Thursday

Welcome to the web-based version of Comic-Con Today. It’s been a long three years since we all got together. Comic-Con’s main goal is to return to an in-person event that is safe and fun for all, and we look forward to bringing you the information you need.  Each morning, we will post a new digital issue with News, Updates, and Highlights of Comic-Con, all without getting ink on your fingers or injuring any trees.

Comic-Con Museum “Marvel’s Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man – The Exhibition”

Walking the Red Carpet at the Comic-Con Museum

The world premiere of Marvel’s Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man – The Exhibition was held at the Comic-Con Museum in Balboa Park on July 1st. This exhibition celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Amazing Spider-Man and the many creators who’ve contributed to making Spider-Man such an iconic superhero.

Oh, What a Tangled Web…

At a special open-house June 30, Comic-Con Museum Executive Director, Rita Vandergaw, with San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria cut the ribbon for this once-in-a-lifetime first ever exhibition showcasing Spider-Man’s history and art. Brian Cosby, Director of Marvel Entertainment, and co-curators Dr. Ben Saunders (Professor of English at the University of Oregon) and Patrick A. Reed (New York city based pop culture historian and journalist) were on hand to open Marvel’s Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man – The Exhibition.

Todd Gloria said “This is a good day to be Mayor! Everyone knows about San Diego’s Zoo, weather, and Comic-Con. Comic-Con is such an incredible event, and the museum is now a major year-round part of it – A great addition to Balboa Park!”

Spider Gwen in the House, Back in June (Photo by B. Norquist)

Brian Cosby said “It’s really great for our little comic book company (Marvel), to be back in San Diego. This exhibit is a deep dive into the character and universe of Spider-Man.”

This 7,500 square-foot expansive and immersive exhibit allows audiences to learn about the many creators who have contributed to the web-slinger, pose for pictures with life-sized 3D character sculptures, see priceless artifacts and set pieces, and even encounter some villains! (Hint… Doc Ock!) Visitors can explore interactive installations that combine traditional museum displays and cutting-edge technology. There is also a Spider-Man gift shop featuring an array of exclusive merchandise.

Last night, during Preview Night, the Comic-Con Museum honored Spider-Man as the fourth inductee into the Museum Character Hall of Fame at “Night at the Comic-Con Museum” special event. This event included access to the exhibit, live entertainment, special guests, food, and drink. Previous inductees include PAC-MAN, Wonder Woman, and Batman.

The Marvel’s Beyond Amazing: Spider-Man – The Exhibition opened to the public on Friday, July 1. Tickets can be purchased at beyondamazingexhibition.com. The address of the Comic-Con Museum is 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101, and is open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Besides the Spider-Man exhibition, the Comic-Con Museum has other great exhibits going on right now, such as the “PAC-MAN Arcade” featuring games, artwork and memorabilia, “Dave Stevens and the Rocketeer,” and “Eight Decades of Archie.” Throughout Comic-Con, special events will be happening each day. See the Comic-Con Museum Events calendar for details. A separate Museum ticket is required.

Party at the Museum

 

 

At Comic-Con, the safety of those attending is of the utmost concern. Comic-Con is following current healthcare and governmental guidelines; see the COVID-19 FAQ page for details. Everyone attending Comic-Con is required to wear an approved face covering regardless of vaccination status.

All face coverings must completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snugly against the sides of the face, and not have any gaps. Not permitted are:

  • Face coverings that are not able to be secured under your chin, including bandanas or scarves.
  • Neck gaitors
  • Mesh face coverings
  • Face coverings that have exhalation valves
  • Damaged/torn face coverings

Approved face coverings must be visible at all times and may not be concealed under costume headwear/masks. With COVID-19 numbers on the rise, masking is an effective way of keeping safe in the large crowds at Comic-Con. Also, it's a great way to express your creativity and love for all things Comic-Con. Each day, we are going to bring you some of our favorites in.... The Masky Bunch.

