Last year, New York Comic Con extended the con from three days to four days for the first time. I love it. If you don’t like crowds, Thursday is for you. You can only attend NYCC on Thursday if you have a 4-Day or VIP pass.
Thursday is the day to check out the big booth displays on the show floor. With not that many people around, you can get some great photos without a sea of heads at the bottom of each shot. Want to take a picture of yourself in a life size Darth Vader action figure bubble card? The line for it on Thursday might be one or two people. On Saturday, that line is going to be much, much longer.
The only downside to Thursday is Artist Alley is the least populated on this day. But on the flip side, this is a great time to sketches from the artists who are there and get first crack at buying some original art.
There are also quality panels and screenings to attend. Here are what I think are the best panels and screenings to check out on Thursday. Unfortunately, working time turners haven’t been invented yet, or else I’d attend all of these.
3:45 – 4:45 Hasbro: Transformers
If you’re a Transformers fan, you know you’re going to be here…unless you’re at the Hasbro booth, buying whatever their unannounced exclusive is. Unfortunately, this panel starts 15 minutes before you’re probably able to get in the door to NYCC.
4:00 – 5:00 Protecting and Selling Your Comic Book or Graphic Novel – The Building Blocks
True story: I once paid a few hundred dollars to take a class at NYU SCPS to learn the same things you’ll probably learn in this class for free. If you’re a creative type looking to break in with your own comic, novel or screenplay, I recommend checking this out.
5:00 – 6:00 Spotlight on Irwin Hasen
I missed the Joe Simon panel last year and then he passed away not too long after. Our Golden Age legends are getting older. If you’re a fan of DC’s Wildcat, Irwin Hasen is his creator. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Hasen a few years ago. He’s a really nice guy. I’d like to hear what stories he has to share.
5:00 – 6:00 DC Collectibles
When it comes to character related merchandise, DC stands head and shoulders above their competitors. I seem to always be tempted to buy the latest Batman Black and White statue every time a new one gets released. Come see where your money will be happily disappearing to over the next year!
6:30 – 7:30 The Image Revolution Documentary
I’m definitely interested in seeing this documentary once it’s released. Image Comics has had an amazingly fascinating history. It was started by seven artists fed up with not having financial and creative control of their work. It was originally very much “an artist’s company,” and often scripts seemed to take a backseat to the art, but these days there is a writing renaissance going on at Image. The comics they’re currently releasing are some of the most diverse and best on the market. This documentary is recounting Image’s entire 20 year history. Personally, I can’t wait.
6:30 – 7:30 DC Comics – The New 52: Superman
I’m of two minds on this panel. On the one hand, the main Superman series has been one of the most disappointing series of the New 52. On the other hand, Grant Morrison will be on hand for this panel, and Action Comics has been one of the most fascinating series in the New 52. Maybe Mr. Morrison will give some hints about Multiversity here as well?
7:45 – 8:45 Surviving Collaboration
Collaboration can be hard, especially if it’s with someone you’re friends with, and also especially if you both have clear visions that don’t always mesh with each other. Unless you’re doing everything yourself, making comics is all about collaboration. Like the Protecting and Selling panel at 4:00, this might be a must for people looking to break in. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet your next collaborator here?
7:45 – 8:45 Roddenberry Entertainment Pizza Party
I have to hand it to the people at Roddenberry Entertainment, they know how to get people in the door with the oldest trick in the playbook: free food. And I do like pizza…
8:00 – 10:00 NYCC Kick Off Concert with Ben Folds Five
When I first heard of this, my reaction was “What?!? Ben Folds Five is playing NYCC?!?” The answer is, yes, yes they are. If you have a 4-Day or VIP pass, you can get in the door…for free! In case you needed a reason to splurge on the 4-Day over the 3-Day, here it is. Kudos, NYCC. This is quite exciting! Just get to the IGN Theater early. Seating is limited.
Written by Billy Henehan. Revenge of the Jedi Darth Billy photo by David Henehan.
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