The Oasis of Geekdom: IDW at New York Comic Con 2023 (event news).
Ah, New York Comic Con—where social awkwardness meets extreme fandom, and where, if you listen closely, you can hear the soft rustle of cosplay capes and the almost imperceptible sighs of bank accounts as they prepare for another round of geeky splurges. But where, oh where, amid the labyrinth of flashy stalls and kaleidoscope of superhero tights, does one find solace? Enter Artist Alley and the ever-so-noticeable IDW Publishing booth.
Positioned conveniently at Booth HB905 (remember that number, it may be on the quiz later), IDW’s little corner of the universe is prepared to serve as a mecca for the comic-inclined. You may not find the meaning of life there, but you’ll definitely find Kevin Eastman, G. Willow Wilson, Scott Snyder, and a posse of other creators who probably have more Twitter followers than you.
Don’t be too dazzled by the celebrity signings. IDW’s booth has an ever-rotating art display to serve your selfie needs (because if it’s not on Instagram, did it even happen?). They also have giveaways, which basically means free stuff that you can later re-gift or hoard in your ‘swag’ drawer. Oh, and they’re offering portfolio reviews, because they want to keep an eye on their future competition. Keep tabs on IDW’s socials for more deets on that—they like to keep you in suspense.
Mark Doyle, the co-publisher of IDW, waxed poetic about Artist Alley being “the heart of any convention.” While some might argue that the heart is actually the food court—where fans refuel with overpriced pizza and soda—Doyle insists that Artist Alley is where the real action happens. “It’s where you can rub elbows, literally and figuratively, with the great minds who draw muscly men in tights way better than you ever could,” he might as well have added.
As for the panels, don’t play coy; you’re going to attend them whether I tell you to or not. STAR TREK aficionados should mark Fri, Oct 13, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM in their calendars, presumably in ink that is as permanent as their love for Spock. Be in Room 408 if you want to boldly go where… well, many have gone before. They’re even throwing in a “spooky sneak peek” at HOLO-WEEN, because nothing says Star Trek like Halloween, right?
TMNT fans, pull out your shell phones and set a reminder for Sat, Oct 14, 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM in Room 406.2. Prepare to be shell-shocked by exclusive announcements and enough turtle puns to last a lifetime. Given that they’re celebrating 150 issues of mutant mayhem, I’m guessing the cowabunga level will be off the charts.
So, in summary: IDW Publishing is essentially throwing a comic book carnival at New York Comic Con, from October 12-15. It’s like your favorite bar, but instead of alcohol, they’re serving up heavy doses of geek culture.
