New York Comic Con 2025 promises a lot of experiences, activations, and installations competing equally for as many eyeballs and cameras as possible. HBO’s original series, “IT: Welcome to Derry,” and Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” were particular standouts.
Facing your A.I.-generated fears
HBO Max’s “Face Your Fears” activation in booth 1207 is described as an “immersive, AI-driven fan experience set in a deceptively cheerful home in 1960s Derry, when the series takes place, and invites guests into an American child’s bedroom where comfort quickly gives way to dread.”
The AI-driven part was the most intriguing part. Someone from the booth asks each person before they enter the “house” what their most traumatic childhood fear is (mine was spiders) and with a spin of the wheel, the order is set, and into the horror show we went.
Leading us inside is a very creepy mother, who tells us not to touch the toys in the child’s bedroom set-up. What follows is an escalating cascade of creepiness all driven by our previously stated fears. This is where the A.I.-enhanced encounters really kick off, including a closet door opening to reveal a disgusting amount of spiders “falling” on the floor.
The quick changes from fear to fear keep every guest appropriately unsettled, not quite knowing what is coming next. A fleeting appearance from Pennywise and then suddenly the door opens and a stern dad with a booming voice tells us to stop messing around and we exit.
Explore the Baxter Building
Outside of Javits Center over in Hudson Mercantile, The Fantastic Four’s infamous Baxter Building gets its own experience. As described by Marvel, “guests can experience the team’s headquarters like never before, from peeking into the kitchen where Ben Grimm tries his hand at cooking, to relaxing in the family’s living room, where they can grab a photo with beloved sidekick H.E.R.B.I.E.”
Walking into this felt like walking into an IKEA, it was clean and mod, with a museum-like atmosphere as folks browsed. Gag reels and interviews played on screens in different rooms, alongside The Thing on display. A Baxter Building helper is ready to help guests get a cute photo or video with H.E.R.B.I.E. and the Fantastic Four themselves (sort of).
Those might be the favorites, but they’re not the only ones. Check out the NYCC’s official app for all the exciting panels, exhibitors, artists, and more.