SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The excitement began as thousands of fans packed the San Diego Convention Center Wednesday for San Diego Comic-Con 2026 preview night.
Roughly 135,000 people are expected to attend the convention over the span of four days, with the event ending Sunday, July 27.
“The excitement. The adrenaline. You just want to be here. You don’t want to miss out,” said Domonique Castaneda, who is in town from Colorado.
Lines were long as the first wave of fans—and plenty of cosplay—poured into the convention center for preview night.
“It’s kind of nice to get here early and enjoy it before — calm before the storm,” said Castaneda.
It’s her eleventh year back. This time she’s swapping a costume for themed nails.
“Comic-Con logo with the eyeball and then we have the famous toucan, which is the mascot for Comic-Con,” she explained while showing off her custom manicure, something she says took her over three hours to complete herself.
Balboa Park to celebrate National Carousel Day with free rides, family fun
The convention floor filled up fast as collectors raced for first dibs on exclusives, including a comic books featuring Venom versus Superman. Crowds from around the world flocked to the booth selling a limited amount—a sight that still amazes its local owner.
“I never thought this would happen in my whole life, but it did and I’m grateful,” said Kris Tabar.
Tabar was raised in Chula Vista and owns KRScomics.com.
“I’ve been coming since I was a little kid and I’ve been collecting since I was a kid,” said Tabar.
Fueled by his love of comics, he launched his small online business in 2015. It’s his ninth year back and San Diego Comic-Con is one of the very limited chances to shop with them physically.
“It’s very hard to get into San Diego Comic-Con and if you’re lucky enough to get in, there are very few exclusives,” said Tabar.
He even has the artist behind the Venom-Superman cover art in town from Italy signing limited edition items you’ll only find at his booth.
From the art to the slime-filled installations, there’s plenty to check out.
Hot Wheels fans can also shift into high gear with a life-size K-Pop Demon Hunters Porsche.
“It’s really fun to see people come out here take a picture with the car and then maybe go inside get one for themselves,” said Ted Wu, General Nanager for Mattel.
If you’re lucky, you may run into one of your favorite characters.
“I’ve been wanting to go to Comic-Con for 15 years because you always hear about the magical moments and I know last year I had my own magical moment because I got to meet Peter Dinklage…he’s from Elf,” said Robert Manning, who is visiting from Arkansas for the second time cosplaying as Buddy the Elf.
For those returning, they’re ready to see what special memories the convention delivers this year.
If you don’t have a badge, there are plenty of free pop-ups and installations throughout downtown San Diego to enjoy.
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
