So, Tony Stark is back. That will be the big takeaway for those who didn’t attend the 2024 edition of San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC). For those who waited in line after line to attend the Marvel panel on Saturday, it was probably a fantastic moment. But that’s only 6,000 of the 130,000 who enter the exhibition hall on Saturday. That’s not including the 100,000s outside taking part in offsites, parties, signings, etc. So, while we always enjoy a little bit of Robert Downey Jr. in our lives, this year’s SDCC had a lot more for those who may not have wanted to spend Friday in a line in the hopes of waiting in line on Saturday.
In my prior wrap-ups of SDCC, I made note that the COVID-19 pandemic and writer’s strike seemed to hamper things, whether it was the attendees, the celebrities or everyone. 2024 is by no means perfect, there were plenty of messes left and right, but this was the first time since 2019 that things began to feel normal. Yes, there were people wearing masks, but to each their own when it comes to safety. Yes, there was a strike called by SAG-AFTRA against major video game publishers, but the festivities went on, delighting young and old, geeky, nerdy, dorky, and even the local passerbys of San Diego.
While we didn’t make it to the exhibition floor for Wednesday’s preview night, we did make it to several fantastic offsites. While the swag wasn’t available for the press preview, Adult Swim made it’s triumphant return after a one-year hiatus with a pirate party, featuring games and photo opportunities from shows like “Rick and Morty” and “Smiling Friends.” Adult Swim, as they always do, cranked the fun up to 11 in coming days with live wrestling events, daily DJs and swag that might be too big to fit into your carry-on. We also checked out Paramount+’s Lodge, which showcased some upcoming shows, like “Dexter: Original Sin” and “Tulsa King” while celebrating 25 years of Spongebob. Wait…25 years…geez I’m getting old. While both were fantastic events, especially the free drinks and pizza at the Lodge, the “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” activation was a combination of “Apes” history and the magic of modern special effects. Not only did they have a museum of Ape film artifacts, highlighting the rich history that stretches back to 1968, but several actors and crew from the latest film were on hand to talk with fans and press. If you attended, you also could had a few drinks and hors d’oeuvres with them.
The action kept rolling Thursday, although the day began with a bit of a whimper. Focus Features was celebrating 20 years of “Shaun of the Dead” with a Winchester Tavern pop-up. The only problem was, there was no air-conditioning and the free beer couldn’t be consumed on-site. As soon as word spread, it became one of the least frequented offsites of the weekend. Thankfully FX and Hulu’s Animayhem offsite activations were up next and offered some decent swag and reprieve from the heat. Knowing that they’d be under the blaring California sun, FX offered free, customized umbrellas (even if the line was an hour long) before exploring various other portions of their activation. However, FX was a mixed bag as many thought the wait to get into “The Bear” activation wasn’t worth it. Hulu managed to help fans beat the heat by setting up misting fans and overhead awnings to ensure those waiting in line for their activation didn’t leave with a wicked sunburn. The activation featured various activities, food and a collection of pins that fans of “Solar Opposites,” “Futurama” or “Hit Monkey” will treasure forever. While the day could have ended with a load of panels, instead MediaMikes’ first panel of the day hosted by Fandom, ended with us going to Fandom’s 20th anniversary party. You can read more HERE.
With offsites out of the way, Friday and Saturday was loaded with exploring the exhibition hall and attending various panels. The exhibition hall reminds us that while the big players, LEGO, Marvel, and others, take up the most space on the sales floor, fans will always find that small booth, that tiny artist, or that one thing stowed away that will ultimately bring the biggest smile to their face. For me, it was a photo with Lloyd Kaufman. The legendary director/writer/everything gladly talked with those who knew Troma, ensuring everyone who stopped by will remember him as Uncle Lloyd. One stand-out panel from the day was the audiobook preview of “Red Dead History” with Arthur Morgan (voiced by the highly personable Roger Clark) attending the panel and snapping selfies with fans of the 2018 game. While I could continue to gloat about the various panels with their various surprises, it would become a long winded article of me bragging.
What is the big takeaway from this year’s SDCC? Was it perfect? No. Was it amazing despite its flaws? Yes. It usually is. SDCC offers enough unique experiences so that you won’t be bored. Want to check out board games that could one day become the next “Axis and Allies?” SDCC has got you. Want to check out some independent films? SDCC has got you. I say all this because there were rumblings, just like in prior years, that SDCC could go somewhere else. But it’s hard to beat San Diego weather and the Gaslamp district’s amenities. While it’s impossible to do everything, it’s possible to get a life changing experience, no matter who you are or what you enjoy. Scout out those panels, ask those questions when attending, compliment the cosplayers, talk to strangers about the great time or to get some insight on other happenings and most important, put on some sunscreen. As a Midwesterner, where an average summer day feels like Satan breathing down your neck, the mid-to-upper 70s can trick you into thinking you won’t crisp up in a few hours.
