The Best Panels to Watch at NYCC Metaverse

New York Comic Con is just two weeks away, and though this year will not be business as usual, ReedPop has still amassed a number of amazing panels for the event. Only instead of gathering at the Javits, you’ll be able to watch from your own home! Inspired by my post from this summer’s SDCC@Home, I’ve scoured the schedule looking for the best or most interesting NYCC Metaverse panels so you don’t have to.

NYCC has been growing over the past few years. Perennial attendees will tell you about how the convention used to only be a weekend and didn’t start until Friday afternoon. I remember when Thursday was only available to press, pros, and people who bought 4-day badges. While timing and location prevent it from getting a lot of A-listers, NYCC has been attracting bigger and bigger names every year. This year, considering the circumstances, the NYCC Metaverse panels are offering some truly amazing content.

ReedPop has put together a full – and I do mean full – slate of panels for fans to enjoy. Panels start earlier and run later than they would at a typical convention. You could literally spend all day in front of your computer checking out the NYCC programming.

Most of the panels will be available for free on the NYCC YouTube channel. All times listed are EDT (UTC-4).

Thursday, October 8

12:35 pm – Women of Marvel

Today, telling stories for Marvel means stepping into a long lineage of characters and a vast web of backstories. What’s it like to take on that challenge as a creator? This year, as part of New York Comic Con Metaverse, Women of Marvel invites some of Marvel’s celebrated storytellers into a virtual panel to talk about how they stay true to their creative style while continuing the stories of comic book characters so many people know and love.

This panel is an annual favorite of mine. Held at both SDCC and NYCC, I always try and make at least one of them. For those unfamiliar, “Women of Marvel” is a podcast, and the panel gathers together Marvel employees from various departments to discuss the female-led titles from the comics giant. It’s usually the highlight of my convention.

1:05 pm – Inside the World of Wolfwalkers from Apple TV+

Join directors Tomm Moore and Ross Stewart for a deeper look at Wolfwalkers, a new Apple Original Film. Alongside Cartoon Saloon’s Maria Pareja (production designer), Sandra Andersen (character designer), and Mark Mullery (assistant director), they’ll offer insights into the creative process and answer questions directly from fans. From Cartoon Saloon, the Oscar®-nominated animation studio behind The Secret of Kells and co-produced with Mélusine Productions, comes a magical tale of an unlikely friendship between two girls in 17th-century Ireland. A young apprentice hunter, Robyn Goodfellowe (voiced by Honor Kneafsey), and her father, Bill (Game of Thrones’ Sean Bean), journey to Ireland to help wipe out the last wolf pack. But everything changes when Robyn befriends a free-spirited girl named Mebh (Eva Whittaker) from a mysterious tribe rumored to transform into wolves by night. Coming Soon to Apple TV+.

Apple TV+ is one of the few streaming services to which I’m not subscribed, but I absolutely loved The Secret of Kells and I’m extremely excited to learn more about this film, because it sounds incredible.

1:40 pm – Doctor Who Spotlight | BBC America

BBC America, in partnership with HBO Max is excited to bring together a new spotlight on Doctor Who and the series’ return to New York Comic Con with the Doctor herself, Jodie Whittaker, companion Yaz, played by Mandip Gill, and Graham O’Brien, played by Bradley Walsh. Together with moderator Melanie McFarland, TV Critic for Salon.com, they will look back at their epic past two series in the TARDIS, which have been packed with shocking twists, turns and surprises and discuss their favorite moments to date.

Did you think we weren’t going to recommend the Doctor Who panel?

3:45 pm – The Adventure Zone Graphic Novel – The Crystal Kingdom

They’ve done it again! The co-creators of The Adventure Zone have THREE #1 New York Times bestselling graphic novels—The Adventure Zone: Here There Be Gerblins, The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited!, and now The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal. And if you haven’t read them yet, now’s the time to catch up, because co-authors Clint McElroy, Justin McElroy, Griffin McElroy, Travis McElroy, and co-adaptor and illustrator Carey Pietsch are coming together to discuss each of these books, the process of adapting a podcast into a graphic novel, and to share an exclusive sneak peek of The Adventure Zone: The Crystal Kingdom (you heard that right! There will be a fourth book!) coming in 2021 from First Second. This conversation will be moderated by Erika Ishii (Destiny 2).

We’ve got some big TAZ fans here at The Geekiary, and I’m a huge fan of First Second Books, so I’m adding this panel to my list of highlights. If you can’t get enough of TAZ, you’ll be excited to check out this panel, which is giving a sneak peek of the upcoming fourth volume of the graphic novel adventures of the popular role-playing podcast.

