October 14, 2024
by Carla Hay
The 19th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 17 to October 20, 2024, in New York City. In 2023, New York Comic Con was affected by strikes by the the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Writers Guild of America. The striking actors and actresses in attedance either did autograph or photo sessions, or they if they did panel/Q&A discussions, they had to limit the topics to things that didn’t promote work owned or produced by the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers companies that they were striking against.
In 2022, New York Comic Con returned to being an in-person-only event, after being a hybrid event (where people could attend in person or virtually) in 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, New York Comic Con was cancelled as an in-person event in 2020, and instead presented as a scaled-down virtual-only event. Before the pandemic, New York Comic Con attracted about 250,000 people per year since 2017, according to ReedPOP, the company that produces the event. The first New York Comic Con took place in 2006.
In 2024, New York Comic Con’s main hub remains the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. New this year, according to a ReedPOP press release: A lineup of professional programming will take place on October 16. The press release says: “This marks the first year that ReedPop will be extending its content into Wednesday, just ahead of opening day for the convention … On Wednesday, October 16 from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m., comic book retailers, industry professionals, and sponsors of NYCC will be able to participate in a closed event full of panels, interactive programming, free swag, and private signings in the Javits Center’s River Pavilion before NYCC fully opens on Thursday, October 17. Programming will be offered by ComicsPro, Lunar, Tiny Onion, and more, covering a wide range of topics including ‘Get Your Shop on the News: PR Basics,’ ‘Working With Schools and Libraries,’ and ‘Speed Networking with Comic Book Retailers.'”
TV shows continue to dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. New York Comic Con in 2024 has the following TV shows with panel showcases in the event’s largest rooms: On October 17, HBO will have separate panels for the supervillain drama “The Penguin” and the sci-fi/fantasy series “Dune Prophecy.” On October 20, HBO’s “House of the Dragon” stars Matt Smith, Fabien Frankel and Tom Glynn-Carney sit down for a Q&A discussion. Meanwhile, the AMC series “Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches” has a panel on October 17.
Fans of series about detectives and crimes have several options. On October 18, Prime Video will have a panel for the detective drama “Cross.” On October 20, NBC’s serial killer drama “Hannibal” gets the spotlight for a panel. Also on October 20, is a panel for CBS’s attorney comedy/drama “Elsbeth.”
Animation enthusiasts can look forward to Nickelodeon’s “SpongeBob SquarePants” 25th Anniversary Celebration panel on October 18, the same day that Toei Animation’s “One Piece” panel will take place. On October 17, there will be panel for “Dragon Ball: DAIMA” and a panel for Adult Swim’s “Rick and Morty.” Hulu’s “Futurama” has a panel on October 19. Also on October 19, there will be a panel for “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War.” Fox is offering panels for “The Simpsons” (on October 19) and “Grimsburg” (on October 20). Also on October 20: Max’s animated series “Creature Commandos” has a panel.
Starz’s “Outlander,” a longtime popular attraction at New York Comic Con, returns for a panel discussion on October 17. AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Universe, another longtime fan fave at New York Comic Con, will showcase “The Walking Dead: Dead City” and “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol” for a panel taking place on October 18. “Star Trek” Universe series on Paramount+ will once again get a spotlight at New York Comic Con, with a panel discussion on October 19. “Goosebumps: The Vanishing” the TV series version of R. L. Stine’s book series gets a spotlight with a panel on October 20.
For people who like comedy series, New York Comic Con has some panels to offer. Apple TV+’s psychiatric sitcom “Shrinking” gets a spotlight on October 17. FX’s vampire comedy series “What We Do in the Shadows” has a panel October 18. CBS’s “Ghosts” is being showcased for a panel on October 19.
MOVIES
Most of the feature films that have panels at New York Comic Con this year are animated films, action films and horror movies. On October 18, sneak preview footage will be shown during a session for Sony Pictures’ “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Karate Kid: Legends” and “Kraven the Hunter.” Netflix’s sci-fi/action film “The Electric State” gets a showcase an October 17 panel. On October 18, prolific horror movie/TV producer Jason Blum will talk about his current and upcoming movies for his BlumFest panel, including “Wolf Man,” “Drop,” “The Woman in the Yard” and “M3GAN 2.0.”
