ReedPop, a producer of pop culture events, has organized another exciting New York Comic Con this year, complete with a spine-tingling Halloween theme. Running at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City from October 9-12, 2025, these are some of the most anticipated events for all activations pertaining to cosplay, comics, celebrities, and more (and come back here for timely updates):
CREATIVITY UNLEASHED: COSPLAY EMPOWERMENT
Cowbutt Crunchies, an internationally revered duo that specializes in couture cosplay—and who have previously offered tips to Forbes for Halloween costume ideas—is hosting a comprehensive roster of workshops (from Thursday to Sunday) that include learning how to make your own chainmail fabric; creating your own resin jewelry; embroidery work (with ribbon, beads, and floss) to create depth and texture; foamwork (ideal for elements like a coat of arms); and even customize garments/accessories you already have (shoes, jackets, etc) into your dreams into a reality. (Runs Oct 9-12; paid/ticketed experience. See schedule for details)
Masked Dad, another award-winning cosplayer and family-founded enterprise is hosting workshops where you can make your own cosplay prop with his guidance from start to finish.(Runs Oct 9-12; reservation required. See link for schedule)
A cosplay panel with guests The Lionheart, Stardust Megu, Cotton Candy HG, Joseph Munisteri / Butterflies in Space LLC, and Nancy Amaro are hosting an informative panel about inclusivity and accessibility. “As autistic and disabled creators, we’ve experienced firsthand how cosplay and content creation aren’t just hobbies—they’re lifelines,” per the panel details. This community will share personal anecdotes about how cosplay has helped them cultivate mental wellness and the joys of self-expression. Thu, Oct 9, 2025 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM. North-Room 406.2
The Animated Curl—an Afro-Latinx cosplayer and seamstress from NYC— is demystifying the assumption that cosplay is costly. In her panel, she will share crafty, creative, and budget-friendly ways on how to do cosplay without breaking the bank. Thu, Oct 9, 2025 4:00 PM – 4:45 PM. Hall 1E: Community Stage
A cosplayer collective that includes Alex Koza ,thedopplegangercosplay, MidwestAvenger, Kate Grace, and VantaCreates are hosting a Neurodivergent Panel where creators share how they adapt their costumes for their needs—but in doing so, find ways to still honor the character’s respective ethos (Neurodivergent is umbrella term includes people with diagnosed conditions like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and Tourette’s syndrome—but also encompasses individuals with unidentified neurological differences). Fri, Oct 10, 2025. 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM. Hall 1E: Community Stage
Last but not least, NYCC will be hosting a lively Cosplay Central Crown Championship where ‘royal’ judges include Sayakat; Silhouette; and May Jean. This event will declare who the New York regional winner will be and they will go on to compete against the respective winners of Emerald City Comic Con, Florida Supercon, and C2E2. This US Champion will compete in the Final for the Global Cosplay Central Crown in 2026. Sat, Oct 11, 2025. 8:15 PM – 9:45 PM. Hall 1D: Main Stage.
FASHIONABLE FANDOM MERCHANDISE
Bubblegum Kids, a cutesy nostalgic brand with a twist (offering sugar-free gum and comic-book/pop culture inspired candy) is making its New York Comic Con (NYCC) debut at Booth #2829. Founded in August 2023 by brothers Oliver Hyman (entrepreneur) and Zach Hyman (NHL player, Edmonton Oilers), this brand has become a pioneer in offering licensed confectionery and novelty treats.
This year, they’re upping the ante with an exclusive drop of quality garments that span from The Berenstain Bears cashmere sweaters and ICEE varsity jackets to Chuck E. Cheese baseball caps and exclusive NYCC t-shirts.
New York Comic Con is celebrating its Halloween theme with their own limited-edition line-up of official merchandise which includes tote bags, flannel shirts, cropped sweaters, lanyards, and more on-site—located at Booth #4103 on the Show Floor. (Those who pre-ordered in advance of the show can head to Booth #4401 for pick-up). Top picks include their Kitten Crop Long Sleeve; NYCC 2025 Demon Pizza Rat Squishable plush toy; black and grey official flannel; and plastic ghost t-shirt.
ComicXposure— a company will be featuring comics and exclusives on-site (booth #3935), and whose cover art looks like it was ripped from the pages of a runway magazine. This Exquisite Corpses #5 variant by Yonax (Virgin) and Pop Kill #1 (Virgin) by Sozomaika are apt examples (virgin $25 and limited to 200; Foil virgin $50 and limited to 50).
Featured NYCC exhibitor Siouxsiequeue (booth #4126) creates pieces from recycled and new materials. Some of their one-of-a-kind items such as this intricate Misfits Battle Jacket chainmaille patch with ghoulish logo and all emblazoned on a Levi’s trucker jacket is a top must-have. Also of note their hand-crafted rainbow colored chainmail bag featuring handle and chain strap.
