New York Comic Con 2024 Tales From The Main Floor

By Chad Burdette

on November 6, 2024

This year at New York Comic Con, Comic Watch had the opportunity to transverse the main floor of the show and talk with some of the vendors onsite:

Other NYCC 2024 Links:

Emaqi/Orange

Emaqi brings fresh translations of new and classic releases weekly to an English-speaking audience in the U.S. and Canada.

Historically, manga publishers have struggled to bring timely releases to English-speaking markets due to a very complex and labor-intensive localization process. Only 2% of the comics and graphic novels released in Japan ever reach global audiences, and even the ones that do only show up months after their original release.

Rei Kuroda, VP of Product, Head of International, for a conversation about the emaqi platform, Orange’s game-changing localization process, and this manga-loving team’s mission to introduce manga to a wider global audience than it has ever known before.

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ThrillJoy

Thrilljoy, a new company focused on creating premium and limited-edition collectibles, made their debuting at New York Comic Con (NYCC).

Thrilljoy is a revolutionary collectibles company dedicated to crafting high-end, artisan products that resonate with passionate fans and collectors. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Thrilljoy aims to redefine the collector experience through meticulously designed items, unparalleled packaging, and a vibrant community. The company celebrates diverse interests across pop culture, including sports, music, and gaming, fostering genuine connections among enthusiasts worldwide.

Former Funko CEO Brian Mariotti partnered with powerhouse industry veterans Eric Peng Cheng, owner of Undefeated and Bait, MD Young, owner of MINDstyle International and Funko’s former SVP of licensing and emerging brands Dolly Ahluwalia to redefine the collectibles landscape. Comic Watch had the opportunity to chat with Mariotti about the launch of Thrilljoy’s premiere collection of high-end, artisan collectibles.

We also had the opportunity to attend the Thrilljoy Afterparty

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Atlas Comics

The legacy comic book publisher founded by Martin Goodman (who also founded Marvel Comics), was on the floor at New York Comic Con (NYCC) on the 50^th anniversary of its original debut. The new title of the brand will be Atlas/Seaboard, and as part of the relaunch, it has entered an exclusive partnership with Walmart to distribute classic merchandise of the Atlas comic book characters. Atlas/Seaboard has also developed a line of collectible action figures with Mego Toys, a line of apparel with Mad Engine, and is in development with Paramount Pictures for a live-action film.

The relaunch of Atlas Comics is being led by Steven Paul, entertainment industry veteran and chairman of SP Media Group/Atlas Comics. A first look at the new collectibles made available by Walmart will be featured at a 1,200-square-foot booth on the main strip of NYCC, showcasing Atlas/Seaboard’s relaunch. It will include giveaways, reprinted comic issues, and limited-edition clothing based on its most popular creative assets.

We had the opportunity to chat with Steven Paul and Mego Toy creator Marty Abrams

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Massive Comics

Founded in 2022 by comic creators Michael Calero, Trevor Richardson and Kevin Roditeli, Massive Publishing has quickly gained recognition as a home for top-quality comic book publications. From exceptional artwork and storytelling to the highest quality printing and distribution, Massive Publishing has stayed true to its vision of treating every book it produces like the most important series in its library.

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Stranger Comics

Stranger Comics creates content with a philosophy of quality, where both story and art are sacred and authentic representation matters.

The answer to “why Stranger Comics,” revolves around its hero, Niobe Ayutami. They create stories, asking our characters what we would ask ourselves and our readers. For the maiden title, they introduced Niobe in THE UNTAMED: A Sinner’s Prayer, the question is: “Would you damn your family to save the world?” — Would you?

Stranger Comics was formed in the winter of 2007. Our first official comic convention as a publisher was in 2009 at San Diego Comic Con, sharing a booth with nine other indie publishers, where they were armed with issue #1 of The Untamed. Since then they have grown, traveling to many of the preeminent conventions and festivals where fans become friends become family.

The goal of Stranger Comics is for readers to feel an honest emotional connection because each story has a soul.projects range from fantasy worlds to raucous comedies to children’s books with important life lessons, producing properties with genuine thought and care for story and representation. A good “idea” must be nurtured, it deserves our time and attention, so once released it can stand on its own two legs (or four) and evolve.

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Scholastic Graphix 20th Anniversary

Scholastic’s Graphix imprint is where the most popular graphic novels and the most talented creators are published. Since 2005, they havechampioned the art of graphic storytelling by seeking out and empowering groundbreaking visual authors, publishing diverse and vibrant stories, and instilling a love of reading in young adults that last a life time.

They are the publisher of Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants, Dog Man, and Cat Kid comic Club), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters, Guts), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), and Jeff Smith (BONE), among many other books kids love.

Check out the Q & A session with a panel that included Scott McCloud, Raina Telgemeier, Gale Gallagan, Jamar Nichols, Samual Sattin, and Jeff Smith