[The Happy Mask Salesman]

What's going on this year? Did they stop trying overall? It's 5 days till NYCC and all the "exclusives" they have for this year is a mug and a friggin' shirt. What the heck is going on? Or are they just announcing it super late?

[bmorr]

or there arent any at all?

[Tiberius]

Probably extras of the Infinity Gauntlet, with a NYCC sticker on it

[Spyne98]

There haven't been any major exclusives for the past few years. Hasbro doesn't even go to the show anymore. They might have some figures on display at the Marvel booth, but that's it.

[The Happy Mask Salesman]

Last year they had a zombie magneto nd guardian rocket plush exclusive. Actually something to look forward to and other venues had stuff to look forward to as well. This year they have friggin coffee mugs and damn t shirt exclusives. The year before that had at least a MU thing. But this year is just shit. Id settle w the infinity gauntlet but noo...this year get your t shirt and coffee mugs for sale. Marvel either stopped caring or its just gone to s##t. Just frustrated w marvel and all the other venues its like heres some junk we madr to make some cash for scalpers to try and sell. If one vendor not even marvel had anything to get thats good itd be great but this year its just an empty wasteland esp w marvel naming those junk as exclusives. Plus we have to get tickets prior to the event wayy ahead and hope at least ONE good thing is available. I have little hope something good will be announced but I waa curious if anyone knew anything.

[ultraman zoffy]

Aren't there usually other things worth going to a con for besides exclusives? Just go and try having fun rather than stressing over one small aspect of the whole thing man.

[Spyne98]

I've gone to NYCC every year that it has been around. If all you're going for is exclusives, you're missing the point. I'm not trying to be rude, but it's 4 days of comic cultre (and other pop culture) getting together and having fun. It has become wildly popular in recent times, yes. Panels might be harder to get into, but I can't even begin to tell you how many people I have become friends with just by starting conversations there. Yes, I bummed on the lack of exclusives, but it means I get to spend my money on other things,

[scottmurdock]

I went last year and as the good folks already mentioned HTS doesn't have much of a presence. Just a display, no exclusives. All the exclusives were through Marvel directly and the highlights were GotG shirts and that awesome Rocket plush.

[TheBlueMarvel]

Not to pile on, but I've never purchased a NYCC exclusive....I'll admit that NYCC's lack of exclusives does strike me as a tad odd considering the size of the comparative markets (San Diego vs NYC). Ultimately, Spyne said it most succinctly by reminding us that appreciation of all things 'comics' is really what conventions are about...well, that's how I read it...maybe others see it differently...

[The Happy Mask Salesman]

Yes that's true its for comic related enthusiasts. I collect figures and busts etc and that's what annoys me. I go to the con to talk and chat and see some cool cosplays and find new things and other artists as well. However in the NYC region, especially for comic con scalpers buy out tickets like crazy. This year was exceptionally bad, because Saturday is the official day where everyone and anyone goes and has fun. Within a 2 minute selling, site crashed and everything was practically sold out except Thursday and Sunday. Which basically means going to the con for exclusives or something even cool to look at. Last year's exclusives made up for the bummer events and said "hey look we have something for collectors and we are trying" this year it seems no venue was even trying for exclusives and the events are going to people who shelled out to the juicers and scalpers. I mean sure if you wish to spend 300 for a four day ticket or some sort to even take part in the event on a good day then I'm glad you have the money. Like scottmurdock said, there was something awesome and something excited. What I was coming from is that NYCC is being handled so poorly, and I am a follower of Marvel especially and love to collect and read and such. But Marvel's presence is lacking this year especially as if they're not even trying and if I have to pay 2-3x the ticket when they coordinated it extremely bad this year something is up with NYCC. Last year going everything was especially subpar with everything being a venue on the floor. Don't get me wrong I and many of my friends ENJOY the love for comics and all the people showing such great things, even at the place I work we made a Doctor Doom complete metal suit for cosplaying but us collector's too man. We want something here and there, doesn't even have to be an "exclusive" could be just a cool figure, but there's nothing really to either purchase or even be happy about. Saturday with all the panels, sure no problem but the way Reedpop handled it was so poor I was at least expecting something for collectors. Maybe that's just me, or maybe I had hopes they would have announced it later. But it's just hopes now, every year I was excited this year the excitement died finding out every panel was practically saturday.

