Prime Video adult animated musical comedy series Hazbin Hotel debuted in January and quickly developed a large and loyal fanbase, which was well-represented at Thursday’s New York Comic Con panel. Creator Vivienne Medrano explained to panel moderator Perri Nemiroff and the audience the origins of her love of animation. “I was piecing together what animation was at a very young age.” She often paused movies at specific moments to study how they looked. Her third grade art teacher Mr. Springer was also an inspiration.

Medrano was a freelance artist before becoming involved in both Hazbin Hotel and fellow animated series Helluva Boss, though she had many friends who were in the business. Her best advice for those looking to get into this space: “I had such a specific vision of the show. It’s very important to collaborate. But if you have a vision, know what you’re not willing to bend on and stick with that.”

Kimiko Glenn (the voice of Niffty and Susan) was told by people for years that “You have a really interesting voice.” But she would go to audition after audition and not land gigs. HH and the title role on Baby Shark’s Big Show! changed all that. For Broadway vet Alex Brightman (who voices Adam and Sir Pentious), he loves that HH “runs like a [stage] musical.” He credits different posture positions for success in the voice recording booth.

Season 2 of Hazbin Hotel is coming soon, and this trio shared as much as they could, with Brightman admitting that when it comes to specific details and storylines, “We’re the only people that we can talk to about it.” Medrano revealed that “We’re pretty far… but we’re still cooking. It’s looking amazing. I’m very proud of this season.” Expect “grander” visuals to the rebuilt hotel.

Brightman shared that Season 2 features, “One of the hardest, most dramatic things” he’s ever done in his career. Glenn “leaned into” the unpredictability of Niffty: “You just don’t know what to expect with her.” And Medrano addressed a fan question of whether there could be a story beyond 23 minutes: “I would love to do a feature in this universe.”