The Only New York Comic Con 2019 Survival Guide You Need

This weekend is New York Comic Con (NYCC) 2019, and like its west coast partner, San Diego Comic Con, it’s getting bigger by the year. This is definitely one of the biggest weekends on the geek/nerd entertainment calendar.

The panels will be stacked with stars and producers, sweet new trailers will be released to tantalize fans of all ages, and the Q&As will make fans laugh and cry together as only fans can.

There’s a ton of things to see, do, and remember, which can feel overwhelming. So, we created a survival guide with essential tips and exciting panels we think you’ll love.

Click any of the links below to jump to a specific section:
Dates and Hours
Tickets
Panels and Guests Schedule
Tips
Visit G FUEL

Dates and Hours

NYCC 2019 runs from October 3-6, 2019 at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York.

Here are the hours for each day:

Show Floor:

• Thursday, October 3: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM*
• Friday, October 4: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM*
• Saturday, October 5: 10:00 AM. – 7:00 PM*
• Sunday, October 6: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

*Artist Alley closes at 8:00 PM.

Panels:

• Thursday, October 3: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
• Friday, October 4: 10:30 AM  – 10:00 PM
• Saturday, October 5: 10:30 AM  – 10:00 PM
• Sunday, October 6: 10:30 AM  – 5:00 PM

Tickets

As of this writing, you can still buy a NYCC badge for Thursday, October 3 for $55.

Want to attend NYCC on any of the other days?

Head over to Lyte's New York Comic Con Official Ticket Exchange.

Panels and Guests Schedule

Below is what we here at G FUEL consider some of this year's can't-miss panels.

Thursday, October 3

Fantastic! A Conversation with Christopher Eccleston

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

If you’re a huge Whovian, you better get ready to hop in the TARDIS for a look back at Christopher Eccleston's fantastic adventures in time and space as the Ninth Doctor. The actor will be there to discuss his roles in both film and television including Thor: The Dark World, The Leftovers, 28 Days Later, and, yes, the long-running sci-fi series, Doctor Who.

Behind the Magic of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child

Time: 1:00 - 2:00 PM
Location: Hammerstein Ballroom - 311 W 34th St.

Join members of the cast and creative team of the stage production, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, as they come together to take a behind-the-scenes look at the broadway show. While J.K. Rowling won’t be there, fans will still get to see never-before-seen photos, videos, and live performances.

Crash into Cosplay! Your First Steps to Success!

Time: 1:30-2:30 PM
Location: Cosplay Central Stage - River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center

If you’re one of those con-goers that just wear a t-shirt and look at cosplayers with envy of their skills, it sounds like you could use some help. If you want to learn the ins and outs of making your own cosplay, then look no further than this panel. Crash Into Cosplay will walk you through “where to start, where to stop, when to craft and how to get it done!” 

Disney Parks: Creating Super Hero Experiences Around the World

Time: 2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

Have you ever wondered what goes into making Disney World/Land so incredible? How do they create those one of a kind experiences? Well, you can join Scot Drake and Caroline May from Walt Disney Imagineering, Dan Fields from Disney Parks Live Entertainment, Brian Crosby from Marvel Themed Entertainment, and Dave Bushore from Marvel Studios as they discuss current and future Superhero collaborations coming to Disney Parks around the world.

Friday, October 4

The Fantabulous Evolution of One Harley Quinn Gallery

Time: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Hudson Yards Loft - 447 W 36th St. Floor 3

If you’re looking to have some fun and explore interactive exhibitions, check out the Hudson Yards Loft, which is just an avenue from the Javits Center. This dedication to one of the most beloved villains/anti-heros will invite fans to experience the evolution of DC’s most delightfully deranged Harley Quinn -- from her first comic book appearance, to her upcoming animated series, to her next big-screen adventure. The exhibit will feature art by Amanda Conner, Jim Lee, and Bruce Timm, among others. No badges, tickets or reservations required

Hello, What Have We Here?- Spotlight on Billy Dee Willaims

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Room 1A06 - Javits Center

Don’t miss out on Lando Calrissian himself, Billy Dee Williams, as he recounts his time as the loveable rogue and his return to the Star Wars franchise.

Pokemon 20th Anniversary Panel With Veronica Taylor

Time: 12:15 - 1:15 PM
Location: Room 1A24 - Javits Center

If you’re going to try to catch them all, then be sure to catch Veronica Taylor at NYCC to Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Pokemon. The actress who voiced Ash and May for over eight seasons will be there to teach you how she became the very best.

Funimation Presents: My Hero Academia Panel

Time: 1:30 - 2:30 PM
Location: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden - 4 Pennsylvania Plaza

NYCC is home to all things nerd, and anime is no exception. Join Funimation as they discuss the hit anime series, My Hero Academia, with the English voice actors Justin Briner (Deku), Ricco Fajardo (Mirio), Kellen Goff (Overhaul), Justin Cook (Kirishima), and Colleen Clinkenbeard (ADR Director/Yaoyorozu). Prepare to go Plus Ultra! with a special Season 4 screening, a Q&A with guests, giveaways, and more.

[adult swim]: Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal

Time: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Location: Hammerstein Ballroom - 311 W 34th St.

Genndy Tartakovsky, the Emmy-winning creator of some of our favorite childhood shows like Dexter's Laboratory and Samurai Jack, is bringing his newest and darkest work to NYCC. Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal will be a 5-night special event starting Monday, October 7th at midnight on Adult Swim, but you can see the first episode before it airs at NYCC.

