New York Comic Con 2023 Was THE WORST One I've Been To

We just got back from New York Comic Con and I gotta say... it was the worst one yet, for me.
#NYCC #NYCC2023 #NewYorkComicCon
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[@Lou13Cyf3r]

a LEGIT service dog would NEVER do that. too many people today take their regular dogs everywhere with them, saying it's a service animal, and too many business owners refuse to question for fear of backlash.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Good point

[@NoxusZero]

Well the biggest problem in America is that businesses aren't legally allowed to ask for proof if it is a service dog or not (certification etc. )they can only ask if it is or not but anyone can lie about it 😂

[@danceswithcomicbooks7733]

Service dogs can get sick too and need to take big dumps. Quit getting so offended about service digs needing to poop.

[@Caseshells123]

@@NoxusZeroactually you are required to carry proper ID for your service dog and yes they can. I have a service dog and I have no problem showing her ID. She is old now so I don’t take her out much as she has some dementia and forgets and will get scared and bark if someone startle her now so I only take her to safe places now til I get a new younger one and let her just be a dog at home

[@NoxusZero]

@@Caseshells123 I didn't say they couldn't ask because they can, however your not required to prove that they are a service dog (to a private business) and yes legally you are supposed to carry the required documentation. This also varies state by state as well so there are exceptions

[@henrybemis3439]

I feel you on Joe Jusko. I had his Black Cat poster on my wall as a kid; that thing turned me from a boy into a man.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

He doesn’t get enough love

[@collectingwithderrz]

I was chilling at home on Whatnot snagging NYCC exclusives when I could. Massive shoutout to my DJ Linx for getting that video clip and being a pro haha. Loved living through all the footage all weekend, but hands down my biggest excitement is always anything Spawn. Stay legendary dude & much ❤❤

[@GunslingeR_from_773H]

I did the same. I really only wanted to see the Spawn Universe panel! So many new Spawn books coming soon. Originally I thought it was only going to be 4, but now it's like 8. I'm a huge Spawn fan too.

[@collectingwithderrz]

@GunslingeR_from_773H Broooo, yes!!! Spawn heads united, haha. Shoot me a follow on here as I'm always showing off my love for Spawn

[@DJLINX]

🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@nelsoncarvalho6338]

This was my first major con and I had a great time. I’m mostly there for comics and it had everything I wanted. I went to 8 panels and hung out in artist alley most of the time and got original art. Also found some OOP omnis at the valiant booth and at midtown.

[@lascruces-vh4oe]

Meeting all those people sounds like a great time! Thanks for sharing, GemMint.

[@enchantingunboxing]

The cost to rent a Booth at the Javits Center for Comic Con is absurd. After fees, setup, insurance, fixtures and lighting the cost for a 4 day event is minimum 10k and for these statue companies I can only image the expense is well over 20k to be there. I have compassion for them and like you said it's that time where we get to see all the prototypes for the first time and the hype and anticipation is worth the investment on their end if you ask me. I also think the statue community it hurting really hard with lack of sales and hype in the last year vs post and pre covid when the community was thriving. The market became so saturated with so many statues and similar statues by multiple studios and I belive they are sitting on way to much product and are at a huge loss and deficit.

[@jays-take]

all those companies can afford it.

[@nelsonxasencio2420]

yes, its mad expensive for them to set up and also Toy fair was here two weeks ago

[@bluscorpion]

Say that last part again for the people in the back! I've been saying that for the past three years now, after only collecting for a year. I'm looking for lesser built characters, and No One is doing them. One thing I've learned in business, is that if I'm looking for something- at least five other people are looking for it too. Evidenced by missing out on buying stuff because I hesitated and they sold out. :-/ I voiced a complaint to a company on licensed companies getting outdone with style by other companies, and they came back hard with something good. So voice your opinions to these companies. They need to hear it, and the good ones will listen.

[@dddaaa6965]

@@jays-take There’s plenty of people posting their earnings and cost of going to conventions, they wouldn’t do it over and over and over if they somehow in some way weren’t recouping their investment lol.

