{"id":419296,"date":"2026-07-31T10:09:55","date_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:09:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/419296\/"},"modified":"2026-07-31T10:09:55","modified_gmt":"2026-07-31T10:09:55","slug":"san-diego-comic-con-2026-brands-made-fans-part-of-the-story","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/419296\/","title":{"rendered":"San Diego Comic-Con 2026: Brands Made Fans Part of The Story"},"content":{"rendered":"

SAN DIEGO\u2014Once again, more than 130,000 enthusiasts attended Comic-Con International\u2014the largest pop culture event in the U.S. The four-day celebration, which took place July 23-26, covered all things comics, film, TV, and gaming, drawing creators, celebrities, and superfans from around the world.<\/p>\n

The San Diego Convention Center<\/a> hosted panels, booths, and celeb sightings, with the event spreading beyond the convention hall into the Gaslamp District, nearby Petco Park, and more. Major players like Google Play, HBO Max, Hulu, FX, and Adult Swim activated all around the city.<\/p>\n

Keep scrolling to see more from Comic-Con 2026…<\/p>\n

Nickelodeon Funergy Factory<\/p>\n

\"SDCC_Nickelodeon_Booth_OV_72226_2090_Edit1_People.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The Nickelodeon Funergy Factory included two connected experiences produced by Gramercy Tech<\/a>. Photo: Courtesy of Gramercy Tech<\/p>\n

\"SDCC_Nickelodeon_Booth_OV_72226_2605.JPG\"<\/p>\n

The Funergy Playground was where guests could try to raise the Funergy Meter and trigger a digital slime waterfall. Brand ambassadors hosted the experience while a custom control system coordinated the meter, IP-themed countdowns, character moments, cheers, sound effects, and the final surge. Photo: Courtesy of Gramercy Tech<\/p>\n

\"SDCC_Nickelodeon_Booth_OV_72226_2627.JPG\"<\/p>\n

At the AI Slime Experience, guests could take a photo and choose a Nickelodeon-inspired slime effect: classic slime, SpongeBob-themed burgers, Avatar-inspired cabbages, or TMNT-inspired pizza. Generative AI created a personalized short-form video of the guest being slimed, delivered by QR code for download and sharing. Photo: Courtesy of Gramercy Tech<\/p>\n

\"SDCC_Nickelodeon_Booth_OV_72226_2669.JPG\"<\/p>\n

Production and creative support were provided by Glow Studio<\/a> and Dorothy Creative<\/a>. Photo: Courtesy of Gramercy Tech<\/p>\n

Ebenezer<\/p>\n

\"577A0814_ozkk7gcF.jpeg\"<\/p>\n

Johnny Depp appeared in full Scrooge costume to promote his upcoming movie, Ebenezer. IHEARTCOMIX<\/a> produced the activation for Paramount Pictures. Photo: Daniel Knighton\/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures<\/p>\n

\"IHEARTCOMICS_EBENEZER_COMICCON2026_0725_202136_201677-EDS.jpg\"<\/p>\n

A faux 1880s British Christmas village in San Diego\u2019s Gaslamp district served as the stage for his appearance. Photo: Courtesy of IHEARTCOMIX<\/p>\n

\"IHEARTCOMICS_EBENEZER_COMICCON2026_07_24_154414-08619_AMV.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The space was not open to the public but it did feature Charles Dickens-inspired details. Photo: Courtesy of IHEARTCOMIX<\/p>\n

\"577A0251_FCIlEoQ4.jpeg\"<\/p>\n

The stunt started with Victorian carolers singing Christmas songs. Later, another character in Dickensian period garb began asking Depp (aka Scrooge) about fair wages. The adaptation of Dickens\u2019 classic Christmas tale hits theaters Nov. 13. Photo: Daniel Knighton\/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures<\/p>\n

HBO Max\u2019s Lanterns Training Headquarters<\/p>\n

\"130138_Green_Lanterns_HBO_Activation_Comic_Con_DavidJonPhotography_DJP20142.jpg\"<\/p>\n

HBO Max debuted an experiential activation for Lanterns in the Gaslamp District. The Lanterns Training Headquarters recruited attendees into the Green Lantern Corps for an interactive journey. Photo: David Jon<\/p>\n

\"131758_Green_Lanterns_HBO_Activation_Comic_Con_DavidJonPhotography_DJP20210.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Set within the world of Rushville, Nebr., the experience challenged visitors to prove their fearlessness through hands-on training exercises, uncover mysteries tied to the upcoming series, and compete for the opportunity to earn a custom Lantern ring. Photo: David Jon<\/p>\n

