The hum of anticipation echoing through the Javits Center, the rustle of capes and tote bags brushing past, and the laughter of friends reunited by fandom. Every October, it feels like stepping into the heartbeat of storytelling itself.
This year, New York Comic Con 2025, that feeling was stronger than ever.
It’s always been an honor to get to visit this event as press and at times as a panelist, as well as writing these types of stories about a city that sparkles with opportunity and yearly event offerings such as this one.
Before the whirlwind began, my husband Sebastian, my best friend Yoncie and I took a walk through Manhattan. Also at arrival, we followed the yearly tradition of grabbing a cheesesteak sandwich at Grey’s Papaya in Chelsea and finding a spot to chat and catch up over a drink. I love New York in the fall, and spending time with my close friend and husband has become a solid tradition, one where we also celebrate my birthday.
From Glinda to the Wizard: It’s All About the Cosplay
Friday morning began with transformation, literally.
Yoncie and I got into our “Wicked”-inspired looks, me as Glinda the Good Witch in shimmering pinks and her signature shiny crown, and him as Elphaba with the classic black cape, hat and green face makeup that I proudly applied, black smokey eyes included. Sebastian joined us as the Wizard, completing our fun trio based on the 2025 film and now the upcoming sequel, “Wicked: For Good.”
Walking the floor together was a blast. Attendees were impressed and stopped for photos and complimented our looks as well. It’s part of the fun and we loved every minute of it. What I always am most in awe of isn’t just the creativity that all the cosplayers put into their outfits, it’s also about the connection with other fans and finding a moment to share stories about things that they enjoy and have in common.
At Comic Con, no one feels out of place. Whether you arrive cloaked in sequins, armor, or imagination, you are welcomed exactly as you are. And that’s the beautiful thing about not just New York Comic Con, but also the city’s energy.
Aurora moderates a panel during New York Comic Con 2025
Friday’s Highlight: Fierce Reads for Fall
The highlight of my weekend came when I had the incredible honor of moderating the “Fierce Reads for Fall: Fill Your Bookshelves with These YA Must-Reads” panel.
The room buzzed with anticipation as readers, writers, and book lovers filled every seat, ready to celebrate young-adult storytelling in all its forms. Being a reader, a writer and a moderator are three of my favorite things. Mix that in with the fact that I love bringing back these experiences for my students, and I am an all-around happy person.
The discussion was everything I love about literature. The authors spoke candidly about creating worlds that feel both escapist and deeply real, the role of identity in YA fiction, and the power of hope in storytelling. We talked about fandom as a force of connection and how readers help keep beloved characters alive long after a book ends.
As moderator, I wasn’t just asking questions; I always feel like doing so is part of a collective celebration of why we write and read in the first place. For me, that’s the essence of New York Comic Con—having a passion, learning from others and being inspired by those who share your interests and represent a personal goal.
For many in the audience, it was their dream to write a novel themselves, which led to a very energetic Q&A between the audience and the authors on the panel.
Fandom, Friendship, and a Touch of K-Pop Magic
Later that afternoon, another highlight sparkled into my weekend: meeting two of the incredible performers behind the fictional K-pop girl group Huntrix from the popular Netflix film “K-Pop Demon Hunters.”
As someone who thrives on the intersection of culture, music, and storytelling, seeing how their performances in the film and their upbeat music have inspired a new generation of fans is impressive. And you can tell that they’re passionate about their craft and excited and thankful for all their recent success.
We all as a group quickly snapped a professional picture at the Con, and now I can frame this and remember such a nice moment forever.
Aurora with author Veronica Roth (Courtesy)
Con Highlights: Marvel, DC, and Pop-Culture Powerhouses
Beyond the literary world, the convention floor was bursting with unforgettable programming and major industry moments.
One of the weekend’s biggest events took over the Empire Stage on Saturday, when Marvel Studios Head of Streaming, Television and Animation Brad Winderbaum previewed an exciting lineup of new and returning shows.
