The 2019 edition of New York Comic Con has come to a close. A four-day celebration of geekdom that shows roughly 250k people attend. I have so many thoughts on my experience and what I observed. So let us begin…
This year’s edition featured such celebrity star power as Tom Hiddleston, Paul Rudd and Billy Dee Williams. As well as an Angel reunion minus Angel himself, David Boreanaz and a Lord of the Rings hobbit reunion with Sean Astin and Billy Boyd. Before we talk stars though, let’s talk about that lottery. Let’s talk about the frustrations, anger and heartbreak that was experienced by several convention goers.
Lottery System
Ever since ReedPop introduced the lottery system a couple of years ago, I thought while not perfect, it was a good idea that could help people either get exclusives i.e. FUNKO, into certain panels private autograph signings. This year they (ReedPop), had two waves for the lottery. They rewarded fans who have been fan verified for several years as Legacy fans who could enter the lottery a week before the general public. Very nice. The problem became if you lost during this stage there was either very little or no communication on whether or not they could try again. Apparently they could but where was the announcement? This all leads to another issue that was experienced by many including a few friends of mine. A nice feature with the lottery system is the ability to add a friend. It only works well though if that said friend gets an email letting them know that they had won or at the very least let the lottery winner know that they and the friends they listed had won. None of that happened to so many of us.
To get around this snafu when it came to panels, individuals arrived at the queue hall early to get their badges scanned for the panel they desired to see on the Main Stage. Defeats the purpose of being a “winner” of the lottery but I digress. What boggled my mind though was the fact that when people entered the panel later that night NO ONE from ReedPop scanned the badges to see if you even belonged there or not. Why did that happen? It negates all the planning (plus the stress) to attend a panel and try and guarantee a seat. It felt like the old days when it was first come, first served. Not sure if ReedPop was using a new system or it was the same from years past. Either way it needs to be looked at before next year’s con.
Grade: C
Photo Ops and Autograph Alley
Now that I got the lottery out of the way, let’s talk about NYCC as a whole. Crowd is still an issue given the continued construction within the Javits Center and the slightly smaller square footage in which to operate. That aside, I’m liking that the autograph sections are spread out. Yes the hike from one hall into another can be a pain but if planned right, the movement between halls will allow you to stretch your legs and see more of the convention instead of staying in one area for hours.
I also like where Epic Photo Ops is being handled. As I’ve said in years past, they are probably the most efficient photo group I’ve ever had to deal with. They go out of their way to help and guide you. Major kudos to that team.
Grade: A
Artist Alley
The old Autograph Alley is still home to Artist Alley until the new wing of Javits gets completed. It’s always a treat to see the artists behind all the wonderful creations that make comic con… comic con.
Grade: A
In other news… When is something really sold out as oppose to just being “sold out”? One of the more interesting yet frustrating experiences took place at the Show Store of all things. All I wanted was a lanyard and when I made it to front of the line, I was told it was sold out for the entire weekend. Sold out unless a box gets delivered the next day. So which is it? I understand allotments per day when it comes to merch. However, unless it’s an exclusive, have all your merch available for days. Needless to say, I got my lanyard the following morning but I suspect that no such box delivery was made.
My Top 10 highlights are:
10. Learning that the 15th Anniversary NYCC begins on my birthday in 2020.
9. Seeing some of the most unique cosplayers in the world showcase their talents.
8. Exclusive first look at the latest DC Animated Feature, Wonder Woman: Bloodlines featuring Rosario Dawson.
7. Meeting Star Wars and original owner of the Millennium Falcon, the legendary Billy Dee Williams.
6. Meeting Disney Princess, Jodi Benson aka Ariel. She was so warm and kind, a royal treat for any Disney fan.
5. Meeting my favorite Disney Princess, Paige O’Hara aka Belle. Paige much like Jodi was both warm and kind to all the fans.
4. Meeting Amy Acker from Angel. So cool and very beautiful..
3. Meeting Benedict Wong from Marvel’s Doctor Strange and Avengers: Endgame. He was a last minute decision given the size of his line and I am so happy that I did. About as good to the fans that you would ever hope for. Thank you Mr. Wong!
2. Seeing Felicia Day for third time in the last 11 years. Always lovely and always fun to chat with. And now I have her signed book, Embrace Your Weird.
1. Number one for me was helping a first time NYCC convention goer experience the con. NYCC much like the city that hosts her is not for the faint of heart and could be intimidating. In the end, they got to meet all the people they wanted and even scored an exclusive first look at Wonder Woman: Bloodlines. That’s a win for all.
Until October 8, 2020 and year 15 of New York Comic Con.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