Animated films with panels include “Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League” and “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios” (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires”) sharing a panel on October 17. Also on October 17: New Line Cinema’s “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” gets its own panel.
OTHER PROGAMMING
The 2024 Harvey Awards Hall of Fame ceremony will be take place during New York Comic Con for a virtual screening on October 18. The recipients are Akira Toriyama, Arthur Adams, Larry Hama, Sergio Aragonés and John Buscema.
And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, podcasts, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.
New York Comic Con also offers specialty areas for attendees with specific identity needs. Returning after its 2022 debut is the Pride Lounge (located in Room 1C01-02), for people with LGBTQ interests, with some LGBTQ-themed discussion panels and guest appearances. Family HQ (in Room 1E03-05) is a family-friendly environment, with an emphasis on activities for pre-teen children. In addition, there are spaces for gamers in the Side Quest rooms offering a variety of gaming options. Interactive activities (such as dance lessons and Jedi light saber training) are located in the River Pavilion. Professional Programming (for industry professionals) will also take place in the River Pavilion.
It wouldn’t be a Comic Con without cosplaying and merchandise sales. The Cosplay Central area returns to the River Pavilion at the Javits Center. While at Cosplay Central, cosplayers can mingle, pose for photos, use the dressing rooms and attend panel discussions. The New York Comic Con finalist round for the Cosplay Central Costume Showcase will take place on October 20 at the Main Stage. New York Comic Con also has an enormous amount of merchandise for sale for numerous types of entertainment.
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS AND PHOTO OPS
Several stars from movies and TV shows will have individual autograph sessions and/or photo opportunities with fans, for a fee. Prices will vary, according to the celebrity. Participants include:
- Hayley Atwell (“Agent Carter,” ” Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning” on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs only.)
- Paul Bettany (Marvel Cinematic Universe) on October 18 and October 19. (Autographs only.)
- Orlando Bloom (“The Lord of the Rings” movies, “Pirates of the Caribbean” movies) on October 19 and October 20. (Autographs only.)
- John Boyega (“Star Wars” movies, “Pacific Rim”) on October 18 and October 19. (Autographs only.)
- Josh Brolin (Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Dune” movies) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs and photos.)
- Walton Goggins (“Fallout,” “Justified”) on October 18. (Autographs only.)
- Kyle MacLachlan (“Twin Peaks,” “Dune”) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs and photos.)
- Mads Mikkelsen (“Doctor Strange,” “Hannibal”) on October 19 and October 20. (Autographs and photos.)
- Elizabeth Olsen (Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Godzilla”) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs only.)
- Ella Purnell (“Fallout,” Arcane,” “Yellowjackets”) on October 18. (Autographs and photos.)
- Jack Quaid (“The Boys,” “Star Trek: Lower Decks”) on October 17. (Autographs and photos.)
- Denise Richards (“Starship Troopers,” “Wild Things”) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs only.)
- Andy Serkis (“The Lord of the Rings” movies, “Planet of the Apes” movies) on October 19 and October 20. (Autographs only.)
- Kevin Smith (“Clerks,” “Mallrats”) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs and photos.)
- Matt Smith (“House of the Dragon,” “Doctor Who”) on October 19 and October 20. (Autographs and photos.)
- Marisa Tomei (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “My Cousin Vinny”) on October 19. (Autographs and photos.)
- Casper Van Dien (“Starship Troopers,” “Sleepy Hollow”) on October 17 and October 18. (Autographs only.)
TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS
(All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.)
“The Penguin”
October 17, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
Join cast and creatives for a mid-season discussion and extended sneak peek of episode five of HBO’s original limited series “The Penguin” from Warner Bros. Television and DC Studios. Panelists include Colin Farrell (Oz Cobb aka “The Penguin” and Executive Producer), Cristin Milioti (Sofia Falcone), Rhenzy Feliz (Victor Aguilar), Deirdre O’Connell (Francis Cobb), Michael Kelly (Johnny Viti), Clancy Brown (Sal Maroni), Lauren LeFranc (Showrunner and Executive Producer) and Mike Marino (Prosthetic Makeup Designer).
