The excitement was palpable on opening day at San Diego Comic-Con 2025, even without the usual star-studded lineup of celebrity panels. Fans flocked to the San Diego Convention Center on Thursday, dressed in elaborate costumes and ready to celebrate their favorite franchises, proving that the passion for fandom runs deeper than any Hollywood presence.
For Richard Cao, 38, from San Diego, this year’s Comic-Con meant more than just showing up—it meant transforming himself. Dressed as the bare-chested Inosuke Hashibira from the hit anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Cao shared that he had lost nearly 30 pounds over six months in preparation. “That’s just the physical investment I made,” he said, reflecting the level of dedication many fans bring to the event.
While Hall H—typically the stage for massive panels from studios like Marvel and DC—is quieter this year, the schedule is still packed with exciting highlights. Legendary filmmaker George Lucas is making his Comic-Con debut, and fans can look forward to panels for Disney’s Tron: Ares and Predator: Badlands. There’s also buzz around the upcoming film Project Hail Mary, starring Ryan Gosling, and the highly anticipated revival of King of the Hill, complete with a panel featuring co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels.
This year also introduces something new: the Crunchyroll Anime FanFest, a two-day music festival hosted by the anime streaming giant. With over 13 million subscribers worldwide, Crunchyroll is pulling in anime fans with performances celebrating beloved series like One Piece, including the 25th Anniversary Symphony Voyage. The event blends anime music and culture in a vibrant festival atmosphere, adding a fresh dimension to the Comic-Con experience.
Despite rising travel and accommodation costs, fans from around the world continue to show up in full force. Sophia Blanco, 39, who traveled from New York City and spent thousands on her trip, has no regrets. “You go on vacation, you do anything, you’re spending money. So, just spend money on what you enjoy,” she said with a smile.
Comic-Con 2025 proves once again that while the spotlight might dim on big-name appearances, the heartbeat of the convention—the fans—shines brighter than ever.
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