San Diego Comic-Con 2025

August 5, 2025/Jan Wagner/
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As always, there was way too much there to make it possible to see and do everything at San Diego Comic-Con. In past years I’ve tended to wander around, splitting my time between what was inside the San Diego Convention Center and exploring the many offsite activations outside. The problem with that approach is that I always seemed to miss highlights that I was not aware of until it was too late to visit them, so this year I spent some time before Comic-Con began, making reservations to attend certain offsites and planning for which panels that I would most like to cover. In between, I would also stop elsewhere, if I had the time.

A large crowd of people in a city.
A waterfront scene shows a crowd at an outdoor event near a Ferris wheel, with modern buildings and a convention center in the background under a clear sky.
A large convention center with a crowd outside, palm trees lining the street, and tall buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.
Crowd gathers outside San Diego Convention Center under a banner reading "Comic-Con Badged Members Only" during Comic-Con event.

My preferred mode of transportation to Comic-Con is always the San Diego Trolley — much easier and less expensive than driving downtown.

A red San Diego Trolley train labeled "IN'TL BORDER" is stopped at a station platform as passengers walk nearby.
Passengers wait on a train platform next to a red trolley, with digital signs displaying train schedules for multiple lines and destinations.
A light rail train wrapped in Hulu advertising featuring animated characters and the words “animation mayhem,” at a station with palm trees in the background.
A blue and red trolley labeled "Downtown SD" stops at a lit outdoor station in an urban area with tall buildings and palm trees at dusk.

On Wednesday (Preview Night), I took advantage of the somewhat reduced crowds to see what was in the massive Convention Center Exhibit Hall. Even on Preview Night, lines at the most popular Exhibit Hall booths were quickly capped. It has become a tradition of mine to rush over to the Hulu booth (formerly the Fox booth) and pick up their annual commemorative cardboard poster tube. Usually, by the time I reach there on Preview Night, that evening’s allocation of poster tubes to be distributed was already given out, which meant that I would have to try to get one on a following day, and then have to carry it around for hours. This time, however, I got lucky and scored a poster tube on Preview Night. Strangely, though, this year’s poster tube did not include the year.

My lone merchandise purchase was a plush ‘Brian the dog,’ from “Family Guy.”

One of the exhibits in the Exhibit Hall was a very large, scale model, made of LEGO bricks, of the San Diego Convention Center (“The San Diego Lego-Con Diorama”), for which attendees (myself included) used a wide variety of provided LEGO bricks, etc. to build themed booths that we hoped would be chosen to be added to the large Exhibit Hall area, located directly behind the exterior scale model.

A large LEGO model of the San Diego Convention Center is displayed indoors, surrounded by colorful posters for Brickbeard, Hot Wheels, and LEGO Con International.
A detailed LEGO model of a convention center with crowds of LEGO figures, palm trees, vehicles, and a road in an indoor exhibition setting.
A large, detailed LEGO city display features hundreds of LEGO minifigures and buildings, with people observing behind a glass barrier.

Outside the San Diego Convention Center, nestled in-between and sometimes inside downtown buildings that were wrapped with gigantic advertisements for TV shows and movies, were numerous “activations” (often interactive and elaborate ‘popular arts’-themed exhibits).

This year’s FX activation, situated as usual on the grass behind the Convention Center, overlooking the waterfront, consisted of set recreations for the upcoming new TV series “Alien: Earth.” That included the crash-landed USCSS Maginot spaceship and damaged alien containment crates. There were actually two versions of this activation: “The Wreckage” (the daytime version) and “The Wreckage: Code Red” (the more immersive, frightening nighttime version), which I experienced on Saturday evening.

This year I also covered founder Ashley Eckstein’s “Her Universe Fashion Show,” from an ideal vantage point for taking photos — atop the Press riser. It had been many years since I last covered this fashion show. Back then it was a small event in a downtown restaurant, as I recall, whereas the 2025 fashion show was a truly grand production, in a large ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel.

Audience seated in a ballroom watching the Her Universe Fashion Show 2023, with two large screens displaying event graphics on either side of a lit stage.
A large crowd gathers in front of a brightly lit stage with green "Her Universe" signage at a convention or event inside a spacious hall.
A large audience faces a stage with multiple wide screens displaying colorful animated castles and landscapes in a convention hall setting.

The fashion show had a “Wicked” theme and included a display of high quality, “Wicked”-themed merchandise. Several different photo backdrops were situated along the yellow brick road, for people to use to take portraits while they waited to enter the fashion show’s ballroom.