Autograph Area

Comic Book Prescreen for Grading/Pressing with Jeff Shinn

This year, the Autograph Area has teamed up with Programming to bring a very special session in the Portfolio Review Area. San Diego-based comic shop owner, professional comic book presser, Jeff Shinn, will set up a screening table and offer free professional comic book evaluation, recommendations for pressing and cleaning, and advice for submitting comic books for grading to convention attendees. Attendees are permitted two (2) comics each for evaluation. No sales. These sessions will be held today and Friday, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM in the Portfolio Review Area (PR 08). Today’s session will immediately follow the Comic Collecting A to Z panel (12:00 to 1:00, Room 28DF), where Jeff Shinn moderates colleagues Harry Lee, John Cunningham, Richard Guevera, and Natalie Chavez in a discussion of all aspects of comic-book collecting in the current market.

Limited Signing [Full Details]

Ticket Line-Up, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM; Ticket Drawing, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Todd McFarlane, artist (Spawn, Venom)

AA04 | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

 

Updates

The Moon Girl Magic! Limited signing has converted to a raffle for pre-signed posters.

Ticket Line-Up, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM; Ticket Drawing, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Added

J. Scott Campbell - Signing Rules:

  • First item to be signed is FREE
  • Additional items are $30 each
  • No GRADED signatures. Please drop off your books to the CGC booth to be included in the CGC Private Signing event.
  • Please limit each signing to 10 items. You may wait in line again to have more items signed.
  • Take your books out of their bags before the signing.
  • No sketching, no remarques.
  • No interviews during the signing.

AA07 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Additions and Corrections

Exhibit Hall

The Around the Booths section is no longer included in the Comic-Con Events Guide. This information is now available through the Comic-Con App or can be accessed via the Comic-Con.org Exhibitor website.

Program Cancellations

Dinotopia: Reborn, 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM, Room 10

Eleven Arts 2022 AX Cinema Nights and Beyond, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM, Room 5AB

The Future of Collectibles, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM, Room 9

Rick and Morty Comics, 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM, Room 25ABC

 

 

We’re all really looking forward to the first full in-person Comic-Con in three years. We’re sure you’re going to see a lot of familiar albeit masked faces. In addition, there are going to be many new people at all levels of the event, from Comic-Con Staff and Volunteers to Security and even the people at the front desk of your hotel. Sure, you may have attended Comic-Con for the last however many years, but for some people this is their first Con. Show a little patience and kindness. Remember Comic-Con is about having fun.

 

 

 

Where’s the Souvenir Book?

This year’s Souvenir Book is a downloadable PDF, available on the Comic-Con Souvenir Book website or by scanning the QR code on p. 10 of the Events Guide.

The book is filled with lots of full-color articles, including: centennial tributes to Charles Schulz, Stan Lee, Jerry Robinson, and William S. Gaines; a celebration of the 60th anniversary of Spider-Man; 50th anniversary articles on Funky Winkerbean, Ghost Rider, Kamandi, Swamp Thing, and Luke Cage; and 40th anniversary pieces on The Rocketeer, Groo, and Love and Rockets. Plus: a special look back at Comic-Con’s 1970s El Cortez years! The cover is by special guest Bill Morrison.

 

Comic-Con Gallery

Comic-Con Today does not accept photo submissions, but if you notice something cool that you think we should know about, please drop us a line at newsletter@comic-con.org, no guarantees. Be sure to include a phone number in case we have questions.

 


 

MISSION STATEMENT: The SAN DIEGO COMIC CONVENTION (Comic-Con International) is a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation organized for charitable purposes and dedicated to creating the general public’s awareness of and appreciation for comics and related popular art forms, including participation in and support of public presentations, conventions, exhibits, museums and other public outreach activities which celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

All content is the property of Comic-Con® International © 2022. Visit www.comic-con.org for more information.

Comic-Con® and the Comic-Con logo are registered trademarks of Comic-Con International.

Photographer credits as indicated. All photos © 2022 SDCC.

Comic-Con Today

Editor-in-Chief – Chris Sturhann

Editor/Writer – Brian Norquist

Editor/Photographer – Christopher Machado

Editor/Photographer – Justin Hurt

Editorial Assistant – Carly Neun

Publication Designer – Daniel Tideman