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.
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KPBS Midday EditionSteve Chu juggles duties as a judge and a pop culture nerd.
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Some attendees and vendors said the pop culture convention benefitted from the absence of studios and celebrities.
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Skip the crowds and check out the Eisner award-winning comics at one of San Diego's amazing shops.
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The science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics fair is geared for younger comics fans.
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Comic-Con's panel discussion titled "Dr. Evil or Scientists as Villains in Pop Culture" on Sunday challenges myths about the "mad scientist" stereotype.
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Follow along here for photos of one of the biggest pop culture events in the nation.
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One of the region's largest events returned Thursday.
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KPBS Midday EditionKPBS Midday Edition got a sneak peek of the convention floor during preview night. Plus, a look at the more literary side of the convention and book fandoms. And off-site events to check out this weekend that don’t require a badge.
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.