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An undated illustration featuring a collage of featuring scenes from Comic-Con with the text "Meanwhile at Comic-Con."
Phil Nenna
/
KPBS
An undated illustration featuring a collage of featuring scenes from Comic-Con with the text "Meanwhile at Comic-Con."

Comic-Con 2023: Back to 'normal'

Editor's note: Comic-Con International 2023 ended July 23, 2023. Scroll down to read our coverage of the pop culture event.

Last year’s Comic-Con International was held in-person for the first time since 2019. Previous editions included Comic-Con@Home and a scaled back Comic-Con Special Edition in November 2021. 

Comic-Con 2023 is basically “back to normal” with no strict COVID-19 protocols like last year. The pop culture event running from July 19-23 is completely sold out of badges.

Whether you’re going or you’re badge-less, you can follow along here for the latest stories, videos and updates on all things Comic-Con.

Read the stories
Comic-Con is nine months away but this Saturday's open registration will be hopeful attendees' last chance to try and purchase a badge for 2024.
Beth Accomando
This Saturday will be the last chance to try and purchase badges for next summer's pop culture convention.
Watch videos
Japanese artist and manga creator Junji Ito appeared on two panels and had an art exhibit at Comic-Con. July 20, 2023 Playing
Manga creator Junji Ito talks horror and humor (WARNING: Graphic Imagery)
5:50
Playing
Going to Comic-Con for the very first time!
2:56
Playing
Dungeons and Dragons: From nerdy stereotype to mainstream phenomenon
4:18
A Chewbacca cosplayer oversees the convention floor on Thursday. July 20, 2023. Playing
Comic-Con was just fine without Hollywood
2:25
Customer at Now or Never Comics searches for a back issue. July 16, 2023 Playing
Comic book stores can offer an extended Comic-Con
4:06
Playing
San Diego Comic-Con from day to night
1:44
A photo illustration of Dr. Frankenstein (left) in the 1931 Universal Pictures film "Frankenstein" and Jasmine L. Sadler, aerospace engineer, and CEO of The Steam Collaborative. Playing
Myth-busting scientists bring reality check to Comic-Con
4:04
People walk outside of the San Diego Convention Center, which has signs advertising Comic-Con International. July 19, 2023. Playing
San Diego gears up for Comic-Con, sans big studio representation
2:27
Playing
No need for Jawas, you can build your own droid
4:25
The Legal Geeks is a group of lawyers and judges who want to use pop culture to teach about the law. They have two panels at Comic-Con. Playing
Judge champions pop culture and the law
4:19
More stories
  • Comic-Con
  • Museums
  • Lectures & Classes
  • Pop Culture
  • Virtual
  • Arts
  • KPBS Arts Calendar

Comic-Con Museum – An Overview and a History

This event is in the past.
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 from 7 PM to 8:15 PM
Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House
$0-$5
  • Films
  • Comic-Con
  • Pop Culture

Secret Morgue 4: Zombie Autopsy

This event is in the past.
Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 9:30 AM
Comic-Con Museum
$50
  • Comic-Con
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Visual Arts
  • Family
  • Pop Culture

Cosplay Repair Station at the Central IDEA Lab

This event is in the past.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 10 AM
Ongoing until July 23, 2023
San Diego Central Public Library
Free
  • Music
  • Comic-Con

The Shout! House: Dueling Piano Con

This event is in the past.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 7 PM
Ongoing until July 23, 2023
The Shout! House
  • Comic-Con
  • Food

Gala Games Offers Activation

This event is in the past.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 2 PM
Ongoing until July 22, 2023
Mission Brewery
  • Arts
  • Pop Culture
  • Comic-Con
  • Books
  • KPBS Arts Calendar
  • Editor's Picks

Mysterious Galaxy at Comic-Con 2023

This event is in the past.
Wednesday, July 19, 2023 at 6 PM
Ongoing until July 23, 2023
San Diego Convention Center
  • Comic-Con
  • Heritage & Cultural
  • Food
  • Family
  • Outdoors

House of Mexico x Comic-Con Pop Up

This event is in the past.
Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 11 AM
Ongoing until July 23, 2023
Seaport Village
Free
  • Arts
  • Films
  • Pop Culture
  • Comic-Con
  • KPBS Arts Calendar
  • Editor's Picks

'Dazed and Confused' 30th Anniversary

This event is in the past.
Friday, July 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Ongoing until July 23, 2023
Digital Gym Cinema
$9-$12

Transportation

Comic-Con is offering a free shuttle service with stops in downtown, Mission Valley and hotels on Shelter Island and Harbor Island. Show your pass to take the shuttles to and from the convention center.

Wednesday, July 19
3:00 PM–7:00 PM: Every 20 minutes
7:00 PM–12:00 AM*: Every 15 minutes

Thursday, July 20
5:00 AM–8:00 AM: Every 30 minutes
8:00 AM–9:00 PM: Every 15 minutes
9:00 PM–1:00 AM*: Every 30 minutes

Friday, July 21
5:00 AM–8:00 AM: Every 30 minutes
8:00 AM–9:00 PM: Every 15 minutes
9:00 PM–1:00 AM*: Every 30 minutes

Saturday, July 22
5:00 AM–8:00 AM: Every 30 minutes
8:00 AM–9:00 PM: Every 15 minutes
9:00 PM–1:00 AM*: Every 30 minutes

Sunday, July 23
5:00 AM–8:00 AM: Every 30 minutes
8:00 AM–7:00 PM*: Every 15 minutes

*The ending time indicated is the last departure from the San Diego Convention Center to official hotels. The last bus departing the hotels going to the Convention Center is approximately 30 minutes prior to the end time listed.

ACE Parking will run a lottery process for parking spaces. Entries are accepted until June 4, 2023. FAQ on the lottery here.

If you'd like to attend Comic-Con via public transportation, the MTS Trolley Service, Amtrak and COASTER train will transport passengers toward the convention center sans the traffic headache.

COVID protocol

Previous Comic-Con events required proof of COVID-19 vaccination or negative test and wearing a face covering. These aren't required for Comic-Con 2023, although organizers do encourage:

  • Get vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, if appropriate
  • Wear a medical quality mask while attending the event
  • Obtain a negative COVID-19 test result prior to attending the event

For more information visit the Comic-Con COVID protocol page.