October 1, 2018
by Carla Hay
The 13th annual New York Comic Con takes place October 4 to October 7 in New York City. The event is expected to draw about 200,000 people, according to ReedPOP, the company that produces the event. New York Comic Con’s main hub is at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, but there are also numerous activities taking place at several other locations in the city, including Hammerstein Ballroom, Shop Studios, the New York Public Library and the Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden.
TV shows dominate the most high-profile panels and activities. “The Walking Dead” TV series has had a panel at New York Comic Con every year since the show debuted in 2010. The show’s ninth season (which premieres October 7, 2018) will have the last episodes with Andrew Lincoln, who plays “The Walking Dead” group leader Rick Grimes. Lincoln is leaving the show because he says he wants to spend more time with his family.
New York Comic Con in 2018 also has four major exclusive TV panels: “Outlander,” which is coming to New York Comic Con for the first time this year; “Doctor Who,” with the Comic Con debut of Jodie Whittaker, the first woman to play the show’s title role; “Tardis Time,” a panel reuniting former “Doctor Who” cast members David Tennant, Matt Smith and Alex Kingston; and a “Netflix and Chills” panel, with sneak previews of Netflix’s upcoming supernatural shows (“Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance”), as well as interviews with some of the cast members.
Meanwhile, “Riverdale” will have its New York Comic Con panel debut this year. “Gotham,” which has been at New York Comic Con since its 2014 debut, will have its final New York Comic Con panel before the series ends in 2019.
There are some movies due to be released in theaters that will also be showcased at the event, such as “Mortal Engines,” “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” and “Dragon Ball Super: Broly.” And, of course, there will be plenty of panels, exhibits and previews for comic books, video games, fantasy novels and other pop-culture attractions.
ANIME FEST
As previously reported, for the first time this year, New York Comic Con has partnered with Anime Expo to create Anime Fest, which will take place on the same days as New York Comic Con 2018 in New York City: October 4 to October 7. Anime Fest, which will be held at Pier 94, requires a separate price of admission for everyone. New York Comic Con badges not do not include admission to Anime Fest, and a New York Comic Con badge is not required to purchase admission to Anime Fest.
SHOP STUDIOS PANELS AND SESSIONS
New at Comic Con this year are panels and sessions presented by Entertainment Weekly and the Motion Picture Association of America at Shop Studios, which is at 528 W. 39th Street. Some of the panels require tickets. For ticketed panels, most are free to New York Comic Con badge holders and have various prices for people without New York Comic Con badges.
Some of the highlights of Shop Studios include:
- Entertainment Weekly presents a conversation with actress Sophie Turner (“Dark Phoenix,” “X-Men Apocalypse,” “Game of Thrones”). Tickets are not required. (October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Comic-book illustrator Alex Ross does a rare Comic Con autograph session to celebrate his book “Marvelocity,” a retrospective celebration of the world’s most beloved Marvel characters. Ross is also doing a panel conversation with editor and designer Chip Kidd. This is a ticketed session, with admission charges for everyone, including New York Comic Con badge holders. All tickets include a copy of “Marvelocity” and an exclusive Black Panther print. Ticket prices are $75 for the panel and autograph session or $65 for the autograph session only. (October 6, 2018, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM)
- Entertainment Weekly presents the “Visionaries” panel with filmmakers Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “What We Do in the Shadows”) and Drew Goddard (“Bad Times at the El Royale,” “The Cabin in the Woods”). This is not a ticketed panel. October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
- Entertainment Weekly presents the “Brave Warriors” panel with actors Josh Bowman (“Time After Time”), Josh Dallas (“Once Upon a Time,” “Manifest”), Joel de la Feunte (“The Man in the High Castle,” “Manifest”) and Jason Lewis (“Midnight, Texas”). This is not a ticketed panel. (October 7, 2018, 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)
- Bill Nye does a Q&A conversation with Gregory Moyne. This is a ticketed panel. Free admission tickets are no longer available for New York Comic Con badge holders. Ticket prices are $25, which includes priority seating and a pre-signed copy of Nye and Moyne’s book “Jack and the Geniuses #3: Lost in the Jungle.” (October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:30 PM)
AUTOGRAPH SESSIONS AND PHOTO OPS
Several stars from movies and TV shows will have individual autograph sessions and/or photo opportunities with fans. They include:
- Mark Ruffalo (“Avengers: Infinity War,” “Thor: Ragnarok” and other Marvel Studios superhero movies) on October 4.
