Comic-Con Opens For Full Day Of Panels, Pop-Culture And 'Peacefest'

SAN DIEGO, CA — San Diego Comic-Con International kicked off its full schedule Thursday, following a quieter preview night Wednesday.

Thursday's events include panels in Hall H such as "Percy Jackson and the Olympians," Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias and Jo Koy, "The Toxic Avenger: Unrated and Radioactive," as well as panels on "Avatar: The Last Airbender's 20th Anniversary," "Art From the Holocaust: An In-Depth Look at Rare Graphic Propaganda," Lego "Ninjago," "The Blues Brothers: The Escape of Joliet Jake," "Penn & Teller: 50 Years of Magic" and more.

HBO Max is one presenter stepping outside the confines of the San Diego Convention Center, taking over Nova San Diego Night Club for Peacefest, an "immersive fan experience inspired by "Peacemaker's" chaotic, glam rock- fueled world, a company statement reads. The club takeover runs through Saturday.

"Guests will enter Peacefest through the Quantum Unfolding Chamber, featuring all of Peacemaker's favorite things including exclusive fan access to the Peacecycle from Season 2 and a limited opportunity for select fans to meet Peacemaker's sidekick Eagly, in partnership with the American Eagle Foundation."

Additionally, to promote "It: Welcome to Derry," the company will sponsor roaming "Pennywise"-inspired pedicabs offering free rides and "chilling" sweets.

"We're always looking for new ways to bring fans closer to the series they love, and these immersive experiences for "Peacemaker" and "It: Welcome to Derry" do just that, said Pia Barlow, a vice president of marketing for HBO. "From the wild, unapologetic chaos of Peacefest to the chilling pop-ups we have in store tied to It: Welcome to Derry, we're excited to give fans a small taste of what*s to come."

The San Diego Public Library is getting in on the convention action, offering limited-edition Comic-Con library cards starting Thursday, as well as a costume repair area and free panels to learn about education through comics. The 2025 Comic-Con Library Card was designed by oil painter Sarah Wilkinson, whose "dream-based, surrealistic art captures the cross between imagination and reading," a library statement reads.

Mayor Todd Gloria was joined by City Councilman Stephen Whitburn, Convention Center President and CEO Rip Rippetoe, San Diego Tourism Authority President and CEO Daniel Kuperschmid and Comic-Con's David Glanzer on Wednesday to officially welcome people to Comic-Con.

"Comic-Con is San Diego's annual blockbuster -- filled with action, imagination, and a massive supporting cast," Gloria said. "I love the costumes, the creativity, and the cultural energy it brings -- along with the tax dollars that come in when visitors enjoy themselves in our city.

"Because when out-of-towners dine, shop and stay in hotels, San Diegans get smoother roads, better parks, and improved city services. That's a Hollywood ending for everyone."

Comic-Con 2025 is expected to attract tens of thousands of attendees over its run, generating a regional impact of more than $160 million, which includes both direct and indirect spending by visitors. Attendees alone are expected to spend $96.8 million directly, according to the mayor's office.

"San Diegans can be proud that this world-class event is again drawing visitors from around the globe to our city," said Whitburn, who represents downtown. "This international celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community puts San Diego on the world stage and boosts our economy to the benefit of every city resident."

Event organizers have agreed to stay in San Diego -- where Comic-Con has been held nearly every year since 1970 -- through 2027. In 2022, Comic-Con welcomed more than 135,000 attendees and generated $3 million in hotel and sales tax revenue for the city, according to city documents.

The convention shuttered for two years during the coronavirus pandemic and Comic-Con International received more than $2.5 million in Payment Protection Plan loans, all of which have been forgiven.

Comic-Con is the largest comic book and popular-arts convention in the world, with more than 460,000 square feet of exhibit floor space and more than 1,000 exhibitors each year. Additionally, more than 2,000 hours of panels, workshops and events are attached to the convention, not to mention dozens of activities and pop-ups outside the Convention Center.

— City News Service