[@Church_of_Sagan]

​@@bluscorpionyeah! There seems to be a huge lack of Darth Vader and Wolverine statues in this industry. Too much Etrigan the Demon and Constantine! 😂 No but for real. Even when certain companies do what could be thought of as a second tier character and it sells like crazy, instead of saying "oh let's make another lower tier character" they say "oh let's do another one just like that!" So now for every 10 Batman statues, now there are multiple Zatanna, for every 10 Wolverine, there are multiple Psylocke,

[@dawsforfun6456]

Your coverage of the 2018 SDCC was incredible. That was the peak year of collecting and I've been in this game for 12 yrs. Its horrible now, no excitement.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

So crazy that’s the 1st year I really got into it (well 2017) really set the bar high lol

[@joelatorre]

2018 and 2019 were my favorite convention years. There was hype in the hobby, most statue companies were represented. I got to meet you and others, it was just way more fun

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Yup. Those were the days.

[@MattMatt77]

I personally feel it's going to take a good deal of time for the "nerd" hobby to recover. But this show at NYC I feel is going to be the normal for a good deal of time.

[@weaton72]

Recover from what

[@MattMatt77]

@@weaton72 😑🤦‍♂️ Recover from the lack of Good Super Hero movies since endgame/Covid. Recover from the bad economy where people do not want to spend. Recover from a BAD 2nd hand market in so many Fandoms. Cards, Toys, Comics, and Statues. Everything took and hit and when that happens. It leaves a bad taste in people's mouths for a few years. Recover from High prices on NEW stuff to buy into Fandom nowadays. I may have forgotten something but these are all problems and if you can't see it. Then God bless you.

[@theoldgods8229]

The comic book industry is booming thanks to the younger generation, it’s just that they’re into Manga and not American comics. Manga is everywhere now; Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target and swallowing up space at most comic book stores.

[@MattMatt77]

@@theoldgods8229 Yes it is 100% But also as I get older I'm seeing this or feeling this morning more. Anime or Manga is for a younger generation very much so. Especially when every single anime the main character is always in high school. You do have your standouts that are in high school that would fit a mature audience like Gantz. Or a mature anime or Manga that fit a mature audience like Berserk. But overall Anime does fit younger readers when American comics I'm picking up more now when I'm older. Both markets are great. But there are problems with the American Market. But the same can be said for the Japanese market if you know what they deal with. Like getting into Shamon Jump. It's a great and interesting topic.

[@timo4826]

Smaller cons are the way to go now.

[@BeastStatues]

No statues, no Con for me. That’s why I go!

[@cubannel12]

Without work I wasn't able to afford tickets for NYCC so had no choice than to miss it. Don't know what is going to happen with the statue companies and the comicons in the future but they have to figure it out. Too many people are dependent on these venus to get a look at upcoming pieces in person so they can make a decision whether they will get one or not. Will have to keep an eye out for now. Let's see what happens by next year.

[@lukeodom1426]

This year was my first time at NYCC and I had a blast. As a mostly strict comic reader I was very happy with the turn out. I saw a ton of KZbin creators just walking around and yo you were easily the most approachable and coolest dude. Sick meeting you on Saturday. Still loving the channel.

[@cram2979]

Part of the reason why some comic conventions have worsened are because of these comic whatnot resellers that cause a problem every time when trying to get exclusives or signings

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Eh, was still a thing with eBay before

[@tommullings9912]

it was so bad someone took a shit on the convention floor.....bruh that is amazing lmfao

[@richardkrol5452]

I agree. The statues was my favorite part. When you see them in person, that has always persuaded me to buy extra.

[@deadmousyplutaprestige8771]

I'm sorry to hear that. I never been to a major comic con event besides my phoenix az event. When I was collecting, the only comic events were held in bowling alleys.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I went to a Phoenix show one year. Was pretty dope.

[@Mr49r1681]

I was on Whatnot What app for one of your NYCC auction sessions. Bidded on some comics but too many in on the action. Bought that Swamp Thing comics set. Even placed bids on some silent auctions til your live session blinked out for the next host. I couldn’t believe ppl bidded on booth banners up to CGC slab prices! For Sideshow, Prime 1, etc no show is normal under the statue hobby saturated. Neither would bring a small display or kiosk. But XM, P1, etc showed in China. I can’t go either of these cons while on a 1 year job probation. Thanks for being there and sharing 💎. Stay minty fresh!

