The Comic-Con 2025 Masquerade has filled all of its contestant slots and the waiting list, and is not accepting any new online entries at this time. We appreciate the great enthusiasm for the event!

Additional Awards Announced:

The Costume Designers Guild, IATSE Local 892, is excited to once again present what they deem the best costume entry with a special CDG trophy and a $500 gift certificate from International Silks and Woolens in Los Angeles. The Costume Designers Guild is a labor union representing costume designers, assistant costume designers, and costume illustrators working in motion pictures, TV, commercials, music videos, and new media.

Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship. This returning award, arranged by costume designer Jennifer May Nickel, is given in the memory of Oksana Shore, an exceptionally talented tailor, pattern maker, and friend to many in the industry. A member of IATSE Local 479, she made costumes for film and TV that are cosplayed around the world, and her attention to detail and craftsmanship was superb. Gotham Knights, Legacies, Loki, Stranger Things, and WandaVision were just a few of her projects. Her talent aside, she was a wonderful and caring person who worked to make the world a little better and brighter by helping her friends and family in Ukraine. This award is given to the entry that captures her spirit and skills of patterning. construction, and craftsmanship, and will include generous prizes from its sponsors.

Feeding San Diego, the region’s largest hunger relief and food rescue organization, will present a Most Heroic Young Fan Costume award. This award will celebrate the next generation of real-life heroes by honoring one young fan (under 18) whose costume most embodies the spirit of heroism through courage, creativity, compassion, or commitment to helping others. Their winner will receive a special Hunger Action Heroes Unite! Classroom Hero Kit (valued at $350), plus $100 in cash. Hunger Action Heroes Unite! is their comic book and curriculum guide designed to teach kids about hunger and food waste, and to eliminate the stigma around asking for help (because even superheroes need help sometimes!).

This year’s Masquerade on-stage costume competition (or cosplay competition for those who favor that term), a tradition at the convention since 1974, will be Saturday evening, July 26, starting at 8:30 PM. The event celebrates not only the importance of costuming to the popular arts, but also the amazing costume creations that our attendees create and bring to the convention. The costume presentations, intermission entertainment, and then awards presentation will run about two and ½ hours and be set in the San Diego Convention Center’s 3,900-seat Ballroom 20, with overflow seating available and large projection screens in the Sails Pavilion and in a second ballroom.

Not a dance or party as the name may imply, it is similar to the style of a talent show, set on a large stage in front of an audience, presenting amazing costumes crafted by our non-professional but still highly creative and talented attendees. Most costumes will be impressive re-creations from movies, television, anime, comic books, fantasy art, Broadway shows, and video games; others will be completely original designs from the imagination. Some entries will be solo costumes; others will be groups with a shared theme, and no purchased costumes are allowed. There is no additional cost to participate, or to have a seat in the audience, for anyone with a Comic-Con badge valid for Saturday.

Why do we title this event the Masquerade instead of simply a costume contest? Simply put, “to masquerade” means to portray someone other than yourself, and our contestants often bring to the stage as much performance imagination as they do design and crafting skills by portraying characters and creating presentations with specially selected music that create story, mood, drama, humor and more. Our giant high-definition projection screens and multiple cameras provide great close-up views of the costumes to everyone. Audience members need not wear a costume, but feel free to add to the fun and spirit of the event and dress in something unique and fun.

Our emcee will again be the always entertaining five-time Hugo Award–winning artist and writer Phil Foglio. Together with his wife, Kaja Foglio, he’s created, published, and contributed to a variety of comics, art, and games in science fiction, fantasy, and steampunk genres through their company and website www.StudioFoglio.com, featuring their popular Girl Genius series.

After the costume presentations, while the judges tally their scores, the audience will be entertained by the Jedha Temple chapter of The Saber Guild, the largest not-for-profit Lucasfilm-recognized Star Wars lightsaber club in the world, thrilling us with an original Star Wars storyline, great screen-accurate costumes, and impressive choreographed action. After their show, we will see the exceptionally talented Corps Dance Crew returning to our stage. The Corps, a non-professional entertainment group that melds cosplay, various modern dance styles, and lively popular music, perform all over Southern California to bring anime, comics, movies, and other pop culture to life, bringing new shows each year at Comic-Con, WonderCon, and many other conventions and other events.

Masquerade tickets assure a seat, but are not required:

Rather than see attendees stand in line for hours Saturday to be certain they get a seat, free tickets will be given out at 12 noon on Saturday to those lining up near Ballroom 20, and tickets will be available again from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Masquerade Desk until all are given out. Once you have your ticket, you are guaranteed a seat, and you can go enjoy other programming and line up later knowing there is a chair for you. After the ticket-holders line has gone into the ballroom, there is open seating for anyone who arrives until the room is filled, no ticket required.

