The New York Public Library’s Schwarzman Building turned geek haven today. Its Free Comic Con drew 4,000—cosplayers as Spider-Man and Sailor Moon packed Bryant Park. Over 50 artists sold indie comics; a Harlem creator’s ‘Bronx Heroes’ sold 200 copies. Free panels on manga art ran hourly—kids drew their own. NYC’s nerd culture—library’s alive.
Artist Jada Brown, 29, debuted her sci-fi zine—100 gone in 2 hours. A Stan Lee tribute panel—clips from ‘78—drew 500; tears flowed. Volunteers gave out 1,000 free comics—Marvel, DC donated. Sun hit 73°F—cosplay capes fluttered outside. Library’s marble halls—NYC’s comic heart.
It’s not all great—main hall jammed; lines hit 30 minutes. Some wanted bigger names—indies shone anyway. Still, 4,000 fans, 50 artists—event’s a hit. Post-Con, 42nd Street buzzed—cosplayers posed. Free access—NYC’s gift.
Brown’s 29—comics’ future? Volunteers’ 20s—fan heroes. NYC geeked; library glowed. Comic Con—free fun.