Comic-Con preview: From A to Z, here are 26 things to expect for 2025 in San Diego
Published in Entertainment News
SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con is back and as big as ever on July 24, with a preview night the night before.
While many of the best events take place inside the San Diego Convention Center at 111 Harbor Drive, there’s something for everyone to do around the Gaslamp Quarter during the event, even without an official entry badge.
Here is a list of major events, celebrities and other exciting events to expect in downtown San Diego during Comic-Con, from A to Z. The full convention calendar of events can be found at comic-con.org.
A
“Avatar: The Last Airbender:”Nickelodeon will celebrate 20 years of “Avatar: The Last Airbender” with a panel looking back at the legacy of the animated series. Original cast members and creators will be featured panelists. 10 a.m. Thursday. Ballroom 20. (Abby Hamblin)
B
Barbie pop-up restaurant: Malibu Barbie Cafe is now open at a downtown hotel, serving family-friendly food and drinks and offering roller skating and Instagram selfie spots. Fans can register online for tickets. Wednesday through Sunday. Bayside Kitchen and Bar, Hilton Garden Inn San Diego, 2137 Pacific Highway. bucketlisters.com/experience/malibu-barbie-cafe-san-diego (Pam Kragen)
C
Comedy Central: Comedy Central is presenting its upcoming slate with the creators and cast of “South Park,” “Beavis & Butt-Head” and “Digman!” Panelists include Trey Parker, Matt Stone, Mike Judge and Andy Samberg. 6:45 to 7:45 p.m. Thursday. Hall H. (Olivia Petty)
D
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: One of the largest exhibitions at the museum this season, fans of the beloved “Doctor Who” television series will get the opportunity to travel via TARDIS through all eras of the “Doctor Who” universe. The exhibit includes never-before-seen costume displays of treasured characters, original set props and guided narration through the space-time continuum. Comic-Con Museum, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego. (Olivia Petty)
E
Exhibit hall: A massive space inside the San Diego Convention Center, the exhibit hall is the place to find props from famous movies and television shows, exclusive merchandise for sale, character and actor meet-and-greets, giveaways, original art, and of course, hundreds and hundreds of comic books. Between all that, cosplayers wander around and fans stop to buy action figures, play video games and meet their favorite artists. (Abby Hamblin)
F
Film School 101: Every year, Comic-Con runs a four-day, nuts-and-bolts series on how to make a movie for very little money using available video hardware and software, specifically for aspiring filmmakers looking to enter their work into the CCI-IFF. Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. (Olivia Petty)
G
G.I. Joe animated rock band debut: The fictional band known as Cold Slither from the “G.I. Joe” universe is making its first live appearance at hard rock venue Brick by Brick. The band was made possible through collaboration between Hasbro and Reigning Phoenix Music, bringing nostalgia to the not-quite-real stage. 8 p.m. July 24. Brick By Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. (Olivia Petty)
H
“Hyde:” The beloved fictional character Mr. Hyde will get his own graphic novel series. It’s a creation of Ridley Scott’s company Scott Free and Mechanical Cake. “Hyde” will be discussed on a panel with creatives from the series. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)
I
Independent creators: While some of the biggest brands and studios get a lot of the spotlight at Comic-Con, independent illustrators, writers, artists and other creatives will share their latest works inside and outside the convention center at booths and special events. A panel on Friday called Independent Creators United will address how comic creators can navigate challenges in publishing. (Abby Hamblin)
J
Jo Koy: Comedian Jo Koy will be joined by actor and comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias for a Hall H panel Q&A. There will be an exclusive giveaway for fans in attendance. 12:15 to 1:15 p.m. Thursday. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)
K
Stephen King: Longtime readers of the famous author will probably already know that his novel, “The Long Walk,” is being made into a feature film. Cast and filmmakers will attend a panel discussion and participate in a Q&A with fans. 3 p.m. Friday. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)
L
Luann comic exhibit: Greg Evans, a San Diegan, is showcasing his original art based around his long-running comic strip “Luann.” The strip first began in 1985, following the character Luann DeGroot, inspired by his daughter, who is now a co-author. It won Evans the 2003 Reuben Award for Cartoonist of the Year. Comic-Con Museum, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego. (Olivia Petty)
