The comics. The costumes. The nerds. If you live in the netherworld of comic book—ahem, graphic novel culture, the ECCC (pronounced “Eeek!”) is your annually accessible Valhalla. It’s a world in which frenzied imagination trumps the dull reality of post-industrial capitalism. Whether you’re catching up on Ta-Nehisi Coates’ latest issue of Black Panther, cosplaying after dark, or trying to escape a puzzle room modeled after your favorite sci fi/fantasy world, don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity.

First runner-up: PAX

Second runner-up: EMP Pop Conference

Honorable mention: GeekGirlCon, Short Run

Read about the rest of the Best of Seattle Reader Poll winners here. If you didn’t get a chance to vote this go-round, make sure your voice is heard next year. Email us at bestofseattle@seattleweekly.com and we will let you know when nominations open for BoS 2017.