The Long-Awaited Return
San Diego, July 20, 2022 – July 23, 2022 — SDCC 2022 felt emotional in the best way possible. After two years without a full summer Comic-Con, we finally returned to the San Diego Convention Center. Walking back into the Con felt surreal. The crowds were back, the energy was back, and it honestly felt like coming home.
One of my favorite moments was the Severance panel, where the creators and cast talked about building such a strange and fascinating world. I also got to experience the Severance offsite, which was almost impossible to get into, so our whole group scoring tickets for the same timeslot was a miracle. The offsite experience which made the show feel even more immersive and real.
Panels this year delivered some truly unforgettable moments. I attended my longtime favorite The Walking Dead panel in Hall H, which turned into an emotional surprise when Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira appeared to announce their upcoming Rick and Michonne series. Being in that room for such a historic moment in Walking Dead history was incredible. I also went to the BRZRKR panel with Keanu Reeves, where he talked about the comic he co-created and its future as a film and anime project. I still cannot believe I was in the same room as Keanu Reeves!
Offsite experiences were everywhere and packed with fun. I checked out the Fandom party, where I even spotted Jeanie Weenie, who was just as adorable in person. The Gray Man offsite was a great stop, and the FX offsite after dark had a completely different vibe than during the day, feeling more like a nighttime experience than a traditional activation. The House of the Dragon offsite was another huge highlight, especially when the cast and George R.R. Martin showed up, making it feel like a truly special moment! I also made time for the Dungeons and Dragons offsite, explored the exhibit floor, and soaked in all the cosplay that filled the convention center and downtown. After two years away, everyone really showed up, and the creativity on display was incredible.
SDCC 2022 was not exactly the same as the years before the pandemic, but it proved that Comic-Con was truly back. The excitement, the community, and the shared love of fandom made this return one of the most memorable Cons yet! Looking forward to 2023!
