The pandemic continues to impact 2020, as another large-scale event has been canceled. New York Comic-Con is the latest in a long list of entertainment events that have been shelved due to the risks of large crowds, however, the convention is still making to make sure fans won't miss out entirely.
The coronavirus has been ravaging the world since March, causing nearly every big event to cancel in its wake. Plans for gaming conventions such as E3 and PAX were canceled as was the year's biggest event, San Diego Comic-Con. The organizers of Comic-Con tested the waters by running the event online. Panels were streamed to YouTube and exclusive merchandise was still released during the event, however, the popularity was nowhere near the normal levels the convention usually achieves.
Now the pandemic has taken another victim with the cancellation of New York Comic-Con. The organizers put out a message earlier today to say that the physical event could not go ahead due to the risk of large events, and that instead New York Comic-Con would be moving to an online format this year during October 8-11. The convention will be partnering with YouTube and Metaverse to bring content from the studios, publishers, and creators across the four days.
Following San Diego Comic-Con, New York Comic-Con is usually the next big-ticket event of the year. Held at the Javits Center in New York City, the convention normally draws hundreds of thousands of attendees and has been attended by big-name franchises such as Doctor Who and Star Trek.
Those planning to attend will likely be disappointed that the event has been canceled, however, it is a necessary precaution in these times. A virtual Comic-Con can in no way make up for the atmosphere of attending a convention in person, but continuing the panels online will mean attendees from all around the world will be able to take part in New York Comic-Con.
New York Comic-Con will be held virtually on October 8th-11th, 2020.