San Diego Comic-Con

[Drunk Monk]

Meh

Everything seems to be happening on Friday night. there's like a half dozen things I wanna hit. Must prioritize. 

I feel oddly rudderless because Den of Geek is handling their parties differently this year. I'm no longer working for them (new management started last year). I reached out to my former editor who is still with it, and got invited to one writing thing, but I'm only into that for the free beer. Crunchyroll is not doing anything at the Rady shell this year, which bums me out because I've really enjoyed that in past years. 

I'd love to do this but it happens on Thursday before I arrive

Dear Members of the Press,
I hope you're doing well.
On behalf of the International Society of Black Costume Designers (ISBCD), I'm pleased to share our official press release announcing our return to San Diego Comic-Con for a second consecutive year.
As ISBCD returns to Comic-Con for a second year, the organization continues its mission of elevating the visibility and contributions of Black costume designers working across film, television, and beyond. This year's panel, "From Sketch to Stunt: Designing Costumes That Survive the Action," brings together five acclaimed costume designers whose work spans some of today's most exciting film and television productions. Moderated by Phillip Boutte Jr., the discussion will take audiences behind the scenes of designing costumes that not only define characters but also withstand the demands of stunts, action sequences, and visual effects.
We would be delighted to have you attend the panel or consider covering this conversation on the craft of costume design. If you are interested in speaking with any of our panelists or learning more about ISBCD, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'd be happy to coordinate interviews or provide additional information.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope to see you at Comic-Con.

[Drunk Monk]

Another one that happens Thursday when I arrive. I hope to make the end of it at least. I also hope to squeeze in a visit with my cousin who will only be there Thursday

You are receiving this Media Alert as you are on the official Comic-Con Media List.
This is an invitation to conduct interviews for any of the below listed panels at Comic-Con 2026. These include:
·       Independent Comics in Action: Building Worlds Outside the System 
·       Bear McCreary: Musical World-Building
·       Hollywood's Love Affair with Fencing
·       MeTV’s Collector's Call with Lisa Whelchel 
·       MeTV's Svengoolie Returns – Camera Ready in Full Costume!
·       The Tiny Chef Show Rides Again!
·       Watchers: A New Universe for Table Top Gaming … and Beyond
 
Below are the day & time for each pressroom, and the available talent (listed chronologically)
Additional talent will be announced as confirmed.
 
...

THURSDAY, 7/23/26 – Aqua Salon D/Hilton Bayfront  4:30-6:00pm
Hollywood's Love Affair with Swordplay
Bruce Dickinson (lead singer of Iron Maiden)
Asher Grodman (actor, CBS’ Ghosts)
Rob Edwards (screenwriter – Captain America: Brave New World, Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, The King of King, and upcoming film Fencer)
Phil Andrews (head of USA Fencing)
Rich Ting (actor/stunt coordinator - Warrior, Tulsa King, The Man in the High Castle)
David Baxter (producer, Fencer)

---

And this one is just weird - so niche

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Acclaimed Novelist Terry Cronin Brings Dermatology Detective Series to 2026 San Diego Comic-Con with New Release and Collectible Omnibus
San Diego, CA – July 19, 2026 – Comic book creator and crime novelist Terry Cronin will make a highly anticipated appearance at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, where he will premiere his latest Skinvestigator dermatology detective novel, Unclean. Fans of medical mysteries, forensic thrillers, and sharp-witted sleuthing will also have the opportunity to purchase the new collectible omnibus edition of his previous Skinvestigator mysteries, Sunshine State.
Cronin will be available to meet fans, sign books, and discuss the series at Booth #1901 on the show floor throughout the convention. The Skinvestigator series follows Dr. Harry Poe, a brilliant dermatologist turned detective who uses his unique expertise in skin pathology, forensics, and the hidden stories told by the body’s largest organ to solve complex crimes that baffle traditional investigators.
“Comic-Con is the perfect venue to launch Unclean,” said Cronin. “The energy here is unmatched, and the fans who love genre-blending stories with clever twists and memorable characters will find a lot to love in the Skinvestigator world. I’m thrilled to debut this new case and celebrate the series with the stunning new Sunshine State omnibus.”
In Unclean, Dr. Poe tackles a chilling new mystery involving leprosy linked to a high-profile murder in Florida’s sun-drenched landscape. The story promises the same meticulous medical detail, dark humor, and page-turning suspense that have earned the series a dedicated following.
The Sunshine State omnibus collects Cronin’s earlier Skinvestigator adventures in a beautifully designed, limited-edition  volume—perfect for both longtime readers and those discovering the series for the first time.
Event Details
San Diego Comic-Con 2026
Booth #1901 – Show Floor
Terry Cronin will be signing books and meeting fans during regular exhibit hall hours. Limited quantities of the new Uncleanhardcover and Sunshine State omnibus will be available for purchase at booth #1901.

