If there was one thing that became quite obvious at San Diego’s 2022 Comic-Con International, it was fantastic for fans and celebrities alike to get back to attending panels, for movie companies to show trailers, and for cosplayers their latex, lace, and PVC.
Adding to our welcome back overview from last week (see here), rumors were confirmed, panels went off with smashing success, and there were untold surprises for the fan faithful. Marvel announced two new Avenger movies, Phases 5 and 6 (the much anticipated Fantastic Four will be part of Phase 6), and showed the first trailer from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was on hand to discuss and show some scenes from his upcoming Black Adam film. The John Wick 4 trailer was seen, and there was much talk about Amazon Prime Video’s Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.
Good old William Shatner himself offered some interesting remarks to Kevin Smith’s questions about all Treks not his during the “Shatner on Shatner” panel. A bio-documentary is coming soon chronicling Shatner’s 70-year career, and the actor also discussed this upcoming movie.
Even with a full return to on-site convention-ing, COVID concerns were still foremost for the SDCC’s powers-that-be. As stated on the event’s website under their COVID-19 Health and Safety section:
Everyone attending Comic-Con will be required to wear an approved face covering regardless of vaccination status. In addition to wearing an approved face covering, you will be required to provide verification of full COVID-19 vaccination status or proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours.
Luckily, lots of costumes do indeed require, are centered around, and would not look as perfect without a mask…or even a helmet. Those cosplayers whose wardrobes did not call for a mask still dressed appropriately to CDC mask guidelines by either becoming extra creative with a mask accessory or simply wearing a face covering emblazed with the logo or even simply a title like “Stranger Things” across their face as they dressed like Eddie Munson.
