San Diego Comic-Con 2025 Preview Night Recap: Comics, Collectibles, and a Touch of Run DMC

Is it just me, or did Comic-Con arrive faster than ever this year? It feels like I barely zipped up my WonderCon backpack and suddenly found myself back in downtown San Diego, watching towering pop culture banners rise over the Gaslamp like flags on the Fourth of July. But this year, my SDCC journey started even earlier than the usual trolley ride to Preview Night - and in the best way possible.

On Tuesday night, just before the show officially kicked off, I had the chance to attend Comic Book Couples Counseling’s final stop on their cross-country comic shop tour at Now or Never Comics. There, Brad and Lisa interviewed none other than Daniel Warren Johnson, fresh off the emotional finale of The Moon is Following Us. DWJ was, as always, equal parts humble, passionate and geeky. The conversation ranged from the emotional weight behind his most recent work to his plans post-Moon, and yes - there was some wrestling talk too. Watching Brad and Lisa work their interview magic in person was a treat, and getting some extended time with DWJ before the madness of the con floor? Priceless.

From there, it was time for tradition.

I wrapped up work early, drove down to the trolley station, and headed straight into the fray. There’s nothing like the first glimpse of downtown during Comic-Con: the streets are buzzing, the buildings wrapped in massive ads for upcoming shows and games, and the air carries that electric mix of anticipation (and hopefully sunscreen!). After making my way to the Sails Pavilion, I picked up my trusty Wild Bill’s refillable tankard (soda counts as hydration, right?), thumbed through the con guide, and passed the time by looping the Kpop Demon Hunters soundtrack until the doors to the exhibit hall opened at 6 PM.

Even without major Marvel or DC Universe panels this year, the crowd was thick. You could feel the energy radiating from the line - pop culture fans from across the globe, each with a mental list of exclusives to track down, creators to meet, and activations to hit before the weekend was out. I didn’t have a set plan for my first hour, so I embraced the wanderer’s path.

I snapped pics at The Prancing Pony photo op (yes, complete with ale barrels), admired the stunning Galactus statue from Iron Studios, and spent a few moments soaking in the Gundam Wing 30th Anniversary celebration. That series hit hard back in the day, and seeing it honored like that made the nostalgia hit in full force. It also definitely didn’t make me feel old. Nope.

My first SDCC 2025 highlight? Nabbing my first signature of the con from Nick Dragotta. Nick Dragotta’s work on Absolute Batman has been nothing short of iconic - its record-breaking 2024 sales numbers don’t lie - so getting him to sign my NYCC 2024 Akira variants was a killer way to kick off the weekend.

Not long after, I linked up with artist Eamon Winkle (Principles of Necromancy, Geiger #16), and we did a bit of wandering together. Eventually, I made my way to Tamashii Nations for my pre-scheduled exclusive slot. This year’s offerings did not disappoint: King Piccolo, Beast Mode Gohan, and an absolutely massive Ape Vegeta took center stage. I walked away with Beast Mode Gohan, and I’m excited to get him set up…once I find somewhere for him.

Now, normally leaving the show floor on Preview Night would feel like sacrilege…but there was an offsite activation I couldn’t pass up.

Wizards of the Coast was hosting a first look at their upcoming Spider-Man: Universes Beyond Magic: The Gathering set, and I had to check it out. The activation space was pulsing with excitement - I arrived just in time to catch Run DMC performing “Tricky” (yes, really) before heading into the Friendly Neighborhood Game Shop setup to grab a couple of Welcome Decks. Thumbing through the previews, I was impressed with the mechanics and can already see myself slotting a few cards into existing Commander builds. September can’t come fast enough.

With a full stomach (thanks to the event-provided bites) and a heavier bag, I made my way back to the con for the final hour of Preview Night. That’s when I made my first official purchase of SDCC 2025: a beautiful print of Fantastic Four #49. With Fantastic Four: First Steps on the horizon, it felt like perfect timing. I don’t technically have room for more wall art…but I decided to swap it into the oversized frame that usually houses my Mondo Silver Surfer poster. Now I can rotate them based on mood (or MCU hype cycles).

And just like that, Preview Night was over. But my Comic-Con 2025 journey was just beginning - and this year was extra special, as I was on my very first SDCC panel Thursday morning. Curious how it went? Keep an eye out for my Day 1 recap - coming soon!