Interview: AJ Velasco talks fall convention exclusives from Bandai Namco Toys

With big conventions like New York Comic Con, one of my favorite places on the convention floor is the Bandai Namco Toys and Collectables booth. It’s so expensive, and it feels like a mini con on the convention floor. I’m a big fan of many of their properties and products and I make sure to try to get at least one convention exclusive. This is my third time talking to the folks at Bandai Namco Toys and Collectables, and here I speak with AJ Velasco, Assistant Manager Digital Marketing, about their presence at NYCC, how it’s different from their space at SDCC, and what stuff they had special for fans at NYCC this year.

Lytle: What are some of the things that are happening in New York Comic Con for Bandai Namco Toys and Collectibles?

Velasco: So this year, we’ve got a whole village that has shown a lot of our different brands. So we’ve got our Tamashii Nations brand, we got Tamagotchi, we got Mega House, we have Premium Bandai in one corner, we have Gashapon on their own little island, not too far. And then my favorite is the Godzilla Coney Island-themed corner we’ve got.

Lytle: I also noticed that you guys, compared to your San Diego display, brought back a lot of the bigger things, like a Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade balloon at the One Piece section. What was the thinking of bringing that back for New York Comic Con?

Velasco: I think ultimately, when it comes to it as a welcome piece, I think nothing beats a giant Gear 5 Luffy. I think because he can stretch and he is the main character of the series, I think that’s the first photo and thing you’re going to see. I think that’s the most exciting thing that could be for One Piece.

Lytle: What is going on with Gundam at New York Comic Con 2025?

Velasco: So, while Gundam doesn’t have a booth specifically at New York Comic Con, the Gundam Pop-Up World Tour is happening at American Dream (in New Jersey), which attendees can go to by hopping onto our Gundam bus for free of charge. So, it’ll take you from Javits Center to American Dream, and even over to Tamashii Nations store, over in Times Square, and then even back here at Javits Center. So all of that, all for free.

Lytle: I noticed that you have a bigger and more expansive, louder display for Gashapon. What went into the thinking of making that more of a draw to your booth sections?

Velasco: Yeah, honestly, I love Gashapon. It’s a little bit of my danger spot for my own wallet, but I love that there’s now a theme song to it. A lot of the displays have changed themselves up into more spherical shapes, and there’s just a lot more color involved. There’s even this giant Gashapon machine. So I think that it doesn’t work, but it looks great in person. It’s about my height. I’m about 5’9″ or so. It’s amazing to see this machine, just one machine that size.

Lytle: What is your big exclusive for the booth this weekend?

Velasco: For sure, here at Tamashii Nations, it’s going to be the S.H.Figurarts Gogeta. Also, fans have been clamoring about this really cool anniversary of the S.H.Figurarts Son Goku & Dragon 40^th Anniversary Edition. I think those two are going to be the hot takes. As well as a Banpresto statue of Luffy.

Lytle: Thank you so much for telling me what’s going on with Bandai Namco at New York Comic Con 2025.

Velasco: Awesome, well, thank you for visiting!

Check out the piece by Billy Henehan with pictures of the many toys in the booth!

Stay tuned to The Beat for more coverage from NYCC ’25.