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After a Two-Year Break, Comic-Con Returns to San Diego
omic-Con International: San Diego policy that required masks and either proof of Comics almost inexplicably didn’t set up—
was just one of many events disrupted vaccination or negative testing for admission. the wider aisles contributed to the comfort of
Cby Covid-19. The last in-person full Others stayed away because of it. Overall, one attendees. Panels and retailers were well
version of the long-running convention was has to consider it a positive for the industry attended, and local businesses were clearly
2019, but it returned to the San Diego that it was up, running, and fairly well attended. glad to see the return of paying customers.
Convention Center and the surrounding area Normally the show draws in excess of Perhaps one giant step leap toward normalcy.
this year in force. 130,000 people per year. A good percentage We’ll see.
The July 20-24, 2022 show itself was a bit of them—but clearly not all—did return. For
of a mixed bag. Thousands of fans were all the hiccups, there were plenty of things J.C. Vaughn is Vice-President of
glad—nearly joyous—to be out and about that went right, and there were even a few Publishing for Gemstone
with the rest of fandom once again. Some silver linings. While there were also fewer Publishing. Amanda Sheriff is
Gemstone’s Editor – Digital.
were made comfortable by the convention’s vendors—DC Comics and Dark Horse
Top Row, L-R
A section of Comic-Con inside the San Diego Convention Center.
Writer-director-actor Kevin Smith at his panel, drawing a crowd.
Marvel Studios costumes from Moon Knight, Doctor Strange,
and Thor: Love and Thunder on display.
Middle Row, L-R
Veteran comic book dealer Ted Adams of Superworld Comics
shows off the newly released Overstreet Advisors’ Exclusive
edition of The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide #52.
Widely regarded as one of the premiere colorists in the comic book
industry, Alex Sinclair was one of the creators set up at the show.
Cosplayers like this Moon Knight portrayer returned to Comic-
Con in droves, making mask wearing look good.
The Dark Knight, Blade Runner 2049, and Ant-Man actor
David Dastmalchian at his panel.
Overstreet’s Shawn Sippel (left) demonstrates Overstreet Access, AEW professional wrestler CM Punk signing The entrance to Funkoville, a huge display from the makers of
the new online version of The Overstreet Comic Book Price autographs at the Diamond Select Toys booth for a Funko Pops, attracted all sorts of fans. Those expecting the
Guide, to interested fans. steady stream of fans. Funko craze to abate are still waiting.
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