It's not too late to get in on the fun of New York Super Week! Comic Con's companion festival is going on now through October 11, so head to the city's best Halloween costume stores for a killer superhero or villain getup and snag tickets to these cool, kid-friendly events! We threw in some non-affiliated, comic-themed happenings, too, if you'd rather avoid the crowds!
"Body Worlds: Pulse" exhibit and Live Sketch Explore Discovery Times Square's way-cool exhibit, "Body Worlds: Pulse" and witness top-notch artists as they sketch the anatomy of the real human bodies before your eyes. Comic artists Russ Braun (DC Comics and Disney Animation Studios), Alex Maleev (Daredevil) and Cory Smith (Nickelodeon, Hasbro) will put utensils to paper before the crowd, showcasing impressive detail and technique and chatting about their creative process. Oct 6 6–8pm at Discovery Times Square. $27, children ages 3–11 $19.50.
The Hunger Games Live Podcast and Trivia If you have a Katniss superfan on your hands, you've probably already examined the more than 100 artifacts on display at Discovery Times Square's "The Hunger Games: The Exhibition," but now the kids have a chance to show off their knowledge of Panem. See a live podcast by The Hunger Games Fireside Chat Podcast team, then get in on themed trivia with Trivia AD. You could win much-envied tickets to New York Comic Con (which have been sold out for months!). Oct 7 7:30–9:30pm at Discovery Times Square. Free with RSVP.
Sheroes: An Exhibition of Women Comic Book Artists The Women in Comics NYC Collective International highlights the girl power found in comic books. For two months, visitors can check out a gallery of works by local female artists who work in the industry. Stop by for a reception and panel discussion during New York Super Week to hear about the artistic process and get a peek at the pieces.Oct 6 5:30–8:30pm at La Casa Azul Bookstore. Free.
Science Fiction and Fantasy Spelling Bee The weird words and names from our favorite sci-fi and fantasy shows and books may not be in the dictionary, but spelling whizzes will test their ability to sound them out during this live bee. Study up on Klingon and Na’vi words, plus those that hail from Middle earth and Westeros and get in on this interactive show hosted by Saad Sarwana. You could win prizes! Oct 7 7:15–8:40pm at Benzaquen Hall at the DiMenna Center. Tickets $12 advance, $15 at the door.
The Muppet Vault: Geeky Stuff The grown-up Muppet fans behind ToughPigs.com presents a show packed with classic clips from Muppety shows and specials featuring the likes of Christopher Reeve, Lynda Carter and Super Grover. During the event, Muppet-themed drink specials for adults will be available, and Muppet giveaways and sing-alongs hosted by staff for the kids. Oct 8 7–8:30pm at Benzaquen Hall at the DiMenna Center. Tickets $10.
The Big Superheroes Quiz Thing Always wish you could drive the Batmobile? Well you can't do that—but you CAN see it up close at the New–York Historical Society's new exhibit, "Superheroes in Gotham." Wear your costume and come check out all the sweet artifacts, then face off in an interactive game show all about comics, movies, sci-fi and TV for a chance to win prizes! Oct 9 6–9pm at the New–York Historical Society. Free, reserve seats by calling 212-485-9268.
"Superheroes in Gotham" Opening Weekend Since their introduction in the 1930s, superheroes have inspired kids through comic books, games, television and movie screens—even the Broadway stage. During the exhibition's opening weekend, kids get to design their own wrist cuffs and jump in on hero training sessions to practice defense and attack skills. They'll decorate a super-plane and fly it across the New York skyline, too! A special family guide will lead you gang through the exhibit in search of six special heroes, then make sure to snap a photo with the real Batmobile! Oct 9 4–6pm and Oct 10–12 12–4pm at the New–York Historical Society. Children ages 13 and under get free museum admission!
CMOM Comic Con Comic fanatics who are too young for hectic festival events will love jumping in on these hands-on activities. Throughout the weekend, craft your own comic book with thought bubbles and all, then design a cool cape and logo. Catch story times about the cute creatures called Clangers (Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–5pm), hear about accidental superheroes in a reading of "The Ultra-Violets" (Sat at 2pm and 3pm) and learn how to draw comic book characters in the manga style (Sun 2–4pm). Oct 10–12 10am–close at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Free with museum admission.