New York Comedian Con – considered one of my favourite instances of yr – is correct across the nook. Whereas we are likely to put on our geek flags like superhero capes, it’s the time when all popular culture followers get collectively to rejoice in our shared love of… every little thing.
And sure, “every little thing” contains the Muppets.
Among the many superheroes and area knights and anime characters that fill the conference middle yearly, there are all the time just a few Muppets. And Fraggles and Grouches and Goblin Kings. They might not be as omnipresent as [FILL IN NAME OF MARVEL CHARACTER], however they’re all the time there. And so are we, prepared to identify them and report again to you all.
As we all the time do, we’re right here to organize you all for the chaos of New York Comedian Con. For anybody planning on attending, right here’s a fast cheat sheet to be sure to don’t miss any of the Muppety, puppety, Hensony goodness.
Panels!
At the start, ToughPigs can be internet hosting a panel! The Muppet Drawing Problem will see a panel of proficient artists illustrating photos of Muppets for a stay viewers. The catch: they don’t know what they’ll be requested to attract. So not solely might they be challenged as an example fan favourite characters or weird mashups, however they’ll additionally need to attempt to recall what they appear to be.
We held an identical panel again in 2023, and it was a ton of enjoyable. When you (or somebody ) is hitting up NYCC this yr, that is the can’t-miss panel of the yr.
Panelists will embrace Jay Fosgitt, Richard Michael Gomez, Dave Hulteen, Amy Mebberson, Louis Henry Mitchell, and Chris Smigliano, moderated by ToughPigs’ personal Joe Hennes.
The Muppet Drawing Problem
Friday, October 10 – 4:15pm-5:15pm
North Room 406.1
Simply earlier than our panel (yeah, we’re going out of order… time is a assemble!) is Pop Tradition Puppets, a panel filled with puppeteers prepared to talk about their work on Sesame Avenue, Avenue Q, Final Week Tonight, and so so so many extra. Panelists will embrace Rick Lyon, Kathleen Kim, Noel MacNeal, and Jennifer Barnhart. That is certain to be a blast, and (bonus!) you’ll be there early for our panel instantly afterward in the identical room!
Pop Tradition Puppets
Friday, October 10 – 2:45pm-3:45pm
North Room 406.1
Later that very same day, you’ll be able to catch Puppetry in Movie, one other puppeteer panel, this time with a give attention to motion pictures. This one appears to have extra of a give attention to instructing attendees about what it takes to construct and carry out puppets for the large display. Panelists embrace Peter Charney, Phillip Huber, James Ortiz, Jon Riddleberger, and Julia Schemmer.
Puppetry in Movie
Friday, October 10 – 7:15pm-8:15pm
North Room 406.1
Premiering only a week or two after New York Comedian Con is Rob Lake’s Broadway present that includes the Muppets. Lake can be on the Large Broadway Nerd Panel to advertise the present, together with just a few people who want they set to work with the Muppets
The Large Broadway Nerd Panel
Saturday, October 11 – 3:45pm-4:45pm
North Room 408
Along with these Muppet/puppet-related occasions, we will additionally advocate The George Lucas Discuss Present (Saturday, Oct. eleventh at 1:00pm), which isn’t solely hosted by some good buddies of ToughPigs, however has had Henson-related friends prior to now. And the Blumfest panel (Friday, Oct 10 at 8:00pm) could also be overlaying 5 Nights at Freddy’s 2, which options Henson Creature Store-built puppets. And our buddy Leah (@electrichmayhempkins on Instagram) can be internet hosting the Pin Dealer’s Meetup, the place you will get some nifty pins in trade in your second-favorite pins.
Merch!
An enormous portion of the conference middle is devoted to distributors, which all the time all the time all the time means a lot of Muppet merchandise. With a eager eye (and a deep pocket), you’ll spot classic toys, Muppet Funko pops, Sesame Avenue motion figures, and extra.
We didn’t spot any unique Muppet-related merchandise choices this yr, however we’ve been shocked earlier than. So we’ll be making a beeline to the Funko sales space, Super7, and some others simply to see in the event that they’ve received something we’d like. Hey, you by no means know.
Artists Alley!
One of the attention-grabbing and delightful sections of the con is Artists Alley, the place rows and rows of tables are filled with artists peddling their wares. All of them have their very own creations on show, and we all the time discover various that we have to add to our collections.
Right here’s a brief checklist of just some of these artists you’ll have to take a look at, all of whom are assured to have some unimaginable Muppet artwork and could also be open to customized commissions.
Jodie Rae Charity (Disney artist) – Sales space F-25
Chris Eliopoulos (I Am Jim Henson) – Sales space A-16
Jay Fosgitt (Fraggle Rock comedian, Sesame Avenue comedian) – Sales space B-30
Amy Mebberson (The Muppet Present Comedian E-book) – Sales space A-14
David Petersen (Fraggle Rock comedian) – Sales space Ok-05
James Silvani (Muppet King Arthur, Muppet Snow White) – Sales space A-13
Cosplay!
I do know I gush lots about merch and artwork and stuff, however I actually assume my favourite aspect of any Comedian Con is the cosplay. I’m obsessive about how individuals may be so artistic to create their very own costumes or discover intelligent spins on representing their favourite characters. Even when I don’t know who they’re imagined to be dressed as, I believe they’re all unimaginable.
So after all, hidden amongst the Spider-Mans and Pikachus, you’re certain to search out just a few Muppets. Widespread costumes I’ve seen over time embrace Jim Henson (full with beard and frog), Jareth (full with Tina Turner wig and codpiece), and Miss Piggy (full with satin gloves and a stable proper hook). I think we’ll be seeing much more this yr, with so many Muppet initiatives in our latest rear view mirror and a brand new Muppet Present on the horizon.
Well-known Individuals!
What, you assume solely regular individuals to go cons?? No, the Hollywood Elite are there too! A lot of them are there to advertise their new initiatives and rejoice anniversaries, however then additionally they stick round for pictures and autographs (typically for a value) with the followers. And the place there are well-known individuals, there are Muppet connections!
There are two celebs I wish to name out as must-sees, and I do know I’ll be stopping by each of their cubicles. Fraggle Rock: Again to the Rock star Lilli Cooper (Doc) can be in attendance with the Hazbin Lodge forged, posing for picture ops on the 7 Bucks a Pop sales space (4515) on Thursday, October ninth beginning at 11:00am.
And our pal Hornswoggle (aka Dylan Postl), who you’ve seen as a gulag prisoner in Muppets Most Needed, is a big enormous enormous Muppet fan in his personal proper. He’ll be on the Professional Wrestling Tees sales space (4643) on Sunday, October twelfth.
Are you prepared now for New York Comedian Con?? Have enjoyable going to panels (particularly ours!), shopping for all of the merch, dressing as a Fraggle, and making new buddies. And when you spot any of us from the ToughPigs crew, you should definitely say hello!
Click on right here to get con crud on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Joe Hennes and Matthew Soberman
