SAN DIEGO — Comic-Con returns next week, with a preview night on Wednesday followed by four jam-packed days of events, activations, panel discussions, parties and more from preview night on July 22, through closing day, July 26.

To help get your planning started, here’s a list of happenings from A to Z. The full convention calendar of events can be found online at comic-con.org.

A

Artists’ Alley: Find dozens of up-and-coming creators, independent artists and new creative talent at the Artists’ Alley inside Comic-Con. The artists, animators and illustrators each have a small table to sell their one-of-a-kind artwork. Fans can also talk to these artists one-on-one. Artists’ Alley is located on the south end of the convention floor, near lobby G. (Abby Hamblin)

B

Black female storytellers: “The Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers” panel will feature Black female producers, writers and illustrators from across the film and TV industries. Panelists will share their personal experiences and industry insights on creating space for Black voices in entertainment. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 10. (Maya Santiago)

C

Crunchyroll: Fans of “My Hero Academia” won’t want to miss this celebration of 10 years of the Crunchyroll favorite. The panel will include appearances from the voice cast, a look back at the final season of the show and much more. Crunchyroll will also celebrate the anime “Sentenced to be a Hero” inside the exhibit hall. 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23. Ballroom 20. (Abby Hamblin)

D

“Dungeon Crawler Carl:” The hit book series — which is slated to be produced into television by Peacock — will also be a star of Comic-Con this year. Author Matt Dinniman is one of this year’s special guests at the convention. There will be a “Dungeon Crawler Carl” activation presented by Audible as well as several panels featuring Dinniman. (Abby Hamblin)

E

Exhibit hall: A huge space inside the San Diego Convention Center, the exhibit hall is the place to find props from famous movies and television shows, exclusive merchandise, character and actor meet-and-greets, giveaways, and of course, hundreds and hundreds of comic books. Between all that, cosplayers wander around and fans stop to buy action figures, play video games and meet artists. (Abby Hamblin)

F

Final Fantasy: The Rady Shell will be the scene of a celebration of 25 years of “Final Fantasy.” The Japanese science-fantasy media franchise comprises video games, movies and books. Maestro Arnie Roth will lead the San Diego Symphony Orchestra and the San Diego Master Chorale. 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24. 222 Marina Park Way, San Diego. $78. (Abby Hamblin)

G

Guillermo del Toro: Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro will discuss, “Pan’s Labyrinth,” exploring the the visual design and creative process for its 20th anniversary. The presentation will feature special behind-the-scenes moments and new insights into the making of the film. 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)

H

Her Universe Fashion Show: The Her Universe Fashion Show returns for it’s 12th annual showcase, featuring designs from 20 creators. This year’s lineup will feature looks inspired by DC superheros and supervillians, including Batman, Superman and Teen Titans. 6 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Harbor Ballroom at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. (Maya Santiago)

I

Inside the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art: This panel will provide a preview of upcoming museum exhibitions and film programming from Senior Curator and Head of Film Programs Ryan Linkof; Stoopid Buddy Stoodios’ Seth Green and Matthew Senreich; and DC President, Publisher and CCO Jim Lee. The discussion will explore the artistic influences that shaped George Lucas and other creators. 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)

J

John Cena: A Saturday panel about “Matchbox The Movie” will feature wrestling legend and actor John Cena. The film, based on the Mattel toys, premieres later this year. Cena plays an undercover CIA agent. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)

K

"Killer Tomatoes": Friday at Comic-Con will be a celebration of the San Diego cult classic film series “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.” The fifth movie in the series, “Organic Intelligence,” which was filmed and produced largely in San Diego, will have a panel at Comic-Con featuring cast and creators. Fans can expect a first look at the trailer. 7:15 to 8:15 Friday, July 24. Room 6A. (Abby Hamblin)

L

"Lanterns": Debuting in August from DC Studios and Warner Bros. Television, “Lanterns” is a TV series about intergalactic cops. The show stars Kyle Chandler, Nathan Fillion and Aaron Pierre who will appear on a panel together. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Friday, July 25. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)

