jacob Javits Center expecting the same layout with more cramming than usual since they’re doing construction on the building. I, however was very surprised. I must say the organizers this year really thought out the design of the con.
As a child I always loved anything that involved superheroes, especially from Marvel and DC. This would eventually lead to a love for Anime and Manga as well. However, as I was getting older I noticed that was slowly changing. Instead of sitting on the stairs discussing our favorite shows, my friends and I started joining after school activities, going to local hangout spots, some of us even got our first after school job. Eventually my friends and I no longer talked about the latest episodes of shows we watched together. Then came Comic Con NYC!!!
With increased attendance and the popularity of NYCC growing, this event has turned into the number one place to go to in New York City every first weekend in October. But this year, something has changed. As I looked around the show room floor, listened to the panel discussions and the voices of the fans and vendors, something changed about the con and I can’t quite understand it.
Friday didn’t disappoint as hundreds of thousands of spectators came from all parts of the world at the world famous New York City Comic Con, located at the Jacob Javitz Center in New York City. I was fortunate to be here as I witnessed the up and coming graphic novel/comic book entrepreneurs as well as take pictures of some amazing cosplay. Additionally, “jewels” were dropped in regards to getting published in the comic book industry as well as the need to understand why diversity is needed in comics.
Thursday, October 5, 2017 marked day one of the annual event known as New York Comic Con by ReedPop exhibitions. With construction taking place at the Jacob Javitz Center this year, ReedPop has done the impossible. They have taken the event, which utilizes the whole 840,000 square feet and found a way to make more with less. Rather than ReedPop doing the usual separation of artists, comic book writers/sellers, cosplayers, collectible dealers and manufactures, etc., they have blended them in such a way that it feels brand new all over again. Even Artist Alley received a makeover with the section being close to the main floor.
New York's 2016 Comic Con was very memorable and truly something out of the ordinary. With the many panels and booths, it’s impossible to get through it all in one day, even if you attended all four days! However, if you did miss a panel, you have no choice but to move on in this fast paced environment. If you're a first timer, like I was, definitely plan ahead and remember, there's no better way to get into the spirit of Comic Con than by dressing in cosplay. See you in 2017.
