{"id":402237,"date":"2026-07-17T13:42:11","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:42:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/402237\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T13:42:11","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T13:42:11","slug":"an-a-to-z-guide-to-26-things-to-expect-at-comic-con-2026-san-diego-union-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/402237\/","title":{"rendered":"An A to Z guide to 26 things to expect at Comic-Con 2026 \u2013 San Diego Union-Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"

Comic-Con returns next week, with a preview night on Wednesday followed by four jam-packed days of events, activations, panel discussions, parties and more from preview night on July 22, through closing day, July 26.<\/p>\n

To help get your planning started, here\u2019s a list of happenings from A to Z. The full convention calendar of events can be found online at comic-con.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A<\/p>\n

Artists\u2019 Alley: Find dozens of up-and-coming creators, independent artists and new creative talent at the Artists\u2019 Alley inside Comic-Con. The artists, animators and illustrators each have a small table to sell their one-of-a-kind artwork. Fans can also talk to these artists one-on-one. Artists\u2019 Alley is located on the south end of the convention floor, near lobby G. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

B<\/p>\n

Black female storytellers: \u201cThe Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers\u201d panel will feature Black female producers, writers and illustrators from across the film and TV industries. Panelists will share their personal experiences and industry insights on creating space for Black voices in entertainment. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 10. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

C<\/p>\n

Crunchyroll: Fans of \u201cMy Hero Academia\u201d won\u2019t want to miss this celebration of 10 years of the Crunchyroll favorite. The panel will include appearances from the voice cast, a look back at the final season of the show and much more. Crunchyroll will also celebrate the anime \u201cSentenced to be a Hero\u201d inside the exhibit hall. 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23. Ballroom 20. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

D<\/p>\n

\u201cDungeon Crawler Carl:\u201d The hit book series \u2014 which is slated to be produced into television by Peacock \u2014 will also be a star of Comic-Con this year. Author Matt Dinniman is one of this year\u2019s special guests at the convention. There will be a \u201cDungeon Crawler Carl\u201d activation presented by Audible as well as several panels featuring Dinniman. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

\"ThousandsThousands wander the exhibit hall during day 3 of the 2025 Comic-Con International convention at the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, July 26, 2025 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)
\nE<\/p>\n

Exhibit hall: A huge space inside the San Diego Convention Center, the exhibit hall is the place to find props from famous movies and television shows, exclusive merchandise, character and actor meet-and-greets, giveaways, 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 artists. (Abby Hamblin) <\/p>\n

F<\/p>\n

Final Fantasy: The Rady Shell will be the scene of a celebration of 25 years of \u201cFinal Fantasy.\u201d The Japanese science-fantasy media franchise comprises video games, movies and books. Maestro Arnie Roth will lead the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Master Chorale. 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $78.\u00a0(Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

\"DirectorDirector Guillermo del Toro poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film \u201cFrankenstein.\u201d At Comic-Con, the Academy Award\u2013winning filmmaker will be on a panel for the 20th anniversary of \u201cPan\u2019s Labyrinth.\u201d (Scott A Garfitt\/Invision\/AP)
\nG<\/p>\n

Guillermo del Toro: Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will discuss, \u201cPan\u2019s Labyrinth,\u201d exploring the the visual design and creative process for its 20th anniversary. The presentation will feature special behind-the-scenes moments and new insights into the making of the film. 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

\"AngelaAngela Fenn Gleason wearing their Masters of the Universe inspired design walks the runway during the 10th annual Her Universe Fashion Show as part of San Diego\u2019s 2024 Comic-Con International at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Thursday, July 25, 2024 in San Diego, CA. (Meg McLaughlin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)
\nH<\/p>\n

Her Universe Fashion Show: The Her Universe Fashion Show returns for it\u2019s 12th annual showcase, featuring designs from 20 creators. This year\u2019s lineup will feature looks inspired by DC superheros and supervillians, including Batman, Superman and Teen Titans. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Harbor Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

I<\/p>\n

Inside the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: This panel will provide a preview of upcoming museum exhibitions and film programming from Senior Curator and Head of Film Programs Ryan Linkof; Stoopid Buddy Stoodios\u2019 Seth Green and Matthew Senreich; and DC President, Publisher and CCO Jim Lee. The discussion will explore the artistic influences that shaped George Lucas and other creators. 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

\"JohnJohn Cena is seen at a Comic-Con Fan Expo in Rosemont, Ill. He\u2019ll be at Comic-Con to promote \u201cMatchbox The Movie.\u201d (Rob Grabowski\/Invision\/AP)
\nJ<\/p>\n

John Cena: A Saturday panel about \u201cMatchbox The Movie\u201d will feature wrestling legend and actor John Cena. The film, based on the Mattel toys, premieres later this year. Cena plays an undercover CIA agent. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

K<\/p>\n

Killer Tomatoes: Friday at Comic-Con will be a celebration of the San Diego cult classic film series \u201cAttack of the Killer Tomatoes.\u201d The fifth movie in the series, \u201cOrganic Intelligence,\u201d which was filmed and produced largely in San Diego, will have a panel at Comic-Con featuring cast and creators. Fans can expect a first look at the trailer. 7:15 to 8:15 Friday, July 24. Room 6A. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

L<\/p>\n

Lanterns: Debuting in August from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, \u201cLanterns\u201d is a TV series about intergalactic cops. The show stars Kyle Chandler, Nathan Fillion and Aaron Pierre who will appear on a panel together. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 25. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

