By Aurora Dominguez
There is something truly magical about New York Comic Con, and celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2026 made this year’s experience even more special. From the incredible cosplay and passionate fans to the unexpected experiences that make every visit memorable, NYCC continues to remind me why I love storytelling, pop culture and the communities that bring them together.
As someone who grew up loving everything from horror movies to adorable collectibles, I was especially excited to experience two very different sides of the convention: a spooky celebration featuring an iconic horror villain and a nostalgic reunion with one of the most beloved digital pets of all time. Both experiences captured what makes Comic Con so wonderful: the opportunity to celebrate the stories, characters and childhood memories that stay with us while discovering something new along the way.
A Killer Good Time: PBR x Jason Takes on NYCC
What better way to celebrate spooky season in New York City than with a little Friday the 13th nostalgia? During NYCC 2026, I was thrilled to be invited to the Pabst Blue Ribbon x Jason Trivia Night media happy hour on Thursday, October 8. The collaboration brought together the unmistakable Jason Voorhees and the playful energy of PBR for an evening dedicated to horror fandom, trivia and community.
With three rounds of trivia, limited-edition merchandise for winners and the opportunity to connect with fellow media guests and horror enthusiasts, the event offered a fun way to embrace the Halloween spirit during one of the biggest pop culture weekends of the year. As someone who appreciates the creativity behind collaborations that bring beloved characters into unexpected spaces, I loved the idea of celebrating a legendary slasher through an interactive fan experience. A special thank-you to Jessica Holley, the team at Infamous PR and everyone involved with PBR x Jason for the thoughtful invitation and hospitality. Experiences like these remind me that fandom is about more than what we watch or collect; it’s about the memories we create and the people we meet along the way.
A Little Nostalgia Goes a Long Way: Tamagotchi at NYCC
On the sweeter side of NYCC, my inner child was absolutely delighted by the opportunity to reconnect with Tamagotchi! Bandai Namco Toys & Collectibles America brought its beloved digital pets to Booth #2619 at the Javits Center, inviting attendees and media to explore the latest Tamagotchi releases, enjoy hands-on experiences and discover a few surprises along the way. For those of us who remember the excitement of caring for our tiny virtual companions, Tamagotchi represents a special kind of nostalgia, one that connects generations through creativity, responsibility and a whole lot of cuteness. I love seeing how brands like Tamagotchi continue evolving while preserving the charm that made us fall in love with them in the first place.
Between the colorful collectibles, playful designs and the joy of seeing childhood favorites celebrated by a new generation, Tamagotchi felt right at home among the countless worlds represented at Comic Con. A heartfelt thank-you to Abbey Rivers, Beacon Media Group and the Bandai Namco team for the invitation and for helping make NYCC’s 20th anniversary celebration even more memorable. From Jason’s spooky world to the adorable universe of Tamagotchi, this year’s convention was another beautiful reminder that our favorite stories and characters never really leave us. They simply find new ways to bring us together, and I cannot wait to see what the next 20 years of New York Comic Con have in store!
If You Go:
The official dates for New York Comic Con 2027 are October 7 to 10 at the Javits Center in New York City. For more information about tickets, special guests, panels, and upcoming announcements, visit https://www.newyorkcomiccon.com.
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