[@anthonypizz216]

I was there Friday first time in a a few years. Made the mistake of only going one day because you really can’t get to everything in 1 day, so feel like I missed a lot of stuff. Definitely noticed the lack of statues this year compared to the last time I was there, aside from diamond select I don’t recall seeing another statue company

[@IronChefWong.mp4]

All the way in the 4000s was Pure Arts! I ordered a life sized Sauron battle mask. It looked just too sick.

[@drocksteadyreviews]

All around I thought it was pretty good. Planned this Con out way better than last year. Biggest negative was the panels. I actually reserved a ton of them this year but either left early or didn’t go to most of them. The strike really effected the quality. Most of them were just hey we can’t really talk about anything so here’s some clips or watch an episode. That was definitely a bummer. Amazon Prime was the best with Kirkman discussing the new seasons of Invincible. Sucks I missed you again man! Definitely gotta plan a meet up next year 💪🏻

[@FaithfulSteve]

Next year we need to cut it up on the floor as well. I’ll have to run the camera for Phi… thanks for the shoutout as well. 💯🔥

[@SuperiorBryce98]

I was able to attend Thurs and Fri. I had a great time, but I disliked the lack of places to sit down. Mind you, I was in line most of the day on Thursday. I basically stood for about 3-4 hours. Other than that, I enjoyed it. If I go next year, I'm bringing my own chair lol

[@ryancreery]

i love NY, but kinda stressful to visit….can't imagine trying to do a con with all that chaos…heroes con seems to be the most i can handle-

[@IzzyVerseNYC]

Nice DJ LINX was filming his candid camera of Gem Mint. The panel was great and there were other things I enjoyed about the show. Great catching up. Until next time.

[@davidmcclain8851]

Sideshow was a no show again, DoorDash, Crocs and Simon & Schuster had booths…WHY??? Taken space that real dealers should have had. My only good moment was meeting and getting a signed Bishop print from Whilce Portacio. He was very cool.

[@MattMatt77]

Let's not talk about how Sideshow got over $2 million in PPP loans and now they are acting as if they are broke 🙄 Tweeterhead and PCS went to more shows then them.

[@hicksvillain9865]

I think Doordash was a sponsor. I saw video ads for them at some panels. Crocs had Demon Slayer exclusives and was in the anime heavy area.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

Crocs? The company that makes those terrible slipper like shoes? I absolutely hate those shoes, no dude should ever wear those.

[@xIIswatIIx]

Was at the show too, had a great time meeting people and grabbing books but I agree. Severe lack of statues, mid tier announcements from events like Dragon Ball. Was really hoping to see Prime 1 show up and showcase some new pieces, or see some of the pieces already announced so could get a better look at them in person but really nothing. Not even PCS showed up

[@offwhitetim8696]

Damn!! NYCC do better!!! Great meeting you and Phie!!

[@videoguy6966]

“You’re gonna hear that someone took a $#!+ on the floor at the convention “ and suddenly badly timed XBox commercial. 😄

[@hicksvillain9865]

Thursday is the best day to go. It's not as crowded, you can grab some exclusives early, so you can just enjoy going the other days. Except Saturday, I can't stand how crowded Saturdays are.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Thursday was actually super packed this year, from what I heard

[@hicksvillain9865]

@@GemMintCollectibles It wasn't even sold out. I'm sure the early rush was mad, but it thinned out as the day went on.

[@Skyraps]

i was real into the comics but when i started getting heavy into was when they started pumping out mad bullshit, started gravitating towards independent title more. Theres no consistency in the story lines. and the statues are expensive af, for someone like me at least.

[@DarthLemon616]

Hopefully it gets better next year. I'll be there 😂

[@XQuietRoninX]

Damn it! Missed you again Gem I’ll see you next year hopefully lol also I agree and was kinda bummed sideshow wasn’t there I was gonna buy that Ashoka and Rex two piece.

[@user-mj4oy3rs2m]

Richard Evans organized his own Bedrock City Comic Con which is more focused on comics.

[@DJLINX]

I had to capture that Joe Jusko moment. Legends meeting legends. 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@bluemarvel-mf2yu]

LOVE the classic arcade you have going on in the be background there man!!😂👍🏿

[@christopherrupp4172]

Glad to hear it was not a bad con for you, just disappointed that there wasn’t more statues. Great seeing you.

