Pop culture fans flock to the Big Apple for New York Comic Con 2023
Visiting New York Comic Con is Edmund Bleakley and is reporting on his take on the this huge event.
Since 2006 New York City has held the largest comic con at the Javits Centre with plenty for
anyone to do. This year amidst the actors’ strike questions were raised about how it would impact
the event. Whilst there was some confusion as to what could be talked about during signing
sessions because of the ever-changing state of the strike, little else was impacted on the con-
going experience. Questions still arise about how foreign properties with American domestic deals
(such as BBC’s Doctor Who which has a streaming deal with Disney Plus) are to be handled as SAG
AFTRA has not been specific on their ruling in these regards. However it was stated that during
signings guests could not write character names on the autographs as that would be promo
of struck material.
NYCC was greeted by Tom Hiddleston (from Loki), Chris Evans (from the Avengers films), Ewan
McGregor (from Star Wars episodes 1, 2 & 3 & Birds of Prey), Mary Elisabeth Winsted (from Birds
of Prey, Scott Pilgrim v.s. the World and Scott Pilgrim Takes Off), Tim Curry (from Rocky Horror
Picture Show & Home Alone 2), Susan Sarandon (Rocky Horror Picture Show), David Tennant
(from Doctor Who and Good Omens) and many more.
On the comic book front, while many online have commented on how publishers are light with the
absence of the likes of Dark Horse, Marvel came to Comic Con swinging showing off some
upcoming comic book titles for 2024 that include some (fictional) universe-changing events.
The show floor, although larger than we are used to in Australia, is nonetheless filled to the brim
with people dashing to a wide variety of activities, so much so that it becomes hard to move
around. Funko-pop stores, comic book stores, merch stores (both for the convention and for any
pop culture property you would possibly be interested in), a resale vendor and Korean street food
among others can be found at NYCC.
In terms of cosplay, all of your favourites from comic books, TV shows, anime, games and movies
are all here in spectacular fashion. The craft and effort in cosplay have never been more visible as it
is here in New York with screen-accurate costumes and designs filled with flair. Not to mention
also some creative original designs as well.
Overall, NYCC 2023 has been a fun filled
Edmund Bleakley
