Nancy Lambert

Once a year, New York Comic Con brings together the best and the brightest in comics, film, anime, gaming and toys under one giant roof. Uber-fans flock to the pop culture extravaganza, located at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, to scope out the latest trends, but families can also have a blast—if they know how to handle the scene. Tremendous tickets! All adults and kids aged six and up need badges to enter the convention (kids five and younger are free). Preshow, single-day tickets range from $35 to $50. Save by purchasing three-day ($65) or four-day ($95) passes. Be advised that tickets sell out quick, so get yours as far in advance as possible. Tickets can be purchased online or, for those families who want to get a head start on their required reading, at a number of city comic book shops, including Midtown Comics Times Square. 200 W. 40th at 7th Ave (212-302-8192, midtowncomics.com). Splendid specials! Sunday, October 12 is Kids Day, which means fans aged six to 12 get into the convention for $5. Kids Day tickets are limited, and they tend to sell out fast, so book yours early. Amazing arrival! The convention's Show Floor opens at noon on Thursday and at 10am Friday through Sunday, but hard-core fans and comic collectors line up hours earlier for the chance to buy show exclusives. Unless you count yourself among those die-hards, we would recommend arriving slightly later to avoid getting caught in the morning rush. Awesome activities! The miles of aisles that make