Luck. If there were any theme to describe New York Comicon 2023, it would be luck. Yes, it also played a factor in other conventions and prior years, but this year it really played a part in many people’s enjoyment. If Lady Luck blessed you during the presale autographs, photo ops, or panel reservations, it will affect your experience this year. If you were a general audience or unaware of the presales, then you may only have little luck on your side. For 2023, New York Comicon packed some solid names in its roster. From Chirs Evans, Ewan Mcgregor, David Tennant, and the Cast of Critical Role, there were many people that attendees could be excited about. Personally, luck played a heavy part, and it contributed to making it the best year for New York Comicon 2023 for me.
The Presale and Registration Before the Storm
Months before the show, the presale of Autographs and Photo Ops went live to allow attendees to get a chance to see celebs like Chirs Evans, Ewan Mcgregor, or any member of Critical Role. To remind anyone what happened then, it went live, and the site and servers slowed to the point of freeze. I had a Laura Bailey signature in my cart, and I was checking out, but it timed me out during the process, and it was sold out when it was refreshed, missing my chance. The big names and all of Critical Role were sold out in about an hour. The severe lag and slowdown of the servers did not help, and it soured many people’s experiences.
Yes, only a certain amount can get in to meet these names, and Critical Role was only there for Thursday and Friday, but at the same time, you think that ReedPop would learn of the flood of nerds, fans, and people that are at the doors of the site hounding at the chance. Maybe not to Taylor Swift’s levels of madness, but this is Comicon. Nerds and Otakus will be ravenous to meet their stars and Oshis. At that point, I wished they had implemented the queue system for panel reservations for a photo op or presale autographs. I wished I could meet Matt Mercer, but according to ReedPop, when it went live, Super VIP badge holders bought out all the tickets. So aside from that troublesome part, those who managed to get their specific autographs or Photo ops had luck on their side.
The panel reservations were much improved,, and the queue system did its job. Big panels like the David Tennant and Chris Evans spotlight were a hot show. And the Square Enix Panel also went out quickly. However, I wished they had put the Square Enix panel in the program before it was revealed in the reservations. Lady Luck, however, had other plans for me this year.
The Asylum Opens Once Again
So, it was back to the races again at the Jacob Javits Center. The attendees came in, and the spirit of the con was back in action. It’s hard to imagine these past two years and how COVID took its effect on conventions. In regards to safety from it, sadly, many people think COVID is over and done. Few people wore masks in consideration, but naturally, many just wanted to have fun and couldn’t care. Con crud be damned. Unfortunately, I got sick a little after the convention. While I get that we cannot forget to live our lives and have fun, let it be a reminder that COVID-19 still exists. Don’t forget safety, people! Staff at NYCC didn’t really put too much importance on COVID regulations unless it was for the safety of the celebrity guests. There were hand soaps at the booths, thankfully, so there is some consideration for safety from some. Nonetheless, COVID is still here, some people care or don’t care, and life goes on. Thankfully, there was no news in regard to NYCC being a spreader event. Only the future will tell if COVID will be a thing of the past or will reemerge.
Thursday is an interesting day. Reedpop really wanted to sell as many tickets as possible. Days before the event, they were marketing the heck to get as much as they could for the first day. Obviously, it was not the weekend so that prevented many people from attending. Though they really packed a lot into that day. From Chris Evans & Ewan Mcgregor Photo Ops to the Critical Role panel, there was much to see on the first day. However, there was one small thing that the Convention should strive for. TREAT PRESS PEOPLE BETTER. You put in professionals in the industry and press people with the general audience. Shouldn’t the press or pros have a bit of early access to the show floor to take clear shots of exhibits without the crowd first? I like to see the floor before the storm of nerds and Otakus rush in.
Thankfully, there were dedicated seatings near the stage to assist in coverage. Going back to Thursday’s events, Reedpop again really wanted to get as many Thursday badges out as possible. As far as I recall, they were about 80% sold that day. The Critical Role panel was quite the show. To see them all once again and to hear them talk in regard to the show, Candela Obscura, and the community is always a pleasure. To hear from fans with Cancer and speaking to their heroes is quite inspiring,, and to hear how Critical Role has helped them so much is also heartwarming.
I personally was focused on getting autographs for that day and met a majority of who I wanted to meet, like Kaiji Tang, Travis Willingham, and Liam O’Brien. Other members of Critical Role had little room for standby for those who weren’t able to get the presale autograph tickets,, and some were able to get lucky. I wanted to get Matthew Mercer’s autograph, but luck was not with me, and it was capped off. So, Thursday was a slight disappointment for me. But again, Lady Luck had plans for me.
Luck’s Turnabout
It was not until Friday that it started to ramp up for me, and not because it was the start of the weekend for me and others. For those who are able to attend or apply for Medical and ADA approval, DO IT. I was able to get a medical sticker when I asked them. I was informed then that the state of New York recently passed a law that events, conventions, or workplaces cannot ask you about your personal medical history. So, they must abide by your request for a medical sticker. Previously, you had to submit a doctor’s note or proof you were disabled or medically compromised. This new law makes it a lot easier to get approved. Of course, there will be those who will abuse this, but I expect those who are truly medically compromised to be able to get medical stickers. I have a chronic illness currently and many years before this, but I wasn’t sure about the process beforehand.
