Introduction

Since NYCC—New York Comic Con—first appeared in Manhattan (New York, New York for those unaware) in 2006, I was in admittance. As a nerd, geek, and otaku—I’ve always branded myself as a bit of all three—NYCC was a mecca for those who loved all things comic book related. Over the years, NYCC began to introduce other mediums like anime, manga, and games, but what mattered was that it was a place where thousands could go nationwide—even sometimes worldwide—to experience a safe place for their beloved interests.

I have been lucky enough—and blessed—to have gone to NYCC almost every single year. Unfortunately, this year due to work, I couldn’t join the nearly quarter of a million attendees. That didn’t stop me from enjoying it online via videos I found on TikTok, X, and Facebook. It also led me to a realization that I think we need to talk about. Even if it isn’t perfect sometimes, we do need NYCC every single year—and here are some reasons I feel that thought holds true.

New Things to See

NYCC has evolved in so many ways that every time I believe they can’t go further, they prove my imagination isn’t as vivid as I think it is. Regardless if you’re an anime fan, an old-school comic book lover, or just passionate about cards from series like Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh!, NYCC has you covered in more ways than one. Typically, this giant convention has become a melting pot like the city itself, where you can find various publishers and creators showing off their new work.

Every year, NYCC gives fans new trailers for upcoming projects, games, movies, and TV shows. These events are more than just booting up YouTube and watching a newly released trailer. You get to stand or sit with others who love the same things you do and experience that new trailer live and in person, hearing the crowd clap louder than a wailing NYC ambulance flying through Hell’s Kitchen. Personally, I love every year looking at the guide map of what events will be happening at NYCC and seeing a series I thought forgotten—or one that’s been quiet for a while—announce something special brewing to be revealed during the convention. There’s always something new to see at NYCC, and as 2025 showed, that isn’t going to change. We need this every year to get amped up for future projects and works in progress!

Tons of Activities to Join

As a person born and bred in New York, I can easily say this is the city that indeed doesn’t sleep. There’s never a time of day that you can’t find something to do. However, those activities aren’t always easy to enjoy. NYCC is a convention that ensures no matter what, you leave feeling as if you did something fun and exciting. From panels starring both famous and up-and-coming celebrities to meetups with voice actors, comic book creators, and directors, NYCC has a plethora of events and activities to enjoy across the four days it runs.

Since 2006, I have never said I was bored when attending NYCC. Personally, even with four days, I can never find enough time to enjoy everything NYCC offers. Another sad constant each year is me sighing that I missed an event or didn’t fully enjoy an activity—maybe because of scheduling conflicts or my own silliness. Still, how many conventions can you say yearly give their audiences an almost infinite supply of activities to partake in? Trust me, readers, I know of other conventions in New York and other states where, in half a day, you can and will see it all. NYCC… that isn’t ever a possibility, and you’ll often find yourself saying, “Next year I’ll do what I missed this year!”

Merch!

Despite being a working adult with a limited allowance I can use for personal things, NYCC often takes most of my savings—and I’m never upset about it. From the wonderful artist creations found in Artist Alley to exclusive NYCC merchandise, there’s always merch to collect and find. Each time I’ve attended, I’ve left NYCC with less money in my pocket but more merchandise to proudly display in my apartment.

What’s even better is that you can find almost everything at NYCC! Limited edition statues of your favorite anime characters, trading cards, brand-new manga and comics, and original creations by lesser-known artists are all waiting to be discovered across NYCC’s halls and floors. I’d advise thinking about your future savings when attending this amazing convention—but don’t feel bad if you tell your coworkers or friends that you might have spent a paycheck or two on some NYCC merch. Trust me, dear readers, I’ve done it more times than I’d like to admit… but I really needed that Persona 5 and Nier Automata wall art!

Conclusion

Even if I didn’t get to enjoy NYCC 2025—next year, God willing, I can—I still managed to live vicariously through others via YouTube channels and TikTok shorts. NYCC is always a blast, whether you’re an upcoming cosplayer or a longtime nerd who loves showing it to the world. NYCC makes almost everyone who attends happy, and at least once a year, that’s a feeling we all need when dealing with the multitude of problems in our lives and in the world. NYCC is a place I pray stays around forever because we need this space to truly let ourselves loose and enjoy our fandoms with others who share our passions and thoughts.

Now maybe I didn’t get to enjoy NYCC 2025 but NYCC 2026 is right around the corner and I can use my saved energy—and low savings—to enjoy it to the fullest! I’ll be there and hopefully you all get to go as well!

—Aaron