\"144201_Green_Lanterns_HBO_Activation_Comic_Con_DavidJonPhotography_DJP20655.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Based on the DC comic Green Lantern, the drama series follows new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan. The two intergalactic cops are drawn into a dark, Earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. Photo: David Jon<\/p>\n

HBO Max\u2019s The Comic Center of Pasadena<\/p>\n

\"HBO_SFTSTU_CCSD_0578.jpg\"<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Comic Center of Pasadena\u201d brought Stuart Fails to Save the Universe to life through a multiverse-spanning adventure that transported fans to Stuart Bloom\u2019s iconic comic bookstore. In the show, comic book shop owner Bloom brings about the end of the universe and is tasked with restoring reality along with his girlfriend Denise, geologist Bert, and quantum physicist Barry Kripke. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max\/Acronym<\/p>\n

\"HBO_SFTSTU_CCSD_0035.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Visitors journeyed through a series of alternate realities, discovered their hero archetypes, explored immersive environments inspired by the series, and received personalized collectible keepsakes. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max\/Acronym<\/p>\n

\"HBO_SFTSTU_CCSD_1868.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The experience also featured exclusive merchandise and shareable photo moments designed to celebrate the upcoming comedy event series. Photo: Courtesy of HBO Max\/Acronym<\/p>\n

Paramount+’s The Lodge<\/p>\n

\"Comic.26.P_.Line8_004_f.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Once again, 15|40 Productions<\/a> produced Paramount+’s The Lodge activation. Photo: Courtesy of 15|40 Productions<\/p>\n

\"Comic.26.P_.Line8_016.jpg\"<\/p>\n

This year’s immersive destination allowed fans to step inside worlds inspired by South Park, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender, Dutton Ranch, and more, with interactive elements, photo moments, and themed food and beverages. Photo: Courtesy of 15|40 Productions<\/p>\n

\"Comic.26.P_.Line8_104_p.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Both a spin-off and sequel to Yellowstone, Dutton Ranch follows the story of Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton as they rebuild their lives on a new ranch in Rio Paloma, Texas. The vignette featured nods to ranch life. Photo: Courtesy of 15|40 Productions<\/p>\n

OOH Campaigns<\/p>\n

\"KAP_CC26_Install_Petco_ABC_HULU_High_Res-19.jpg\"<\/p>\n

KAP Media Group<\/a> transformed downtown San Diego into a massive entertainment marketing showcase with 24 large-format and experiential OOH campaigns for clients including AMC, Prime Video, Paramount+, PlayStation, Funko, and ABC. Photo: Spearhead Media<\/p>\n

Sony PlayStation’s Marvel’s Wolverine<\/p>\n

\"KAP_CC26_Install_Omni_Sony_Funko_High_Res-14_(1).jpg\"<\/p>\n

The claws came out at the Omni San Diego Hotel<\/a>, where a towering 24,000-square-foot building wrap celebrated the launch of Marvel’s Wolverine, Sony PlayStation\u2019s release dropping Sept. 15. Photo: Spearhead Media<\/p>\n

\"KAP_CC26_SONY_Activation_Omni_Web_Res-48.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Below, fans walked a trail of destruction to pose with the Proto-Sentinel Head and cooled off with a Madripoor Sunrise Slushy. Photo: Spearhead Media<\/p>\n

\"KAP_CC26_SONY_Activation_Omni_High_Res-7.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The line stretched down the block, with wait times reaching up to three hours. Photo: Spearhead Media<\/p>\n

\"KAP_CC26_SONY_Activation_Omni_Web_Res-4.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Giveaways included Wolverine claws and a copy of Marvel’s Wolverine prequel comic, written by narrative director Walt Williams. KAP Media Group produced the activation and OOH media wrap. Adam&eve\\TWA<\/a> served as the creative agency, and WPP Media<\/a> handled the OOH media buy. Photo: Spearhead Media<\/p>\n

Wildwood\u2019s Forest is Calling Portal Experience<\/p>\n

\"Forest_1.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Fans could enter the world of Wildwood at Comic-Con before it hits theaters this fall. The Forest is Calling Portal Experience launched outside the Hard Rock Hotel<\/a> on July 23 and will move on to multiple cities across the U.S. Inspired by Colin Meloy’s novel and brought to life by LAIKA<\/a>, the activation allowed fans to determine which faction of Wildwood denizens they would be part of in this enigmatic world. The movie is about teenager Prue McKeel\u2019s rescue mission to find her baby brother in an enchanted forest hidden just beyond Portland, Oreg. Photo: Courtesy of LAIKA<\/p>\n

