San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Analysis

Here we go – our way-too-long look at the 2025 San Diego Comic-Con!  After last year’s cover added up to just short of 10,000 words, we’re going to try to be a little more concise this year… let’s see how we do (spoiler:  We dialed it back to around 7,000 words).

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

There were no panels of note on Wednesday ‘preview night.’

Amongst major booth attractions, Lego wowed attendees with a massive diorama of the San Diego Convention Center, built from over 200,000 bricks and taking more than 1,500 hours to complete. Dubbed “San Diego Lego-Con,” the display featured miniature recreations of iconic Comic-Con moments, booths, and hidden Easter eggs.

Thursday, July 24, 2025

“Abrams: Marvel Licensed Publishing Panel”

10:00am – 11:00am
Abrams spotlighted its upcoming “Essential Peanuts,” a curated 75-strip retrospective featuring essays by Mark Evanier and design by Chip Kidd. But the biggest buzz was around John Byrne’s fan-fic-turned-official project “X-Men: Elsewhen,” launching spring 2026 in three volumes. Chris Ryall also previewed Marvel Arts titles like Kidd’s “Avengers: The Veracity Trap,” with mentions of other works ranging from “Kindred” to “Megalopolis.”

“Great Cartoonists and Comedians We Have Known”

10:00am – 11:00am
Mark Evanier and Leonard Maltin discussed notable figures from comedy and cartooning, including Groucho Marx, Chuck Jones, Bob Clampett, Bob Hope, and Jerry Lewis. The panel covered their personal and professional histories with these entertainers.

“Space Command: Epic Adventures”

10:00am – 11:00am
I keep bringing up Marc Zicree’s indie sci-fi series because it feels like the slowest-moving crowdfunded production ever—yet it never dies. There’s always new footage, cast updates, or another campaign. I haven’t watched it yet, but apparently the first two episodes are out, and they’re now Kickstarting episodes 3 and 4.

“Two Rovers, One Planet: NASA On Mars”

10:15am – 11:15am
NASA engineers discussed recent Curiosity and Perseverance Mars mission findings and previewed upcoming rover plans.

“Percy Jackson and the Olympians”

11:00am – 12:00pm
The “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” panel previewed Season 2’s adaptation of “The Sea of Monsters.” Cast and producers teased bigger action, deeper character arcs, and epic sets—from chariot races to a tilted ironclad ship. A teaser trailer and December 10 premiere date were revealed, along with new Season 3 casting.

“Spotlight on Jonathan Hickman”

11:00am – 12:00pm
Hickman discussed his signature diagrammatic storytelling and teased new creator-owned titles beyond the “Ultimate Universe.” He reflected on past works like his largely unfulfilled X-Men run in recent years and “East of West,” emphasizing the challenge of balancing complex ideas with readability in both mainstream and independent comics.

“Spotlight on Paul Levitz”

11:00am – 12:00pm
Levitz opened his busy convention schedule with a spotlight panel tracing his journey from writing “Legion of Super-Heroes” to leading DC Comics as publisher. He shared historical insights on the Direct Market, creator rights, and evolving industry dynamics.

“DC All In: What’s Next”

11:30am – 12:30pm
DC’s fall slate included new arcs for “Green Lantern,” a horror anthology line, and major expansion of the “Absolute” imprint. Editors promoted the “All In” initiative to attract new readers. Teasers included “D.C. K.O.,” a multi-stage tournament saga involving Batman, Mr. Terrific, and Superman’s sun-powered brass knuckles.

“Weird Al-Gorithm Live: 40 Years of ‘Dare to Be Stupid'”

12:00pm – 1:00pm
This podcast panel celebrated the 1985 music video classic “Dare to Be Stupid” and its cultural legacy. Fans, music historians, and Weird Al collaborators shared stories, screened clips, and explored Al’s uniquely enduring four-decade career.

“Spotlight on Jim Lee”

12:45pm – 1:45pm
The annual “Spotlight on Jim Lee” panel featured live drawing, career reflections, and behind-the-scenes insights from the DC legend, who’s still at work on “Batman: Hush 2.”

“Conan the Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Titan Comics unveiled “Conan the Barbarian: Scourge of the Serpent,” launching September 24, 2025. The panel teased three supernatural tales linked by the serpent god Set. Writer Jim Zub and artist Ivan Gil return, with pulpy art, multiple variant covers, and a Robert E. Howard-inspired tone.

“Robert Kirkman Live at SDCC”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Robert Kirkman’s solo panel had a whirlwind of release news: “Invincible” Season 4 premieres March 2026 with Matthew Rhys as Dinosaurus, “Battle Beast” joins the “Invincible” videogame, and new compendiums for “Tech Jacket” and “Astounding Wolf-Man” arrive in November. He also teased “Skinbreaker” with David Finch and confirmed upcoming “Transformers” and “Void Rivals” details (we’ll cover in those panels).

“Spotlight on Dan Jurgens”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Dan Jurgens reflected on career highlights from “Booster Gold” to “The Death of Superman,” discussing legacy, editorial shifts, and longtime collaborators. The panel closed with a tribute video from DC peers. Separately, a live-action “Booster Gold” series was revealed as now in development at HBO Max with David Jenkins writing the pilot.

“Spotlight on Eddie Campbell”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Eddie Campbell revisited his indie comics roots, collaborations with Alan Moore on “From Hell,” and recent historical work like “Kate Carew.”.

“The Secret History of Dracula and The Human Fly . . . What???”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Jim Krueger previewed his upcoming Kickstarter comic, “The Human Fly and Dracula: Conflict Across Centuries.” Krueger teased the time-hopping horror-adventure’s wild premise-pitting the 1970s stuntman superhero against, well, Dracula.

