5 Reasons Why You Should Attend MoCCA Fest 2011

Image via Complex Original

This Saturday and Sunday, the Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art is hosting its annual art festival at the Lexington Avenue Armory (68 Lexington Avenue, between 25th and 26th Streets). If you've never attended, Ticket info can be found on the MoCCA website, but before you go, check out our five reasons to attend Moca Fest 2011.

5. You Won't Find Stormtroopers Here

MoCCA Fest isn't quite the same as the famed San Diego Comic Con. Unlike SDCC's zoo of film/tv promos and its eclectic mix of questionable cosplay, MoCCA Fest is strictly comic artists and artists alone. It's an independent expo that gathers the comic and cartoon community under one roof. The Village Voice even named MoCCA Fest the "Best Small-Press Comics Nexus Anywhere".

4. You'll Get to Know The Players in the Industry

One of MoCCA Fest's distinguishing attractions is that the showroom floor. It is a balanced mix of established artists, artists on the rise, and fresh-faced talent in comics. Notable guests this year include Tom Hart (Hutch Owen), Michael Kupperman (TV Funhouse), Gahan Wilson (Playboy), and Chip Kidd (DC Comics).

3. It's a Fundraiser

MoCCA Fest began in 2002 as a fundraiser to benefit MoCCA and other art education programs in NYC schools. Tickets are a reasonable $10-20 (depending when you want to go) and the proceeds go to benefit the museum. Get your nerd on while preserving an institution serving this contemporary art form.

2. You Can Buy Unique Original Art and Limited Edition Books Here

If listening to artists speak isn't your thing (or if it is, we won't judge you), MoCCA Fest features art exhibitors ranging from publishers, merchandisers, and even commissions. MoCCA Fest offers the opportunity to get excited over childhood nostalgia and to discover something new.

1. The Weather is Going to Be Fantastic

Need we say more? New York City's weather has been pretty dreary and cold as of late, but the forecast is projecting an awesome coat-free sunny weekend. Get outside! MoCCA Fest is a short walk from Madison Square Park, so after an afternoon of comic and cartoon-ing, continue your perfect day with a bite from Shake Shack.