Tag Archives: NYCC 2015

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NYCC 2015 Friday Panels – Our Picks!

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Written by David Henehan.

Welcome to Day 2 of NYCC. You made it through Thursday, the day of NYCC that is least packed, in terms of both attendance and what creators are there, but now it’s Friday! More people at the Javits Center! More panels! That said, there seem to be less MUST ATTEND panels than Thursday. BUT the good Friday panels are AWESOME Friday panels, which is going to make for some hard choices when it comes to time conflicts.

DC Comics – The Dark Knight 30th Anniversary – 11:00-12:00 Main Stage 1-D

Wow, talk about a star-studded panel. Jim Lee, Klaus Jansen, Andy Kubert, Brian Azzarello and surprise guests. Could the surprise guests possibly be Scott Snyder and Frank Miller?! What do you think? (Wristband required)

Dark Horse: CLASSIFIED – 11:00-12:00 1A21

Dark Horse lost the Star Wars license at the end of 2014. What would have been a mortal blow to another company inspired this company to really go all out in producing new quality product. Dark Horse has long been a home of great independent work and licensed comics. With the loss of their biggest license, they doubled down on the creator owned titles, giving us such gems as Brian Wood’s Rebels. Wood will be at this panel, as will Matt Kindt, Mike Richardson and more. Come here to see what Dark Horse has planned for 2016.

Dan Parent Drawing Workshop – 11:00-12:00 Family HQ 1C01

Here’s a fun one to bring the kids. Dan Parent of Archie Comics will be hosting a drawing workshop. Learn how to draw your Archie faves.

YogaQuest: Narrated Yogic Adventures – 1:15-2:15 Family HQ 1C04

“A mix of yoga and fan-fiction storytelling.” Okay, you’ve piqued my interest. Hmm, maybe this is the day I’ll wear my Spider-Man costume to NYCC.

Star Wars Collectibles Update with Lucasfilm’s Anita Castellar – 1:30-2:30 1A21   CANCELLED

If you missed yesterday’s Hasbro Star Wars panel, make up for it by attending the Lucasfilm Star Wars Collectibles panel, which will cover the gamut of upcoming Star Wars merchandise.

In Conversation With Seth Meyers – 1:45-2:45 1A10

Late night host, former SNL head writer, and published comic book writer (it’s true!) Seth Meyers will be interviewed by Vulture’s Jesse David Fox. I’m surprised this is in one of the smaller A-line panel rooms, and not on either the Main Stage or Empire Stage.

The Adventure Continues: A Justice League Reunion Event – 2:00-3:00 Empire Stage 1E

This is the first time that the Justice League cartoon cast is reuniting in over 10 years! Kevin Conroy (Batman), Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman), George Newbern (Superman), Phil LaMaar (Green Lantern), Maria Canals-Barrera (Hawkgirl), Carl Lumbly (Martian Manhunter) and Voice Director Andrea Romano all in the same room! The cast will also be autographing in the autographing area at different points during NYCC. Be sure to check the timetable in the autographing area for that info.

[adult swim] Panel Block – 2:30-5:15 Main Stage 1-D

The people behind Venture Bros, Neon Joe, Werewolf Hunter, and Robot Chicken will all be here and will have preview footage of their new seasons. (Wristband required)

Archie Comics Forever – 4:15-5:15 1A05

Are you reading Archie by Mark Waid and Fiona Staples? If not, you need to. It’s one of the best new comics of 2015. Mark Waid will be at this panel, as will Roberto Aguirre-Sacassa (Afterlife with Archie), Chip Zdarsky and more.

Dorkly Presents Today in Nerd Trivia – 6:30-7:30 1A21

As a member of Trivia NYC’s reigning Trivia Champions of New York City (seriously, look it up), I’m all about this. I really, really, really hope I get picked to join the Dorkly staff to compete on stage.

Batman: Bad Blood Exclusive First Look 8:00-9:00 Main Stage 1-D

See exclusive footage of the latest from Warner Animated’s DC Superhero movies, Batman: Bad Blood. Batwoman and Batwing are finally appearing in an animated movie! This one is directed by Jay Oliva, which means it’s bound to have awesome fight scenes!

 

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NYCC 2015 Thursday Panels – Our Picks!

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Written by Sarv Kreindler.

There are SO MANY panels and screenings at NYCC each year, and this year it seems like they’ve grown in number once again. These show guides will help you make the most of your time at NYCC. Here are our team’s picks for the best panels and screenings for Thursday at NYCC 2015!