Now, being able to attend as a medical, it allows some extra perks. When autographs would have taken hours to wait in line, now it only takes minutes. I was able to meet Rob Paulsen of Anamaniacs quickly without much delay. By all means, if you are able to meet him, please do. He is just an absolute sweetheart and a warm spirit to meet. From his victory over cancer and genuine happiness from making people smile, you will feel nothing but happiness from meeting this great example of a human being. Also, a quick tip. For getting autographs for people/actors on the show floor and not in the lower halls, make sure the prices are from the voice actors/actors themselves and NOT from the organization managing them. I was almost cheated out of 50$ for getting autographs from Monica Rial. Thankfully, Rial’s staff clarified the correct prices for the organization Heroes Hideout. So, a shout-out to Monica Rial and her staff for the financial savings and signing my Monster Musume Collectors edition.
Then, the remainder of that Friday, I had time to explore the show floor and get to see what was the main focus around this time. Naturally, miHoYo has made quite a presence ever since with Genshin Impact. Now, with the newest game of Honkai Star Rail, fans have come in droves to see what goodies they can get. I also checked out the Artist Alley and met Stanely “Artgerm” Lau for the first time. His art is nothing short of wonderful, and his lessons in the industry are also enlightening. Also, I learned a little bit about the world of comics and custom art. Definitely check him out whenever he stops by your local convention. Course, I had to stop by Edwin “ironpinky” Huang again. His Street Fighter artwork is always beautiful to look at.
The day ended with one more lucky meeting. Apparently, someone heard of my disappointment from not getting my other Critical Role autographs. So, luckily, I was able to meet Marisha Ray and Sam Reigel at the 34th St Subway station while I was traveling back home! I didn’t ask for a photo but only gave them my words of gratitude. This was just one of another line of lucky events as Saturday proved to be my apex and convention maker this year.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s Blessings
Saturday was the big day for many. It was all about the Square Enix Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Voice actor panel. I was not able to get the reservation during the time they opened reservations. Thankfully, with the Medical sticker, I was able to get into the panel with no problem. Then Lady Luck blessed me again. Aside from covering the event, all I wanted was the poster and see if there were any new details for the game. While waiting to get in the panel in queue hall C, staff from the panel were giving out ticket stubs. I was curious and inquired what they were. It was for a meet and greet for the cast of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. I and another attendee, Borgan Wilson, asked the staff for one as we were waiting for way before the general attendees. Thankfully, they obliged and gave us one. That was the pinnacle of luck for me. I was going to meet the cast after the panel! Ecstatic wasn’t even close to describing my emotions.
Matt Mercer (Vincent Valentine), Cody Christian (Cloud Strife), John Eric Bentley (Barret Wallace), Britt Baron (Tifa Lockhart), Max Mittleman (Red XIII), Suzie Yeung (Yuffie Kisaragi)
The panel was straightforward, and there were only a few new details in relation to the game. I was hoping for a teaser trailer for something new but I guess that is asking for too much. Matt Mercer did an amazing job hosting the panel. Though can we say that him being Vincent Valentine was the worst kept secret ever? People who are knowledgeable or keen in the voice actor world can easily tell since the trailer, it was him. That’s not to say it wasn’t still exciting to hear Matt confirm it at the panel. Briana White (Aerith Gainsborough) sadly couldn’t make it to NYCC but left a video message sharing her thoughts and love for the cast. The panel’s actors gave their thoughts on the series and how much it changed their lives.
Matt explained that he discovered he got the role via a prank from the directors. Suzie explained that it was a leap of faith for her and it was basically sink or swim for her when moving to California. John explained that he characterizes Barret so well that it reflects him as a support both in real life and in the game. Cod was humbled by the love he has seen for Cloud and being acknowledged for his incredible work ethic when voicing the role. Britt just loves the role of Tifa and how she cannot wait to share what is in the next chapter of the story. And Max just showing wisdom of learning from this game and from his cast mates. The surprise during the panel was that the director, Naoki Hamguchi, made an appearance and gave the insider of the creative behind the game. Such as why they decided to include a Segway for Cloud or why Red XIII is riding a Chocobo. You can see the entire panel here.
Then came the meeting of the cast after the panel. The feelings I had before and during the meeting were just excitement and gratitude. I met fans who were just as excited and how this lucky moment was the Con maker for them. I was no exception. It was this meeting and autograph that cemented the fact that this year was the best year I had at New York Comicon so far. When I came face to face with the cast, I just said my words of gratitude being thankful for what they do. When I gave a deep and humble bow to them, John acknowledged it and said, “That’s a Persona bow.” After the photo shoot, I again said thanks to them and told Britt that Tifa is the best girl in my opinion. I cannot wait to see what’s in store in Rebirth. Needless to say, this will be a core memory for me, and I will never forget this moment.
