Oct. 14, 2017- Sara Barton
New York Comic Con outdid itself this year. New York’s #1 pop-culture convention continues to expand and delight attendees. In addition to the exhibits and panels held at The Madison Square Garden Theater and The Hammerstein Ballroom; this year NYCC created a new section at The Hudson Mercantile. It featured booksellers, a photo booth, lounge and was open to fans even without NYCC badges. There was so much to do and see; that 4 days wasn’t enough. Even with sold-out seatings and massive long lines; one could still take pleasure in the small joys. I had to make some tough calls on this list.
{Drum Roll} Presenting….
SBR’s Top 5 NYCC 2017 Favorites
5- The SyFy Fan Lounge
Looking for a place to refresh & recharge? This year SyFy had your back. Located in the Mezzanine near the Press Lounge. The SYFY Fan Lounge had it all. There were comfortable seating areas, including giant bean bag chairs, phone charging stations, retro arcade games, plus a cosplay repair cart for any last minute repairs and make-up touch-ups. Also, each day was an opportunity to receive free swag, such as giant SyFy bags, t-shirts and custom screen-print t-shirts. It was fan heaven! (We’re keeping our fingers crossed for 2018.)
4- Inclusive Restroom (aka Gender-Neutral)
These restrooms go by many names, All-Gender, Gender-Neutral, and Non-Gender. This year NYCC made a small step towards progress, with the debut of its Inclusive Restroom, featuring the official trans/gender-neutral symbol. Gender Neutral Bathrooms are an elevated concept of Unisex Bathrooms (anyone regardless of how they identify can use the same facilities). I reported on Gender Neutral bathroom when I covered Flame Con in 2015. These restrooms are a miracle, not only are they helpful and safe, but they have the bonus of shorter lines. The one thing all fans dread at comic conventions are the super long bathrooms lines. However, NYCC only had one Inclusive Restroom; located in the back near the Mainstage. Given the hectic bathroom traffic, why weren’t there more gender-neutral bathrooms? The Inclusive Restroom was especially helpful for parents who had children of the opposite sex. I saw a mom with two adorable little boys, who were incredibly grateful. Yes, it’s progress and all steps are essential, yet at the same time, it’s also disappointing. Nevertheless, it makes the list.
3- Dangerboat: Presented by “The Tick” (Amazon Prime Video, 2016)
NYCC had tons of exciting live-action & interactive exhibits. The Dangerboat stood out. Amazon Prime Video brought OverKill’s headquarters to life, and it was awesome! The quality was outstanding and is equivalent to being on an actual film set. The Dangerboat’s A.I. (Artificial Intelligence) system talks to fans and its simulators are top-notch (similar to the one’s helicopter pilots use). There are lots of top-secret interfaces for fans to enjoy and a green screen area for those social media moments. I especially loved the props; I’ve never seen such realistic details. Afterwards, each fan received a unique blue poncho.
For those who aren’t familiar with the series, “The Tick” started as a comic book created by, Ben Edlund. It was adapted as an animated series and ran on the Fox Kid’s block for three seasons (1994-1996). In 2001, a live-action series ran on Fox, starring, Patrick Warburton as The Tick. It lasted only nine episodes. However, Amazon Prime’s version doesn’t disappoint. There’s lots of action, drama, humor, and suspense- “Get ready Citizens!”
[A fun fact: Christopher McCulloch, a writer for the animated series and Patrick Warburton have also worked together on the Adult Swim series, The Venture Brothers.]
Thank you to the Amazon staff for their kindness. Towards the end of a hectic day, they immediately invited me as soon as they saw my press badge. I received the grand tour and a blue poncho. Yes, folks! Courtesy goes a long way.
2- UNIQLO Booth & Free Trip to Japan
It was UNIQLO’s 1st time at NYCC, and it’s about time! There were exclusive NYCC UT’s (Uniqlo T-Shirts); on-site prizes for fans and a giveaway trip to Japan (just tap your badge). Renowned artists, Jason Polan1 and James Jarvis2, designed the exclusive NYCC UT’s. The booth also featured the US debut of the new One Piece UT’s, in addition to styles, including Nintendo, Star Wars, and Marvel’s Spider-Man Homecoming. (They’re available online and it stores)
1- The Extra Security
After the mass shooting on the Las Vegas Strip3, New York’s Finest took extra precautions for NYCC 2017. For the first time, there were x-rays scanners, in addition to bag searches and additional NYPD personnel. Even with all the hard work, the NYPD embraced the NYCC spirit with this fantastic video, “Everyday Hero.” The title is an ode to the Fleisher Superman cartoons, and the analysis of Green Lantern is on point. The best part is about how comics can have a positive impact on a child’s life. It was inspiring.
Bonus: The Cosplayers
NYCC wouldn’t be the same without the cosplayers.
1 Jason Polan has exhibited work all over the United States, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He is a founding member of the Taco Bell Drawing Club. He has made over 100 books including Every Piece of Art in the Museum of Modern Art and Every Person in New York. He has done projects with the Criterion Collection, Warby Parker, Lucky Peach and the National Audubon Society. Polan is from Michigan.
2 James Jarvis is a graphic artist from London. His work includes cartoons, comics, graphics, sculpture, and printmaking, with a particular interest in art, language, philosophy, architecture, and skateboarding.
3 “How the Las Vegas Strip Shooting Unfolded” – Washington Post, Oct 11,2017
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