“Collider’s Directors on Directing”

2:45pm – 4:00pm
Rob Reiner and Paul Feig shared career stories and directing wisdom. Reiner reflected on turning down “Rain Man” to make “When Harry Met Sally,” while having no regrets. Exclusive clips teased Reiner’s “Spinal Tap II.”

“1985: Greatest Geek Year III”

3:00pm – 4:00pm
The 4:30 Movie podcast hosts and pop culture pundits on the panel celebrated 40 years (!) of iconic films from 1985 like “Back to the Future,” “The Goonies,” and “Commando.”

“Inglorious Treksperts Live: Where Is Star Trek’s Andor?”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
“Star Trek” podcasters debated whether the franchise has its equivalent to “Andor,” the gritty prestige standout of “Star Wars.” Discussion ranged from “Deep Space Nine”‘s legacy to “Strange New Worlds”’ tonal shifts.

“Jack Kirby’s Fourth World: Heroes, Myths, and Philosophy”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Mark Evanier led this deep-dive into Kirby’s cosmic epic, framing it as a mythic exploration of good, evil, and free will. Academics and artists joined in, analyzing Darkseid, New Genesis, and the eternal relevance of Kirby’s themes.

“Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2”

4:15pm – 5:15pm
The “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” panel featured Josh Hutcherson and cast teasing deeper lore, upgraded Jim Henson animatronics, and fan-favorite callbacks. A surprise scene that was shown ended on a cliffhanger.  There was talk of a third film hinted at franchise expansion, although major plot details remained under wrap.

“Drawing with Todd Nauck”

4:30pm – 6:00pm
“Young Justice” and “Amazing Spider-Man” artist Todd Nauck led a hands-on session sharing drawing tips, stories from his 30-year career, and live sketching techniques. Attendees received supplies and followed along as Nauck demonstrated his process and answered questions about working with both Marvel and DC.

“40 Years of Robotech”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Every year I marvel at the sheer amount of “Robotech” merchandise still produced. This year’s big anniversary panel featured original voice actors, Harmony Gold execs, and new creators previewing an upcoming comic and animated short.  A little meatier and more nostalgic than in recent years.

“Jim Shooter Memorial”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Industry veterans paid tribute to former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Jim Shooter, who passed away in late June 2025. Shooter, was remembered for Marvel’s “Secret Wars” and shaping key creator assignments in the early 1980s, including Frank Miller on “Daredevil” and Walter Simonson on “Thor.”

“Rob Liefeld: Youngblood 33rd Anniversary”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Rob Liefeld spotlighted “Giant-Sized Youngblood #1”, available at the con, and promoted his already-launched direct-to-consumer Youngblood series, made possible through a new rights agreement. When not selling, he related moments from Image Comics’ historic (and explosive) founding.

“Forging a Legend: Red Sonja Rides Again on the Big Screen”

5:30pm – 6:30pm
The “Red Sonja” team of people I’d never heard of (with a lead actress who is attractive if somewhat skinny for the role?) confirmed the long-delayed reboot arrives August 15. Cast and crew cited influences from Gail Simone’s comics and earlier film versions. A preview scene showcased Sonja’s chainmail debut. The panel covered influences talk, spotlighting combat prep, character updates, and the film’s effort to minimize CGI (although in the trailer there seemed to still be plenty of that in the mix).

“Penn & Teller: 50 Years of Magic”

5:30pm – 6:30pm
The duo celebrated their half-century mark with live illusions, Vegas stories, and some swag for the packed Indigo ballroom.

“The Toxic Avenger: Unrated and Radioactive”

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Lloyd Kaufman handed the mop to new director Macon Blair. Stars Peter Dinklage, Elijah Wood, and Jacob Tremblay previewed the unrated reboot, which drops August 29. Dinklage’s transformation footage and a rowdy fan Q&A stole the spotlight.

“Jurassic Park: Liability for Dinosaur Attacks Never Goes Extinct”

6:00pm – 7:00pm
Perplexed by the sheer number of legal panels at SDCC this year, I picked out this “ Jurassic Park” session to spotlight. Real judges and attorneys debated DNA patents, guest liability, and park insurance as if dino rampages were real-world events.  Anyway, these panels were a thing.

“Comedy Central Adult Animation: South Park, Beavis & Butt-Head, and Digman!”

6:45pm – 7:45pm
Comedy Central panel brought together Matt Stone, Trey Parker, Mike Judge, and Andy Samberg to reflect on adult animation’s legacy. South Park’s latest season debuted the night before (amid news of a massive new deal for the creators), sparking discussion of censors, fake promos, and evolving tools. Judge called back to his now-prescient 2006 film “Idiocracy” as “not supposed to be a documentary.” Samberg just looked thrilled to be there.

“Retro ’80s Toys and Talent”

7:00pm – 8:00pm
I thought it would feature The Loyal Subjects’ new re-release of the classic “M.A.S.K.” property, but that wasn’t the case. Instead, the panel focused on “Jem,” “Rainbow Brite,” and more, with voice actors and designers leading sing-alongs and showcasing upcoming toy releases.

Friday, July 25, 2025

“Eisner Hall of Fame”

10:00am – 11:30am
This year’s Hall of Fame inductees featured a broad mix of creators. Voter-selected honorees included Kyle Baker (“Why I Hate Saturn”), Eddie Campbell (“From Hell”), Roz Chast (“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?”), Dan Clowes (“Ghost World”), Junji Ito (“Uzumaki”), Todd Klein (“Sandman”), and John Romita Jr. (“Kick Ass”). Judge selections added Steve Bissette (“Swamp Thing”), Lucy Shelton Caswell (founding curator, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum), Philippe Druillet (“Lone Sloane”), Phoebe Gloeckner (“The Diary of a Teenage Girl”), Joe Sacco (“Palestine”), Bill Schanes and Steve Schanes (co-founders of Pacific Comics), Frank Stack (“The Adventures of Jesus”), and Angelo Torres (“EC Comics”). In memoriam recognitions went to Peter Arno (“The New Yorker”), Gus Arriola (“Gordo”), Wilhelm Busch (“Max and Moritz”), Richard “Grass” Green (“Xal-Kor the Human Cat”), Rea Irvin (creator of the New Yorker’s original look), Jack Kamen (“Tales from the Crypt”), Joe Maneely (“Black Knight”), Shigeru Mizuki (“GeGeGe no Kitarō”), Bob Oksner (“Supergirl”), Bob Powell (“Sheena, Queen of the Jungle”), Ira Schnapp (DC logos and lettering), and Phil Seuling (direct market pioneer).

