COMIC CON Arrives with Indoor and Outdoor Fun in 2025

 

 

Jeri Jacquin

Yes, we know its summer in San Diego when San Diego Comic Con International takes over downtown San Diego. Wednesday night is Preview Night and that means something for everyone and the hints at what is to come for the next four days.

Arriving in the Exhibit Hall is always a treat and, of course, I have to head over to the Funko booth (#5145) to see the latest and greatest. It is always fun to see what faces are now gracing these five-inch-high cuties and yes, I have lots of them myself! Sony is just a few booths down (#4745) and you know they are going to show off a bit of what is coming to their slate including Anthony Mackie and TWISTED METAL, BETTER CALL SAUL, FOR ALL MANKIND, Starz series OUTLANDER, THE BOYS and the newest spinoff OUTLANDER: Blood of my Blood.

Right next to them is DC and with their summer hit of SUPERMAN, you can be sure there is plenty to give away and the line will be worth the wait. Abrams returns to Comic Con (#1216) with signings and exclusive giveaways with titles such as The Reckoning Roku, The Veracity Trap!, The Essential Peanuts and more. 

Down a few booths is a favorite of this family with Crunchyroll. If you haven’t had a chance to catch them on streaming, do it and you won’t regret a moment of it. Anime fans from all walks of life have a chance to stream all day some of the most fantastic series. Right around the corner from that is Disney (#4229) and with the success of their new series IRONHEART, this will definitely be a booth to hit up. Shout! Studios will have a photobooth featuring the background of shows like Arcane: League of Legends, Hard Boiled, PARANORMAN and more! Their pin sets are absolutely outstanding and I’m going to get MST3K for myself!

Kitty-corner to them is Nickelodeon and if there are any fans (and you know we are of all ages), drop by and see what they bring to the weekend of fun and trust when I say it’s a lot. A little further down you can find Paramount inside but they will also have The Lodge waiting outside for fans of series like LANDMAN, my favsies, STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds, DEXTER: Resurrection, NCIS: Tony & Ziva and MISSION: Impossible. You know Comic Con would not be complete without Star Wars making themselves right at home in practically the middle of the hall. I am quite temped to bring my Grogu along with me but he’s so darn cute and might get away from me!

Lego is right across the aisle and I love visiting them every year because basically I just don’t have the patience to make anything with them so this gives me an opportunity to golf-clap all the hard work they do to present awesomeness for fans. Just a few steps further and Marvel’s booth is waiting to show you everything, well, Marvel! It is always fun to see what they bring as it is quite nostalgic for me since my brother kept me interested and my sons love just about everything Marvel. The NECA’s booth (#3545) is inviting everyone into the Jason Universe with panels and giveaways as Spirit Halloween shows off its newest Jason mask in celebration of his 45^th anniversary, exclusive 45^th anniversary hats, and a limited-edition Mondo lithograph inspired by Sweet Revenge.

It is comics that put the comic in Comic Con so let’s talk about that as Roye Okupe will be signing for his graphic novel series Iyanu: Child of Wonder and IYANU has become the number one kid’s show on Cartoon Network and soon coming to film. Rob Liefeld will be on panel for “Rob Liefeld: Youngblood 33^rd Anniversary and fans can look for an exclusive in the Image booth (#1915). Comic Distro and eigoMANGA has several scheduled events and one the kids might be interested in it “Manga Tutorials for Kids” with a beginner-friendly workshop introducing kids to manga drawing and basic storytelling techniques. Titan is bringing much anticipated new comic to launch at Comic Con and guests that include Jim Zub (Conan the Barbarian), Max Allan Collins (Hard Case Crime’s Mike Hammer) and Roman Dirge (Lenore). 

IDW Publishing is bringing a brand-new booth design (#2729) and has packed their schedule with comics, creators, signings and panels that are sure to give a few secrets away. They will also have exclusive with Godzilla, Monster High, Star Trek, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Naruto. Wonderstorm is bringing the panel “The Dragon Prince: The Next Arc as creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond along with voice actors Jack De Sena and Dante Brasco to talk about what is next in the Dragon Prince world. Britton Payne moderates an interesting look at “Autism in Comic Books” as with Rebecca Burgess’ graphic novel “Speak Up!” and will be on panel to discuss comic books and their mission of inclusion.