Large "WICKED" sign displayed in front of a tulip garden, with a backdrop of a fantasy landscape and yellow brick road motif on the floor.
An indoor event space features a large "Wicked" sign, yellow brick road pathway, floral decorations, and groups of people gathered near displays.
Two people pose in front of large "Wicked" movie posters, playfully acting as if they are dueling with broomsticks and a prop lightning bolt.
Two women pose in front of "Wicked" themed backdrops; one is dressed in a pink dress holding a wand, the other in green holding a broom as if riding it.
Two mannequins display costumes in front of a colorful backdrop featuring silhouettes of two women, one in a witch hat. Framed placards are positioned on either side of the display.
A mannequin wearing a pink, sparkly ball gown and crown stands on display next to a mannequin in a dark cloak, with a decorative backdrop and an information sign.
Large "WICKED" sign with floral decorations stands in a hotel lobby area; several people walk by a themed photo backdrop nearby.
A display features shelves with various toys, candles, and collectibles, a mannequin in casual attire, and a glass case with a decorative item, all set against pink and gold accents.
Four dolls representing characters from "The Wizard of Oz"—the Wizard, Wicked Witch, Glinda, and Dorothy with Toto—stand in front of a green and pink background.
A LEGO display featuring a colorful, whimsical building with minifigures and small accessories, showcased in a glass case with reflections and background exhibits visible.
A large, stylized black letter "W" is mounted on a wall, illuminated by pink light on the left and green light on the right.
A collection of Disney-themed figurines and toys displayed on stacked pink and cream trunks, with a handbag and accessories arranged around them.
A brightly lit display features two mannequins dressed in fashionable outfits, with shelves of colorful accessories and decor items arranged between them.
A collection of luxury personal care products, candles, and shaving accessories is displayed on pink shelves with decorative packaging and informational cards.
Five toy hot air balloons with dolls inside are displayed in a lit rectangular case with a pink background.
A display case with shelves organizes sunglasses, nail sets, a decorative plate, playing cards, a pen, a wand, and other small accessories in pink and teal compartments.

Inside, waiting on the audience’s chairs, were “Wicked”-themed mementos. The show’s spectacular fashions were presented by models on a long runway. At the end of the show, members of the audience were invited to walk the runway too.

A performer in a pink dress and crown stands on a red platform, holding a wand, with a castle scene displayed on a screen behind her.
A woman in a pink, elaborate dress stands on a float holding a wand, next to a man in a metallic costume singing on stage.
Two performers, one in a pink dress and one in a dark outfit, stand on stage holding hands as the audience applauds under bright stage lights.
A performer sings on stage in front of an audience, with a camera operator filming and a woman sitting on stage holding a clipboard. The event appears lively and well-attended.
A woman in a pink floral dress uses a wheelchair on a runway, with two standing models and a photographer in the background.
A woman in a colorful, layered dress with pink wings walks down a runway holding a plush flower toy, while a photographer captures the moment and the audience watches.
A woman in a black and yellow dress with wing-like sleeves poses on a runway, surrounded by photographers and an audience.
Model walks on a runway wearing a colorful, elaborate floral-themed dress and headpiece, with audience watching in the background.
A fashion show runway features diverse models in colorful and white outfits, walking in front of a cosmic-themed backdrop, with an audience seated on both sides.
A group of women wearing elaborate, colorful costumes walk on a fashion runway, with some facing forward and others turned away. Audience members are visible in the foreground.
A group of people in colorful, elaborate costumes stand on stage at the Her Universe Fashion Show 2025, with a cloud-themed backdrop and audience applauding.
Three women in elaborate, colorful costumes walk hand-in-hand on a fashion show runway, with other costumed participants and an audience visible in the background.
A group of people in colorful costumes pose for a photo in front of a large "Wicked" sign at an event.
A person in a black dress and large yellow wings poses beside a large "WICKED" sign at an indoor event with a floral display above.
A person in a green and gold gown poses in front of a large "WICKED" sign at an event, surrounded by flowers and themed decorations.
A person in a red and purple feathered costume poses in front of a large "WICKED" sign at a themed event or premiere.
Two people stand in front of a large "Wicked" sign at an event, wearing elaborate, colorful costumes inspired by the musical.

I covered more than my usual number of Comic-Con panels this year — many in the extremely popular (and difficult to get into) Hall H.

A man takes a selfie outside a building with a "Comic-Con International" banner; people are walking in the background under a clear blue sky.

