
TRIP REPORT – Walking through the doors of the Javits Center this year, I pretty much knew what I was in for, yet somehow New York Comic Con still manages to catch me off guard. The crowds were a little bigger, the booths looked sharper, and the production value of everything from the displays to the cosplay felt like it had been dialed up just a few notches. Even after years of covering NYCC, it never feels routine. Every aisle holds a mix of excitement, packed with people chasing that next cool reveal or limited-edition Funko Pop.
My jaded crew arrived this year expecting more of the same and we got it, but also not quite. The corporate polish is definitely stronger than ever, especially with DC making an appearance after a long absence. But under all the glitz and giant inflatable characters you can still find some innovative indie creators and makers. It’s the same Comic Con energy that pulled me in years ago, but now it’s filtered through a much shinier lens.
NYCC Videos
Four long days roaming the carpeted chaos of NYCC 2025 provided tons of content this year. I found new vendors to interview, new artists to showcase, and more than a few cosplayers who I still can’t identify.
Intro
Rubik’s WOWCube

I spoke with Napoleon about the WowCube, a Rubik’s Cube-based interactive gaming device that blends puzzle, electronics, and display surfaces. It’s really a screen-everywhere, app-driven device that blurs puzzle, gadget, and desk widget, priced at $299 and pitched as a creator-friendly platform. Find more info at: www.wowcube.com.
Machine 56

Yoga, the artist behind Machine 56, shared his vision of fashion and tech. His pieces merge cyberpunk and manga influences with clean, futuristic typography and precise color choices. He talked about how his designs are more than clothing and incorporate functional design choices like materials, construction, and styling that appeal to fans of futuristic fashion. Find him at www.machine56.com.
Chasing Artwork
I interviewed Justin Currie, the artist behind Chasing Artwork, about his distinctive vector-based process and how it evolved into a full-time career. He shared how his fan art led to work with Marvel, creating concept art for Ant-Man and the Wasp and Marvel Snap. Justin also talked about his love of isometric design, his growing catalog of books, and how conventions like NYCC keep him connected to fans and creative momentum. Find his art at: www.chasingartwork.com.
The Artist and the Carpenter

The duo behind The Artist and the Carpenter, James (the carpenter) and Cheech (the artist), talked with me about how their art-meets-woodcraft partnership came to life. Their unique “Catbinets” and “Kitbinets” feature magnetic, interchangeable accessories, like rat ears, cat ears, and devil tails. They described how Cheech’s digital sketches become handmade pieces in James’s Georgia workshop, merging design precision with real craftsmanship. Their Dungeon Crawl dice tower project has also helped plant more than 10,000 trees. You can find their work at: artcarp.net.
Interesting Vendors
Marmals

I checked out Marmals, a booth that immediately stood out with its minimalist design and rows of quirky, customizable figurines.

Each Marmal is a blank canvas as well as being magnetic and poseable. They’re designed to be decorated, swapped, or reimagined however you want.

Simple idea, clever execution, and a reminder that creativity is still alive and well on the con floor. Check them out at: www.marmals.com.
Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co.

I had to stop by Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Co. booth, which has become a Comic Con staple over the years.

The setup is tough to miss: shiny metal mugs stacked high, old-west branding, and the unmistakable scent of root beer in the air.

Fans were lining up to grab refills and trade stories about how many years they’ve had their mug. Wild Bill’s has turned soda into a fandom tradition, blending nostalgia, caffeine, and collector culture into one fizzy experience.

Whether it’s your first con or your tenth, it’s hard to walk past that booth without caving for a refill. Get your fill at: drinkwildbills.com.
Firechilde Glass Studio

Firechilde Glass Studio caught my attention from across the floor. Their display was full of mesmerizing glass orbs and sculptures.

The trippiest element of their orbs is that they give the illusion of infinite vortexes held within the glass.

Check out their amazing glasswork at: www.fcgstudio.org.
Panels

My team and I spent a little over an hour in line hoping to catch comedian Wayne Brady’s IMPROV NERDVANA, one of the most talked-about events of the weekend. The energy in line was high and there was a lot of nervous laughter as the room’s capacity warnings started going out. Unfortunately, by the time we got to the door, staff announced it was full. Maybe next year, Wayne!
NYCC Cosplay Pics
Of course, no New York Comic Con report is complete without cosplay. From screen-accurate builds to wild mashups, NYCC 2025 had it all, and every costume came with its own story. Although some still remain a mystery to me.






































NYCC Showfloor Pics
After spending four days at NYCC with my camera in hand, I ended up with hundreds of shots of everything that grabbed my attention. Rather than overthink it, I’m dropping them all here in no particular order, just a raw look at the madness.


























































































































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Hey, I watched it! Loved all the coverage and pics. Did you come home with any money left in your wallet? I would have definitely gone broke. The glass orbs/marbles are a weakness for me, so the Firechilde Glass Studio booth looked amazing. I also saw some mushroom lamps that I would have had to buy! Great stuff!
Thanks Julie!! Yeah, I went broke for sure, which happens every year. But at least I have some great art on my walls now! Go to your local Comic Con!!