At Preview Night at Comic-ConOn Wednesday, participants were given three hours to preview everything the San Diego Convention Center has in store for this year’s major pop culture event.
Besides some residents, crowds of tourists from throughout the country and across the globe started arriving at the Gaslamp Quarter to begin a series of five days of celebrations covering areas like video games, anime, books, and television.
Our journalists were roaming the downtown area in search of the top attractions both inside and near Comic-Con. Here is the list for Wednesday.
‘Tron’-themed cocktails
The US Grant offers “digital drinks” and “bit bytes” at Comic-Con. The blue MCP is a floral tequila beverage, similar to a margarita, as noted by bartender Jake Reif. The red ISO is made with vodka and has a piña colada flavor.Grant Grill, 326 Broadway, San Diego.
— Jemma Stephenson
Peacefest gears up
Caption 1 of 3: Construction visible outside Nova SD (454 Sixth Ave.) for a fan event called Peacefest, which is inspired by HBO’s “Peacemaker” series. (Phillip Molnar / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
Work was continuing on Wednesday at approximately 4:45 p.m. at DC Studios’ “Peacemaker” pop-up nightclub located at the intersection of Island and Sixth streets in downtown San Diego. The event will feature a panel in Hall H on Saturday.Nova SD, 454 Sixth Avenue, San Diego.
— Phillip Molnar
Gaslamp Quarter takeover
A promotional display for the animated movie “Bad Guys 2” is now featured on the Gaslamp Quarter sign located on Fifth Avenue. This promotion is brought to you by DreamWorks Pictures.
— Phillip Molnar
A mysterious ‘Wanted’ sign
Notices for the upcoming “Red Sonja” film have been displayed in the Gaslamp Quarter. One example is shown on a utility box close to trolley tracks near the San Diego Trolley Gaslamp Station.
— Phillip Molnar
The widely loved The Lodge from Paramount+
Caption1 of 5Paramount+’s The Lodge event highlights new and famous franchises. Visitors can explore various replica sets from popular movies and TV shows, take pictures, and receive some free merchandise. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
The Lodge activation on Paramount+ brings together sports, television series, and movie franchises. This pop-up event is designed to promote new shows and celebrate previous films. Visitors can step into the scene from the 1996 film “Mission: Impossible,” where Tom Cruise’s character Ethan Hunt is lowered into a secure vault. There’s also an area highlighting the NFL on CBS, featuring jerseys from all 32 NFL teams, artificial turf, stadium-style seating, a football throwing challenge, and televisions broadcasting sports events, along with a UEFA Champions League-themed sports bar. Additionally, there are photo opportunities with replica sets from “NCIS: Tony & Ziva,” “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy,” and a secret vault from “Dexter: Resurrection.”9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Thursdays through Sundays. 340 Fifth Avenue, San Diego. Admission is free.
— Carlos Rico
A massive poké ball
Caption 1 of 3: Pokémon Mega Evolution provides a virtual experience at Booth #235 in the exhibition area. (Olivia Petty / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
A massive Poké Ball stands above the left side of the exhibition hall, drawing attendees in to take on the role of Pokémon trainers and participate in a series of virtual challenges within the booth. The simulation is inspired by the Mega Evolution feature from the Pokémon video game series.Booth No. 235.
— Olivia Petty
Mega ‘Minecraft’
Two manually built LEGO figures of Steve and a Creeper are displayed prominently at the LEGO Minecraft booth in the exhibition area. Each figure required 51 hours of work, combining to more than 13,000 Lego pieces.Booth No. 435.
— Olivia Petty
A Star Wars costume
Guests can view a Cad Bane outfit from the Star Wars series “The Book of Boba Fett” showcased in the Star Wars area of the exhibition hall.Booth No. 2913.
— Phillip Molnar
Funko fun
Funko enthusiast Ken Leung was welcomed by Freddy and Proto for a photo session at the Funko booth #5145. The Funko excitement keeps going during the Funderdome panel on Thursday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. in room 6BCF.Booth No. 5145.
— David J. Bohnet
The DeLorean
The rear of the DeLorean from the “Back to the Future” movies can be photographed at the Hot Wheels area of the convention floor.Booth No. 4145.
— Phillip Molnar
A LEGO rendition of Comic-Con
Caption 1 of 2: LEGO has developed multiple scenes from Comic-Con at its booth within the exhibit hall. (Jemma Stephenson / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
Fans can observe a big LEGO model of Comic-Con, referred to as LEGO-Con. Attendees of LEGO are moving past the Lego Gaslamp District sign and are visible on the Lego convention floor. It is located near the middle of the exhibition hall.Booth No. 2829.
