New York Comic Con has canceled its in-person event at Javits Center and will instead partner with YouTube to stream live panels October 8-11.
"We are thoroughly disappointed that we can’t gather together, in-person for the New York Comic Con we love to build and our fans love to revel in," said Lance Fensterman, president of NYCC producer ReedPop. "We look forward to this weekend all year long, just like you, and with this being our 15th edition, we were particularly excited. I will miss walking up and down artist alley and seeing friends that I’ve made since we were in the basement at the Javits Center. While this year will definitely be a different experience, we are going to look to bring the best and most engaging event to our fans, exhibitors, and studios through our partnership with YouTube."
In a statement, ReedPop said: "While we'd much rather be giving you an update today on badges going on sale, it likely comes as no surprise that New York Comic Con 2020's physical event at the Javits Center will not be able to run as intended. We very sincerely appreciate your patience as we worked with the Javits and local officials to figure out what, if anything, could go on as planned this October."
As an alternative, ReedPop has joined forces with its sister event MCM Comic Con in London for NYCC's Metaverse, an online portal "dedicated to delivering pop culture experiences, right into your homes.... We are partnering with YouTube to bring to life four days of incredible content from the biggest studios, publishers and creators in the business. This is your chance to interact with your favorite creators and celebrity guests, and most importantly, the opportunity to engage with other members of this vibrant community of ours."
ReedPop added that the "loss of virtually all conventions in 2020 has leveled a devastating blow on their businesses. We ask that you continue to support them, and we will be bringing new opportunities and platforms that will make it even easier for you to shop their products and artwork straight from your home.... We miss shows just as much as you do and we're doing everything we can to make sure that when it is safe for us to be together again, you'll have the same amazing experience you've come to expect from NYCC. Stay safe, stay nerdy, and remember: NYCC fans wore masks before it was cool."