NYCC takes the party offsite for 2024
There was still good times to be had at New York Comic Con outside of the convention centre, which was already chockfull of fun.
Fall often means one thing to genre and fantasy enthusiasts — it’s time for the last big gathering of the year at New York Comic Con (NYCC), which ran from October 17-20, 2024. Offering fans the opportunity to engage with their favourite brands, meet the cast and creators responsible for their beloved stories, and hang out with hundreds of people with the same excellent taste, the convention brings a lot to the table (and panel rooms). But with a move by ReedPop to forego any on-site activations or after-hours events, there was a lot of fun to be had outside the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center this year.
Just a couple of blocks from the con was the Dune: Prophecy activation, which was promoting the new HBO Original series on Max that focuses on the Bene Gesserit. The immersive experience tests attendees’ knowledge of the sisterhood before inviting them to join the order. The rooms are dark and literally shrouded in mystery, populated with very convincing actors who are fully immersed in their roles. Guests must complete the trials (though wrong answers are not penalized) before the initiation, which involves placing their hands on a vibrating water pool. At the end, everyone is invited to take a metal forged ring that represents their newfound membership. The only disappointment was the brevity of the experience, which left fans wanting more.
On Friday night, Fandom kept its 20th anniversary celebrations going with a party at the Hard Rock Hotel’s The Venue on Music Row near Times Square. The two-storey event space allowed for a VIP lounge upstairs with its own bar and booth seats, as well as an unfettered view of the dance floor below — great for people watching and waving at envious friends. Downstairs, the DJ spun high-energy tunes that filled the centre of the room with revellers lucky enough to score tickets to the exclusive event, entertaining the crowd before headliner, Xandra, took over the booth. Beyond the dance floor, attendees could also find claw machines with Fandom-themed prizes and a photo-op wall to create an everlasting memory.
Also Friday night, Thrilljoy hosted their invite-only launch party. The high-end collectible company, founded by former Funko CEO Brian Mariotti, made its debut at NYCC to enthusiastic crowds eager to be the first to get their hands on the new collectibles and show-only apparel. The event, hosted at the AC Hotel’s Castell Rooftop Lounge, boasted stunning views of the city outside and lots of branded décor inside, including pillows, an ice sculpture, photo-ops and impressive displays of the new product. Photos don’t do justice to the line’s quality, so this was an excellent chance to see it in person. The party shouted fun and chic, immediately separating it from its leader’s more playful roots.
Audible hosted a “Welcome Back to Purgatory” fan event on Saturday, celebrating the launch of its new audio drama, Wynonna Earp: Tales from Purgatory. The new six-episode series gives the TV show’s characters new life via short stories read by the original cast and written by creator Emily Andras alongside the show’s original writers. She and actors Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon and Katherine Barrell were all in attendance, greeting their devoted followers and taking selfies throughout the night at the Southern-inspired Porchlight cocktail bar, which was just a few blocks from the convention centre. Unsurprisingly, the event had a Western theme that extended to the staff’s wardrobes, as well as charming listening stations that featured over-the-ear headphones topped with cowboy hats.
In New York, there’s always something to do after the con floor closes — but it’s even better when fans can keep the con vibes going after hours.