Just as it usually does around this time, San Diego is ramping up for its annual Comic-Con. However, this time will be a little different in comparison to recent years. Many of the major Comic-Con mainstays, such as Marvel or DC, are bowing out, Deadline reports. Despite this, those working the con are still ramping up for business as usual.

Covid caused the convention to go on hold for two years, but upon returning in 2022, attendance was up to 135,000. That’s just about on the same level as pre-Covid numbers were.

Some of the biggest pop-culture projects in recent years have seen their genesis at Comic-Con. The cast for The Avengers first assembled on stage at Comic-Con, as well as the cast for Guardians Of The Galaxy. It was even there that Tom Cruise crashed a panel about Terminator: Dark Fate to announce the highly anticipated Top Gun: Maverick was in production.

While many big studios use Comic-Con as a place to promote their new films, this year won’t include that. As stated, many of the big studios are sitting out, due to the SAG-AFTRA strike taking place. Some could expect fans to be distraught over it, but most are very understanding, going as far as to say they’re simply sticking up for their livelihood.

Some of the features covered at this years con are Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Creator, and Haunted Mansion. Friday will also see a panel from WETA in commemoration for the 20th anniversary of The Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Paramount is in attendance this year as well, with set ups for Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts, and Star Trek, among others.

For further updates on Comic-Con as they come out, stay with us here.