These included panels for:

  • The upcoming Stephen King movie “The Long Walk,” starring Mark Hamill as the Major. Set in a near-future when poverty is widespread and America has become a police state, young men can apply to be chosen for “The Long Walk.” All those who can walk no further will be shot and killed, except for the sole survivor who will be rewarded with great wealth.
A red movie poster for "The Long Walk" features a QR code, release date of September 12, and text encouraging viewers to watch and share the trailer. Comic-Con logos border the image.
A person in a military-style outfit stands on stage with a megaphone in front of a projected San Diego Comic-Con International logo.
  • “Predator Badlands,” with a cool Predator mask giveaway for everyone.
  • “Alien: Earth,” for which we were shown a preview of this hugely expensive, new alien horror TV series (eight episodes).
  • “TRON: Ares,” for which Disney pre-positioned red lasers all over the ceiling of Hall H, to create a dazzling laser light show to enhance the entrance of characters from the upcoming movie. Judging from the preview, this movie looks fantastic.

Panels for “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy,” in Ballroom 20, provided welcome comic relief.

Sadly, the large crowd in Ballroom 20 for the “Resident Alien” panel were told that this would be the show’s final season. It is one of my favorite shows, starring the popular actor Alan Tudyk in the title role. Chris Sheridan, the creator of this show, told us that as early as the previous he suspected that this year would be the show’s last year, so scripts were written that would nicely wrap things up.

Outside activations that I visited — that even people without Comic-Con badges could enjoy, included the immersive Paramount+ “The Lodge” activation…

People gather outside the Fairmont Lodge, a themed event space with blue signage, stone accents, and nearby tall buildings under a cloudy sky.
Two banners hang on a pole; one advertises "Predator: Badlands" and the other promotes San Diego Comic-Con International, celebrating popular arts.

… with areas that featured “Mission: Impossible”…

Text reads "TOM CRUISE MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE" above the phrase "This message will self-destruct in five seconds," with sparks and a dark background.
A person in a vest uses a futuristic wall-mounted keyboard and screen, standing in front of a geometric lighted backdrop.

… “Dexter”…

A stone wall with the words "SHOWTIME DEXTER RESURRECTION" in bold red and white letters.
A display case contains a mask, rope, glasses, and a belt, all arranged on a lit surface with a clear cover.
Framed sign for "Dexter Resurrection" with QR code, offering a virtual tour of Prater’s hidden treasures. Text is centered on a black background with gold ornate frame.

… “STAR TREK”…

A doorway shaped like the Starfleet insignia with "Star Trek" sign above, flanked by stanchions, leads into a room with a grid pattern on the floor and walls.
A retro-futuristic control room with colorful dials, screens displaying graphs and planets, a round metallic device, and modernistic chairs.
A retro-style control room with colorful levers, a monitor displaying an alien figure, and futuristic decor inspired by science fiction.
A group of people interact at a futuristic bar set with colorful bottles, while a woman in bright orange and purple clothing stands nearby.
A woman dressed as a Star Trek Vulcan character stands in front of a pink and white backdrop, making the Vulcan salute with her right hand.
Sign reading "Star Trek Starfleet Academy" on a blue and yellow grid-patterned wall, with pink flowers and green leaves in the foreground.
A person sits at a control panel, operating levers while looking at two people displayed on a large screen in a colorful, retro-futuristic room.
A person in a costume prepares drinks at a futuristic bar while two others, one wearing a "Roswell NM" hat, take photos with their phones. Colorful bottles are visible in the background.
A person in a red Starfleet uniform stands in front of a "Star Trek: Starfleet Academy" sign, giving the Vulcan salute beside a pink flowering tree.
A person sits at a futuristic control desk in a themed room, facing a screen displaying an alien character.

… “NCIS: Tony & Ziva”…

A small café with pink-striped awning, floral decor, and a table with two chairs outside. Shelves and kitchen equipment are visible through the window.

… and “The Landman”…

A metal oil pumpjack model is displayed indoors against a brick wall with neon signs, above a counter labeled "LANDMAN.
A modern bar and restaurant interior with wooden tables and chairs, a well-lit bar area, and a large "LANDMAN" sign above the counter.

… in addition to Pluto TV’s “Summer of Cinema” popcorn and beverage snack bar.

