I’m one of a very small number of people who have successfully attended every single edition of New York Comic Con from 2006 to 2024 (excluding 2020, natch), including the chaotic first 2006 show and the limited-capacity smaller-scale 2021 show. Every year is a little different, but I find that this show is a must-visit for the sheer number of panels, exhibitors, and unique features that ReedPop puts on. I credit the con being local (and providing me with a press pass since 2017) for making it possible to attend, but whether you’re a tristater like me or you’re planning a bigger trip (like my close friend Glenn did from the UK in 2023), it helps to have a game plan. Here’s your early guide for surviving NYCC 2025 and having a great time.
1. Know Your Must-Dos
Unfortunately, with a show of this size, it won’t be possible to do everything—not only are there thousands of individual exhibitors, but there will usually be multiple panels, screenings, and events going on at the same time. This year, I had to pick between a screening and preview of my beloved animated series “The Dragon Prince” and the biggest DC panel of the weekend. My general rule is, screenings will show up eventually, while event panels only happen once, so DC won the day.
2. Make A Game-Plan
Attending NYCC isn’t just a four-day thing for me—it’s a multi-week planning session. NYCC puts out its panel schedule about a month in advance and updates it occasionally in the countdown, so it helps to map out a schedule before you even set foot on the floor.
3. Come Early
This can be a challenge, especially if you’re coming from far away, but those lines can be mighty. Getting there before opening and helping to kick things off for the day is well worth it, as the odds are you’ll be able to make a bee-line for your first panel of the day.
4. Focus Your Shopping on Artist Alley
The floor is where you’ll find the majority of vendors, but it tends to be an odd mix of the biggest names with novelty booths and oddball tchotchkes. If you’re looking for comic finds like I am, Artist Alley has almost turned into a second con. This massive downstairs space is full of the top creators in the industry, joined by talented up-and-comers, selling their books and doing signings. It’s also a great chance to get in a conversation with your favorites.
5. Don’t Miss the Downstairs Panels
The big panels can usually be found in the adjoining five-floor building (which has been a godsend for relieving crowds) but downstairs near Artist Alley, you can still find a few conference rooms where some of the most interesting panels are held. This is where I attended a panel for the Ghost Machine line of comics, as well as a screening of the amazing short documentary about the JewCE comic con. It’s also the site of the Pride Lounge, which hosts wonderfully affirming events all through the event.
6. Bring Your Camera!
The cosplay game was STRONG this year! The highlight was probably a man dressed as Caine from The Amazing Digital Circus (who is a giant chattering mouth, for those who haven’t watched yet) but he was one of many whose cosplay defied belief. Most cosplayers are very enthusiastic about having their picture taken if asked, so these sightings are one of the best ways to create lasting memories.
7. Head Off the Beaten Path for Food
Convention food often gets a bad reputation for price and quality, but NYCC goes all out. While you’ll be able to find some decent stuff in the main food courts, I found the most interesting selections were actually along the back of the main show floor this year—with everything from gourmet empanadas to delicious fresh bento boxes. The con also hosts a parade of elite food trucks from around the city on the first floor, accessed from an enclosed exit.
8. Find Your Little Havens
This event can be overwhelming. As much as I love it, there are definitely times I need to get away for a few minutes and catch my breath. Finding quiet space in the massively busy Javits Center can be a challenge, but my favorites include spots on the fourth and fifth floors of the panel building, which are often fairly uncrowded and have a lot of sunshine and even some green space.
9. Stay Hydrated!
You’ll probably be spending a long day at the con, and while food at the con can definitely be worth it, you won’t want to be reliant fully on purchases for drinks. Unlike other major cons, NYCC is wonderfully flexible when it comes to bringing outside items like food and drink if they don’t violate policies. Bring a water bottle, or a sports drink or two, and keep your energy up. And when you want a midday treat, the smoothie stands and bars at the con are waiting!
10. Be Flexible
With an event this size, something is always going to be different from last year. These are my tips from 2024, and things definitely changed from my past coverage in 2023, and any well-made plan usually only lasts as long as first contact with an event that can frequently draw upwards of 100,000 people. The best thing about New York Comic Con is just how unpredictable and electric it feels at all times, and every year will bring some surprises. Roll with them, discover something new, and you might just find your new favorite spot here.
In all, New York Comic Con 2024 was another wonderful event filled with great opportunities for shopping, networking, and bonding with my fellow geeks—and I’m already counting down the days to 2025.
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