About Terry Cronin
Terry Cronin is the author of the popular Skinvestigator series, which combines authentic medical knowledge with gripping crime fiction. A popular dermatologist, Cronin brings real-world expertise to his page-turning mysteries. His books have earned praise for their originality, procedural accuracy, and compelling characters.

[Greg]

Come on. I already posted on the Fencing panel.

[Drunk Monk]

This is a private press only panel prior to fencing panel open to everyone. Totally different.

And I'm approved. Now if I can only get there in time...

YYou and/or your media outlet are confirmed for the "Hollywood's Love Affair with Fencing" media interviews on Thursday, July 23 from 4:30-6:00pm in Aqua Salon D of the Bayfront Hilton.
 
There will be a step-and-repeat reserved for professional on-camera interviews, and some roundtables for writers. Filming is allowed at the roundtables. Step-and-repeat will most likely be limited to two questions per talent. Duration of roundtable interviews will be determined by the number of media attending, but we should have at least 7 minutes per talent.
 
This is a professional media interview session. Please do NOT ask the talent for selfies, autographs or other personal favors. And to accommodate all media present, please adhere to the time limits established for interviews. 
 
Group and solo photography will be executed at the beginning of the media session.
 
Confirmed talent for the "Hollywood's Love Affair with Fencing" media interviews:
Bruce Dickinson (lead singer of Iron Maiden)
Asher Grodman (actor, CBS’ Ghosts)
Rob Edwards (screenwriter – Captain America: Brave New World, Disney’s The Princess and the Frog, The King of King, and upcoming film Fencer)
Phil Andrews (head of USA Fencing)
Rich Ting (actor/stunt coordinator - Warrior, Tulsa King, The Man in the High Castle)
David Baxter (producer, Fencer)

It's going to be a mad scramble from landing to getting to this. I'm starting to think I should Lyft it instead of waiting for the free shuttles.

[Greg]

There is no try. Only do.

[Drunk Monk]

Experience DARK MOON & ENHYPEN at San Diego Comic-Con 2026

We’re excited to invite you to discover DARK MOON at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, taking place from July 23–26 in San Diego. 

From an exclusive panel featuring K-pop’s unrivalled storytellers ENHYPEN—a global powerhouse boy band known for their vampire-inspired narrative that sits at the heart of their showstopping current tour ‘BLOOD SAGA’—and Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke, to an immersive after-hours vampire experience in the Gaslamp Quarter, DARK MOON will come to life across San Diego Comic-Con through a curated series of fan experiences and media opportunities. 

As DARK MOON continues to establish itself as a global entertainment IP, Comic-Con 2026 marks its largest presence to date, bringing together storytelling, music, animation, and live fan experiences in one of the world’s biggest pop culture events.

Inspired by ENHYPEN, DARK MOON has evolved into a global transmedia franchise spanning webtoons, animation, music, and fan experiences. Its flagship webtoon DARK MOON: THE BLOOD ALTAR has surpassed 200 million cumulative views on Naver Webtoon, while its 2026 animated adaptation streamed on Crunchyroll, becoming one of the year's top-performing fantasy titles. 

We'd love to welcome you into the world of DARK MOON through the following events during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. 

*Please note that the schedule and venue information below, excluding the offsite event, are strictly confidential and under embargo until Thursday, July 9 at 7:00 PM PDT. We kindly ask that you refrain from publishing or sharing these details prior to that time.

...

DARK MOON BLOOD NIGHT with ENHYPEN
July 24
7:00–10:00 PM
House of Blues 
San Diego

An exclusive offsite experience in the Gaslamp Quarter featuring a special appearance by ENHYPEN. 

- DJ set & networking: 7:00–8:00 PM

- DARK MOON storytelling stage with JoJo Wright: 8:00–9:00PM

- ENHYPEN stage & talk session: 9:00–10:00 PM

 

*Please note that professional camera equipment of any kind will not be permitted at the offsite event.

DARK MOON Official Booth
July 23–26 
Also open during Preview Night on July 22 
San Diego Convention Center
Booth No. 4129

Explore immersive exhibits, interactive events, and other fan experiences inspired by the world of DARK MOON.

We would be delighted to welcome you to any of these events. If you're interested in attending, please RSVP by July 17 so we can coordinate access and media arrangements.

