Billy is all alone this week, and he’s talking NYCC! Plus, he reviews Invincible Iron Man #1, Dr. Strange #1, Amazing Spider-Man #1 and more. Plus, The Twenty!
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Photographs by David Henehan and Graig Kreindler
The most exciting news from this year’s New York Comic Con may have come from one of the smallest panel rooms at the convention. Before NYCC, Attack on Titan’s publisher, Kodansha, said they had big news, but were very tight lipped pertaining to any details of the announcement. It should be no surprise that Attack on Titan fans filled room 1A18 to capacity for a panel titled The Biggest Attack on Titan Manga Announcement Ever to hear what the news would be.
Before NYCC, The Beat speculated that the big announcement would involve American creators working on Attack on Titan. This was based on the fact that Jeanine Schaefer, known for her DC and Marvel, work would be one of the panelists.
The Beat speculated correctly.
Before a tightly packed, standing room only crowd, Kodansha announced that for the first time ever, western creators would be doing work on Attack on Titan. Coming in late 2016 is the Attack on Titan Anthology, a full color 250 page book of Attack on Titan short stories. Kodansha has booked some of the biggest names in comics to work on this book. The creators include Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher, Michael Avon Oeming, Cameron Stewart, Paolo Rivera, Gail Simone and Scott Snyder.
Yes, that Scott Snyder.
Snyder himself made an appearance at the panel, literally running into the room from another panel and up to a microphone on stage. The crowd gave Scott a heavy amount of applause after he expressed his love for the Attack on Titan manga and anime, and that he hoped people dug the story he was working on for the anthology. 
The art for the Attack on Titan Anthology that Kodansha had on display was gorgeous! With the talent they’ve lined up for this project, I see the Attack on Titan Anthology being one of the must-read comics of next year.
Late 2016 can’t get her fast enough.
UPDATE: Kodansha will have a free preview available of Attack on Titan Anthology on Free Comic Book Day 2016.
Eeeeeeeeee! NYCC is only days away! Are you excited?! Of course you’re excited! We’re excited too! Listen to this week’s episode to find out which one panel Billy and Dave are each most looking forward to attending! You’ll also hear their picks for which comic books they’re be picking up on Wednesday, October 7, and their reviews of Birthright Vol 2: Call to Adventure, Justice League #44 and more. If you spot us at NYCC, be sure to say hi!
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Written by Nick Doyle and Billy Henehan.
They say if you can survive Saturday at NYCC, you can make it anywhere. There’s a reason why the Saturday tickets sell out before 4-Day Passes sell out and that is because Saturday is the mother of all days at NYCC. Most of the biggest events are happening today. Will you be able to make it all of them? Of course not, not unless you own a Time Turner. There are too many panels to go through on the NYCC site, but you don’t have to wade through them all. Because we have cut through all the mediocre panels to bring you the best of the best. If you have to choose, at least choose from these. Because these are the BEST of the BEST of New York Comic Con Saturday 2015.
Writers Unite: Writing and Pitching Comic Stories – 11:00-12:00 1A01
This seems almost like a sequel to Charles Soule and Marguerite Bennett’s panel together at Special Edition: NYC. That was a great panel; I expect this one to be as well. Writers talking writing. More panels like this please.
Spotlight on Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba: Different is Cool – 11:00-12:00 1A18
It’s been years since Fabio Moon and Gabriel Ba have been at NYCC. If you’re a fan of theirs, you need to be at this panel, because who knows how long it will be until they return?
Thrilling Adventure Hour – 11:15-12:15 1A24
Listen to the cast and writers of Thrilling Adventure Hour discuss their dearly departed comedy podcast (which lives on as a couple of Image Comics series – check them out!).
All-New All-Different Marvel – 11:15-12:15 1A10
Marvel announcement. Glorious Marvel announcements. Oooh, Gerry Duggan is going to be there. Looks like I’m going to this panel dressed as Zenpool. If you spot me, be sure to say hi. 🙂
DC Comics: Heroes to the Core – 12:15-1:15 1A06
Dan Didio will be talking with DC creators on stage, including John Romita Jr (it’s still hard for me to think of him as a DC guy), Robert Venditti and more about the future of the DCU (not to be confused with DC You, which DC seems to be quickly backing away from).
Disney-Lucasfilm Publishing Presents Star Wars: Journey to Force Awakens – 12:15-1:15 1A21
Have you noticed the flood of Journey to Force Awakens books that have recently hit the marketplace? The writers of those novels, including Greg Rucka and Chuck Wendig, will be at this panel discussing their Star Wars writing.
