SATURDAY 

1PM - Final Girl 101

The “final girl” has been observed in both the horror genre’s highest and lowest moments. Join some of the best of the NYC horror community for a femme-forward panel discussion on the monolith of the women who survive, and kick ass doing it. 

• Moderated by: Xero Gravity (Host/ Podcaster/ Media Personality)

  Panelists:  

• Gigi Murakami Horror Manga Artist & Illustrator

• Drop Dead Gorgeous Films (Audrey Lorber) Filmmaker/Producer

• Ghosdee Music Creator, Horror Enthusiast) 

• Samantha McLaren Writer, Artist, and Horror Fanatic

• Kat Daddy Horror Sci/Fi Enthusiast/ Podcaster

2PM - Wrestling Universe: Rikishi

Keynote Q&A Panel Discussion

• Moderated by: Machoverse Cosplayer

3PM - X-MEN ‘97 to INfinity Q&A

Keynote Q&A Panel Discussion 

Keynote Q&A The legacy of X-MEN Animated  joined by Beast, Storm, and O.G. Jubilee

Alison Sealy Smith, George Buza, and Alyson Court

• Moderated by: Tatiana King (For All Nerds)

  Panelists:

• Alison Sealy Smith

• George Buza

• Alyson Court

4PM - The Business of Comics & Storytelling: Breaking into The Comic Book Industry

Kickstarter, Independent Publishers, & Working for the Big 3

How do you become one of the leading voices in comics? We are joined by talented and professional writers, artists and publishers on a panel to discuss their individual journey in the comic book industry and how they all started their own careers. The industry veterans will delve into their experience running their own kickstarters, Working with IP, and navigating the ever-changing comic book industry.

Moderated by: Ronald Simmons aka You Don’t Read Comics - Comics Media Website 

Panelists:  

• Joseph P.  Illidge (Writer/ Veteran Batman Editor)

• Greg Burnham (Writer/ Publisher/ Milestone Initiative Graduate)

• Marcus Williams (Illustrator/ Writer)

• Rodney Barnes (Screenwriter/ Producer/ Writer)

• Regine Sawyer (Writer/ Publisher/ Founder Women in Comics)

• Afua Richardson (illustrator)

5PM - Cosplay Foamsmith 101 Foam Basics: Guide to cosplay armor & prop design

Have you ever wanted to make your own Rengoku Nichirin Blade, Mandalorian or Iron Man suit and don’t know how to start? This group of talented cosplayers will guide you on the basics of creating your own cosplay armor and props. From their personal experiences in cosplay to learning techniques, and crafting skills to building friendships and networks. Learn about crafting DIY tips, and what materials you need to get started!

Moderated by: Vanta Creates Cosplayer, Prop Designer

Panelists:

• MisterAbsFitness

• Marc Kandel

• Jamal Johns

• Angel_ta2

• Redfield Cosplay Design

• Whiskey Powered Cosplay

SUNDAY

1PM - Behind the Scenes: Pop-Culture Journalism

Entertainment journalism is serious business and pop-culture reporting has a real impact on the media landscape and can spark compelling conversations. People on the outside looking in see the perks and the social side but not the exhausting career path, hard-work, credibility and development of written communication skills. 

Being a journalist is demanding especially for freelancers. This panel of talented credentialed journalists offer up an incite into pitching, juggling deadlines, personal hardships and accomplishments on the entertainment beat.

• Moderated By: Nadya Martinez aka Gotham Geek Girl (Journalist, Pundit, Programming Coordinator)
  Panelist:

• Valerie Complex (Associate Editor & Film Writer at Deadline)

• Karama Horne (Culture Journalist, Content Creator, Host & Critic)

• Rachel Leishman (Entertainment Journalist, Mary-Sue and Collider)

• Kristen Maldonado (Founder &n Editor-in-Chief/ TV/Film Critic, Host)

• Tatiana King (Podcaster, Writer, Editor and Producer)

• Ben Ha Meen (Writer, Screen-writer, Podcaster)

• Michael Reyes (Senior Movies Contributor, CinemaBlend)
  

2pm - MMPR Reunion Panel: The Original Cast

Keynote Q&A Panel Discussion 

• Moderated by: Nadya Martinez aka Gotham Geek Girl (Journalist, Pundit, Programming Coordinator)

  Panelists:

• Walter Jones

• Carla Perez

• Blake Foster 

3PM - Graphic Novels & Sequential Art

Description: Looking for exciting storytelling beyond mainstream comics? This group of talented independent publishers, artists and writers break down redefining creator-owned projects and creating their own path in the comic book industry. Join in on the conversation and learn about the process of sequential story-telling, publishing original content and what lies beyond the big two.