“Hasbro G.I. Joe Panel”

10:00am – 11:00am
Hasbro showcased new Classified series figures like Sci-Fi and Mainframe, a deluxe Scorpion pack, and teased Golobulus with a shoulder pad image. A Hasbro Pulse-exclusive Steel Corps Outpost and future names like Lifeline and Big Lob were announced. Reaction online was muted, though some collector interest remains.

“Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away . . .”

10:00am – 11:00am
Writers from across Lucasfilm’s High Republic and core-era lines previewed novels, comics, and children’s books. The panel emphasized crossovers and highlighted new titles arriving in late 2025. A highlight to watch for was a book celebrating the 50^th anniversary of Industrial Light and Magic.

“STARZ: Outlander: A Timeless Look Back at the Iconic Series and a First Look at the Final Season”

10:00am – 11:00am
Starz debuted a teaser for the eighth and final season of Outlander, confirming the end of “Droughtlander” in early 2026. On the panel, Sam Heughan, Sophie Skelton, and Richard Rankin reflected on 12 years of filming on the show. Caitríona Balfe sent a heartfelt video message. Bagpipers closed out the emotional panel.

“TMNT: The New Era of Turtle Power”

10:00am – 11:00am
To celebrate 40 years of TMNT fandom, Kevin Eastman and fellow creators revealed new projects like “Battle Nexus” and teased “The Last Ronin III.” Gene Luen Yang will take over the main title. Other highlights included TMNT crossovers with Naruto and Godzilla.

“Lucasfilm: High-End Star Wars Collectibles”

11:00am – 12:00pm
EFX displayed studio-scale AT-ST models and lightsaber replicas. Premium Collectible Studio presented third-scale Darth Maul and Emperor statues with lighting effects. Sideshow revealed new sixth-scale figures and premium format pieces. Iron Studios showed their detailed dioramas and vehicle series.

“Spotlight on William Stout”

12:00pm – 1:00pm
Legendary illustrator William Stout previewed his upcoming three-volume comics box set from Flesk Publications in October. He reflected on collaborations with icons like Moebius and Kirby, his Monty Python posters, and his love of blues and Firesign Theatre.

“Primitive War”

12:15pm – 1:15pm
Writer/director Luke Sparke premiered new footage from Primitive War, a Vietnam War thriller where soldiers face dinosaurs. Cast members Ryan Kwanten, Tricia Helfer, Nick Wechsler, and Jeremy Piven joined Sparke at the SDCC panel ahead of the film’s August 21 release.

“Inside the McFarlane Toys Multiverse”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
McFarlane Toys spotlighted new DC Multiverse figures like a “Batman Returns” Penguin (with duck), Zatanna, and Dr. Mid-Nite, alongside Marvel pieces including Hulk and Iron Man. Fans reaction was strong for a “Super Friends” Scarecrow but outside of the presentation there continued to be questions about Marvel figure sales and the Multiverse future as Mattel regains rights in 2026.

“Owned: Comics Copyright and the Public Domain”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Legal scholars and indie creators tackled thorny IP questions around characters like Sherlock Holmes and Zorro. Public domain mashups, copyright expiration strategy, and the AI art debate all got attention. The crowd leaned academic/legal, but the discussion remained practical for publishers and pros.

“The Wait is Over: FX’s Alien: Earth World Premiere and Q&A”

1:25pm – 2:50pm
FX previewed Noah Hawley’s “Alien: Earth” with a full episode screening and cast Q&A. Hawley promised fresh creature biology angles and grounding in character drama. Timothy Olyphant praised the show’s emotional weight. The eight-episode series premieres August 12 on FX and Hulu.

“Artist’s Editions: What’s Next from Act 4 Publishing?”

1:30pm – 2:30pm
Scott Dunbier’s panel teased packed Artist’s Editions: Steve Ditko’s Spider-Man (incl. AF #15, #20, #26, #33), a George Pérez Titans volume, and a future Gil Kane covers collection. Legendary dog-chewed art, Mr. A discussions, and tributes to lost originals made this a highlight for process-art obsessives.

“Spotlight on Todd Klein”

1:30pm – 2:30pm
Legend letterer Todd Klein discussed the art and history of comic book lettering in a conversation with Mark Evanier. Klein shared stories of past masters, technical evolutions, and his own career shaping the look and rhythm of comics from “Swamp Thing” to “Sandman” to “Fables.”

“Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts”

1:45pm – 2:45pm
Moderator Damian Holbrook led a tribute to Charles Schulz with panelists from the Schulz Museum and Creative Associates. Unexpectedly, Alec Baldwin joined to reflect on his lifelong love of Peanuts, praising its emotional depth and cultural resonance. Fans were stunned to see him autographing merch on the floor afterward.

“Hasbro Star Wars Panel”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Hasbro unveiled Black Series duel sets (Anakin/Obi-Wan, Sidious/Windu, Vader/Luke), individual figures including Jango Fett, Asajj Ventress, and The Stranger from The Acolyte. Vintage Collection additions featured Han Solo, Chewbacca, Force spirits, and Imperial Shock Trooper. The major reveal was a HasLab LAAT/i Republic Gunship crowdfunding campaign with Clone Pilots and potential Jedi Council stretch goals.

