For over 50 years, Comic-Con International has been the ultimate event when it comes to bringing popular arts to life – and now it is setting roots outside of the US for the first time in its history, making its European debut in Málaga, Spain.
The move – facilitated by IMG – is being supported by Junta de Andalucía and the Málaga City Council, both of which are committed to making Málaga the European capital of popular arts.
From 25-28 September 2025, Málaga will host the first official San Diego Comic Convention licensed event outside the US. Fans and creators from all over the world will gather in a space designed to inspire, connect and celebrate.
The international expansion of San Diego Comic-Con was revealed at a special event on 10 March at the Gran Hotel Miramar in Málaga.
“We’re very excited to celebrate comics and the popular arts, and share Comic-Con’s unique spirit, with audiences in Europe,” commented David Glanzer, chief communications and strategy officer at San Diego Comic Convention. “We couldn’t have found a more vibrant, welcoming and creative city to begin this exciting new chapter for fans and creators.”
The 400 m² Salón Royale of the Gran Hotel Miramar was transformed to host the event, which brought together more than 200 exclusive guests from the worlds of film, entertainment, television, comics and illustration.
One of the highlights of the event was the exhibition of a unique collectable item: the Infinity Gauntlet, inspired by the artifact of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War.
The event concluded with a performance by the 501st Legion, whose members, dressed as Stormtroopers and Darth Vader, guided attendees to the closing cocktail. 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.
More information on ticket sales, special guests and unique activities will be announced soon.
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