• Moderator by: Sade' Paige aka Whatpaigeisit Geek Blogger/ Cosplayer/ DSTLRY Social

• Panelists: Carl Paolino Writer/ Animator/ SVA Animation & Fine Arts Teacher (Spontania)

  Mina Elwell Writer (Hellicious, InferNoct)

  David Crownson Founder of Kingwood Comics, Writer/ Creator (Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer, Nightmare in Newark)
  
  AJ Ampadu Independent Publisher of Hip-Hop and Graphic Novels/ Founder EarthTone Kingdom (Kimi Kosmic)

  
  Jon Santana, Publisher at Iron Age Comics, Writer/ Creator (Jaded, The Wordsmith, Everhounds)

4PM - Pop-Culture Content Creation: Creating Your Own Brand

This panel will be a discussion about using your niche, and content creators that have created a name for themselves in the geek space. Whether it's comic books, anime, movies, collecting or hosting. This panel of talented creators have all shown us they are power players in their respective fields and fandoms. Catch this creative panel to see how you too can build your own brand.

• Moderated by: Sachi Host/Cosplayer/Digital Creator/Panelist/Variety Streamer

  Panelists:

• Dimitri Beauchamp, Content Creator/ DJ 

• Danny O’Neill, Content Creator

• Uneeb Khan, WatchWithNeebz Digital Creator/ Podcaster 

• Justin Bowen, Digital Creator Dance & Video Games 

• Sade’ Paige, Creator, Cosplayer, Social Media DSTLRY

• Nina Dudko, ContentCreator

5PM - videogame dance workshop

Justin Bowen Digital Creator Dance & Video Games
Description - "Come learn some dance choreography to videogame music with JustIndieCisive! Participants will be given a look into the House dance genre and how it and other styles can be used to dance to some of their favorite game OSTs!"

BKCC ‘24 workshop Schedule

SATURDAY

1 PM - Carl Paolino Toy / SFX

Carl Paolino Writer/ Animator/ SVA Animation & Fine Arts Teacher (Spontania)

3 PM - Kia Sangria: Sewing 101

Kia Sangria is a Bronx NYC-based cosplay and sewist who has been creating and crafting since 2012. In her panel "My Sewing Academia" she will be your guide to affordable sewing machines, affordable fabrics, how to properly read and modify patterns, and sew much more to help you transform yourself into your favorite characters! Bring a notebook and a friend because the class is in session! 

SunDAY

1 PM - Cosfashion: Bringing Your Fandom to the Runway

In this panel you'll learn how to reinvent your favorite characters in various styles, eras and trends of fashion with tips and tricks on how you too can bring your own fun fashion flare to any cosplays and serve a look.

It's giving Cosplay meets Fashion Week! 

Think, Fairycore Starfire or Afro Goth Storm. 

Join Cosplayer, Fashion Designer and EMMY Nominated Costume Designer Delta Major and Fashion Designer and Couturier Bythegoddess as they teach you how to bring your Fandom to the Runway.

2 PM - Rodney Barnes Horror Panel

3 PM - Masked Dad : Worbla Workshop

Hosted By: LEVI JAMES & VANTA CREATES

The workshop will teach the fundamental skills of working with Eva foam while also sharing our personal tips and  techniques.

A hands on workshop for the next generation of Eva foam builders and cosplay enthusiasts.

4 PM - Comic Book Trivia - You Don’t Read Comics

Comic Book Trivia - Hosted by You Don’t Read Comics & Powered by Midtown Comics (trivia, prizes, signage)

5 PM - GeeK Girl Strong: Wellness For Geeks Who Sit

Calling all gamers, writers, cosplayers, artists, and desk dwellers! This workshop is designed to help you with those aches and pains that we develop from being hunched over the latest armor build or finishing a campaign. Discover the secrets to conquering seated life and beyond with mobility stretches and strength movements. Plus, unlock the key to sustained energy with bonus nutritional tips. Get ready to level up your wellness game and experience cons without taking (too much) damage.