Winner: The Fans
After two years’ absence due to the pandemic—and 2022’s proof-of-vaccination wristbands and mandatory masks—2023 felt like San Diego Comic-Con’s true return, with crowds in and around the convention center every day, enjoying the panels, the shopping, the activations, and the sheer mountain of cool, nerdy stuff to stare at, not to mention the merciful retreat of California’s heat wave for the duration of the weekend. Though there was some concern fans would stay home due to the lack of star power, that proved not to be the case; sure, everyone loves seeing superheroes take the Hall H stage, but even in their absence it felt like the SDCC masses still managed to have a great time.
