New York Comic Con 2024 is just around the corner — here’s what you need to know

It says a lot about our collective imagination or our need for escape that New York Comic Con is such a solid addition to the cultural calendar. As they say on the showfloor (or not): set your phasers to fun for October 17-20, because Comic-Con 2024 will transform the Javits Center into the country’s most surreal event space.

From Humble Beginnings to Pop Culture Powerhouse

A quick trip down memory lane: It’s 2006, and a plucky new convention called New York Comic Con opens its doors for the first time. Fast forward to today, and wow, this con has leveled up: from 33,000 attendees in that first year to a mind-blowing 200,000+ fans in 2023. NYCC isn’t just big – it’s now the largest comic con in North America.

But NYCC isn’t just about the numbers. It’s a pop culture phenomenon that’s been reshaping the entertainment landscape. Many comic book deals are made during the convention, and TV networks use NYCC to gauge audience interest in pilots and upcoming shows. There’s also a major presence from video game companies, book publishers, toy manufacturers, and creators of anime and manga.

Meet Your Heroes

Hold onto your capes, because NYCC 2024’s guest list is red carpet-ready — a lineup so stellar, it could give the Avengers a run for their money. Check out just a few of the amazing talents you’ll get to see:

Josh Brolin (Dune 2, Avengers: Endgame, Deadpool 2)

Walton Goggins (Fallout, Justified, The Righteous Gemstones)

Katey Sagal (Futurama, Sons of Anarchy)

Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Attack The Block!)

Paul Bettany (WandaVision, Avengers: Infinity War)

Matt Smith (Doctor Who, The Crown, House of the Dragon)

Kyle MacLachlan (Twin Peaks, Fallout, Dune)

Kevin Smith (Clerks, Jay and Silent Bob)

Ella Purnell (Fallout, Arcane, Yellowjackets)

Carla Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher, Spy Kids)

Denise Richards (Starship Troopers, Wild Things)

Tom Glynn-Carney (House of the Dragon)

Hayley Atwell (Agent Carter, Captain America: First Avenger)

And that’s just scratching the surface. From voice-acting legends like John DiMaggio and Phil LaMarr to literary stars like Tomi Adeyemi, NYCC 2024 has something for every fiefdom of fandom. Whether you’re a comic book aficionado, a sci-fi enthusiast, a fantasy fanatic, or an anime devotee, or just plain unapologetically weird, you’ll find your people here.

William Hoganson and Hannah Han dressed and performed acrobatics like their favorite Marvel superhero, Spider-Man at New York Comic Con in 2023.Photo by Dean Moses

Get Up Close and Personal: Autograph Sessions

Want a memento to prove to your future self that yes, you really did meet your hero? Don’t miss the autograph sessions. Here are some of the prices:

Josh Brolin: $225

Walton Goggins: $180

Katey Sagal: $160

Jodie Whittaker: $155

Mads Mikkelsen: $150

Paul Bettany: $140

Matt Smith: $140

Marisa Tomei: $140

Kyle MacLachlan: $130

Kevin Smith: $130

John DiMaggio: $100

Ella Purnell: $100

Freddie Prinze Jr: $90

Tom Glynn Carney: $85

Noel Fisher: $85

Neil Newbon: $85

Jason Lee: $85

Hugh Dancy: $85

Denise Richards: $85

Chris Sabat: $85

Cameron Monaghan: $85

Carla Gugino: $80

Samoa Joe: $75

Roger Clark: $75

Rob Wiethoff: $75

Phil LaMarr: $75

Mike Flanagan: $75

Michael Ironside: $75

Leah Clark: $75

Kate Siegel: $75

Jennifer English: $75

Jason Mewes: $75

From Hollywood A-listers to voice acting virtuosos, this is your chance to meet your heroes face-to-face.

Cosplay Spectacular

NYCC is where cosplay reaches legendary status. The Eastern Championships of Cosplay isn’t just a contest; it’s where dreams, some of them very scary, come to life and creativity knows no bounds.

