The Occasional Other

San Diego Comic-Con 2025 has just ended the fun filled fan weekend, it already feels like we’ve time-traveled, shape-shifted, and emotionally recovered (barely) from some of the biggest pop culture moments of the year.

Let’s break it down – from jaw-dropping reveals to collectible chaos and a whole lot of geeky goodness in between.

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🎬 Biggest Reveals

On Day 1, Marvel Comics announced the of “Age of Revelation”—yes, we’re finally getting a major new X-Men saga in full swing. It will be launching in October 2025. It will take place 10 years into the future of the Marvel Universe. The story revolves around Doug Ramsey, who has been chosen as the heir of Apocalypse. His twisted vision for the survival of the fittest has created a world where only mutants are deemed fit to survive, leading to the establishment of the Revelation Territories, a new mutant utopia.

Kevin Feige confirmed this is the start of the mutant era in the MCU.

🦇 Batman Is Back (well, the comic book itself)

DC followed up with a sneak peek at “Batman: The White Knight,” which feels like a gritty noir throwback with some serious emotional weight. Think psychological thriller meets gothic comic book. Robert Pattinson’s back, and his Batman looks even more worn down and haunted.

Mark Hamil‘s Newest Project

Day 2 of SDCC was just as busy as day 1. Hamill’s imprint is all over Comic-Con because “Star Wars”. This year, Hamill is excited to talk about another project, his new movie, “The Long Walk,” based on the novel by Stephen King. The Long Walk coming September 12th, 2025. I’m a big fan of thriller and horror.

TRON: Ares (Disney)

Followed by a trailer and footage showcase, featuring Jeff Bridges’ surprise appearance and cast members including Jared Leto, Greta Lee, and Evan Peters discussing the film’s return to the Grid.

Alien: Earth (FX/Hulu)

A nearly 1.5‑hour panel including a world‑premiere screening of the pilot and an extended Q&A with creator Noah Hawley, executive producers, and cast. Set to premiere August 12.

Day 3 of SDCC was the busiest of all the days with fan and people from all directions. A surprise panel of Coyote vs. Acme (Ketchup/Warner Bros.) featuring exclusive footage of the live‑action/animated hybrid, starring John Cena and Will Forte, blending legal comedy and classic Looney Tunes characters.

Predator: Badlands (20th Century)

U.S. fans got the first 15 minutes of footage from Predator: Badlands, including Elle Fanning as a cyborg companion paired with a young Predator. Set to open on November 7, 2025.

✨ Nathan Fillion Captivates Fans at SDCC 2025 with The Rookie Season 8 Preview

The panel featured the effortless charm of Nathan Fillion alongside executive producer Alexi Hawley. We got the exclusive sneak peek at the upcoming Season 8 of The Rookie on January of 2026.

And yes, Nathan Fillion got serenaded with “Arrest Me, but make it Sexy” live performance. Fillion also mentioned about how shooting in Prague felt like making Casino Royale, while Hawley described the logistics of taking a network show overseas as a “double-edged sword”

Nostalgia Incoming: XENA Warrior Princess cast

The cast and crew of XENA Warrior Princess reunites to celebrate 30 years. This show was one of my favorites growing up so seeing this was amazing (even though Lucy was not there).

George Lucas at SDCC for the 1st Time

Legendary filmmaker George Lucas along with director Guillermo del Toro, and artist Doug Chiang explored the power of illustrated storytelling and offered a sneak peek of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. All this was moderated by Queen Latifah! I know everyone wanted to see George Lucas but I personally was just as excited to see The Queen as well.

The Lucas Museum of Narrative Art is expected to open in 2026 in Los Angeles’s Exposition Park and it’s one-of-a-kind that’s truly dedicated to illustrated storytelling across time, culture and the media.

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💥 Biggest Exclusives

If there was one universal truth when it comes to exclusives, it is this: bring comfortable shoes and prepare to line up at 4AM if you want the good stuff. This is something I don’t do but I know a lot of people that have even on preview night.

🧸 Funko Pop!

The Funko booth has always been the busiest every year. This year is honestly no different with the limited edition Batman, Robin, Penguin and Batman Azrael (Limited to 1500 pieces). Also available is the Sanrio My Melody Metallic, Barbie and the Rockers Faceted Barbie (Limited to 2000 pieces), and Freddy Funko Voltron (Limited to 500 pieces)

🎒 Loungefly SDCC Limited Edition One Piece Full-Size Backpack

This is a denim and faux leather full-size backpack blends rugged style with character-rich design. Limited to just 1,500 pieces. It has appliqué, embroidery, custom rivets, and straw-textured accents, it showcases the Straw Hat Jolly Roger in bold detail. With adjustable straps, a sturdy top handle, and coordinating interior lining.

There are other One Piece limited edition exclusives available just at SDCC.

Mattel x John Cena

Ultimate Edition John Cena figure (“The Champ Is Here”) pays tribute to John Cena’s legendary 17-time World Heavyweight Championship reigns with era-specific accessories and premium articulation. It features three head sculpts, a hat, three sets of hands, four championship belts, and a “Chain Gang” medallion.

In addition to exclusive action figures, Hot Wheels is coming back with 2 new exclusive. Hot Wheels is celebrating 40 years of Back to the Future with a time-traveling San Diego Comic-Con exclusive that captures the magic of the DeLorean’s iconic debut. This limited-edition collector’s set features finely detailed die-cast vehicles (the DeLorean itself and the Dr. E. Brown’s Enterprises truck used to transport it) and a cinematic diorama that transports fans straight to Twin Pines Mall.

Then we’re celebrating 50 years of Jaws. This jaw-dropping collectible recreates the classic “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” scene with two unique die-cast models: a vintage-style shark and the ill-fated Orca boat.

Yesterdays San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Exclusives

Yesterdays.co are celebrating their 10th anniversary with exclusive pins and their 10th Anniversary Box Set, which features 10 different pins spanning some of their most iconic designs over the last decade (including, of course, an exclusive San Diego Convention Center heart pin). Each pin in the special anniversary set features an antiqued gold finish, and it all comes packaged in a custom box with gold foil logo and a magnetic lid. It’s limited to 500 pieces.

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👉🏽 Marvel Studios and Phase 6

⚡ Tom Hiddleston Surprise Appearance

During Marvel’s “Phase 6” overview, Tom Hiddleston made a surprise entrance in full Loki-mode — British charm, mischief, and all. He confirmed he’ll lead a Disney+ Loki Special Event dropping this fall. It’s said to “bridge dimensions and destinies.” (Yes, please.)

And speaking of Phase 6, Fantastic 4 is the first movie from Marvel Studios in the new phase.

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🤯 The Vibes

This year’s con feels…different, in the best way. Post-pandemic, post-strike, and fully recharged, there’s a buzz in the air. Cosplayers showed up, panels were packed, the everyone seemed genuinely excited to be back.

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✍🏽 Final Thoughts

Going to a convention, especially like San Diego Comic Con is not just about the news—it’s about connection. Whether you’re here for the reveals, the art, the cosplay, or the special finds, Comic-Con is a place where fandom feels alive.

If you were able to go to San Diego Comic Con, what was your favorite part between an exclusive, something at Hall H, or something else?