The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Why settle for one weekend of nerdy fun? New York Comic Con doesn’t begin until Oct. 9, but you can preparty during the first-ever Super Week (actually 10 days) of special events, screenings and talks around the city. It’s like being at Comic Con but without the crowds, and (at some events) with alcohol!
IFC Center screenings
Premieres! Cast appearances! A movie night with Baz Luhrmann and Susan Sarandon? You betcha. The IFC Center pulled all the strings and got a lineup worthy of an event as comprehensively fannish as Comic Con, from geeks to anime fans, martial arts enthusiasts and TV buffs. We picked some of the highlights; find them all at www.ifccenter.com. Oct. 3-12, IFC Center, 323 Avenue of the Americas
• “Community” creator Dan Harmon premieres “Harmontown,” a chronicle of his national podcast tour.
• Baz Luhrmann (“Moulin Rouge”) hosts a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” followed by a conversation about the filmwith star Susan Sarandon.
• Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) will discuss his favorite cult classic “Billy Jack” and sign copies of his memoir/lifestyle manifesto “Paddle Your Own Canoe.”
• Rare 35mm prints of classic Hong Kong kung-fu movies
• The complete, uncensored director’s cut of Lars Von Trier’s notorious “Nymphomaniac”
StarTalk Live!
Everyone’s new favorite science guy Neil deGrasse Tyson will host a live episode of his radio show “StarTalk” with author Malcolm Gladwell and comedians Eugene Mirman and Wyatt Cenac. Tyson already made science cool — can it be funny, too? $35-$55, Oct. 3, 8 p.m., Hammerstein Ballroom, 311 W. 34th St.
‘Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog’
The musical that got in touch with the softer side of evil is coming to Union Hall, with a second show added after the first sold out (drink your coffee, because this party will run late). “Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog” will be shown with lyrics on screen — not that you’ll need them — and accompanied by a drinking game. Come in costume as your favorite supervillain (or hero, I suppose) or any character from the Whedonverse. Contests, prizes and surprises, and maybe even clips from Buffy’s “Once More, With Feeling” musical episode. $10, Oct. 4, 11:45 p.m., 702 Union St., Brooklyn
Cure You orKill You
Get into the frightening world of what used to be medicine at this exploration of 19th century “science” at — where else? — the Museum of Morbid Anatomy. This is the grown-up kind of learning: a cemetery-themed game, discovering the curative properties of hot toddies for yourself, and more. $10, Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m.,424A Third Ave., Brooklyn
Neil Gaiman
‘Ask Me Another’
The trivia-comedy-musical variety show from NPR and WNYC already has Jonathan Coulton as its in-house musician singing clues to pub quiz questions, but upping the ante for Super Week will be special guest Neil Gaiman, the king of modern magical realism. See how he holds up in the Very Important Puzzler round. $45+, Oct. 10, 7 p.m., www.92y.org
Rave of Thrones
Did you know Hodor is a DJ in real life? “Game of Thrones” actor Kristian Nairn has spent two decades behind the turntables, so dress your best (costumes are encouraged) and party like winter will never come.$40-$50, Oct. 10, 11 p.m., B.B. Kings Blues Club, 237 W. 42nd St.
Celebrity Karaoke
Dreaming of catching your big break? If you beat Broadway actors at their own game, it just might happen. Come dressed for the occasion (so if you’re gonna belt a show tune, you’d better be dressed the part) and give the performance of a lifetime backed by a live band. Celeb guests include Justin Guarini (“Wicked”), Lena Hall (“Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), James Iglehart (“Aladdin”) and Ramin Karimloo (“Les Miserables”). The judges will be bona fide Broadway producers — this is not a dress rehearsal, people. $35-$50, Oct. 6, 7 p.m.,Hard Rock Cafe, 1501 Broadway
Sonic Boom costume contest
Sonic Boom
Sega’s annual tribute to Sonic the Hedgehog takes place on the East Coast for the first time. Get an extended look at the new series “Sonic Boom Universe,” video games and, of course, plenty of swag. Voice actors including Roger Craig Smith (Sonic) and Colleen Villard (Tails) will participate in a live script reading as well as meet-and-greets and autographs. $33, Oct. 4, 5 p.m., Manhattan Center,311 W. 34th St.
Mortified’s Salute to Sci-Fi and Fandom
The hit show where storytellers turn the lens on themselves sets up at the Bell House for a special “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” edition, with guests Amber Benson, Tom Lenk and Adam Busch from the show. Reminisce about the Scooby Gang who tackled problems a lot bigger than math tests. $15, 21+, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.,149 Seventh St., Brooklyn
‘The Karate Kid’
The fact that we’re still saying “Wax on, wax off” 30 years later means it’s only right to pay respects to the people who made this defining piece of pop culture. After the screening, hear from William Zabka (Johnny), Martin Kove (Sensei Jon Kreese) and the Karate Kid himself, Ralph Macchio, about their experiences during and after production of the movie. $30 and up, Oct. 11, 9:30 p.m. www.92y.org
Feline Film & Video Festival for Humans
All the elements of a film festival, just without the prestige. This fest will be a feature-length presentation of cat videos, with segments on their history, world “purr-mieres” and emerging new talents in the sloth and otter categories. $10-$20, Oct. 5, Galapagos Art Space, 16 Main St., Brooklyn
Comic Con Kickoff Party
Didn’t manage to score tickets to the big event in the two minutes they were available? Well, that cosplay outfit may come in handy yet at Katch Astoria, where two three-day passes (as well as several rare comic books) are up for grabs in a costume contest. Then watch the cult classic “Blues Brothers” at 9:30 p.m. Free, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Katch Astoria, 31-19 Newton Ave.
Follow Eva Kis on Twitter @thisiskis or email eva.kis@metro.us.
