There’s something about New York City in the fall that feels like a story I get to step back into every October.
The air carries that crisp promise of change, the leaves begin to turn, and I find myself once again packing for a trip that has become one of the most treasured traditions of my life: reuniting with my high school bestie, Yoncie, and his wonderful husband, Iwao. For the past few years, this has been our season of reconnection, laughter, and shared magic.
We slip into the rhythm as if no time has passed, dressing up, having fun, and leaning into the joy of cosplay.
One year, Yoncie and I became Wanda and Vision, straight out of Wandavision. I still remember the delight of walking among thousands of fans, people-watching and snapping photos of everyone’s creativity, feeling like we were part of something bigger, something alive.
That’s the beauty of this tradition: the art, the panels, the costumes, the stories told not just on stage, but in the very act of being there together.
For me, the warmth goes beyond the costumes and panels. Every year, I’m touched that my birthday is celebrated during this time.
There’s nothing quite like boarding the plane with my husband beside me, heart already glowing, knowing that I’m about to spend days surrounded by incredible people who make me feel seen and loved. It’s a reminder that maintaining these friendships, the kind that span decades and still sparkle, is one of life’s greatest gifts.
Since 2020, I’ve also had the honor of coming to New York Comic Con not just as a fan, but as a guest and a moderator. I get to put my interviewing skills to work, sitting across from brilliant authors and creators, amplifying their voices and stories. It’s humbling, thrilling, and a responsibility I carry with gratitude.
To be part of this community as press, to share experiences and write stories that capture the magic, is something I’ll never take for granted.
This year, I can’t wait for what’s ahead: the panels, the people, the connections yet to be made, and the traditions that keep my heart tethered to this city every fall.
Whether you’re attending as a fan, a professional, or press, the energy of the con, and of New York in the fall, makes for a truly unforgettable experience.
New York Comic Con has become more than just an event for me, it’s a reunion, a celebration, and a reminder that joy is best experienced when shared.
New York Comic Con 2025
Dates: October 9–12, 2025
Location: Javits Center, New York City
What to Expect: Four days of panels, celebrity guests, artist alley, cosplay, and community. From exclusive book and comic releases to unforgettable meet-and-greets, NYCC remains one of the premier pop culture gatherings in the United States