- Zachary Levi (“Shazam!,” “Chuck”) on October 4 and October 5.
- David Tennant (“Doctor Who,” “Good Omens”) on October 5 and October 7.
- Jason Momoa (“Aquaman,” “Justice League”) on October 6.
- Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”) on October 6.
- Danai Gurira (“The Walking Dead,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War”) on October 6 and October 7.
- Aisha Tyler (“Archer,” “Criminal Minds”) on October 6 and October 7.
- Matt Smith (“Doctor Who,” “The Crown”) on October 6 and October 7.
NYCC LIVE STAGE
Various celebrities will be stopping by for brief interviews at the NYCC Live Stage at Booth 174 at Javits Center. Here are some of the most high-profile appearances:
Robert Rodriguez and Michelle Rodriguez
October 4, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel,” “Sin City,” “From Dusk Till Dawn”), actress Michelle Rodriguez (“The Fast and the Furious” franchise, “Lost,” “Avatar,” “Resident Evil”) and writer Racer Rodriguez discuss their new, first-of-a-kind VR project “The Limit.” (Racer is Robert’s son. Michelle is not related to them.)
Zachary Levi
October 4, 2018, 3:00 PM – 3:30 PM
The star of “Shazam!” stops by to preview the movie.
“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” Cast Interview
October 5, 2018, 11:30 AM – 11:45 AM
Omar Miller (Raph) Josh Brener (Donnie), Brandon Smith (Mikey) Kat Graham (April O’Neil), Andy Suriano (Character Designer), Ant Ward (Producer), and Rob Paulsen (Voice Director) swing by to discuss the reboot of everyone’s favorite “Heroes in a Half Shell.”
“Titans” Cast Interview
October 5, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Pal around with the Titans themselves: Brenton Thwaites (Robin), Teagan Croft (Raven), Minka Kelly (Dove), Anna Diop (Starfire), Alan Ritchson (Hawk), and Ryan Potter (Beast Boy), as they discuss the upcoming DC Universe series.
“Outlander” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 11:15 AM – 11:30 AM
Go inside the hit fantasy drama’s upcoming fourth season with the show’s stars Sam Heughan (Jamie MacKenzie Fraser), Caitriona Balfe (Claire Beauchamp Randall/Fraser), Sophie Skelton (Bree Randall), and Richard Rankin (Roger Wakefield).
“Good Omens” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM
Writer Neil Gaiman and director Douglas Mackinnon discuss the end of the world with Michael Sheen (Aziraphale), Miranda Richardson (Madame Tracy), and David Tennant (Crowley).
“Manifest” Cast Interview
October 6, 2018, 2:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Series creator Jeff Rake waxes poetic on disappearing commercial airliners alongside Josh Dallas (Ben Stone) and Melissa Roxburgh (Michaela Stone).
TELEVISION AND WEB SERIES PANELS
“Marvel’s Runaways”
October 5, 2018, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
“Marvel’s Runaways” is headed to Madison Square Garden, for the very first time, with an action-packed panel, Q&A and never-before-seen-footage. Join Jeph Loeb, head of Marvel Television, along with the cast and executive producer, as they let you in on what’s to come for the highly-anticipated Season 2 of the Hulu original series “Marvel’s Runaways.” You won’t want to miss this fun-filled event! And don’t forget all 13 episodes of “Marvel’s Runaways Season 2” will drop on December 21, 2018, only on Hulu.
“DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below”
October 5, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Guillermo del Toro offers a first look inside his upcoming Netflix original series “DreamWorks Tales of Arcadia: 3Below,” the second chapter in the “Tales of Arcadia” trilogy. The panel will also include executive producers Rodrigo Blaas, Marc Guggenheim and Chad Hammes, and actor Diego Luna (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”). The series follows two royal teenage aliens,and their bodyguard who flee a surprise takeover of their home planet by an evil dictator and crash land in Arcadia. Now on the run from intergalactic bounty hunters, they struggle to blend in and adapt to the bizarre world of high school all the while attempting to repair their ship so they can return and defend their home planet.
“Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
October 5, 2018, 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
Rise up! The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in the next mutation of New York’s half-shell heroes. Join us as we celebrate the latest incarnation of The Turtles. Featuring Omar Miller (“Ballers”) as Raph, Ben Schwartz (“Parks and Recreation”) as Leo, Josh Brener (“Silicon Valley”) as Donnie, Brandon Smith (“You’re the Worst”) as Mikey, Kat Graham (“The Vampire Diaries”) as April and special guest Maurice LaMarche (“Pinky and the Brain”) as the Foot Brute. Joining the cast are co-executive producers, Andy Suriano and Ant Ward, and legendary voice director Rob Paulsen. Panel highlights will include never-before-seen clips from the series, special guests and exclusive giveaways.
Netflix and Chills
October 5, 2018, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
The midnight hour is close at hand with Netflix’s Mega Block of chills, thrills, and everything else of the other-worldly variety. Join the casts of “Umbrella Academy,” “The Haunting of Hill House” and “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” as they descend upon New York Comic Con to discuss these highly anticipated new series. Plus, get a first look at “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” before anyone else. Panelists: Ellen Page, Mary J. Blige, Rob Sheehan, Emmy Raver-Lampman, David Castañeda, Aidan Gallagher, Cameron Britton, Michiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Kate Siegel.
Tardis Time: Matt Smith, David Tennant and Alex Kingston Live
October 5, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Hammerstein Ballroom
The Tenth and Eleventh Doctors are joined by River Song in a once-in-a-regeneration experience at the Hammerstein Ballroom on October 5, 2018. David Tennant, Matt Smith, and Alex Kingston (along with companion/host Aaron Sagers) will make you laugh, cry, and feel bigger on the inside with their tales from across space and time. This is a ticketed event that is not free to New York Comic Con badgeholders. Tickets range from $19-$249.
The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse.
“Good Omens”
October 6, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
The forces of good and evil take the stage to give fans a first ever sneak-peak of the highly anticipated series adaptation of Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman’s best-selling “Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch” novel. A dark, comedic story set in modern day Britain that centers on the stoic and sensible angel, Aziraphale (played by Michael Sheen) and the suave man-about-town demon, Crowley (played by David Tennant) as they join forces to prevent the coming of the Apocalypse. Panelists: Neil Gaiman, David Tennant, Douglas Mackinnon, Michael Sheen Miranda Richardson
“Marvel’s Daredevil”
October 6, 2018, 1:30 PM – 2:45 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Witness New York Comic Con’s highly anticipated return of “Daredevil,” Marvel’s first superhero on Netflix! Join the series’ stars Charlie Cox, Elden Henson, Deborah Ann Woll, Vincent D’Onofrio, Joanne Whalley, Wilson Bethel, Jay Ali, series showrunner Erik Oleson and executive producer/Marvel head of television Jeph Loeb for what promises to be an epic panel full of surprise reveals.
“Star Trek: Discovery”
October 6, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
“Star Trek,” one of the most iconic and influential global television franchises, has left an indelible mark on our world. What began as a TV show over 50 years ago became a window into the future and a reflection of our greatest hopes for a better tomorrow. Join the cast and producers of “Star Trek: Discovery” as they discuss the legacy of the franchise, and what adventures await the CBS All Access Original Series as it warps into Season 2. Panelists are to be announced.
“Outlander”
October 6, 2018, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Join executive producers Ronald D. Moore and Maril Davis, along with cast members Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin, for a discussion about the new season of the hit Starz Original Series. Season 4 of “Outlander” continues the story of time-traveling doctor Claire Fraser and her 18th-century Highlander husband Jamie Fraser as they try to make a home for themselves in the rough and dangerous “New World” of colonial America. Meanwhile, in the 20th century, Claire and Jamie’s daughter Brianna Randall and historian Roger Wakefield search for proof that Brianna’s parents found each other in the past.
