Best of the fests

Saturday 7, Sunday 8
KingCon: A Brooklyn Comic and Animation Convention
Comic geeks of Brooklyn, assemble! The first ever KingCon will bring the borough’s best and brightest comic artists, animators and graphic novelists together under one roof. “Brooklyn has a huge amount of talent,” says organizer Regan Jaye Fishman. “There’s a comic culture here that doesn’t exist in very many other places.” Special guests, including American Splendor creator Harvey Pekar and witty author Jonathan Ames, will show off their latest projects, while other indie artists will be selling their creations (and you might just find your new favorite superhero). The fest will also be chock-full of comics-centric panels, including discussions on lettering and a look at the different incarnations of Batman. If you prefer something more interactive, test your old-school-gaming skills in the Classic 8-Bit gaming tournament. Brooklyn Lyceum, 227 Fourth Ave between President and Union Sts, Park Slope, Brooklyn (718-857-4816, kingconbrooklyn.com). Sat, Sun 11am–7pm; $7, weekend pass $10; children under 12 $5, weekend pass $7.

Wednesday 11
Veterans Day
This year marks the 90th anniversary of Veterans Day, which honors the men and women of the U.S. military. The city pays tribute with a full day of activities, beginning with a ceremony at the Eternal Light Monument in Madison Square Park at 10am, featuring a 21-gun salute. Camp out along Fifth Avenue to view the annual Vets Day parade; about 20,000 participants, including retired and active military personnel, will participate, backed by high-school marching bands. More than 600,000 spectators are expected, so arrive early to snag a good spot. Stop by the block-long street fair on 56th Street, and keep an eye out for the camera crews that will help civilians film personal messages to troops serving overseas. FREE Various times and locations; for more information, visit unitedwarveterans.org.—Beth Furtwangler

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