Comic-Con 2023: The Latest Updates and Reveals from San Diego

But this year’s event will look a little different. As License Global reported last week, the SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) board voted to strike on July 14. The strike shuts down all scripted union shoots, stops all film and scripted television show productions in the U.S. and bars actors from promoting their projects. Fans will notice the effects of the strike at Comic-Con as fewer actors will be showing their faces.

According to Variety, several studios have canceled their panels. That includes Legendary Entertainment, ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” Amazon Freevee’s “Jury Duty,” Amazon Prime Video’s “The Wheel of Time” and “Gen V,” AMC’s Season 2 of “Interview with the Vampire” and “That ’70s Show” 25th anniversary. But there will still be plenty of previews, panels and activations.

Brands Go Big

Celebrating its 100th anniversary at San Diego Comic-Con, Hasbro has announced it will highlight new products, experiences, programming and more at the convention. The company plans to feature a lineup of branded activities based on fan favorites, including Transformers, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, NERF, G.I. JOE and Power Rangers, as well as products from premier collaboration brands, including Star Wars and Marvel. Attendees can visit the Hasbro booth for meet and greets, signings, product showcases, photo ops, giveaways and more branded activities. Read more about it HERE.

Bandai Namco is going “Super Saiyan” and bringing numerous game demos. The titles on display include anticipated games, “Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon,” “Tekken 8,” “Sand Land,” “Naruto x Boruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections” and “Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2,” amid a variety of gameplay activations, experiential installations, photo ops and licensed goods throughout the event.

VIZ and horror manga master, Junji Ito, has also created an immersive experience based on the artist’s haunting illustrations in “Welcome to the Ito-verse: The Junji Ito Experience.” The VIZ booth also promises collectible artwork from Ito, licensed products and exclusive Shonen Jump products in its on-site store.

Jazwares will debut at the show with updates, previews and activations. On July 22, the company will host its inaugural San Diego Comic-Con panel, featuring industry expert, Jeremy Padawer, as moderator. The panel (12:30 p.m. PT Room 29CD) will showcase Jazwares’ offerings in 2023 and beyond, with guests from popular brands such as Pokémon, Squishmallows, Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).

Jazwares will also have a booth where visitors can explore San Diego Comic-Con exclusives, including Squishmallows’ Check-In Series, Pokémon’s Select First Partner Battle Figure Pack and Star Wars Micro Galaxy Squadron’s tribute to “Return of the Jedi.” The booth will also feature surprises from AEW, a Halo Warthog with Spartan Celox, a “Call of Duty” toy line preview and a “Fortnite” SDCC exclusive.

Adopt Me! fans can discover the new friends’ packs, while cosplay enthusiasts can meet Krrsantan (“The Mandalorian”) and experience the Spider-Man Zentai Suit.

Mattel Creations x Steven Spielberg

Thirty years ago, Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment launched “Jurassic Park.” A movie, and subsequent franchise, that has changed the entertainment, toy and licensing business forever. To celebrate the achievements of Steven Spielberg, Mattel Creations is launching a limited-edition Jurassic World Hammond Collection, “Man Creatures Dinosaurs” Steven Spielberg figure, launching July 21 at SDCC. The set comes with a camera, personalized director’s chair and dilophosaurus with an animatronic stand to recreate the iconic scene.

FE Masterworks x Star Trek

Factory Entertainment has announced the upcoming debut of a product line called FE Masterworks at San Diego Comic-Con. This initial launch will showcase three meticulously crafted ship models from the renowned “Star Trek” franchise.

FE Masterworks aims to set a new standard in studio-quality spaceships and vehicles, featuring precise lights, sounds and detailed designs. Each product in this licensed line is hand-built in the U.S. by experienced modelmakers with a background in creating models for major motion pictures and theme park companies. The construction process adheres to authentic film production techniques, utilizing materials that meet the demands for actual movie use.

Fans can anticipate high-quality collectibles that faithfully capture the essence of the “Star Trek” universe. The official unveiling at San Diego Comic-Con is sure to generate excitement among dedicated enthusiasts and collectors.

Cartamundi x DC

Cartamundi Group and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products will launch “DC Hybrid Trading Cards by Hro” at Comic-Con. The trading cards are part of the “Dawn of DC” yearlong publishing initiative, featuring new comic books starring characters, such as Superman, DC’s Titans, Shazam!, Green Arrow, Wonder Woman, Cyborg, The Penguin, Green Lantern and more.

The trading cards offer convention attendees an opportunity to preview and acquire these highly anticipated collectibles. Following San Diego Comic-Con, a limited sale online will allow collectors worldwide to purchase the collection, ensuring accessibility for those who couldn’t attend the 2023 event in person.

JAKKS Pacific x Disguise

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise will give fans an in-person look at new Super Mario toys, additions for Sonic the Hedgehog enthusiasts and other releases. The panel takes place Friday, July 21, at 6 p.m. in Room 9.

All audience members will receive a figure from the Super Mario line or Sonic the Hedgehog at the end of the panel.

Disguise will give a look at new costumes of characters from popular brands coming to retail this year. Fans can also engage in a Q&A session with members of the Disguise development team.

The LEGO Group Announces Expanded Line of Star Wars Building Sets

At San Diego Comic-Con, the LEGO Group announced three new additions to the LEGO Star Wars building set range. Two sets were connected to the upcoming Star Wars series, “Star Wars: Ahsoka” – Ahsoka Tano’s T-6 Jedi Shuttle and New Republic E-Wing vs. Shin Hati’s Starfighter – plus a brick-built display model of Chewbacca, was revealed.

License Global will closely watch the fan-driven updates, product reveals, panel insights and intellectual property news emerging from San Diego Comic-Con 2023 (July 20-23), updating this story as the event progresses. Stay tuned for more.