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Comic-Con International returns next week for four-plus days of s, exhibitions, outdoor activations and cosplayers filling the streets of San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. There are thousands of things to see and do at the convention — which attracts more than 130,000 guests annually — but our staff CCI veterans have picked 26 of their favorite picks for this year, from A to Z.
A
Army of Captain America Invasion: At 10 a.m. Sunday, July 23, Captain America character cosplay fans will gather for a group photo shoot and scavenger hunt. Even if you’re not in costume, come and watch, since cosplayers love to pose for selfies. Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 333 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego. facebook.com/events/745191150066361 (Pam Kragen)
B
Blood Drive: Forget the vampires roaming the floor — the honorable way to give blood is through the sci-fi writer Robert. A. Heinlein Blood Drive in the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Attendees have been giving blood since 1977 when 148 pints were collected during the El Cortez Hotel Comic-Con, which Heinlein attended. More than 60 times that amount — 9,118 pints — were collected last year. Don’t want to slow your convention pace? Donate beforehand, get a group code and redeem it at the Hyatt booth for giveaways. Coronado Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Place, Downtown. (Diane Bell)
C
Comic-Con Museum: Stan Lee, the iconic American comic book writer, editor, publisher and producer, may have ed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on. From July 18 to March 1, Lee will be the subject of an expansive exhibit at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park titled “Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee.” The museum, in partnership with Kartoon Studios, will showcase paintings, rare comic books and original artwork featuring Lee’s work. Lee first began working for Timely Comics, which later became Marvel Comics. Lee, who led Marvel for two decades, co-created some of pop culture’s most iconic superheroes, including Spider-Man, Thor, Iron Man and the Hulk. Through March 1. Comic-Con Museum, 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego. $12-$25. (619) 546-9073. comic-conmuseum.org (Michael James Rocha)
D
Departing Dystopia: The art collective TSIMECA is creating this offsite, opening night immersive event that will create a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk live EDM musical reimagining of “Romeo and Juliet” inspired by San Diego Comic-Con. The event will feature performances of dance, satire, cabaret, and theater and audience are invited to participate. $95. 8 to 10 p.m. Thursday, July 20. The Merrow, 1271 University Ave., San Diego. themerrow.com (Pam Kragen)
E
Exhibit Hall: One of the busiest places at Comic-Con is the Exhibit Hall, where hundreds of exhibitors — from fledgling artists to big-name companies like Funko, Lego and Hasbro — showcase and sell their wares. There’s an Artist Alley, too, where you can meet artists up close. San Diego Convention Center (Michael James Rocha)
F
Funko: Funko is bringing back its colossal booth to the Comic-Con exhibit floor. Funkoville will replicate a small-town neighborhood with interactive storefronts featuring Funko toy lines and brands, including Blockbuster Rewind, Funko’s new VHS-inspired movie collectibles. Funkoville is expected to be double the square footage of the 2022 booth. Exhibit hall, San Diego Convention Center. (Carlos Rico)
G
Galactic Empire: This Star Wars cosplay heavy metal band will perform July 21. Brick by Brick, 1130 Buenos Ave., San Diego. $30. Ages 21 and up only. https://www.brickbybrick.com/ (Pam Kragen)
H
Marvel and D23: The Hellfire Gala: Event celebrating this year’s Hellfire Gala in the pages of X-Men comics. 8-11 p.m. Saturday, July 22. PARQ Nightclub, 615 Broadway, Downtown. (Lucía Serrano)
I
IDW Publishing: The publishing house is the fifth-largest in the United States, behind Marvel, DC, Dark Horse and Image Comics, and it’s based in San Diego. This year, it’s bringing some exclusives to Comic-Con. At booth No. 2729 — aka IDW City — fans can find a live art installation, custom art and a slew of exclusives — everything from “My Little Pony: 40th Anniversary Special” to “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles X Stranger Things #1.” Also on tap: meet-and-greets and gs with many IDW-d talent, including artist Ben Bishop (“Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin”) and writer Erik Burnham (“Godzilla: Monsters & Protectors”). Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center. (Michael James Rocha)
J
Indiana Jones x 3: In honor of the cinematic finale of the Lucasfilm Indiana Jones film series this month, three s are scheduled during Comic-Con about the famed archaeologist, his travels and discoveries. Archaeologists and a paleontologist will discuss “Indiana Jones and the Nexus of Archaeology, History and Punching Fascists” at noon Thursday, July 20, in Grand 10 & 11 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, 333 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown. Two judges and other legal experts will discuss the legalities of Indy’s ancient treasures in “Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Lawsuit” at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20, in Grand 12 & 13 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. And film editors and visual experts will discuss the visual effects in “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22, in Room 5AB, San Diego Convention Center. (Pam Kragen)