Professional badge holders who are program participants and a limited number of representatives of the press with verified credentials may obtain seating tickets ahead of time at the Masquerade Desk near Ballroom 20 on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. And of course, special invited guests of the convention may request VIP seating. Attendees with special needs should visit the Deaf Services or Disabled Services Desks in the lobby of Hall A to learn about and reserve their special seating for the show. As always, there will be a signer for the hearing impaired.

Photography:

No flash photography is allowed of the stage presentations, but non-flash photography and video recording are welcome. There will be a flash-allowed Photo Area set in a nearby room where contestants will pose after their stage presentations, and photographers or press wishing Photo Area access should reserve a spot by writing to masq@comic-con.org or signing up at the Masquerade Desk at the convention if spots are still available then.

Comic-Con International trophies to be awarded in various categories:

Our Comic-Con Masquerade trophy medallions, custom-designed for us by popular fantasy artist Sue Dawe and fabricated by the same company that produces awards for the Emmy®, Golden Globes®, and People’s Choice® Awards, are bestowed upon winners by the judges panel in categories of Best in Show, Judges’ Choice, Best Re-Creation, Best Original Design, Best Workmanship, Most Humorous, Most Beautiful, and Best Young Fan. Those trophy winners will also receive free 4-day badges to Comic-Con International 2026!

Additional awards:

Several companies and organizations are generously supporting the event by offering cash and other prizes of their own, and will be awarding winners selected by their representatives:

• Frank & Son Collectible Show of the City of Industry, California, “the first and last stop for all your collectible needs,” will once again take a break from their large bi-weekly mini-cons to present a generous $1,000 cash prize, plus a beautiful trophy, to the entry they deem to be the audience favorite (so everyone should generously applaud their favorites!).

• The Art Directors Guild, IATSE Local 800. The ADG, which has presented panels at Comic-Con for over a dozen years, has among its members art directors, graphic artists, illustrators & storyboard artists, model makers, pre-vis artists, production designers, scenic artists, set designers and title artists of the motion picture, theater, and TV industries. The ADG is presenting two awards: The Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Original Concept Design, presented to the entry most exemplifying a wholly original concept, and The Art Directors Guild Cosplay Award for Best Visual Media Design, presented to the entry whose design best interprets a character or concept from a television show or motion picture. Each award comes with a $500 prize.

• The Costumer’s Guild West (CGW), Southern California’s costuming fandom group, will present a one-year membership to CGW, as well as a full scholarship and a complimentary one-night hotel stay to their weekend conference, Costume College®, held each July at the Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel. This year their event is the weekend right after Comic-Con, so their winner may choose 2026 or 2027 to attend. Their prize will be given to the entry their representatives select as showing the most promise. Costume College provides educational lectures and workshops in every aspect of costuming.

• Comic-Con International will once again present a special award given in memory of long-time Committee and Board member Alan Campbell, who passed away and is sorely missed. Alan was a great fan of the Masquerade, at times generously donating his own prize. The Alan Campbell Award will be $500 cash, presented to the entry deemed Best Re-Creation of a Comics or Related Media Character or Characters, as selected by one of the guest judges.

• Comickaze Comics & Pop Culture Store, San Diego’s #1 source for comics, graphic novels, & collectibles, located in the Clairemont Mesa area since 1993, will present an award for what they deem the Best In-Character Performance, with a generous prize of a limited edition special collectible statuette, an Amazon gift card of $300, and a $200 Comickaze gift card.

More prizes will join this list as the convention approaches, check the website for the latest updates, and for any questions email masq@comic-con.org.

2025 COmic-Con masquerade Rules and entry form!

The post Masquerade appeared first on Comic-Con.

Comic-Con Today: Saturday

Comic-Con Museum: Where Dr. Who, Lucha Libra, tokidoki, and Luann Meet

It’s probably not news to anyone reading this that the Comic-Con museum is now open. What is new is four new exhibits that opened in the last four months, and this brings the total number of unique Comic-Con exhibits to over 30 since opening after the lockdown.

Opened in March, Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction is the US Premiere of the exhibit celebrating the world’s longest-running science fiction TV show. Entering through the Tardis (yes, it is bigger on the inside) you’ll see a replica of the first Doctor’s console and the costumes from all 15 Doctors. Continuing through the exhibit, you can investigate iconic props, set pieces, and behind-the-scenes material from the series. One of the most impressive features of the exhibit is the Monster Vault featuring Daleks, Cybermen, and Weeping Angels. Don’t blink!

Interspersed throughout the exhibit are scientific displays explaining the physics of time travel and black holes, the biology of space travel, and more. Another favorite is Cassandra O’Brien, who speaks to guests as they pass. Whether you believe her claims of being “the last human” or agree with Rose that she’s just “a bitchy trampoline,” you’ll want to meet her. In addition, the Comic-Con museum is proud to hold an “Into the Whoniverse” series of panels, where scientists discuss aspects of science related to the show (next panel is August 9). See the Comic-Con Museum website calendar for details (https://www.comic-con.org/museum/events/). Whether you’re a hard-core Whovian or just a fan of the show, you won’t want to miss it.