88 MPH: A Celebration of Back to the Future – 11:00 – 12:00 – 1A06

Back to the Future turns 30 this year! Join the filmmakers behind “Back in Time,” the Steven Spielberg approved documentary about Back to the Future. “But wait, didn’t Robert Zemekis direct Back to the Future? Who cares if Steven Spielberg approved this documentary?” True, but Spielberg is the Executive Producer of Back to the Future. I’m setting the over/under of Marty McFly cosplayers in this room at 4. Are you taking the over or the under?

Hasbro Star Wars – 11:15 – 12:15 – 1A24

We haven’t seen any sort of announcement from Hasbro regarding NYCC exclusives at the time of this writing, but I’m hoping with the upcoming licensing monster that is Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, we’re going to get something. Whether or not we get any NYCC exclusives from Hasbro this NYCC, if you’re a Star Wars fan, this is a must-attend panel. With the new movie coming out this December, Hasbro has a lot of new product hitting the shelves soon. See your first look at it here.

Toddfather Talks Toys, Comics, Spawn and Insight Into Being an Independent Creator – 12:15 – 1:15 – 1A06

In all my years of attending conventions, I don’t think I’ve ever heard Todd McFarlane speak at a panel. I was able to get his autograph at two different New York Comic Cons, but I’ve never heard him speak on stage. He’s going to present the new Walking Dead and Game of Thrones sets that McFarlane Toys is producing. I may go to this just hear an hour of Todd on Todd.

Andre The Giant: The Man Behind the Legend – 12:30 – 1:30 – 1A24

If you attended last year’s Cary Elwes panel, this looks like a nice follow-up. Andre the Giant’s daughter, Robin Christensen Roussimoff, will be telling stories about her dad, aka Fezzik from The Princess Bride.

Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Panel – 1:30 – 2:30 – Empire Stage 1-E

Do you watch Rebels? If so, you’re going to want to come to this panel, which fill feature stars of the show. Be sure to come back at 5:30 PM for an exclusive sneak peak of the new season.

DC Comics: Master Class – Art History – 1:30 – 2:30 – 1A21

Babs Tarr and Ivan Reis talk art. Count me in.

Marvel: House of Ideas – 2:45 – 3:45 – 1A21

Stick around after the DC art panel for what is always a great panel, the Marvel: House of Ideas panel. Hosted by Ryan Penagos, aka Agent M, you’ll see exclusive previews before they hit the major comic book news sites. If you want to be the first to hear about new Marvel Comics news, this will be the panel you come to.

The Walking Dead: An Inside Look with Robert Kirkman – 2:45 – 3:45 Empire Stage 1-E

Robert Kirkman talks all things Walking Dead. What else do you need?

Nerdist Writers Panel – 3:00 – 4:00 – 1A10

The Nerdist Writers Panel is one of our favorite podcasts at the Tuesday Night Comics podcast. When Ben Blacker isn’t interviewing guests like the writers room from the first season of Friends (!), he interviews prominent comic book writers about their craft. Expect A list guests at this panel.

How Harley Quinn Conquered the World – 3:00 – 4:00 – 1A24

If you read the current Harley Quinn comics, this is the panel for you. Both Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti will be here to talk about their hit series from DC Comics.

Game of Thrones: A Panel of Ice and Fire – 4:00 – 5:00 – Empire Stage 1-E

Natalie Dormer aka Princess Low Cut! Keisha Castle-Hughes aka Slutty Princess Leia! Both in one place! And Finn Jones aka Ser Loras too! Before you go to this panel, go to the Dark Horse booth and buy the Joffrey crown and strut into the panel wearing it!

The Biggest Attack on Titan Manga Announcement Ever – 4:00-5:00 1A18

Heidi McDonald’s The Beat was the first to point out that among the panelists here is Jeanine Schaefer, who is known for her Marvel and DC work. Does this mean we’re getting Attack on Titan comics from non-manga creators? The Beat thinks so, and we’re inclined to agree.

Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Sneak Preview – 5:30 – 6:45 – Empire Stage 1-E

I wonder if they’re going to show the entire first episode of the new season. An hour and fifteen minutes certainly seems like enough time to get through a whole episode and then have Q&A after. Or even better, two full episodes and zero Q&A (“My question is…I love you, and think you’re great and awesome and on and on an on…Can I have a hug?”).

 

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Tuesday Night Comics Podcast 91 – Birthright Vol 1 Reviewed! Bergen St Comics Closes :(

Sad news: Bergen St Comics in Brooklyn, NY has closed its doors. Billy went to their farewell party and has a full report. In happier news, both Billy and Dave discovered Skybound’s Birthright this week, and review volume 1 of the comic on this week’s episode of the podcast. Plus, the guys play The Twenty, where they give you their picks for the new comic books they’re most excited for that are coming out on Wednesday, 9/30/15. Give it a listen, fanboy!

