Ghost Cult invaded New York Comic Con for the first time ever this year and it was, in a word a spectacle. It was a feast for the senses, except the olfactory. The only downside to the entire weekend besides the swarm of people like squiddies in The Matrix was the smell. The smell of movie theater butter popcorn, no doubt delights most people like a childhood memory burned on the brain. To me, it is vomit inducing in mass quantities and there was not one corner of the Javits Center that was not baked in this smell. Other than that is was a perfect combination of geeks, artists, and Cos-players and superfans. Comic-Con is vast and exhilarating. It’s incredible and a little scary to be honest. It was amazing overall.
Arriving as early as possible on the first day, the best times at the con for me were early in the day. The emptier hall made navigating easier for me and allowed me to take everything in at my own pace. It was a whirlwind of things to do and see. I stopped and chatted with countless fans, Cos-players, and artists and most had no complaints, all exuding a jubilant about feeling at home with their people. The communal sense of belonging almost beat a major festival for me. I remember being picked on for being a geek and here we are, the pinnacle of our culture has massive, star-studded conventions dedicated to it.
The highlight of the weekend for me personally was the celebrity panel From The Stage To The Page: Musicians Creating Comic Books on Friday, October 5th, featuring Andy Black, Steve Aoki, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels, and Lights. Each one has a new comic book out like Andy’s Ghost of Ohio graphic novel scheduled to be released in conjunction with his next solo album. Steve Aoki’s incredible series of books that coincide with an exclusive song and visual experience with every release. DMC from Run DMC stole the show. Not only did he relate his lifelong love of comics to his Rock N Roll Hall of Fame musical career, he really imparted wisdom about the art form that is hard to put into words. Of course, he also broke into some spontaneous raps as well. This guy needs his own panel next year, or a series of panels! We attended many panels during the weekend, but this was the best.
Of course, there was merch. NMErch galore from all the major toy makers, independent vendors of every type and naturally scores of fans had their arms full of bags from all the tables and booths. Personally, I love Funko! Pops and the lines were enormous. There was even a Popup, Pop store across town from the con. Pops seemed to be on everyone’s mind we talked too, with the exclusives being re-sold right on the floor! Outrageous.
It definitely felt like a never-ending endurance test the entire weekend, but I can’t recommend this experience highly enough.
KEITH CHACHKES
Links:
Tickets and other info https://www.newyorkcomiccon.com