Sangre, Sudo y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre explores the art, culture, and tradition of Mexican professional wrestling. “Sangre, Sudo y Mito” translates to “Blood, Sweat, and Myth,” and the exhibit features authentic masks and costumes worn by legendary luchadores, artwork, rare collectibles, and movie lobby cards. Earlier this month, the Summer Nights Night at the Museum featured Lucha Libre-inspired artwork. The next and final Summer Nights event will be held on August 22 and will feature competitive puzzling. Google it. It’s a lot of fun. See Comic-Con Museum Calendar for details.

tokidoki: Twenty Years of Kawaii and Chaos showcases two decades of tokidoki’s fusion of Japanese-inspired kawaii (cute) design and edgy pop culture art. Since 2005, tokidoki has taken the world by storm with an aesthetic that melds the adorable with street art. The exhibit features original art, large-scale statues, and rare collectibles. 

In 1985, when we were listening to Madonna, Hall and Oates, and Wham!, cartoonist Greg Evans introduced a spunky 13-year-old to American newspaper funny pages. Growing Up Luann looks at the 40-year history of the Luann comic strip, from Greg Evans’ growth as an artist to how the characters evolved over the years to some of the ground-breaking storylines that moved the needle for what is acceptable in a mainstream American newspaper strip.

Finally, make sure you stop by the Comic-Con Museum booth in the Exhibit Hall (Booth 1714). Take a spin for fun and prizes. You can also buy Comic-Con Museum memberships, including that coveted Legend membership. Tomorrow only, they’ll have a fun cardboard toucan give-away for the kids, while supplies last. Swing by and give them a look.

For more information about the Comic-Con Museum, see https://www.comic-con.org/museum/.

Masquerade On-Stage Costume Competition Tonight

A Comic-Con tradition since 1974, the event starts at 8:30pm tonight in Room 20 and showcases the amazing costume creations that our attendees create and bring to the convention. Our emcee will again be the always entertaining five-time Hugo Award–winning artist and writer Phil Foglio with his wife, Kaja Foglio. Masquerade tickets assure a seat, but are not required: Rather than see attendees stand in line for hours Saturday to be certain they get a seat, free tickets will be given out at 12 noon on Saturday to those lining up near Ballroom 20, and tickets will be available again from 3:00–5:00 PM at the Masquerade Desk until all are given out. Once you have your ticket, you are guaranteed a seat and can line up later knowing there is a chair for you. After the ticket-holders line has gone into the ballroom, there is open seating for anyone who arrives until the room is filled, no ticket required. In addition, overflow seating is available with large projection screens in the Sails Pavilion and in Room 6A for others wanting to enjoy the show.

Toucan Tip Friday

WonderCon 2026

Did you know that you can buy WonderCon 2026 badges right now? You don’t have to wait until November. Not only that, you can just buy them. You don’t have to stress about whether you’re going to get in or not or if the badge gods are smiling on you. You don’t need a lucky rabbit’s foot or anything. Early Bird pricing on 3-Day badges is $135.00 for Adults; $68.00 for Junior (age 13-17), Senior (age 60 and older), and active-duty military and ends January 14, 2026. One day badges are available at regular prices.

See details at https://www.comic-con.org/wc/badges/attendee-badge-sale/ or log into Member ID to purchase.

Autographs

P.O.W.E.R. Drawings

Think you missed your shot? In true superhero spirit, the P.O.W.E.R. (Previously Offered Wristbands: Extra Redemption) Drawing gives attendees one last shot at scoring an Exclusive Signing Portal wristband!

Did you miss out on an Exclusive Signing (ES) that was in the Comic-Con 2025 Exclusives Portal? Sixty (60) minutes before the start of an ES Portal signing, a special drawing may be held in the Autograph Area for any unclaimed wristbands, if available. This is your chance to swoop in and claim a spot that was previously awarded but not redeemed.

The Autograph Area online schedule will list the P.O.W.E.R. Drawing lineup time and location, as well as the drawing time for each ES Portal signing. If there are no unclaimed wristbands, there will be no drawing. The drawing will follow the Autograph Area Line Drawing procedure, so be sure you’re familiar with how it works (see page 74 of the Events Quick Guide).

