Comic-Con International (San Diego)

Comic-Con International in San Diego was originally a haven for comics fans, but it has transformed into a Hollywood marketing machine with panels requiring overnight camping. Over 130,000 attendees in 2025, with 45% waiting in 24-hour lineups for major studio presentations, reveals the shift from fan culture to corporate hype. This focus on blockbuster announcements makes it less accessible than the more fan-centric New York Comic Con, which keeps half its panels open to general attendees. The time investment undermines the community aspect, as authentic fan interactions decline amid the spectacle.