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Under The Tents 2024: Mattel, McFarlane Toys, Geeky Hooker, The Afrofuturism Lounge, Patrick Ballesteros

Have we recovered yet from the (two?) General Hotel Sales yet? No? Well, from here on out, things only get more exciting, with (mostly) nothing but good news — and we have a lot to tell you about exclusives, events, and more that will be heading to San Diego Comic-Con this year. Whether you’re into Power Rangers, WWE, porgs, great art, or more, we’ve got lots of fun teases for you today.

Let’s take a look at the news you might have missed:

  • The Afrofuturism Lounge, which celebrates Black Comics, Sci-Fi, Afrofuturism, and Astral Blackness, is returning during San Diego Comic-Con — and they want to include you. San Diego County residents (and their kiddos) can enter now for the Inclusive Expressions Through Art creative challenge, aimed at illustrating the importance of inclusive language. You can submit your artwork for a chance to win up to $3,000 in prize money. There are two age groups: Youth (ages 5-17) and Adult (18+), and entrants are asked to use the theme of inclusive language, helping to replace words like “blackmail”, “blacklist”, “whitewash”, “the Dark Ages”, and more with more inclusive alternatives. Winners will also have their artwork displayed at the Afrofuturism Lounge on July 25, 2024, from 4pm-9pm, at the Symphony Towers. You can find more information on the website.

  • There’s always just something about artist Karen Hallion’s work that’s simultaneously playful and smart. We’re loving this year’s exclusive pins, which for now are sticker designs, but will be available at San Diego Comic-Con this summer in pin-form. Yes, because yes.

  • Can’t wait to see what Mattel has up their sleeves at the con this year? Steve Ozer, Action Figure Marketing Manager at Mattel, teased this year’s WWE figure, promising that, “It’s an Ultimates single figure. I don’t want to say too much, but your wallets will have it a little bit easier than the previous two years. But it’s still an Ultimate figure, and it’s cool, and I think a lot of people will be happy.” So, get ready to step into the ring to claim this one.

  • You’re going to have to wait for some future tomorrow to find out what Yesterdays has been doing today. Or, something like that. The popular pin-maker has been hard at work creating this year’s designs, and mentioned that they’re “some of the most fun versions we have made”. Our heart (pin) is already exploding with joy.

  • It’s just not San Diego Comic-Con without some crochet critters, and Geeky Hooker is back to fill that need with a chonky “Mega Porg”. As always, to make him yours, you’ll have to follow her on Instagram and Twitter during the con to see hints for where he’s dropped. The first to claim him, gets to take home and have a porg-tastic day. You can find more information on her website.

  • Real talk: I will fight you to take up a space on artist Val Hochberg’s commission list, in which she draws your favorite characters in her adorable chibi style. But let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. Keep your eyes peeled in early June for when her commission spots open — just maybe also sleep with one eye open if you get there first.

  • Artist Patrick Ballesteros has something pretty super that he’s been working on for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con exclusives. Stay tuned right here for the full reveal closer to the con.

Want a little more? Ballesteros has you covered with another sneak peek.

But that’s not all with Ballesteros (is it ever, with as often as he’s working)? He also offered another X-cellent glimpse at a new piece for San Diego Comic-Con.

  • So you’re telling me there’s a chance. One of our readers recently asked Finesse Brand if we’d be seeing another Sonic the Hedgehog skateboard this year, and they responded with “may so we will see”. It’s not a no! 

  • The queen of cuteness herself, Nan Hockin, has been cooking up some sweet treats for San Diego Comic-Con attendees, in the form of stickers for donuts and coffee, Gochujang hot pepper paste, chicken and waffles, pizza and beer, popcorn and soda, and banana and strawberry milk.

 

She’ll also bewitch you with her adorable Witch Treats originals, also heading to the con.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Art By Nan (@nanhockin)

  • If you’ve ever dreamed of attending McFarlane Toys invite-only preview day and party, now is your chance. On Thursday, May 9, McFarlane Toys Digital will be holding a sale for Wonder Woman. If you buy or “mint” one of the Exotic rarity Wonder Woman Classic from this primary sale by Monday, May 13, will receive an invite to the preview/party at San Diego Comic-Con. Capacity is only guaranteed for invitees who confirm their attendance, and only includes access to the party, not lodging, airfare, etc. You can find more information on the McFarlane Toys Digital site.
  • It’s almost morphin time. BOOM! Studios confirmed that fans can look forward to “many exciting Power Rangers announcements” in the coming months, including “exciting” plans at SDCC. With the final issue of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #122 debuting on July 24 during the con, there should be plenty to tease in the world of your favorite Power Rangers.

 

Anything we missed? Let us know by dropping us a line, or tweet us at @SD_Comic_Con.

If you missed our previous Under the Tents posts, you can find them HERE.

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