Audible’s Slayers: A Buffyverse Story debuted this week, and the company’s immersive Buffyverse: The Slayers Society activation at NYCC 2023 welcomed fans into the world of slayers, vampires, and nostalgic ’90s/’00s tunes.
The audio-led experience is designed to be a meeting place for current and wannabe slayers. First, you are given a history of where this story takes place in the Buffy lore. Once your narrator finishes, you are escorted into the main meeting area where you can grab a beverage at the Potion Bar and listen to some Gwen Stefani while you wait to have your tarot cards read (my reader Kelsey was amazingly spot on, by the way). There is also a listening station where you can hear portions of the new Audible series.
One of the slayers on-site offers you a “Scratch and Seek” card where you must find all the objects to earn a prize. Some fans received hats and other gear. I received a cool pin and some stickers when I cashed in my fully scratched card.
Around the corner, you will meet another slayer who is in the training area, honing her vamp-killing skills. This is also a spot for photo ops.
The final stop is a secret door that allows guests to literally get in the middle of the story by stepping into a glass cube. Various characters such as Spike (James Marsters) narrate parts of the tale while images dance around you. This 360 perspective is the most immersive of the experience, but maybe skip it if you have a light sensitivity or vertigo.
If you are heading to NYCC today, the Slayers Society is located at 508 W 37th St., NYC (a 5-minute walk from Javits Center). No NYCC badge is required to attend.