The Press Release:
San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), the organizers behind the annual comics and pop culture convention Comic-Con, today shared details for an initiative in the works, Comic-Con@Home, an online event that will combine aspects of the convention experience with the comforts of home. Circumstances involving the COVID-19 pandemic and California’s restrictions against large gatherings have forced SDCC to cancel their 2020 international celebration that brings fans and professionals from all over the world to San Diego. Comic-Con@Home was first teased in early May with a short video announcement and a promise of details to come. Pop culture enthusiasts will note that this initiative joins the Comic-Con Museum’s virtual endeavor, Comic-Con Museum@Home, already ongoing.
Although conditions prevent celebrating in person, the show, as they say, must go on. With Comic-Con@Home, SDCC hopes to deliver the best of the Comic-Con experience and a sense of its community to anyone with an internet connection and an interest in all aspects of pop culture. Plans for Comic-Con@Home include an online Exhibit Hall complete with everyone’s favorite exhibitors offering promotions, specials, and limited-edition products unique to the celebration. As well, Comic-Con@Home promises exclusive panels and presentations about comics, gaming, television, film, and a wide variety of topics from publishers, studios, and more. As if that weren’t enough, Comic-Con@Home will also have a Masquerade, gaming, and many other activities in which fans can participate from their own homes.
Although Comic-Con@Home will provide badges for fans to print and wear proudly, all aspects of the initiative are free and there are no limits to how many can attend. “For the first time in our 50-year history, we are happy to welcome virtually anyone from around the globe,” said SDCC spokesperson David Glanzer. “Though stay-at-home conditions make this a very difficult time, we see this as an opportunity to spread some joy and strengthen our sense of community.” Comic-Con@Home will be held on the same dates as the previously canceled Comic-Con, July 22-26, 2020, and online attendees are encouraged to use the official #ComicConAtHome hashtag to be included in the virtual activities. Organizers and participating entities will begin providing additional details in announcements leading up to the event. Interested fans are encouraged to check Toucan, the official Comic-Con and WonderCon blog, SDCC’s website and social channels, and the official channels of their favorite pop culture creators in the weeks to come.
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PiercingMetal Thoughts: Let’s face it, the cancellation of the physical event was bound to happen based on the rise of the Coronavirus pandemic and we seem to be safer inside than out there at the moment. With that being said I am glad they will be delivering something in the virtual sense to keep us entertained and even distracted if I can put it like that. Historically speaking, I’ve never been to the San Diego Con but have been interested in doing so for some time. I go to the famed New York Comic Con along with a number of similar smaller ones here in NYC. Part of me feels that NYCC will be cancelled in the real as well but its too early to tell with it being some five months away. Perhaps the virus will vanish as fast as it arrived and one can only hope for that. I will be following the virtual event to the best of my ability and share any insights with my fellow geeks here on the website so you readers please be smart and safe out there. See you soon.
Topical Links:
Official: http://www.comic-con.org
Facebook: Facebook.com/comiccon
Twitter: @Comic_Con
Instagram: @comic_con