Posted in: Comics | Tagged: big apple, christmas, comic con, new yorker hotel

Big Apple Comic Con Moves to New Yorker Hotel With a Christmas Convention For December 14th

Published Tue, 26 Nov 2019 12:00:39 -0600

Thought convention season was over for 2020? Think again. The Big Apple Comic Con is the longest-running comic convention in New York. Started by retailer Michael Carbonaro in March 1996 in the basement of the St. Paul the Apostle Church, it switched from 2001 to 2008 to the Penn Plaza Pavilion, a location that Heidi MacDonald once described to me as an 'eight pounds of sh-t in a five-pound bag'. It was a little cramped and hot, but I still thoroughly enjoyed it – and it was notable for having Hollywood stars-of-the-moment coming by to sign stuff, before that was commonplace. By which I mean Van Kilmer. The show was 'acquired' by Wizard Entertainment from 2009 to 2013, but is now back in the hands of Carbonaro. And it has a brand new location as well, with a little more room to spread out. Carbonaro is persona non grata at the Javits, home of the New York Comic Con, but The Big Apple Comic Con will be moving to a more central and more convenient location, that of The New Yorker Hotel, an gorgeously iconic location and the home of many of my own fond New York memories. Such as the rudest staff and the longest lines. But hey, it's New York.

And to celebrate the move, they are launching a Big Apple Christmas Con holiday party and convention on December 14, 2019. With the likes of Jim Steranko, Paul Levitz, Neal Adams, Erica Schultz, Billy Tucci, Larry Hama and even Heidi attending.

For those looking to slip away from the holiday hoopla, the Big Apple Christmas Con will offer fans an escape to another universe, while those looking to immerse themselves in the season can bask in special holiday-themed events and unique gift-shopping opportunities. This special one-day event will include all the fixings of the annual Big Apple Comic Con, as well as free gifts (with a focus on those under the age of 14), fabulous prize giveaways, an exhibition of Christmas-themed comic books, an original comic artwork auction with all proceeds to going to Covenant House New York (which provides residential services to homeless, runaway and exploited youth), a holiday-themed cosplay contest and an extra special appearance by the one and only Christmas super-hero: Santaman!

Says Big Apple Comic Con founder Mike Carbonaro,"It's very cool to think that what my buddies and I launched in a humble church basement all those many years ago has grown into the longest-running comic con in NYC! We're so excited to be at The New Yorker that we're throwing a thank-you party for our loyal fans, artists, and exhibitors! Come and join us!"

The New Yorker Hotel, an Art Deco masterpiece built in 1929 and recently renovated to its suggestively stylized splendor, will play host to future Big Apple Comic Cons, including the group's annual two-day Spring extravaganza. Big Apple Comic Con is a convention with a truly unique NYC feel and a dedicated base of attendees from its 23-year history. The move to the New Yorker allows the established Big Apple Comic Con community to open its arms to even more attendees, who will enjoy top exhibitors, artists and celebrity guests.

Exhibitors will be selling original comic artwork and some of the most sought-after collectible comic books in history, and attendees can fulfill their holiday shopping lists with goodies from all aspects of pop culture including: science fiction, fantasy, film, television, cosplay, animation, anime, manga, toys, horror, collectible card games, video games, web comics, and fantasy and graphic novels.

Big Apple Comic Con will feature appearances by dozens of artists, creators and independent publishers, and an Artist Alley filled with up-and-coming artists. Fans will also be able to participate in celebrity panels and programming with professionals from various fields.

Confirmed celebrity guests include Sam J. Jones (Flash Gordon, The Spirit), Peter Scolari (Bosom Buddies, Gotham), Frank Romano (legendary Ben Cooper costume designer) and Cosplay Guest of Honor Barbie Chula; comic book creators Jim Steranko (S.H.I.E.L.D, Captain America), Joseph Michael Linsner (Cry For Dawn, Conan), Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Avengers), Neal Adams (X-Men, Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Erica Schultz (Daredevil, M3), Mark Texeira (Black Panther, Wolverine), Kristen Gudsnuk (Henchgirl, Modern Fantasy), Billy Tucci (A Child is Born, Shi), Paul Levitz (The Visitor, Batman), Tom DeFalco (Spider-Man, Archie), Kristina Deak-Linsner (Dawn & Vampirella, Sin Boldly), Bob Rozakis ('Mazing Man, Joker's Daughter), Paul Kupperberg (Supergirl, Doom Patrol), Michael Jan Friedman (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Darkstars), Peter Kuper (The New Yorker, MAD Magazine), Russ Braun (The Boys, Batman); and The Kubert School, Heidi MacDonald, Paris Cullins, Gary Cohn, Larry Stroman, Brian Kong, Zeea Adams, Bob Wiacek, Mike Diana, Steve Saffel, Steve Bunche, Zorikh Lequidre, Robert J. Sodaro, John Orlando, and Dan Fogel, with more to be announced.

The New Yorker Hotel is located at 481 8th Avenue, New York, NY. Big Apple Comic Con runs from 10 am– 7 pm. with VIP Early Admission at 9 am on Saturday, December 14, 2019. Tickets are available here.