Think about this: Armor so detailed it looks like it was forged in Wakanda. Makeup so intricate it could fool a Westworld host. Props so massive they barely fit through the door. From screen-accurate replicas that’ll make you do a double-take to mind-bending original designs that push the boundaries of imagination, these cosplayers bring their A-game. Of course, for many New Yorkers, especially in the East Village, this is like just another day in the city.

But it’s not just about the competition. Every corner of NYCC becomes a living, breathing gallery of pop culture. Snap a selfie with Spider-Man, chat with Chewbacca, or find yourself in an impromptu dance-off with Deadpool. Does anyone remember Tom Hiddleston unexpectedly appearing in full Loki costume in 2013?

Ellen Ripley controlling a giant loader from Aliens.Photo by Dean Moses

Artist Alley

For art lovers, comic book enthusiasts, and seekers of the unique: Artist Alley is a wonderland. It’s your chance to meet the wizards behind your favorite comics, the artists who bring your beloved characters to life.

Walking down the aisles, you might find the next big name in comics putting the finishing touches on a sketch. Or you could stumble upon an industry veteran, happy to chat about their decades in the business. Want a one-of-a-kind piece for your wall? Go ahead, commission a sketch on the spot. Looking for that rare variant cover? You might just find it here.

But Artist Alley is more than just a marketplace – it’s a celebration of creativity. It’s where you can watch art come to life, where you can discuss techniques with creators, and where you might just find inspiration for your own artistic journey.

Exhibit Hall

Prepare your wallets (for real), because the NYCC Exhibit Hall is a collector’s paradise. Exclusive merchandise. Rare collectibles. Limited edition items that’ll make your friends envious. And who knows, the value of these items might appreciate — so they could be a good investment. At least better than a car, right?

From towering booth displays by major publishers to intimate tables of independent creators, the Exhibit Hall is a microcosm of pop culture. Hunt for that elusive comic that’ll complete your collection, snag a limited-edition figure only available at NYCC or lose yourself in a sea of geeky t-shirts. And keep your eyes peeled – you never know when a surprise signing or giveaway might pop up.

Panels and Screenings

Hold onto your seats, and hold the hyperbole (we’ll do our best as well), because the panels and screenings are where the magic really happens — first looks and major announcements that’ll set social media on fire, and star-studded discussions that’ll have you pinching yourself to make sure you’re not dreaming. (Sorry, we just couldn’t curb our hyperbole).

This is where the “Stranger Things” cast made a surprise appearance. When Marvel dropped that “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” trailer. When “Star Trek: Picard” released its first full trailer. From intimate Q&A sessions with your favorite creators to massive Hall H-style events that’ll have people lining up at dawn.

Who knows? You might just witness the birth of the next pop culture phenomenon. Or at least a meme.

Pro Tip

Plan ahead, wear your comfiest shoes, and bring your A-game. With so much awesomeness packed into four days, you’ll want to make every second count. Download the official NYCC app to keep track of your schedule, and don’t be afraid to strike up conversations with your fellow attendees – you never know who you might meet.

Halestorm takes a selfie with a fan at New York Comic Con.Photo by Amanda Moses

Can’t Make It to NYC?

Fear not, distant fans. Not everyone can make the pilgrimage to the Big Apple — I have family members in Long Island who won’t cross over the East River. It’s OK — but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the fun.

NYCC will be bringing the excitement with live streams of its biggest panels, virtual meet-and-greets with guests, and constant updates on their social media channels. It’s like being there, minus the sore feet.

Plus, keep an eye out for exclusive online content and maybe even some surprise global watch parties.

Get Your Geek On: Secure Your NYCC Tickets Now

Grab your New York Comic Con tickets now. They sell faster than Quicksilver on caffeine.

Can’t attend in person? Follow NYCC on social media, tune into the livestreams, and join the global NYCC community online. Start planning your cosplay, connect with fellow fans, and get ready for the geek-out of a lifetime!

The NYCC Legacy for Shaping Pop Culture

New York City Comic Con isn’t just an event. It’s where fans become friends, even family (yes, there have been many couplings and children of NYCC). So whether you’re a seasoned con-goer with a closet full of lanyards or a wide-eyed newbie about to embark on your first con adventure, New York Comic Con stands as the most interesting weekend of the year.

New York Comic Con 2024 is coming. See you there.

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