Comic-Con Events & Presentations
Link to UC San Diego-sponsored events and community members presenting at Comic-Con International 2025, held at the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding venues downtown.
Convention Panel Presentations
A valid Comic-Con badge is required for access to these events. Some may be recorded and posted on YouTube or other platforms after Comic-Con weekend.
Thursday, July 24
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Leave Them in Suspense, 11 a.m. to noon
These storytellers turn up the suspense and leave readers on the edge of their seats. Max Allan Collins (Comic-Con special guest), Ted Van Alst Jr. (Never Whistle at Night), Adam Cesare (Clown in a Cornfield), Arvind Ethan David (Raymond Chandler’s Trouble Is My Business), and Delilah S. Dawson (Guillotine) talk about building tension in mystery and horror fiction. Moderated by Dr. Betty Ramirez (associate director, UCSD Writing Hub).
Friday, July 25
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Let's Write a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure Story, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
Shannon Gilligan (Chooseco CEO and publisher and longtime Choose Your Own Adventure writer), Kazim Ali (author, poet, and professor of Literature at UC San Diego), and members of the National Comedy Theatre come together for a hilarious, raucous and creatively chaotic interactive story and on-the-fly writing experience. What happens when a dark wizard enters the chat? Will a crocodile jump out and eat you? Perfect for kids, families, and anyone curious about collective storytelling. -
The Evolution of AI Through Film and in Reality, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The Fleet Science Center brings together James and Sharla Oliver (writers, Marvel series Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and scientists to explore the role of AI in pop culture, media, and beyond. From Metropolis in 1927 to now, AI has taken leaps and bounds in the media, dominating pop culture through movies like Ex Machina, M3GAN, and more. Panelists gather to discuss the evolution of AI representation in media and to explore what the future looks like in an AI-driven world. Panelists are Bea Mendez Gandica (computer scientist and founder), Lataisia Jones (neuroscientist), Ajani Brown (professor of humanities at SDSU), Eric Leonardis (postdoctoral fellow, Machine Learning and Computational Neuroscience), Laurel Riek (professor of computer science and engineering at UC San Diego). The panel will be moderated by Andrea Decker (scientist engagement manager, Fleet Science Center).
Saturday, July 26
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The Best Invention Ever!, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Fleet Science Center brings together Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (co-creators, Disney's Phineas and Ferb) and local engineers to explore the creative and strategic process behind developing projects of all shapes and sizes, both in real life and on the television screen. Creatives and engineers put their heads together to explore all things engineering, from wacky inventions to complex megaprojects. Engineers will even pitch their craziest engineering ideas for the creators and audience members to vote on! Panelists are Gracie Ermi (machine learning scientist), Michael Tolley (professor in mechanical and aerospace engineering, and director of the Bioinspired Robotics and Design Lab at the Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego), Jose Castro (water planning engineer at Black & Veatch). The panel will be moderated by Dr. Steve Snyder (president and CEO, Fleet Science Center).
Sunday, July 27
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The Impact, Legacy, and Future of Choose Your Own Adventure, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Shannon Gilligan (Chooseco CEO, publisher, and longtime Choose Your Own Adventure writer), Daniela Taplin Lundberg (producer, Stay Gold Features), Kazim Ali (author, poet, and professor of literature at UC San Diego), and Charles Kochman (editor-in-chief, Abrams) discuss the iconic bestselling children’s book series, Choose Your Own Adventure, which has shaped generations of readers. Moderated by Harry McCracken (global technology editor, Fast Company). -
Horror at the Crossroads of Genre, noon to 1 p.m.
Comic-Con special guests Emil Ferris and Jonathan Maberry alongside authors Liz Kerin (First Light), Kiersten White (The House of Quiet), and Erika T. Wurth (The Haunting of Room 904) talk about some scary good books. These creators are pushing boundaries in horror writing, expanding the genre in terrifyingly fun ways. Moderated by Haydee Smith (writing instructor, UC San Diego).
Park & Market
On Thursday evening, join a free festival of immersive XR storytelling, interactive performance, and game simulations. Come out on Friday and/or Sunday for sessions with Native Californian comic creators.
On-Campus Lodging
Get a single room on campus and take the trolley to the Convention Center. Offer available to current UC/CSU and CA Community College students, UC alumni, and UC San Diego affiliates.
Transportation
MTS offers expanded service to Park & Market and the Convention Center with a special event Trolley line. The Blue Line is your direct line to and from the La Jolla campus.