6:05 pm – The Sound of “The Sandman” with Neil Gaiman and Friends – Presented by Audible and DC

In celebration of the first-ever audio adaptation of “The Sandman” — based on the bestselling DC graphic novel series that rewrote all the rules — Audible will bring together master storyteller Neil Gaiman, aural auteur Dirk Maggs, and other special guests to reveal the creative process behind this groundbreaking audio production. Panelists will discuss how the source material, including the detailed notes for illustrators in Gaiman’s original manuscripts, was painstakingly taken off the page and brought to life in a fully-immersive listening experience featuring a 68-member, all-star cast led by James McAvoy, cinematic soundscape, and original music score.

I’ve never read The Sandman, but Neil Gaiman himself will be part of this panel discussing the process behind adapting the best-selling graphic novel into a radio play, and his participation makes this panel’s inclusion on the highlights list automatic.

6:40 pm – TV Guide presents – Rise of the Black Black Superheroes | Are Black Women Finally Flying High on TV?

Black women are at last taking up space in superhero shows — space that was previously mostly male and almost always white. TV Guide editor Keisha Hatchett, a contributor to TV Guide’s package “Rise of the Black superheroes” moderates a conversation with influential Black women changing the face of superhero shows: writer/producer Aida Croal; journalist and geek influencer Karama Horne a.k.a.- theblerdgurl; actor/stuntwoman Carrie Bernans; and Emmy-winning director/producer Neema Barnette.

We at The Geekiary do our best to champion diversity in popular culture, so I can’t not recommend this panel, which focuses specifically on black women who work on superhero shows – not necessarily in front of the camera.

Friday, October 9

12:40 pm – The Stand | Exclusive Q&A with Cast + Inside Look

Inspired by Stephen King’s iconic post-apocalyptic novel of the same name, the much-anticipated limited event series begs the question, “where will you stand?” in the ultimate fight between good and evil. Join series stars Whoopi Goldberg, James Marsden, Greg Kinnear, Amber Heard, Jovan Adepo, Odessa Young, and Owen Teague alongside showrunner Benjamin Cavell and executive producer Taylor Elmore, as they discuss bringing this epic story to life and what fans can expect when the series premieres Thursday, December 17, exclusively on CBS All Access. Moderated by Anthony Breznican of Vanity Fair.

Admin Angel has been very excited about this unfortunately-timed reboot of The Stand, which is why I’m adding this panel to the list. As with many current or upcoming projects, we don’t know much about it, so I expect there to be some reveals at the panel.

1:15 pm – The Watch – A First Look At BBC America’s Newest Series

Dive into the thrilling fantasy world of BBC AMERICA’s newest series The Watch, featuring a discussion with cast and executive producers, special guests and a first look at the series. The Watch follows an unlikely group of misfits, The City Watch, who are forced to find the guts to save the world, surprising even themselves in the process. The comedic yet thrilling series pits trolls, werewolves, wizards and other improbable heroes against an evil plot to resurrect a great dragon which would lead to the destruction of life as they know it. Moderator – actress Yvette Nicole Brown (Community) – joins panelists and series stars Richard Dormer (Game of Thrones), Lara Rossi (I May Destroy You), Adam Hugill (1917), Jo Eaton-Kent (Don’t Forget the Driver) and Marama Corlett (Blood Drive), along with executive producers Simon Allen (The Musketeers) and Richard Stokes (Broadchurch).

A lot of us here at The Geekiary are fans of Terry Pratchett, and I’m cautiously optimistic about this adaptation, even though the first set photos were not well-received, so I’m making sure to check out this panel.

2:40 pm – In the Writers’ Room of Jurassic World – Camp Cretaceous

Join executive producers Colin Trevorrow and Scott Kreamer, consulting producer Zack Stentz, story editor Josie Campbell, and staff writers Sheela Shrivinas, Rick Williams and Bethany Johnson as they take you inside the writers’ room of Jurassic World: Camp Cretaceous.

Farid recently recommended this series as a fun and bingeable show, so I’m adding it to the list in the hopes that some of you may be inspired to check it out.

5:35 pm – Cast of Starz’s American Gods Tease Season 3 Details

#GodSquad are you ready for divine intervention? Stream with your favorite gods as they journey to Lakeside and talk all things Season 3 of the hit STARZ Original Series “American Gods.” Following his discovery last season that Mr. Wednesday is his father, Shadow attempts to break away and assert himself as his own man. As he settles into life in Lakeside, he uncovers a dark secret while exploring questions of his own divinity. Guided on this spiritual journey by the gods of his Black ancestors, the Orishas, Shadow must decide exactly who he is — a god seeking veneration or a man in service of the “we.”

Many of us here are fans of this STARZ show, even if Season 2 didn’t quite capture the magic of Season 1. The rocky road of production left Season 3 in doubt, but much of the cast will be a part of this panel teasing the upcoming season. This panel will also be followed by a live Q&A from the cast!

