If there is one event that I look forward to every year at the Jacob Javits Center, it’s the New York Comic Con (NYCC)! This past weekend, crowds filled the enormous space to enjoy everything related to comics: comic books and video game characters; sci-fi, horror, comedy, anime, cartoons, TV shows, movies, and more. Any type of character cosplay you could imagine was on display with people decked out from head to toe — B man, Joker, Superman, Catwoman, Wolverine, Deadpool, Glinda, SpongeBob, Spider-Man, Power Rangers, Mario Brothers, Scream, Barney, a Tree Monster, Sailor Moon, Ghostbusters, Beetlejuice, and it went on and on. There were too many creative cosplays to name, and all were amazing to experience!
NYCC welcomes and embraces the entire family, from infants in cosplay in their strollers, to the grandmothers also getting into the cosplay fun. Truly, at New York Comic Con, the family that cosplays together stays together. NYCC brings together a very diverse community of people from every racial, ethnic, and cultural background, and affirms that we all do have something in common that we can share with each other. In addition to the cosplays, the feeling of friendliness and excitement was contagious.
All types of merchandise was available for purchase, including themed pins, earrings, bracelets, t-shirts, jackets, posters, sketches, drawings, paintings from different anime, cartoons, TV shows, video games, movies and more. There were Gundam Base robots, My Little Pony, Star Wars, and It Killer Clown collectibles as well as Funko Pops for everything from Marvel characters to Sailor Moon, and Naruto — whatever you were looking for they had it.
Areas with gigantic video games and screens were set up where people could have a chance to play, along with interactive stations where families could build things, pass around trading cards, and buy comics. And of course, every show, video game and movie offered Mystery Boxes. You had “Sailor Moon,” “Fantasy Adventure,” “Pokemon,” “Dark Nights Metal,” “Sonic the Hedgehog,” and “Dragon Ball Z,” along with a great deal more. The ComicCon had something for everyone, including panels that gave the people a chance to see and hear from the people behind the anime, cartoons, sci-fi tv shows, movies and horror films they love so much. The crowd at the “Star Trek: Lower Decks” panel went wild and had a great time. Many were dressed as their favorite characters. There were panels for those in the industry and for those interested in being in the industry. NYCC hit the mark as it covered every facet of the fandom for the Comic Universe. There were moments for classic fans, like the “Godzilla vs. NYCC: 70 Years of the King of the Monsters” panel, and there were panels for more contemporary horror films like “A Quiet Place.” Of course there were cosplay contests and meet-ups that created a lot of excitement.
There is nothing more invigorating than going through the doors of the Javits Center for New York Comic Con and just taking in that crazy energy, diversity, love, and commonality. This is a place where everyone is welcome and, whatever your passion and desire, you will find it filled in these crazy, active halls, meeting rooms, and open space. It’s not just about sci-fi, cartoons, horror, or adventure. You have classic shows taking part and being honored; I was thrilled to go to 2373 on the third floor, where I had the opportunity to interview the cast of “Good Times,” now celebrating 50 years. I had the pleasure of speaking with Bernadette Stanislaus (Thelma Evans), Ralph Carter (Michael Evans) and J.J. Walker (J.J. Evans) and I asked them what it meant to be at New York Comic Con with the show celebrating 50 years. Bernadette shared, “Amazing. So many people are giving us congratulations and [sharing] how much they loved us and what we meant to history. And we’ve been now for 50 years and we’re still getting fans that are younger because their parents introduced them to ‘Good Times.’ I still have my two brothers here and myself. We lost Dad, but we’re going to stick together 50 years and beyond.” Ralph Carter said, “On behalf of the 50 years I’m very grateful that we have a generational group of people in the fanbase that do watch our show. We pay homage to Esther Rolle, John Amos, Ja’Net DuBois, Johnny Brown, Ken Powers, and the one and only Helen Martin, who played Weeping Wanda.” JJ Walker agreed with his castmates. Personally, I was thrilled to finally meet Bernadette — I heard most of my childhood that I had a famous cousin and finally I got to say hello!
New York Comic Con 2024 was just fantastic as always. I had a great time with my younger daughter Jasmine and her friends, who actually came in cosplay on Sunday. Going with a “Powerpuff Girls” theme, Jasmine was Bubbles; Fay was Ms. Bellum; and Najee was a member of the “Rowdyruff Boys.” What a blast we had, as did every attendee. See you next year!
For more info, visit www.newyorkcomiccon.com.
