Inside New York Comic Con 2025: A Celebration Of Fandom

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 09: Cosplayers seen during day 1 of New York Comic Con 2025 on October 09, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)

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Let’s do the math. I’ve attended every New York Comic Con (NYCC) at the Jacob Javits Center since it began in 2006 — that’s 20 years, minus the pandemic gap. In the beginning, I was just a civilian, no superhero gear or themed socks to blend in. But it didn’t take long before I adopted a Comic Con wardrobe worthy of the occasion. After nearly two decades of walking the convention floor, one thing remains clear: it’s all about pure escape – and unfiltered fun. A place where imagination reigns and, for a few days each year, fandom truly unites us all.

So, what stood out at New York Comic Con 2025? Let’s dive in.

Naturally, there was a wide array of attendee costumes — superheroes and villains, movie and TV characters, anime icons, gaming legends, and plenty of creative mashups in between. From intricately detailed armor to last-minute DIY creations, the artistry and enthusiasm were on full display. It’s the kind of scene where Spider-Man can chat with the Incredible Hulk, or Barbie can strike a pose next to Batman or Superman — and somehow, it all makes perfect sense.

Cosplay, Autographs and Panels

There was cosplay, the celebrity autograph opportunities, and the endless panels — a cornerstone of every Comic Con experience. Three panels I personally attended stood out: DC Comics: Gotham City, an always-anticipated deep dive into the darker corners of the DC universe; a lively exploration of the Star Trek franchise; and a fascinating discussion on the upcoming psychological thriller Mala, from the mother-daughter producing team of Indigo and Nisha Sabharwal. The latter makes history as the first-ever Indian-themed panel in NYCC’s two-decade run, and clips shown during the session suggest its success is on the horizon.

Vendors and Anime

Of course, there were the comic book vendors proudly hawking their products. After a noticeable dip in recent years, classic comic book series from decades past made a welcome return — and in impressive numbers. The vendor aisles buzzed with both modern-day and nostalgic energy, offering everything from current and vintage issues to collectible editions, artwork, apparel, and an endless assortment of fandom-inspired knickknacks.

At every corner, as expected, was the Funko collectible line, which had an impressive sized booth and hosted a Thursday night party promoting its new artist-driven product line, Premium Blind Box, debuting with two series: Kiguzoomies and Funko Fun Squad.

On the downside, the absence of the annual NYCC print guide was keenly felt. A cherished keepsake for long-time attendees, it was sorely missed this year.

Project Naosis

Amid the colorful chaos, one modern-day comic book series — Project Naosis — still commands attention. It embodies the very heart of Comic Con: a bold, fresh concept built on everything fans love.

Here’s the scoop: set in 2090, Project Naosis drops readers into a world where humanity has achieved peace — until the rise of Crimson Payne, a lightning-fast villain whose rampage decimates the world’s greatest heroes. In desperation, the United League of Nations activates Project Naosis — a covert unit of enhanced super-soldiers, each designed to push the limits of human capability, tasked with stopping Payne before his power consumes everything.

Creator Paul Thayer also celebrates the saga’s unforgettable heroes through a bold piece of initial artwork, making this franchise a strong candidate not only for comic book fans but also as a potential animated series. Its cinematic action, and plethora of complex characters make it ideally suited for the screen.

“I thought of the idea for Project Naosis back in 2019, wanting to create my own superhero series with no multiverse or do-overs,” Thayer said. “Linear storytelling versus constant re-dos and tons of action resulting in real consequences!”

Thayer, who cites The Dark Knight Returns, Marvel’s Civil War, and Marvel Zombies among his earliest comic book inspirations, is no stranger to the convention circuit. This year alone, the creator and lifelong fan has attended 16 fan gatherings across the country.

Fandom Alley

One new line that immediately caught my attention was Fandom Alley, a series of licensed film cell products and collectibles. Formerly known as Nerds Comictopia, it was rebranded to better reflect its merchandise and goals. The company offers authentic film cells, manga, and a variety of fandom-inspired goods appealing to collectors and casual fans alike.

“Here at Fandom Alley, our goal is to bring a unique and exciting experience to every Comic Con we exhibit at,” said Colton West, CEO of Fandom Alley and co-host of Haka Manga Saka Zeeting! , a podcast that explores the behind-the-scenes process of creating manga using his own long term story, Calamitous Ember (which has currently won Kodansha’s Mochikomi: Fresh Ink competition).

“We offer distinctive products that aren’t typically seen at the shows, including the film cell collectible presentations made by Trendsetters LTD, which we currently sell,” he said. “And we love what these Comic Cons bring to the fandom.”

Immersive Pop-Up Experience

One block from the Jacob Javits Center was an immersive pop-up modeled after the Fantastic Four’s headquarters, the Baxter Building, in celebration of the digital release of film The Fantastic 4: First Steps (on Amazon Prime, Fandango at Home or Apple TV, among other platforms). From Marvel, the experience allowed visitors to explore recreated sets, including Ben Grimm’s kitchen and the living room. It also featured costumes from the film and offered a photo opportunity with H.E.R.B.I.E., the team’s robot sidekick.

Until the Next Comic Con

After walking the convention floors, attending panels, and exploring countless booths, one thing is clear: New York Comic Con remains a celebration of imagination, creativity, and community. From the elaborate cosplay to the return of classic comics, from growing titles like Project Naosis to innovative vendors like Fandom Alley, NYCC offered something for every type of fan.

For those of us who have watched this event evolve over the years, it’s a reminder of why fandom matters — not just as a hobby, but as a shared experience that brings people together. Whether you’re discovering a new favorite series, marveling at intricate costumes, or simply soaking in the energy of thousands of passionate fans, Comic Con continues to deliver on its promise: a few days each year where imagination rules and everyone is invited to play.