“Marvel Fanfare with C. B. Cebulski”

2:15pm – 3:15pm
Marvel Comics’ flagship panel focused on the Fantastic Four, coinciding with the theatrical release of “Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Editor-in-Chief C.B. Cebulski showcased creators including Tom Brevoort, Mark Buckingham, Ryan North, and Humberto Ramos. They discussed the movie tie-in comic by Matt Fraction and Buckingham, plus the new ongoing series #1 by North and Ramos, featuring longer story arcs.

“Lord of the Rings: What’s Next?”

2:30pm – 3:30pm
TheOneRing.net panel explored the latest in Tolkien’s evolving legacy, from “The War of the Rohirrim” to season two (and upcoming season three) of “The Rings of Power.” Fans shared news and speculation about upcoming games, books, and screen projects, with lively discussion on what’s next for Middle-earth storytelling.

“The Long Walk”

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Lionsgate screened the first 20 minutes of “The Long Walk” at SDCC 2025 and debuted a new trailer. Based on Stephen King’s 1979 novel, the dystopian film stars Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson as teenagers competing in a deadly walking competition. Mark Hamill plays the strict Major overseeing the contest. Director Francis Lawrence and screenwriter JT Mollner emphasized keeping the book’s brutal authenticity. The film releases September 12, 2025.

“Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the First TMNT Movie”

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Screenwriter Bobby Herbeck reflected on the original 1990 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” film, revealing behind-the-scenes challenges and how the low-budget production defied expectations.

“Focus on Don Glut”

3:30pm – 4:30pm
Veteran writer Don Glut discussed his storied comics and publishing career with Mark Evanier, from creating titles like “Dagar the Invincible” and scripting the “The Empire Strikes Back” novelization to contributions across Marvel and Warren books. He received the 2025 Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing later that evening.

“Catching up with Indie Icon Terry Moore”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Moore shared his busy recent months launching the “Covers” Kickstarter collecting 275+ covers from his 30-year career as well as last fall a new “Strangers in Paradise” western story “Trigger Warning.” He’s also dealing with distribution challenges after Diamond Distributor’s recent bankruptcy.

“Spotlight on Max Allan Collins”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Robert Meyer Burnett interviewed Max Allan Collins about his prolific career, from “Road to Perdition” and “Dick Tracy” to the new audio drama “True Noir: The Assassination of Anton Cermak,” adapted from his Nathan Heller novels.

“Predator: Badlands”

4:15pm – 5:15pm
Dan Trachtenberg showed the first 15 minutes of “Predator: Badlands,” featuring a young Predator outcast and Elle Fanning as a broken android. A surprise cameo tease was also announced for the adjacent adult animated film “Predator: Killer of Killers” and free Predator masks thrilled the Hall H crowd. The film hits theaters November 7.

“EC Comics: The Summer of Fear”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Oni Press previewed the next wave of their EC Comics revival, building on hits like “Epitaphs from the Abyss” and “Cruel Universe.” Panelists teased new series, “Blood Type,” “Catacomb of Torment,” and “Cruel Universe 2,” with creators like Matt Kindt and Corinna Bechko joining Oni leadership.

“Hasbro Transformers Panel”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Hasbro revealed their 2026 lineup including Age of the Primes figures like Sure Shot, Blast Off, and Quintus Prime. Studio Series additions featured TF1 Airachnid, 86 Thundercracker (all-new mold), and massive Titan-scale Grimlock. Hot Wheels collaboration showcased Bone Shaker and Twin Mill. New fan voting campaign “Activate Your Alt Mode” launches August 12th with Soundwave (voiced by Frank Welker) involvement.

“Publishing Books of Comics Through Amazon Print-on-Demand”

5:00pm – 6:00pm
Independent creators walked through using Amazon’s POD tools to publish graphic novels and collections.

Jason Universe: Celebrating 45 Years of Friday the 13th

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Way more going on with “Friday the 13^th” than I figured.  Horror, Inc. packed a panel celebrating 45 years of Jason Voorhees. Fans were treated to the premiere trailer for “Sweet Revenge,” a Jason-related short-form vignette debuting August 13. NECA unveiled a new Savini Jason figure, and the Barsamian family confirmed both a new sequel film and video game are in development. The panel also spotlighted behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming “Crystal Lake” series.

“TRON: Ares”

5:30pm – 6:30pm
Disney thrilled fans with laser effects and exclusive footage from “Tron: Ares,” along with a panel featuring stars Jared Leto, Evan Peters, and Jeff Bridges. The panel covered AI themes, legacy callbacks, and Nine Inch Nails’ new score. Kevin Smith moderated. That evening, a viral street promotion took over downtown with a faux light cycle gang.

“The 50th Anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws!”

7:15pm – 8:15pm
Moderator Mark Atkinson (actor, “Wedding Crashers”), in full “Quint” cosplay, led a tribute to “Jaws” featuring Chris Gore (“Attack of the Show”), Steph Cannon (“Fangoria”), Patrick Jankiewicz (“The Jaws Companion”), and collector Chris Kiszka. Fans shared memories, saw rare memorabilia, and watched a special (glitchy) video from screenwriter Carl Gottlieb.

“The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards”

8:00pm – 10:30pm
The 2025 Eisner Awards celebrated talent across the comics industry. “Lunar New Year Love Story” by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham took home three awards, while David Mazzucchelli’s “Batman: Year One” earned two. British creators like Luke Pearson and Tula Lotay were also honored in a night with no dominant publisher.

Saturday, July 27, 2024

“Coyote vs. Acme”

10:00am – 11:00am
“Coyote vs. Acme” got the early Saturday spotlight at Comic-Con, where Will Forte and director Dave Green shared footage and reflected on the film’s rocky path to release. Originally shelved by Warner Bros., the movie was now set for an August 28, 2026 premiere. Scenes featured Wile E. Coyote’s lawsuit, John Cena as Acme’s defense, and a subtle Bugs Bunny cameo.

