Comic-Con 2025: Must-See Moments from Preview Night

August 23, 2025 Post a Comment

Highlights from Preview Night at Comic-Con

Comic-Con’s Preview Night on Wednesday provided attendees with a unique opportunity to explore the San Diego Convention Center and get a glimpse of what the annual pop culture event has in store. This year, the festivities will span five days, covering categories such as video games, anime, books, and television. Visitors from across the country and around the world have already begun arriving in the Gaslamp Quarter, setting the stage for an exciting week of entertainment.

‘Tron’-Themed Cocktails at The US Grant

One of the standout experiences at this year’s event is the “digital drinks” and “bit bytes” offered by The US Grant. Bartender Jake Reif described the blue MCP as a floral tequila drink reminiscent of a margarita, while the red ISO is a vodka-based piña colada-flavored cocktail. These themed beverages are perfect for fans looking to immerse themselves in the world of Tron.

Location: Grant Grill, 326 Broadway, San Diego.

Peacefest: A Fan Experience Inspired by “Peacemaker”

Construction was underway outside Nova SD (454 Sixth Ave.) for a fan experience called Peacefest, inspired by HBO’s “Peacemaker.” This interactive space aims to bring fans closer to the show, which will also feature a panel in Hall H on Saturday. The pop-up nightclub is set to be a highlight of the event.

Location: Nova SD, 454 Sixth Ave., San Diego.

“Bad Guys 2” Promotion in the Gaslamp Quarter

DreamWorks Pictures has taken over the Gaslamp Quarter sign on Fifth Avenue with a promotion for the animated film “Bad Guys 2.” This eye-catching display is sure to draw attention from passersby and fans alike.

Mysterious ‘Wanted’ Signs for “Red Sonja”

Wanted signs for the new “Red Sonja” movie have been placed throughout the Gaslamp Quarter. One such sign can be found on a utility box near the San Diego Trolley Gaslamp Station, adding an air of mystery to the area.

The Lodge: A Pop-Up Experience from Paramount+

Paramount+’s The Lodge activation offers an immersive experience that combines sports, television shows, and movie franchises. Attendees can tour replica sets from iconic films like “Mission: Impossible,” enjoy NFL-themed activities, and take photos with sets from “NCIS: Tony & Ziva” and “Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.”

Location: 340 Fifth Ave., San Diego. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Pokémon Mega Evolution Simulation

At Booth #235 in the exhibit hall, visitors can step into a simulated Pokémon training environment. The experience focuses on the Mega Evolution process from the Pokémon franchise, offering an engaging activity for fans.

LEGO Minecraft Exhibit

Two hand-constructed LEGO statues of Steve and a Creeper stand tall at the LEGO Minecraft booth in the exhibit hall. Each statue took 51 hours to build, using over 13,000 Lego bricks.

Location: Booth No. 435.

Star Wars Costume Display

A Cad Bane costume from the Star Wars series “The Book of Boba Fett” is on display in the Star Wars section of the exhibit hall, giving fans a chance to see a piece of their favorite show up close.

Location: Booth No. 2913.

Funko Fun and Photo Opportunities

Funko fans can enjoy photo ops with characters like Freddy and Proto at Booth #5145. The booth also features a panel on Thursday, July 24, at 10:30 a.m. in room 6BCF.

The DeLorean at Hot Wheels

The back of the DeLorean from the “Back to the Future” films is available for photos at the Hot Wheels section of the convention floor, allowing fans to capture a piece of cinematic history.

LEGO-Con: A Miniature Version of Comic-Con

LEGO has created several scenes from Comic-Con at its booth inside the exhibit hall. Among the highlights is a large LEGO construction replica of Comic-Con known as LEGO-Con, featuring a replica of the Lego Gaslamp District sign and the Lego convention floor.

Location: Booth No. 2829.

San Diego Convention Center-Inspired Sweater

Stacey Shuttleworth, a Comic-Con attendee from Los Angeles, wore a sweater depicting the San Diego Convention Center. The design comes from Tony Kim’s “Founder’s Collection” from the Hero Within clothing company.

Labubu: A Popular Collectible

Pop Mart has a large shopping experience and display in the far back left corner of the exhibit hall, including a “Robo Shop” filled with mystery box collectibles. While there are no exclusive Labubus being sold at Comic-Con, other Pop Mart exclusives are available daily.

Location: Booth No. 135.

Fantastic Costumes from “Fantastic Four: First Steps”

Costumes from the upcoming “Fantastic Four: First Steps” film are on display at the Marvel Studios area of the exhibit hall, giving fans a sneak peek at the next chapter in the franchise.

Location: Booth No. 2329.

Nickelodeon Celebrates 20 Years of “Avatar: The Last Airbender”

Nickelodeon’s “Avatar: The Last Airbender” has taken over an 1,800 square foot booth at Comic-Con’s exhibitor floor. Guests can see replica sets of the popular animated show and take photos in front of a 20-foot tall iceberg and towering rock columns of the Wulong Forest.

Location: Booth No. 4113.

Wing Gundam Statue

Bandai Hobby is showcasing a statue of the iconic Wing Gundam to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the animated series “Mobile Suit Gundam Wing.” The booth also features exclusive merchandise and collectibles.

Location: Booth No. 3829.

Todd Nauck Greets Fans

Comic artist Todd Nauck greeted fans during Preview Night at Comic-Con. He is located in the Artists’ Alley (II-01) and offers signings and commissioned artwork.

Location: Artists’ Alley.

Prancing Pony Scene for Hobbits

A model of the Prancing Pony from the “Lord of the Rings” franchise is open for Comic-Con attendees. It is scaled to make guests feel hobbit-sized, providing a fun photo opportunity.

Location: Booth No. 2615.

Liam Neeson Inflatable Display

An inflatable Liam Neeson watches the trolleys and trains pass in front of the San Diego Convention Center as workers put final touches on the display for his upcoming movie, “The Naked Gun.” The display is located in front of the Metropolitan Apartments across the street from the convention center.

R2-D2 Replicas at the “Star Wars” Booth

R2-D2 and R2-KT 36 were seen roaming around the “Star Wars” booth at Comic-Con. Ruben Camerino from San Diego built these two replica droids, taking about six months to complete each one. He will host a panel discussion on how to build droids on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Room 7AB.

Chessex Manufacturing Displays Over 150 Dice

Chessex Manufacturing displays over 150 different color dice for fans to peruse. New this year is the “hidden wonders” box, which contains a special color only found in that box.

Location: Booth No. 4913.

LEGO Constructions of Glinda and Elphaba

LEGO constructions of Glinda and Elphaba from “Wicked,” the Broadway musical-turned movie, could be seen in the exhibit hall. Guests can also see the Wicked LEGO sets for sale on the far side from the Convention Center entrance of the LEGO booth, near aisle 2800.