I’ll tell you what, 2024 is shaping up to be one of my most memorable years yet! Aside from TIFF a little over a month ago, another bucket list event has been crossed off the list – New York Comic Con!
Is it SDCC? No. But this is the next big con you hear people talking about in the US and I actually can’t believe all the stars aligned for me to go. Even at first when I missed out on a Saturday ticket and only snagged one for Sunday and was bummed about it, the stars aligned yet again to allow me to have the best time possible. But all of that couldn’t have been done without some affordable flights and the generosity of my friend for letting me crash this weekend. Though I know she’s always up for visitors. While I was thrilled to be able to get the chance to get autographs from Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen of Hannibal, I was downright ecstatic to learn that the Hannibal panel was scheduled for Sunday! Once again, those stars were aligning for me!
On the day of, I impressed myself by navigating the subway system alone (if you know me, this is a big deal) and I got in the doors right around starting time, so that means I had the whole day to pack in what I needed to. I didn’t spend too much time walking the floor before I made my way over to the room where Hugh and Mads would be signing autographs. I got a little deeper in the line after I rushed to an ATM for some cash when I learned that they would be doing selfies. The elation I felt reading that on their signs was unreal. So, I made nice with the Fannibals in front of and behind me and I waited patiently for my turn to get to Hugh. It was all so fast, as these things normally are, but he was so nice in our brief encounter and I have two memories to cherish forever.
Based on the massive line snaking through their corner of the hall, I knew there was no chance I’d get it in before the Hannibal panel, so instead, I ensured I’d have a good seat by lining up pretty damn early. But you know what, it was a pretty damn good seat! I did have an aisle seat before I got a little greedy and tried to move up to the VIP section with everyone else, but I still had a nice view off to the side. It’s crazy to me how these two can still talk about this show for an hour almost ten years after it’s been off the air. And this is not the first con Hugh and Mads have done together this year, so I imagine it gets very repetitive for them. But they are good sports and laugh and share memories they can recall and feed into the fan delusions, and I genuinely think they loved their time on the show and how it still resonates so strongly with fans, myself included. While the moderator seemed a bit awkward throughout, she still asked good questions, so I can ignore the stuttering flow a bit.
After that panel, I did make my way through the showroom floor and was just taken by how massive everything was. If this is San Diego’s little con sister, I cannot imagine how overwhelming that place is. If I were a bigger nerd, I definitely would have gotten the four day pass because there was just so much to look at, as well as so many exhibits to interact with. If I didn’t have such a tight bag to bring back home on the plane, I probably would have looked to buy some more things or acquire some freebies, but maybe that’s just the excuse I need to go back. Even the food was incredible! Finally, to end the day I spent a good chunk of time in Mads’ line, but I was in the first leg of an easily six-leg wait. The line moved quickly but I didn’t feel like my interaction with him was rushed. He even used my phone to take the selfie!
Overall, it was a really fun first-time experience at NYCC and I still can’t believe I was there. Hopefully with another visit I can do a couple of days so I can see more things and maybe more celebrities, but I can also die happy now that I’ve had the ultimate Hannibal experience. This also serves as your friendly reminder to go watch that amazing show if you haven’t yet!