\"MikeMike McCready of Pearl Jam performs during the second weekend of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. He\u2019ll be at Comic-Con to talk about his new graphic novel. (Amy Harris\/Invision\/AP)
\nM<\/p>\n

Mike McCready: The Pearl Jam, Mad Season and Temple of the Dog member joins the wave of musicians getting into graphic novels. McCready will join a panel titled \u201cMike McCready\u2019s Alternative History of Grunge\u201d to discuss \u201cFarewell to Seasons,\u201d which seeks to capture the \u201990s grunge scene explosion with illustration through comics. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

N<\/p>\n

NBC 100: \u201cGrimm\u201d 15th Anniversary Reunion: The fan-favorite series about a homicide detective who fights supernatural forces will get a special 15th anniversary panel. Cast and creators will reunite in to share behind-the-scenes stories and reminisce. 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

O<\/p>\n

On the Mic Podcast: Filmmaker and producer Tim Drake will host a panel with Alexander Watson and other comedy guests. Watson\u2019s work has been featured on \u201cThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,\u201d \u201cJimmy Kimmel Live!\u201d and Comedy Central. 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

P<\/p>\n

\u201cPercy Jackson and the Olympians:\u201d The beloved fantasy adventure show, based on the popular book series, returns to Comic-Con for an update from season three. Stars Walker Scobell, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Tamara Smart, Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie are all scheduled to attend. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

Q<\/p>\n

Queer Japanese Media: Panelists Jimmy Sherfy, known as San Diego\u2019s \u201cKing of Cosplay,\u201d Melissa Gene Meyer and Elle Luevanos will explore the representation and evolution of queer themes in Japanese media. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 26AB. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

R<\/p>\n

Romance on the Big Screen: The panel featuring authors Ali Hazelwood, Christina Hobbs, Lauren Billings and others will explore the romance genre\u2019s growing influence and the factors driving its continued momentum across literature and screen adaptations. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 24ABC. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

S<\/p>\n

\u201cSpaceballs\u201d: The team behind Mel Brooks\u2019 Star Wars spoof, \u201cSpaceballs,\u201d will take the stage at Comic-Con to discuss the film\u2019s development, cast and connection to the original comedy classic. The panel will feature insights into the sequel\u2019s production. 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

\"JeffreyJeffrey Dean Morgan poses for a portrait to promote \u201cThe Walking Dead: Dead City\u201d during Comic-Con International on Friday, July 26, 2024, in San Diego. (AP Photo\/Chris Pizzello)
\nT<\/p>\n

The Walking Dead: It wouldn\u2019t be Comic-Con without the zombies. \u201cThe Walking Dead: Dead City\u201d will be at the center of a panel. Cast and creators, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, will discuss season three and show a sneak peek of the premiere episode. 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)<\/p>\n

U<\/p>\n

Upcoming video games: Gareth Von Kallenbach and the Skewed and Reviewed team will highlight some of the most anticipated titles coming up, featuring previews and gameplay clips. The panel will also include a Q&A session with gaming contributors discussing the releases fans are anticipating. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 24ABC. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

V<\/p>\n

Vampire Lestat: AMC Global Media will showcase \u201cThe Vampire Lestat\u201d with cast and creators talking about the big recent finale. There will also be a \u201cThe Vampire Lestat: One Night Only Live\u201d music performance featuring songs from composer Daniel Hart. 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

\"ThisThis image released by Apple TV+ shows Kate O\u2019Flynn in a scene from \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay.\u201d (Apple TV+ via AP)
\nW<\/p>\n

Widow\u2019s Bay: Apple TV\u2019s breakout summer hit \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay\u201d will make its first appearance at the Con as part of a panel discussion highlighting four Apple shows, including \u201cSilo,\u201d Mayday\u201d and \u201cMatchbox The Movie.\u201d \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay\u201d is a quirky horror comedy about a haunted island of the New England coast. The island\u2019s mayor is played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who made Emmy Award history this month being nominated as a lead actor in two categories, for \u201cWidow\u2019s Bay\u201d in the comedy category, and Netflix\u2019s \u201cThe Beast Within,\u201d in the limited series or movie category. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Hall H. SDCC (Pam Kragen)<\/p>\n

X<\/p>\n

X-Men: The creative team behind Marvel\u2019s animated series \u201cX-Men \u201997\u201d will join special guests for a discussion about upcoming events, behind-the-scenes information and a preview of what\u2019s ahead. Fans can receive special prizes and giveaways. 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Room 6A. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

Y<\/p>\n

YA Graphic Novels: This panel will cover how graphic novels within the YA genre can facilitate change, featuring authors, Julie Fiveash, Jarrett Dapier, Tilly Bridges, Susan Bridges, R. Sikoryak and Rob Reger. Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24. Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library. (Maya Santiago)<\/p>\n

Z<\/p>\n

Godzilla: Godzilla\u2019s comic book future is taking shape with new projects from Toho and IDW planned for 2026 and beyond. Aaron Gregory from Toho and the IDW team will discuss upcoming titles and the creators bringing new stories to life. Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 29AB. (Maya Santiago).<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Comic-Con returns next week, with a preview night on Wednesday followed by four jam-packed days of events, activations,…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":402238,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[7,5196,967,181,74,84,76,75,420],"class_list":["post-402237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-california","tag-downtown-san-diego","tag-entertainment","tag-latest-headlines","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-county","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news","tag-things-to-do"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402237","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=402237"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/402237\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/402238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=402237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=402237"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=402237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}