Highlights From NYCC 2023

NYCC logo

Image Source: Game Spot

This year, I got to attend my first-ever New York Comic Con (NYCC). I have been going to C2E2 for over 10 years, and nothing compares to NYCC. NYCC is huge and utilizes all five floors of the Javits Center in New York City. There are a ton of freebies given out, which is a great way to get merch without spending any money. There’s also a ton of lines. I’m used to lines, but there are lines for everything, you eventually get used to it, especially cause there is something in it for you at the end. This con is definitely not for someone who hates walking or waiting in lines. It’s also impossible to see everything, even if you go all four days. 

Thursday I arrived at the con a few hours after it opened. I had time to kill before the Ewan McGregor panel, so I walked around the massive exhibitor hall. I barely even scratched the surface on day 1.  When he came out it was electric, and greeted us with his classic “Hello there!”. He also revealed that while he lived in NYC for many years, this was his first New York Comic Con, so it was special to share this moment with him.

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With the SAG strike still going on, he couldn’t talk about any of the movies or shows he has been in. He mentioned that he is in full support of the strike. We got to learn about how to make the perfect cup of tea, and about his love of motorcycles. He talked about his work with UNICEF and how it's an important organization to him. He started his work with UNICEF, after his show Long Way Round and also talked about how that never would’ve happened if he had been in a car. At one point, a fan tried to give him a Stormtrooper shaver that was given out, and he said he had to keep his beard. It probably meant nothing, but the Obi-Wan fan in mean hopes means we will get to see Obi-Wan again soon.

Ewan McGregor panel

Image Source: CultureSlate

Friday was much more crowded than the previous day. I arrived first thing, so I could attend the Apple TV+ panel. We were treated to a showing of the first episode of the upcoming series, Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters. I wrote about my thoughts in another article, but the episode was entertaining, and it seems like it is going to be an exciting show. The producers and showrunners were also there and discussed what it was like working on the show, and how they wanted more of a character-centered story, versus a monster-centered one.

I had a photo op with Ewan McGregor and the Critical Role cast, and of course, they were scheduled at the same time, and in different rooms. Luckily, I did make both of them, and the photos turned out great. They were all so nice, and Ewan even shook my hand. After my photos, I waited in line at the 7 Bucks A Pop booth to meet Sean Astin. His line went quickly, and he was such a nice guy. 

Saturday was the busiest day. At times, it was hard to walk around without bumping into someone.  I saw part of the Amazon Prime Panel, where they showed off the trailer for season 2 of Invincible. Robert Kirman and Simon Racioppa were there and discussed the series and some behind-the-scenes stuff. He discussed season 3 a little bit, and how it is in the works. They also joked, that with The Boys being on prime, they could probably get away with anything.

I left the panel early to see the entirety of the Scott Pilgrim panel. This panel was extremely fun, as we got to see the newest trailer of Scott Pilgrim Takes Off first, the opening credits, and even a clip from the show.  Bryan Lee O’Malley and BenDavid Grabinski were there as well to show off the new content and discuss the show. The show looks like it's going to be incredible, and I can't wait until it releases in November. 

Sunday was the last day of the con, and also family day. It was adorable seeing all the families dressed up in costumes. I attended the Percy Jackson panel, and it was the one I was looking forward to most. The first 500 fans were able to get a Camp Half-Blood t-shirt, and I was one of the lucky ones. Fans in attendance were shown the first seven minutes, the Minotaur and the Capture The Flag scene. We also got a surprise appearance from the author himself, Rick Riordan, who was joined by his wife Becky. Everyone gave him a standing ovation, which I thought was nice. As a huge PJO fan, this panel has me super hyped for the upcoming series on Disney+.

Percy jackson panel

Image Source: CultureSlate

New York Comic Con was an incredible experience. I have never gotten so many free things before and got so many goodies. This convention is not for the fan who wants a simple convention experience.  The entire experience was worth the trip, and I will be back again next year.

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