For over 50 years, Comic-Con International\u00ae (\u201cSan Diego Comic-Con\u00ae\u201d or \u201cSDCC\u00ae\u201d) has been the ultimate event where popular arts come to life. Now, thanks to an agreement facilitated by IMG Licensing, SDCC is setting roots outside the United States for the first time in its history, making its European debut in M\u00e1laga, Spain.<\/p>\n
This historic milestone would not have been possible without the institutional support of the Junta de Andaluc\u00eda and the M\u00e1laga City Council, who have firmly committed to making M\u00e1laga the European capital of popular arts.<\/p>\n
SDCC M\u00e1laga: The Official Destination for Popular Arts in Europe Fans and creators from all over the world will gather in a space designed to inspire, connect, and celebrate, ensuring that Europe establishes itself as a key player in the global history of popular arts.<\/p>\n A Launch Event Filled with Creators, Industry Leaders, and Fantasy The event, presented by renowned actor, director, and screenwriter Santiago Segura, included the participation of the President of the Junta de Andaluc\u00eda, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla; the Mayor of M\u00e1laga, Francisco de la Torre Prados; David Glanzer, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer of San Diego Comic Convention, the organization behind SDCC; and Jaime L\u00f3pez-Francos, CEO of DENTSU Spain & Portugal.<\/p>\n David Glanzer stated: \u201cWe\u2019re very excited to celebrate comics and the popular arts, and share Comic-Con\u2019s unique spirit, with audiences in Europe. We couldn\u2019t have found a more vibrant, welcoming, and creative city to begin this exciting new chapter for fans and creators.\u201d<\/p>\n Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, President of Andalusia, highlighted: \u201cFor the Andalusian government, supporting this event means solidifying Andalusia as a reference in digital art and pop culture, backed by the most powerful gathering of talent.<\/p>\n Andalusia is an undeniable cultural and tourism powerhouse, and that has been a key asset in attracting this event\u2014one that places the Andalusian cultural industry within the digital and technological sphere.<\/p>\n I am confident that the expansion of San Diego Comic-Con to M\u00e1laga will be a total success after these three years, also thanks to the support of the network of professionals and local businesses participating in the event.\u201d<\/p>\n The 400 m\u00b2 Sal\u00f3n Royale of the Gran Hotel Miramar was transformed to host this event, which brought together more than 200 exclusive guests from the worlds of film, entertainment, television, comics, and illustration, including \u00c1lex de la Iglesia, Carolina Bang, Paco Plaza, Daniel S\u00e1nchez Ar\u00e9valo, Natalia Verbeke, Paloma Bloyd, Eva Ugarte, Tamar Novas, Ic\u00edar Bollain, Carlos Areces, and Joaqu\u00edn Maz\u00f3n, as well as representatives from iconic brands in the industry.<\/p>\n One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of a unique collectible item: the Infinity Gauntlet, inspired by the iconic artifact of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War. Designed by Gentle Giant Ltd., this gauntlet was created to house six precious gemstones known as the Infinity Collection of Gemstones. With over 150 carats and a value of more than 25 million dollars, it was crafted by Adam Mirzoeff, president of East Continental Gems, under the creative direction of Darren Romanelli (DRx). First presented at SDCC 2022, this piece now symbolizes the continuity of the event\u2019s legacy in M\u00e1laga.<\/p>\n The event concluded with a spectacular performance by the 501st Legion, whose members, dressed as Stormtroopers and Darth Vader (Star Wars), guided attendees to the closing cocktail.<\/p>\n Guests were able to enjoy an exclusive atmosphere with a themed cocktail, where they were surprised by a flashmob in which some of the attendees revealed themselves as professional dancers, blending in with the guests to the rhythm of the iconic Mission Impossible soundtrack. As a final surprise, the cocktail also featured another guest star: the droid R2D2, who walked among the attendees to greet them.<\/p>\n The production included cutting-edge technical displays, featuring a 25 m\u00b2 stage, a 5×2 m LED screen, lighting, special effects, and professional sound. Additionally, the event was streamed live to audiences worldwide.<\/p>\n The Countdown to San Diego Comic-Con M\u00e1laga Begins This first official licensed convention in Europe will provide a unique opportunity to bring communities together, showcase emerging talent, and lay the groundwork for innovative moments in global entertainment.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>San Diego Comic-Con has always been much more than just an event: it is the place where the future of popular arts is written. Now, that legacy continues in Spain. From September 25 to 28, 2025, M\u00e1laga will host the first official San Diego Comic Convention licensed event outside the United States.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>The international expansion of San Diego Comic-Con was officially announced today, March 10, at an event held at the iconic Gran Hotel Miramar in M\u00e1laga.<\/p>\n
\n<\/strong>With this blend of entertainment, fantasy, and more institutional speeches, the event marked the official start of what promises to be a historic occasion that will establish M\u00e1laga as the new European epicenter of popular arts.<\/p>\n