See full version: San Diego Comic-Con 2018: Absence of HBO, Marvel and Star Wars has a silver lining for nerdy fans
This year, however, many high-profile mainstream nerd properties sat out the convention. Although this may have disappointed some fans, there’s a silver lining. It’s a reminder that SDCC existed long before the movie and TV producers came calling and it will continue even after pop culture turns away from "nerd" content.
The ascendant nerd pop culture of our era is still a major force to be reckoned with. [links]
But it wasn’t always this way. Up until this century, SDCC was a modest comic convention like any other, with attendance in the 30,000 to 40,000 range. During those years, nerd properties were their own little fiefdoms. “Star Trek” nerds, for instance, went to “Star Trek” conventions. Something like SDCC, which was first and foremost a comic book-focused convention, was meant primarily for those who read comics. [links]
Despite the absences, the 2018 program schedule was massive. Indeed, attendance has long since outgrown the massive San Diego Convention Center where the main events are held, and now includes satellite locations including the city’s library, its largest theater and other hotel convention halls. Major shows like “Doctor Who” and “Star Trek” had headlining panels. DC Comics and its extended film universe had high profiles all weekend, offering panels on “Wonder Woman 2” along with “Aquaman” — which it desperately hopes will be hits. Entertainment sites streamed live from the event for those who could not afford to attend. The ascendant nerd pop culture of our era is still a major force to be reckoned with, and those able to capitalize on it are still riding the wave for all it's worth.
But, let’s take a step back for a moment, get into our time machines and travel to March of 1970, when it all began.
Initially introduced to the world as San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Minicon, it was “the first comic book convention in southern California.” This so-called minicon was used as a way to raise funds and drum up interest for a larger convention.
The weekend also brings the opportunity to walk the exhibit hall, where hundreds of vendors are expected throughout the event.
Due to recent inquiries, we would like to clarify that the traditional Comic-Con in-person event in San Diego, normally held in July, has been postponed until summer 2022. However, Comic-Con@Home will return as an online event on July 23-25, 2021.
This fall we’re planning a smaller, supplemental event we’re calling Comic-Con Special Edition, taking place on November 26-28, 2021. It is our hope that by that point, conditions will permit in-person public gatherings of this kind. As details are still being finalized, badge cost, attendance capacity, and related information will be forthcoming.
All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the Fire Marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if it has reached its capacity. We do not clear rooms between events. Most autograph signings are of a limited nature. Your badge does not guarantee autographs at any event.
300: Estimated attendance at the first Con. more
2,980,000: In dollars, annual tax revenues
56: Special guests honored at this year’s Con, from Sergio Aragones (MAD magazine cartoonist) to Liz Suburbia, writer/artist of “Sacred Heart,” a graphic novel for young adults. here
559: Rate, in dollars, for a deluxe king room at the Omni San Diego Hotel for July 19, Preview Night. here