KPBS at Comic-Con: From the floor to the fans
KPBS is taking you inside Comic-Con, sharing stories from San Diegans alongside the fans, creators and communities who bring the iconic pop culture convention to life.
KPBS Staff
Listen: The rise of romantasy and how it's shaping the world of books and fandom — even at Comic-Con
Romantasy — the fusion of romance and fantasy — is having a major moment. Boosted by #BookTok and shaped by the influence of fan fiction, the book genre is topping bestseller lists and drawing huge crowds at Comic-Con. But for all its success, it's often a target of ridicule. We look at what people get wrong about the misunderstood genre, and why it's connecting with so many readers right now.
Comic-Con may be over, but there’s still something cartoonish going on in the Gaslamp Quarter.
From sci-fi aliens to nostalgic deep cuts, these standout Comic-Con cosplayers turned heads with their unique takes on fandom favorites.
Latest Stories
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This year's edition of Comic-Con International will mark its first full day Thursday by presenting a huge collection of exhibits at the San Diego Convention Center and hosting panels with film stars and producers. -
Short film 'Dead Hearts' to screen Thursday -
Comic-Con International's annual soft-opening is scheduled Wednesday night. Public transportation agencies are ramping up services as the event comes to town. -
The show will take place at Spreckels Theatre in downtown San Diego, where Comic-Con International is getting underway. -
Around 130,000 people are expected to attend the largest annual trade show in San Diego through Sunday. Many are visitors from out of town, and some are from out of the country.
San Diego Spotlight
Charlotte Radulovich
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KPBS
Courtesy of Dafne Alcaraz
Courtesy of Jackie Estrada
Cosplay Corner
Plan Your Con
PAC-MAN Cafe
Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 11 AM
Ongoing until August 3, 2025
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Download ICS file
PAC-Man Cafe
Unite the Universe: Sci-Fi Stories as Examples of Intergalactic Friendship
Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 2 PM to 3 PM
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- Add to Outlook Calendar
Download ICS file
Comic-Con Museum
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Frequently Asked Questions
San Diego Comic-Con runs Thursday, July 24, through Sunday, July 27, at the San Diego Convention Center.
Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes early access to the exhibit hall for select attendees.
Preview Night is Wednesday, July 23, from 6 to 9 p.m. and includes early access to the exhibit hall for select attendees.
Yes! To enter the convention center, attendees must have a Comic-Con badge.
Preview Night access is only available to those with a 4-Day with Preview Night badge. Standard 4-Day or single-day badges do not include access to Preview Night.
Need a badge? Visit the official Comic-Con website for availability and pricing.
Preview Night access is only available to those with a 4-Day with Preview Night badge. Standard 4-Day or single-day badges do not include access to Preview Night.
Need a badge? Visit the official Comic-Con website for availability and pricing.
Yes! Comic-Con takes over more than just the convention center, with pop-ups, activations and fan experiences happening throughout the Gaslamp and beyond. While not all offsite events are free, many are open to the pubic. Check out our curated list to see what you can do without a badge.
The official Comic-Con 2025 programming schedule is now live. Browse panels, screenings, signings and more on the Comic-Con website.
We'll be sharing our top panel recommendations and continue updating our KPBS coverage throughout the week.
We'll be sharing our top panel recommendations and continue updating our KPBS coverage throughout the week.
San Diego's public transportation system, operated by MTS, offers easy access to and around the San Diego Convention Center. For more information, check out our transportation tips.
Oh, definitely. Cosplay is encouraged! Review the official convention's Costume Prop Policies to learn more about the code of conduct, guidelines for props and more.
Yes. The San Diego Convention Center is ADA compliant and Comic-Con offers a range of accessibility services. We've put together a Comic-Con accessibility guide to help you navigate everything from wheelchair seating to service animals.
Yes, children are welcome! Kids 12 and under can attend for free with a registered adult. Be sure to review Comic-Con's child badge policy for details on registration and on-site badge pickup.
San Diego offers a network of Cool Zone sites — public places where people can escape the heat on hot summer days. Find a list here.
You're already here! Stay tuned to this page for news, interviews, guides, videos and updates throughout Comic-Con.
For more coverage and fun moments, follow us on Instagram at @kpbs.
For more coverage and fun moments, follow us on Instagram at @kpbs.