We’ve had a couple weeks now to reflect on the jam-packed weekend Shadowhunters fans had at this year’s New York Comic Con, despite Freeform not bringing the show or its cast to the event in any official capacity (you can check out the article we wrote leading up to it here). Members of the #SaveShadowhunters campaign had previously joked that the only two elements they had not yet conquered in their quest to save the show from cancelation were water and fire – “land” being the various billboards, pedicabs, and bus ads; and “air” with the airplane banner over the Netflix headquarters. So, of course, the next logical choice was water.
With New York Comic Con approaching, a phone call was made to investigate the cost of placing an ad on the nearby ferry, but it seemed like that would be cost prohibitive (the same goes for any sort of advertisement in the nearby area during Comic Con, for that matter). But, in an amazing turn of events, they received a callback with a, “Hey, is this for Shadowhunters? The boss’ son loves that show. I can cut you a deal!” In just one hour, fans from all around the world banded together to raise money to advertise on the New York Waterway ferry directly next to where New York Comic Con was located. It was shown every 8-10 minutes from Thursday, October 4th to Sunday, October 7th. Take a look at the full video online; as well as fan-recorded videos here and here!
In addition to having the advertisement on the ferry (affectionately dubbed the “ShadowShip”), the money raised also went towards bringing swag to hand out to fans attending NYCC – this included tote bags, buttons, posters, flyers, lanyards, and even bracelets made by a fan and her daughter. There was also a Facebook filter, which could be used anywhere, and a geo-location Snapchat filter which fans could use around the Javits Center.
We got our swag! Thanks to the @BoomBitchesSH for your hard work! 💙 #ShadowhuntersTakeNYCC pic.twitter.com/4iGcE7ncDf
— ShumDario News (@ShumDarioNews) October 6, 2018
Our very own @BoomBitchesSH, @michellemisfitx @NY_Comic_Con being inundated with fans, check out the incredible cosplay! #ShadowhuntersTakeNYCC #NYCC18 pic.twitter.com/TCiRygBWz7
— BoomBitches (@BoomBitchesSH) October 5, 2018
If she wasn’t a fan of @ShadowhuntersTV before @NY_Comic_Con she will be now! #ShadowhuntersTakeNYCC#NYCC18 pic.twitter.com/v8bhkfccpy
— BoomBitches (@BoomBitchesSH) October 7, 2018
Fans were also surprised by a visit from Katherine McNamara who plays Clary Fairchild on the show. On the heels of her nomination (written in by the fans) as a finalist for The Female TV Star at the People’s Choice Awards, Kat showed up at the E! People’s Choice Awards Food Truck. Kat could be found giving out “I voted for Shadowhunters” buttons along with donuts. When she wasn’t busy with official donut distribution duties, Kat was chatting with fans, taking pictures, signing autographs, and even had a chance to try out the #SaveShadowhunters Snapchat filter!
my heart is full. Look at all that Shadow Love! #SaveShadowhunters #ShadowhuntersTakeNYCC pic.twitter.com/wJRyPc4UCH
— Alyssa (@joyfuljukebox) October 6, 2018
Big shoutout to my favorite Shadowhunter, @Kat_McNamara !! Thanks for stopping by #NYCC ! Don’t forget to vote for Shadowhunters in the People’s Choice Awards! #SaveShadowhunters @ShadowhuntersTV @NY_Comic_Con #ShadowhuntersTakesNYCC pic.twitter.com/4Mcm7YyHC0
— TheTravelingKiwi (@KiwiTraveling) October 6, 2018
Shadowhunters’ location manager, John Rakich, also stopped by to chat with fans. He shared a photo of his goodies on social media as well as some amazing photos of fans with Katherine McNamara on Saturday. Word of the #SaveShadowhunters movement at NYCC even made its way across the country to writer Taylor Mallory, who shared a photo sent to her from a friend attending, telling her they saw the #SaveShadowhunters bags “everywhere.”
From ferries to free donuts to swanky swag, Shadowhunters’ presence was strongly felt this year at New York Comic Con.
#KatherineMcNamara (@Kat_McNamara) of course has my vote for #TheFemaleTVStar at the #PCAs! She’s an angel (who asks difficult trivia questions 😂). #ShadowhuntersTakeNYCC pic.twitter.com/qTcw8dpMqP
— Rebecca (@rschaef9) October 6, 2018
Thank you to Tasha A., Denise P., and Rebecca S. who contributed to this article.