Potential P.O.W.E.R. drawings and times for today are as follows:

• Spartacus: House of Ashur Autograph Signing with Cast and Creator (9:30 am drawing)
• Mattel Creations Design Panel (10:00 am drawing)
• Bob’s Burgers (10:15 am drawing)
• Coyote Vs. Acme Signing (10:30 am drawing)
• The Simpsons Signing (12:15 pm drawing)
• Matt Fraction Signing (1:00 pm drawing)
• Todd McFarlane Exclusive Comic-Con Signing Session (1:00 pm drawing)
• Futurama Signing (1:30 pm drawing)
• Adam Cesare, author (Clown in a Cornfield) Exclusive Signing (2:00 pm drawing)
• Bryan Lee O’Malley – Scott Pilgrim, Lost at Sea, Seconds, and Snotgirl (2:30 and 3:45 pm drawings)
• Paradise Signing (2:45 pm drawing)
• Pingu Trivia and Noot Noot Challenge (12:30 pm drawing)

Grids

Announcements

Comic-Con Merch Updates – More stock of the sold-out Peanuts Comic-Con Event shirt are scheduled to arrive in the Merch Store between 10:00 am and 11:00 am today. In addition, the women’s crop tops are almost completely sold out (only peach color remains). Act fast if you want one. The Comic-Con Merch Store is located at Marriott Marquis, Rooms 23–26. 

Correction – The address printed on page 6 of the Events Quick Guide for Blick under Art Supplies is incorrect. They moved to 3633 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110 (no longer walking distance but at least they have lots of parking now).

Will Eisner Comic Industry Award Recipients

Best Short Story: “Spaces,” by Phil Jimenez, in DC Pride 2024 #1 (DC)

Best Single Issue/One-Shot: The War on Gaza, by Joe Sacco (Fantagraphics)

Best Continuing Series: Santos Sisters, by Greg & Fake, Graham Smith, Dave Landsberger, and Marc Koprinarov (Floating World)

Best Limited Series: Zatanna: Bring Down the House, by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez (DC)

Best New Series: Absolute Wonder Woman, by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman (DC)

Best Publication for Early Readers: Hilda and Twig Hide from the Rain, by Luke Pearson (Flying Eye)

Best Publication for Kids: Plain Jane and the Mermaid, by Vera Brosgol (First Second/Macmillan)

Best Publication for Teens: Lunar New Year Love Story, by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham (First Second/Macmillan)

Best Humor Publication: Processing: 100 Comics That Got Me Through It, by Tara Booth (Drawn & Quarterly)

Best Anthology: Godzilla’s 70th Anniversary, edited by Jake Williams and others (IDW)

Best Reality-Based Work: Suffrage Song: The Haunted History of Gender, Race, and Voting Rights in the U.S., by Caitlin Cass (Fantagraphics)

Best Graphic Memoir: Feeding Ghosts: A Graphic Memoir, by Tessa Hulls (MCD/Farrar, Straus & Giroux)

Best Graphic Album—New: Lunar New Year Love Story, by Gene Luen Yang and LeUyen Pham (First Second/Macmillan)

Best Graphic Album—Reprint: The One Hand and The Six Fingers, by Ram V, Dan Watters, Laurence Campbell, and Sumit Kumar (Image)

Best Adaptation from Another Medium: The Road, by Cormac McCarthy, adapted by Manu Larcenet (Abrams)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material: The Jellyfish, by Boum, translated by Robin Lang and Helge Dascher (Pow Pow Press)

Best U.S. Edition of International Material—Asia: Tokyo These Days, vols. 1–3, by Taiyo Matsumoto, translated by Michael Arias (VIZ Media)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Strips: Thorn: The Complete Proto-BONE Strips 1982–1986, and Other Early Drawings, by Jeff Smith (Cartoon Books)

Best Archival Collection/Project—Comic Books: David Mazzucchelli’s Batman Year One Artist’s Edition, by Frank Miller and David Mazzucchelli, edited by Scott Dunbier (IDW)

Best Comics-Related Periodical/Journalism: The Beat, edited by Heidi MacDonald and others, https://www.comicsbeat.com

Best Comics-Related Book: Tell Me a Story Where the Bad Girl Wins: The Life and Art of Barbara Shermund, by Caitlin McGurk (Fantagraphics)

Best Academic/Scholarly Work: Drawing (in) the Feminine: Bande Dessinée and Women, edited by Margaret C. Flinn (Ohio State University Press)

Best Publication Design: David Mazzucchelli’s Batman Year One Artist’s Edition, designed by Chip Kidd (IDW)

Best Digital Comic: My Journey to Her, by Yuna Hirasawa (Kodansha) 

Best Webcomic: Life After Life, by Joshua Barkman, https://falseknees.com/comics/24ink1.html (False Knees)

Best Writer: Gene Luen Yang, Lunar New Year Love Story (First Second/Macmillan)

Best Writer/Artist: Charles Burns, Kommix (Fantagraphics); Final Cut (Pantheon); Unwholesome Love (co-published with Partners & Son)

Best Penciller/Inker or Penciller/Inker Team: Bilquis Evely, Helen of Wyndhorn (Dark Horse)