[ultraman zoffy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Happy Mask Salesman

Yes that's true its for comic related enthusiasts. I collect figures and busts etc and that's what annoys me. I go to the con to talk and chat and see some cool cosplays and find new things and other artists as well. However in the NYC region, especially for comic con scalpers buy out tickets like crazy. This year was exceptionally bad, because Saturday is the official day where everyone and anyone goes and has fun. Within a 2 minute selling, site crashed and everything was practically sold out except Thursday and Sunday. Which basically means going to the con for exclusives or something even cool to look at. Last year's exclusives made up for the bummer events and said "hey look we have something for collectors and we are trying" this year it seems no venue was even trying for exclusives and the events are going to people who shelled out to the juicers and scalpers. I mean sure if you wish to spend 300 for a four day ticket or some sort to even take part in the event on a good day then I'm glad you have the money. Like scottmurdock said, there was something awesome and something excited. What I was coming from is that NYCC is being handled so poorly, and I am a follower of Marvel especially and love to collect and read and such. But Marvel's presence is lacking this year especially as if they're not even trying and if I have to pay 2-3x the ticket when they coordinated it extremely bad this year something is up with NYCC. Last year going everything was especially subpar with everything being a venue on the floor. Don't get me wrong I and many of my friends ENJOY the love for comics and all the people showing such great things, even at the place I work we made a Doctor Doom complete metal suit for cosplaying but us collector's too man. We want something here and there, doesn't even have to be an "exclusive" could be just a cool figure, but there's nothing really to either purchase or even be happy about. Saturday with all the panels, sure no problem but the way Reedpop handled it was so poor I was at least expecting something for collectors. Maybe that's just me, or maybe I had hopes they would have announced it later. But it's just hopes now, every year I was excited this year the excitement died finding out every panel was practically saturday.

I don't think you're appreciating how hard it probably is for con organizers to get big companies like Marvel and Hasbro to "have a presence" at an event, much less make them produce special product for it . You should just be thankful you even have an event like NYCC to go to when plenty of other collectors live in areas with fk all nothing going on.

[The Happy Mask Salesman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraman zoffy

I don't think you're appreciating how hard it probably is for con organizers to get big companies like Marvel and Hasbro to "have a presence" at an event, much less make them produce special product for it . You should just be thankful you even have an event like NYCC to go to when plenty of other collectors live in areas with fk all nothing going on.

Yes its hard, I know. I started this post as curiosity if anything would be announced. But mainly what people have said go for the experience, buying tickets was near impossible, and to top it off its lackluster for the day that it is available. the post is mainly as curiousity if anything will be announced not for people to discuss the con appreciation itself. I know why the con is there, and I know it's main purpose but going everywhere and seeing different things is just unsettling. I know its not easy but just a little effort here and there would be great. Even if they sold 3 tickets per person or something for a 4 day I'd be happy. There's some people that have purchased numerous amounts of them for resale. Plus this is on top how little any Marvel Legends reach East Coast mainly in stores and stuff. Marvel Select Zombie Magneto is ever hard to come by over here. The comic stores near me had none, and the one that did had one. All TRUs and targets have little to none as well of Marvel Legends or anything comic related. Maybe NECA movies, just wish companies tried mainly. I started this thread to see if anyone knew anything about anything Marvel might announce, that is all.

