8 Great Perks They Should Keep For NYCC 2018
2. Original and Anticipated Panels Go Off-Site
Though the Javits Center is large and easy to navigate, it can't hold everything a busy Comic Con visitor wishes to view. This year, New York Comic Con sprawled out into three off-site venues with notable success.
The Hammerstein Ballroom, in close proximity to Javits, had an appealing theatrical atmosphere. This was ideal for the screenings of a handful of television premieres: Once Upon A Time, The Orville, and Stan Against Evil. Balcony seating provided more room for the completely full Family Guy and Mark Hamill segments. Additionally, the long-awaited trailer for Hey Arnold: The Jungle Movie received the momentous introduction many fans felt it deserved.
New York Comic Con found an appropriate location for its book-loving clientele. The Hudson Mercantile provided a treasure trove of literary panels for both writers and readers. Craft discussions, gatherings of Star Trek authors, and a meet-and-greet with R.L. Stine were housed in the relaxing event space.
The Theater at Madison Square Garden is a well-known spot for city residents, but NYCC made certain that its featured panelists were just as famous. The casts of Star Trek Discovery and Pacific Rim Uprising built up suspense for their popular projects. A last-minute appearance from Stan Lee at the Garden only emphasized the need for NYCC to branch out beyond Javits. With the surge in audience numbers, opening up other spaces in 2018 would better accommodate comic book legends and cosplayers alike.
As the eleven-year event expands, the geography for Comic Con must grow as well.