K
Kevin Eastman: The co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, creator of Drawing Blood, and mind behind the success of The Last Ronin, will appear for a presentation and Q&A. Eastman will discuss all things TMNT, some history behind the scenes, and lots more. 5-6 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center. (Phillip Molnar)
L
Las Cuatro Milpas: Attendees who have superhero-sized cravings for Mexican food don’t have to go too far. Just a little more than a mile away from the Convention Center is the iconic Las Cuatro Milpas, which has been serving delicious Mexican fare since 1933. One of the oldest Mexican restaurants in the United States, it is open for breakfast and lunch, and the menu is fairly simple — rice, beans, tacos, tamales, rolled tacos. But don’t let the simplicity fool you — the taste is anything but. Cash only. 1857 Logan Ave, San Diego. (619) 234-4460. (Michael James Rocha)
M
Masquerade: A longstanding Comic-Con tradition, the Masquerade brings cosplay aficionados together to show off their best costume creations. The designs, which are often based on characters from popular movies, comic books or television shows, are judged in a contest for their craftsmanship and presentation. The event is hosted by renowned cartoonist Phil Foglio. 8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 22. Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center. (Maura Fox)
N
Nick at Nightclub: Experience Level Entertainment is bringing back the ’90s with a Nickelodeon-themed party at Parq Nightclub. Nick at Nightclub will have musical entertainment from the band Flux Capacitors, and DJs Elliot and Atomic Blonde. There will also be special guest appearances, cosplay, themed drinks like a neon orange cocktail and slime. Kal Smith will host the event. 8 p.m. July 20 to 2 a.m. July 21. $50-$300. 615 Broadway, Downtown. Tickets here. (Carlos Rico)
O
“Good Omens” Season 2: Get a sneak peek screening of the highly anticipated return of our favorite angels and demons for Season 2 of “Good Omens,” premiering July 28 on Prime Video. With the apocalypse thwarted, angel and demon best friends Aziraphale and Crowley are getting back to easy living among mortals in London’s Soho, when the archangel Gabriel turns up unexpectedly, with no memory of who he is or how he got there. To solve this mystery and evade Heaven and Hell in the process, the duo will need more than a miracle; they’ll need to once again rely on each other. The century-spanning saga takes us from before The Beginning to the modern day, with lots of quirky mortal and immortal characters ing in on the adventures along the way. 12:30-1:30 p.m. Friday, July 21. Ballroom 20, San Diego Convention Center (Phillip Molnar)
P
Pub crawl: SDThemeCrawls hosts the ComicCon Pub Crawl in the Gaslamp Quarter from 4 to 8 p.m. July 21 and 22. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. The ticket pays the cover charge to enter the venues but the drinks are on you and costumes are strongly encouraged. instagram.com/sdthemecrawls (Pam Kragen)
Q
Quick Draw!”: Billed as the fastest and funniest presentation at Comic-Con. Your Quick Draw quizmaster Mark Evanier will be putting three of the swiftest cartoonists in the business to the test, inventing well-projected humor on the spot. Competing this year are cartoonist and Comic-Con co-founder Scott Shaw!, MAD magazine’s Tom Richmond, and Disney legend Floyd Norman. As usual, there will be no wagering on the outcome. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, July 22, Room 6BCF. (Pam Kragen)
R
Robotech: Fans of the classic 1980s anime Robotech can get excited about a new addition to the franchise: the first issue of “Robotech: Rick Hunter,” created by writer Brandon Easton and artist Simone Ragazzoni, will debut at this year’s Comic-Con. Robotech is just one of several new works from Titan Comics to debut this year, alongside the fifth edition of Blade Runner: 2039 and the first edition of Conan The Barbarian. Exhibit Hall, San Diego Convention Center. (Maura Fox)
S
Senior strategies: Plenty of older folks also enjoy the hubbub and fan fun of Comic-Con. Some tips: Park at a trolley stop and take public transit. Start later in the morning, when ission lines have thinned considerably. Check out the free activities and exhibits going on outside the convention center. My spouse and I like anime and short films — and the showings also give us a chance to sit and rest for a while. Pack a few granola/energy bars; drink your water. Collect swag for the kids in your life who couldn’t attend. Pace yourself; you’re not going to do it all in one day! (Laura Groch)
T
Talk Back: Every year, Comic-Con closes with a talk-back session where representatives from Comic-Con will be present to listen to attendees’ about the event. What did they do right? What could be improved? This is a favorite session for locals, many of whom have been attending for decades and don’t have a plane to catch on closing day. 3:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday, July 23. Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center.