“Shrinking”
October 17, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
Apple’s acclaimed, hit comedy “Shrinking” follows a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules and tell his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives … including his own. Join us for an exclusive panel with some of the brilliant minds behind the camera and the ensemble cast who make the Apple TV+ fan-favorite series so beloved. Panelists will include Emmy-Award winner, co-creator and executive Producer Brett Goldstein, executive producer, co-creator and star Jason Segel, as well as Emmy-Award nominee Christa Miller, Emmy-Award nominee Jessica Williams, Luke Tennie, Michael Urie, Lukita Maxwell and Ted McGinley. “Shrinking” season two will premiere globally with the first two episodes on Wednesday, October 16.
“Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches”
October 17, 2024, 12:45 PM – 2 PM
Main Stage
An advance screening of the season two premiere episode of “Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches,” followed by a panel with the cast and executive producers to discuss the highly-anticipated new season ahead of its return on AMC and AMC+ early next year.
“Dragon Ball: DAIMA”
October 17, 2024, 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Empire Stage
After the reveal at NYCC last year, the all-new original anime series “Dragon Ball: DAIMA” is kicking off this October! To celebrate the 40th anniversary of “Dragon Ball”, we will share the details of the creation behind this wonderous new world. Joined by Akio Iyoku (Executive Producer of Dragon Ball series), we’re also welcoming Monica Rial, English voice actor of Bulma as our host and other special guests. Attendees will be able to see the first episode.
“Dune: Prophecy”
October 17, 2024, 3 PM – 4 PM
Empire Stage
The first-ever panel discussion for the highly anticipated HBO Original drama series “Dune: Prophecy” co-produced with Legendary Television, will include showrunner and executive producer Alison Schapker, executive producer Jordan Goldberg, and cast members Emily Watson, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, Sarah-Sofie Boussnina, Josh Heuston, Chloe Lea and Jessica Barden. From the expansive universe of “Dune,” created by acclaimed author Frank Herbert, and 10,000 years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, “Dune: Prophecy” follows two Harkonnen sisters as they combat forces that threaten the future of humankind and establish the fabled sect that will become known as the Bene Gesserit.
“Outlander”
October 17, 2024, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Empire Stage
When we last left Jamie and Claire Fraser, they had just returned home to Scotland for the first time in years, momentarily escaping the perils of the American Revolution and excited to reunite with the loved ones they’d left behind. But they soon learn not everything has stayed the same in their absence. After all, home is where the heart is but it’s also the place where it can be broken.
“Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants 25th Anniversary Celebration”
October 18, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Empire Stage
Jumping Jellyfish! Grab a spatula and get ready to celebrate 25 years of one of the most popular characters and beloved animated series of all time – SpongeBob SquarePants. Join the legendary voice cast and producers as they pay tribute to the popular origins and reveal what’s happening next in Bikini Bottom. It’s going to be F.U.N.
“One Piece”
October 18, 2024, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Empire Stage
Join the legendary anime studio Toei Animation, as they invite the team behind the hit series One Piece to discuss the animation and behind the scenes of the series. Joining the discussion, Colleen Clinkenbeard (English Voice Actor of Luffy) and Christopher Sabat (English Voice Actor of Zoro).
“Cross”
October 18, 2024, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Main Stage
Prime Video’s “Cross,” based upon the characters from James Patterson’s iconic bestselling book series, stars Aldis Hodge in the titular role as decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist, Alex Cross. Join Hodge, Isaiah Mustafa, Alona Tal, Samantha Walkes, Ryan Eggold, and executive producer/showrunner Ben Watkins, as they tease the mystery thriller. In it, Alex Cross faces a sadistic serial killer and deals with a mysterious threat from his past that aims to destroy his grieving family, career, and his life. Prepare your questions and get ready to meet the stars of this exciting new series!
“What We Do in the Shadows”
October 18, 2024, 4:45 PM – 6:15 PM
Empire Stage
FX’s Emmy®-nominated vampire comedy “What We Do in the Shadows” returns to New York Comic Con by popular demand! Join America’s favorite vampire roommates as they continue their farewell tour with an unforgettable LIVE discussion with the cast and creative team and be among the first to see the first two episodes from the sixth and final season. What We Do in the Shadows is a documentary-style look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of vampires who’ve “lived” together for hundreds of years. Season six premieres October 21 at 10pm ET/PT on FX and streams the next day on Hulu. Raise your fangs as the Staten Island vampires take the stage in New Yawk Citay one last time!
