New York Comic Con 2024 delivered unforgettable experiences across the city, from electrifying parties to immersive pop-ups. Here are my top six events that made this year’s NYCC truly exceptional.
1. Fandom Party New York Presented by Universal Orlando Resort
To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Fandom hosted one of NYCC’s most anticipated events, transforming The Venue at the Hard Rock Hotel in Times Square into a bustling fan paradise. In partnership with Universal Orlando Resort, the night previewed the much-awaited Universal Epic Universe, set to open in 2025. Guests explored a variety of themed activations, including an interactive photo booth and scavenger hunt that highlighted the five immersive worlds coming to the new park.
Pinfinity added to the evening’s excitement with an augmented reality experience and exclusive collectible pins, while Fandom’s arcade games kept the energy high with anniversary-themed prizes. The night culminated in an exhilarating performance by DJ XANDRA, a self-taught DJ and popular TikTok creator, who got the crowd on their feet. A vibrant birthday surprise featuring roller-skating dancers and a massive 14-foot inflatable man took the excitement to another level. Star-studded red carpet arrivals included The Penguin actors Rhenzy Feliz and Marié Botha, Broadway actor Marcus Choi, influencer Lena Lemon, critic Juju Green, and others, making this an unforgettable celebration that had everyone buzzing.
2. Wynonna Earp: Tales from Purgatory
Audible threw a private, immersive celebration at Porchlight to commemorate the release of Wynonna Earp: Tales from Purgatory, the new Audible Original that continues the beloved series. The atmosphere transported attendees into the heart of Purgatory, the supernatural Wild West town fans have come to love. Superfans mingled with series stars and creator, enjoying a selection of bites and drinks that perfectly complemented the eerie, enchanting vibe of the series. Live music added to the immersive experience, making it an unforgettable evening for Wynonna Earp devotees. This event highlighted Audible’s knack for crafting atmospheres that resonate with fans, and the combination of good food, live entertainment, and fan-focused details made it one of the highlights of NYCC.
3. VENOM: THE LAST DANCE Bucking Venom Horse Experience
Sony Pictures went all out with the Venom: The Last Dance pop-up experience, bringing the power of the symbiote to life for fans with a range of Venom-inspired activities. The pop-up offered a thrilling twist on the mechanical bull experience, allowing fans to ride a bucking “Venom horse.” The fun didn’t stop there—guests could slide into a Venom-themed ball pool, try their luck at Las Vegas-style casino games, and enjoy temporary tattoos inspired by Venom’s signature black-and-white style. Among the attendees of the pop-up was David Ho, who, after a big win at the blackjack table, earned his place on the HIGH ROLLERS board. As the top player with the highest score of the night, he was awarded a Venom-themed prize. Congratulations, David!
For the daring, a Venom-themed burger station and Coco robots serving Monster Energy added even more to the Venom immersion. The high point was a Formula One Venom car display, accompanied by original artwork, footage from Venom: The Last Dance, and music to complete the experience. This action-packed pop-up brought the Venom universe to life, giving fans a taste of the dark, thrilling side of Marvel’s iconic character.
4. Dune Prophecy Experience
The Dune Prophecy Experience plunged fans into the world of Wallach IX, an immersive space that invited them to train under the Sisterhood of the Bene Gesserit. Attendees were guided through a series of trials by “The Voice,” a compelling audio presence that directed each task, evoking the secretive and rigorous nature of Bene Gesserit training. Only those who completed each challenge were rewarded with exclusive NYCC swag, making it a true test of fans’ loyalty to the Dune universe.
This experience gave Dune enthusiasts a chance to engage with the Sisterhood’s lore like never before, emphasizing the resilience and strategic mindset that characterize the Bene Gesserit. The activation perfectly echoed the series’ focus on mysticism and power, making it one of the most unique and immersive installations of the convention.
5. Thrilljoy Launch Party NYC
An invite-only event hosted at the Castell Rooftop at the AC Hotel, Thrilljoy’s launch party was the official unveiling of former Funko CEO Brian Mariotti’s newest venture. With partners Eric Peng Cheng, MD Young, and Dolly Ahluwalia, Thrilljoy introduces a premium collectible line that goes beyond characters to capture iconic moments in pop culture. Guests enjoyed light bites and cocktails while learning about PIX!, Thrilljoy’s new platform dedicated to high-end collectibles that bring storytelling magic to life.
The PIX! platform adds a unique twist to collectible culture by offering limited production runs, rare chase pieces, and a community-driven experience. Thrilljoy’s commitment to quality and storytelling resonated with attendees, and with the backing of industry veterans, the brand’s NYC launch left a strong impression at NYCC.
6. TravisJapan x NYC
Just ahead of New York Comic Con, Tokyo-based J-Pop sensation Travis Japan thrilled fans with a high-energy concert at Sony Hall on October 16, 2024. The group, known for their electrifying choreography and catchy melodies, is preparing for the release of their highly anticipated album, VIIsual, set to drop on December 4 through Universal Music Japan and Capitol Music. Fans were treated to a live performance of their new single, Fly Higher, which has already gained traction as the theme song for the second arc of the anime adaptation of Taiga Miyakawa’s manga Tasuketsu (available on Crunchyroll and Netflix). Adding to the excitement, group member Noel Kawashima voices Kai Kasai, a central character in the anime, making the concert even more special for anime and J-Pop fans alike. This performance not only showcased their vocal talents and captivating stage presence but also cemented Travis Japan’s growing influence on the global music scene.
For more in-depth articles and exclusive photos from NYCC 2024, explore our NYCC 2024: Recap article and follow us on social media for the latest updates in pop culture!