[warmachine6]

Apparently according to marvelousnews.com they aren't in NYCC so that's possibly why Hasbro 2014 Pre-NYCC Coverage Begins This Wednesday Leading Into NYCC - Figures - MarvelousNews.com

[TheBlueMarvel]

@The Happy Mask Salesman
I think I can appreciate what you are saying. The spectacle and excitement surrounding large cons like SDCC and NYCC make these events the 'Superbowls' of comic culture. Soaring gate prices place the event out of reach for most thanks to people that want to take advantage of the scenario. Should you determine that you are willing to pay the exorbitant ticket prices, the 'cultural happening' quality of the con draws massive amounts of people resulting in you standing in line more than actually experiencing any comic ambiance. In that scenario, I can understand the expectation that exclusives better be worth the hassle.

I don't go to large cons like NYCC anymore. A couple of buddies and I have taken to going to smaller cons. For a few years now, we have attended cons in Hartford (CT), Jersey, and even PA (if we can work the trips into our schedules). The smaller events still have the feel that conventions had as a child. You won't be getting any exclusives at these venues, but you pointed out that NYCC is offering less of that each year anyway. This format works out for me because I order any exclusive I want online and visit small cons for the culture. However, this method may not suit everyone....

[ultraman zoffy]

My friends and I don't really bother with large cons anymore since Wonder Con left the bay area and the first Wizard World Comic Con event held in our town last year (first one we'd ever been to) turned out to be an overpriced, overcrowded toy scalper fest. Aside from SDCC (which everyone pretty much knows is THE event), we've written off big cons since the smaller local cons and toy swap meets are way more fun, less crowded, cheaper/free, and yield more in the way of satisfying hauls and community connections. Exclusives are cool and all, but when you take into account all the drama it takes/costs to make it to an event, sometimes it's just worth it to pay the bumped up secondary market price online if they are the only thing someone is looking forward to from an event.

[Skoob]

Anecdotally, for the benefit of those who haven't seen it, an article from the wife of artist Dave Dorman has gotten wide circulation recently re: problems at conventions. The original article targeted cosplayers; her follow-up article targeted the new generation of fans. And scalping is out of control, driving many people away. I think the underlying problem is a broader cultural breakdown of values, characterized by narcissism and immorality and exploitation. Anyway, here is some of the discussion for your interest. I hope ToyArk doesn't object to this third-party link:

Woman Who Reportedly Blamed Cosplayers For Low Convention Sales Says She Actually Blames “New Breed of Attendees”

(Moderators: If this should be addressed differently, I respect whatever you decide. Thanks.)

[Serious Lee]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skoob

Anecdotally, for the benefit of those who haven't seen it, an article from the wife of artist Dave Dorman has gotten wide circulation recently re: problems at conventions. The original article targeted cosplayers; her follow-up article targeted the new generation of fans. And scalping is out of control, driving many people away. I think the underlying problem is a broader cultural breakdown of values, characterized by narcissism and immorality and exploitation. Anyway, here is some of the discussion for your interest. I hope ToyArk doesn't object to this third-party link:

Woman Who Reportedly Blamed Cosplayers For Low Convention Sales Says She Actually Blames “New Breed of Attendees”

(Moderators: If this should be addressed differently, I respect whatever you decide. Thanks.)

That was an interesting perspective, thank you for the link.

[TheBlueMarvel]

@Skoob

At the risk of sounding like an aging curmudgeon, I am in total agreement with Denise Dorman on both her original stance and her revised opinion. I wish she had stuck to her guns and not tempered her impressions with an apologetic (politically motivated - she and her husband have got to eat) rewrite. However, her addendum was equally on point and an earnest expression of what is too often left unsaid. The times, they're a changin'...and not necessarily for the better...

[Spyne98]

Wow, thanks for sharing that article Skoob!
I don't mind people who dress up, however there are other people who cause problems at cons.
I have a personal story from last year's NYCC that indeed shows that things are changing. My good friend (who's a guy) asked to bring along another friend of his (another guy who I briefly met one time, this would be his first comic con). I normally drive and I said I wouldn't mind giving this other guy a ride. We then picked up a female friend of mine who likes to cosplay as various Marvel and DC characters. She's a pretty hardcore comic fan and she knows her stuff.