The Mondo booth (#5045) will also be on hand to showcase their new collectables to include DC, Marvel, Godzilla and so much more. Penguin Random House booth’s (#1514 and #1515) are bringing the Eisner Nominated book Big Jim and the White Boy and more works including Muted: Volume One by Miranda Mundt, The History of the Computer by Rachel Ignatofsky, Castle Swimmer: Volume Two by Wendy Martin and Artifices & Alchemy: A Young Adventurer’s Guide by Jim Zub.

Don’t forget the Comic-Con Museum as all three levels have something to explore. U.S.’s First DOCTOR WHO exhibit, World Premier Lucha Libre exhibit, World Premier Tokidoki exhibit, World Premier Luann comic exhibit, Comic-Con Masquerade Costumers: Award-winning cosplay, and Julien’s ECHOES FROM THE GALAXY: A Star Wars Memorabilia Exhibit and Auction is coming on Sunday the 27^th.

There is so much more on the inside to see and do but let’s talk about outside, shall we? Just to start off the fun, the Thunderbolts Treatz Truck is going to keep us all cool in the heat offering up swag and ice cream with themes like “Strawberry Red Glory”, “American Shield”, “Winter Soldier Swirl” and “Killer Charm Sundae” . STAR TREK: Strange New Worlds is going to be bringing performers dressed as the U.S.S. Enterprise crew as the Gaslamp Quarter comes to life on a living stage plus an Interactive Zone at Petco Park.

DC has partnered with Old Spice and an immersive experience inspired by SUPERMAN and you can discover all of it on the Promenade Plaza at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel. LILO & STITCH has brought A Taste of Paradise! To San Diego in the Gaslamp Diagonal where there will be family-friendly activities with photo ops and free shaved ice to keep things super cool with unnecessary cuteness guaranteed!

FX’s ALIEN: Earth “The Wreckage” invites attendees to explore mysterious debris of the USCSS Maginot as part of the upcoming series by Noah Hawley. Fans will be part of interactive thrills and never-before-seen aliens. Adult Swim always brings the fun with the Smiling Friends break room, Rick and Morty Buttworld Bounce House, Adapt-a-Cuy Station, Common Side Effects Mushroom Hunt and all with games, photo ops and a Nightly DJ.

Finally, if you are wanting to see a favorite film, well, SDCC has that for you as well. At 6 p.m. in the Marriott Marquis you can see MY SCIENCE PROJECT, CAPTAIN AMERICA: Brave New World at 7:45 p.m. and AIR FORCE ONE all in one night. Now that’s what I call binge watching. Just think – this is just Preview Night!

See you tomorrow, wearing comfy shoes, bring water and charger packs!

San Diego Comic Con International 2024 Begins with Preview Night

Jeri Jacquin

Welcome once again to San Diego Comic Con International 2024 at the Convention Center in Downtown San Diego! Not one to disappoint, there is something for everyone to enjoy from July 24^th-28^th beginning with Preview Night tonight. It is an opportunity for badge-holders to meet in the middle (literally) of the Exhibit Hall to see colleagues, friends, acquaintances and all that exhibitors have to offer. Here are a few very cool facts to know about SDCC.

Comic Con began in 1970 with what would be considered a small group of around 300 people but has expanded to over 135,000+. The Exhibit Hall brings over a thousand exhibitors bringing comics, anime, gaming, discussions and workshops for fans. Flowing into other locations in the downtown area, SDCC is fun for badge and non-badge holders alike who want to be a part of the celebration.

In recent years, the television and film industry has made a space for themselves to bring even more fans to SDCC. Marvel Studios doesn’t need any explanation as to why they are at the convention, especially with the two-day away release of the highly anticipated DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE! Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman are expected but that doesn’t stop there as Marvel Studios also takes over for a panel on Saturday in Hall H. Also bringing a bit of fun is Paramount’s TRANSFORMER ONE and 20^th Century’s ALIENS: Romulus.

Television and streaming in Hall H is bringing such shows as Peacock’s highly successful series THOSE ABOUT TO DIE and TEACUP, Prime’s THE BOYS and RINGS OF POWER, and Disney+ PERCY JACKSON. Don’t worry zombie lovers, AMC hasn’t forgotten about you bringing the return of THE WALKING DEAD: Dead City and THE WALKING DEAD: Daryl Dixon – The Book of Carol, THE PENGUIN panel, and Kevin Smith returns. Also, SUPERMAN & Lois, BRZRKR: The Immortal Saga, and the Star Trek Universe. In Ballroom 20 are the shows GHOST and Apple TV+’s series SILO and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe.

