My Disney Top 5 – Recap: Disney at 2024 New York Comic Con
Welcome back to another Disney Top 5.
Hello MousePlanet! It has been quite some time since I last put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, or thoughts to screen, or however you say things nowadays. I took a significant break from posting due to a crazy health issue and just my crazy life getting in the way of doing things that I always loved to do. But it’s high time I get back on the horse and start jotting down some Disney-related countdowns again. I posted a simple comment on another popular Disney fan message board and received a heartwarming response, something like, “Hey, are you the Chris Barry who used to post those wonderful Top 5 lists over on MousePlanet? I sure do miss those.” Many thanks to that poster because I certainly miss them too. Lucky for me I have a ton of things to say and write about — so let’s get started.
Back in October of 2024, pretty much right before I took ill, I spent the weekend doing one of the things that has quite simply defined who I am for a long, long time now. I wandered around a comic convention searching for any and all things related to the wide world of Disney. And not just any comic convention. Once a year, in a gleaming building of glass and steel nestled on the banks of Manhattan’s mighty Hudson River, the throngs of fanboys and fangirls — and pretty much everyone else these days — gather for four days of New York Comic Con to be who they are and celebrate all things pop culture. I’m proud to say that I’m part of that community and was as happy as the next geek to be back.
My goal each year is to scour the show floor, attend some panels, spend some hard earned money, and bask in the utter cacophony that is New York Comic Con. I am, of course, looking at Comic Con through the eyes of a Disney fan. That’s a pretty easy thing to do theses days given that Disney holds Star Wars, Marvel, The Muppets, and almost everything else under their massive magical umbrella. So, let’s take a look at what I found in the cavernous Jacob Javits Convention Center with my Top 5 Disney at New York Comic Con 2024.
5 – Disney Cosplay
One of the highlights of any comic convention are fans walking around dressed as their favorite heroes, heroines, and pretty much anyone else that even remotely relates to their pop culture psyches. I’ve seen tons of Batmans, hobbits, anime characters, video game superstars, and representatives from every corner of the Spiderverse at Comic Con. But I’ve also seen fans cosplaying as Bob Ross complete with fan brushes and a palette of authentic colors like Van Dyke Brown and Alizarin Crimson. If you watched Bob Ross…you know. Naturally, there are always a handful of great Disney cosplayers and this year was no different and featured some of my all time favorites.
I was thrilled to see someone dressed up as The Rocketeer, a lost Disney classic if you ask me.
I’ve seen Jessica Rabbit cosplayers before, but never accompanied by Roger Rabbit and Eddie Valiant!
Someone went all out with this Queen Amidala costume.
I love when the cosplayers mash things up. I couldn’t pass up a photo of Deadpool Pooh vs. Wolverine Tigger
There’s always a few Jack Sparrows walking around the show floor, but this was my first Pelegostos Tribe Jack Sparrow and he looked great.
I’m a big Hercules fan, so I was thrilled to see someone giving Meg some love. Check out @karlita.cosplays on Instagram for one of the standout Disney-inspired looks of the weekend!
But I have to say, my favorite Disney cosplayer this year was the Haunted Mansion’s Hatbox Ghost, complete with detached head!
4 – Disney Collectibles
It was a great Comic Con for Disney collectibles. There are years where I struggle to find a lot of stuff, and there are years like this past one, where I literally had my choice of purchases as well as cool stuff for the wish list! Let’s take a look at some of the things that made it home with me first.
There was a random vendor toward the very back of the show floor who had a pretty amazing booth full of Disney items, mostly from the Disney 100 collection. Considering how rabid a Disney collector I am, it was surprising how many of these I had not seen before.
On the lower shelves, they had a nice selection of smaller figures and sets.
Then up top, they had some beautiful bigger figures, which I regrettably just don’t have the shelf space for.
Over in the Hallmark booth, I spotted the Haunted Mansion ornament collection. I have no intention of ever hanging these on a Christmas tree, but the singing busts from the graveyard found a spot on my collectible shelf.
I absolutely love stopping by Mark Huckabone’s booth at Comic Con. If you’re into this kind of thing, you have probably seen Mark on the old Toy Hunter series or on METV’s Collector’s Call with Facts of Life star Lisa Whelchel. Mark’s booth is always jam packed and stuffed to the rafters with toys from my era — the ’60s and ’70s. It’s literally like stepping back into my childhood! This time Mark had a few interesting “Disney” pieces. I use the quotation marks because they were foreign Disney knockoffs more than likely the from ’70s.
The characters were just slightly off, but that’s just fine by me. This is the kind of rare stuff that a Disney collector looks for. Mark tried to get me to buy both sets he had in his booth, but I was financially responsible and just went with the smaller Mickey Mouse plane toy. I kind of regret not taking his deal on both, but once again, space is key in my house….as is my marriage to my lovely and tolerant wife!
Crystal maker Swarovski typically has a booth at NYCC and this year they had some incredible pieces that did not make it home with me.
I always like stopping by and chatting with the guys at the Lionel Trains booth. And once again, I left without this awesome Mickey and Minnie handcar. Again, I love it but…where am I putting it?
There’s always some rare or one of a kind statues or “toys” for sale at Comic Con. Take a look at this Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket statue from the famous artist Kaws. Very cool. to see.