Saturday, October 5

Star Trek Universe 

Time: 1:45 - 2:30 PM
Location: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden - 4 Pennsylvania Plaza

Biggest rivalry in nerd culture is Kirk vs Picard. Well, Picard’s story continues very soon on CBS, and hopefully we can put aside that age old question. If you’ll be at NYCC on Saturday, you can participate in a CBS All Access and join Sir Patrick Stewart, cast, and producers from the highly anticipated Star Trek: Picard to take a look into the new show.

Building Worlds: How to Create Crime, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Comics

Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location: Room 1A02 - Javits Center

Are you interested in writing your own comic book? Have you ever wondered what goes into creating a new comic series and building worlds from nothing? At NYCC, you too can learn the secrets of comic world building from a panel of comics masters including Andy Diggle (Promethee 13:13), Justin Jordan (Breaklands), Mark Sable (The Dark), Alex Segura (The Black Ghost), and Erica Schultz (Forgotten Home). 

Frederator Studios CASTLEVANIA Spotlight Panel featuring Warren Ellis (Creator, Writer, Executive Producer), James Callis (Voice of Alucard) and Graham McTavish (Voice of Dracula), and More!

Time: 6:30 - 7:30 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

Get an in-depth look into Frederator Studio's Castlevania, the hit Netflix Animated Original Series, with members of the cast and the creative team.

NYCC Championships of Cosplay Presented by Singer

Time: 8:00 - 10:00 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

Looking for some NYCC after hours fun? The NYCC Eastern Championships of Cosplay Presented by Singer returns Saturday. Yes, NYCC goers will get to watch live and cheer on their favorite cosplayers. Competitors will battle it out for over $5,000 in prizes and a chance to qualify for the final round of the 2020 C2E2 Crown Championships of Cosplay in Chicago.

Sunday, October 6

She-Ra: DreamWorks She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a Netflix Original Series

Time: 12:15 - 1:15 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

Join some of the cast and creators for a discussion of the hit animated series.

Women of Marvel (Including the World Premiere Screening of Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri)

Time: 12:15 - 1:45 PM
Location: Room 1A06 - Javits Center

The Women of Marvel assemble to celebrate nerddom and everyone who helps make it great. Join the conversation as some of the best talent in the industry discuss their creative process, working in entertainment, and what they have planned next.

Harley Quinn Screening

Time: 1:05 - 1:30 PM
Location: Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden - 4 Pennsylvania Plaza

Fans will get a chance to catch an early look at DC Universe’s adult animated action-comedy series Harley Quinn.

Batman Beyond 20th Anniversary

Time: 1:45 - 2:45 PM
Location: Main Stage 1D - Javits Center

Come celebrate the Batman Beyond series’ 20th anniversary and its upcoming remastered Blu-ray box set release with key members of the Batman Beyond creative team, led by the voices of Batman and Terry McGinnis: Kevin Conroy (Batman: The Animated Series) and Will Friedle (Boy Meets World, Kim Possible).

Want to see the full list of NYCC 2019 panels and their schedule?

Visit NYCC’s panels and screening page. 

Remember: The Javits Center is still under construction, so if you’re looking for Artist Alley, you may find it downstairs all the way at the left side of the convention center. Artist Alley is a one-stop shop to support all your favorite artists. There are so many artists there, so check out New York Comic Con’s Artist Alley page for the full list. 

Here are some of our favorites that will be at Artist Alley:

• Alice X. Zhang (AliceXZ), known for Marvel Powers of a Girl, Doctor Who, Sherlock, etc.
• Ben Templesmith, known for Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse and “other squid things.”
• Brian Azzarello, known for 100 Bullets, Joker, New 52 relaunch for Wonder Woman, and Batman: Damned.
• Erik Larsen, known for Savage Dragon and his work with Spiderman (90’s).
• Peter Kuper, known for MAD Magazine’s Spy vs Spy.
• Tim Sale, known for Batman: The Animated Series, Justice League, and Batman Beyond.

Tips

If you're not prepared, this con can turn into what may feel like a desperate struggle to survive, and often the littlest things will make the biggest difference.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Comic Con experience:

• Hand sanitizer: You're going to be exhausted by the end of NYCC, and that wears down the body. A little hand sanitizer can go a long way in reducing your chances of coming down with Con-Crud. Remember that you’ll be touching many things, including people’s hands, anything in NYC in general, and your own food.
• Deodorant: Wear it.
• Black and silver Sharpies: You’ll run into celebrities, artists, and more, so make sure you’re prepared. Otherwise, you could lose your shot at getting autographs from your favorite stars.
• Smartphone charger: You'll be relying on your smartphone a lot, although your coverage might find lapses. Between your camera, calls, maps, and social media, it will get drained.
• Comfortable shoes: Wear them.
• Poster tube: Bring one to safely store any posters you end up buying.
• Dark Horse booth: Hit the booth as early as possible for one of their super cool, huge yellow canvas bags. Your merch will thank you.
• @NY_Comic_Con on Twitter: Follow them for updates and to talk geeky with them in 280 characters or less.
• New York Comic Con app: Download the New York Comic Con app for iOS or Android to get maps and the latest news, guest announcements, exhibitor list, Artist Alley list, and more. 
• Snacks: Bring them, and eat outside by the food trucks
• Cosplayers: Don’t touch them, and ask politely to take pictures with them.

Visit G FUEL Booth 630

Come hang out with G FUEL at booth 630! And take advantage of these exclusive deals:

• $5 Shaker Cups
• $10 Starter Kits
• $25 Tubs
• FREE Samples

We hope our guide helps you out this weekend in your journey into one of the biggest comic cons this country has to offer.

What are you most excited to see at New York Comic Con 2019?

Tell us in the comments section below!

This article was written by John D. AKA SomeBeardy2Love. John has been gaming for 30 years, has a bow tie tattoo, and watches nothing but anime and Bob’s Burgers. He co-hosts a mostly weekly podcast and has a sponsored beard.