The Big Apple Comic Con (now known as the Big Apple Con) was founded by comic boon retailer Michael Carbonaro in 1996. The convention was held at least once a year for more than a decade. In 2009, Wizard Entertainment purchased the Big Apple Comic Con, but five years later Carbonaro regained the brand and relaunched the convention. In 2015, he launched New York WinterCon, a sister convention to the Big Apple Con. The inaugural edition of NY WinterCon took place on December 5 and 6, 2015.
According to Carbonaro and his team, WinterCon is the largest sci-fi convention in the New York area. Like most other conventions, it doesn’t focus solely on science fiction. The convention embraces fantasy, comic books, anime, video games, board games, films, television shows and other elements of contemporary pop culture. NY WinterCon lasts two days, during which time attendees can interact with special guests and industry professionals, buy merchandise, and just have a good time, geeking out with like-minded individuals.
One of the main attractions at WinterCon is panels, Q&A sessions, autograph sessions and photo-op with celebrity guests (actors, voice actors, filmmakers, comic book authors, etc). For example, the first WinterCon featured a number of Star Wars actors (Jeremy Bulloch, Daniel Logan, John Morton, Mark Dodson) as well as Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek: The Original Series), Austin St. John (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Linda Ballantyne (Sailor Moon), and others.
Alongside activities featuring celebrity guests, the program of NY Wintercon Comic & Sci-Fi Expo features Artist Alley with over 100 tables, special performances on the main stage, the Masquerade Cosplay Contest with valuable prizes, vendors room, a number of special kids events (a costume contest, arts and crafts, meet & greets with costume characters, etc.), gaming tournaments, presentations, and other entertaining events for visitors of all ages.
Photo: cosplayculture.com
