New York City, The Fall And Comic Con 2024: The Perfect Trio

Comic Con 2024: Photo by Brian Kachejian

For many people, the return of fall brings back traditions that we look forward to throughout the entire year. Pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks, the return of the NFL, Halloween candy being sold in August, and of course for all us rock and roll music movie fans, there’s Comic-Con in New York City, usually the first or second week in October. There’s nothing that we look forward to more every year than Comic-Con. It’s not just about the movie stars or the television stars; it’s about the fans—that’s what I love the most, the fans. Not just the ones who dress up, but everybody who attends these shows. There’s a feeling of just belonging, especially for so many of us who never felt like we belonged. If there ever was a place that accepted our quirkiness, our addictions, or anything else that so much of society looked down upon us for, it’s Comic-Con that opens its arms and says, “Yeah, you are one of us.”

This year’s Comic-Con was no different. Four days from Thursday to Sunday of ultimate fun. I particularly like always going on Thursdays. I don’t want to say because it’s less crowded, because it is always crowded, but there’s just something about opening day that feels good. From the moment you walk through those doors, the sheer size of the Jacob Javits Center hits you like a photon laser beam. There’s something very sci-fi about the layout of the Jacob Javits Center with its metallic beams, glass windows, and breathtaking size. Comic-Con does it perfectly in the way they set up these huge movie posters, decorated on the rafters, the ceilings, the windows. They showcase previews of upcoming movies and television shows. It just adds to the instant excitement of the event.

Comic Con 2024: Photo by Brian Kachejian

Everyone has different reasons for visiting Comic-Con. Many of us share the same reasons. The opportunity to take a picture with a living legend, a selfie or an autograph, makes for a moment that you never forget. I will never forget the time I met William Shatner a few years back, and just a few minutes later, Mark Hamill. The stars of Star Trek and Star Wars together under the same roof. My son and I will cherish those meetings forever. That’s the magic of Comic-Con, the chance to meet people you would never have the opportunity to meet in your life. Yes, we know they’re just regular people, but that’s not what we want to know. To us, they are living characters who have entertained us and made us feel good our entire lives. I didn’t meet William Shatner or Mark Hamill. No, I met Captain Kirk and Luke Skywalker. That’s the fantasy of Comic-Con that becomes reality.

For many others who visit Comic-Con, it’s not about meeting the stars; it’s about the merchandise. There are hundreds of vendors selling rare items, many of which were created specifically for Comic-Con itself. I know many people who make sure to arrive really early to get what they believe are the best deals. And of course, some of them are right. Some one-of-a-kind items sell immediately. But there’s so much more, so much merchandise that never runs out. It doesn’t matter what time of day you go. If you arrive early, late, or in the middle of the day, there’s plenty of merchandise to purchase.

Comic Con 2024: Photo by Brian Kachejian

One of the most wonderful attributes of Comic-Con is Artist Alley. That’s what it’s really all about for many people: the ability to meet some of the most legendary comic book artists of all time. Many of the most famous ones will set up tables and spend time talking to their fans, signing autographs, and of course, selling some scarce items. Some will even create drawings for the fans who request it, of course, for a price. I have a friend, and I’m not going to name-drop here, but he was one of the most famous comic book artists of all time. It’s fun to see him every year and see how he’s doing. Many years ago he actually put me in a very famous comic called Godzilla. Sadly I was eaten in the strip. But I had a moment of glory.

If you have never been to New York Comic-Con, I strongly recommend visiting ReedPop’s Website and signing up, so you’ll receive an email when it’s time to purchase tickets. It doesn’t matter what age you are. Comic-Con is ageless. That’s the way life should be. See you on the floor!

https://www.reedpop.com/en-us.html