[@FearMonarch]

Haha it's too funny you mention Joe, I just picked up a sealed box of the Skybox Star Trek cards and got excited when I saw he's done some of the ratio cards

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I was such a fan as a kid, I went back and bought his Tarzan trading card set

[@FearMonarch]

@@GemMintCollectibles now THATS dedication! 🤣 but do you have his Superpro Special edition cover 🤓

[@Drroguex27]

Gem, been following you for a while. Started with your statue reviews as I collect as well. Your reviews are great and like your new content. Keep up the awesome work! With that said I wholeheartedly agree with you about the statue representation by the major companies. Not only this year but the past few years have fallen off.

[@josephdamon4422]

Loved seeing you guys in Artist Alley on the drive by Humberto’s table even if really quick on the drive by tip.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

🙌

[@starfox9894]

I think for statues and the hobby in general, you hit on the 3 primary reasons why people are somewhat over it. Certain characters are over-saturated at every company (batman, superman, wolverine, hulk, etc..). The price has been increasing even as inflation is killing us. $600 - 1200, is ok, but not great. Now, we are in the $2500 and up club and its completely insane. And the shipping cost....out of control! Not to mention another reason with the resell market. A lot of resellers swooping in and jacking up the price has destroyed trust in the community, along with the scam artist on Meta. Just a combination of things that contribute to it dieing a slow and painful death, with folks trying to unload multiple statues, myself included. :(

[@Xero_Kaiser]

Statue prices are why I just threw my hands up and moved over to building Gunpla and getting WH40K action figures. I do alright, but I don't have 3-4 grand to drop on every statue that comes out. Even cheaper ones like Blizzard's statues have tripled in price. I don't know who the audience is for statues these days is, but it ain't me.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

I collect anime PVC’s now, they’re usually $100-$400, more reasonable price and still have great paint & detail. I’ll still get the odd resin, mostly Berserk pieces.

[@CollectorZown]

Vito’s Ice and Slice :) great video man. We are adding 200 + pieces for the July event.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Haha yep. We got the Italian ice too. Lemon and Raspberry Lime

[@CollectorZown]

@@GemMintCollectibles we got it up also. Easy and always open. Haha.

[@zekethewise7042]

This was the worst NYCC because I wasn’t there to meet Gem 💎

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Ah hell yea man 💎

[@JediMasterGhost]

Hey bro! Happy you got to meet your idol this year, sorry it wasn’t a great comic con for ya this year.. Do me a favor and ask your homie X where he got that fly looking hoodie from will ya? That hoodie is dope! 👍🏻💯💯

[@CliffordNY]

It’s so funny how you said a lot of what’s similar to experiences of me and my friends (the best part is having a good time meeting people). I had this same conversation with Triple G over o the UK

[@Senseitional_comics]

Was at the con and ran into every one but you bro 🤦🏾‍♂️. Saw/Spoke to Tom, Davis and every body else. Gotta catch you at the next one 🤙🏾💎

[@astroknomer]

I felt the same way Gem

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I know you feel me

[@drewlovelyhell4892]

5:06 "Look at this graph!"

[@JohnnieM3371]

I have to agree with you 100% about having the Major Statue Companies at NYCC....I felt like that at last years event and was completely disgusted that none of the companies were there and even this years event as well, but I hope Next year these companies would make a comeback and display their new items for everyone to see in person. Thanks for what you do and keep up the great work!!!

[@comiccapcollectibles]

Thank you!!! I did not like it either and most likely will never go back. I’ll stick to the smaller ones. Glad someone else said it!!

[@ernestwilliams8400]

Gladd Ya Had a Good Time, I Missed it Thiz Year 😭.....🤗📚🦸📚🚶🦀💯🦀🚶📚🦹📚🤗

[@MarkDaMak]

I was there too but was mainly in artist alley for 3 days. Day 4 I was on the main floor a bit walked around and yeah I didnt see much of statues either which I collect. I don't know if I missed them but do u recall seeing Fanboy Collectibles booth by chance? they sell different company statues from prime 1, side show, tweeter head.... Just wondering if they were there as my time on the floor was shorter than expected. was a little broken walking around for the 4 days lugging absolute editions all over to get signed.

