Comic-Con International

This article is from our print magazine issued April 1st 2022. To order a copy of the magazine please do so here.

Good news, comic fans! Comic-Con International is coming back to San Diego this summer after a pandemic-induced gap of two years. The event, well-loved by fans of comic and fantasy books, movies, TV shows, and other artistic genres, is quite a cultural phenomenon and is massively attended by loyal patrons from all around the world. The program schedule for the year has yet to be released, but fans can expect a full-fledged celebratory event, like those seen in 2019 and before, with a variety of fun-filled activities and experiences. Some of the more popular SDCC activities include workshops, promotional panels, cosplay, celebrity appearances, autograph areas, merchandise shopping, and so on. If you are a Comic-Con newbie planning to attend the event, we have some helpful information for you here. So read on!

How much will it cost?

The event takes place in July for four days, and ticket prices vary per day. SDCC requires every participant over age 12 to register for a membership ID before purchasing entry badges. The badges are released on pre-announced sale dates and almost immediately sell out, so make sure to subscribe to official Comic-Con emails and keep an eye on their social media accounts so that you don’t miss the dates. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but unofficial fan sites expect them to be anywhere between $47 and $70 per person, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and military members. Depending on how much you are willing to splurge, VIP passes, package deals, and concierge services are also available for a more personalized experience.

Where and when will the event take place?

Comic-Con International is held in San Diego every year at the San Diego Convention Center. This year it’s set to begin on Thursday, July 21st, and end on Saturday, July 24th. Each day will feature a different set of programs and special guests. There will also be a premiere night on Wednesday, July 20th, reserved for a select audience. (Bonus tip: the nearby city of Anaheim will host the smaller sister convention, WonderCon, from April 1st to 3rd).

Who will be in attendance?

No guests have been confirmed by SDCC yet. Fan sites and unofficial blog pages, on the other hand, have been coming up with some exciting guesses of their own. Going by the trend over the last few years that saw an increase in attendance by major studios and A-list celebrities, fans have reason to expect a stellar guest list this year as well.

A brief history of Comic-Con.

The first-ever SDCC event was held in 1970 and, unlike today, was envisioned as an intimate gathering of comic creators, artists, and fans. Gradually, the scope of the convention expanded to include more mainstream art forms like movies, games, and TV shows. By the 2000s, with more Hollywood involvement, Comic-Con surged in popularity even among non-comic fans, eventually becoming the pop culture sensation it is today.

Being part of Comic-Con is an exciting matter. But getting there involves a bit of work, starting from getting hold of the badges and traveling and accommodation matters. Being well-prepared and up to date on all SDCC-related information will ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.Stay safe, stay focused and stay traveling. Happy Travels.