So anyway, the 4 of us make it down to the city and I ask my friend what costumes she is planning on wearing each day at NYCC. She begins listing her choices. She runs down a list of who she dressed up as including Wonder Woman, Rouge, Huntress, and Emma Frost.

The new guy then stops her and says "oh, you should dress as Emma Frost! Because then I could see your tits!"

This completely offended my whole group. My female friend was so uncomfortable that she took the train home from NYC rather than sit in the car with this jerk again. And it took every ounce of my being not to smack him right there. Who says that to a person?

So now my friend is taking the train home, she luckily found some other friends to ride with, I was still pissed off none the less. We then drive home and and this new guy, who's a total asshole, is going on about how we wanted to steal things from vendors because why should he have to pay for comics and prints when he could just go online and save pictures of them? He only started coming to comic con because it's a "cool new thing" and he couldn't believe how many "nerds" were at this thing for cool people. If I wasn't driving I would have thrown him out of the car.

But this is the thing now. It's finally "cool" to be a comic fan. I love that many people share my interests. But now we get these people that are so full of themselves that they still have to make fun of hardcore fans. They are don't seem to care if they offend people. Comic Con is the one weekend a year where I forget all my problems and have a good time, but it's getting harder and harder to do that with all these scalpers and people who are only doing it because it's "cool".

I'm going to be at NYCC again this year. I'm really hoping to have a good time. I'm sorry if this was long winded, but I wanted to share this.

[The Happy Mask Salesman]

Interesting read, I mean she says a point about it. Cons are now "cool" due to media like big bang theory, heroes of cosplay etc. and as an artist its hard already. Even local shops in NYC didn't support my art and called me out saying its obviously not your art. Artists have little respect anymore. I would love to local cons but I live in NYC and cons in NJ are a hard travel. But what bugs me and that's why this thread was created, is a con is for comic fans, cosplayers, and myself a collector. I mean SDCC is the main big thing and it's an all out fest but idk about @Spyne98 or any of you other NYCC local goers, but look at all the years before this and look at how much the atmosphere changed, how little comics are paid attention to and how little exclusives are and to top it off the HORRIBLE distribution of tickets. EVEN this year is next to none, and all the panels are not about comics, mainly new hip shows about comics. Like flash, green arrow, doctor who etc. SDCC got so popular due to when Twilight was there and ever since then it's "the rage". Honestly this year is such a dissapointment and I was curious if there's any hope for anything exciting for long dedicated fans.

[Spyne98]

I agree 100% that the atmosphere has changed. Another good friend of mine doesn't even call it comic con anymore, he calls it stuff con. It doesn't feel like it's about comic anymore, I agree with you there Happy Mask.

[Byrnes]

I went to Denver Comic Con this year. There was nothing Comic about it. It was like a circus. Never going back.

[Exodus]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraman zoffy

Aren't there usually other things worth going to a con for besides exclusives? Just go and try having fun rather than stressing over one small aspect of the whole thing man.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spyne98

I've gone to NYCC every year that it has been around. If all you're going for is exclusives, you're missing the point. I'm not trying to be rude, but it's 4 days of comic cultre (and other pop culture) getting together and having fun. It has become wildly popular in recent times, yes. Panels might be harder to get into, but I can't even begin to tell you how many people I have become friends with just by starting conversations there. Yes, I bummed on the lack of exclusives, but it means I get to spend my money on other things,

Agreed, don't go just for the exclusives, and I'm glad that there aren't any too, saves me $ :P

[The Happy Mask Salesman]

So my experience this year was pretty dead. The news coverage from toyark I viewed ON toyark. They WERENT even on the FLOOR. Stopped by each booth and didnt see any of it! I stayed MAX 2 hours and the only people talking/ or I have talked were cosplayers. Furthermore people like Teepublic/Busted Tees got an entire booth in the back claiming they support artists when msny artists even in NYC they make the money and steal your art. Such a dissapointing con, will not be going back next year.

[TheBlueMarvel]

@The Happy Mask Salesman
That's too bad. Maybe it's time to seek out some alternatives. Good luck with your art, stay diligent and think outside of the box.