3 – Disney Original Fine Art
For two years in a row, I have written about original Disney concept art that has literally stopped me in my tracks at the Choice Fine Art booth. This is always a favorite stop at New York Comic Con. The walls are covered with original art, concept art and production cels from al sorts of animated favorites like DC, Marvel, Warner Brothers and, of course, Disney. Two years ago, it was a Mary Blair drawing from Song of the South. Last year it was two pieces of Blair’s work from Cinderella and Alice in Wonderland that took my breath away. Mary Blair is a Disney legend and a literal pioneer when it comes to female artists in the animation industry. Her beautiful and vibrant colors and styles are seen throughout the golden age of classic Disney animation as well as it’s a small world and the legendary mural in the Contemporary Resort at Walt Disney World. This year it was another Disney legend that caused me to once again, stop and stare in amazement.
I’ve always been drawn to the incredible artwork in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty. It’s truly one of Walt Disney Animation’s masterpieces. Much of the beauty found in that extraordinary film can be credited to the background work, color choices and styling of Disney legend Eyvind Earle. This piece of concept art from Sleeping Beauty was a treat to behold and — to be perfectly honest — one of the salesmen from Choice Fine Art and I essentially stood there geeking out together about this remarkable piece of art. This was even more rare than the Mary Blair pieces I fell in love with over the last two years and — trust me, if I had an extra 27 grand — this would be hanging on my wall right now.
2 – Disney Artist James C. Mulligan
Every New York Comic Con brings a few traditions with it — dodging traffic outside the Javits Center, the perfect slice of pizza afterwards, and most importantly for me, a stop at the booth of James C. Mulligan.
If you’ve read my past columns, you know I’ve sung the praises of James many times. More than just an immensely talented Disney artist, he’s someone I’m proud to call a friend. Over the years, his work has continued to grow in depth, creativity, and emotion, and every time I stop by to catch up, I leave inspired — not just by the art, but by the man behind it.
This year, James had something truly special on display: a one-of-a-kind original piece featuring Mary Poppins, Bert, and the penguins — a glorious celebration of the practically perfect nanny and her chimney-sweep companion.
It radiated charm and elegance, just like the characters themselves. And as if that wasn’t enough, I left with a signed copy of his NYCC exclusive print featuring Ariel from The Little Mermaid dressed to the nines for a night on Broadway.
Look closely, and you’ll spot clever Disney references hidden in the background marquees—a classic Mulligan touch. His ability to merge pop culture, Broadway, and Disney into a single frame is something truly magical.
Be sure to follow James on his various social media platforms and check out his website. You won’t be disappointed.
It’s always a highlight to spend time with James, and this year’s visit was no different. His booth felt like a little oasis of Disney joy in the middle of Comic Con chaos, and I’m grateful, as always, for the experience.
1 – Meeting Muppet Legend Guy Gilchrist
Now, here’s a moment that goes beyond Comic Con. Beyond fandom. Beyond art.
This was personal.
For those who may not know, I spent a brief but wonderful period early on in my career working with Jim Henson and the Muppets, and it’s a part of my life that has shaped me in more ways than I can say. So when I learned that Guy Gilchrist, the man who brought the Muppets to life on the comics page for years as Jim Henson’s cartoonist, was going to be at NYCC…well, let’s just say I circled that booth on my map immediately.
Meeting Guy was everything I hoped it would be. We spoke about our time with the Henson company, trading memories like old friends at a reunion. There was an easy connection there, built on a shared love for the Muppets and the people who created them. Looking through Guy’s work was a joy — his illustrations full of heart, humor, and that unmistakable Muppet energy.
We also talked about his latest creative endeavor — a new book he’s currently working on, a deeply personal project that promises to combine his signature storytelling with his lifelong love of art and characters but mostly focusing on the unknown people behind the scenes at The Muppets who helped bring that particular magic to life. If you’re interested in keeping up with Guy’s work or learning more about his upcoming book, I highly recommend visiting his website.
This wasn’t just a Comic Con highlight — it was a life highlight. I sincerely hope Guy continues to make appearances on the convention circuit, as his stories, kindness, and contributions to the legacy of Jim Henson deserve to be shared far and wide. For me, this was more than meeting an artist. It was a full-circle moment, reconnecting with the magic that had inspired me years ago and still fuels me today.
So there you have it—my triumphant return to My Disney Top 5 and a recap of a truly unforgettable New York Comic Con. Even after a difficult time personally, moments like these remind me how lucky I am to be part of this amazing Disney-loving community. Whether it’s a cosplay that makes you smile, a piece of art that moves you, or a handshake that brings the past flooding back, the magic is always there, waiting to be rediscovered.
And just like that, it’s almost time to do it all over again. New York Comic Con 2025 is right around the corner, and if you’ve never been — or even if you have — let me personally encourage you to make the trip. Whether you’re there for Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, the Muppets, or just the thrill of being surrounded by thousands of passionate fans, it’s a weekend like no other. Tickets are on sale now at www.newyorkcomiccon.com. I’ll be there once again, walking the floor, meeting the artists, soaking in the creativity, and looking for that next bit of Disney magic. Maybe I’ll see you there!
Thanks for reading, and it’s great to be back. I’ll see you next time with another Disney Top 5!!