Fans were treated to an exclusive first look at “Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man” season two, where Peter Parker faces a familiar symbiote. Winderbaum also welcomed “X-Men: The Animated Series” creators Eric and Julia Lewald, who confirmed their return as executive producers for “X-Men ’97” season two.
Later, during the “Marvel: Comics to Screen” panel, Winderbaum joined Marvel Comics Editor in Chief C.B. Cebulski and writer Zeb Wells to explore how storylines move from the page to animation, spotlighting creative bridges between “Marvel Zombies,” “X-Men ’97,” and the comics that inspired them.
Meanwhile, DC made a return to the convention with a massive booth celebrating “100 Years of DC Comics,” beginning with a tribute to the Golden Age (1935–1945). Fans flipped through a replica Daily Planet newspaper printed in vintage style, featuring teasers of upcoming titles and exclusive art.
The DC booth offered nonstop activity, as panels unveiled the DC K.O. event series, glimpses into a new Vertigo slate, and appearances by legendary creators including Jim Lee, Matt Fraction, Jorge Jiménez, and Scott Snyder.
Between giveaways, signings, and sneak peeks, it was clear that both Marvel and DC came to remind fans why their stories continue to define generations.
Whether you were drawn to superhero showcases, indie debuts, or anime screenings, there was something for every corner of fandom at NYCC 2025, a joyful chaos that perfectly captures what makes this event such a creative heartbeat for pop culture.
Aurora and a friend hang out in the “Babysitter’s Club” room. (Courtesy)
A Literary Wonderland for Readers and Writers Alike
While superheroes and sci-fi icons may draw the headlines, NYCC 2025 was also a dream for book lovers.
Publishers like Tor, Penguin Teen, and Macmillan turned the show floor into a reader’s paradise, offering sneak peeks, author signings, and ARCs that made every bibliophile’s heart happy, as many scrambled to get their hands on some exclusive books. I reconnected with Veronica Roth, whose “Divergent” legacy continues to inspire new generations of readers.
Roth was everywhere this year, from her “Spotlight on Veronica Roth and Marie Lu” conversation on Friday where they discussed bending genres and balancing heart with action, to her Art of Bending Genres panel on Saturday, which explored how fantasy and realism can coexist in powerful new ways.
Watching Roth engage with fans was fun and having the chance to interview her about her new novel coming out next year reminded me how storytelling evolves through community.
And then there was the legend himself, R.L. Stine.
Seeing the creator of “Goosebumps” and “Fear Street” at the Con was amazing. I’ve had a chance to interview the author, and he is truly a gem and someone to look up to as a creator. The author had panels celebrating the 20th anniversary of Boom! Studios, and he’s an author known for sharing memories, wit, and dry humor when he is part of energetic conversations. His personality and passion for the craft is why so many of us fell in love with his spooky storytelling in the first place.
Ann M. Martin is nothing short of a legend, and her “Baby-Sitters Club” series defined a generation of readers and inspired countless young storytellers, me included. Her books taught us about friendship, individuality, and growing up with heart. While I missed her signing and panel at New York Comic Con, Yoncie and I couldn’t resist stepping into nostalgia by snapping a picture in front of the photo op recreating the iconic “Baby-Sitters Club” bedroom, and it felt like being part of the world that started it all.
Coming Home Inspired
As I packed away signed books, fan art, and Glinda’s tiara, I couldn’t help but feel reenergized. Every year, New York Comic Con reminds me why I fell in love with this world of words, art, and imagination.
Being there as both a journalist and a fan—interviewing authors, moderating panels, and celebrating every form of creativity—simply thrills me. Those weekends represent more to me than just being at a geeky convention; it brings me joy in a place where we can be ourselves and feel like we belong.
New York Comic Con returns in 2026 from Oct. 9-12. For more information, visit newyorkcomiccon.com.