San Diego Comic-Con Will Again Be Held Virtually

As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, major annual events are starting to recognize that in-person festivities might have to be put on hold for another year, or at least for a few months. 

Such is the case with San Diego Comic-Con, as Comic-Con International have announced today that their summer event will be held virtually for the second year in a row. SDCC will take place from July 23-25 this year, with viewers able to see all of the events, including the virtual panels, for free. 

The slight twist is that this year SDCC has also stated that if possible they will hold a smaller, in-person event in San Diego in November. Details on that aren’t being disclosed at the moment, with the need to wait and see how the state of the country, and the state of California, develops between now and then. 

The official statement from Comic-Con International said, “The past several months have taken a great toll on both families and friends, and we hope this effort is a small move toward a return to gathering as a community to not only celebrate popular art, but also friendship, education, and the enduring spirit of the fandom that is so much a part of Comic-Con.” 

While fans will be disappointed with the inability to swarm the San Diego Convention Center for another year, it’s a necessary step in these continuing trying times. San Diego Comic-Con in 2019 estimated 135,000 attendees, something that is simply impossible to replicate in person for now. The organizers hope that Comic-Con will be able to be back to its normal state come summer 2022.