Where to find the best of 'nerdy' New York

Even if you didn't score tickets to this weekend's Comic Con, the place that inspired Gotham City is a hub for sci-fi and fantasy fans all year long.

With New York Comic Con (NYCC) in full swing this weekend, sci-fi and fantasy fans from around the world are descending on the city. The annual conference draws hundreds of thousands of anime, costume, gaming and pop culture enthusiasts for four days of panels, live gameplay and camaraderie. This year's event, held 9-12 October at the Jacob Javits Centre, promises to be just as epic.

The 2025 conference boasts more than 500 different panels and events, alongside opportunities for fantasy buffs to mingle with some of the best writers, artists and entertainers in the business – such as actor Elliot Page from the TV adaptation of the Umbrella Academy comic, Laurence Fishburne from the Matrix films and award-winning fantasy author George RR Martin.

"Comic Con is a physical representation of all the different fandoms," said fantasy author Alex Aster at this year's convention. "[It's a place where] you don't have to feel alone!"   

In fact, fantasy fans visiting New York don't ever have to feel alone. The Big Apple not only inspired Batman's Gotham City and has served as the backdrop for countless fantasy films and shows, it's also a hub for self-proclaimed "nerds" throughout the year. Whether you're looking to play video games all night long, searching for your next cosplay outfit or just want to get your anime fix, there's a place for you to indulge your video game, sci-fi or manga passion in New York well beyond Comic Con.

Here are five places fantasy fans shouldn't miss.

Forbidden Planet

Old-school comic book fans have lots of options to choose from in New York, but Forbidden Planet, located close to Union Square in Manhattan, is in a league of its own. Home to one of the largest selection of comics, graphic novels and other collectibles in the world, this place is almost guaranteed to have what visitors are looking for, be it the newest Superman comic release or an out-of-print series from Fantagraphics. What's more: if they don't have it in stock, they can likely order it.

Barcade

If video games are more your style – particularly obscure or vintage ones – then hurry over to Barcade, which has four locations across Brooklyn and Manhattan. Each location is home to around 50 games, from old-fashioned pinball machines to classic arcade versions of Frogger. Guests can grab drinks and snacks at the bar before dropping their coins in the arcade of their choice. The newest (and largest) location, located in Manhattan's Financial District, has more than 80 games, many of them obscure Japanese imports.

"[The new location has] a lot of space [so we added] some big, weird games that we've never had room to put out before," said Paul Kermizian, the chain's CEO and co-founder, who furnished the original Barcade location in Williamsburg with his own video game collection.

Abracadabra

Abracadabra, is a must-see destination for cosplayers and other costume enthusiasts. A staple since 1981, this shop located in Manhattan's Flatiron District is far cry from the typical pop-up Halloween affair. The year-round store offers costumes, props, makeup and more for those looking to bring their favourite comic book or TV character to life. What's on offer here is more high-end theatre quality than cheap plastic, making it perfect for die-hard cosplayers. There's even a seamstress on site for fans wanting to create custom designs.

Hex&Co and The Uncommons

Those more interested in board or role-playing games should head on over to The Uncommons, located in the Manhattan's West Village, or to one of several Hex&Co locations around the city. Both cafes feature a rotating selection of games, from classics like Uno, to more obscure indie offerings. "We love supporting independent designers and publishers. Those can be local [or] those can be Kickstarter games," co-owner Greg May told the BBC. "We have almost a thousand games, [but] not all of them are on the wall at any one time."

Customers are welcome to just pick a game and pull up a chair. The cafes also host scheduled events where people can play games like Magic: The Gathering or Dungeons & Dragons. Space is limited, so larger groups or those hoping to join a particular scheduled game are encouraged to reserve ahead of time.  

Toy Tokyo

Otakus, rejoice: New York City has something special for you, too! If you're obsessed with manga, anime or collectibles, Toy Tokyo located in the East Village is your spot. The Japanese-themed shop is part comic book store, part toy store and sells a truly dazzling array of collectibles: KAWS art prints, Funko figurines, Avatar anime, even plush Pusheen cats. They'll also have a booth in this year's NYCC, so even if you didn't score a ticket for the event, you can still experience a taste of what it offers.

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