Tamashii Nations is another featured exhibitor by NYCC and they pride themselves on curating and offering premium collectable figures by Bandai Namco. At the con, they’re offering an exclusive high-quality action figure on-site for Dragon Ball Z lovers. ‘Fusion Reborn’ comes ‘S.H.Figuarts’ Super Saiyan Gogeta’, available as a commemorative product. Booth #2417
The eBay (booth#2435) wants to be your one-stop-shop for collectables, comics, cards, and more. Along with daily ‘Live’ events, top picks include hosting comic artist Jorge Corona on Friday to debut the premiere issue of Transformers #25. There will also be live pack breaks from Big Clutch Comics of variant sketch covers for this issue from famed artists such as Bill Sienkiewicz. Debut stream is on Oct 8 at 8pm ET.
The company also has exciting plans for “Big Rig”— a horror graphic novel that’s described as ‘Evil Dead meet Mad Max: Fury Road’— created by Post Malone; written by Adrian Wassel; and drawn by Nathan Gooden. eBay Live is planning for a surprise guest appearance.
On Saturday, legendary DC Comics artist and Chief Creative Officer, Jim Lee, is sketching live – and all con attendees are invited to draw along. One lucky fan will even win an autographed comic book cover.
LIFTED FROM THE PANELS AND PAGES AND SPLASHED ON TO THE BIG SCREEN
Those who were enamored with the retro-cool aesthetic of The Fantastic Four: First Steps Marvel film can venture into the company’s pop-up— the Baxter Building—brought to life from the film. Walk the grounds and explore the kitchen, family room, and get photo-ops with the quartet’s sidekick H.E.R.B.I.E. And of course, peruse the First Family’s iconic 60s-meets-futurist inspired costumes.
The walk-through of this recreated MCU set is to celebrate Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps movie which is now available on streaming platforms (Prime Video, Apple TV and Fandango); and available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD October 14.
The experience is free for all and located off-site. When: October 9-11 – 10am-6pm; October 12 – 10am-2pm Where: Hudson Mercantile, 500 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018
Invincible is a runaway hit TV show that stemmed from the Image Comics series by Robert Kirkman. It is an animated superhero story about a teen who inherits superpowers from his famous father. In the process, he uncovers a horrifying truth about his family’s legacy. By subverting traditional superhero narratives and instead grounding them in real drama, violence, as well as confronting moral questions—is what has allowed the series to flourish. NYCC is having the voice cast present for a reflective panel about what it’s been like to work on seasons 1-3 and what to look forward to for the 4th. Panel attendees include Emmy-Award winner Steven Yeun, Gillian Jacobs, co-creator, co-showrunner, executive producer Robert Kirkman. Friday, October 9th, 5:30 PM, Empire Stage
The Anne Rice Immortal Universe—The streaming services AMC and AMC+ rally together to host a panel for their two respective series under the Anne Rice Immortal Universe umbrella: Anne Rice’s Talamasca: The Secret Order (set to debut on October 26th). Tonally, it feels a bit like Men In Black but for all things ghoulish—this is about a secret society whose responsibility is to track witches, monsters, and vampires around the world. Panelists include Executive Producer Mark Johnson, who oversees Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe for AMC Networks, Showrunner and Executive Producer John Lee Hancock, series stars Nicholas Denton and William Fichtner, and special guest star Eric Bogosian. The panel will tease first-look clips from the series and debut a full look at the six-episode first season.
In this same panel, the Executive Producer Mark Johnson and cast members Sam Reid, Jacob Anderson, Bogosian, Assad Zaman and Jennifer Ehle will be present to talk about their new season of Anne Rice’s The Vampire Lestat, which debuts in 2026. The new season follows along rockstar Lestat (Sam Reid) and his band on tour. There will be reveal news and a teaser about the third season. Friday, October 10th, 6:45 PM, Main Stage.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (AMC/AMC+)—Season three has transported Carol (Melissa NcBride) and Daryl (Norman Reedus) to Spain and the duo are desperate to make their way home to their loved ones. Panelists include Chief Content Officer of the Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner and Executive Producer David Zabel, Executive Producer and Director Greg Nicotero, Executive Producer and Star Norman Reedus, and Executive Producer and Star Melissa McBride. The panel will reveal exclusive new footage ahead of the remaining behind-the-scenes look from the set of season four. Friday, October 10, 8:3opm, Main Stage.
FX’s ‘The Beauty’ Sneak-Peek and Q&A: This sci-fi horror comic book series by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley has been adapted into a new FX show of the same name. The premise: people initially covet a sexually transmitted virus because it makes you beautiful— but it ultimately has deadly consequences. In this panel, executive producer, writer, and director Ryan Murphy will be present alongside stars Evan Peters, Anthony Ramos, Jeremy Pope, Rebecca Hall and Ashton Kutcher to discuss this new project. They will also be sharing insights as to what it was like to film on-location in New York, Paris, Venice and Rome. FX’s ‘The Beauty’ premieres on Hulu in early 2026. Saturday, October 11th, 6:15 PM, Main Stage.