Best Painter/Multimedia Artist: Eduardo Risso, The Blood Brothers Mother (DSTLRY)

Best Cover Artist: Tula Lotay, Groupies (Comixology Originals), Helen of Wyndhorn #1, Count Crowley: Mediocre Midnight Monster Hunter #3, Dawnrunner #1, Barnstormers TPB (Dark Horse); Somna and other titles (DSTLRY); The Horizon Experiment (Image)

Best Coloring: Jordie Bellaire, Absolute Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey, John Constantine, Hellblazer: Dead in America, The Nice House by the Sea (DC); The City Beneath Her Feet (DSTLRY); The Exorcism at 1600 Penn (IDW); W0rldtr33 (Image); G.I. Joe, Duke (Image Skybound) 

Best Lettering: Clayton Cowles, Animal Pound (BOOM! Studios); FML, Helen of Wyndhorn (Dark Horse); Absolute Batman, Batman, Batman & Robin: Year One, Birds of Prey, Jenny Sparks, Wonder Woman (DC); Strange Academy, Venom (Marvel)

Hall of Fame:

Judges’ Choices: Peter Arno, Gus Arriola, Steve Bissette, Wilhelm Busch, Lucy Shelton Caswell, Philippe Druillet, Phoebe Gloeckner, Richard “Grass” Green, Rea Irvin, Jack Kamen, Joe Maneely, Shigeru Mizuki, Bob Oksner, Bob Powell, Joe Sacco, Bill Schanes, Steve Schanes, Ira Schnapp, Phil Seuling. Frank Stack, and Angelo Torres. 

Voters’ Choices: Kyle Baker, Eddie Campbell, Roz Chast, Dan Clowes, Junji Ito, Todd Klein, John Romita, Jr.  

Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award: L.A. Strong charity comic by Mad Cave Studios

Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award: Richard Blake

Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing: Don Glut and Sheldon Mayer
Spirit of Comics Retailer Award: Akira Comics, Madrid Spain

Comic-Con Gallery

Lucy, I’m feeling conflicted.

The Outlander Blood of My Blood cast met their fans.

Local CEO caught on the Dinocam.

That’s one way to get your head above the crowd!

Player One at the Game Lounge.

Pirates of the Caribbean meets the Disney Princesses.

Sue sees Sue.

The many genres of Wonder Woman.

The healing power of Comic-Con.

Why won’t those darned Gremlins leave Santa alone?

K-Pop Demon Hunter.

Mirror, mirror in the hall.

Now that’s a Tron-worthy light show!

Comic-Con Today does not accept photo submissions, but if you notice something cool that you think we should know about, please drop us a line at newsletter@comic-con.org; no guarantees. Be sure to include a phone number in case we have questions.

All content is the property of Comic-Con^® International © 2025.
Photographer credits are indicated below. All photos are © 2025 SDCC.

Comic-Con Today

Editor-in-Chief – Chris Sturhann
Editor/Photographers: Justin Hurt Christopher Machado
Editor/Writer – Carly Neun

The post Comic-Con Today: Saturday appeared first on Comic-Con.

Comic-Con Today: Sunday

Masquerade Best in Show

The Wiz featuring Anita Riggs, Alia Pyatt, Shannon Theus, Bendy Mitchell, The Black Bob Ross, and Terrance Thompson ease on down the road to take Best in Show

Comic-Con Masquerade Results

Presented by Old Spice

Last night, the 2025 Comic-Con Masquerade was held in Ballroom 20 with overflow seating in the Sails Pavilion and Ballroom 6A. Our Master of Ceremonies was once again, artist/writer/publisher Phil Foglio of Studio Foglio’s Girl Genius series of graphic novels and novels. The judging intermission featured performances by the Corps Dance Crew and The Saber Guild.

Trophy Winners

Best in Show – The Wiz. Worn by: Anita Riggs, Alia Pyatt, Shannon Theus, Bendy Mitchell, The Black Bob Ross, and Terrance Thompson. Made by: Tony Waki, Chad Hatter, Shawn Ryan, Robert Vinter, and Theo Tiedemann

Judges’ Choice – Bumblebee – Next Level Show! Worn by: Maksym Dokiienko. Made By: Maksym Dokiienko, Vadym Lukhtyzskyi, and Hanna Lukhtyzskyi

Best Re-Creation – Final Fantasy. Worn by: Robophant, Bigbah, E.M.J, Jimmy B, Derd, Cass, Alain Fetau, Cory J, Tyler L, Vinnytwist, Liz J, Jen, Julie T, Phoenixxcosplay, Jamie, Vera Vandal, Binx, and Cory H. Made by: Vinnytwist

Best Original Design – Elizabethan Xenomorph Queen. Worn by: Gabriella Blickenstaff. Made by: Cheerfully Morbid Cosplay

