After returning to an almost normal in person convention last year the 2022 edition of New York Comic Con (NYCC) show felt a lot closer to a pre-pandemic show. With large crowds, stronger programming, and a fuller convention floor, the convention even ended up using more floor space which had not been used last year after the completed expansion of the convention center, the four day convention annually held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan brought in hundreds of thousands of fans, to celebrate all aspects of pop culture whether it be movies and television or comics, collectibles, and anime.
Most conventions usually bring in hundreds of hours of content throughout their shows for a wide range of programming that covers all forms of fandom. Studios bring content for their latests TV series and movies while smaller panels round out all range of topics from comics, cosplay, education, representation in industry, and everything in between. Panelists and experts come and discuss what they are excited for their fans to see and experience and panels serve as a great way for a larger group of fans to feel connected with their fandoms.
While ReedPop did their best to fully represent the spectrum of panels this year I do think it is up to the fans to come to them and demand more of diverse content that cover their interest and hopefully in future years we can see an even more diverse group of panels represented. At the talkback panel there was a fan who lamented that there was no representation for the Expanse show and there were articles about a lack of Jewish representation. That said there was still a lot to enjoy and as with last year with the completion of the Javit’s expansion all panels were pulled back into the building utilizing the Main Stage, the 5,000 seat Empire Stage room, and many panel rooms both in the new expansion and in the old areas of the convention center.
Additionally through their Popverse website ReedPop has gone back and again started to stream panels from the larger panel rooms for those who could not attend the show in person; though it does require a membership to see this content now.
The Walking Dead
Chris Hardwick hosted what will likely be one of the last ever comic con panels for the main Walking Dead show. With the series set to close Scott M. Gimple, Lauren Cohen, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Ridloff, Eleanor Matsuura, Paola Lázaro, Michael James Shaw, and Norman Reedus came out to give the fans one last chance to see the main crew from the flagship show before it airs it’s final episode. While most of the cast discussed their characters it felt somewhat like a nostalgic panel with cast talking memories of joining the show and sharing their favorite photos from on set.
Let’s Get Weird
One of my most anticipated panels from NYCC this year was The Roku Channel’s announcement of a WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story panel. Starring Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, Rainn Wilson, and a host of other comedic talent this epic biopic will take a look at the rise of “Weird” Al Yankovic. Though set as a satirical take on other biopics I think this film will really land and I for one am waiting for it’s November 4th release. Daniel Radcliffe, Evan Rachel Wood, Director Eric Appel, and Al Yankovic (making a virtual appearance) joined host Josh Horowitz to discuss what it was like filming the movie in 14 days as well as all the embellishments Weird Al made to the story including his exaggerated relationship with Madonna (Wood) who is trying to seduce Weird to get him to parody one of her songs. Though not in the trailer a really epic scene involving the creation of Another One Rides the Bus had me cracking up and I can’t wait for people to see the movie.
Netflix Presents: Wednesday
Jenna Ortega, Luis Guzmán, Gwendoline Christie, Fred Armisen, and showrunners Alfred Gough and Miles Millar were on hand to discuss the upcoming Netflix show from the mind of Tim Burton which will take a focused look on a teenage Wednesday Addams as she enters a private school for misfits and outcasts. The show is definitely taking on a more eerie and supernaturally infused mystery tone similar to Sabrina but still looks to have some of the typical kookiness one would expect from an Addams family show. Also revealed at the panel was Gwendoline Christie’s role as headmistress of the academy and rival to Morticia and Fred Armisen’s role as Uncle Fester. Though he was not there in person Tim Burton, who directed four of the episodes, did come on the screen to say hi to fans and express his feelings on the upcoming show.
Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches
Debuting in 2023 in AMC the show is based on Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches trilogy. Cast and produces came out to NYCC to discuss the new gothic mystery romance series show set in a decaying mansion in New Orleans’ Garden District. Cast discussed their characters, behind-the-scenes stories, and bringing Anne Rice’s classic to life. I’m still trying to catch up with the new Interview with a Vampire Series but luckily I have some time until this debuts in 2023.
Smallville Cast Reunion
Tom Welling (Clark Kent), Erica Durance (Lois Lane), Kristin Kreuk (Lana Lang) and John Glover (Lionel Kent) took to the main stage panel to discuss their roles in the Smallville show and discuss fan questions. It’s hard to describe in writing the panel but this was one of the better reunion panels I have seen. Tom Welling was hilarious and the chemistry between the actors could still be felt even after 20 years.
Back to the Future Reunion
I don’t think there was a dry eye in the entire room by the time Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd ended their Back to the Future panel. The legendary actors discussed their memories from the filming one of the most beloved trilogies out there.
