I Saw the Sign

There’s a lot to see at New York Comic Con. To help all the attendees fi gure out what they are doing, signs explain policies (like that your pass is your agreement to be photographed by strangers) and how to fi gure out where you are (the “download our app” sign is in two locations below). I remember when it used to just be banners that proclaimed these the happiest four days of the year. The new “Health & Safety Acknowledgement” and “Full Bar” signs sound like a sign of the pandemic. —MV

The amount of wifi now available inside the Javits Center made it easier to use on site. Setting a schedule and searching for vendors or people seemed easier. I received alerts but never could see what was under “Show Features.” The Metaverse was the digital version of panels, but I didn’t check if my pass gave me access because Sidekicks already couldn’t make in-person reservations. —MV

The fi rst change I noticed to this version was McDonald’s sponsorship because I don’t remember McDonald’s being tied to the Show at all before.

Thursday was always the day I skipped because in the past Pros & Press day started late and was more tame, but I didn’t expect this Thursday to be so quiet when I arrived late. Fewer people talking about fewer installations left me a lot of time to consider the signs. The biggest surprise was looking at the blank wall that used to lead to the North Building. On Thursday, there was no sign telling people to head outside—just a giant rolling steel door on top of more rolling steel I didn’t remember. Even seeing tables starting Friday in what used to be the thoroughfare was trippy. Scrolling through past convention issues, this wall used to be glass and full of sunlight. —MV