New York Comic Con celebrated its twentieth anniversary this year! It is a significant milestone for an event that, edition after edition, remains a cornerstone of global pop culture. Yet, wandering through the halls, the atmosphere of the twenty-year mark didn’t feel particularly groundbreaking: we navigated the familiar spaces, surrounded by the warmth of the usual big family of fans, but with the sense of an event searching for a new direction in a rapidly evolving market.
Strolling among the stands, one of the first things you notice is the reduced presence of 3D-printed items. This might appear to signal rigorous quality control, rather than merely reflecting a shifting market.
On the comic book front, the vibe was mixed: while there was a major comeback for the medium, truly new releases often took a backseat to boxes of backstock—though this offered bargain hunters a trip down memory lane with unmissable bundles and deals themed around the 80s and 90s. On the other hand, the world of video games and retrogaming fared less well, being almost entirely absent from the convention. While the TCG (Trading Card Game) sector was well represented, prices were often inflated compared to online standards. Major brands occupied about a third of the convention floor with massive installations (ranging from Crunchyroll, Webtoon to Marvel, Warhammer, and eBay), though in some cases, the impressive scale wasn’t matched by equally memorable content.
One of the hottest topics at this year’s event inevitably revolves around artificial intelligence. It is impossible not to notice AI making inroads even into Artist Alley—traditionally viewed as the last bastion of artisanal creativity and “handmade” work. Alongside the extraordinary talents who continue to dazzle us with ink, brushes, or graphics tablets, there is a growing number of prints and artworks created by automated generators—a phenomenon highlighted by a massive sign at the entrance that sparked debate among many visitors.
This year, the approach to panels seemed to prioritize quality over quantity. While there were few truly earth-shattering announcements for the pop culture landscape, there was no shortage of moments of pure excitement, such as the presentations dedicated to Dragon Ball Super: Beerus and Naruto Shadow Rising.
And what about the celebrities? Among the many guests, the true A-list star was undoubtedly Nicolas Cage, who drew a line for autographs that stretched on for what seemed like miles. We had a fun—and slightly surprising—experience: the actor refused to sign memorabilia depicting firearms. Fortunately, we wanted him to sign our National Treasure poster. It was a curious and somewhat paradoxical choice for an action movie icon, famous for films like Lord of War or The Rock, yet it added that touch of unpredictability that makes such an encounter truly memorable. Nicolas Cage being Nicolas Cage…
Well, what can you say? It wouldn’t be a real Comic Con without debates, controversies, and food for thought regarding the future of fandom. We return home with tired legs and aching feet, but with hearts absolutely full of joy, passion, and the desire to discover what next year has in store for us!