“The Walking Dead: Dead City” and “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol”
October 18, 2024, 6 PM – 8 PM
Main Stage
First, the cast and executive producers of “The Walking Dead: Dead City” discuss the highly-anticipated upcoming season ahead of its return on AMC and AMC+ next year. Then, the cast and executive producers of “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol” discuss what’s to come for the rest of the currently airing season.
“The Simpsons”
October 19, 2024, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Main Stage
The Simpsons are coming to New York City! America’s Favorite Family will be visiting New York Comic Con, bringing their unique, subversive, 35-year-old brand of humor to the Big Apple for the first time! The show’s producers, actors, special guests — as well as series creator Matt Groening himself — will share never-before-told stories, show never-before-seen exclusive clips, and give away never-before-given-away prizes! This is it, New York fans, you’ve been choo-choo-chosen to experience the live Simpsons panel thrills that up until now only have only been enjoyed by fans at San Diego Comic Con! It’s unpossible! It’s embiggened! It’s The Simpsons in New York!
“Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict”
October 19, 2024, 12:45 AM – 1:45 PM
Empire Stage
Prepare for the Clash of the Quincies and celebrate the launch of “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Conflict” with iconic voice actors Masakazu Morita (voice of Ichigo Kurosaki) and Noriaki Sugiyama (voice of Uryu Ishida), presented by VIZ Media! Don’t miss out on exclusive sneak peek content, conversation with the voice actors, and exciting live voice acting from our guests!
“Star Trek Universe”
October 19, 2024, 2:30 AM – 4 PM
Empire Stage
The fan-favorite Star Trek universe panel returns to New York Comic Con, featuring exclusive sneak peeks and conversations with cast members and producers from “Star Trek: Lower Decks,” “Star Trek: Section 31” and more. Plus, more exciting reveals and surprises for fans in attendance that you won’t want to miss!
“Creature Commandos”
October 19, 2024, 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Empire Stage
Featuring can’t-miss sneak peeks from the first title kicking off the new DC Universe, join the cast and creators for an exclusive discussion about the Max Original adult animated series “Creature Commandos,” from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation. Panelists include James Gunn (DC Studios Co-Chair and CEO; Executive Producer and Writer), Dean Lorey (Executive Producer), Frank Grillo (Rick Flag Sr.), David Harbour (Frankenstein), Zoë Chao (Nina Mazursky), Steve Agee (Economos), Maria Bakalova (Princess Ilana), Alan Tudyk (Dr. Phosphorus) and Sean Gunn (GI Robot and Weasel). Moderated by Josh Horowitz (Host, Happy Sad Confused podcast).
“Ghosts”
October 19, 2024, 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Main Stage
“Ghosts,” one of television’s top comedies on CBS and Paramount+, follows Samantha and Jay, a couple running a bed and breakfast inhabited by ghosts that only Samantha can see and hear. Please join series stars Rose McIver, Brandon Scott Jones, Asher Grodman and Sheila Carrasco for an advanced episode screening followed by a lively and spirited panel conversation moderated by Tony Dokoupil (CBS Mornings) discussing what’s ahead in season four.
“A Conversation with Matt Smith, Fabien Frankel and Tom Glynn-Carney”
October 20, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Empire Stage
Join “House of the Dragon” stars Matt Smith (Daemon Targaryen), Fabian Frankel (Criston Cole), and Tom Glynn-Carney (Aegon II Targaryen) at New York Comic Con for a Season 2 retrospective! Sitting down with moderator Josh Horowitz of Happy Sad Confused, the cast will share behind-the-scenes stories, reflect on the season’s key moments, and answer fan questions about the Targaryen drama. Don’t miss this chance to hear from the stars of HBO’s epic series as they dive deep into the world of Westeros!
“Futurama”
October 20, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
Sci-fi-comedy classic “Futurama” has exploded back into existence! With new seasons now streaming on HULU, the heroic Planet Express crew is infinitely less canceled than usual. Please join creator Matt Groening and Futurama cast and crew LIVE for sneak peeks and spoilers lovingly smuggled back from the year 3024. If you’re only going to see two panels this year, see this one twice!