Best Workmanship – Berserker Armor. Worn by: Mark Rinus. Made by: Mark Rinus

Most Humorous – A Tale of Two Stepsisters: The Prince, Cinderella, and Petticoat Pandemonium. Worn by: Lisa Hale, Jenny Hale, Jen Greeley and Carlos Garcia. Made by: Lisa Hale
Most Beautiful – 2021 Cruella Movie. Worn by: Kstroobz Cosplay. Made by: Kstroobz Cosplay

Best Young Fan – The Lost and Forgotten Clown. Worn by: Kai Andaya. Made by: Kai Andaya

In addition, the judges awarded:

Honorable Mention for Young Fan to Marie Antoinette and Lady in Waiting. Worn by: Colette and Honorine Ragueneau. Made by: Colette and Honorine Ragueneau

Honorable Mention for Best Meme to Nyan Cat. Worn by: Megan. Made by: Megan and Taylor of Fernside Dragons

Honorable Mention for Craftsmanship to King of the Golden Hall. Worn by: Gregory Price. Made by: Gregory Price

Honorable Mention for Re-Creation for Atreus from God of War Ragnarök. Worn by: Commander Vampire. Made by: Commander Vampire

Company and Organization-Sponsored Prizes

Old Spice – Bumblebee – Next Level Show! Worn by: Maksym Dokiienko. Made By: Maksym Dokiienko, Vadym Lukhtyzskyi, and Hanna Lukhtyzskyi

Feeding San Diego – Glinda the Good. Worn by: Maria Ali. Made by: Maria Ali 

The Costume Designers Guild IATSE Local 892  – 2021 Cruella Movie. Worn by: Kstroobz Cosplay. Made by: Kstroobz Cosplay 

The Art Directors Guild (ADG, IATSE Local 800) – The ADG Cosplay Award for Original Concept Design: Elizabethan Xenomorph Queen. Worn by: Gabriella Blickenstaff. Made by: Cheerfully Morbid Cosplay; The ADG Cosplay Award for Best Visual Media Design: Goblins Don’t Do What They’re Told. Worn by: Sweetnayru-cosplay, Fan_Guy, BlackwelderArtisan, Tokiimon and Loveshack Ty. Made by: David Blackwelder(BlackwelderArtisan).

Oksana Shore Award for Excellence in Craftsmanship – Atreus from God of War Ragnarök. Worn by: Commander Vampire. Made by: Commander Vampire

Comickaze Comics and Pop Culture Store – The Wiz. Worn by: Anita Riggs, Alia Pyatt, Shannon Theus, Bendy Mitchell, The Black Bob Ross, and Terrance Thompson. Made by: Tony Waki, Chad Hatter, Shawn Ryan, Robert Vinter, and Theo Tiedemann 

Comic-Con International Adam Campbell Award – Berserker Armor. Worn by: Mark Rinus. Made by: Mark Rinus 

The Costumer’s Guild West – Stolas. Worn by: Mr. Lonely. Made by: Mr. Lonely 

Frank & Son Collectable Show – Nyan Cat. Worn by: Megan. Made by: Megan and Taylor of Fernside Dragons

Comic-Con International gives hearty thanks to everyone who participated in the show!

Comic-Con: Where Cosplay and Bionics Meet

Not all who come to Comic-Con wear plastic and metal as part of a cosplay. Some, like Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, wear it to tell a story. Akhtar, a native of Chicago and founder of the bionic prosthesis company, Psyonic, is a true believer in the possibilities of science fiction. A first-generation American whose parents emigrated from Pakistan, Akhtar drew inspiration for his company from an experience he had as a 7-year-old visiting his parents’ native land. There, he met a young girl who was using a tree limb as a substitute leg. That was the moment he knew he wanted to find ways to better enable those with limb differences.

Dr Aadeel Akhtar showing off his bionic wares, Comic-Con style

Akhtar’s journey led him from Loyola University in Chicago to the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, where he earned his master’s in engineering and a PhD in neuroscience. While working through a non-profit program called the “Range of Motion Project,” Akhtar met an Ecuadorian man named Juan who had lost a limb 35 years earlier. Juan was given an early bionic hand three times the size of a normal one and attached to many electronic interfaces, but when he was able to grasp an item, Juan stated it was like he had his limb back. 

Inspired, Akhtar moved his bionics enterprise to San Diego three years ago (partially encouraged by its proximity to Comic-Con). Since then, the organization has built partnerships and engagements with the Navy, NASA, Google, Meta, MIT, and the University of California, among others. He supports nearly 250 human users and over 50 robotics companies with normal human form factor limbs and hands that respond to the users’ muscle movements to stimulate the movement of wrists and fingers, providing new capabilities to those needing limb prostheses. In addition, through his organization’s Ability Fund, he also strives to support providing capabilities to underprivileged populations in Guatemala and Ecuador.

