
Source: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty
After weeks of speculation, San Diego Comic-Con International officially announced that the 2020 edition of the famed comic book convention is a dub due to the coronavirus pandemic.Summer is done!
In an official statement released on the convention’s website this morning (Apr.17), the news that cosplayers, comic book enthusiasts and exhibitors knew was inevitable was finally confirmed, SDCC 2020 is not happening for the first time since it started in 1969. Many were waiting for the announcement following California’s Governor, Gavin Newsom announced that mass gatherings were “not in the cards” when the state begins easing its lockdown restrictions.
“For the first time in its 50-year history San Diego Comic Convention (SDCC), the organizers behind the annual pop-culture celebration, announced today with deep regret that there will be no Comic-Con in 2020. The event will instead return to the San Diego Convention Center from July 22-25, 2021.”
“Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan for its conventions each year, and how many exhibitors and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of their livelihood, [organizers] had hoped to delay this decision in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen by summer. Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California has made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year.”
The convention where plenty of big news is nerd culture is broke was supposed to take place on July 23-26 at San Diego Convention Center that it fills the 135,000 capacity. It is now expected to return, July 22-25, 2021. It’s sister convention, Wonder Con, which was supposed to take place this month, was canceled as well due to COVID-19.
Now that leaves New York Comic-Con, who has to make a tough decision. NYCC takes place in October, but we expect the convention’s organizers, ReedPOP, to come to the same conclusion as well.
As you can imagine, the news has saddened blerds, nerds, exhibitors, and cosplayers; still, they totally understand the decision and that their safety is essential, and stopping the spread of the virus is more important. Besides, they can opt to get a full refund on their badges or have the option to have them transferred over to next year’s convention.
You can peep the reactions to San Diego Comic-Con International being canceled in the gallery below.
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Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty
1.
Saying it now.. With #SDCC canceled, Marvel Studios should step up and be the first to announce a virtual Hall H presentation, hosted by @Kevfeige, where they debut new footage, including the first teaser for #Eternals and a full extended look at #TheFalconandtheWinterSoldier pic.twitter.com/UKZc9wOttG
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) April 17, 2020
2.
A very bizarre feeling of understanding and thankfulness of the decision, but sadness that we won't have our annual extravaganza to look forward to. This Summer will be very strange indeed.
— Outside Comic Con (@OutsideComicCon) April 17, 2020
We will still be here with #SDCC throwbacks, TV talk, and general geek discussion! https://t.co/zm5EWBN72M
3.
Cancelling #SDCC this year is TOTALLY SCHWAY, and TOTALLY the right call. Doesn't mean I can't miss her. Sleep well, friend. See you next year! pic.twitter.com/WBhIYdLU9A
— Jason Bischoff (@shadowpiper) April 17, 2020
4.
I am heartbroken that the cancellation of #SDCC was necessary. I've been every year since I was sixteen. I am overjoyed that the convention is putting the lives of fans over selling a few exclusive prints.
— Seanan McGuire (@seananmcguire) April 17, 2020
Maybe this will finally make my mother believe this is serious.
5.
We LOVE #SDCC, but we're happy local & state governments are taking the necessary steps to keep people safe! See y'all there next year 😎 https://t.co/W0a7eDALCH
— The Walking Dead (@TheWalkingDead) April 17, 2020
6.
Well...San Diego Comic Con has just been cancelled for this year. Obviously not too much of a surprise...but was looking forward to going to America again...mainly just to watch all the weird people on Venice Beach. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/Q0svHpp2Od
— ⚡️ Pagey ⚡️ (@Pagmyst) April 17, 2020
7.
no #SDCC this year... stressed but relieved they’re making the right call. Who am I seeing at #SDCC 2021?! pic.twitter.com/p1MeJtOw4f
— Derek ᱬ (@twdecastro) April 17, 2020
8.
We know that many of you are disappointed... but know that we're ALL deeply saddened to be missing our #SDCC con community this July. Let's use this time to come together (and stay safe). pic.twitter.com/mMARnd5DVf
— SDCC Unofficial Blog (@SD_Comic_Con) April 17, 2020
9.
Comic-Con, we will avenge you…#RIPSDCC #SDCC pic.twitter.com/xk4GoH2zVZ
— Tony B Kim (@Crazy4ComicCon) April 17, 2020
10.
11.
Wearing this shirt for the first-ever time today ... and thinking of happier times with my beloved #SDCC crowd.
— Gary Miereanu (@SuperPRGuy) April 17, 2020
It’s the smart/right thing to do, but knowing that doesn’t make losing @Comic_Con 2020 feel any better. #COVIDcancelsComicCon pic.twitter.com/7ZnmT1SasK
12.
I get it. I really do. Breaks are healthy. Rest is healthy. Biblical even.
— Lauren ✨ Gallaway (@LaurenGallaway) April 17, 2020
But cons are a way of life to so many of us, and losing so many in a year is extrememly painful. #SDCC 😭
13.
me hearing #SDCC is cancelled even though I know it’s for the best pic.twitter.com/rhy0CkFMZI
— SYFY FANGRRLS (@SYFYFANGRRLS) April 17, 2020
14.
San Diego Comic Con has been canceled.... The Nerd Apocalypse
— Ed 🤓 (@EddieTheGeek) April 17, 2020
😫😭😩🤓🥺#SDCC pic.twitter.com/9y09YG6j71
15.
I knew this must be coming and I think it’s right, but I’m going to allow my heart to break a little today since I was so excited to be an official special guest. Something that had been on my dream career bucket list since I started in comics 13 years ago. #SDCC #comiccon https://t.co/K3egMKveyj
— cecil castellucci (@misscecil) April 17, 2020