Editing San Diego Comic-Con (section)

== What to Expect at SDCC 2025 ==

=== Panels and Programming ===
SDCC 2025 will host hundreds of panels across comics, movies, TV, and gaming. Highlights include:

* '''Hall H Blockbusters''': Expect previews for major films and TV shows, such as DC’s ''Peacemaker Season 2'', following ''Superman''’s July release. Marvel Studios may skip Hall H due to ''Avengers: Doomsday''’s 2026 release, but surprises are possible.
* '''Special Guest Spotlights''': Confirmed guests include comic legends like '''Jim Lee''' (DC President, ''X-Men'', ''Batman: Hush''), '''Jonathan Hickman''' (''Secret Wars'', ''Fantastic Four''), and '''Bilquis Evely''' (''Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow'').
* '''Dungeons & Dragons 2025''': A dedicated panel with Jim Zub discussing ''Artificers & Alchemy''.
* '''Fantasy and Romance''': Panels like ''Where Fantasy Meets Romance'' featuring authors such as SenLin Yu and Danielle Jensen.
* '''Kids and Educators''': Sessions like ''Comic Making for Kids and Teachers'' at the San Diego Central Library.

The official schedule typically drops two weeks before the event (around July 10-13, 2025), with updates shared via social media and the Comic-Con website.

=== Exhibit Hall and Exclusives ===
The '''Exhibit Hall''' spans over 412,000 square feet, featuring 900+ exhibitors with comics, collectibles, and exclusive merchandise. Highlights for 2025 include:

* '''Kidrobot''': Exclusives like ''The Simpsons Donut Riot Punk Homer'' (500 pieces) and ''Hello Kitty Unibee Kaiju Plush''.
* '''Mattel Creations''': Collectibles celebrating ''Jurassic Park'', ''Jaws'', and ''Back to the Future''.
* '''UCC Distributing''': Must-have exclusives from popular franchises.
* '''Ignition Press''': Debuting a new series with exclusive merch.

Pre-orders for some exclusives open June 25-27, 2025, with shipping in Q3 2025.

=== Cosplay and Fan Events ===
Cosplay is a cornerstone of SDCC, with fans showcasing elaborate costumes. The '''Masquerade''', a competitive cosplay event, is a Saturday highlight. Offsite fan meetups, like those at '''Punch Bowl Social''' or '''Manchester Grand Hyatt''', offer additional fun. Tips for cosplayers:

* Use lightweight, breathable fabrics for San Diego’s warm weather.
* Bring cooling towels and stay hydrated.
* Test costumes beforehand for comfort.

=== Eisner Awards ===
The '''Eisner Awards''', often called the Oscars of comics, honor creative achievements in the industry. Held during SDCC, the 2025 ceremony will celebrate artists, writers, and publishers, continuing the legacy of comic icon Will Eisner.

=== Offsite Experiences ===
SDCC spills into downtown San Diego with offsite activations, including:

* '''The Lodge by Paramount+''': Featuring ''Mission Impossible'', ''Star Trek'', and ''Dexter: Resurrection''.
* '''PAC-MAN Cafe''': A nostalgia-packed dining experience.
* '''Super Power Show!''': A sumo and Japanese culture event with Godzilla themes.