FX’s series WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS brings its panel but also the pop-ups for THE BEAR and American Horror Story universes’ Hellevator. Fans will also get a sneak peek at the new Ryan Murphy series GROTESQUERIE, photo op’s for WHAT WE DO IN THE SHADOWS and ITS ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA Paddy’s Irish Pub.

Animation brings Celebrating 25 Years of Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob Squarepants, Futurama, The Simpsons, American Dad!, and Family Guy.

Off site, at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, attendees will find the Robert A. Heinlein Blood Drive, the Art Show that highlights creativity through media, and Her Universe Fashion Show that bring designers who want to win a chance to design for Her Universe. At the Omni is the RPG Play Theatre and other programming for shows, comics, shows and more. Hilton San Diego Bayfront also has program panels as well as the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, considered the Oscars for the comic industry can be found at the Indigo Ballroom on Friday.

Even the San Diego Central Library has programs to offer. with the Conference for Educators and Librarians at the Shiley Special Events Suite. The talks include how education can use the power of comics as well as podcasts, web series and the fiction genre events at the Neil Morgan Auditorium.

In Balboa Park is the Comic Con Museum also has panels and activities that mean surprises and sneak-peeks from Director of Programming Eddie Ibrahim and Executive Director of the Comic Con Museum Rita Vandergaw. To find out more about the Comic Con Museum, visit Booth #1714 in the Exhibit Hall.

Booths in the Exhibition Hall include such names as Titan, Penguin Random House, Hasbro, Lego, Bandai Namco, Nickelodeon, Dark Horse, DC, Fandom World, Pokemon, Chronical Books, Mondo, Funko and CrunchyRoll and so much more.

There is so much packed into four days but, with a great pair of comfy and cushioned tennis shoes and a huge container of water, I think we can get through this together. Every year, San Diego Comic Con International is the meeting place for so many people who just want to spend time among people of like minds. One of the fantastic things about this time of year are the costumes that are meticulously made (and they seriously should be proud of themselves) and showed off to others who are doing the exact same thing.

It is about getting that bag and seeing what pin is inside to add to the badge lanyard. It is about exchanging items and being thrilled to find those who want to talk everything Comic Con – comics, items bought at the Exhibit Hall, shows, writers, creators, books, posters, and the newest creation by the exhibitors.

Comic Con is truly an experience and with so many things to do both inside and outside the Convention Center, it is also an experience to walk the streets downtown for the badge-less to have fun as well. This is just an amazing four days once a year that brings out memories for friends and family (especially the kids on Sunday) – so, keep up with us as we cover the panels (and ourselves with sunscreen) diving right in for everything amazing about San Diego Comic Con International 2024!

Comic Con 2018 is Back!

Jeri Jacquin

Here is a look at Preview Night and a full schedule on Thursday!

Has it been a year already? Apparently so as San Diego gears up for Comic Con 2018 and if you have been downtown in the last few days you see the commotion as preparations are being made and hotels are filling up quickly. The anticipation is always part of Comic Con as fans prepare to invade the Convention Center with all things fun.

It all beings Wednesday, June 18th with Preview Night and as the name suggests, those lucky enough to hold badges are privy to some of the most amazing sites and sounds that Comic Con has to offer. There are games, toys, shirts, bags, pins, comic books and so much more and preview night is the first chance to walk away with so many goodies.

But that's not all as Comic Con and Warn Bros. Television bring the exclusive screening of the new series MANIFEST and another advanced screening of THE 100. Finishing off the evening is a brand new episode from the second season of FREEDOM FIGHTERS: The Ray. At the Horton Grand Theatre, New Line Cinema "Scarediego" offers badge holders a look at the 2018-2019 slate of horror films along with panels of special filmmaker guests.

Of course the town will be buzzing with parties and gatherings to celebrate the beginning of four more days of meeting up with friends, meeting new friends and experiencing everything from Ballroom 20 to Hall H and everything in between.

