Every year, LEGO fans look forward to San Diego Comic-Con with anticipation. It is one of the biggest events of the year (besides the toy fairs), where LEGO (and many other brands and franchises) reveal new products, hold various presentations, discussions and workshops, and sell and/or give away exclusive items. The event draws huge crowds every year, filling the San Diego Convention Center to capacity with more than 130,000 attendees.
Sadly, 2020 is the first time in the 50-year history of the event that it had to be canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. But all is not lost. Comic-Con will be held virtually this year, July 22-26. But there is another piece of bad news; looking at the schedule, it seems like LEGO is not going to participate. Still, this is a fantastic event worth talking about, especially since this year everyone can attend from the comfort of their own home!
If you’re into comic books, science fiction and fantasy films and novels, video games, animation, manga, webcomics, collectible toys, games, action figures, cosplay, and many other aspects of pop culture, SDCC is like heaven! While it’s sad that people can’t physically participate this year, it’s fantastic that even more people can take part virtually. And just because the physical event is canceled, it doesn’t mean the schedule isn’t full! There are still presentations, reveals, Q&As, tutorials, interactive sessions, workshops, and more during the entire four day period. You can take a look at the full schedule here: SDCC-2020 SCHEDULE
If you’re interested in any of the events on the schedule, you can click on its name, which will open up a new page with more details. You can note the date and time of the event and come back to the same page to participate. If you’re planning to attend more than one event, it’s best to sign up to the SDCC website, so they can send you your schedule as well as alert you when it’s time for you to join in.
I’m definitely going to watch the “Mega Construx Unveils New Halo Toy Line” presentation, as I love their Halo sets. One of their designers is going to reveal the new sets related to the highly anticipated Halo Infinite game, as well as some of their other new products. In addition, they are even going to have an SDCC exclusive, which – I assume – they will raffle or give away through their social media channels. And I’m also interested in several of the other events. Seriously, check out the schedule, there are tons of really interesting presentations and workshops.
Unless you live in the vicinity, going to SDCC comes with quite a bit of cost and hassle, but it’s still worth it. This year, we can all attend for free and from home with no need to travel, no need to stay in a hotel, and no need to fight the crowds. If you have never been to SDCC but wanted to go, or if you’re just curious, or if you have kids, friends, or family members who are interested in any of the topics, this is a fantastic opportunity that we may never see again.
And even if the event is all virtual this year, SDCC is still a wonderful way for brands and franchises to connect with fans, create buzz around their products, reveal new products, etc. Too bad LEGO decided not to participate this year. They’re missing out. Again, the dates are July 22-26, and here is the link for the schedule: SDCC-2020 SCHEDULE
What do you think? Are you planning to participate in virtual Comic-Con? Which events are you most interested in? Feel free to share and discuss in the comment section below!
And you might also like to check out the following related posts:
Why is Lego not participating? Admin, do you know?
Not sure. I asked on the Ambassador Network and I was told they will look into it, but so far no update.
I thought I was reading somewhere that Lego will have some SDCC exclusives. I think it was Mario related. I wonder if that’s still happening.
I’d be glad if they did, ’cause then I wouldn’t have to grumble about missing out on their Marvel and DC exclusives…
Haha! Yeah, no kidding! The only LEGO exclusive I have heard of so far as indeed Mario related. And it’s not clear how it will be distributed as LEGO is not participating in the event.
I see some interesting topics on the agenda. I think I’m going to listen in. Are the events recorded or live?
Some are recorded, some are live. If you look at the event details page, it should tell you. 🙂
I’m glad they’re doing this. I will listen in to the SW panels for sure.
What time zone is the schedule in? Are these in Pacific time?
Also what does the blue and green color coding mean?
Blue refers to programs, while green refers to games. It’s just a way they categorize the events. I believe the time is automatically converted to your time zone, but I’m not 100% sure about this. I will have to ask.
EDIT: Okay, this is from their website: If you’re not in the same timezone as the event you are attending, the sessions will show up in your local time. For example, if a session is at 10 a.m. Pacific time in California and you’re in New York syncing your calendar the week before flying to the event, your sessions will show in local (Eastern) time. So your session at 10 a.m. Pacific time shows up at 1 p.m. Eastern time.
Thanks for posting! With all the craziness in the world there days, completely forgot about SDCC. And it used to be my favorite event. That’s sad.
Just wondering, will the online programming be available outside of the US (and Canada?) or is it IP locked?
Hm… good question. I don’t see why they would block anyone, and I haven’t read that this is restricted to U.S. only. My suggestion would be to give it a try when the events go live.
They are posting stuff on YouTube. I don’t think it’s blocked.
Specific YouTube videos are blocked in certain regions, but I hope everyone can enjoy these.
Thanks for the reminder! I already signed up for several of the events. Very cool.
I’ve never been to San Diego Comic-Con, but, I have been at the Stockton Comic-Con in California ( I’m in Sacramento so it’s easier to get to Stockton). Almost three years ago my friend had tickets to go and it happened to be on my birthday so that was my birthday present from him. When I went there it look like a yard sale full comic books, comic characters and other items. I basically stocked up on old comic books from back in the 90’s when I actually collected comic books.( I was in my element ) They’re not worth much because of the mass production but they’re also very cheap to get at the time. My friend’s wife and her friends were doing a cosplay event so it’s really fun. Have you ever seen a female Venom. I have scary😞.I had lots of fun.
Ahhh! That sounds like fun! I have never been to a Comic-Con, but would love to go! I guess a virtual one is the next best thing. 😀
Hmmm, I think a female Venom is actually canonical from some of the comic books, or perhaps I’m mixing it up with another female symbiote. I tend to find most of the symbiotes except for the original Venom pretty boring, though…
Although it sounds like a pretty cool cosplay…
Myself, I’ve been to the Stockholm Comic Con and Stockholm Sci Fi World, which are quite small, comparably, although I still saw some pretty impressive cosplay… And a bunch of Swedish more alternative comic and zine-related conventions…
After googling, it seems the character is usually referred to as “She-Venom”…
That make sense because She Hulk is called She-Hulk and not female Hulk. However Spider-Girl or Spider-Woman isn’t called female spider. Only in the mind of the great Stan Lee. R.i.p Stan lee.😔
I’m glad they are going online. Never been too far away. But now I can watch at home with my son. He might enjoy with out the loud con crowds.
Also this weekend is Brick Fiesta online.
Thursday there is a session from Two Morrows publishing. They publish Brick Journal and some LEGO Themed books. They also publish books and magazines on comics. Their session is about how to publish during the pandemic.
Oh, I didn’t notice that! Thanks for pointing it out!