Dr. Akhtar has been bringing his version of science fiction to life at Comic-Con for three years running. He hosts an annual panel on “Bionic Arms in the Real World,” a discussion of the realities of what many of us see as fantastical in films, television, and literature. This year, bionic arm users Mandy Pursley and Dale DiMassi gave demonstrations to the audience, showing off the fine skills possible with bionics, including threading a needle, all based on their muscle impulses. Akhtar has found Comic-Con a fertile ground for recruiting new teammates for his research and development endeavors. Comic-Con has proven to be one of the places where he captures the most diverse audience, including many with limb differences.

Comic-Con continues to inspire Dr. Aadeel Akhtar and his team. The event has proven to be an outlet to demonstrate the emerging, almost science-fiction-like technology available now and on the horizon for those with unique physical needs.

Toucan Tip Sunday

Extra Anime Programming Added

The Anime department found out there is another room free today and scheduled a full slate of great programming, including Hayao Miyazaki’s 1979 feature-length directorial debut, Lupin III: The Castle of Cagliostro (Grand 5, Marriott Marquis, 11:20am – 1:00pm). See the website/app for complete schedule.

Announcements

• Comic-Con Merch Update – The Merch Store has created a clearance rack with discounted items up to 40% off. Swing by for bargains while supplies last. The Comic-Con Merch Store is located at the Marriott Marquis, Rooms 23–26. 
• Panel Cancelation – The Paleontology of Star Wars Kaiju panel, originally scheduled for 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm (Room 32AB) has been canceled.
• Correction – The address printed on page 6 of the Events Quick Guide for Blick under Art Supplies is incorrect. They moved to 3633 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110 (no longer walking distance but at least they have lots of parking now).

Grids

Comic-Con Gallery

I’m a Boba girl in the Boba world.

A large and even mightier DC group

Creature comforts at Comic-Con

Todd McFarlane sharing a moment and a portfolio with a fan

One small step for cosplay

A small but mighty Dimension 20 Gang

Sorcerer Supreme… of the convention center.

Hard to move through the crowd with that wingspan

Caution: Raptors with badges

Many, many Mandalorians!

Comic-Con Today does not accept photo submissions, but if you notice something cool that you think we should know about, please drop us a line at newsletter@comic-con.org; no guarantees. Be sure to include a phone number in case we have questions.

All content is the property of Comic-Con^® International © 2025.
Photographer credits are indicated below. All photos are © 2025 SDCC.

Comic-Con Today

Editor-in-Chief – Chris Sturhann
Editor/Photographers: Justin Hurt Christopher Machado
Editor/Writer – Carly Neun

The post Comic-Con Today: Sunday appeared first on Comic-Con.

Wednesday

The post Wednesday appeared first on Comic-Con.

Portfolio Review area time grids and company information sheets will be posted daily no later than 9:00 AM. This information will include participating companies for that day and the eligibility requirements necessary to participate in each review. Applicants are expected to evaluate the information prior to applying for a review slot. 

To make the procedure for Portfolio Review participation more equitable, if not predetermined by each company and explained in their requirements, the on-site process is as follows:

1. Each morning applicants may sign up to be on the list for a review for any of the companies participating that day. Applicants may fill out a Portfolio Review Sign-up Ticket for the company they wish to be reviewed by up to 30 minutes prior to that company’s first review time. 
   
   Applicants may fill out a Portfolio Review Sign-up Ticket by:
   
   -going to the Portfolio Review area and using the computer provided to fill out a Sign-up Ticket (the computer will be available at 9:00 AM or earlier); or
   
   -going to the Portfolio Review area in the Sails Pavilion, filling out a paper Sign-up Ticket, and handing it to a staff member.
2. A randomized list of participants will be printed for each company 30 minutes prior to the start of each review. Duplicate entries will be excluded. This list will be available at that company’s booth approximately 15 minutes prior to the start of its review time. It is the applicant’s responsibility to find their place on the list and be in the Portfolio Review area when their name is called.
3. A CCI Portfolio Review volunteer will be assigned to the company’s booth and will call the names of each participant on the list as needed by the reviewer. A chair will be available next to the volunteer for the next participant to wait in. Each upcoming participant’s slot name will be called up to three times. If a participant does not answer after the third time, they will be marked as a no-show, and the next participant on the list will be called.
4. If there are more applications than available slots for a company’s schedule after all slots are filled, the remaining names will be placed on a waitlist in the order in which they were picked. There is no guarantee that a company will complete its list or waitlist. In the case of a company not completing its list, it is up to each company to decide whether the list will be continued the next day or to have a new list drawing for that session.

Portfolio Review Schedule

The post Portfolio Review appeared first on Comic-Con.

The post Programming Schedule appeared first on Comic-Con.

The post Games appeared first on Comic-Con.

