SAN DIEGO — San Diego's Comic-Con kicks off in full force starting July 24 with a few new things to look forward to.
"Favorite part of Comic Con, it's seeing all the people," said Aaron Trites, owner of Now or Never Comics. "Our first year we were only here six months, second and third it was COVID, fourth year with entry restrictions and last year a strike. So this year we're excited."
In 2023, due to the Hollywood writers and actors strike, the convention center's Hall H didn't have the same mega-panels or appearances from A-list celebrities. This year, Hall H will be making a big comeback.
The convention's most popular attraction will be open on Saturday and there will be a surprise Thursday panel as well.
"Marvel is back at the convention for not just one night which is what they normally do but two nights this year is huge. One night will be the big presentation and other night will be Deadpool and Wolverine," said Kerry Dixon, with San Diego Comic-Con Unofficial Blog.
Dixon says people used to go as far as camping out to get into Hall H. This year will be different. She says people will need to enter a lottery to attend the Deadpool and Wolverine panel there. There's a lot of excitement going into next week.
"For the hotels, for the restaurants, everybody we know with a business in east village is so happy to have comic con here," Trites said.
There was question about the event staying in San Diego. Comic-Con has agreed to continue its contract here through 2026.
Comic-Con has warned that high hotel prices in San Diego could cause them to move to a different city down the road.
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