As the excitement builds for the highly anticipated event of the year, fans of comics, animation, genre media, and pop culture are gearing up for Comic-Con International. This iconic event will take place in San Diego, California, from July 24 to July 27, and promises an array of engaging sessions, panels, and activities. For those looking to delve into the animation world, there’s a plethora of sessions that you won’t want to miss. While the full schedule for Saturday and Sunday is still pending, here’s a comprehensive overview of the animation highlights happening on Thursday and Friday.
Thursday, July 24
Kicking off the festivities at 10 a.m. is a special session celebrating Nickelodeon’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, marking its 20th anniversary in Ballroom 20. This beloved series has left an indelible mark on animated storytelling, and fans can expect fascinating insights and discussions surrounding its legacy.
Following that, at 11:15 a.m., Critical Role on Prime Video will host a panel featuring the cast of The Mighty Nein and The Legend of Vox Machina in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom. This is a must-see for fans of tabletop gaming and animated adaptations, as the cast discusses their creative processes and experiences.
At 11:45 a.m., attendees can join the excitement of Miraculous: The Next Chapter in Room 6BCF. This session promises to explore new developments in the beloved series, which continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of superhero action and heartwarming storytelling.
The world premiere of the One Piece: Egghead Arc Dub will take place at 12:30 p.m. in Ballroom 20, featuring special guest Colleen Clinkenbeard. Fans of the iconic anime series will want to catch this exclusive event as it showcases the latest adventures of Luffy and his crew.
Simultaneously, in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom, another panel at 12:30 p.m. will spotlight The Hellaverse, featuring the cast of Hazbin Hotel and Helluva Boss. This is a prime opportunity for fans to dive into the world of these unique animated series, known for their vibrant characters and distinctive storytelling.
At 1:30 p.m., a panel titled Black Animation Execs Talk Shop will take place in Room 10. This important discussion will focus on representation and diversity within the animation industry, providing insights from leading figures in animation.
Another intriguing session at 1:30 p.m. is Worldbuilders: Visual Effects Meets Speculative Fiction in Room 29CD. This panel will explore the intersection of visual effects and storytelling in speculative fiction, showcasing how animation brings imaginative worlds to life.
Celebrating a milestone, Moomin Turns 80! will take place at 1:30 p.m. in Room 24ABC. This session will honor the beloved Moomin characters and their impact on children’s literature and animation over the years.
At 2 p.m., Spike and Mike’s All-Ages Festival of Animation will entertain audiences in Room 32AB. Known for showcasing a variety of animated shorts, this festival is sure to be a highlight for animation lovers of all ages.
LEGO Ninjago: The Adventure Continues will be featured at 2:15 p.m. in Room 6BCF, where fans can learn more about what’s next for the Ninjago franchise.
At 3 p.m., Arcana Studio will present Ultraduck: A New Hero Takes Flight in Room 32AB. This session is set to introduce audiences to a fresh character in the animation landscape.
Following that, at 3:30 p.m., Batman Azteca: Choque de Imperios will be discussed in Room 6BCF. This unique take on the Batman franchise promises to blend rich cultural elements with the beloved superhero narrative.
At 5 p.m., attendees can celebrate 40 Years of Robotech in Room 9. This panel will look back on the enduring legacy of the Robotech franchise, exploring its influence on the anime industry and beyond.
Also at 5 p.m., The Artistry of Anime and Game Art with renowned artist Kia Asamiya will take place in Room 5AB. This session offers a chance to learn from a master in the field of anime and game design.
As the day winds down, the Aniplex of America 20th Anniversary Industry Panel will commence at 6 p.m. in Room 7AB. This panel will reflect on two decades of contributions to the anime industry and showcase exciting upcoming projects.
At 6:45 p.m., Comedy Central Adult Animation will feature fan favorites like South Park, Beavis and Butt-head, and Digman! in Hall H. This event is sure to be packed with laughter and nostalgia.
Simultaneously, NacelleVerse Unleashed will take place at 6:45 p.m. in Room 6A, focusing on franchises like Biker Mice from Mars and RoboForce.
At 7 p.m., Worst Cartoons Ever! hosted by Jerry Beck will entertain attendees in Room 5AB, providing a humorous retrospective on some of the most infamous animated series.
Finally, at 7:15 p.m., the Gundam Showcase will feature a celebration of 30 Years of Gundam Wing in Room 6BCF, making it a perfect way to wrap up an exciting first day of animation panels.
Friday, July 25
The second day of Comic-Con kicks off with a 10 a.m. session for Cartoon Network Studios showcasing their Cartoon Cartoons Animated Shorts in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom. This event will highlight some of the most beloved animated shorts from the network.
At 11 a.m., fans can celebrate with MOM! Phineas and Ferb are at San Diego Comic-Con! in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom. This session will explore the beloved characters and their adventures.
At 12 p.m., Adult Swim’s Haha, You Clowns Series Premiere Preview will take place in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom, offering a sneak peek into what’s coming next from this edgy animation block.
Also at 12 p.m., enthusiasts can join the Celebrating the Puppetry Arts session in Marriott Grand 12 & 13, exploring the world of puppetry in animation.
A panel featuring Production I.G and Wit Studio with George Wada is scheduled for 12 p.m. in Room 28DE, promising insights into their groundbreaking work in animation.
At 12:45 p.m., Clash: From Games to Books to Streaming will be explored in Room 6BCF, showcasing the evolution of storytelling across different media.
At 1 p.m., Adult Swim’s Rick and Morty Season 8: The Panel will surely attract a large crowd in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom. Fans can expect exciting revelations about the upcoming season.
At 1:45 p.m., Celebrating 75 Years of Peanuts will take place in Room 6DE, honoring the legacy of Charles Schulz’s beloved characters.
At 2 p.m., fans can look forward to the Adult Swim’s Smiling Friends Season 3 Preview in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom, providing insights into the quirky series.
Solar Opposites will be showcased at 3 p.m. in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom, offering attendees a chance to dive into the animated series’ latest developments.
At 3 p.m., the session on Navigating the Animation Development Pipeline will take place in the Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor, focusing on the steps involved in bringing animated projects to life.
At 3:15 p.m., participants can gain insight into Lilo & Stitch: A Look Inside the Continuing Phenomenon in Room 6BCF, exploring the continued popularity of the Disney classic.
As the day progresses, King of the Hill will be featured at 4 p.m. in the Hilton Indigo Ballroom, discussing the beloved animated series and its impact on pop culture.
Later in the evening, at 7 p.m., a session on Breaking into Voice Acting for Games and Animation will provide valuable information for aspiring voice actors in Marriott Grand 12 & 13.
To cap off the day, at 7:30 p.m., WTF Did I Just Watch? 25 Years of Titmouse’s Craziest Animation Moments will entertain audiences in Room 5AB, showcasing some of the wildest moments from Titmouse’s storied history.
Finally, at 9 p.m., Spike and Mike’s Sick and Twisted Festival of Animation will screen in Room 5AB, featuring a selection of the most outrageous and unconventional animated shorts.
The upcoming Comic-Con International promises to be a thrilling experience for animation enthusiasts, with a packed schedule filled with panels, discussions, and celebrations of beloved series and characters. Make sure to mark your calendars and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of animation culture in San Diego!