Thursday

The post Thursday appeared first on Comic-Con.

Located on the upper level in the Sails Pavilion, the Autograph Area is the place to go for a special memento from a variety of artists, authors, and actors from every area of popular culture. Some sign directly after a panel, so check the programming grid daily. 

The Autograph Area is open from 10:00 to 7:00 Thursday through Saturday and from 10:00 to 5:00 Sunday. No autograph sessions will be held before or after these times.

Changes and surprise additions will occur throughout the week; for the most up-to-date information, check back here often. Updated schedules will also be publicized in the daily newsletter, on information boards located throughout the center, and at the Autograph Area Information desk, which is staffed from 9:00 to 7:00 Thursday through Saturday and from 9:00 to 5:00 Sunday.

Because of high demand and the limited time available from Autograph Area participants appearing to sign autographs, some signings may require tickets. These tickets are dispersed through a line-drawing procedure. Additionally, the Autograph Area Coordinator may need to shut down a line at any time, even if people are still waiting for an autograph. If shutting down becomes necessary, we apologize for any resulting inconvenience or disappointment.

Please note that Autograph Area participants may charge for their autograph in the Autograph Area as long as the participants work with the Autograph Area Coordinator to ensure that all rules are followed and that all of the required paperwork is prepared in advance.

Autograph Area participants must sign one copy of an official Comic-Con publication, such as the Events Quick Guide, for any attendee at no charge. Participants may sign one other item instead of the publication at no charge if the attendee would prefer and the participant agrees. A purchase may not be required to sign an official Comic-Con publication or the substituted, agreed-upon item. Autograph Area participants are not expected to sign anything they deem offensive or that violates contractual agreements.

Rules for Line Drawings

Because of the popularity of many signings, some of which are limited by time or by the number of people the participant has agreed to sign for, those signings may be ticketed. Tickets for limited signings are distributed by drawings.

To participate in the drawing, please go to the indicated line and pick a ticket out of a container or push the button on the Box of Decision. The winning tickets will have a distinct stamp on the back, and the Box of Decision will light up green. Once a winner has been determined, they will immediately receive a wristband that will admit the wearer into the designated autograph line at the specified location and time. If you do not draw a winning ticket or if the Box of Decision lights up red, you may return to the end of the line to try again until all the wristbands have been given out.

Prior to the start of the ticket drawings, an area will be designated for those who wish to wait for the drawings to begin. You may line up for that day’s drawings each morning as soon as you enter the building. No lines other than those in this officially designated area will be recognized. When space becomes available, each line will be escorted to the proper queue for the drawings to be done that morning. Winning the drawing for a line ticket grants you, with your winning wristband, the opportunity to stand in line to get an autograph at the location and time designated when you drew the winning ticket.

The duration of the autograph session is considered when determining the number of winning tickets. The fire marshal may shut down any line believed to be a hazard at any time. Your badge does not guarantee autographs at any event.

Procedure for Attendees with Mobility Issues

This procedure may be used by any attendee with mobility issues who has registered at the Deaf and Disabled Services department and wishes to obtain autographs from participants appearing in the Autograph Area, participate in any ticket drawing in the Autograph Area, or is picking up an exclusive signing wristband in the Autograph Area. 

• If there is a line to obtain an autograph, a line to pull a ticket to gain entrance into an autograph line, or a line to pick up an exclusive signing wristband, Comic-Con will provide someone to stand in your place.

• You must arrive prior to the scheduled autograph time, drawing time, or wristband pick-up time and check in at the Autograph Area Mobility Assistance desk with the proper credentials from the Deaf and Disabled Services department. 

• When you check in, your name will be placed on a list and a volunteer will be assigned to stand in your place in the line you have chosen. The assigned volunteer will go to the end of the chosen line and proceed through the line with the rest of the attendees.

• You and your assigned volunteer will discuss the best course of action (for example, you will wait near the front of the line, and when the volunteer has reached the front, you will trade places with the volunteer and obtain the autograph or pull the ticket, or you may choose to have the volunteer pull a ticket from the bag/push the button on the Box of Decision and meet you in a designated location).

• If there is more than one autograph or drawing you wish to participate in simultaneously, you may have the assigned volunteer do one after the other, but you may not have two volunteers assigned.

• When the assigned volunteer has completed the task, the volunteer will return to the Autograph Area Mobility Assistance desk and check back in. 

If you do not check in and request a volunteer to stand in your place, it is expected that you will wait in any Autograph Area line with all other attendees. During Autograph Area sessions, attendees with credentials from the Deaf and Disabled Services department will not be ushered from the side of the Autograph Area table to the front of the line unless they have followed the above procedure and they are taking the place of their assigned volunteer in the line.

Autographs Schedule

The post Autographs appeared first on Comic-Con.

Friday

The post Friday appeared first on Comic-Con.