“Gary Gygax: Dungeons & Dragons and Beyond”

10:00am – 11:00am
Tom DeSanto, Luke Gygax, and Steve Chenault explored the legacy of Gary Gygax, from Dungeons & Dragons to lesser-known creations. The panel previewed plans for a unified “Gygax Universe,” with story and character crossovers in the works.

“Usagi Yojimbo: Past, Present, and Future”

10:00am – 11:00am
Stan Sakai reflected on the legacy and future of Usagi Yojimbo during Saturday’s “Usagi Yojimbo: Past, Present & Future” panel. Fans got insights into his creative process and hints at possible universe expansion.

“DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys 2”

11:15am – 12:15pm
DreamWorks unveiled clips from “The Bad Guys 2” on a panel featuring returning voices like Sam Rockwell and Awkwafina, plus new cast including Natasha Lyonne. The reformed crew faces a new criminal team—the Bad Girls—in a globe-trotting heist. It hits theaters August 1, 2025.

“Spotlight on Terry Kavanagh”

11:30am – 12:30pm
Former Marvel editor and writer Terry Kavanagh reflected on his 1985–2000s tenure, including “Weapon X”, “Moon Knight”, and the origins of “The Clone Saga.” He also discussed Marvel’s editorial process and previewed new projects with 247 Comics.

“Spotlight on J.M. DeMatteis”

12:30pm – 1:30pm
DeMatteis joined host Heath Corson for a spotlight reflecting on his decades-long journey across “Spider-Man,” “Captain America,” animation, and prose. Alongside career highs and writing-life insights, he delivered a mini masterclass in storytelling, emphasizing intuition, discipline, and the subconscious as essential tools for lasting creative work.

“Star Trek Universe”

12:30pm – 2:00pm
The “Star Trek Universe” delivered franchise updates across multiple series. Highlights included a puppet-filled teaser for “Strange New Worlds” Season 4, the first trailer for “Starfleet Academy”, and news that George Takei joins the cast of “Star Trek: Khan”, premiering September 8 as an audio drama.

“Todd McFarlane: In Conversation – Spawn, Image Comics, and More”

12:30pm – 1:30pm
Todd McFarlane brought his trademark energy to a relaxed panel mixing Spawn nostalgia, toy updates, the (never ending) movie updates, and candid stories. He teased “Spawn ’77” with Mark Spears.  More poignantly, he honored George Pérez with a Hawaiian shirt anecdote that related to his debate with Peter David in 1993 and recalled ambushing Jim Shooter for advice at a urinal early in his career.

“Project Hail Mary”

2:15pm – 3:15pm
Ryan Gosling joined Phil Lord, Chris Miller, Andy Weir, and Drew Goddard in Hall H to debut new Project Hail Mary footage. Gosling got laughs describing his cryosleep suit as a “placenta onesie” and joked through scenes of space-based panic and alien contact. He called his character “an ordinary person” and said he related to the reluctance of being humanity’s last hope. Weir praised Gosling’s layered performance, while Lord and Miller said the collaboration was their most rewarding yet.

“Spotlight on Frank Miller”

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Frank Miller, somehow still alive, shared thoughts on his legacy,continued repackaging of “Ronin II,” and current publishing efforts. The panel steered clear of controversy, focusing instead on creative process.

“Peacemaker Sneak Peek and Panel”

3:30pm – 4:30pm
James Gunn and John Cena returned to Hall H with the cast of Peacemaker season 2, showing a new trailer and confirming a post-Superman timeline. Gunn teased multiple Cenas, Michael Rooker as an eagle hunter, and an opening dance number to top the one from season 1. The show premieres August 21 on Max.

“25th Anniversary of X-Men with Tom DeSanto”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Tom DeSanto (producer/writer on “X-Men,” “Transformers”) revisited the making of 2000’s “X-Men,” screening rare behind-the-scenes footage of Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, and others, and sharing stories from early makeup tests to Wolverine’s claws.

“70 Years of Godzilla”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Toho’s “Godzilla at 70” panel featured licensing reveals from Bandai, Mondo, and Super7, comic updates from DC’s crossover comics and IDW ‘mainline’ comics series, and a 4K trailer for “Shin Godzilla.” Surprise guest O’Shea Jackson Jr. joined Shinji Higuchi and others.

“40th Anniversary Studio Ghibli”

4:15pm – 5:15pm
Former Studio Ghibli coordinator Hirokatsu Kihara shared rare behind-the-scenes art and recounted the studio’s founding era (1985–1990), drawing a passionate crowd that overwhelmed the too-small room assigned to the panel.

“The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All Time”

4:30pm – 5:30pm
The panel featured Mark Evanier, Chip Kidd, Paige Braddock, and Alexis E. Fajardo, with Charles Kochman moderating. They discussed Schulz’s legacy, the strip’s cultural significance, and the care behind the new volume’s design and editorial framing.

“Transformers and G.I. Joe: All Out War in the Energon Universe”

4:30pm – 5:30pm
Skybound’s Energon Universe panel at SDCC 2025 was packed with emotion, humor, and reveals. Daniel Warren Johnson bid farewell to Transformers, Robert Kirkman teased Quintesson War, and Joshua Williamson unveiled Dreadnok War.

“Entertainment Weekly’s Bold School”

4:45pm – 5:30pm
A ‘rising stars’ panel was oddly slotted between two franchise juggernauts in Hall H. It featured Taylour Paige (“The Toxic Avenger”), Cote de Pablo (“NCIS”), Violet McGraw, and Madeleine McGraw (“The Black Phone”), and Harriet Slater (“Superman”) in a discussion moderated by Maureen Lee Lenker talking about female-led genre roles and power dynamics in Hollywood.