5:50 pm – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Panel

Join Funimation and Aniplex of America for a fun deep dive into Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba series and what is to come in the new upcoming Demon Slayer film, which is coming soon!

Admin Angel has recommended this anime in the past, so I’m adding it to the highlights list so that fellow fans know to check it out for information on the upcoming film!

7:55 pm – Conversation & Behind-The-Scenes Look at Hulu’s New Horror Series Monsterland

You can’t escape what lives within! Discover the monsters and unpack the thought-provoking tales brought to life in Hulu’s new series, Monsterland, based on the collection of short stories from Nathan Ballingrud’s “North American Lake Monsters.” Join cast members Jonathan Tucker, Taylor Schilling, Kelly Marie Tran and Mike Colter, creator/showrunner Mary Laws as they delve into the nightmares and share a look at what happened behind-the-scenes. Moderated by Mashable’s Alexis Nedd. All 8 episodes of Monsterland premiere Friday, October 2nd on Hulu.

I’m sorry. I don’t know anything about this series. I just saw Kelly Marie Tran and that told me everything I needed.

9:50 pm – VIZ & Powerhouse Animation Present Seis Manos

Join the creative team and cast members on a deep dive into Seis Manos as they reflect on their favorite moments and reveal lots of behind-the-scenes secrets. Panelists include: Brad Graeber (Co-creator), Álvaro Rodríguez (Co-creator), Daniel Dominguez (Writer), Willis Bulliner (Director), Jonny Cruz (Voice of Jesus), & Angélica Vale (Voice of Garcia).

I absolutely loved Season 1 of Seis Manos, VIZ Media’s first original anime. Set in Mexico in the 1970s, the series focuses on a trio of martial arts students who find themselves embroiled in a battle with a drug kingpin when their teacher is unexpectedly killed. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger and there has been no news on a Season 2, so I am tuning in hoping that we’ll be getting some big news.

Saturday, October 10

1:45 pm – Smallville Cast | 20 Years of Fandom, Friendship & Flying

Join Tom Welling, Erica Durance, Sam Witwer, Laura Vandervoort, and Michael Rosenbaum on this look back at this groundbreaking show and a look ahead at what’s next for this Super-group.

I was never really into Smallville when it was on, but I know that it was a hugely popular show, which is why it’s included on the highlights list.

3:45 pm – From Page to Screen – An Exclusive Look Inside the Hunger Games

For the first time ever, the creative professionals behind the Hunger Games come together for one must-see event. David Levithan (Editor of the Hunger Games books) joins Nina Jacobson (Producer of the Hunger Games films) in an interview with Sydney Bucksbaum (Entertainment Weekly) as they share their behind-the-scenes experiences in bringing this wildly popular series to life. From bookshelf to big screen, it’s a lot of work being the real-life Gamemasters of a worldwide phenomenon! Watch as these creative forces reminisce about their time with The Districts and learn more about the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes. Let the games begin!

The world has gone crazy, and what better time to reminisce about a genre-defining series like The Hunger Games?

4:35 pm – Adapting the Grishaverse with Leigh Bardugo and Eric Heisserer

Leigh Bardugo (King of Scars, Ninth House) is a #1 New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse. The Grishaverse (coming soon to Netflix in an original series titled Shadow and Bone) spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and the King of Scars Duology—with more to come. In this virtual NYCC program, she’s joined by the showrunner of the Netflix adaptation, Eric Heisserer (Birdbox, Arrival) to discuss all things Grishaverse, including two new October titles: The Lives of Saints and Shadow and Bone: The Collector’s Edition.

This is one of my most-anticipated panels of NYCC Metaverse. I am a huge fan of Bardugo’s Grishaverse, and I am beyond excited about the upcoming Netflix adaptation. Besides that, it is always a delight to listen to her speak, so I doubt I’ll be disappointed with this panel, even if we don’t get much information about the show.

6:35 pm – Bill Nye’s Great Big World of Science

Science educator, TV host, and New York Times bestselling author Bill Nye is on a mission to help kids understand and appreciate the science that makes our world work with his new book, Bill Nye’s Great Big World of Science. Join Bill and his coauthor, science journalist Gregory Mone, in a spirited family-friendly conversation on the basic principles of science, key discoveries, recent revolutionary advances, and the problems that science still needs to solve for our Earth.

It’s Bill Nye! Need I say more?

