When San Diego Comic-Con Actually Goes Back To the Comics (Oh, and Video Games, I Think)
Over the years, the San Diego Comic-Con has blossomed into some kind of behemoth. What started out as a fan show has quickly become a colossal favorite for Hollywood studios, with panels based on TV shows, movies and other animated productions.
Of course, COVID shut it down for a little while, but it kind of came back last year, and this year’s show was supposed to be the grand return, despite people like Marvel Studios not being involved. Note the words “was supposed to.”
That’s because, along with the writers that begun striking a few months ago, actors in SAG/AFTRA have joined them this week, refusing to work because of greedy executives in Hollywood. As such, they’re not doing any sort of promotional work — and that includes San Diego Comic-Con.
As a result, several panels and events have been cancelled; and no actors, at least none working on current stuff, will be at the event.
In other words, San Diego Comic-Con will be going through a drastic change when it launches on Wednesday night. But that doesn’t mean the show’s going to be a failure. In fact, many see it as “going back to its roots.”
That’s not to say Hollywood put a burden on the show or anything. But the name of the show is San Diego Comic-Con, not San Diego Hype Machine-Con. So, yeah, comics should be a huge part of it, yes?
That means comic book artists and writers will be front and center for this year’s show, taking the medium back as their own. But not only that, it’ll open up a big opportunity for sellers, as well as fans that not only show off their amazing prowess with cosplay, but also at panels, talking about their experiences and their love of all things nerddom.
Not to mention that it’ll have some video game presence. There’s a new Transformers game on the way, which will be on the show floor somewhere (I’m guessing); Sega could have a surprise or two with Sonic the Hedgehog, as it will have a themed restaurant somewhere on the grounds; and Stern Pinball has its Venom pinball machine set to debut, as far as I know.
So, yeah, San Diego Comic-Con will have plenty to do. But it’s interesting to see the show being forced to revert back to where it got its start. I’m sure it’ll be just as popular as it’s ever been, and maybe the lack of being “starstruck” could actually allow fandom to thrive on its own, instead of thunder being taken away by a Rings of Power Season 2 panel that most people would criticize anyway.
I’m not going myself, but I hope those attending the show have a blast and support their local artists and fans.
That said, I am in full support of the WGA, as well as SAG/AFTRA. These greedy Hollywood execs need to get it through their heads that AI will never properly replace a good human writer or actor, and they need to take damn good care of them. No need to buy that 17th yacht. Take care of your people.
Have a good weekend, everyone!