On Thursday, June 19, the day for me will begin with a trip to Hall H (no surprise right?) as the morning begins with 20th Century Fox's THE PREDATOR. Director Shane Black brings cast members Olivia Munn, Sterling K. Brown, Keegan-Michael Key, Trevante Rhodes, Jake Busey,Yvonne Strahovski, Thomas Jane and Augusto Aguilera to panel. The talk will turn to bringing their story and take to the iconic and recognizable franchise.

BBC America is welcomed to Hall H with their panel of DOCTOR WHO and the 13th Doctor Jodie Whittaker and cast Tosin Cole, Mandip Gill, Chris Chibail and executive producer Matt Strevens. What makes this so special is that the is the first time DOCTOR WHO has come with a panel before the next season begins so I'm sure the question and answer session is going to be full of questions.

DRAGON BALL SUPER brings Sean Schemmel and Christopher Sabat into the Dragon Ball world to bring special surprises and reveal things not before seen about the new movie.

AMC brings BETTER CALL SAUL and Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando and Giancarlo Esposito along with producers Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould to chat up about the fourth season returning on August 6th. Also, AMC brings a BREAKING BAD 10th Anniversary Celebration as Bryon Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, RJ Mitte, Bob Odenkirk and Giancarlo Esposito talk about their time on the series and the legacy of the series.

ASSASSINATION NATION brings the Russo Brothers to Comic Con to talk about how difficult this particular high school becomes when every phone in town is hacked meaning everyone sees everything! Director Sam Levinson and Bill Skarsgard, Suki Waterhouse, Hari Nef and Abra will be on hand to talk about the film.

Ballroom 20 brings their best as well with BEHIND THE SCENES OF FREEFORM'S SIREN. The cast and producers of the first season hit show are debuting at Comic Con to talk about what fans can expect from the next season at Bristol Cove. CHARMED comes to Comic Con in time to celebrate it's 20th anniversary and to talk about the reboot of the new series staring Melonie Diaz, Sarah Jeffery, Madeleine Mantock and Rupert Evans along with producers Jennie Snyder Urman, Jessica O'Toole and Amy Rardin.

TELL ME A STORY comes to Ballroom 20 and is the project of Kevin Williamson who tells his version of such fairy tales as the Three Little Pigs and Little Red Riding Hood. Stars Paul Wesley and James Wolk are there to discuss the new series. Following this panel is another new series A DISCOVERY OF WITCHES as Teresa Palmer, Matthew Goode, Alex Kingston, and Owen Teale discuss the story created by author Deborah Harkness.

Bobcat Goldthwait's MISFITS AND MONSTERS brings panelists Jake Hurwitz, Amir Blumenfeld, Tara Lynne Barr and Karan Soni to talk about the series and the inspiration behind the truTV's anthology series. SYFY WIRE brings Aisha Tyler to Host the Great Debate with Felicia Day, Joe Manganiello, Adam Savage, Janet Varney, Orlando Jones and John Barrowman in to debate anything and everything with the fans casting a vote for the best argument - now that's going to be fun!

Netflix brings Marvel's IRON FIST and scoops about Danny Rand and Colleen Wing on season 2. Marvel's head of television Jeph Loeb will be on hand and a few surprises as well.

At the Indigo Ballroom Hilton San Diego Bayfront, the day begins with the 6th ANNUAL MUSICAL ANATOMY OF A SUPERHERO as the panel gives a peek into the music that makes films even more amazing. Composers Tyler Bates, Marco Beltrami, Christophe Beck, Kurt Farquhar and Blake Neely talk about their projects and share more of their work.

SYFY brings the new series from George R.R. Martin set in 2093 with NIGHTFLYERS.

The most expensive ship every built journey's through space and the crew learns the horrors aren't on the outside, but actually on the inside of their ship. Producers Jeff Buhler, Gene Klein and David Bartis join stars Eoin Macken, Gretchen Mol, David Ajala, Jodie Turner-Smith and Angus Sampson are on hand to talk about the new and exciting series.

Z NATION brings cast members DJ Qualis, Kelita Smith, Russell Hodgkinson and Karl Schaefer to the panel to talk zombies and what is coming to the 5th season of the series. The Netflix Original Series BLACK SUMMER is the spin off to Z NATION as fans get a first hand look at what is to come and how shocking the story might be.