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The Best NYCC 2015 Exclusives

Every year, there is A LOT of exclusive merchandise available at NYCC. We’re here to highlight the cream of the crop, because not all exclusives are created equal. Note: This post will be updated continuously as New York Comic Con 2015 gets closer and more exclusive merch is announced. Be sure to bookmark this page and check back regularly.

Boba Fett and Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite Itty Bitties – Hallmark

I can’t lie; I have a small obsession with all things Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite. While I have yet to have a life size Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite hanging on my apartment wall, I will happily display this Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite, quite possibly the cutest Han Solo Frozen in Carbonite on my desk at work.

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U-3PO and R5-D4 Keepsake Ornaments – Hallmark

Both of these droids appeared in the original Star Wars movie. U-3PO can be seen in the background of Princess Leia’s ship at the beginning of the movie and R5-D4 was almost purchased by Uncle Owen from the Jawas before the droid shorted out and he bought R2-D2 instead. This Christmas, both will be hanging on my tree.

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Doctor Who Weeping Angel Statue of Liberty Christmas Ornament – Newbury Comics – Booth 2945

A cool exclusive Christmas ornament and it’s not at the Hallmark booth?! New England based comics retailer Newbury Comics has this exclusive ornament that features the Weeping Angel Statue of Liberty from the classic Doctor Who episode, Angels Take Manhattan.

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Death Star Surface Modules Set #1 – eFX – Booth 1344 – $150

eFX is known for their screen accurate prop replicas. This year, they are offering a a very cool set of replicas of the Death Star tiles used in filming the original Star Wars movie. These modules were used to shoot the surface of the Death Star. ILM created different tiles for showing different altitudes. These particular tile replicas are the “high altitude: square tiles in medium altitude configuration.” They’re presented a very nice wall plaque. If you can’t make it to New York Comic Con, or just don’t want to deal with the crowd at the eFX booth, eFX has made a limited supply of these available for sale on their website.

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Mega Man X-Kai Action Figure – TruForce Collectibles – $89.99 – Limited to 1/person/day

If you’re a Megan Man fan, you need to check out this figure. It features over 30 points of articulation, an LED X-Buster and translucent purple effects pieces.

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Deadpool’s Chimichanga Truck Pop Vinyl – Funko – Booth 722

There are have been Funko exclusives at NYCC for years now with their exclusives being sold through partners, but this is the first year that Funko is setting up their own booth at New York Comic Con. And they are BRINGING IT. Funko has A LOT of exclusives available at NYCC this year, from all of their lines. This Deadpool and Chimichanga truck is one of my favorites. It’s limited to 3000 pieces.

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Terminator 2: Judgment Day T1000 Frozen Patrolman Action Figure – Funko – Booth 722

Do you love Terminator 2: Judgment Day? Of course you do. It’s one of the greatest action movies of all time. And this figure recreates one of the coolest scenes in the movie, when the villainous T1000 is frozen solid. I love the design of this ReAction figure. It is perfect in its retro-Kenner aesthetic. It’s limited to 1500 pieces. Expect a quick sellout.

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Clear Glitter Boba Fett Hikari – Funko – Booth 722

Funko’s Hikari figures are hit or miss for me, and mostly miss. To me, they just don’t look cool enough to justify the high price tag. But I am loving this clear glitter Boba Fett variant. It’s limited to 750, so if you want one, act quickly at NYCC. The high price tag might scare some people off, but this Hikari looks too dope to still be available on Sunday afternoon.

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Iron Throne 6″ Super Sized Pop Vinyl – Funko – Booth 722

Could this be Funko’s most popular Pop Vinyl of NYCC 2015? Could this be the most popular exclusive at NYCC 2015? I see this being on the must-buy list for many, many people. I don’t think I have ever liked a Pop Vinyl as much as I like this interpretation of the Iron Throne from Game of Thrones.

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Shaun of the Dead Vinyl Idolz Figure – Funko – Booth 722

 

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TMNT Black and White Ninja Turtles Dorbz Set – Funko – Booth 722

So cute!! Has any set of Dorbz figures ever been as adorable as this four figure set? You get all four turtles in their classic black and white glory. And I absolutely LOVE the red spot coloring on their eye masks. Ahhh! These are just too cute

 

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Game of Thrones Joffrey Baratheon 5″ Crown – Dark Horse – Booth 1636 – $60

When Dave from the Tuesday Night Comics podcast heard of this exclusive, he noted “$60 is well worth an excuse to bring out your inner spoiled entitled monarch.” You might want to avoid drinking wine while you wear this though. Limited to 400 total, limit of 2 crowns per purchase per day. $60 works out to how many gold dragons?