M
Masquerade: The 51st anniversary Masquerade will take place at 8:39 p.m. Saturday, July 26, in Ballroom 20 at the San Diego Convention Center. The annual event, designed as a mix of talent and fashion show, celebrates the best on fan-made costumes. Last year’s party drew a viewing audience of 3,900. Free tickets to view the event will be given out beginning at noon July 26 outside the ballroom. (Pam Kragen)
N
Natasha Leggero: The comedian known for roles in “Broke” “Brickleberry” “Ugly Americans” and other TV and movies will offer her latest jokes during Comic-Con. One performance will take place Thursday, followed by two performance times on Friday. American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave., San Diego. (Abby Hamblin)
O
Outlander: Fans of the long-running historical drama series “Outlander” are in for a treat with back to back panels on Friday. The first panel will take a look back at the history of the show and give a first look at the new season. After that, fans learn about the new era of the “Outlander” called “Blood of My Blood.” Expect to see cast and creators of the show. 10 and 11 a.m. Friday. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)
P
“Percy Jackson and the Olympians:” The Disney adventure fantasy series “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” will be at Comic-Con discussing Season 2 of the series with cast Walker Scobell, Leah Sava Jeffries, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Dior Goodjohn and Daniel Diemer, alongside executive producers. 11 a.m. Thursday. Hall H. (Olivia Petty)
Q
Quinta Brunson: Emmy-winning actress, comedian, writer and creator of the show “Abbott Elementary” will join her castmates in a panel. 11:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Saturday. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront.
R
Resurrection: Ready for a new era of “Dexter?” The TV serial killer’s fanbase can learn more about “Dexter: Resurrection” in Ballroom 20 at Comic-Con. Michael C. Hall, the star and executive producer, will be joined by other cast and creatives behind the series for a discussion, and those in attendance can see footage from the new series. 5 p.m. Friday. Ballroom 20. (Abby Hamblin)
S
Star Wars: Fighting the Empire is complicated work. An examination of the themes and choices of “Star Wars: Andor” will take place with a panel of psychologists, a rhetoricist, an American Indian studies professor and a speculative fiction author. Noon Thursday. Grand 10 and 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. (Abby Hamblin)
T
“The Toxic Avenger”: This panel will feature a star-studded cast, including Elijah Wood and Peter Dinklage, in conversation with writer and director Macon Blair and Trauma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman. 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. (Olivia Petty)
U
Her Universe Fashion Show: “Star Wars” voice actor and Her Universe creator Ashley Eckstein’s 11th annual fashion show will take place with a host of cosplay designers. This year’s themes include: “Jurassic World” and “How to Train Your Dragon.” 6 p.m. Thursday. Seaport Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt. (Kragen)
V
Vampires: Anne Rice’s Immortal Universe is returning to Comic-Con, including AMC’s ongoing series “Interview With the Vampire” and new series “Talamasca,” featuring panels of cast members and creators. 4:30 p.m. Saturday. Ballroom 20. (Olivia Petty)
W
Wonder Woman-tini: A “Wonder Woman” cocktail will be among the many special drinks served at LandShark Bar & Grill throughout the convention. The restaurant at the Margaritaville Hotel San Diego will have a different theme each day, including an anime takeover, gaming heroes and a superhero showdown. Visitors in costume will be entered into a daily raffle. LandShark Bar & Grill. 616 J St., San Diego. (Abby Hamblin)
X
X-Men: Marvel’s “X-Men” comic book series will have its own panel for a look at the new era of the beloved mutants. Editor-In-Chief C. B. Cebulski and other talent and creators behind the comic franchise will share first looks, a giveaway and more. 1:45 p.m. Thursday. Room 6A. (Abby Hamblin)
Y
Yu-Gi-Oh!: Among the dozens of fan-favorite card games represented at the convention, Yu-Gi-Oh! will be available for play inside the convention center. Attendees can try out digital games or learn how to play the original trading card game at the KONAMI booth. Exhibit Hall. (Abby Hamblin)
Z
Ziva & Tony: Fan-favorite characters from the world of “NCIS” are getting their own spin-off, “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” on Paramount+ this September. Stars and creators of the show will give fans an exclusive look at the new series, along with a panel discussion hosted by NCIS’s Brian Dietzen. 3 p.m. Thursday. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront. (Abby Hamblin)
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