{"id":411585,"date":"2026-07-25T02:50:38","date_gmt":"2026-07-25T02:50:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/411585\/"},"modified":"2026-07-25T02:50:38","modified_gmt":"2026-07-25T02:50:38","slug":"comic-con-2026-the-best-things-we-saw-friday-at-comic-con","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/411585\/","title":{"rendered":"Comic-Con 2026: The best things we saw Friday at Comic-Con"},"content":{"rendered":"

Friday at Comic-Con<\/a> International saw the same waves of thousands and thousands of people in downtown San Diego, both inside and outside of the San Diego Convention Center, showing that the long lines and beating sunshine would not deter the masses.<\/p>\n

Cosplayers showed up in full battle gear, body paint, high heels, fake heads, masks and every other costume piece you can think of, handmake, order online or 3D print. It was also another day of star sightings, including three-time Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro.<\/p>\n

The San Diego Union-Tribune\u2019s reporters, editors and photographers were roaming around looking for the most interesting things to see. Here\u2019s what they found.<\/p>\n

This article will be updated throughout the day.<\/p>\n

\u201cHalo\u201d continues to be a popular choice for cosplayers
\n\"ChristopherChristopher Loomis from Denver, Colorado, as a Spartan cosplayer from the video game \u201cHalo\u201d at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Christopher Loomis from Denver, Colorado, said he has been San Diego Comic-Con 10 times and has been sporting his Spartan cosplay, from the video game Halo, for the past six years. He said the hand made design took him six months to create and he continues to make alterations and hone is craft each year. \u201cI love coming out here and seeing all my friends,\u201d Loomis said. \u201cI think the friendship is my favorite part.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Maya Santiago<\/p>\n

AMC Theatres inside Comic-Con
\n\"AMCAMC Theatres made an appearance inside the exhibit hall as booth No. 3945. This was the scene Friday at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

The AMC movie booth draws fans in with a recreation of a classic movie theater entrance, complete with a menu of film-inspired merchandise, including hats, blankets and plush toys. The selection features items tied to recent releases such as \u201cSupergirl,\u201d \u201cThe Odyssey\u201d and \u201cToy Story 5\u201d alongside fan favorites from Harry Potter and Hello Kitty, which continue to sell out quickly, according to Tiffany Scantlebury-Wheeler, AMC\u2019s merchandising marketing manager. Visitors can pose for photos and shop for exclusive merchandise inspired by their favorite films. \u201cWe wanted to tease and show fans what we have coming, but also bring back some of their favorites,\u201d said Scantlebury-Wheeler. No. 3945. Exhibit Hall.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Maya Santiago<\/p>\n

Fans fight to save their beloved franchise
\n\"A<\/p>\n

A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a \u201cStargate\u201d series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a \u201cStargate\u201d series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

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A flyover banner was seen above the San Diego Convention Center on Friday pushing for Amazon MGM Studios to save a \u201cStargate\u201d series which was reportedly canceled before it hit screens. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

A small plane was flying over the San Diego Convention Center on Friday morning with a banner asking fans to \u201csave Stargate.\u201d A new show in the \u201cStargate\u201d franchise was recently scrapped by Amazon MGM, frustrating some fans. The banner could be seen by attendees of San Diego Comic-Con International walking in the Gaslamp Quarter.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Phillip Molnar<\/p>\n

The Lodge by Paramount+
\n\"Republic<\/p>\n

Republic City Marketplace, \u201cAvatar\u201d bar at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dutton<\/p>\n

Dutton Bar at Dutton Ranch at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

An authentic model of the U.S.S. Enterprise used in the original pilot and series at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u00e2\u0080\u009cAvatar<\/p>\n

\u201cAvatar Aang: The Last Airbender\u201d Republic City Marketplace at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Dutton<\/p>\n

Dutton Ranch display at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A \u201cStar Trek\u201d DJ at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u00e2\u0080\u009cSouth<\/p>\n

\u201cSouth Park\u201d and UFC signs at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A \u201cStar Trek\u201d bartender does the Vulcan salute at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The herding game at Dutton Ranch at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u00e2\u0080\u009cSouth<\/p>\n

\u201cSouth Park\u201d display at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"\u00e2\u0080\u009cStar<\/p>\n

\u201cStar Trek\u201d Cosmic Drops and Vulcan Sunset cocktails at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 11<\/p>\n

Republic City Marketplace, \u201cAvatar\u201d bar at The Lodge activation by Paramount+ as seen Friday at Comic-Con. The Lodge took over Happy Does at 340 Fifth Ave. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

The Lodge, an immersive experience by Paramount+, returns to Happy Does Bar the Gaslamp District this year. It features cocktails, swag, games and photo-ops for many popular shows. Fans can explore the U.S.S. Port Galley for \u201cStar Trek: Strange New Worlds,\u201d where they can enjoy nutrition cubes and drinks like Cosmic Drops and Vulcan Sunset while vibing to an alien DJ. They can also explore the Republic City Marketplace from \u201cAvatar Aang: The Last Airbender\u201d or find their way through \u201cSouth Park.\u201d On display as well are UFC and \u201cDutton Ranch.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Madeleine Kashkooli<\/p>\n

The Daily Bugle
\n\"A<\/p>\n

A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of \u201cThe Daily Bugle,\u201d the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of \u201cThe Daily Bugle,\u201d the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

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A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of \u201cThe Daily Bugle,\u201d the fictional newspaper in the Gaslamp Quarter. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of \u201cThe Daily Bugle,\u201d the fictional newspaper where Spider-Man works as a photographer, under the Gaslamp archway. The promotion was for the upcoming film, \u201cSpider-Man: Brand New Day.\u201d The newspaper was light on articles and more focused on advertisements for Spider-Man toys.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Phillip Molnar<\/p>\n

