The San Diego Comic Convention began in 1970 with a small gathering of comics, movie and science fiction fans who put on an event with 300 attendees. From there, Comic-Con grew into a global convention.

The event went through a few name changes from San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con to San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention in 1972. The show officially switched to its long-standing San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) name in 1973 with the fourth annual event. The non-profit event changed its name to Comic-Con International: San Diego (CCI) in 1995.

The Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation behind the annual conference aims to create awareness for appreciation of comics and other similar art forms. Over the years, Comic-Con has become a destination for many film studios to gather and discuss upcoming projects related to comics as well as tease previously unrevealed information about future works. Known for its Exhibit Hall, Hall H, which is 460,00 square feet, the convention’s programming has booked a record of around 700 separate events (2014). The gathering often includes anime and film screenings, the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards and a costume contest with prizes and trophies.

Comic-Con President, COO and CFO John Rogers passed away on November 10, 2018. The event continues to honor the late founding figure.

The 2024 rendition of Comic-Con will include panels about the upcoming Transformers One animated film, Deadpool & Wolverine(2024) which marks the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe installment, a presentation for Disney’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians and events for Prime Video’s The Boys and The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.