How New York Comic Con Is Embracing Horror, Ticket-Free Content and Even More Cosplay for 2024

As a seasoned movie reviewer with over three decades of attending various film events under my belt, I must say that the New York Comic Con 2024 feels like a breath of fresh air after the tumultuous years we’ve all faced together. The pandemic, Hollywood strikes, and the ever-changing landscape of live events have tested our resilience, but NYCC has emerged stronger than ever.


After weathering a prolonged global pandemic, surviving two Hollywood work stoppages, I’m thrilled to share that the iconic New York Comic Con is making its grand return this week! This isn’t just any comeback; it’s our “first genuine, full-scale event” since the hiatus. The excitement begins Thursday!

Even though we’ve moved past the initial days of COVID-19, some noticeable changes in how live events have been conducted between 2020 and 2024 are evident in this year’s show. For instance, there is an offering of a free livestream for multiple top panels during the four-day event held at New York’s Javits Center, which was not common before.

As a devoted cinephile, I understand the perspective of those who feel offering pre-screening content for a ticketed event is giving away free stuff. However, from ReedPop’s viewpoint as the New York Comic Con owner, it’s about cultivating valuable relationships with consumers and considering it a shrewd business move.

Event director Kristina Rogers shared with EbMaster that it’s advantageous for us to make our content accessible to fans who can’t attend the event. “New York Comic Con showcases the finest of pop culture, whether you’re physically present or not,” she said. “Being in the venue grants exclusive access to things the studios wouldn’t want live-streamed and behind-the-scenes moments, as well as an additional level of excitement and prestige. Those watching online get similar access, just a bit less, with hope that they can join us in person next time. However, we’ve learned post-pandemic that we now need to cater to both digital and physical audiences.

This year, real-time panels from both the Main Stage and Empire Stage can be viewed on ReedPop’s Popverse, thanks to a new partnership with production partner Paragon Creative Agency, who previously handled the Grammys livestream. However, some exclusive trailers intended for in-room viewing will not be accessible through the streams. Nonetheless, Rogers promises an abundance of content this year, significantly more than the 2023 show that took place during the final days of the SAG-AFTRA strike against TV and film studios.

Looking back on last year, we were nearing the end of the series of strikes, yet they persisted. However, what truly stood out was an exceptional panel featuring David Tennant, where he shared his unique approach to tying his shoes – a quirky side of him that’s become almost iconic.

Rogers says she views 2024 as NYCC‘s “first true, full event back from the pandemic.”

She explained that after a challenging year in 2021 where they had to reacquaint themselves with managing crowds and implementing health and safety measures, they’ve been gradually climbing their way back up towards growth. This was followed by waiting for studio schedules to resume, dealing with a strike, and bringing exhibitors back. It’s been a slow but steady progression for the last four years, leading us to this year. We are now excited to welcome over 200,000 fans who were in our building in 2019, as both Friday and Saturday have already sold out. It feels like our first major event since the return.

Besides the popular attractions of the movie, TV, and comic book-related Main and Empire Stage events, Rogers highlights some lesser-known features of the show that are exclusive to this year and are likely to captivate the vast cosplay crowd who attend the convention.

For the first time, I’m thrilled to announce that we’re organizing both paid and free workshops where you can learn a skill and take your creation home. We have an armor-crafting workshop, a wand-making session, and wardrobe-working classes lined up. From beginner 101 level to advanced 301 level workshops, these sessions will specifically cater to our cosplay community. Cosplay plays such a significant role in our show, and we’ve been eager to provide more resources for our cosplayers. I’m really looking forward to launching this new initiative this year, and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds!

Read More

2024-10-17 16:17