A display promotes "Pluto TV Summer of Cinema" with posters of Mean Girls, Gladiator, Forrest Gump, Indiana Jones, and The Bob’s Burgers Movie.
Large popcorn sculpture decorates a yellow and black "SUMMER OF CINEMA" Pluto TV event booth, set against a brick wall.
A yellow and black striped booth displays popcorn and film titles, with large popcorn sculptures arranged on the ground and counter. Two staff members stand behind the counter.
Two frozen drinks with lemon slices and striped straws are served in "Summer of Cinema" cups, alongside matching striped boxes on a countertop.
Two people stand inside a yellow Pluto TV booth with movie titles on the walls, watching foam packing peanuts swirl around them.

In a converted parking lot was a carnival-style bumper car ride activation that promoted the “Twisted Metal” TV series.

A promotional display for "Twisted Metal" featuring stacked tires, metal scraps, warning signs, and a "Dolls on Patrol" sign, set outdoors with buildings in the background.
A heavily modified car with armor and weapons is displayed outdoors for a Twisted Metal event, surrounded by signs and loose tires.
Logo for the Peacock original series "Twisted Metal" displayed on a vibrant, colorful background.
Person in olive green outfit and a half-damaged doll mask points toward the camera at an outdoor event; a "DOLLS ON PATROL" sign is visible in the background.
A rusty, modified truck with clown decorations and spikes is parked outdoors; a costumed person poses with another person in front of an "ESCAPE" sign.
Two men are riding bumper cars themed with "Twisted Metal" branding at an amusement park.
A man in a colorful shirt and green cap drives a black bumper car labeled "Twisted Metal" inside an amusement park ride area.
Several people ride bumper cars while a performer in costume releases smoke on a platform nearby at an amusement event.

Behind the San Diego Convention Center was the “Abbot Elementary” Block Party, complete with a big Ferris Wheel, refreshments and swag…

People gather at "A Very Abbott Block Party" event, featuring large character figures, a Ferris wheel, and outdoor decorations under a sunny sky.

… a “STAR WARS”-themed Coca-Cola “Holocreator” experience…

A red box office booth with a marquee sign reads "Holocreator Starring You," set against tall modern buildings and palm trees on a sunny day.
C-3PO stands at a red Star Wars Coca-Cola box office booth next to a poster promoting a Coca-Cola can collection campaign.
A gold humanoid robot is posed behind glass in a red box office booth with Coca-Cola and Star Wars logos above.
Red display with Coca-Cola products, Star Wars helmets, themed signs, and bags under a banner reading "Refreshment for a galaxy not so far, far away.
A digital poster for "Coca-Cola Star Wars Holocreator" is displayed above a red, rounded seating area against a red wall.
A person dressed as Darth Vader stands in a red-lit corridor with Coca-Cola logos on the walls.
A man with camera gear stands smiling beside a Darth Vader statue in a red-lit display area.

… an Old Spice “Smell Like A Hero” “Superman”-branded deodorant-giveaway experience…

An outdoor Old Spice promotional event features staff in red shirts, a large comic-style backdrop, palm trees, and an oversized Old Spice prop.
A large red Old Spice-themed rocket-shaped structure stands upright with an open door, revealing a control panel inside; surrounded by palm trees and concrete debris.
A billboard advertises Old Spice deodorant with a Superman-themed design and the slogan, "Not all heroes wear capes, but they all smell super.
A man with a backpack poses in front of a comic-style backdrop showing a green car crashing through a wall, with DC and Old Spice logos above.

… Adult Swim’s “Pirate Purrty on the Green”…

A crowd attends an outdoor event with a large screen displaying "Pirate Purrrt! On The Green" in front of buildings, alongside colorful decorations and a dinosaur figure.

… “King of the Hill” games, swag and a tri-tip BBQ…

A crowd gathers under a "King of the Hill" sign at a Hulu event with cartoon-themed decorations and umbrellas, likely at a convention.
A printed "King of the Hill" menu lists sliced tri-tip in barbecue sauce, grilled sausage Polish bites, vegan coleslaw, and mac & cheese on a blue background.
A hand holds a cardboard tray with macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, barbecue meat, and a plastic fork, resting on a napkin.
A crowd gathers under red umbrellas in front of a "King of the Hill" display advertising a new season starting August 4. A screen shows an animated character from the show.
A person poses with one foot on a large red lawn mower, standing in front of a cartoon mural depicting three people in a suburban backyard.
A person wearing a blue uniform and cap holds a green "Mega Lo Mart" hat in front of hat printing machines, with colorful hats displayed on shelves behind.