[@RIJIT]

I 100% agree with this. If you’re a statue or figure collector there wasn’t much to see. I’m now trying to see about going to 1 of the WonderFest conventions cause that seems to be the place where statue companies are going. I’ll still attend Comic Con but as of now I feel like I don’t need to go for more than a day maybe 2.

[@wylier]

There are retail stores that sell statues and action figures tho. Midtown comics is a key one.

[@RIJIT]

I mean there are retail comic book stores that sell comic books tho. Midtown being a key one lol. My brother works at midtown comics grand central. They sell hot toys, small figures and a handful of statues, Youre not seeing inart figures, Queen studios, XM studios, infinity studios at midtown. Great place to pick up books but not statues.@@wylier

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

I’m only collecting anime PVC’s now, and I buy them nearly entirely from AmiAmi, a Japanese company. I’ll still get a few Prime1 Berserk resins, if they make Farnese or another Casca, I’ll probably get that new Slan they’re releasing after I missed the first one.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

You still buying Prime 1 pieces? Sinestro might be my last one from them for a while.

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

@@GemMintCollectibles Yea I’m getting those 2 new 1/6 of Guts & Griffith, they look amazing. Do you not like Prime1 anymore?

[@crosskeycollectibles]

It was empty, half as many vendors, people and cosplayers and general downer vibes at NYCC this year ... but was easy to move around artist alley and get sigs / be in lines ... got a lot accomplished much easier than last 2 years. Way less steps this year on the feet too

[@bluemarvel-mf2yu]

I went this year again, on Friday. I enjoyed myself, however I had lots of trouble finding two booths that are usually there and relatively easy to find. I finally found one of them, but I think the other booth that's I usually go to, just plain wasn't there this year.

[@tmoney360]

Are there many statue or new figures? Last NYCC I went to was 2019 and Sideshow and PCS and some others. I haven't seen any videos of that.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

It does seem like new reveals have slowed down from most companies. PCS seems to be the only one really cranking them out.

[@CelticChief1979]

I've been in the statue game since 1995, and I'm priced out. UK based, and the basic cost is insane and shipping and import can easily double the cost. I cannot justify the cost for a statue these days. Even a Batman Black & White statue is £250!

[@UnboxingArt]

The dump was a lady waiting to meet Chris Evans for a autograph.

[@WarriorsforInfoTV]

Not surprised, comic book industry needs a revamp.

[@josecrespo3437]

The sad face at 9:07 😔. 😂 Seemed like a great time despite the statute situation. Glad you made the best of it. 🤙

[@johnbernhardtsen3008]

I guess they really showed that it is Not about the fans anymore, their messages and agendas!what a shame!

[@brianng8350]

Statues must have high expenses at conventions -they take up space and probably need multiple booths and staffing -all the stuff they have to be lugged and shipped. It probably make more sense to have their own exhibit in the office and stream them. The only ones I assume will be coming would be new companies trying to make a name for themselves?

[@RobertMatteis-pe7vh]

Hey, what’s up this is Bob in Connecticut I am at the New York con every year for many many years. I always enjoy it immensely I only went on Thursday this year.. well there was a customer there at the Comic Link booth that saw my amazing fantasy 15 6.0 on my phone and he said it was the nicest copy of that grade he ever saw do you offered me $100,000 I didn’t take the offer because I’m not selling it. I also went over to Heritage and showed him my copy and it looks much better than a 6.0 no Marvel chipping at all. Heritage just sold a copy for $75,000. That was not as nice as mine.. well, the guy that offered me the money he told me he just bought amazing Spider-Man 129 9.8 for $28,000. Yes, that’s about right that’s fair market value.. well I hope you and Tom are doing awesome.

[@brokechef1606]

We stayed at the same hotel. Saw Tom in the elevator Saturday night but he was deep into a KZbin video 😂

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Yea he was vlogging. Can’t wait to see that video. I’m all up in it

[@brokechef1606]

@@GemMintCollectibles gonna be a good one for sure. I thought artist alley was fantastic this year. There’s bound to be some epic footage.

