See These Scary, Wacky Folks Downtown? Comic-Con Cosplayers at Most Creative

Comic-Con continued Saturday with movie and TV trailers, panel discussions and comics fans from all over the world gathered at the San Diego Convention Center.

Many more were dressed up.

This year’s pared-back — but still packed — Comic-Con International is focusing less on Hollywood and more on comics, owing to ongoing strikes between studios and screenwriters and actors, respectively.

SAG-AFTRA, which represents 160,000 actors, has been strike since July 14, joining striking Writers Guild of America members who have been on the picket lines since May 2.

As a result, the multiple-day Comic-Con, which began with preview screenings on Wednesday and continues through Sunday, has no HBO, Netflix, Marvel, DC, Sony and other big studio representation.

However, hearkening back to the 54-year-old convention’s earliest days, comics are taking the forefront. The convention is still sold out and drawing tens of thousands of people to the region.

“Comic-Con has been a celebrated fixture for decades, and we are so proud that this international phenomenon was homegrown right here in San Diego,” Mayor Todd Gloria said, kicking off the convention Thursday morning. “This much-anticipated annual event not only draws thousands of tourists and generates hundreds of millions in economic activity in our city, but it’s also a true source of civic pride. We are grateful for their continued presence here.”

In 2022 alone, 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.

Some of the presentations and panels that have been cancelled include Disney’s The Marvels and “Ahsoka,” HBO’s “House of the Dragon” season two, Sony’s “Kraven the Hunter” and Universal’s “Last Voyage of the Demeter.”

But what can comic fans still expect?

The exhibition hall and Artist’s Alley have returned, allowing merchandise purchases from nearly every strain of superhero, science-fiction, fantasy and pop culture.

For those who could not get tickets, there are just about as many things happening outside the SDCC as within.

Select activities are also being livestreamed.

Getting to the Convention Center can be easier said than done. Parking can be expensive and frustrating. Metropolitan Transit System will offer a special event line of the trolley between the Balboa Avenue Transit Center and 12th & Imperial Transit Center every 15 minutes, Thursday through Saturday to accommodate large crowds starting at 6:55 a.m. and ending at 10:35 p.m. at Gaslamp Quarter Station.

Trolley lines will run increased service throughout the convention. One caveat to cosplayers, no weapons — real or simulated — are allowed on MTS transportation.

San Diego’s Police and Fire-Rescue departments have committed additional resources to ensure the safety of visitors both inside and outside of the Convention Center.

“Our priority is ensuring everyone has a safe and enjoyable time at Comic-Con,” said Police Chief David Nisleit. “Our teams are working closely with Comic-Con International, the San Diego Convention Center and our partner agencies for the safety of all.”

Fire Chief Colin Stowell said SDFD members would ensure fire code regulations were being followed and would provide emergency medical services personnel, just in case.

All events are subject to change with the ongoing strike activity.