M

Mike McCready: The Pearl Jam, Mad Season and Temple of the Dog member joins the wave of musicians getting into graphic novels. McCready will join a panel titled “Mike McCready’s Alternative History of Grunge” to discuss “Farewell to Seasons,” which seeks to capture the ’90s grunge scene explosion with illustration through comics. 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront. (Abby Hamblin)

N

NBC 100: “Grimm” 15th Anniversary Reunion: The fan-favorite series about a homicide detective who fights supernatural forces will get a special 15th anniversary panel. Cast and creators will reunite in to share behind-the-scenes stories and reminisce. 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)

O

"On the Mic" podcast: Filmmaker and producer Tim Drake will host a panel with Alexander Watson and other comedy guests. Watson’s work has been featured on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and Comedy Central. 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library. (Maya Santiago)

P

"Percy Jackson and the Olympians": The beloved fantasy adventure show, based on the popular book series, returns to Comic-Con for an update from Season 3. Stars Walker Scobell, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Tamara Smart, Levi Chrisopulos and Olive Abercrombie are all scheduled to attend. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Thursday, July 23. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)

Q

Queer Japanese Media: Panelists Jimmy Sherfy, known as San Diego’s “King of Cosplay,” Melissa Gene Meyer and Elle Luevanos will explore the representation and evolution of queer themes in Japanese media. 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 26AB. (Maya Santiago)

R

Romance on the Big Screen: The panel featuring authors Ali Hazelwood, Christina Hobbs, Lauren Billings and others will explore the romance genre’s growing influence and the factors driving its continued momentum across literature and screen adaptations. 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 24ABC. (Maya Santiago)

S

“Spaceballs”: The team behind Mel Brooks’ Star Wars spoof, “Spaceballs,” will take the stage at Comic-Con to discuss the film’s development, cast and connection to the original comedy classic. The panel will feature insights into the sequel’s production. 4 to 5 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)

T

"The Walking Dead": It wouldn’t be Comic-Con without the zombies. “The Walking Dead: Dead City” will be at the center of a panel. Cast and creators, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, will discuss season three and show a sneak peek of the premiere episode. 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Abby Hamblin)

U

Upcoming video games: Gareth Von Kallenbach and the Skewed and Reviewed team will highlight some of the most anticipated titles coming up, featuring previews and gameplay clips. The panel will also include a Q&A session with gaming contributors discussing the releases fans are anticipating. 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 24ABC. (Maya Santiago)

V

"Vampire Lestat": AMC Global Media will showcase “The Vampire Lestat” with cast and creators talking about the big recent finale. There will also be a “The Vampire Lestat: One Night Only Live” music performance featuring songs from composer Daniel Hart. 12:30 to 1:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Hall H. (Maya Santiago)

W

"Widow’s Bay": Apple TV’s breakout summer hit “Widow’s Bay” will make its first appearance at the Con as part of a panel discussion highlighting four Apple shows, including “Silo,” Mayday” and “Matchbox The Movie.” “Widow’s Bay” is a quirky horror comedy about a haunted island of the New England coast. The island’s mayor is played by Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who made Emmy Award history this month being nominated as a lead actor in two categories, for “Widow’s Bay” in the comedy category, and Netflix’s “The Beast Within,” in the limited series or movie category. 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25. Hall H. SDCC (Pam Kragen)

X

"X-Men": The creative team behind Marvel’s animated series “X-Men ’97” will join special guests for a discussion about upcoming events, behind-the-scenes information and a preview of what’s ahead. Fans can receive special prizes and giveaways. 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. Friday, July 24. Room 6A. (Maya Santiago)

Y

YA Graphic Novels: This panel will cover how graphic novels within the YA genre can facilitate change, featuring authors, Julie Fiveash, Jarrett Dapier, Tilly Bridges, Susan Bridges, R. Sikoryak and Rob Reger. Noon to 1 p.m. Friday, July 24. Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library. (Maya Santiago)

Z

Godzilla: Godzilla’s comic book future is taking shape with new projects from Toho and IDW planned for 2026 and beyond. Aaron Gregory from Toho and the IDW team will discuss upcoming titles and the creators bringing new stories to life. Noon to 1 p.m. Thursday, July 23. Room 29AB. (Maya Santiago).

©2026 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.