— Jemma Stephenson
A sweater inspired by the San Diego Convention Center
Caption 1 of 2: Stacey Shuttleworth, a visitor to Comic-Con from Los Angeles, was seen wearing a sweater featuring the San Diego Convention Center. (Abby Hamblin / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
A fan of Comic-Con from Los Angeles, Stacy Shuttleworth, was seen wearing a sweater featuring images of the San Diego Convention Center. The sweater is fromTony Kim’s “Founder’s Collection”from the Hero Within apparel brand.
— Abby Hamblin
The much sought-after Labubu
Only one location is available for attendees to buy a Labubu at this year’s Comic-Con, the modern monster figurines that have turned into a popular social media fashion item. Pop Mart offers an extensive shopping and display area in the far back left section of the exhibit hall, featuring a “Robo Shop” (vending machine) stocked with mystery box collectibles. There are no unique Labubus available at Comic-Con, but other Pop Mart exclusives can be found at the booth every day of the convention.Booth No. 135.
— Olivia Petty
Fantastic costumes
Costumes from the new “Fantastic Four: First Steps” movie are being showcased in the Marvel Studios section of the exhibit hall. The film is set to premiere in cinemas this weekend.Booth No. 2329.
— Phillip Molnar
Nickelodeon is honoring 20 years of ‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’
Caption1 of 3Scenes from Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” are featured in the exhibit hall at Comic-Con. (Carlos Rico / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has occupied an 1,800 square foot booth on Comic-Con’s exhibition floor. Visitors can explore replica sets from the beloved animated series and pose for pictures in front of a 20-foot high iceberg and the impressive rock formations of the Wulong Forest. Additionally, there will be exclusive merchandise available for purchase, giveaways, and autograph sessions with cast members, all in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary.Booth No. 4113.
— Carlos Rico
A towering Wing Gundam
Bandai Hobby is presenting a statue of the famous Wing Gundam to mark the 30th anniversary of the animated show “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.” The exhibit also features unique merchandise, collectibles available for purchase, and free giveaways.Booth No. 3829.
— Carlos Rico
Todd Nauck greeting fans
Caption1 of 2 “X-Men” enthusiast Evette Betancourt visits II-01 in Artists’ Alley to express her gratitude to Todd Nauck for his contributions and to obtain a signature on an “X-Men” poster she purchased in Carlsbad at NinjaXchange. (David J. Bohnet / The San Diego Union-Tribune) Expand
Southern California comic artist Todd Nauck welcomes fans as he creates custom artwork. He can be found in the Artists’ Alley (II-01). Fans interested in his work can visit his website for a signing and to commission original pieces.Artists’ Alley.
— David J. Bohnet
A scene for hobbits
A replica of the Prancing Pony from the “Lord of the Rings” series is available for Comic-Con visitors. It is sized to give guests a hobbit-sized experience for a photo session. Booth No. 2615.
— Jemma Stephenson
Liam Neeson examining the Comic-Con event
An inflatable representation of Liam Neeson observes the trolleys and trains passing by the San Diego Convention Center as staff complete the final details for the display promoting his new film, “The Naked Gun.” The movie is scheduled to debut on August 1st. The installation is situated in front of the Metropolitan Apartments, which is across the street from the convention center.
— Olivia Petty
Droids on the loose
R2-D2 and R2-KT 36 were spotted wandering around the “Star Wars” booth at Comic-Con. Ruben Camerino, from San Diego, created these two replica droids. He mentioned it took him roughly six months to construct each one, using parts primarily sourced from the United States. Camerino also announced he will be leading a panel discussion on building droids at 10 a.m. on Thursday in Room 7AB. He noted that he has been attending Comic-Con for 40 years.
— Carlos Rico
A rainbow of dice
Chessex Manufacturing offers more than 150 various colored dice for enthusiasts to examine. A new addition this year is the “hidden wonders” box. Dice enthusiasts can obtain a unique box containing a special color, exclusively available in that box, as stated by booth employee, Bennett Creighton.Booth No. 4913.
— David J. Bohnet
Some ‘Wicked’ creations
LEGO models of Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked,” the stage production that became a film, were on display in the exhibit area. Visitors could also find the Wicked LEGO sets available for purchase on the opposite side of the Convention Center entrance, at the LEGO booth near aisle 2800.Booth No. 2829.
— Jemma Stephenson
A ‘Star Wars’ photo session
Moose Toys and FanDrop encourage “Star Wars” enthusiasts to embrace the dark side. Capture a photo or strike a pose for a free printed image with a small Darth Vader model.Booth No. 4337.
— David J. Bohnet
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