From Humble Beginnings to Pop Culture Phenomenon: The History of San Diego Comic-Con
From Humble Beginnings to Pop Culture Phenomenon: The History of San Diego Comic-Con
Here at Vegas Comic Kingdom, we celebrate all things comics and pop culture, and it’s impossible to talk about the industry's biggest events without looking to the granddaddy of them all: San Diego Comic-Con. What started as a small gathering of passionate fans has evolved into the world-renowned pop culture juggernaut we know today.
The story begins in 1970, when a group of comic book, sci-fi, and fantasy enthusiasts, including Shel Dorf, Richard Alf, Ken Krueger, and Mike Towry, organized "San Diego's Golden State Comic-Minicon." This one-day "dry run" in March drew around 100 people. Its success quickly led to the first full-fledged three-day event, the San Diego Golden State Comic-Con, held in August 1970 in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel, attracting about 300 attendees.
From the very beginning, the founders aimed for a broad scope, not just comics. Legendary figures like Jack Kirby (co-creator of the X-Men) and sci-fi author Ray Bradbury were guests at those early conventions, setting a precedent for the diverse appeal SDCC would cultivate. Early locations included the El Cortez Hotel and the University of California, San Diego, before finding its iconic home at the San Diego Convention Center in 1991.
Throughout the 70s and 80s, the convention steadily grew, expanding its focus to include film, TV, animation, and toys. The 90s saw an even greater surge, fueled by the internet's rise and a renewed interest in superhero films. SDCC became the prime destination for major Hollywood announcements, trailer debuts, and celebrity appearances, cementing its status as a vital industry event.
By the 2000s, attendance skyrocketed, regularly exceeding 130,000 attendees annually. What was once an intimate gathering transformed into a massive celebration that spills out of the convention center, taking over downtown San Diego with off-site events and experiences. While the core remains a love for comics, San Diego Comic-Con is now a global phenomenon, a mecca for fans of virtually every corner of popular culture.
From its modest origins to its current colossal scale, San Diego Comic-Con's journey is a testament to the enduring power of fandom and the ever-expanding universe of pop culture. It reminds us all that what starts with a shared passion can grow into something truly extraordinary.