Several events for the upcoming, virtual New York Comic-Con 2020 have been announced, including headlining panels for The Walking Dead universe and Doctor Who. The virtual event, officially called “Metaverse,” will air online from October 8 to October 11.
With large in-person gatherings an impossibility in the days of the coronavirus pandemic, conventions have had to adapt to remote, online models. San Diego Comic-Con At Home did its best earlier this summer to carry some of the event’s usual community magic and fan excitement to a virtual setting, even though it ultimately couldn’t live up to its normal level. DC FanDome recently made its attempt at conquering the virtual convention space and was received well by fans. The event was so successful in fact that Warner Bros. may be looking to monetize similar content with a fan-focus in the future.
The Wrap reported a lineup and schedule for NYCC 2020 on Wednesday, with the biggest-name attractions being events for AMC’s three Walking Dead shows and a Doctor Who Panel featuring Jodie Whittaker and Mandip Gill. The Walking Dead events should be of particular interest, as NYCC will occur directly between the return of The Walking Dead and the premiere of The Walking Dead: World Beyond on October 4, and the premiere of Fear The Walking Dead’s sixth season on October 11.
In addition to TWD and Doctor Who, the event's lineup includes panels for DC’s Stargirl, a panel for What We Do in the Shadows, an Archer “cast trivia showdown,” a chat with famed video game designer Sid Meier, and various events for several upcoming Hulu projects including Animaniacs, M.O.D.O.K., Monsterland, and Helstrom.
Given the immense success of DC FanDome, NYCC’s parent company ReedPop is likely hoping for a similar turnout (and positive response) come October. However, given the lukewarm reception by many to SDCC At Home, that may be tough to achieve. In some ways, the advent of virtual conventions has opened doors to connect brands, talent, and fans in new ways – many of which are likely to retain influence going forward even after in-person meetups are publically safe once again.
In the meantime, NYCC 2020 will hopefully offer fans a weekend of fun and connectedness. It’s possible that more guests or events could be announced in the remaining month leading up to the “Metaverse,” but the current lineup seems to have some good content on the way for franchises both new and old. New York Comic-Con 2020 will air online from October 8 to October 11.
Source: The Wrap