Overture Goes to NYCC 2026: 3D Printing, Cosplay, and Creativity
By Greg Bejtlich | October 2025
From Props to Pop Culture: How 3D Printing Shaped NYCC 2026
New York Comic Con 2026 filled the Javits Center in New York City from October 8 to 11, drawing more than 200,000 fans, creators, and media. It is the biggest pop culture event on the East Coast, celebrating comics, movies, games, cosplay, and technology all under one roof.The show attracts every kind of fan: movie lovers, gamers, collectors, and cosplayers filled the halls while top-tier franchises like Marvel and Digimon made major appearances and game developers like Bandai Namco showcased titles such as Little Nightmares III. Panels featuring high-profile TV series also pulled large crowds, adding to the nonstop energy from morning through night.
Why Overture Was There
Overture joined NYCC 2026 to explore how 3D printing continues to shape cosplay and connect with the builders bringing it to life. The event offered a rare chance to meet creators using our materials firsthand and to learn how desktop fabrication is empowering fans to design, test, and build professional-quality props from home.
The Role of 3D Printing in Cosplay
Cosplay craftsmanship keeps evolving. Builders now combine EVA foam, 3D-printed parts, fabric, electronics, and hours of finishing work. Raw prints are rare; sanding, priming, and painting are standard. Many attendees recognized Overture filament and shared how our PLA and PETG blends help them achieve detailed armor and durable pieces that hold up through long convention days.While PLA remains the most common material, more makers are experimenting with advanced blends and flexible filaments for wearable components. 3D printing is lowering the barrier to entry, making it easier for anyone to create screen-worthy costumes without specialized tools or workshops.
Emerging Trends
The future of cosplay fabrication is hybrid. Builders are blending printed parts with foam and resin to balance strength, flexibility, and comfort. New materials like heat-resistant PLA blends and TPU are unlocking designs that move more naturally and last longer. These innovations are turning cosplay into an engineering challenge as much as an art form.
Our Takeaway
NYCC reminded us why we love this community. Creativity thrives where fandom meets fabrication, and 3D printing continues to open new doors for expression. We left inspired by the makers pushing boundaries, the artists refining their techniques, and the fans turning imagination into reality.Overture is committed to supporting that creativity through better materials, shared knowledge, and the same spirit of curiosity that fills every corner of Comic Con.
Special thanks to our Marketing Specialist Dylan (Right) and partner content creator Jeffrey @kenny_phish (Left)