“Hannibal”
October 20, 2024, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Empire Stage
Prepare yourself for a deep dive into the chilling world of “Hannibal” with an exclusive panel featuring two of the show’s most captivating stars, Mads Mikkelsen (Dr. Hannibal Lecter) and Hugh Dancy (Will Graham.) Join us for a riveting discussion as Mads and Hugh share their experiences working on the critically acclaimed series. From the intense psychological drama to the art of crafting memorable performances, get the inside scoop on what it took to bring these iconic characters to the screen. Expect an engaging conversation about the series’ unique blend of horror and intrigue, behind-the-scenes stories, and perhaps even some insights into the creative decisions that shaped the show’s unforgettable moments. This is a must-attend event for fans (and Fannibals!) eager to learn more about the dark allure of Hannibal and the actors who made it a truly unforgettable experience.
“Grimsburg”
October 20, 2024, 12:45 PM – 1:45 PM
Main Stage
Grimsburg centers on Marvin Flute (Emmy winner Jon Hamm, who also executive produces the series), who may be the greatest detective ever to catch a cannibal clown and correctly identify a mid-century modern armoire. But there’s one mystery he still can’t crack — himself. To do that he must return to Grimsburg, a town where everyone has a secret or three, and redeem himself in the eyes of his fellow detectives, his ferocious ex-wife and his lovably unstable son. Join panelists Jon Hamm, Alan Tudyk, showrunner Chadd Gindin and more for a behind-the-scenes look at Season Two of Grimsburg, followed by a Q&A. The panel will be moderated by Michael Schneider (Variety).
“Goosebumps: The Vanishing”
October 20, 2024, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Main Stage
Join the cast and creative team behind the highly-anticipated new season of the Disney+ and Hulu anthology series “Goosebumps: The Vanishing,” based upon R.L Stine’s worldwide bestselling book series, as they share a never-before-seen sneak peek and discuss the new mysteries to come. Panelists include (subject-to-change): cast members David Schwimmer, Ana Ortiz, Sam McCarthy, Jayden Bartels, Elijah Cooper, Galilea La Salvia, Francesca Noel, and Stony Blyden; as well as executive producers Hilary Winston and Rob Letterman.
MOVIE PANELS
(All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.)
“Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League” and “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios” (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires”)
October 17, 2024, 3 PM – 4 PM
Main Stage
An exclusive look at two upcoming animated Batman movies – “Batman Ninja vs. Yakuza League” and “Batman Azteca: Choque De Imperios” (“Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires”)”. Join creative team members of each film as they share footage and discuss the process of crafting original Batman stories through the lense of each region’s unique stories, mythologies, and culture.
“The Electric State”
October 17, 2024, 4:45 PM – 5:45 PM
Empire Stage
Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt join filmmakers Anthony and Joe Russo for a first look at the epic, heartfelt action-adventure “The Electric State.” Set in a retro-futuristic past, the Netflix and AGBO-produced film follows an orphaned teenager (Brown) who traverses the American West with a sweet but mysterious robot and an eccentric drifter (Pratt) in search of her younger brother.
“The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim”
October 18, 2024, 11 AM – 12 PM
Main Stage
Return to Middle-earth for an all-new tale in “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim.” The Warner Bros. Pictures presentation at NYCC will explore the first-ever feature length animated film—rendered in beautiful anime—through a robust conversation with filmmakers and voice talent, moderated by Stephen Colbert.
“Blumfest NYCC”
October 18, 2023, 2:30 PM – 4 PM
Empire Stage
BlumFest – the annual October celebration of all things Blumhouse – makes its much-anticipated return to NYCC with its biggest slate of movies ever. Jason Blum, the visionary producer behind some of the most electrifying films in modern horror, reveals plans for Blumhouse’s 15th anniversary in 2025 and it’s going to be BIG. Be the first to see the world premiere of the trailer for “Wolf Man,” directed by Leigh Whannell, chilling first-look footage from Christopher Landon’s “Drop,” Jaume Collet-Serra’s “The Woman in the Yard,” a look at the highly-anticipated “M3GAN 2.0” and many other surprises you won’t want to miss.
Sony Pictures Panel and Footage
October 18, 2023, 7 PM – 8 PM
Empire Stage
Sony Pictures will host a panel with special guests and showcase new footage from “Venom: The Last Dance,” “Karate Kid: Legends” and “Kraven: The Hunter” all soon to be released exclusively in movie theaters. Please be advised that materials shown at this presentation are intended for mature audiences.
