This year’s San Diego Comic-Con was a different experience, as without any of the Hollywood star power that has defined the show over recent years, SDCC felt like it had returned to its roots. With no Hall H takeovers from Marvel and striking actors canceling their appearances, SDCC was focused on comic books, cosplay, toys, and anime.
That made for a more balanced convention experience, as over several days, the showfloor was packed with fans looking to soak up the SDCC experience. We’ve rounded up some of the best announcements below, ranging from video games being represented by Mortal Kombat 1 and Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, to all-out mutant mayhem in the next Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, anime making a big splash, and a glimpse at some of the amazing merchandise that was on sale during the event.
Mortal Kombat expands its roster with more character reveals
In an hour-long panel, NetherRealm Studios revealed Li Mei, Tanya, and Baraka for the main roster of Mortal Kombat 1. Kelly Hu, who most recently portrayed D’Vorah in Mortal Kombat 11, voices Li Mei, who plays a crucial role in Mortal Kombat 1’s story. Additionally, Homelander, Omni-Man, and Peacekeeper will be joining the game as part of the post-launch DLC plans.
Mortal Kombat 1 Adds Three More Characters, Leaked DLC Fighters Including Homelander Confirmed
Harley Quinn season 4 introduces chaos to the Bat-Family
The third season of Harley Quinn ended with multiple bombshells, from Bruce Wayne getting arrested for tax fraud to the Joker turning over a new leaf as the mayor of Gotham City. The biggest cliffhanger that the show ended on? Harley Quinn joining the Bat-Family of Nightwing, Batgirl, and Robin, while Poison Ivy is entering the big leagues of supervillains by leading Lex Luthor’s Legion of Doom. Trouble is brewing in paradise, and Season 4 of the show will focus on how Harley and Ivy are going to need to find a new compromise in their personal and work lives.
Comic-Con: How Harley Quinn Will Fit into the Batman Family in Season 4
Hasbro unveils new Ahsoka action figures and life-size lightsaber
An elegant toy replica, for a more civilized age.
Hasbro has wasted no time in keeping Star Wars fans stocked up on new merchandise, and for the upcoming debut of the Ahsoka TV series on Disney+, you’re going to want to start putting some cash away when you see what the toy manufacturer has lined up. The Ahsoka-based Black Series action figures include the former Jedi herself, Sabine, Hera, Vintage Collection figures for Ahsoka and Sabine, and best of all, a white plasma blade Ahsoka lightsaber.
Hasbro Reveals New ‘Ahsoka’ Star Wars Figures and Lightsaber at SDCC
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem director Jeff Rowe reveals more about the film
After two (forgettable) live-action movies, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in action with a film that features eye-popping visuals, an all-star cast, and a killer soundtrack. At SDCC, Fandom spoke to Mutant Mayhem director Jeff Rowe (who also co-wrote the film) about his love of the characters, his choice to cast actual teenagers to voice the turtles, and the slight possibility of seeing the Ninja Turtles’ most deadliest foe in the future.
TMNT: Mutant Mayhem Director on Crafting Authentic Teens and Shredder Plans
The Creator’s Gareth Edwards weighs in on AI in Hollywood
AI has become controversial in Hollywood, as amidst the writers and actors strikes currently in effect, the more exploitative side of that technology has been revealed. In an interview with The Creator’s Gareth Edwards, the director weighed in on the use of AI in film and television and how it’ll eventually have huge ramifications for the industry.
Anime goes all out at SDCC
Anime is bigger than ever, and at SDCC, Japan’s finest export was the star of the show. One Piece is getting a live-action adaptation that looks incredibly authentic to its source material, Eiichiro Oda’s pre-One Piece one-shot Monsters is getting an anime series, Cowboy Bebop creator Shinichiro Watanabe is directing a new anime with John Wick director Chad Stahelski and Studio Mappa called Lazarus, FLCL is back for a grunge-powered fourth season, and the animated adaptation of Uzumaki looks like it’ll do justice to Junji Ito’s creepy cult-classic.
Jamie Lee Curtis is making a horror comic book in an effort to save the world
The Scream Queen is back, and this time she’s working on a blood-soaked graphic novel about a teen girl possessed by an eco-demon looking to exact some righteous revenge. Co-written with filmmaker Russell Goldman, and with art by graphic novelist and painter Karl Stevens, Curtis and her collaborators spoke about Mother Nature about the origins of the graphic novel and the the lessons they hope it can teach future generations.
Jamie Lee Curtis Wants You to Buy Her New Horror Comic and Save the World
The Force has been unleashed once again in Hasbro’s new Black Series toys
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed may have been banished to the same corner of the galaxy that the Star Wars: Holiday Special languishes in, but Hasbro is looking to revive Darth Vader’s secret apprentice Starkiller for a new generation. The new Black Series collection includes Starkiller and two unlucky Stormtroopers, as Force effects, lightsabers, and blaster bolt accessories.
Starkiller Strikes in New Force Unleashed Star Wars The Black Series Figure Set
Finally, a Steven Spielberg action figure
There might be an actor strike on right now, but you can call your own shots behind the camera with your very own Steven Spielberg, who’s getting the action-figure treatment from Mattel. This version of the famous director is dressed up in his Jurassic Park best and comes with several accessories. Mattel had a few other toys to show off at SDCC, including a WWE Ultimate Edition Muhammad Ali from the first WrestleMania in 1985, new Marvel and Star Wars Hot Wheels vehicles, and a Masters of the Universe Motherboard toy.
Mattel’s SDCC Toys Includes Masters of the Universe Villain and Steven Spielberg
Check in at John Wick’s favorite hotel in September
Long before it became a battleground between John Wick and the High Table, The Continental was a neutral ground where assassins could catch a break when they weren’t trying to murder each other. Peacock’s John Wick spin-off was announced all the way back in April 2021, and more than two years later, the mini-series is locked and loaded for a September 22 debut. Directed and executive produced by Albert Hughes (Dead Presidents, The Book of Eli), the show will offer an early look at the hotel and Winston, Wick’s friend and mentor.
John Wick Prequel Series The Continental Premiere Date Announced At Comic-Con
The Walking Dead universe expands with the return of Darryl and Negan
AMC has renewed two Walking Dead spin-off series, so fans will have plenty of zombie apocalypse content to sink their teeth into. The Walking Dead: Dead City, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon, featuring Norman Reedus, will both be returning for second seasons.
Walking Dead’s Daryl Dixon And Dead City Get Season 2 Renewals At SDCC
SDCC is headed for the open seas with a cruise package
Fancy spending several days at sea in a floating comic-con? Well that experience is about to become a reality in a few years, as SDCC Comic-Con: The Cruise, a new experience launching in 2025, has been revealed. This will be a five-day cruise experience from Tampa, Florida, to Cozumel, Mexico onboard Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas that replicates the terrestrial Comic-Con experience with guests, panels, and unique experiences.
SDCC Heads To The High Seas For First Ever Comic-Con: The Cruise
Blizzard gives you a second chance to grab its SDCC merchandise
In case you missed out on the Comic-Con exclusive merchandise from Blizzard, worry not! The company’s line of official figures, plushes, and clothing for its latest games, Diablo IV and Overwatch 2, are now available online.
Blizzard’s SDCC 2023-Exclusive Merch Is Available Online