“Jim Lee and Friends”

5:15pm – 6:15pm
Despite early rumors of cancellation, the “Jim Lee & Friends” panel went on but somewhat disappointed fans. James Gunn appeared, talking about his love of comic books and revealed a Peacemaker Fortnite skin, while Tom King and Matt Fraction discussed Wonder Woman and Batman. No major Vertigo or DC Universe news was shared.

“Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle”

5:45pm – 6:45pm
Crunchyroll and Aniplex unveiled a first-look teaser to a packed Hall H crowd. Aniplex producer Yuma Takahashi, joined by English voice actors Zach Aguilar (Tanjiro) and Abby Trott (Nezuko), teased the arc’s emotional scope and confirmed a theatrical release for the trilogy.

“Peter David: A Celebration of His Life, Work, and Legacy”

7:00pm – 8:00pm
A Saturday night memorial honored Peter David with stories from friends and collaborators including George Takei (“Star Trek”) and Paul Levitz (“Legion of Super-Heroes”), Mark Evanier (“Groo”) and Maggie Thompson (David’s editor at Comics Buyers Guide). Fans visited the ComicMix booth for a remembrance book, exclusive “Completely Howling Mad” hardcover, and silent auction.

“An Evening with Kevin Smith”

7:15pm – 8:45pm
Kevin Smith returned to Hall H to celebrate 30 years of “Mallrats” and 25 of “Dogma,” showcasing new comics, including “Archie Meets Jay and Silent Bob,” “Quick Stops,” and an upcoming Marvel/DC crossover. He also announced a deluxe “Dogma” Steelbook arriving holiday 2025.

“Celebrate Toxic Mess Summer with AHOY Comics, Troma, and The Toxic Avenger!”

8:00pm – 9:00pm
AHOY’s “Toxic Mess Summer” panel spotlighted “The Toxic Avenger” revival with creators Matt Bors, Mark Russell, Stuart Moore, and Lloyd Kaufman. Highlights included previews of the ongoing comic series, the upcoming “Toxic Crusaders” beat-’em-up game from Retroware, and hype for the new film starring Peter Dinklage, out Labor Day Weekend.

“It’s Troma Time!”

9:00pm – 10:00pm
Back to back Troma panels on Saturday night! Lloyd Kaufman celebrated Troma’s 50+ years with updates on his new film “The Power of Positive Murder,” joined by cast and crew including Catherine Corcoran. Retroware’s Justin Silverman showed a new “Toxic Crusaders” gameplay trailer and teased a major announcement, marking a wild milestone for the cult studio.

“EC Fan-Addict Club Celebrates Angelo Torres”

9:00pm – 10:00pm
Panelists celebrated Eisner Hall of Fame inductee Angelo Torres, sharing rare art, memories, and anecdotes. Mike Catron moderated reflections from EC experts including Josh and Thommy Burns. Torres’s speech was read aloud and Fantagraphics revealed “Spawn of Venus,” the final Wally Wood sci-fi volume in their EC Artist’s Library.

“IT: Welcome to Derry”

9:15pm – 9:45pm
The “IT: Welcome to Derry” panel previewed HBO’s upcoming horror prequel to Stephen King’s “IT.” Creator Andy Muschietti confirmed that the show matches the films’ intensity and includes shocking scenes he didn’t expect to get approved. Bill Skarsgård returns as Pennywise. The series debuts October 2025 on HBO and Max.

Sunday, July 27, 2025

“The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel”

10:00am – 11:15am
The annual Jack Kirby tribute at Comic-Con featured Paul Levitz (“DC Comics”), Tom Brevoort (“Marvel”), Patrick A. Reed (“Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity”), and Kirby family members Tracy and Jeremy Kirby. Hosted by Mark Evanier, the panel celebrated Kirby’s legacy as the visionary behind countless iconic creations.

“Bloomsbury: Introducing ‘Marvel Age of Comics'”

10:30am – 11:30am
Bloomsbury previewed its new “Marvel Age of Comics” series, with authors discussing their essays on key Marvel moments. Chris Ryall explored “Born Again,” Paul Cornell tackled 1970s “Avengers,” Ytasha Womack examined “Miles Morales,” and Stuart Moore focused on “Doctor Strange.”

“The Impact, Legacy, and Future of ‘Choose Your Own Adventure'”

10:30am – 11:30am
Creators behind the long-running franchise, discussed the evolution of “Choose Your Own Adventure” from books to interactive media.  The panel, moderated by Harry McCracken, explored how the interactive gamebooks have sold over 270 million copies worldwide, shaping generations with their innovative storytelling.

“Sneak Peek: Lucas Museum of Narrative Art”

11:00am – 12:00pm
George Lucas made his first SDCC appearance to preview the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, joined by Guillermo del Toro and artist Doug Chiang. Highlights included concept art from Star Wars, original pieces by Jack Kirby, R. Crumb, and Rockwell, and del Toro’s view of myth as a unifying cultural force.

“Steve Ditko and the DitkoVerse”

11:15am – 12:15pm
Mark Ditko and Mort Todd offered rare insights into the life and mind of Steve Ditko, co-creator of “Spider-Man” and creator of “Doctor Strange” and “The Question.” Moderated by Lenny Schwartz, the session included a Q&A and a preview of the upcoming documentary, “DITKO!”

“Superman: The Cleveland Story”

11:30am – 12:30pm
Paul Levitz (“Legion of Superheroes”) and Mark Waid (“Batman/Superman: World’s Finest”) joined scholars from the Siegel & Shuster Society to explore Superman’s Cleveland roots and cultural legacy. Samantha Baskind, Amy Dawson, and Valentino Zullo shared academic perspectives, with Mike Sangiacomo moderating a discussion on preserving the Man of Steel’s hometown heritage.

