By Aurora Dominguez
There are moments in life when you look around, take in everything happening around you and realize just how far your journey has taken you. For me, New York Comic Con 2026 was filled with those moments. As the convention celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Javits Center, I had the incredible honor of returning as a moderator for four panels that brought together authors, artists, readers and fans who believe in the power of storytelling.
From celebrating 40 years of The Baby-Sitters Club to exploring mythology, fantasy and Latino history, each conversation reminded me why I fell in love with books, journalism and the written word in the first place. As a Puerto Rican woman who grew up surrounded by stories and eventually found her own voice through writing and education, being part of these conversations was something I will never take for granted.
The Baby-Sitters Club: 40 Years of Friendship
Few book series capture the magic of friendship, growing up and finding your place in the world quite like The Baby-Sitters Club. Moderating a conversation celebrating the beloved series’ 40th anniversary was especially meaningful because these are characters who have connected generations of readers, including those of us who grew up with the original books. Sharing the stage with graphic novel creators Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan gave us an opportunity to explore how Ann M. Martin’s unforgettable characters have found new life through illustrations, visual storytelling and a whole new generation of fans.
We discussed the enduring appeal of Kristy, Mary Anne, Claudia, Stacey and their friends, the importance of friendship and individuality, and how graphic novels can introduce young readers to stories they might otherwise never discover. With Baby-sitters on Board!: A Graphic Novel bringing another beloved adventure to readers, the celebration felt like a wonderful reminder that the best childhood stories never truly leave us. They simply grow alongside us.
Gods, Monsters, and Humans…Oh My!
One of the most exciting things about moderating literary panels is discovering how authors can take familiar stories and transform them into something entirely new. During Gods, Monsters, and Humans…Oh My!, I had the pleasure of joining Gareth Hinds, Jen Xu and Kate Rhodes for a lively conversation about mythology, legendary creatures and the enduring fascination with stories that have traveled across generations and cultures.
From ancient epics to modern graphic novels, we explored how writers and illustrators reinterpret legendary figures, make larger-than-life characters relatable and introduce younger audiences to timeless themes of courage, identity and belonging. As someone who loves mythology, fantasy and the creative possibilities of storytelling, I especially appreciated how the conversation celebrated both imagination and the cultural histories behind these tales. It was another reminder that even stories told thousands of years ago can continue to inspire readers today.
Fantastical Stories: Imagining Worlds Without Limits
Fantasy has always offered readers an extraordinary gift: the chance to step outside everyday life while discovering something meaningful about themselves. Moderating Fantastical Stories at New York Comic Con 2026 allowed me to celebrate that connection with five remarkable authors: Aparna Verma, Beth Revis, Chelsea Abdullah, Cindy Pham and Jean Kwok. Each brought a unique perspective to our conversation about imagination, culture, identity and the extraordinary worlds that make fantasy literature so captivating.
We explored the inspiration behind their stories, the challenges of creating memorable characters and the ways writers draw from personal experiences, cultural traditions and their own questions about the world. What I especially loved was celebrating how fantasy can transport us somewhere completely unexpected while still reflecting the very real emotions and experiences that connect us. As an educator, journalist and lifelong reader, sharing the stage with these talented storytellers reminded me why I continue encouraging students and readers to explore different voices and genres. It was a wonderful celebration of creativity, representation and the limitless possibilities of storytelling.
American History, The Latin Remix: Our Stories Belong in History
As a proud Puerto Rican journalist and educator, moderating American History, The Latin Remix was particularly close to my heart. The panel featured creators Dave Roman and Ronnie Vazquez, who discussed their work on the graphic novel American History, The Latin Remix, co-authored with actor John Leguizamo. The conversation explored the ways Latino experiences have shaped American history and culture, the importance of questioning whose stories are included in traditional historical narratives, and how graphic storytelling can make history more accessible and engaging.
Growing up in Puerto Rico, I understood early on how deeply culture, language, family and history influence our identities, and I have carried those lessons into my classrooms and my writing. Having the opportunity to celebrate Latino voices on a stage at New York Comic Con was more than a professional milestone. It was a reminder that our histories deserve to be shared, our contributions deserve recognition and our stories belong in every conversation about the American experience.
The Stories That Bring Us Together
What made these four panels so special was the common thread connecting them. Whether we were discussing childhood friendships, legendary heroes, magical worlds or Latino history, every conversation returned to the importance of connection, representation and the stories that help us understand one another. This year’s NYCC was also particularly meaningful as I celebrated another chapter in my own journey as an author, with my first storytelling and pop culture book on the horizon.
I thought about the young girl growing up in Puerto Rico who loved reading, writing and imagining the possibilities ahead of her, and how that love of stories eventually led to classrooms, newsrooms, college campuses and stages filled with remarkable creative voices. I am deeply grateful to the New York Comic Con team, the authors and artists who shared these conversations with me, and every attendee who came to listen, ask questions and celebrate the written word.
Twenty years of New York Comic Con is an extraordinary milestone, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been part of its celebration. More than anything, I came home reminded of a message I believe in wholeheartedly: Your story matters.
If You Go:
New York Comic Con returns to the Javits Center in New York City from October 7 to 10, 2027. For information about tickets, guests, panels and future announcements, visit www.newyorkcomiccon.com.
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