 

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M.O.T.U.S.C.L.E Figure Packs – Super7 – $6

Like Hallmark’s exclusive ornaments, these were also available at SDCC in July. There are four packs of these figures, combining two of my favorite toys from the 1980s: Masters of the Universe and M.U.S.C.L.E! Each comes with three heroes or three villains and there are four different packs. I’ll be buying all four. They had me at Ram Man.

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Harley Quinn Batman: The Animated Series Black and White Bust – Diamond Select – Booth 1644 – $60

Limited to 1,700 pieces. This is a fantastic looking bust of Harley Quinn, in all her Bruce Timm designed glory!

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Tuesday Night Comics Podcast 90 – Some People Are Too Dumb to be Allowed to Buy NYCC Tickets

NYCC put tickets on sale at Midtown Comics this weekend and people on Facebook froke out. Some of them left comments that were facepalm worthy, including this gem.
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Seriously, how did 6 people like this comment?
Listen to what we have to say about this and more on the new episode of the Tuesday Night Comics podcast!

 

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Brooklyn Defender 2015 Launch Party

Like the Silver Surfer heralding the approach of Galactus, the Brooklyn Defender Launch Party heralds the return of New York Comic Con to New York City. Arriving a month before New York Comic Con, the Brooklyn Defender Launch Party is a celebration at Brooklyn Brewery in Williamsburg. For the past four years, NYCC and Brooklyn Brewery have teamed up to create the Brooklyn Defender, a limited edition beer whose recipe changes every year. They also enlist a comic book artist to create logo for the beer. In 2013, it was Tony Millionaire. In 2014, it was Cliff Chiang. In 2015, it was Amy Reeder. And this year, it’s Khary Randolph. Khary did an absolutely awesome job on this design, evoking the Super Powers action figure card backs of the 1980s.

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I’ve gone to the Brooklyn Defender Launch Party every year, and the only bad one was the first one, when a Batman had too much to drink and puked near me and my friends. Bat-splatter is gross! But the past years there have been awesome, and I expect this year to be too. Attendees get a pint glass with the Brooklyn Defender logo, and everyone gets a chance to win NYCC tickets in a raffle. Plus, free cake from Rock Candy Cakes!

A change to this year’s event is that the event listing says that every attendee will get a ticket for one free beer. In the three previous years, it was free beer all night. It would be disappointing if they are going to restrict the free drink to only one. I’m hoping that’s a typo. Don’t be cheapskates, Brooklyn Brewery! The Brooklyn Defender wants you to provide free beer to the people!

If you’d like to attend the party, it’s 100% FREE to sign up. You just have to RSVP, which I recommend doing quickly, as an event that has free beer, free swag and a chance to win NYCC passes tends to sell out quickly. RSVP here: http://www.newyorkcomiccon.com/Events/Brooklyn-Defender/Defender-Launch-Party/

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Tuesday Night Comics Podcast Episode 72 – Where to get NYCC tickets! Supergirl trailer! Secret Wars is awesome!

On this episode of the Tuesday Night Comics podcast, Billy and Dave sing! But don’t worry, it’s not until the very end…and it’s not for that long. We promise.

We also talk about the new Supergirl and Legends of the DC Universe trailers, the cancellation of Archie Comics’ Kickstarter and Marvel’s post Secret Wars time hop! Were you locked out of buying NYCC tickets this week? If so, Billy gives you tips on where to get your ticket so you don’t have to resort to scalpers on eBay.
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Every week, we give you how we would each spend $20 in the comic book shop this week and review the books we read the past week. There’s a lot of Secret Wars talk this week.
Enjoy!

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Tuesday Night Comics Podcast Episode 71 – So Much TV News! Flash! Arrow! Agents of SHIELD!

There is so much comic book related TV news in the new episode of the Tuesday Night Comics podcast! Find out which shows are returning next fall, and which aren’t (Constantine, RIP)! Plus, Billy and Dave give you their picks on what comic books should be picking up this Wednesday, and review Avengers: Age of Ultron, iZombie Vol 3 and Secret Wars #1! This episode is jam packed with content! Give it a listen!

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Note: This episode contains spoilers for Avengers: Age of Ultron.

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How To Buy NYCC Tickets!