… and the “Brawl Stars Starr Park,” with a really cool “Starr Rail” simulated ‘ride vehicle’ over to the amusement park, within which animations in the windows made it seem like the stationary ‘ride vehicle’ was moving really quickly from location to location…

Two cartoon characters from Brawl Stars stand next to a large cactus and a sign reading, “Starr Park—Must Be This Crazy to Ride,” near a metal fence by the water.
A colorful floating platform on water features "Brawl Stars" branding and themed decorations, with people and other structures visible in the background.
A sign reads "STARR RAIL STARR HARBOR STATION" in yellow letters on an orange background above an entrance with black curtains.
People stand inside a futuristic-themed room with colorful displays and a screen labeled "MAIN GATE," interacting with various consoles and buttons.
A person stands in front of a large, brightly lit display featuring a cartoon character in blue clothing flying with a determined expression.
Abstract image with vibrant rays of green, blue, orange, and red radiating from a central black point.
People are seated inside a theme park ride vehicle, facing a screen that displays "END OF TRACK" in red letters.
A sign reading "FRONTIER WORLD" in bold red and white letters is displayed on a wooden wall, with two yellow rocking chairs in front.
A woman in uniform and yellow hat speaks into a microphone in front of a colorful interactive display with large red and green buttons.
A group of people take photos and videos inside a themed train car labeled "Starhill Harbour," with screens showing colorful animated scenes.
People stand inside a doorway, looking out at a themed outdoor area with colorful decorations and a "MIKE'S MINE" sign.
Visitors gather around colorful "Frontier World" and "Mike's Mine" displays at an outdoor event, with a large Hilton hotel building visible in the background.
A woman poses with a large foam weapon in front of “Haunted Haven” decorations and oversized cartoon props at an outdoor event.
A whimsical scene with a pink pie shop, a large crying sun sculpture in a fountain, and a cartoon character holding a pie outside the shop.
A cartoonish statue of a girl in a blue dress holding a large pie-themed object stands outside a building with a sign reading "Piper's Pie Shop.
A menu titled "Piper's Pie Shop" lists four pie flavors with colorful descriptions: Glitter Bomb, Tropical TNT, Bubble Trouble (vegan/gluten-free), and Strawberry Shrapnel.
Three colorful barrels, each labeled with a different character face and meter on top, are displayed outdoors at an event with props and booths in the background.
A person in a yellow cap spins a colorful prize wheel next to a "Gift Shop" sign at an outdoor event by the water.
A hand holds a laminated card listing four game stations: Piper’s Pie Shop, Dynamike’s Mine, Frank’s Hammer Drop, and Frontier World Round Up, each with character icons.
Two people stand behind a themed booth with "Floaters" branded merchandise, including hats, bags, and frog-themed clogs, at an outdoor event.
Colorful sign at an amusement park entrance reading "THANK YOU FOR VISITING STARR PARK" with decorative elements and a building in the background.

Other activations were spread on the streets radiating out from the Convention Center, from the Children’s Museum in the west to the Petco Park Interactive Zone in the east, and north to the downtown San Diego Library.

The Crunchyroll “Anime FanFest” took over the Rady Shell, on the grounds of Embarcadero Marina Park South, for two days with free live music, activities and more swag.

Saturday ended with the Masquerade — the annual San Diego Comic-Con costume contest. The intermission included entertaining performances by the high-energy “Corps Dance Crew” and the “Saber Guild.” By the time the judging was over and the prizes were awarded, it was close to midnight, by which time the Trolleys were few and far between. Waiting on the dark, nearly empty platform late at night to transfer to the Blue Line Trolley, to return to where my vehicle was parked, seemed sketchy. Luckily the posted arrival time of 38 minutes for the next Trolley was wrong. It arrived in about ten minutes — just after a family with young children left on foot to try to find a taxi.

Sunday featured one big final panel in Hall H. Believe it or not, this was George Lucas’ first appearance at San Diego Comic-Con. He and his fellow panelists presented a preview of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, under construction since 2018 and scheduled to open in 2026. This massive, 300,000-square-foot building will house an incredible collection of exceptional art. Located in Exposition Park across from the LA Coliseum, the building looks like a gigantic space ship. For more information, visit: https://www.lucasmuseum.org/about.

I wrapped up my coverage of San Diego Comic-Con 2025 with a visit to the annual Comic-Con Art Show and sale (sorry, photos were not permitted). To explore a wide variety of content dating back to 2002, with the most photos and the latest text, visit “AutoMatters & More” at https://automatters.net. Search by title or topic in the Search Bar in the middle of the Home Page, or click on the blue ‘years’ boxes and browse.

Copyright © 2025 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #893r1

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