The sought-after trading card property, Craniacs — created by former Topps VP Ira Friedman and beloved Garbage Pail Kids lead artist Joe Simko — have announce they will be at this year’s New York Comic Con with a variety of treats and experiences from unique scavenger hunts, to comic shop signings, to early copies of Issue #1 of the brand-new Craniacs comics (published later in October from Titan Comics).

Here’s a sneak preview of what’s happening:

Trading Card Scavenger Hunt

Starting on Thursday October 9 and continuing through Sunday October 12, a card giveaway will be hosted by four partners, each distributing a specific CRANIACS card – available only at their booths. When combined, the four cards will reveal a cool CRANIACS puzzle. The cards are free—while supplies last – at the following locations:

• NYCC Show Store (ReedPop) – Booth #4103 (check out the Simko signed CRANIACS blacklight screen print – limited to 250)
• Toy Tokyo – Booth #1170 (don’t miss the vinyl figure preview of fan favorite Craniac “Hal”)
• Pop Insider Magazine – Booth #1829 (pick up a raffle ticket to win an autographed CRANIACS skateboard deck)
• Pin Club – Booth #1323 (5 pin-tacular designs will be introduced – collect all 5 Craniacs!)

CRANIACS Comics from Titan Comics

Global publisher Titan Comics has assembled a phenomenal team to collaborate on this unique series: Joe Simko (pencils, inks), Sholly Fisch (story/script), Valentina Bianconi (coloring), Dave Lentz (lettering). The publisher will release a limited quantity of CRANIACS Issue #1 at the Con – one week prior to the Oct. 15, 2025 national shelf date. A graphic novel collection of all four issues will be available Spring 2026.

In-Store Event (off site):

Forbidden Planet/NYC will celebrate the comic launch with a store signing with the brand creators. The event is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 from 4:30pm-6pm at Forbidden Planet’s Greenwich Village location – 832 Broadway, NYC. (Pre-orders for signed CRANIACS Issue #1 are available here.)

On the Show Floor

Copies of Issue #1 will be on hand for purchase from ComiXposure – Booth #3935.

Artist Joe Simko is scheduled to sign books on Sat. Oct. 11 starting at 12:30pm.