The Geekly Grind’s Plans for SDCC 2024
San Diego Comic-Con 2023 was an exhilarating ride, despite the dark cloud of industry strikes leading to the cancellation of numerous panels from the biggest names in geek pop culture. Fast forward to 2024, and the excitement is palpable. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe's latest entry, Deadpool and Wolverine, premiering on the Thursday of Comic-Con, as well as Marvel’s return to Hall H, this year promises a triumphant comeback for the world’s most iconic pop culture convention.
Sorting out my schedule for the upcoming weekend has been an exciting, yet challenging task. With so many incredible panels to attend and creators to meet, four full days (plus preview night, of course) somehow doesn’t seem sufficient. But fear not! Here’s a spotlight on some must-see panels I’ll be covering over the weekend. If there are any panels you’re particularly interested in, ping us on X/Twitter, and I’ll make sure to give them a closer look!
Wednesday Night: Preview Night Adventures
Preview night is all about exploring the exhibitor hall floor, and this year is no different. I’ll be on the hunt for those elusive exclusives and rare collectibles. From action figures to limited edition comics, expect to see some of the coolest and most sought-after items highlighted. Stay tuned to our social media channels for live updates and snapshots of the hottest finds!
Thursday: A Day of Comic Revelations
Image Comics Unleashed kicks off the day, with creative heavyweights like Daniel Warren Johnson and Skottie Young sharing insights into their creative processes. The panel promises to be a treasure trove of information for aspiring artists, and die-hard fans of the creators are sure to glean entertaining insights.
Next up is the DC Power Panel. With Scott Snyder and a stellar lineup of creators discussing the new All-In campaign for DC, this panel is poised to reveal exciting developments in the DC Universe. Designed to captivate both long-time fans and newcomers, I’m looking forward to any sneak peeks into upcoming storylines and projects.
Later that afternoon, VIZ Manga will unveil their future publishing schedule. As a dedicated manga enthusiast, I’ll be front and center, eagerly soaking in every announcement. From new series to special editions, VIZ never disappoints with their lineup.
One panel that particularly caught my eye is the session on drawing your favorite anime or video game characters, featuring Hitoshi Ariga. Known for his work on Mega Man Megamix and Mastermix, Ariga’s first trip to SDCC is a special occasion. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to connect with him and gain learn more about his artistic journey.
Friday: Toys, Activations, and the Energon Universe
Friday kicks off at the Bandai Namco booth, where I’ll be checking out the latest (and upcoming) toy releases. An interview with a member of their marketing team will provide a deeper look into what’s next for the company and their exciting lineup of collectibles.
Following that, I’ll head to Atsuko’s limited apparel line showcase. With exclusive merchandise for titles like Berserk, Cyberpunk Edgerunners, and Jujutsu Kaisen, this is a must-visit for anime fashion enthusiasts.
Downtown activations are a highlight of SDCC, and I’m particularly excited for Paramount's "The Lodge". Featuring interactive activities related to Star Trek, SpongeBob SquarePants, and TMNT, it promises to be a fun-filled experience.
The centerpiece of Friday’s schedule is the Energon Universe panel. Following its successful launch last year with Transformers and Void Rivals, and the integration of GI Joe titles like Cobra Commander and Destro, this panel will delve into the future of this expansive universe. Expect exclusive previews and announcements, including the highly anticipated GI Joe reboot.
Friday night concludes with the prestigious Eisner Awards. Celebrating the best in comics, I’ll be live-tweeting the winners as they’re announced. With so many talented creators nominated, it’s sure to be an unforgettable evening.
Saturday: Interviews, Panels, and More
Saturday morning starts with a highly anticipated interview with a prominent comic creator. While I’m keeping the details under wraps for now, I promise it will be an engaging and insightful conversation.
Later that morning, I’ll attend the panel featuring the cast and creatives behind Abbott Elementary. I’m looking forward to behind-the-scenes stories and perhaps some hints about what’s next for this hit comedy series.
The afternoon is dedicated to Critical Role in Ballroom 20. With a Q&A and updates on projects like Legend of Vox Machina and Daggerheart beta testing, it’s a panel no fan should miss.
The day wraps up with a spotlight on Robert Kirkman. From the ongoing development of the Energon Universe to the Invincible animated series on Amazon Prime, Kirkman’s panel is sure to be a highlight of the convention.
Sunday: A Day of Autographs and Indie Spotlights
Sunday is reserved for autograph sessions and celebrating indie creators. I’ll be conducting impromptu interviews and capturing plenty of great photos throughout the day. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover hidden gems and connect with the creative minds behind some of the most innovative projects in the industry.
Join the Fun!
San Diego Comic-Con 2024 is shaping up to be a spectacular event. From Wednesday’s preview night to the final hours on Sunday, I’ll be your guide through the ultimate celebration of geekdom. Don’t forget to tag along on social media as the festivities kick off. See you at Comic-Con!
