San Diego Comic-Con, also known as Comic-Con International and abbreviated as SDCC, has taken over downtown San Diego. For four days, from July 24 to July 27, the sunny city of San Diego will host arguably one of the country’s most significant multimedia events, attracting attendees from across the United States, as well as from other countries. But what makes SDCC so special? What drives tickets to sell out within one hour, and what has kept it going strong for fifty-five years?
Popularly known worldwide as the ultimate gathering for “geeks” of all kinds, San Diego Comic-Con has arguably attracted fans of fandom from across the world by offering something to satisfy every fan. Fans of comic books, anime, cartoons, movies, and more pour in from around the world to watch exclusive trailers, clips, and behind-the-scenes footage. Fans also have the opportunity to score limited-edition collectibles, network, make new friends, and learn more about their favorite shows, characters, and creators. At Comic-Con, there is something for everyone. If you are attending Comic-Con this year, keep reading, learn what happened in 2024, and what it means for 2025 attendees.
In 2024, fans, with or without badges, were allowed to attend the off-site, free-to-attend tenth annual Her Universe Fashion Show that was hosted by American actress and fashion designer Ashley Eckstein, founder of the Her Universe fangirl fashion company and lifestyle brand. Celebrating 65 Years of Barbie, the 2024 Her Universe Fashion Show encouraged the enlisted designers to create iconic looks based on Barbie and other Mattel properties. This year celebrates the eleventh annual Her Universe Fashion Show, and the enlisted designers are encouraged to defy gravity and base their designs on Universal Pictures franchises and DreamWorks Animation franchises, such as the 2024 film adaptation of Wicked. Similar to previous years, up to 25 designers will debut one-of-a-kind geek couture designs, and at the end of the show, two winners will be chosen by both the audience and expert judges, and both winners will be awarded a 2,000 USD cash prize and a chance to design the next sensational Her Universe collection. To keep the Wicked theme on point, one of the judges will be Wicked star Marissa Bode (who portrays Elphaba Thropp’s younger sister, Nessarose Thropp).
Last year, I attended the Her Universe Fashion Show for the first time. I was never much into Barbie as a kid, but I actually loved the 2023 Barbie movie, and loved listening to how the Barbie toy line inspired the designers in different ways. I greatly enjoyed the 2024 show and highly recommend attending the 2025 show to anyone in San Diego on Thursday, July 24. As a long-time lover of musicals, I am excited for the Fashion Show this year to be themed after Wicked, as it was the first and only musical I have seen performed on a Broadway stage. I cannot wait to see what the 2025 select designers were inspired to create this year!
The 2025 Her Universe Fashion Show will take place in the Seaport Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, starting at 6 PM PST. But fans are encouraged to arrive, with their wristbands, as early as 5 PM to secure their seats. For more up-to-date information, check out the Her Universe website and social media accounts.
In 2024, global storytelling platform WEBTOON hosted multiple panels that clued in fans on what to expect from the platform in the following years. At the time, WEBTOON fans were also presented the opportunity to meet with popular authors Rachel Smythe (author of Lore Olympus) and Snailords (author of Freaking Romance). This year, WEBTOON will be returning to SDCC to host three informational panels, and webcomic readers will have the opportunity to meet popular authors Wendy Martin (author of Castle Swimmer), Miranda Mundt (author of Muted), and Purpah (author of Suitor Armor), promoting the in-print editions of their comic creations, which were traditionally published by the imprint Ten Speed Graphic. To learn more about these authors and their books, stay tuned because I’m hoping to interview all three of them.
Overall, there is plenty to do at Comic-Con this year. With panels, screenings, signings, workshops, mixers, and more, attendees have numerous opportunities to have fun, and there is little to no way to be bored. There is also no wrong way to enjoy Comic-Con.
But whether you’re a first-time or long-time attendee, I advise you to treat Comic-Con as a grand adventure. Wear comfortable, durable shoes because you will likely be walking everywhere. Bring water and snacks to skip the food truck lines, and bring a portable charger because you likely won’t have many opportunities to plug into a wall outlet. Budget wisely, and be kind to creators, vendors, event staff, and other attendees. Like you, everyone you meet at Comic-Con is there to have fun and celebrate their favorite things in fandom.
If you see me, say hi and let’s geek out together! Comic-Con is ON!