Hold the phone - is this an invite to a short private concert with ENHYPHEN at House of Blues? I've never made it into HoB. Alwyas a huge line. One year they had TwiLek gals dancing in cages outside and DM was sorely tempted...

I GOT IN!

They're being all secretive about it all, which is cool (this is for D00M eyes only of course). They're giving out details bit by bit so as not to let the secret out. 

Hello,

Thank you for your interest in DARK MOON at San Diego Comic-Con 2026.

This email confirms your attendance for DARK MOON BLOOD NIGHT with ENHYPEN at House of Blues San Diego on Friday, July 24.
...

• The event dress code is vampire-themed. We encourage you to dress accordingly to step into the DARK MOON universe.
  

Oh damn. I guess I need to pack my cape? Where can I get some costume fangs? I lost my last set...

I also just realized this is at House of Blues. I've been thinking that it was at the Hard Rock, which is right across from the venue. HoB is on the other side of the Gaslamp. Can I make it from the Mission Brewery (DoG party) to HoB then the Bayfront Hilton Bar (writer's meet up). I'm thinking no unless I drop for more Lyft rides. I might just bail on the writer's meet up. I only know a few in that circle anyway. 

Thursday will be a sprint from the airport to the hotel to the venue to the interview panel to my cousin to the regular panel. Friday is going to be this sprint, plus a costume change? I may just bail on the others and focus on Enhypen, being the K-pop fan that I am (and I still don't really like their music but their videos have style). 

Saturday morning will be chill because I'll just be in line for Hall H.

[Greg]

Lyft, baby. You should bring a photographer.

[Drunk Monk]

If you want to come next year, I might be able to hook you up with a press pass. But sdcc is not for the peoply timid.

[Greg]

There will be people there? Pass.

[Drunk Monk]

So many people. 150K ticketed. Untold more going to the open events in the Gaslamp and by the water.


Here's another odd music event that I won't make. 

Attached you'll find a press announcement regarding Bear McCreary, the celebrated composer behind God of War, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Battlestar Galactica, The Walking Dead and Outlander — and the new rock album The Singularity: Ekleipsis — returning to Comic-Con International for a panel discussion that will explore how creativity and collaboration intersect to create fictional worlds. 

The panel, entitled “Bear McCreary: Musical World-Building,” will be held on Thursday, July 23 from 11:45am-12:45pm in the 2,000-seat Room 6BCF at the San Diego Convention Center.
 
Joining the Emmy and BAFTA Award–winning composer for the panel will be game director Ariel Lawrence (God of War Laufey), director/producer Jeff Wadlow (Kick-Ass 2, The Devil’s Mouth), legendary heavy metal drummerGene Hoglan (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), and singer/author/actor Raya Yarbrough (Outlander, Metalocalypse).
 
McCreary’s appearance at Comic-Con precedes two noteworthy turns for the composer/musician in 2026. 
 
The Singularity: Ekleipsis, the follow-up to his ambitious hard rock concept album of 2024, arrives on July 31 via Sparks & Shadows Records and Mutant. Pre-orders are now available at https://bearmccreary.com/thesingularity/. 
In addition, McCreary embarks on a West Coast concert tour starting September 8. 

---

Not doing this - already have the SDCC app and it's confusing enough...

DC Launches Unlock DC  

as Fans Prepare to Take Over San Diego 

 

Fans Can Register Now to Unlock Exclusive Giveaways and More Throughout the Convention 

 

 

BURBANK, Calif. (July 21, 2026) — DC today announced that registration is now open for Unlock DC, a new digital destination that brings together everything fans need to experience DC across the convention hall and the city. 

 

Unlock DC serves as the central hub for all to discover DC programming, activations, panels and experiences. The mobile-first web experience brings together DC's full convention footprint into one destination, making it easier for everyone to navigate everything DC has happening across the convention hall and the city. Register in advance to jump into Unlock DC as soon as it goes live Thursday morning. Early registrants will receive a notification the moment the experience launches. 

 

Throughout the convention, registered participants can visit key DC Street Signs located throughout the convention area to scan QR codes, unlock exclusive offers and discount and earn stars that can be redeemed for a reward from the DC Reward Truck, including an exclusive DC collectible watch.  

 

Keep an eye on the Unlock DC website, where the secret location of the DC Reward Truck will be revealed when reward redemption begins. Appearing at just one location per day on Thursday and Friday, the truck won't stay hidden for long. Fans are encouraged to check the site regularly and follow DC Official social channels for additional alerts when it's time to redeem their stars. 

[Drunk Monk]

Hoping to get into the Paramount lodge this year. It's a public activation in the Gaslamp, and the lines are always incredibly long so I've never bothered. 

