This was the year that San Diego Comic-Con was supposed to collapse. After all, with Hollywood studios pulling out and stars not able to promote their work, all due to the double whammy of the actors and writers strike, why would people even bother to attend? But despite the challenges, about 150,000 attendees still showed up, defying expectations and proving that the spirit of Comic-Con was alive and well.
One of the most notable aspects of the convention was the renewed focus on comics and other graphic arts. With Hollywood’s diminished presence, there was a noticeable shift towards celebrating the talent behind the origins of the entertainment industry. Creators like Adam Hughes and Billy Tucci reported having their best year ever, with entire booths selling out of graphic novels and comics. The convention floor saw increased foot traffic, benefiting retailers, artists, and creators with higher sales and visibility. Companies like Funko, Dark Horse Comics, and Image Comics all experienced significant sales increases, and even retailers outside the convention center, like BoxLunch Treats, enjoyed a major boost in business.
While Hollywood may have taken a backseat, it still made its presence known. Hotels were adorned with promotional skins for various TV shows and films, and studio panels showcased exclusive footage to generate buzz. Paramount, one of the few studios to attend Comic-Con, debuted new footage for the upcoming movie Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, while also dropping an entire episode of Strange New Worlds, a Star Trek series. Other studios, like Starz and A24, also presented exclusive content and screenings, further engaging fans.
For many attendees, the absence of big-name celebrities was not a major drawback. In fact, some appreciated the return to a more comic and toy-focused convention experience. Simon Kinberg, the writer-producer behind several X-Men and Deadpool movies, enjoyed a weekend with his 14-year-old son, relishing in the nostalgia of “old Comic-Con.” They explored the convention floor, making time for iconic characters like He-Man and Barbie. Similar sentiments were shared by other creatives, like It screenwriter Gary Dauberman, who attended with his son.
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However, not everyone was completely satisfied with the event. Some attendees felt that the absence of writers and actors resulted in less exciting panel discussions, which relied heavily on footage screenings. William, a San Diego resident, noted that it felt more crowded this year, potentially due to the lack of popular Hall H panels drawing people to smaller ones. Nevertheless, there were still moments that highlighted the ongoing issues faced by writers and actors, with panels addressing key negotiation topics such as AI, studio interests, and union protections.
Despite the challenges posed by the strikes, Comic-Con remained a platform for fans, industry professionals, and creatives to come together and celebrate their love for pop culture. The convention’s enduring importance was emphasized by Congressman Robert Garcia, who led a panel on a popular arts caucus he is spearheading in Washington. He acknowledged that the comics medium has a significant impact on the broader entertainment industry and praised Comic-Con for its ability to bring people together.
No one might have predicted it, but San Diego Comic-Con prevailed against the odds and showed that its core essence lies in the passion and dedication of its attendees. As the convention continues to evolve and adapt, it remains a testament to the enduring power of comics and pop culture.