[@kaydee3195]

I am trying to ask. Went to 2021 comicon in NYC summertime. Fifty thousand and the following anime con that winter. Wanted to know about the guests. I heard a lot of people showed since this is post covid right now. My friend went and he even still hasn't made a peep about how good it was....ugh. and Ron perlman, Rhyce Darby, everyone! I can’t even list what was there in a single response. So how was the turn out? Would you say bigger than 2021 or in about the same range? I will get back there but right now is the start of my college so prep and save....😢 we'll see for next time!

[@jonathan21151]

When sideshow took off I felt that same, but I started to look into other things like panels etc etc and what I notice is that I started to enjoy it just as much. Also JFK connects to LIRR (Long Island railroad) this train takes you the Penn Station (34th st NYC) 10 min walk from the con and hotels if you have one near. Maybe 15min walk to midtown comics.

[@jays-take]

some of those companies were there a week earlier for 2023 TOY FAIR. I know iron studios was.

[@MainOneCollector]

I swore I thought I saw you in passing but it was packed. In terms of statue booths it's tough going forward because NYCC was charging more for booths this year. Artist alley was crazy!!! I did meet Jim Lee which was great. Running around I missed alot waiting in lines.I Met Chris Evans which also was great. Still couldn't get Kevin Eastman. His line is always capped by the time I get there. Next year I'll try to get a video with you.

[@jimoriley357]

Sorry to hear there was no statue companies present. I've recently started traditional sculpting in a very small attempt to keep it alive. With most sculpting happening in the digital realm I'm really surprised there was no presence. Did you happen to see any traditional sculptors there?

[@TheXtremeChannelMrX]

Every time we made eye contact you would turn around and go the other way and then duck around a corner……

[@user-zd8nl3fu3l]

Same here, I was really disappointed during the most recent San Diego Comic Con, for the first time, no Sideshow Booth. I wish Sideshow will show up in San Diego Comic Con 2024

[@DanielDeLeon69]

What Was Wrong With It?😢

[@princebloodgrave8097]

I was disappointed with the lack of Marvel Legends reveals at both NYTF & NYCC.

[@freakshow1890]

Im there for COMICS..so i have to say it was a great Con for me.

[@LetsGetPhygital]

One big reason in my opinion on why stuff seems to be dying like this is because the companies are trying to introduce the future of digital collectibles, and the fans and even creatives are struggling to understand/accept the new forthcoming era. SDCC was great a couple months back if you were a digital collector, Batcowls, Hro, and McFarlane Digital were going off

[@jamespaul6315]

Nobody wants it

[@LetsGetPhygital]

@@jamespaul6315 Virtual Comic Con metaverse coming soon! 😏

[@InfamyOrDeath-__-]

What are digital Collectables?

[@LLNYRN]

I was going to NYC Comic Con since its beginning in 2006. And always went annually until a few years ago. The handling of tickets and panel events was a major issue for Me. It just became unnecessarily complicated to the point of almost being "exclusive". On top of that, I deal with "the public" daily with My regular gig. So as I got older (I turned 60 this year), I just couldn't deal with crowds on that level any longer. In which the whole Pandemic thing didn't help either. I did miss running into people who I saw every year at these events for sure. I agree with you on Jusko. I first met him when I was a Cartooning student at Parson's during the late 70s/early 80s. Jusko was a student of My teacher's when he attended HS Art & Design (if memory serves). Jusko was just up and coming in those days. That dude definitely went places to say the least. Feel you on the statues thing. Though a lot of that stuff tends to be unaffordable for Me anyway. LOL Glad you still had a blast though.

[@slayer666ere]

I wish I was at New York Comic-Con this year to see you there man that would have been awesome been a really good follower of you on KZbin and stuff it was just been cool to say hello and hi maybe get an autograph it would have been cool to see him at

[@jasonbrothers3501]

Man it sucks I wanted to meet you and Tom this year but never ran into you guys. It was a dog that shit lol, we were in the area when happened 😂

[@ShinyShinyIsAlwaysBeingSerious]

Glad you managed to have fun but you can't just say the comic con is bad just because people can't sleep with the giant inflatable Goku!

[@ShadyDBZ4]

You nailed it at the end. Statues prices, inflated shipping cost have priced people’s out. The economy and inflation is still insane. I go shopping for grocery’s. Easy $100.00. Put it all in the fridge and the joint still looks damn near empty. Also, statues are a luxury item. Bills come first. I’ve actually only been into Hot Toys lately for my collecting fix. Last statue I copped was SideShow Storm when she first came out.