\"Forest_2.jpg\"<\/p>\n

A lush environment of evergreens, ivy, and flora surrounded the portal entrance, along with props inspired by the movie. The experience was co-designed by Wildwood art director Matt Maldonado and Portland agency KAMP Grizzly<\/a>. Photo: Courtesy of LAIKA<\/p>\n

Hulu Animayhem’s Fandom Fuel Up<\/p>\n

\"Hulu_Animayhem_Activation_(1).jpg\"<\/p>\n

This year, Hulu Animayhem took over the Gaslamp District with a food and beverage-driven, fan-first experience inspired by Futurama and King of the Hill. The iconic Planet Express returned to Comic-Con, alongside Bobby Hill\u2019s new Robata Chane venture. Photo: Courtesy of Disney<\/p>\n

\"Hulu_Animayhem_Activation_(3).jpg\"<\/p>\n

Guests enjoyed themed offerings like Fry\u2019s 100 Days of Cold Brew and Robata Chane-inspired yakitori. Fans could explore immersive environments, uncover hidden Easter eggs, and capture shareable moments inspired by storylines from each series. Photo: Courtesy of Disney<\/p>\n

FX\u2019s American Horror Story 13 Flavors Stunt<\/p>\n

\"FXs-American-Horror-Story-13-13-Flavors-SDCC-Activation-1.jpg\"<\/p>\n

In celebration of the upcoming 13th installment of American Horror Story, FX took over San Diego with fan-favorite characters and sinister sweets inspired by the series. A fleet of four branded ice cream trucks served up a total of 12 different flavors, each inspired by a different installment. Fans were also invited to a secret location to experience the 13th scoop. Photo: Courtesy of Disney<\/p>\n

Google Play\u2019s The Auction<\/p>\n

\"260722_GP_SDCC_14_ACTIVATION_HERO_SHOT_00965-1-2_copy_4.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Google Play returned to Comic-Con in San Diego with The Auction, a place where fans could score physical collectibles from Marvel Strike Force and Crunchyroll. Photo: Courtesy of Google Play<\/p>\n

\"260722_GP_SDCC_13_[GP_REQUEST]_MYRIAD_CHARM_COMBOS_00479_copy_3.jpg\"<\/p>\n

From July 23 to 25, attendees could enter the immersive space to redeem tokens for a custom tote bag or keepsakes at the keychain charm bar. Photo: Courtesy of Google Play<\/p>\n

\"_DSC0473.jpg\"<\/p>\n

On July 25, a live auction hosted by Quenlin Blackwell offered fans the chance to bid live on premium, high-value rewards, including an Emerald Gemagotchi Necklace with white diamond buttons on a 14K gold ball chain, a Herman Miller Vantum Gaming Chair, and more. Photo: Courtesy of Google Play<\/p>\n

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Experience<\/p>\n

\"Percy_(2).jpg\"<\/p>\n

Returning to Comic-Con, the Percy Jackson and the Olympians Experience allowed fans to choose their own adventure as they stepped into the titan-size trident. The activation was produced by 15|40 Productions. Photo: Line 8 Photography<\/p>\n

\"Comic.26.Percy.Line8_52.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Along the shared journey, guests were invited to choose which character\u2019s path they wanted to follow: Percy, Annabeth, or Thalia. Photo: Line 8 Photography<\/p>\n

\"Percy_(1).jpg\"<\/p>\n

Each prong became a distinct, character-driven environment that reflected the forces shaping their quest. Prophecy-led clues, hidden Easter eggs from the upcoming season, and exclusive Camp Half-Blood pins were revealed throughout the journey. Photo: Line 8 Photography<\/p>\n

\"DJI_20260723202043_0038_D.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The activation was shaped like a giant trident. Photo: Skull Works<\/p>\n

Audible Panels<\/p>\n

\"2287651961.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Audible brought fan-favorite audio projects from all genres to life with panels for LitRPG sensation Dungeon Crawler Carl and medieval comedy Heads Will Roll. At the Dungeon Crawler Carl panel, author Matt Dinniman and audiobook narrator Jeff Hays discussed the entertaining world of LitRPG. Photo: Phil Faraone\/Getty Images for Audible<\/p>\n