“The Walking Dead”
October 6, 2018, 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Cast and executive producers from AMC’s “The Walking Dead” will discuss the show’s exciting new chapter and share some hints of what’s to come with a sneak peek into season 9, debuting on October 7th at 9PM ET/PT. Panelists: Danai Gurira, Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Angela Kang, Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman , Gale Anne Hurd and Dave Alpert.
“Riverdale”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sos50JmdgFM
October 7, 2018, 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Following yet another drama-filled season and shocking Season 2 finale, don’t miss “Riverdale” when it makes its debut at New York Comic Con this year! Join Archie and the gang as they continue to dive into the secrets that loom and keep emerging from the shadows in a town that once seemed like a quiet, ordinary place. The circumstances surrounding Archie’s arrest kick off the drama of season three as the gang tries to #FreeArchie, while Hiram Lodge continues to flesh out his plans to control not only Riverdale, but also the ever growing SoDale. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (“The Flash,” “Supergirl,” “Blindspot,” “Arrow,” “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow”) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. Join us for an exclusive sneak peek at Season 3, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. “Riverdale” returns for Season 3 on October 10, airing Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. “Riverdale: The Complete Second Season” is available now on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Panelists announced so far: KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Luke Perry, Mädchen Amick, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Jon Goldwater.
“Gotham”
October 7, 2018, 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Join “Gotham” as the show returns to New York Comic Con for its final appearance. With Gotham on the brink of total anarchy and cut off from the outside world, only Jim Gordon, Bruce Wayne and a handful of heroes remain behind to retake the city. Inspired by the “No Man’s Land” arc from the comics, villains including Penguin, the Riddler, the Sirens and Jeremiah have taken claim on various regions of the city. Will order be restored, or will chaos reign in Gotham? Be among the first to hear what’s in store for the final chapter of Gotham as the show returns to New York Comic Con for a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Warner Bros. Television, “Gotham” returns for its fifth and final season midseason on Fox, and “Gotham: The Complete Fourth Season” is available now on Digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Panelists announced so far: David Mazouz, Donal Logue, Robin Lord Taylor, Cory Michael Smith, Camren Bicondova, Sean Pertwee, Chris Chalk, Erin Richards, John Stephens.
“What We Do in the Shadows”
October 7, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hammerstein Ballroom
Exclusive Sneak-Peek Screening and Q&A – Based on the classic cult film of the same name, FX presents an exclusive screening of its new vampire comedy What We Do in the Shadows, followed by a spirited discussion with executive producers Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Paul Simms. Set in Staten Island, What We Do in the Shadows follows three vampires who have been roommates for hundreds, and hundreds, of years. Following the screening, fans will have a chance to hear directly from the producers about the unending ennui of everyday immortal life that mere humans take for granted. The series will debut on FX in Spring 2019.
“Doctor Who”
October 7, 2018, 1:45 PM – 3:30 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
BBC America is bringing “Doctor Who” to New York Comic Con for its global premiere! When the new season of “Doctor Who” hits BBC America timed to the U.K. premiere broadcast on Sunday, October 7th at 1:45 p.m. ET/PT, fans will get to experience the first episode live together at New York Comic Con. The screening of the first episode with new star Jodie Whittaker, entitled “The Woman Who Fell to Earth,” will be followed by a panel and fan Q&A with Whittaker, showrunner Chris Chibnall and executive producer Matt Strevens.
“RWBY” and “gen:LOCK” Mega Panel
October 7, 2018, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Rooster Teeth is bringing exclusive sneak peeks of “RWBY Volume 6” and “gen:LOCK” to New York Comic Con. Join “RWBY” cast and crew Lindsay Jones (Ruby), Kara Eberle (Weiss), Arryn Zech (Blake), Barbara Dunkelman (Yang), Miles Luna and Kerry Shawcross for exciting “RWBY” news, hilarious behind-the-scenes stories and more. “gen:LOCK” writer/director Gray G. Haddock will show the most that’s ever been seen of “gen:LOCK.”