The day we’ve been waiting for it finally here. Reed Pop announced today to buy New York Comic Con tickets this year. There have been big changes from last year to the Retail Partner Program, so make sure you read all the details below. The Saturday ticket and Kids ticket prices have stayed the same, but every other ticket has seen a price increase from last year. Thursday increased by $5 from $35 to $40. Friday and Sunday have also gone up $5, from $45 to $50. It’s interesting that Friday and Sunday are now the same price as Saturday. Usually Saturday is more expensive because it’s seen as “the” day to go. The multi-day tickets both jumped $10, for $65 for the 3-Day and $95 for the 4-Day to $75 and $105 respectively. There are two VIP packages, both of whose details are outlined on the NYCC website. The two packages sell for $215 and $525.

NYCC 2015 Ticket Price Chart

There are three ways to buy tickets to NYCC this year: 1) Online 2) At Special Edition: NYC 3) From Midtown Comics. I’m breaking down each option in this post.

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ONLINE

Online ticket sales will take place on Wednesday, May 13 at 12 noon eastern time on the NYCC website. Unlike the past few years, where VIP Packages, 4-Day Passes, 3-Day Passes and individual day tickets went on sale on different days, everything is going on sale at noon on May 13. Yes, there were a lot of problems last year with the site crashing, and hopefully New York Comic Con addresses that this year, but even with dealing with the site crashes, and tickets showing up as sold out one minute and on sale the next, online remains the best way to secure yourself a ticket. Mark your calendar now. Seriously, like right now. Set an alarm on your phone. You do not want to show up late to this party. Have your credit card out and ready to go. Every second you delay brings you closer to getting locked out of getting a ticket. You can buy up to 10 tickets in an order, but only 4 of any one ticket (4 3-Days, 4 Saturdays, etc).

AT SPECIAL EDITION: NYC

A very limited number of NYCC tickets will be on sale at Special Edition: NYC on June 6 and 7. The rules are strict. You can buy one New York Comic Con ticket. The downside to buying your ticket at Special Edition NYC compared to online is the added cost of a Special Edition: NYC ticket, which is $20 or $30 depending on which day you go (There is also a $50 full-weekend ticket). But this isn’t too much of a downside, because Special Edition: NYC rocks. Special Edition: NYC is like New York Comic Con’s younger, smaller sibling. But don’t let its size fool you. Special Edition: NYC is awesome if you are a comic book fan. Imagine NYCC, but without the video games, actors and wrestlers signing autographs, The Block, etc. It’s like they took Artist Alley and some panel rooms and turned that into a new convention. Special Edition: NYC is very reminiscent of the best smaller comic book conventions of yesteryear, but with A-list guests. Scott Snyder is going to be there. As is Jason Latour and Robbi Rodriguez, and many other creators. If you’re planning on buying your ticket at Special Edition: NYC, get there early. Last year, fans sprinted to the NYCC ticket line right at the opening like they were lining up for a Scott Snyder signing. Those tickets went fast. Expect them to go just as fast this year.

AT MIDTOWN COMICS

Here’s where the ticketing options experienced the most change. The list of retailers selling New York Comic Con tickets has been diminishing over the past few years. This year, there’s only one: Midtown Comics. For the past two years, tickets went on sale at Midtown Comics’ downtown location the day before going on sale everywhere else. Last year, they were the only store that sold 4-Day Passes. This year, they’re the only store selling ANY passes. New York Comic Con and Midtown Comics have not released any concrete details yet as far as date and location are concerned, just saying that tickets will be sold at a special event at Midtown Comics this summer. We don’t know if it will be at all three stores, just the downtown store or what. But I will say this, if you end up relying on Midtown Comics for tickets, be prepared for some serious waiting around Midtown Comics. The last two years, a lot of people slept out overnight (two years ago in the pouring rain!) in order to secure their tickets. The lines were capped early and still lasted hours and hours once tickets went on sale. The following day, when the remaining tickets were divided up among Midtown’s three stores, the downtown store was sold out of 3-Day, 4-Day and Saturday tickets before the store officially opened. I will say this for Midtown Comics, for all the craziness that goes on there when NYCC tickets go on sale, they are so much better organized than every other store that sold NYCC tickets last year. I remember reading about a store in Queens that had a line down the block before it opened, only to turn everyone away, because they pre-sold all their NYCC tickets to their regulars. I was at another store in downtown Manhattan where the owner bragged about holding NYCC tickets back for his regulars. That’s great for his regulars, but against NYCC’s ticket rules. Midtown Comics may have been packed with people trying to buy tickets last year, but Midtown played by the rules while keeping order.

You now armed with the information you need to secure a New York Comic Con ticket for yourself. If you follow my advice outlined above, you’ll hopefully find yourself with a NYCC ticket without having to pay an arm and a leg to a scalper. Good luck, god speed, may the odds be ever in your favor and may the Force be with you.

Written by Nick Doyle.