7:00 pm – Dylan O’Brien Takes Fans Behind-the-Scenes of Love and Monsters

Go behind the scenes of the wildly imaginative, post-apocalyptic adventure that’s filled with LOVE AND MONSTERS. Starring Dylan O’Brien, Jessica Henwick, Michael Rooker, and Ariana Greenblatt, the film arrives on premium video-on-demand and Digital October 16. #LoveAndMonsters

This panel is the one that makes me the saddest about how NYCC is virtual this year. Dylan O’Brien so rarely makes convention appearances, and he has only been to NYCC once (and that was probably the highlight of my life). He has a number of upcoming movies slated to release, and we at The Geekiary are very excited about Love and Monsters. (We may even be planning a watch party, but shhh, that’s not confirmed.) Obviously, I’m going to add this panel to the highlights list, because it is absolutely the one I am most excited about.

Make sure to watch Farid’s reaction to the trailer!

Sunday, October 11

11:40 am – Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo!

Be part of the first-ever convention panel to feature the four core voices of the Scooby-Doo franchise as they chat about their all-new film, Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! – and then show you the first eight minutes of the movie! Scooby-Doo and Shaggy’s favorite holiday is upon us! With fake monsters and candy galore, Halloween is heaven for these hungry foodies going door-to-door. But this year, their sweet holiday turns sour when the neighborhood pumpkin patch is infected by toxic ooze, creating high-flying jack-o-lanterns, and a king-sized pumpkin leader squashing everything in its path. It’s up to Scooby-Doo and the gang as they team up with their pals, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark and Bill Nye the Science Guy, to solve this mystery of gigantic proportions and save Crystal Cove! Enjoy a fun panel discussion amongst voiceover legend Frank Welker (The Transformers), in his 50th year voicing Fred Jones and 18th year voicing Scooby-Doo; Grey Griffin (DC Super Hero Girls films) in her 20th year as Daphne Blake; Matthew Lillard (Twin Peaks, Bosch, Good Girls) celebrating his 18th year as Shaggy Rogers; Kate Micucci (Unikitty!) in her fifth year as Velma Dinkley; Cassandra Peterson (Elvira, Mistress of the Dark), director/producer/writer Maxwell Atoms (Fish Hooks, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy) and moderator Damian Holbrook (TV Guide Magazine senior writer). Then stay for a special sneak peek at the first eight minutes of the film. Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! arrives on DVD and Digital HD starting October 6.

Sunday is traditionally Kids’ Day at NYCC, and what better children’s property is there than Scooby-Doo?

1:05 pm – It’s time for AN-I-MAN-IACS! Voice Cast & Producer Panel

The Warner brothers, Yakko and Wakko, and the Warner sister Dot are heading home to the Warner Bros. Water Tower. But first they’re making a quick stop at NY Comic Con to give the fans an exclusive first look at their brand-new series coming soon to Hulu. Join executive producer Wellesley Wild, co-executive producer Gabe Swarr and voice cast members Rob Paulsen, Tress MacNeille, Jess Harnell and Maurice LaMarche for a lively panel that will most definitely be zany to the max. Animaniacs is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation and premieres on Hulu on Friday, November 20.

I absolutely cannot wait for this reboot, as someone who grew up watching the original cartoon, so this panel has zoomed to the top of my “must-see” list.

2:50 pm – Hilda Cast & Creators Talk Season 2

The creative team behind the Bafta Award-winning series, Hilda, gather to discuss the making of Season 2 and what fans should expect from their favorite blue-haired adventurer. Moderated by producer Emerald Wright-Collie, the panel will explore Season Two from the perspectives of Creator and Co-Executive Producer, Luke Pearson; Voice of Hilda, Bella Ramsey; Director, Andy Coyle; and Head Writer and Co-Executive Producer, Stephanie Simpson. Tune in for a special sneak peak of Season Two coming to Netflix, Winter 2020!

This is a highly-anticipated upcoming release for me! I got into Hilda during lockdown and cannot wait for Season 2. I am very much looking forward to this panel.

6:30 pm – Kodansha Got Fall 2020 Manga Recommendations

Looking for some new manga to read? Then you’re in the right place! Kodansha USA Publishing has tons of new awesome series debuting Fall 2020. Join the Kodansha manga experts Misaki Kido & Ivan Salazar as they recommend new releases, including the legendary supernatural shonen manga Shaman King – fully complete for the first time in English via comiXology Originals – as well as upcoming anime-inspiring series, twisted & twisty romances series, and more! And if you like the manga that you saw on the panel, then stick around until the end for your chance to win them as prize giveaways! It’s a panel no manga fan can miss and you’ve already got the best seat in the house!

I’m always on the lookout for more manga recommendations, so I try to hit up all the industry panels hoping to hear about new titles I may be interested in, which is why I have Kodansha’s panel on my list.

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This is just a small sample of fantastic panels that will be part of the upcoming NYCC Metaverse. I definitely recommend checking out the full schedule and making your own list when you get the chance.

Looking for some LGBTQ+ panels? I have that list right here!

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