New York Comic Con 2015 kicks off on Thursday and there’s already too much to see and do! Check out our convention highlights for the day and where we might be hanging out – be sure to say hello if you see us! This will also probably be one of the least crowded days out on the convention floor so be sure to get your perusing done Thursday if standing elbow to elbow with everyone isn’t your thing.
Also keep in mind that, unlike San Diego Comic Con, New York clears its Main Stage between panels and you must have a wristband to get into each one. Familiarize yourself with the procedure here.
The full convention schedule for Thursday can be found HERE.
88MPH: A Celebration of Back to the Future – 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This Back to the Future documentary has been approved by Steven Spielberg himself. Meet the filmmakers and learn about their experiences in putting it together. They’ll probably have an opinion on that Jaws 19 trailer if you ask nicely.
Hasbro Star Wars – 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM
Did you head out on Force Friday and add to your collection of Star Wars toys? We did! Join Hasbro as they discuss the toys that were previously released, as well as looking ahead to what we can expect from the collection as we get closer to the new trilogy.
[Syfy] Presents: 12 Monkeys – 12:15 PM – 1:15 PM
Join Syfy in getting an exclusive first look at 12 Monkeys season 2. While no talent is listed, we’ll be in the press room directly after this panel to talk with Executive Producer Terry Matalas and stars Aaron Stanford, Amanda Schull, Kirk Acevedo, Emily Hampshire, Barbara Sukowa and Todd Stashwick. Check back for our coverage!
Star Wars Rebels Season 2 Panel – 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Even though the first two episodes premiered in the summer, attendees will get a sneak peek at the newest episodes to premiere and will get to discuss the latest storylines with special guests. We’ll be covering the press room and talent listed is Dave Filoni (Executive Producer), Sarah Michelle Gellar (“Seventh Sister”), Taylor Gray (“Ezra Bridger”) and Ashley Eckstein (“Ahsoka Tano”). Check back for our coverage!
Teaching Ourselves to Be Heroes: Bully, Bystander or Batman! – 1:45 PM – 2:45 PM
The Pop Culture Hero Coalition presents a discussion on heroism, led by Dr. Travis Langley, with real life and pop culture examples to help everyone become their best Batman and avoid becoming a bully or a bystander.
BOOM! Studios Celebrates 10 Years and Push Comics Forward – 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Nerdophiles favorite BOOM! Studios always puts on a great panel. Join Si Spurrier, Shannon Watters, Brooke Allen, James Tynion IV and Kyle Higgins as they look ahead with BOOM! President of Publishing & Marketing Filip Sablik to see what’s next for the publisher.
Disabled or Mislabeled?: Graphic Novels and Comics About Disabilities – 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Take a closer look at how society’s views of disabilities has shaped graphic novel views of disabilities. With a look at stereotypes, superpowers, the range of factual accuracy, and the spectrum of portrayals from protagonists to sidekicks to stock characters. It’s bound to be an interesting discussion!
The Walking Dead: An Inside Look with Robert Kirkman – 2:45 PM – 3:45 PM
Another Nerdophiles favorite! Catch up with Robert Kirkman and surprise guests before the season premiere of The Walking Dead this Sunday. If you’re one of the lucky few going to the screening on Friday, enjoy!
Game of Thrones: A Panel of Ice and Fire – 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Directly following The Walking Dead is another favorite of ours, Game of Thrones. Join Finn Jones (Ser Loras Tyrell), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell) and Keisha Castle-Hughes (Obara Sand) as they discuss season 5, speculate on season 6, and discuss other projects they may be working on at the moment.
[Syfy] Panel Block – 4:00 PM – 6:30 PM
This chunk of time is dedicated to two new Syfy shows premiering in the next year, The Expanse and Hunters. With cast and crew on hand for each show, attendees can get the scoop before all of their friends. We’ll be in the press room for Hunters, so be sure to check back for our coverage!
Image Comics: Where Creators Own Action – 4:15 PM – 5:15 PM
Another publisher that Nerdophiles greatly enjoys! Join Ivan Brandon’s Drifter, Alex de Campi & Carla Speed McNeil’s No Mercy, Nick Dragotta’s East of West, Matt Hawkins’s IXth Generation and Steve Orlando’s Virgil to check out Image Comics and how they handle action in comic books.
A Tribute to Sir Terry Pratchett, The Sourcerer of Words – 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
Join HarperCollins and many adult and children’s fiction and fantasy authors for this tribute panel to Sir Terry Pratchett. Bring tissues.
New York TimesOUT Presents LGBT in Comics – 5:15 PM – 6:15 PM
The New York TimesOUT is bringing Steve Orlando (Midnighter), Jennie Wood (Flutter), Kevin Wada (Scarlet Witch), James Tynion IV (Batman Eternal), Babs Tarr (Batgirl), and Kris Anka (Captain Marvel) together to discuss LGBT themes in comic books.
DC Super Hero Girls – 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
DC Entertainment, Warner Bros., and Mattel are gathering together to present new content concerning familiar characters – Wonder Woman, Supergirl, and Batgirl – and to showcase empowerment and strong role models with confidence to girls.
#BlackComicsMonth: Diversity in Comics – 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Another panel showcasing diversity in action. After #BlackComicsMonth ended, it was realized that we all need more diversity showcases that last more than one month a year. Join a discussion with several creators of color to discuss diversity comics as a whole.
The Non-Compliant Geek’s Guide to Self Care – 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM
With no mention of Bitch Planet, which inspired non-compliance across comic readers, this panel looks to focus on self-acceptance as a radical act. Join panelists as they discuss the kinds of skills attendees already possess to bring about this change.
WBTV Preview Night Screenings – 7:15 PM – 9:30 PM
Warner Bros. presents three of its most anticipated series of the fall television season. Stay late at the convention center to get a first look at Supergirl, Containment, and DC Present’s Legends of Tomorrow on the Main Stage.
She Made Me Do It: FanGirls Lead the Way – 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
A late night panel that looks at female fans and how they’re changing and shaping the industry in new ways. Check out their interesting (and positive) changes from the ground up and their grassroots efforts in all facets of the comic book community.
New York Super Week – Events all day
Don’t have a badge for Thursday? That’s alright! Check out what New York Super Week has to offer. If you’ve got a New York Super Week card, you are eligible for all sorts of discounts on events happening all over Manhattan in honor of the convention week. Check out the full schedule and see if anything pops out.