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.

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........

© BBC