‘Star Wars' creator George Lucas to hit Comic-Con for first time

Kuwait Times

28-07-2025

'I waited for this the entire year,' said 17-year-old Samantha, who came dressed as the pink Dino Ranger. 'It's like Christmas for me!' added the young woman, who had traveled from Florida specifically to see panels for the shows 'Miraculous' and 'Hazbin Hotel.' Other fans couldn't wait to enter the exhibition hall to hunt for memorabilia. 'I just come here for shopping because I like looking at whatever people like to sell,' fan Jack Schmidt -- dressed as Bonolenov Ndongo from the anime 'Hunter x Hunter' -- told AFP.
A cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
Squid Game cosplayers pose outside the convention center.
The Petco Park baseball stadium (left) and hotels are wrapped with advertisement during Comic Con International.
A Mario cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
Cosplayers from MechaBreak video game pose outside the convention center.
A cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
Princesses cosplayers pose outside the convention center during Comic Con International in San Diego, California.--AFP photos
'I'm mainly looking for Pop! Funkos this year, because I'm starting to build my collection,' he said, referring to Japanese-style figurines. Comic-Con began holding events in San Diego in 1970, as a low-key and rather niche huddle, but has now grown to an annual get-together that attracts 130,000 people eager to hear behind-the-scenes tidbits from Hollywood stars and from directors unveiling their latest projects.
This year's edition will be marked by the presence of legendary filmmaker Lucas, who has never visited the convention before despite Comic-Con culture being deeply rooted in his 'Star Wars' and 'Indiana Jones' franchises. In a session on Sunday set to be moderated by Queen Latifah, Lucas will discuss the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art with Mexican director Guillermo del Toro and Oscar-winning artist Doug Chiang, who has shaped the iconic 'Star Wars' universe for decades.
A cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
A cosplayer from the Pokemon universe poses.
Zelda cosplayers pose outside the convention center.
An attendee carries bags of items bought during Comic Con International.
A cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
Cosplayers pose outside the convention center.
Cosplayers from the movie 'Up' pose outside the convention center.
The Petco Park baseball stadium is wrapped with advertisement during Comic Con International in San Diego, California.
A cosplayer poses outside the convention center.
A Star Wars stormtrooper cosplayer poses during Comic Con International in San Diego.
Comic-Con kicked off Thursday in California, with expectations running high among devoted fans keen to catch a glimpse of George Lucas at his first-ever appearance at the convention. Warriors, princesses, pirates, wizards, and all manner of costumed characters flooded the streets of San Diego on the first day of an annual event that has become one of the world's biggest celebrations of pop culture.
The museum, scheduled to open in Los Angeles next year, will be dedicated to illustrated narratives and will house the Lucas archive. 'Nearly five decades ago, Star Wars made one of its earliest public appearances at our convention, along with a booth featuring (comic book artist) Howard Chaykin's now legendary Star Wars poster as a promotional item,' said David Glanzer, Chief Communications and Strategy Officer. 'Now, to have Mr. Lucas... is a true full-circle moment. His lifelong dedication to visual storytelling and world-building resonates deeply with us and our community.' Comic-Con runs until Sunday, July 27.—AFP