From Thurs., Oct. 11 to Sun., Oct. 14, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan received tens of thousands of people to the annual New York Comic Con (NYCC), a meeting place for all things entertainment, including television shows, movies, comics, and videogames.

NYCC hosted panels on both new and returning TV shows. Kevin Bacon (Footloose, X-Men: First Class) was there on Sat. for a preview of The Following, a new drama set to premiere on FOX. There was also a much-anticipated discussion panel featuring the cast and production team from The Walking Dead, during which fans got a chance to watch exclusive footage of the season premiere. Other TV events included video presentations of Arrow, a new series based on DC’s Green Arrow, and Person of Interest, a crime thriller starring Jim Caviezel (The Passion of the Christ) and Michael Emerson (Lost).

“The panels are a great chance to see people you respect,” said Geoff, a fellow comic con attendee.

Guests included classic pop culture stars such as Adam West and Burt Ward (1960’s Batman), and also Lou Ferrigno (1970’s The Incredible Hulk). Another big attraction of NYCC was the autograph and photograph sessions with Tom Felton (Harry Potter franchise). After having a picture taken with “Draco Malfoy”, freshman environmental studies major Jessica Alba said, “I like how Comic Con gives us the opportunity to interact with people who bring our favorite stories to life.”

The videogame industry showcased some of the most anticipated games of the year. Fans got to play Halo 4 as well as the new Tomb Raider. Nintendo offered gamers the chance to try out the new Pokémon games, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, and also featured its brand new gaming system, the Nintendo Wii U.

There were also events for people with a more serious interest in the entertainment industry. On Thurs. Publisher’s Weekly hosted a panel on how to edit a graphic novel, while on Sun. people in the industry discussed the positive and negative aspects of e-book publishing.

Even for those not interested in videogaming or rubbing elbows with celebrities, the convention was in itself a spectacle.

“I didn’t realize how big the comic book community actually was,” said freshman nursing major Paige Gerber.

Getting to see so many people dressed up in the most imaginative ways and seeing everybody be friendly and open toward each other was truly enjoyable. For a little 7-year-old Bat Girl, the best part of NYCC was taking pictures with her favorite superheroes, “like Storm,” she said.