\"2287652077.jpg\"<\/p>\n

At the Heads Will Roll panel, co-creators and sisters Kate McKinnon and Emily Lynne discussed transforming their shared sense of humor into a hit audio series. Photo: Phil Faraone\/Getty Images for Audible<\/p>\n

Audible\u2019s Level Up Lounge<\/p>\n

\"2287652125.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Audible\u2019s Level Up Lounge in the Gaslamp District served as the ultimate player hub and immersive fan space inspired by the platform’s biggest audiobook series, Dungeon Crawler Carl and Bobiverse. Photo: Phil Faraone\/Getty Images for Audible<\/p>\n

\"2287652146.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Attendees could interact with themed activations within the lounge. Photo: Phil Faraone\/Getty Images for Audible<\/p>\n

Princess Donut Truck<\/p>\n

\"2026-ComicCon-Donut-Truck-Rush-8278.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Attendees were also treated to a Princess Donut-branded food truck with free donut holes and other fun Dungeon Crawler Carl-themed surprises. Photo: Courtesy of Audible<\/p>\n

Fandom Kick-Off Party<\/p>\n

\"2287414777.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Fandom hosted its annual Comic-Con kick-off party, which featured a performance from The Coverups, led by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, with a special appearance by Iron Maiden\u2019s Bruce Dickinson. The event, presented by XBOX\u2019s Halo: Campaign Evolved, brought together thousands of fans, celebrities, influencers, industry tastemakers, and more at Float at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego<\/a>. Photo: Getty Images for Fandom<\/p>\n

\"2287413442.jpg\"<\/p>\n

The party featured immersive activations including a dedicated Halo-themed play zone where attendees got hands-on with Halo: Campaign Evolved ahead of its global launch. Refreshments were inspired by Japan\u2019s konbini culture, courtesy of Suntory Global Spirits\u2019 196 Vodka Seltzer. Z2 Comics also offered attendees exclusive, custom-designed merchandise to celebrate the upcoming graphic novel and feature film And Out Comes the Wolf. Photo: Getty Images for Fandom<\/p>\n

[Adult Swim] On The Green<\/p>\n

\"Day1AdultSwimGDX-06.JPG\"<\/p>\n

Adult Swim took over Bayfront Park with custom games, rides, and programming in an activation produced by GDX Studios<\/a>. Photo: Courtesy of GDX Studios<\/p>\n

\"Day2AdultSwimGDX-10.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Programming included massive LED screenings, live table reads (including Rick and Morty), and a DJ Laser Dance Party. Photo: Courtesy of GDX Studios<\/p>\n

Clash of Clans: Clash for the Stache<\/p>\n

\"Copy_of_ClashfortheStacheComicCon2026Day1-59.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Fans joined the raid at Clash of Clans\u2019 Clash for the Stache, a custom challenge room experience located at The Headquarters at Seaport<\/a>. Photo: Courtesy of GDX Studios<\/p>\n

\"Copy_of_Clash_for_the_Stache_Comic_Con_2026_Day_1-37.jpg\"<\/p>\n

Fans physically dodged traps and interacted with integrated tech stacks to unlock exclusive in-game rewards. In collaboration with Supercell<\/a>, GDX Studios brought the Clash universe to life. Photo: Courtesy of GDX Studios<\/p>\n

DC and Guide Dogs of America<\/p>\n

\"Guide_dogs_of_America-_head_body_shots_V24.avif\"<\/p>\n

DC has joined forces with the Guide Dogs of America | Tender Loving Canines (GDA|TLC). After last year\u2019s San Diego Comic-Con collaboration captured the hearts of fans, DC and GDA|TLC are launching a yearlong partnership, including a DC-sponsored litter of future guide and service dog superheroes. In a rare departure from their standard naming conventions, GDA|TLC allowed the litter to be named after iconic DC characters including Krypto, Clark, Lois, Kara, and Lobo. Fans could meet the puppies in person at this year\u2019s Comic-Con. Photo: Courtesy of DC<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"SAN DIEGO\u2014Once again, more than 130,000 enthusiasts attended Comic-Con International\u2014the largest pop culture event in the U.S. The…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":419297,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[28],"tags":[74,76,75],"class_list":["post-419296","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-san-diego","tag-san-diego","tag-san-diego-headlines","tag-san-diego-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419296","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=419296"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/419296\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/419297"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=419296"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=419296"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=419296"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}