NYCC 2024: New York Comic Con Brings Something For Every Geek
by Tom Smithyman
There’s a nip in the air, the leaves are starting to change, and football is on televisions across the country. In other words, it must be time for New York Comic Con.
That’s right, one of the largest, most important cons returns to Manhattan’s Javits Center from Thursday to Sunday next week.
This year’s edition should represent a return to normalcy, at least for the con’s selection of television, streaming, and movie stars. Last year, the Hollywood actors’ strike left most actors with little to talk about professionally, leading to some awkward sessions with fans. Star Wars’ Ewan McGregor, for example, was relegated to talking about how he takes his tea instead of discussing whether Obi-Wan Kenobi Season 2 will ever happen.
This year, though, promises to be different with appearances – and the associated promotions – from several stars. Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, and Josh Brolin, from Marvel’s Avengers movies, will pose with con-goers and autograph just about that is thrust in front of them. The Lord of the Rings’ Orlando Bloom and Andy Serkis will also appear, in addition to Jodi Whittaker, Eli Roth, David Harbour, and Danny Elfman.
Attendees will also get a sneak peek about a number of upcoming movies, shows, and games. DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn is bringing several actors with him to showcase the animated Creature Commandos, which begins airing on Max in December. HBO is following suit by shining a spotlight on its upcoming Dune: Prophecy, a prequel to the movie series. In addition to a panel with many of the actors, promoters are creating a special experience that promises to give fans a special look into the world of Wallach IX where The Voice will command guests to undergo a series of trials.
Warner Bros. is planning to pull out all the stops to promote its new Lord of the Rings anime film, The War of the Rohirrim. Several voice actors, including Succession’s Brian Cox, will be part of that main stage panel, which is moderated by Stephen Colbert.
Of course, NYCC is a comics convention, and the list of guests this year rivals that of any con with such greats as Adi Granov, Adam Hughes, Arthur Adams, Bryan Hitch, David Finch, Francis Manapul, Gary Frank, Geoff Johns, Jeff Lemire, Joelle Jones, Juanjo Guarnido, Larry Hama, Mirka Andolfo, and Olivier Coipel among many others. Artists Alley is sure to be packed as fans compete to get their books signed and some commissions booked.
Attendees will also be lining up to grab con exclusives, in particular, Funko Pops. Funko will offer lucky collectors several to choose from, (Who’s kidding. They’re going to grab them all!) including a Dilophosaurus from Jurassic World, Animal from The Muppets, and Chucky from Child’s Play. Publishers and comics retailers will compete for a share of convention-goers wallets with exclusive covers for a swath of comics including Beneath the Tree Where Nobody Sees, Absolute Batman, Department of Truth, and The Terminator.
On the main show floor, expect Marvel to make a big splash as always with its large, centrally located booth. Anime will be well represented as well with oversized booths from Bandai Namco, Toei Animation, and Dragonball Z. Missing from the floor, as it has been for the past several years, is a DC booth. DC used to have a significant presence in the dealer’s room, but is now essentially relegated to panels only.
Needless to say, though, there is something for virtually any fan during the four-day festival of all things geekdom.