In addition, these TV shows or web series will be showcased with panels at New York Comic Con this year:
- “The 100”
- “American Dad”
- “American Gods”
- “Archer: 1999”
- “Batman: The Animated Series”
- “Big Mouth”
- “Blindspot”
- “Boy Meets World”(25th Anniversary Reunion)
- “The Boys”
- “Charmed”
- “Cobra Kai”
- “Cosmos: Possible Worlds”
- “Cowboy Bebop”
- “Critical Role”
- “Deadly Class”
- “A Discovery of Witches”
- “The Dragon Prince”
- “Drunk History”
- “Family Guy”
- “Future Man”
- “The Gifted”
- “Happy!”
- “Human Kind Of”
- “Hilda”
- “Impractical Jokers”
- “Legacies”
- “Liver Spots and Astro Nots”
- “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman” (25th Anniversary Reunion)
- “Lore”
- “The Magicians”
- “The Man in the High Castle”
- “Manifest”
- “Mars”
- “Marvel Rising: Secret Warriors”
- “Midnight, Texas”
- “Mythical Beasts”
- “Nightflyers”
- “Origin”
- “The Orville”
- “Our Star Wars Stories”
- “The Passage”
- “Project Blue Book”
- “Roswell, New Mexico”
- “She-Ra and the Princesses of Power”
- “Siren”
- “Stan Against Evil”
- “SuperMansion”
- “The Tick”
- “Titans”
- “Trailer Park 2.0”
- “Voltron Legendary Defender”
MOVIE PANELS
“Mortal Engines”
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
October 5, 2018, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Hundreds of years after civilization was destroyed by a cataclysmic event, humankind has adapted and a new way of living has evolved. Gigantic moving cities roam Earth, ruthlessly preying upon smaller traction towns. Now, two fugitives forge an unlikely alliance destined to change the future. Join cast & filmmakers from “Mortal Engines” the startling, epic adventure from the filmmakers of “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Hobbit,” as they share exclusive materials and thrilling tales of production. Panelists: Peter Jackson Philippa Boyens, Hugo Weaving, Jihae, Leila George, Rob Sheehan, Stephen Lang, Hera Hilmar and Christian Rivers.
“Dragon Ball Super: Broly”
October 5, 2018, 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
The greatest action animated series of all time returns for a new movie of epic proportions! Join a roster of English voice actors—and special guests from Japan—as they discuss the film and reveal never-before-seen announcements. This panel reunites the English and Japanese voices of Goku, Sean Schemmel and Masako Nozawa, along with Japanese director Tatsuya Nagamine and English voice actors!
“Hellboy” (2019)
October 6, 2018, 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
Join stars David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Daniel Dae Kim and Ian McShane, and comic book creator Mike Mignola to discuss the film. Based on the Dark Horse comic book “Hellboy” caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.
“Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse”
October 6, 2018, 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Cast and filmmakers from Sony Pictures Entertainment’s highly anticipated “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” from the creative minds of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, will give audiences an inside look at the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse—where more than one can wear the mask. The film is presented in association with Marvel. Panelists: Shameik Moore, Jake Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Velez, Miller, Lord, Peter Ramsey, Bob Persichietti.
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World”
October 7, 2018, 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
The Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden
Welcome cast and filmmakers from DreamWorks Animation’s “How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World.” Get ready to rediscover Toothless—the King of all Dragons—as he meets a potential girlfriend and journeys alongside Hiccup to a hidden world you thought only existed in myth. Writer/director Dean DeBlois will be joined by special guests as he reveals all-new footage and brings us deep into his surprising tale about growing up, finding the courage to face the unknown, and the most unlikely of friendships—one that’s spanned the lifetimes of both the Night Fury and the chief of Berk.
“Twilight” (10th Anniversary)
October 7, 2018, 2:15 PM – 3:15 PM
Main Stage 1-D Presented by Verizon – Javits Center
To celebrate the 10-year anniversary of “Twilight’s” original theatrical release, Lionsgate invites you to join director Catherine Hardwicke and “Twilight” actors Kellan Lutz, Jackson Rathbone and Edi Gathegi to reminisce about the epic saga and how it changed the state of fandom.
*All panel descriptions are courtesy of New York Comic Con.