New York Comic Con (NYCC) is this week and the toy industry is hitting the Javits Center in a big way — and it’s not even Toy Fair!
While many toy, game, and collectibles manufacturers will be exhibiting and selling products on the show floor, several companies are also part of the official NYCC programming lineup. Below you’ll find a curated list of panels that should be intriguing to those in or interested in the business of play.
The Toy Book will be represented on stage during Saturday’s Lionel Trains – 125 Years of Memories panel while our sister publication, The Pop Insider, can be found in Booth No. 1829 for the duration of the show. Attendees can pick up The Pop Insider’s 2024 Holiday Gift Guide, The Toy Insider’s 19th Annual Holiday Gift Guide, and shop exclusive products while scoring chances to win great prizes. Click here for more details.
Toy-Centric Programming at NYCC 2024
Thursday, October 17
Fun with Tamagotchi — 5 p.m., Room 408
Join the Bandai Team as they take fans behind the scenes for a conversation about the world of Tamagotchi. Discover how the brand’s Japanese roots have shaped the identity it holds today, tips on keeping your Tamagotchi healthy, hear about the best kept secrets for raising a thriving Tamagotchi pet, and win prizes playing Tamagotchi trivia.
Thrilljoy and the Future of the Collecting — 8 p.m., Room 405
The Thrilljoy team of CEO Brian Mariotti (former Funko CEO), Eric Peng (owner of Undefeated and Bait) and Karissa Marston (formerly of Loungefly) will host a panel to discuss industry trends in the collectible space and why Thrilljoy is positioned to disrupt in a very exciting way,
Friday, October 18
Funko Fusion x NYCC — 12:30 p.m., Room 409
Arthur Parsons, co-founder of 1010 Games and head of publishing, will be joined by Funko’s Jason Bischoff, VP of Licensing, to showcase the future of Funko Fusion, the AAA game that brings Funko’s unique charm to consoles and PCs. The panel promises exclusive insights, sneak peeks, exciting giveaways, unexpected surprises, and a special guest appearances Skybound’s Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead.
Todd McFarlane Talks Movies, Comics and Toys! — 5 p.m., Room 406.1
Industry icon Todd McFarlane gives an update on the Spawn movie, his upcoming comic projects, toys, and more.
Hasbro Toy Panel – Action Brands — 5:15 p.m., Room 408
Hasbro hosts an action-packed toy panel with brand marketing team members revealing exciting new products, giving fans a first look across its iconic action brands. The panel will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Transformers with new Studio Series figures, and announce new team members joining the G.I. JOE Classified Series line. And you won’t want to miss the launch of the latest HasLab project for Ghostbusters. In addition, the panel will bring updates on the Hasbro lines inspired by Star Wars, including The Black Series and The Vintage Collection, and Marvel, including exciting news about the Marvel Legends product line.
Saturday, October 19
Nacelle’s New Star Trek Action Figures – 11 a.m., River Pavilion
Nacelle founder Brian Volk-Weiss and Co. beam into NYCC to discuss the company’s new Star Trek action figures. These toys are inspired by some of the most beloved, deep cut characters and moments from Star Trek entertainment spanning nearly 60 years.
Adventures in Pop Culture with Hallmark – 12:15 p.m., River Pavilion
Hallmark has connected your favorite memories of iconic characters from movies, television and comics through its products for decades. Come see and hear what goes into making Keepsake Ornaments, itty bittys plush characters, gift products, and more from the people who create them. Plus, you’ll get a few sneak peeks before anyone else at what’s in store for the year ahead and end with a trivia round for a chance to win prizes.
The McFarlane Toys Multiverse – 1:30 p.m., River Pavilion
Todd McFarlane and panelists delve into the world of toys and collectibles from DC Multiverse, Marvel, Bleach, Spawn and more. The McFarlane Toys team, along with special guests, will provide an in-depth look at some highly anticipated products while dropping the curtain on a few surprises and serving up giveaways.
Lionel Trains – 125 Years of Memories – 2:45 p.m., River Pavilion
James Zahn, Editor-in-Chief of The Toy Book/Senior Editor of The Pop Insider, moderates a discussion featuring Lionel Trains’ Mike Phillips and Lauren Morris delving into the 125-year legacy of this iconic brand and its deep pop culture ties. Stick around until the end for a big announcement regarding a major brand partnership and licensing deal for 2025!
The Toys That Made Us – 4 p.m., River Pavilion
The Nacelle team returns to the stage for an inside look at new seasons of The Toys That Made Us, including episodes focused on Hot Wheels, Ghostbusters, NERF, Pokémon, and more.
Diamond Select Toys & Gentle Giant LTD – 5:15 p.m., River Pavilion
In a presentation moderated by Marketing Supervisor Zach Oat, the team behind Diamond Select Toys (DST) and Gentle Giant LTD goes behind-the-scenes with a look at their upcoming products for 2025, plus a Q&A where you can ask them anything. Panelists include DST President Chuck Terceira, sculptor Jean St. Jean, sculptor Chris Dahlberg, designer Nelson X. Asencio, and more.
Toy Tubers Unite at NYCC – 6:30 p.m., River Pavilion
Jay Glatfelter of Geek. Dad. Life moderates a panel of toy YouTubers (“Toy Tubers”), including D Amazing, Jonathan from Nostalgia Unboxed ), and Toy Anxiety’s Craig Goldberg, Abigail Gardner, and Jacob Walsh. Following a similar panel at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC) this summer, the Toy Tubers will unpack the big reveals from NYCC, including products from NECA, Mattel, Hasbro, and others.
