Comic-Con International 2023 greeted fans with its familiar sights and sounds, as the crowds flocked to the convention center in their elaborate costumes and immersed themselves in the world of pop culture. The exhibition floor was packed with eager attendees, eagerly lining up for exclusive merchandise, collectibles, and artwork from their favorite artists. Panel sites buzzed with experts discussing various topics in genre fiction, while others engaged in tabletop games and anime-viewing sessions. Comic artists and publishers gathered for the highly anticipated Eisner Awards, recognizing excellence in the industry.
However, beneath the surface, this year’s Comic-Con was marked by a noticeable strangeness. Taking place two and a half months into the Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike and just a week into the parallel strike by the Screen Actors Guild—American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the absence of Hollywood was impossible to ignore.
Traditionally, Hall H, with its 6,100 seats, would be filled by fans who had patiently waited all day to secure a spot inside. Networks and studios would showcase exclusive footage, accompanied by A-list talent on stage, creating an extraordinary opportunity for fans and the entertainment industry to connect. This year, the partly empty Hall H told a different story. Entertainment journalist Scott Mantz stood alone at the dais, queuing up sizzle reels and calling out absent actors’ names for applause. It became painfully clear that this was a San Diego Comic-Con without Hollywood.
In its early years, Comic-Con had a narrower focus, primarily centering around comic books. Over time, the event evolved and expanded, eventually embracing studios and big genre franchises. The convention became a platform for major announcements, trailer releases, and a chance for the industry and fans to interact, albeit within a limited representation of fan culture.
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However, the tide started to turn in recent years, with certain major players in Hollywood reducing their presence at Comic-Con. For instance, Star Wars, under Disney’s management, shifted its fan-facing activities to exclusive events like Star Wars Celebration and D23. With the writers’ strike already underway and the looming SAG-AFTRA strike, this year saw an influx of cancellations from studios and networks. The SDCC schedule became riddled with cancellations, leading to speculation that the absence of Hollywood might bring the convention back to its roots, with comics taking center stage once again.
But even in Hollywood’s absence, its influence still lingered over the convention. Comic-Con has become as much an industry event as a fan-oriented one. Many members of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA viewed this year’s strikes as an existential moment for the entertainment industry and workers at large.
The tension was palpable in San Diego, not just among the striking actors and writers attending in a non-promotional capacity. The strikes have sparked a sense that this is a crucial turning point, with the future of the entire entertainment industry hanging in the balance. The studios, in an attempt to shift blame, have portrayed the delays as the fault of the striking writers, rather than acknowledging the need for fair negotiations from both sides. Fans have largely rejected this framing online, and this sentiment seemed to resonate within the convention hall as well.
This unusual and, for some, disappointing Comic-Con carried an immense significance because it addressed the future of entertainment media from all angles. Whether as fans or industry professionals, everyone recognized that the outcome of these strikes would have a lasting impact on the industry’s landscape.
Amidst the unconventional atmosphere, SDCC continued to be a platform for creators, artists, and fans to come together and celebrate their shared passion. Regardless of the challenges posed by strikes and the absence of Hollywood, attendees embraced the opportunity to engage with their favorite franchises, discover new creations, and connect with like-minded enthusiasts. This year’s Comic-Con embodied the resilience of fandom and the inherent ability of fans to shape the cultural landscape they cherish.
In conclusion, Comic-Con International 2023 stood as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of the convention. As Hollywood’s presence waned, the focus shifted back to the convention’s origins in comic books and celebrated the spirit of fandom. The strikes cast a shadow over the event, underscoring the significance of this moment in the entertainment industry’s trajectory. Yet, amid the uncertainty, the convention remained a vital space for fans, creators, and industry professionals to gather, connect, and envision a future that reflects their passions and aspirations.