U
Her Universe Fashion Show: Hosted by Ashley Eckstein (founder of Her Universe) and Michael James Scott (Broadway actor and singer), the Her Universe Fashion Show features 25 pre-selected amateur designers who will create one-of-a-kind couture designs, inspired by anything that is included in The Walt Disney Company family of properties. By the end of the night, two winners are chosen by the audience and an expert of judges. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt, Downtown. (Phillip Molnar)
V
Vault Comics: When independent upstart publisher Vault Comics arrived on the scene in 2017, the mission was simple: to publish the best in science fiction comics. Since that time, the company has established new voices in the genre as well as worked with some of the best-known names in fiction, graphic or otherwise. To celebrate the company’s now firmly established place in the industry, Vault creators and friends discuss how these creators are pushing the genre to the furthest reaches of the universe and back again. ists include Rodney Barnes (Monarch), Christopher Yost (Unnatural Order), Ram V (Radio Apocalypse, These Savage Shores), and Zack Kaplan (Mindset). 10:15-11:15 a.m. Thursday, July 20. Room 6DE. (Pam Kragen)
W
Webtoon s: Webtoon, the online platform that hosts thousands of digital comics, is coming to Comic-Con, bringing some of its creators in tow, including Rachel Smythe of Lore Olympus, Patrick Young of Red Hood: Outlaws and CRC Payne of Batman: Wayne Family Adventures. There will be discussions on new projects, the process of building the DC Universe on the site and more. 11:45 a.m. Saturday, June 22. Location is TBD (Maura Fox)
X
X-Men Fandom: The 4th annual X-Men Fandom brings together X-Men fans to express what they love about Marvel’s mutants. This features iconic Marvel cover artist David Nakayama, cosplayer/comic writer Ani-Mia (Bettie Page), event producer Warpath_Dylan (House of X), cosplayer and co-founder of the Hellfire Gala Walk Michelle Waffle, concept artist and toy designer Blaine Rodenbaugh (NECA), and podcaster Justin Wilder (The X-Wife Podcast), with Chandler Poling (The Uncanny Experience, X-Reads Podcast). Attendees will receive an exclusive art print by Marvel Stormbreaker artist Lukas Werneck (Immortal X-Men, Trial of Magneto). Cosplay is encouraged — stay after the for a group photo.1:30-2:30 p.m. Sunday, July 23. Room 6A, San Diego Convention Center. (Phillip Molnar)
Y
Finding Your Voice: Games educator and consultant Lydia-Rae Wehmeyer will discuss how the art form of comics can be added to your mental health self-care toolbox to not only help yourself but educate others for mental health and wellness. 4-5 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Room 23ABC, San Diego Convention Center. (Pam Kragen)
Z
Lego DreamZzz: Learn all about this new Lego series and toys that launched in May. The will be hosted by Keith Malone (head of entertainment development for the Lego Group) along with voice talent Sarah Jeffery (Zoey), Marcos Cardenas (Mateo), Vincent Tong (Logan, Kai), Brian Drummond (Mr. Oz, Nightmare King, Ras, Riyu, Lobbo), and Larissa Dias (Izzie), as well as DreamZzz Lego model designer Freddy Charters, head of Lego production Asa Tait, and Doc Wyatt and Kevin Burke, head writers of Ninjago Dragons Rising. Be sure to come as your favorite Ninja or Dreamchaser.10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 20. Room 6BCF, San Diego Convention Center. (Phillip Molnar)
San Diego Comic-Con International 2023
When: Thursday, July 20, through Sunday, July 23
Where: San Diego Convention Center, 111 Harbor Drive, San Diego
Tickets: Sold out
Online: comic-con.org/cci
Getting there: Avoid traffic, road closures and expensive parking options by taking public transit. The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) will be adding a special trolley line between Balboa Avenue and 12th and Imperial stations July 20 through July 23. Attendees can also take the Green Line to the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter stations, and the Blue and Orange Lines to 12th and Imperial. Transit es will be available to purchase via the PRONTO app and cards via ticket station machines. Multiday es range from $10 to $20. Full details here. https://www.sdmts.com/rider-info/events/comic-con
