New York Comic Con has announced that they’ve ultimately decided to cancel this year’s physical convention in light of the ongoing global pandemic. Despite this obstacle, NYCC is following suit with other previously cancelled conventions such as the San Diego Comic Con by officially moving their annual event to the digital platform. They, along with London’s MCM Comic Con, are joining forces with YouTube to bring loyal fans a new online portal called New York Comic’s Metaverse which will be dedicated to delivering pop culture experiences, right into the comfort of the fans’ homes. The virtual event will be starting from October 8 until October 11.
While we’d rather be giving you an update on badges going on sale, it likely comes as no surprise that #NYCC 2020’s physical event will not be able to run as intended. This is one of the hardest announcements we’ve had to make, & we miss you all so much: https://t.co/lEl5Yy0i1j
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) August 11, 2020
But we still can’t wait to hang out with you online for New York Comic Con’s Metaverse, Oct 8-11. We’re partnering with YouTube to bring to life four days of incredible content. Stay tuned to https://t.co/yFh3MrLaiS and subscribe to https://t.co/6iFws85O7Q for updates.
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) August 11, 2020
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“We are thoroughly disappointed that we can’t gather together, in-person for the New York Comic Con we love to build and our fans love to revel in,” ReedPop president Lance Fensterman said (via Deadline). “We look forward to this weekend all year long, just like you, and with this being our 15th edition, we were particularly excited. I will miss walking up and down artist alley and seeing friends that I’ve made since we were in the basement at the Javits Center. While this year will definitely be a different experience, we are going to look to bring the best and most engaging event to our fans, exhibitors, and studios through our partnership with YouTube.”
This year’s NYCC virtual event will feature almost the same activities that fans have been enjoying in previous conventions including: fan meet-and-greets, live Q&As, personalized autographs, videos, and professional workshops. ReedPop is also planning to set up a virtual marketplace where exhibitors and creators can still share their new works.
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The current lineup that has already been confirmed is Starz’s American Gods, all of the Star Trek shows from CBS All Access, DreamWorks Animation, Hulu, and FX. More guests are expected to be announced in the coming months.
