With the San Diego Comic-Con coming up on July 23-26, we have news and announcements dropping left and right, so here’s an attempt to keep up with it all. Hit the links for more info.
Matt Kindt’s Flux House imprint is known for doing things a little differently, so it’s not surprising that they’ve come up with something unique and fun for San Diego this year as they’re relaunching at Oni Press. So here’s one of the show’s more unusual exclusives: the Fort Psycho “Comic in a Can.” Limited to just 250 copies and priced at $25, the resealable can includes an exclusive 16-page mini-comic by Matt Kindt and Brian Hurtt, a bumper sticker, toy army men and even a brand-new prose story printed directly on the can’s label.
Some lucky buyers will also find special chrome or gold army men hidden inside, redeemable for prizes ranging from a Mind MGMT: New & Improved blind bag to an original hand-painted sketch cover by Kindt. The “Comic in a Can” will be available exclusively at Oni Press’ Psycho Mart inside Booth #1829 throughout SDCC, while supplies last.
Marvel lays out its SDCC plans with Hall H, comics panels and Wolverine Game preview
Marvel has shared its full San Diego Comic-Con schedule, with a packed lineup of comics, movies, games and animation panels, plus exclusive merchandise and giveaways spread across two convention booths (#2329 and #2519).
On the publishing side, Friday’s Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing panel promises news on upcoming titles like Amazing Spider-Man #1000, Infernal Hulk, DNX, Queen in Black and probably things we don’t know anything about yet, while Thursday’s Avengers: Armageddon panel and Saturday’s Midnight Universe presentation will each include exclusive giveaway comics for attendees. Fans can also learn more about multiple Marvel games, including Marvel’s Wolverine, Marvel Rivals and MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls.
Outside the panel rooms, Marvel’s booths will feature exclusive merchandise, variant comics, photo opportunities, cosplay meetups and daily giveaways, while partner booths from LEGO, Hasbro and Topps will offer additional Marvel exclusives throughout the convention. Marvel Studios will also return to Hall H on Saturday for a presentation teasing what’s next for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Skybound brings Invincible, Transformers, The Walking Dead and more to SDCC
Skybound Entertainment has revealed their Comic-Con schedule featuring creator panels, exclusive reveals and convention exclusives centered on its biggest franchises. Robert Kirkman headlines a Thursday panel covering Invincible, Void Rivals, Transformers and his upcoming series Terminal, while Saturday’s Energon Universe panel will preview what’s next for Transformers, G.I. Joe, Void Rivals and the newly launched M.A.S.K.. Fans can also find SDCC-exclusive Invincible collectibles and merchandise from partners including Funko, Jada Toys, Super7, Thrilljoy and more throughout the convention.
IDW unveils exclusive covers and freebies for Comic-Con
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles #300 variant by Chuck U 
Sonic the Hedgehog x Godzilla #1 variant by Natalie Haines 
The Rocketeer: Infiltrator! #1 variant by Nathan Szerdy 
Star Trek: Red Shirts – Ghost of the 21st Century #1 variant by Tristan Jones and Charlie Kirchoff 
TMNT: The Last Ronin – Training Day variant by Attack Peter 
Hello Kitty and Friends: Hello World! #1 variant by Mirka Andolfo 
The Horror of Godzilla #1 variant by Andrew K. Currey 
Godzilla vs. America: San Diego variant by Godtail
IDW Publishing is bringing eight convention-exclusive comics to Booth #2729, with variants spotlighting Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Godzilla, Sonic the Hedgehog, Hello Kitty, Star Trek and The Rocketeer. The publisher will also hand out free collectibles while supplies last, including Star Trek and IDW Dark ashcans, posters and crime samplers, with creator signing schedules and panel details to be announced ahead of the show.
Ignition Press unveils creator pavilion, exclusives and panels
Ignition Press is expanding its Comic-Con presence this year with the new Ignition Pavilion, an offsite creator hub featuring more than a dozen comic creators selling artwork, comics and merchandise throughout the convention. Alongside signings from creators including Tini Howard, Cullen Bunn, Rob Guillory, Tim Seeley and Jeremy Haun, the publisher will debut several SDCC-exclusive variant covers limited to 500 copies, early releases of collected editions and the original graphic novel Airwalker, adapted from an unreleased concept by Stan Lee. Ignition will also host two panels during the show, including one looking at the resurgence of romance comics and another previewing the publisher’s second year of releases.
247 Comics expands SDCC lineup with NEWMEN, card chase and exclusives
247 Comics has revealed more about their Comic-Con plans, highlighted by the surprising return of Rob Liefeld’s NEWMEN in a remastered special edition available first at SDCC. The publisher will also offer convention-exclusive editions of First-Look Summer Special: Evermind and Cyber League Baseball, debut a 15-card collectible trading card set tied to a convention-wide “Card Chase,” host creator signings throughout the weekend and give fans who complete the chase a chance to win original artwork and graded comics. Find 247 Comics Powered by TOKYOPOP at Booth #1837.
Rascal Randy runs wild at SDCC
Tiny Onion’s latest release is Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy #1, which landed in shops last week, and in this edition’s most disturbing news, the rabbit-themed serial killer will be running loose in San Diego, appearing at Tiny Onion signings and even having his own meet-and-greet. Just, um, be sure to watch your back around him …