Good Deeds and Humble Spirit
With that meeting and event in my memories, what else can make this convention year better? One more thing, apparently. There was another meeting I had my plans for, meeting cosplayer Ireland Reid. Her skills and dedication to the craft are top-notch. When she announced that her classic Mortal Kombat 9 cosplay of Mileena would be retiring due to wear and tear and the fabric used was no longer sold, I had to see it before it would be retired for good. On that Saturday, I stopped by her booth, however, I found out that she was running late. I had nothing but time, so I decided to wait and was allowed to look after her booth by her staff for about an hour. When she arrived, she was already in the Mileena cosplay, and the reason she was late was due to taking a few shots by the entrance to allow attendees to see. She enlightened me in regards to the outfit, like that the fabric and materials were not breathable or waterproof.
Her works included doing dynamic and rain shots. So the water wouldn’t just run off or be absorbed. So you can imagine the discomfort she had to endure. She told everyone waiting at the booth to not touch the outfit or any contact as the outfit was holding on for dear life and at the seams. Still, to see it and how she embodies the character is nothing but beautiful. After buying a print from her and taking a photo, I thanked her for her work and couldn’t wait to see the successor of her Mileena cosplay.
How did this event contribute to the luck after the apex moment of the Final Fantasy 7 meeting you may ask? Remember how I looked after her booth for about an hour? It reached Ireland’s ears. The day after on Sunday, I decided to stop by again because she was planning to have a new cosplay to reveal. One that would include a plague mask. Sadly it couldn’t be done as it would interfere with cleaning up and handling boxes after the convention ends. When I came to the booth again, she immediately recognized me and my Projekt Melody shirt. I was impressed that she knew Melody, proving she is a woman of culture. When she told me that her staff reported to her that I watched over her booth for over an hour, I was honored. I was eyeing a Tifa print she did in reflection of Saturday’s meeting of the FF7 cast. When I mentioned it, she said “It’s yours as a thanks for watching over the booth.” Of course, I was taken aback by the gesture, but she insisted on giving me a gift. There was a nice addition to the print, which was the icing on the cake.
The moral of the story: do good things and be respectful; good things will come in return. Maybe not immediately, but it will come. It’s a basic concept, but many people forget about it. Be respectful, and get respect in return. Do good things, and good things will come back in return. Karma can work in mysterious ways and in my case, for the better.
A Bright Outlook
So if you can’t tell already, this year was the best on record for me. Aside from the hiccups of the online presale and minor complaints about the treatment of press people, it was lovely at New York Comicon this year. If there are any areas of criticism in regard, it would be these:
- Allow Press Members To Enter In Early – Maybe it is a bit too much or unfair, but I feel that the press should be able to take some shots of the Exhibit floor before the crowds come in to show off what the exhibitors are presenting and what is to be expected. If not for coverage of the show, how would we inform customers and the general?
- Improve Online Servers, Service, and Queue Systems – The presale for autographs and photo ops needs to be improved. I’m aware you cannot expect to have the web servers ready to handle the enormous amount of traffic, but you had years of this happen already. You can at least improve the servers to handle it better. Especially with the increased prices and VIP badge holders, customers had to pay for entry. Also, implement a queue system for the photo ops and autograph online sales so that there won’t be another standstill on the site again. Incorporate a raffle system if it helps, like at Anime NYC.
- Announce Guests and Panels Sooner Before The Convention – I hate that conventions hold their secrets and do not announce guests or panels sooner rather than later. Literally, on days before the convention, they reward early buyers on who will be coming or the panels that will be exclusive to New York Comicon. Trying to incorporate fear of missing out (FOMO) and not informing customers of what they are getting into is a coin flip, and I feel a disservice to customers—very similar feelings to when one preorders a game and turns out to be trash.
If they can improve upon these areas, they can improve on the preconception that New York Comicon is going downward due to prior years. As it goes back again, luck played a part in many people’s enjoyment. From making plans to what panels you want to attend, who you want to meet, and the random events that can happen. But I will give credit where it is due. The use of the entirety of the Jacob Javits Center and the extension of the Empire Stage, the general sense of security, and the overall flow of all four days. I forgot to mention that they had a hall dedicated to tabletop gaming, video gaming, and even Mahjong tables! That definitely scored points for me as it was away from the main hustle and bustle of traffic should attendees need a bit of a quiet area. It was just a great time and really made me very happy. Meeting of the Final Fantasy 7 cast, meeting the amazing Rob Paulsen, meeting amazing artists at Artist Alley, and making some friends in the queue hall or somewhere at the Center, I cannot further stress how these events and lucky meetings made my con. For that, Reedpop, you deserve this win this year. Improve on the areas that need improvement, and you can continue this streak of being the best Convention on the East Coast.
So, the wait for next year’s New Year Comicon begins! Until then, this year’s event was truly one for the books. It was simply awesome. Next up for me is Anime NYC.
