Convention News: Yaoi-Con, NY Anime Fest, Comic-Con

Lots of news on the anime and comics convention front, including the announcements of 2008 dates for New York Anime Festival and Yaoi-Con, and a change in registration procedures for San Diego Comic-Con.

Yaoi-Con - September 26 - 28, 2008: This year's event is scheduled for the last weekend in September, a month earlier than last year's event. The date changed, but the venue didn't: Boys Love fans will again converge on the San Mateo Marriott in the San Francisco Bay Area. But take note: the Yaoi-Con website mentions that their original block of rooms has already sold out. Yaoi-Con organizers are assuring attendees that more rooms will due to be added, so more fans can get a crack at the special event rates. Planning ahead pays off with registration too. Save up to $20 with early-bird registration discounts if you register before May 31, 2008.

Speaking of special, yaoi manga artist Nitta Ouka will be making a return appearance at this year's event, with more guests sure to be added in the months to come. Get a taste of the fun that's in store with the Yaoi-Con 2007 Photo Gallery.

New York Anime Festival - September 12 - 14, 2008: NYAF also moved, from last year's early December dates to mid-September 2008. We'll be waiting for news about this year's special guest line-up and whether the U.S. round of the World Cosplay Summit will be held in NYC again, but when we do, it should be good.

See photo highlights from 2007 New York Anime Festival for a preview of what 2008's event will bring.

San Diego Comic-Con International - July 24 - 27, 2008: The Godzilla of American comic conventions (or Galactus, as the case may be) is doing its best to deal with its ever-growing popularity, but if there was ever a comics convention that requires advance planning to attend, it's Comic-Con. Hotels near the San Diego Convention Center are often booked months in advance. So if you're even pondering attending, I'd suggest looking into arranging your accommodations soon.

What you may not know is the recent change to Comic-Con's registration procedures. According to the Comic-Con website, there will be NO onsite registration at the convention center this year. Given that last year's show sold out, this is probably a smart move -- but one that might catch the casual attendee by surprise. Avoid disappointment and pre-register online.

If you need convincing to make your plans to attend, check out a photo gallery featuring highlights from the 2007 Comic-Con.

Find an anime or comics convention near you with our convention calendar.

Image credit: © New York Anime Festival / Reed Exhibitions