“American Caper: New Crime Comic from Grand Theft Auto Series Writers”

12:00pm – 1:00pm
Earlier in the week, Dan Houser (“Grand Theft Auto”) unveiled “American Caper,” a gritty new comic from Dark Horse and Absurd Ventures. Panelists Lazlow, David Lapham (“Stray Bullets”), Chris Anderson (“Lost Angels”), and Shelly Bond (“Sandman”) teased the noir satire’s twisted characters. The line launches November 2025.

“Spotlight on Chip Kidd and Michael Cho”

12:30pm – 1:30pm
Chip Kidd and Michael Cho discussed their Silver Age-inspired MarvelArts graphic novel “The Avengers in the Veracity Trap,” a stylish reimagining of the original story of the Avengers battling Loki in a psychological showdown. The duo shared design process details, vintage influences, and behind-the-scenes stories from careers in comics and publishing.

“Needful Things: Collecting Stephen King”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Experts including Robert Wiener (Donald M. Grant), Kris Webster (Indy Editions), and David Williamson (Betts Books) discussed rare and limited Stephen King editions, first-print identifiers, and the collecting community. With longtime fans and sellers like Tomas Krynsky and Jackie Matyas, the panel offered deep insight into King collectibles and publishing history.

“Shi: 30 Years of Independence!”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Billy Tucci celebrated 30 years of “Shi” alongside Deborah Tucci, Steven Peros (“Stoker & Wells”), Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (“Harley Quinn”), and Brian Haberlin (“Witchblade”). They discussed the series’ fan-driven legacy, its recent revival, and the launch of a new Crusade Comics title.

“Story of My Life: Autobiography in Graphic Novels”

1:00pm – 2:00pm
Lee Marrs (“Pudge, Girl Blimp”), Eddie Campbell (“Alec”), Craig Thompson (“Blankets”), Briana Loewinsohn (“Raised by Ghosts”), and Thien Pham (“Family Style”) reflected on turning personal history into graphic memoir.

“An Afternoon with George Takei”

1:30pm – 2:30pm
George Takei reflected on his extraordinary life and legacy, celebrating the release of his memoir “It Rhymes with Takei” and the lasting impact of “They Called Us Enemy.” The “Star Trek” legend offered heartfelt insights on activism, identity, and storytelling at 88 years old.

“Cover Story”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
Rick Hoberg (“Star Wars”), Michael Cho (“Batman Black and White”), and Dan Jurgens (“The Death of Superman”) joined moderator Mark Evanier to discuss the evolving craft of comic book covers—how ideas form, how covers relate to interiors, and why modern comics embrace more artistic and varied approaches.

“The Legacy of Jules Feiffer”

2:00pm – 3:00pm
A panel of comics scholars and creators honored Jules Feiffer (1929–2025), reflecting on his 75-year career from assistant on “The Spirit” to author of “The Great Comic Book Heroes.” Speakers included Paul Levitz, Peter Kuper, Gary Groth, and Karen Green, with Rob Salkowitz moderating.

“Dave Stevens 70th Birthday Celebration”

3:00pm – 4:00pm
Family, friends, and collaborators honored Dave Stevens on what would have been his 70th birthday. Panelists included his sister Jennifer Bawcum, Jackie Estrada, Bob Chapman, Kelvin Mao, and Steve Ringgenberg. Moderator John Morrow also previewed Jon B. Cooke’s upcoming “Comic Book Creator” tribute issue.

“Spotlight on Maggie Thompson: Generation N for Nerd”

4:00pm – 5:00pm
Maggie, her daughter Valerie Thompson, and grandson Devon Jaruk shared their favorite pop culture from the Silent Generation, Gen X, and Gen Z. Audience members were invited to join the discussion, trading memories and observations in a relaxed, cross-generational conversation that closed out the convention (at least for some).

Oddities & Miscellanea

Dealer Sales & Observations

Mystery boxes now have a new cousin: blind bags and so-called “rip packs.” The gambling-adjacent presentation format, popularized in sports cards and streaming unboxings, has started bleeding into comic booths. Meanwhile, the comic dealer footprint at the convention seems to have modestly grown year over year, a surprising reversal after many years of steady shrinkage on the floor.

PSA Comics

PSA, the dominant name in sports card grading, formally entered the comic grading market at last year’s convention and followed up with a full-scale rollout in 2025. Following some staff departures from rival CBCS (including Steve Borock, a respected industry figure) and accompanying legal drama, PSA Comics is now live. Despite buzz, the central question remains: will collectors accept PSA’s comic grades and pricing parity with CGC, the long-dominant grading authority? Early signs suggest cautious interest but no mass migration.  Yet.

Neil Gaiman

I’d checked in on Gaiman on an annual basis in recent years but 2025 may mark a quiet turning point. Netflix’s “The Sandman” Season 2 appears quietly shelved amid persistent delays, with no major updates at the con. Meanwhile, Gaiman has faced ongoing civil litigation stemming from personal allegations made public in mid-2024. He has stepped back from the spotlight, and it’s unclear when or if he’ll return to active con participation.

Cosplay

The cosplay never seems to let up.  One major attention-grabber was a towering Galactus build, part of a rotating display at the Marvel booth that drew constant crowds. Elsewhere, a fan in an very tall inflatable lightsaber costume made waves during the George Lucas “Legacy of Storytelling” Hall H panel on Sunday.

Hall H Line

Accounts tracking Hall H logistics suggested that Saturday was easier to navigate than in past years. Attendees who arrived shortly after the overnight crowd entered, but before the day’s first panel, reported relatively smooth access. While the Hall H schedule wasn’t as light as the 2023 WGA/SAG-strike year, it also lacked the kind of early morning juggernauts that typically drove fans to camp overnight or risk missing out later. The vibe felt more accessible, but also slightly more subdued.

