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Game of Thrones creator George R. R. Martin shares his memories of attending the first New York comic convention - 60 years ago
Game of Thrones and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms author George R. R. Martin was the first guest at New York’s first comic con back in 1964

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If you’re attending New York Comic Con 2025, then you might be lucky enough to spot George R. R. Martin. The critically acclaimed fantasy author is attending NYCC to promote A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, an HBO series which adapts his Tales of Dunk and Egg novellas. However, this isn’t the first time Martin has attended NYCC.
“This is much bigger than the first New York Comic Con I attended,” Martin jokes during the A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms spotlight panel at NYCC 2025.
In fact, Martin’s history with New York Comic Con goes back to the beginning.
“That was 1964, that was the first one, and I was the first member. I paid my $1.50, and I got badge number one,” Martin says. The author is referring to New York Comicon, a convention that was held on July 24, 1964 at the Workman’s Circle Building.
“There were about 30 people there selling old comic books, and fabulous Flo Steinberg was the major guest. Steve Ditko showed up, so it was very exciting for me to meet Steve Ditko. I had a great conversation with him, but I think I must’ve frightened him because that was the last comic con he ever attended.”
But it wouldn’t be the last one Martin would ever attend. I always knew that George R. R. Martin was extraordinary, and the fact that he was the first guest at New York’s first comic convention makes him even cooler.
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