Harry Potter cosplayers
\n\"Harry<\/p>\n

Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards\u2019 \u201cBreaking of the Chains\u201d on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Harry<\/p>\n

Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards\u2019 \u201cBreaking of the Chains\u201d on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 2<\/p>\n

Harry Potter cosplayers, led by Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, gather together in front of Melvin Edwards\u2019 \u201cBreaking of the Chains\u201d on the Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

Harry Potter cosplayers continue to warm the hearts of Comic-Con attendees, even though the final film in the franchise was released almost exactly 15 years ago. This group of cosplayers, led by San Diego\u2019s Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, said this was either their 10th or 12th anniversary of meeting up together, though Hutsell said he has been coming to Comic-Con since the 80s.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Abby Hamblin<\/p>\n

Director Guillermo del Toro hits the exhibit hall
\n\"DirectorDirector Guillermo del Toro was seen signing autographs at Insight Editions booth No. 2129 Friday afternoon at Comic-Con. (Maya Santiago \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro held a signing for an exclusive \u201cPan\u2019s Labryinth\u201d art print and the collector\u2019s Tarot del Toro bundle, followed by a meet-and-greet. The ticketed event was limited to the first 20 purchasers and sold out almost instantly during Wednesday\u2019s preview night. Even after tickets were gone, eager fans continued lining up around the booth in hopes of catching a glimpse of the director.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Maya Santiago<\/p>\n

This family is dedicated to cosplay
\n\"TheThe Ford Family from Atlanta, George, showed of their X-Men cosplay outside the San Diego Convention Center Friday. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

The Ford Family, which documents its cosplay on Instagram as @fordfamilystrong, was seen outside the San Diego Convention Center dressed as X-Men characters. From left: Aiden Ford as Gambit, Christopher Ford as Cyclops, Carter Ford as Wolverine and Alyssa Ford as Jubilee. The family, from Atlanta, Georgia, has previously cosplayed as the Addams Family, \u201cWilly Wonka and the Chocolate Factory\u201d characters and \u201cThe Incredibles.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u2014 Abby Hamblin<\/p>\n

A classic \u201cBatman\u201d cosplay
\n\"MartyMarty Axiotis (Poison Ivy), George Axiotis (Robin), Wayne Jacobs (Batman) and Jackie Jacobs (Catwoman) traveled from the Washington, D.C. area to attend their first Comic-Con Friday. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)<\/p>\n

This crew of cosplayers, who want to make sure everyone knows they\u2019re specifically representing the 1966 film version of \u201cBatman,\u201d traveled from Washington, D.C. to be in San Diego Friday. Asked their ages, the crew responded \u201cover 60,\u201d then, \u201cover 50.\u201d They said they\u2019ve been friends for decades and it\u2019s their first trip to Comic-Con.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Abby Hamblin<\/p>\n

Green Day in Gallagher Square
\n\"Billie<\/p>\n

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film \u201cNimrods\u201d during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

\"Billie<\/p>\n

Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film \u201cNimrods\u201d during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

\"(L-R)<\/p>\n

(L-R) Billie Joe Armstrong, Tr\u00e9 Cool and Mike Dirnt of Green Day surprise fans to promote their new film \u201cNimrods\u201d during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

\"Green<\/p>\n

Green Day stopped by Gallagher Square in Petco Park on Friday to promote an upcoming moving, sing a few songs and pass out merch to fans. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Green<\/p>\n

Green Day bassist Mike Dirnt walked out to greet the crowd at Gallagher Square at Petco Park Friday. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Green<\/p>\n

Green Day singer, guitarist and songwriter Billie Joe Armstrong throws merch to the crowd at Petco Park\u2019s Gallagher Square Friday at Comic-Con. (Madeleine Kashkooli \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Green<\/p>\n

Green Day stopped by Gallagher Square in Petco Park on Friday to promote an upcoming moving, sing a few songs and pass out merch to fans. (Phillip Molnar \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

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Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day surprises fans to promote their new film \u201cNimrods\u201d during 2026 Comic-Con International: San Diego at Petco Park on July 24, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer\/Getty Images)\n<\/p>\n

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Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong played a medley of songs from the band\u2019s catalog on top of an ice cream truck Friday afternoon at Gallagher Square. After the songs, he threw T-shirts, cassette tapes and ice cream to attendees. The appearance was a promotion of new film \u201cNimrods,\u201d inspired by the band. Mason Thames and Jenna Fischer, actors in the upcoming \u201cNimrods\u201d movie, were also there and threw ice cream into the crowd. Bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool made people ice cream in the truck.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Madeleine Kashkooli and Phillip Molnar<\/p>\n

Mission Control: STEAM Activity Room
\n\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"Back<\/p>\n

Back row: aerospace engineer Sydney Hamilton, inventor Cori Lathan, earthquake geologist Wendy Bohon, AI scientist Kay Savage, molecular biologist Beata Mierzwa and ecologists Johanna Varner and Tammy Goulet. Front row: neuroscientist Liz Engler-Chiurazzi, computer scientists Bea Gandica and Gracie Ermi. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 7<\/p>\n

The STEAM activity room in the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, presented as the Mission Control center for the fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), brought together scientists to teach about a range of skills and career paths. (Abby Hamblin \/ The San Diego Union-Tribune)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

In the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, a group of organizations, including IF\/THEN, the Fleet Science Center and Cosplay for Science, combine to form a fictional organization Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE) from which visitors can learn about various skills and careers in science in a Mission Control program as they earn badges for completing missions. Ambassadors representing fields such as ecology, neuroscience, computer science and geology guide participants through the activities such as digging for and testing gems and collecting trading cards for various women in STEAM fields.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Abby Hamblin<\/p>\n

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