My first Comic Con in NYC 2018: A Dream Come True

My first Comic Con in NYC 2018

February 29, 2024 // Lipi Inverse // Blog

🌟 I always had my eyes set on one of the world’s largest conventions, and the day finally arrived! Just a week before I headed to Las Vegas for another massive event, this time in a casino setting. Back then, I worked for a casino video game company until the pandemic paused that exciting chapter.

Entering the World of Comic Con

I bought a Thursday ticket for $50 USD and invited my older brother to come along. Thursdays are the least crowded days at Comic Con, making them perfect for a calmer experience (and they remain my go-to day for every Comic Con). With my Luna socks and Sailor Moon-themed bag, I geared up like it was prom night for geeks.

The energy at the Javits Center was very high, vibrant, exciting, and overwhelming in the best possible way. Everywhere I turned, people were dressed as their favorite characters, from anime to sci-fi, and even a few original creations. It felt like stepping into a parallel universe made of color, fandom, and imagination.

The Artist Alley

Comic Con, for me, is like going on a once-a-year shopping spree. Despite earning well, I limited my spending to $200 USD. Here’s what I snagged:

A comic book by Billy Martin, whom I met in person. As a bassist for Good Charlotte, it felt like a dream, especially since my crush was the lead singer, Joel Madden!
Posters from Gabriel Picolo, featuring Teen Titans art.
“Los Valiants” from Arcana Comics, where I met the friendly illustrator Edgar Delgado.
Sketch notebooks autographed by Scott Campbell (though he wasn’t at the booth that day).
Watercolor markers and a sketchbook from Jerry’s Artarama.

Besides the merch, I had engaging conversations with several independent artists, learning about their creative processes and even getting inspiration for my own projects. It’s a rare opportunity to interact with creatives in such a casual yet inspiring setting.

Celebrity encounters and cosplay moments

Among the celebrity highlights were Gabriel Picolo, Billy Martin, and the cast of the Power Rangers, except Billy, Kimberly (I saw her in the autographs later in Comic Con 2019), Trini (R.I.P.), and Tommy (He was in the autograph section). Getting photos or autographs required payment: $50 per actor or $200 for the whole group. Candid photos were strictly forbidden, but I managed to capture one quick snapshot of Tommy (with the gray suit) in stealth mode.

If you still don’t remember him, I’ll give it a video tribute here in Power Rangers

The cosplays were incredible, crafted with passion, full of creativity, and often better than what you see on TV. The Bandai/Dragon Ball booth was gigantic, and the Artist Alley overflowed with talent. I even got a special button for being a first-timer!

I also stumbled across some engaging panel discussions on character design, storytelling, and indie game development. They were so informative and inspiring that I jotted down a few notes for future reference.

The Convention was a hit until…

Sadly, the next day I got sick. I still pushed myself to attend Anime Comic Con, which was held at a pier rather than the Javits Center. I can’t compare. The energy was off, the booths uninspiring, and the guests didn’t resonate with me. I stayed for just two hours before leaving. I had planned to meet Jake Parker at an Inktober event on Saturday, but the flu got the best on me.

Looking back on a dream

Despite the anticlimactic ending, Comic Con at the Javits Center was a dream fulfilled. From meeting artists to buying exclusive merch, every corner buzzed with fandom energy. Even though Anime Comic Con didn’t impress, I left the weekend with unforgettable memories, and a badge to prove it.

For the next year, I planned to bring some friends, a stronger budget, attending to an important event, or networking. It’s more than a convention—it’s a celebration of everything we love. One of my learning experiences I’ve had in New York Comic Con is that I’ve learned that these experiences shape more than just hobbies—they shape friendships, creativity, and confidence.

Comic Con Javits Center isn’t just a one-day trip—it’s a universe of passion, art, and pure joy. If you’ve ever dreamed of attending, take this as your sign. It’s worth it.

And now what?

Here it is an image of Comic Con back in 2021. My last Comic Con attendance was in 2022. I haven’t been back after this edition due to 2 very important reasons:

1.I moved out of NYC. I am currently somewhere else, but not in the Big Apple anymore.
2.I imagine myself creating and impacting people in the future, and I have the potential to make it; that’s why this photo exists, because dreaming is valid.
And the bonus is, I think I have finished an era of being an attendant, a passenger only. After some time passed, I realized I am strongly willing to be part of an artist alley, an exhibitor, or something that I create/participate in.

And more photos of some Comic Con’s including Kim Jung Gi’s stand in 2022 who unfortunately coudln’t make it, R.I.P.