Reaching out to you today on behalf of our client Roddenberry Entertainment, stewards of the Star Trek universe. We'll be on the ground at San Diego Comic Con and displaying, for the first time since its recovery, the original 33" model of the USS Enterprise at the Paramount+ Lodge. 
We're hoping to set some time aside with Roddenberry Entertainment CEO Rod Roddenberry at some point this SDCC weekend (likely Saturday morning) to talk about the model's 40 year "mission" and what comes next. Would you be interested in talking to him? We cannot guarantee anything at this moment with plans still somewhat in flux, but let us know if so and we'll keep you updated. More details below.
Thanks! 
42West
The 33-inch USS Enterprise model is one of the most important artifacts in the history of Star Trek. It was the first detailed physical model of the Enterprise used for filming, built before the 11-foot studio miniature. It served as the prototype that established the final look of the ship and was used in the original pilot and opening credits. The model then disappeared for 45 year and has recently been found. Currently, the model is under going a slight restoration for preservation and stabilization. 
Timeline of the 33-Inch USS Enterprise Model
Early Design Phase (1964)

• Early 1964 – Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry begins development of the series at Desilu Productions.
  
• Mid-1964 – Production designer Matt Jefferies designs the USS Enterprise.
  • Jefferies deliberately avoids a rocket-like shape to make the ship feel futuristic and believable. 
    
  
  
• August 1964 – A finalized configuration drawing of the Enterprise is completed, and a small study model is produced to evaluate the design. 
  
• Nov 1964 – Model maker Richard C. Datin Jr. agrees to build a ~33-inch miniature from Jefferies’ plans. 
  
• Nov 1964 – Datin begins building the model using kiln-dried sugar pine, plexiglass, and brass components. 
  
• Nov 1964 – The nearly finished model is shown to Roddenberry for approval; small design tweaks are requested (including exterior window details). 
  
• Nov 1964 – Final detailing is completed. 
  
• Dec  1964 – The finished 33-inch Enterprise is delivered to production. 
  

Use in the Original Series (1964–1966)

• Late 1964 – The model is used to film effects shots for the pilot episode **Star Trek: The Original Series pilot “The Cage.” 
  
• 1965–1966 – It becomes the reference model for the much larger 11-foot Enterprise miniature built for the series. 
  
• 1966 onward – Used for:
  • Some visual effects shots
    
  • Opening credits fly-by shots
    
  • Certain angles where the larger model couldn’t be filmed. 
    
  
  

Post-Series History (Late 1960s–1970s)

• Late 1960s–1970s – The model sits on Gene Roddenberry’s desk as a personal keepsake and piece of franchise history. 
  

Disappearance (Late 1970s)

• Around 1978–1979 – Roddenberry loans the model to Paramount during production of the film Star Trek: The Motion Picture. 
  
• The model goes missing shortly afterward, beginning a decades-long mystery. 
  

For years:

• Its whereabouts were unknown.
  
• Rumors circulated among fans about what happened to it.
  

45 Years Missing (1979–2023)

• The model becomes a “lost artifact” in Star Trek lore.
  

Rediscovery (2023)

• October 2023 – The original 33-inch Enterprise is discovered inside a California storage unit purchased at auction. The finders initially list it on eBay before experts identify it as the genuine model. Authentication is handled by Heritage Auctions.
  

Return to the Roddenberry Family (2025)

• April 2024 – Heritage Auctions arranges the return of the model to Eugene Roddenberry Jr., son of Gene Roddenberry. 
  

Current Status (2024–Present)

• The model is being lightly restored, stabilized and preserved.
  

Why the 33-Inch Model Matters

• First fully realized physical Enterprise miniature.
  
• Established the final proportions and visual language of the ship.
  
• Served as the prototype for the iconic 11-foot filming model.
  
• Appeared in opening credits and pilot effects shots.
  
• Considered one of the most historically important props in television science fiction.
  

[Drunk Monk]

I've been going on about ENHYPEN. 

ENHYPEN WORLD TOUR 'BLOOD SAGA' IN OAKLAND

• Date
  July 28, 2026
  
• Event Starts
  7:30 PM
  
• Venue
  Oakland Arena
  
• On Sale 
  
• July 28/ Tuesday
  

Tickets range from $55 to $627

[Drunk Monk]

My socials a pummeling me with promos, invites and friends already there. 

Unless I can secure a time turner, there is no way that I'll be able to make all my commitments tonight. What a way to start...

[Greg]

You are DOOMED!

[Drunk Monk]

In a Lyft headed to pick up my press pass. Picked up a lovely mom & son from Canada - first timers - they need to pick up their passes too.