[@FallenHeroEM1]

Would have liked to be there. Always next year. I couldn't even make it to Baltimore ComicCon in my own backyard this year.

[@edospina97]

The same thing happened with the Auto Shows this year. There were no Asian or European cars at the Miami Auto Show. Companies are scaling back and the conventions are underwhelming.

[@IronChefWong.mp4]

The Pure Arts Studio was pretty dope! Seeing the T-1000, Witch King of Angmar, Sauron battle mask, and the Penguin mask was really detailed. I ended up ordering the Sauron battle mask at the Pure Arts booth for free shipping and no tax. But i agree, the statue representation has been lacking and Sideshow has already stopped showing the last few years. Ive come to expect that. Artist Alley was sick though. I got to meet Chris Claremont, Jef Loeb, Adam Hughs, and the X-men Animated series voice actors for Wolverine and Rogue!

[@bsimms3686]

Where's the flow care tutorial? I have goals.

[@SuperJTNJ]

I couldn't agree anymore. I told my wife that this year was the biggest lack luster con. I like you were looking for the big statue companies displays and was shocked that none came this year. It honestly put a sour taste in my mouth about even wanting to go next year. I still had a blast but it wasn't a memorable con this year.

[@sade281]

Yooooo Gary is the man always on point 😮😮😮

[@Native174]

He’s a lesser known statue creator but I’m glad that concrete jungle studios is starting to make some noise with his hip hop statues which is definitely different and unique especially with the over saturation of super heroes so it was cool to see him there showing off his statues

[@nysith007]

When Sideshow stopped attending NYCC lost something but it was and is still fun

[@MattMatt77]

🤨 They only went for 4 or 5 years

[@Maldo950]

YO GEM YOU ARE 100 % RIGHT STATUES WAS LACKING HAD A GOOD TIME CHOOPING IT UP WITH YOU AND THE MISS

[@trevorregay9283]

oh well, sometimes these things happens.....its similar to going to a local LCS and not finding what you want or it has sold-out already.....except of course on a larger scale since you paid a lot of money to fly and stay at a hotel for the weekend......

[@WhiteArtsMagic]

Are comics dying?

[@clelandwarrenjr850]

I have wanted to go never been. I live in Florida I always go to megacon. How was it in comparison gem?

[@GemMintCollectibles]

I lived in Florida my whole life and have NEVER been to MegaCon. I gotta go next year.

[@clelandwarrenjr850]

You must I would be glad to offer you my house I'm 1 hr away from convention center

[@MaorVsTheWORLD]

where can i buy that print?

[@slayer666ere]

I miss going to New York Comic-Con cuz of the pandemic and all of that happen for so many years you know after two to three years of the endemic and all of that I missed going to New York Comic-Con it sucks that the big guys weren't there for the statues and all the cool stuff like that but maybe next year I'll go hopefully I haven't been to Philadelphia Comic Con I need to check that out

[@larryalmeida3267]

Gem Mint would you want to try other comic conventions , besides new york or San Diego , like Florida Super Con or Mega con in Orlando Florida.

[@GemMintCollectibles]

Yea probably will hit MegaCon

[@wesleywouldifhecould]

For me with my statue collecting.. yes they have climbed in price a bit fast, but for me as far as buying new statues, I haven't because they just keep rehashing the same characters over and over and over and over.

[@Noexcuses00]

Especially Batman

[@Noexcuses00]

It was no show last year as well and that's why I chose to sit this one out. It sucks because ticket prices are like $70 and you're going there only to get disappointed.

[@marblehillpjs]

I LOVED it and thought it was a great con this year. Even sunday, which usually sucks because of the crowd ,was great

[@demonspeed7353]

You pretty much called it for what it is. The statue bubble popped, and now we're seeing the aftermath. Prices got ridiculous, and so did shipping. The market will correct itself because demand has died down dramatically. Was looking forward to some new statues coming down the pipeline, but nothing. Hopefully next year things bounce back a little bit.

[@robertjacques6812]

Check out the statues at Thailand comic con. Some of the best I've e ever seen.