The day wouldn't be complete without wandering downtown to see all the exhibits and hands on fun that can be had where ever you look. I have to admit that's probably the best ending to my day is experiencing all that keeps downtown lively! So this is just a little peek inside what is coming on Preview Night and Comic Con's first full on Thursday.

There are so many panels that discuss everything from art work in comics to story ideals and voice work for all things animation. Costumes and cosplay galore will be everywhere and all I can say is make sure your camera battery is charged and you are carrying a spare.

I hope to see you all at the Convention Center and remember, even if you didn't get a badge this year, there is so much to do, see and experience at Comic Con. Come early, dress appropriately, wear comfy shoes and bring water to stay hydrated while going from fun to fun.

I'll have Friday's line up for you next!

Preview Night at San Diego Comic Con International Sets the Pace for the Week!

Jeri Jacquin

It’s here and it’s as epic as ever. San Diego Comic Con International begins the next four days with Preview Night and it always brings in the crowds. Everyone is looking for something special, one of a kinds or hitting all the fun exhibits and hands on attractions that are pretty darn cool.

Everything in the main hall at the Convention Center can be found up and down each of the aisles. To give you a bit of a heads up of what you can expect to find, I’m going to run down as much as possible. Here we go!

Warner Bros., Lionsgate and ABC are in the 4500-4200 block of the hall with their offerings of what is coming in theatres and on television. Sharing real estate is AMC and their fantastic programming and 20^th Century Fox ready to give you a shocker or two.

BBC America always captures my attention as I am a huge ORPHAN BLACK fan and it is also the home of the famous DOCTOR WHO. Next door is STARZ and you can be sure your favorite OUTLANDER series will be represented to the maximum. Netflix is going to grab the attention of fans of so many of their original programs and if you haven’t seen STRANGER THINGS, well I have to wonder what planet you have been on.

Lucasfilms is close by and that’s where many people I know are going to be stationed to get word on what is to come and all the new goodies for fans. Seriously, I couldn’t walk past that exhibit if I wanted to as most know I’m a huge fan from before time was time. I plan to go to the Princess Leia gathering to celebrate the life of our own unique Princess – Ms. Carrie Fisher.

Animation isn’t about to be left out of the loop as Funmation brings their characters out to play, Cartoon Network is equally loved and you can be sure I’ll be looking for my favorites as well. Nickelodeon always brings the family fun and this year is no exception.

If it’s toys you happen to be looking for – you know – for the kids and the kid in all of us, well Hasbro, Mattel, Lego and Toynami can help you fill your bag so you might want to bring a couple of extra. You will probably find me in the Funko section because I have to get the Game of Thrones Funko’s, it is a moral imperative.

Video games are high on the list of places to visit in the hall as PC Games, Nintendo, Capcom, Xbox and more will tease and tempt the gamers with their latest adventures.

Of course what would Comic Con be without – comic books! There are plenty represented by DC, Marvel, Dark Horse Comics, IDW publishing, Torpedo Comics and so many more. I don’t know how anyone is going to have time to go through them all but a way will be found because once a die hard comic fan, always a die hard comic fan.

Of course please visit the artists that bring their work to Comic Con each and every year. I have found some of the most amazing illustrators from superheroes to action, fantasy and more. They are always so gracious and excited to talk about their work. Support them by stopping by and seeing all the amazing pieces and stories.

Making my way outside I knew it was time to have a little fun. First I began with the BLADERUNNER 2049 Experience and let me tell you – go there! It is an immersive experience that will give your more to look forward to with the films release.

Also, the sci-fi outdoor experience THE EXPANSE is right next door so you can jump from one awesome interactive bit of fun right to the other. THE EXPANSE is celebrating it’s second season and I had the chance to interview Cas Anvar about his role so being part of their outdoor experience was uber cool.

Then, Amazon Prime welcomed me to THE TICK experience. THE TICK is a series coming August 25 and I couldn’t be more excited. Going through their interactive offerings I had the chance to test my knowledge about THE TICK and then challenged armed with my super wrist band to tap my way to find out what kind of superhero I am. In case you are wondering, I’m a “Super Citizen – When Destiny Calls You Answer!” so back off me man I’m a super citizen according to THE TICK!

There are so many interactive exhibits to visit and you can be sure that I will let you know about everyone one of them. In the mean time, eat a hearty dinner and then rest up because tomorrow brings a day with a little something for everyone.

Here we go!