NYC Comic Con 2023: A Familiar Yet Challenging Year for Fans and Vendors

By Abby Jensen

Published: October 12, 2023

Manhattan, New York City

Comic Con, the annual mecca for fans of comics, movies, TV shows, and pop culture, returned for its 2023 edition, but this time, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere. While the show floor and artist alley remained as vibrant as ever, the prevailing economic challenges have cast a shadow over the convention's traditional appeal. 

Familiar Faces on the Show Floor: 

As attendees wandered through the bustling show floor and artist alley, they were greeted by a sight that had become all too familiar. Booths were brimming with an array of merchandise, from vintage comics to limited-edition collectibles, all echoing the nostalgia and enthusiasm that Comic Con is known for. However, beneath this surface, something was notably different. 

Economic Struggles Loom: 

The primary divergence this year was the harsh economic reality many attendees faced. With financial burdens weighing heavily on people's minds, the allure of purchasing items that could be easily found on e-commerce platforms like Amazon or eBay at a fraction of the cost seemed to have waned. The common sentiment appeared to be that with every dollar spent at Comic Con, one less dollar could be allocated to essential expenses like bills and groceries. 

Diminished Interest in Familiar Offerings: 

In the midst of this economic turmoil, attendees seemed less inclined to explore each booth in detail. The enthusiasm for items that frequently grace Comic Con, year after year, was at an all-time low. With the struggle to make ends meet overshadowing the joy of collecting, many visitors opted for a more cursory experience of the show floor, bypassing the meticulous examination of items that had once fueled their passion and looking for photo opportunities of themselves in front of scenic backgrounds or of other Cosplayers whose costumes they admired. 

Familiarity Breeds Disinterest: 

One recurring sentiment among returning Comic Con goers was that, for those who had attended multiple times, the show floor had begun to feel repetitive. The feeling of "seen it all before" permeated the convention, making the novelty of exploring the vendor booths less appealing. For these attendees, the show floor held significance primarily if they were in search of a specific item or sought to assess the quality of a product before purchase. 

A Glimmer of Hope: 

Despite the challenges, Comic Con remained a source of connection and community for fans. Cosplayers continued to impress with their creativity, and panels and discussions offered valuable insights and entertainment. The convention's role as a gathering place for fans of all things pop culture remained unshaken, even in the face of economic hardships. 

 From the panel: "Geekspaces Assemble! Safe Spaces for our Marginalized Communities" featuring speakers: Amin Amat, Andre Frattino, Jennifer Yin Li, & Katie Pryde.

In conclusion, Comic Con 2023 provided an opportunity for fans to come together and celebrate their passions, but it was evident that economic woes had taken a toll on the traditional excitement associated with the show floor. While the convention retained its sense of community and inclusivity, attendees had to navigate the stark reality of balancing their love for pop culture with the pressing demands of their wallets.