Cinemax Presents Robert Kirkman’s New Series Outcast – 1:30-2:30 1A06
Wow, Cinemax really wants to drive the connection to The Walking Dead home on this one. Who can blame them? After the success of The Walking Dead, I can only assume they paid a good deal for the rights to Kirkman’s new series, Outcast. Series star Patrick Fugit (Almost Famous) and Robert Kirkman will both be here to talk about the upcoming show.
DC Comics – Batman: The Bat Universe 1:30-2:30 Empire Stage 1-E
Scott Snyder, Greg Capullo, Peter Tomasi, Amy Chu, Tom King, Tim Seeley, Khary Randolph and James Tynion IV will all be at this panel. What a line-up! If you’re reading a Batbook right now, this is your panel.
Using Tmblr to Sell Your Idea – 1:30-2:30 1B03
Here’s a panel that has both an interesting theme and a stellar line-up. Felipe Smith (All-New Ghost Rider), Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine) and Katie Cook (artist of the cutest and smallest con sketches ever) will be in conversation with Marlene aka @ilikecomicstoo about using social media to sell your idea. I’m a huge fan of Kieron Gillen’s tumblr blog, which gives behind-the-scenes insights into his writing. It’s like reading a director’s commentary for his comics. I will definitely be at this panel. You should too.
Clueless 20th Anniversary Panel – 1:45-2:45 1A10
Clueless writer/director Amy Heckerling will be speaking about the movie, which in my opinion is one of the best movies of the 1990s.
Marvel: Cup O’Joe – 2:45-3:45 Empire Stage 1-E
The Cup O’Joe panel is a mainstay of NYCC. If you’re a Marvel fan, you’re going to want to make sure you get a seat to this one. We’ll no doubt be seeing exclusive looks at post-Secret Wars Marvel Comics for the first time. Kieron Gillen will be here. Follow him from the tumblr panel to this one, where he’ll be talking about his upcoming Marvel work. Other guests include Charles Soule and Dan Slott.
The Splat: All That Reunion – 4:15-5:15 1A10
Wait, Kel will be here but not Keenan? That is not a Goodburger…
Cartoon Network Presents: Regular Show 4:15-5:15 – Hammerstein Ballroom
NYCC has grown so big this year that some panels and screenings are taking place at The Hammerstein Ballroom. If you walked over from Penn Station along 34 Street, you no doubt passed by it. What could make you leave the Javits Center to attend a panel? Four words: Regular Show. The Movie.
Marvel Netflix: Daredevil and Jessica Jones: Alias. 5:00-6:45 Main Stage 1-D
Hopefully the ticketing for this is not as big a clusterfuck as it was for last year’s Daredevil panel, where a bunch of jerks tried cutting the line, causing Marvel to send everyone on their way before Marvel had a ticket lottery later in the day. I am so excited for both the return of Daredevil and the new Alias series. If only they were also giving us some news on Damage Control. Who knows? Maybe they are. (Wristband required)
FUNimation Industry Panel – 5:30-6:30 1A24
After recently getting into Attack on Titan, I’m all about this panel.
NYCC Charity Auction – 7:00-9:00 1A18
This is my favorite event at all of NYCC. If you are an original art collector, this is a MUST ATTEND event. Mike Negin, the Artist Alley coordinator amasses a spectacular collection of original comic book art to be auctioned off every year for charity. All money raised goes directly to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Original art pages, covers (COVERS!) and convention sketches will all be auctioned off. Even if you don’t buy any art, come for the bidding, which tends to vicious at different points. Expect the Adam Hughes and Walt Simonson pieces to be the #1 and #2 most expensive pieces of the night (they were the last two years). It’s an awesome time, and a terrific charity fundraiser. GO TO THIS!
Doctor Who Fan Screening and Q&A with Screenwriter Toby Whithouse – 7:45-9:15
See the new Doctor Who episode Before the Flood before it airs on BBC America! I’m so tempted to go to this, but I’ll be at the Art Auction. While I’m losing out to bidders with a bigger bankroll, I will be sitting there jealous of all of you at this Doctor Who screening, especially because you’ll be able to ask screenwriter Toby Whithouse questions right after the episode. Please make them good questions. You’re watching the new episode that he wrote – make your questions specific to that.
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.
We’re sorry – Star Wars Collectibles Update with Lucasfilm’s Anita Castellar Panel has been cancelled. Other Panels: http://t.co/Dw3aWUdpOM
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) October 5, 2015
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!
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?”).
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Shaun of the Dead Vinyl Idolz Figure – Funko – Booth 722
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
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?
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.
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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