Off-Site Activations

This was a short list of off-site items that caught my attention but it was by no means authoritative or anywhere near complete, just some headline grabbers.  Note that not all were free, for example Malibu Barbie café involved a $25 ticket for 90 minutes of experience plus food costs:

• Thunderbolts Treatz Truck: Free ice cream, merchandise, photo opportunities behind Omni Hotel.
• PAC-MAN Café: Themed food, arcade games, merchandise at 323 Seventh Ave.
• FX Alien: Earth “The Wreckage”: Immersive experience at Hilton Bayfront lawn.
• Avatar x Magic: The Gathering: Cabbage cart photo opportunity, promotional cards at Petco Park.
• Winx Club Activation: Fairy wing photo opportunities, prize wheel at Petco Park.
• Lilo & Stitch “A Taste of Paradise”: Free shaved ice, photo opportunities at Gaslamp Diagonal.
• Paramount+ The Lodge: Star Trek, Dexter experiences at Happy Does Bar.
• Doctor Who UNIT Black Archive: TARDIS photo opportunities, merchandise in Gaslamp District.
• Twisted Metal Bumper Battle: Bumper car rink at THE LOT.
• Malibu Barbie Café: Themed menu, skate rentals at 2137 Pacific Highway.

Protestors

Protests emerged on two familiar fronts: political and religious. This wasn’t on my convention bingo card but the most organized demonstrations targeted Paramount and the film “Scream 7” over the firing of actress Melissa Barrera following her pro-Palestinian stance, with activist groups like CODEPINK and Entertainment Labor for Palestine leading a boycott campaign. The usual convention mainstay of religious street preachers also returned, engaging passersby with megaphones and signs. The trend of some attendees responding with humorous trolling continued as well. Neither protest group significantly disrupted the event.

Conclusions

While San Diego Comic-Con 2025 may not have delivered a jaw-dropping revelation like 2024’s surprise announcement of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom, the convention maintained its traditional sold-out attendance and dominated social media throughout the weekend. This year’s event took on a distinctly celebratory tone, with industry figures like James Gunn enjoying a victory lap following the success of his recent Superman project. Gunn made memorable surprise appearances both inside convention halls and at public venues around the city, including a notable appearance on the IGN balcony alongside John Cena.

Winners

James Gunn – James Gunn’s Hall H appearance for the “Peacemaker” Season 2 panel, along with a number of other pop-ins and random appearances around town, injected major energy into the con. He delivered teasers and crossovers tied into his successful “Superman,” proving DC storytelling can still land big even without Marvel’s presence.

“Star Trek” Universe – Call me crazy, but when I first saw mention that this would be a hard-to-get-into panel, I assumed it was a joke. It was not. Multiple spinoffs—”Starfleet Academy,” the “Strange New Worlds” Season 4 puppet episode hype, and more—kept Trek momentum high.

Franchise Heat – Franchises like “Predator: Badlands,” “Tron: Ares,” and “Alien: Earth” delivered interesting footage and universe-building buzz outside the typical superhero bubble. Lower-key spin-off projects like “Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires,” “Avatar: Seven Havens” (with Pavi), “Rick & Morty: President Curtis,” and thought-lost “Coyote vs. Acme” earned genuine buzz and fan enthusiasm.

Comic and Indie Visibility – Surprise, surprise: comics are still a thing—and seemed to have a general “up” year on the floor and even in broader periodical sales. Eisner Award winners like “Absolute Wonder Woman” and breakout storytelling efforts (e.g., DC’s retooled All-In slate) resonated across panels and press coverage.

Anime and Streaming IPs – With anime like “Demon Slayer” and genre shows dominating much of the conversation, traditional superhero content seemed to take a backseat. The con felt like it was actively transitioning away from its older core and long-term that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Losers (or Missed Opportunities?)

Marvel Studios – Opting out of Hall H and a major Comic-Con presence felt like a retreat. Though “Fantastic Four: First Steps” debuted strongly in theaters worldwide during the con, fans missed Marvel’s usual spectacle and sense of occasion.

Reduced DC Footprint – Can I have it both ways? At least a little bit? Apart from “Peacemaker” and Gunn himself, most of DC Studios stayed away, making their overall presence feel muted compared to past years.

Hall H Absence of Tentpole Films – While Hall H still showcased “Alien,” “Tron,” “Predator,” and George Lucas’ panel, the show lacked a true blockbuster draw card, disappointing for longtime attendees used to surprise appearances and jaw-dropping footage.

Smaller Studios and Properties Got Lost – Amid the heavier buzz around fresh or rebooted franchises, some mid-tier comic or film reveals didn’t break through the noise, especially in an increasingly streaming-saturated landscape. Sure, I got the word out to friends that films like “Red Sonja” and “Primitive War” were coming soon, but I more so stumbled upon them than had these films leap out at me like so many other properties.

Looking Ahead

The absence of major studio tentpoles like Marvel from Hall H created an unexpected but not entirely negative shift in the convention’s atmosphere. Rather than lamenting the scaled-back blockbuster presence, many attendees embraced the change as a welcome opportunity. Panel lines became more manageable, specialized presentations attracted deeply engaged audiences, and creators found greater opportunities for meaningful fan interaction.

After years of increasing fixations on only specific mega-panels, was this a bad thing?  I don’t think so.

The convention floor and the surrounding Gaslamp Quarter buzzed with an energy that transcended any single franchise. From the excitement surrounding anime presentations and streaming series, the programming felt more intimate and accessible. Some panels even provided touching, personal moments – those are the magic convention moments for attendees.

San Diego 2025 ultimately served as a powerful reminder that the convention’s true essence extends far beyond spectacular announcements and corporate showcases. The convention thrives in the connections between storytellers and audiences. This year’s more balanced approach allowed that fundamental spirit to shine through clearly.