Expanding the Comic-Con Experience,” a panel exploring how the world’s most popular arts celebration reaches far beyond the convention center walls, will be held at Comic-Con 2025, presented by Comic-Con: The Cruise. Taking place on Thursday, July 24 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. in Room 25ABC, the panel will give fans a behind-the-scenes peek into the process that develops new ways to embrace and experience fandom. Felicia Day (Creator/Actress/Singer/Host of Comic-Con: The Cruise), Robb Pearlman (NYT Best-Selling Author), Amanda Conner (Artist/Writer: Archie, Mad magazine, Marvel, DC), Jimmy Palmiotti (Artist/Writer: Marvel. Dark Horse, DC) and Bret Iwan (American Voice Actor: Mickey Mouse) will join Jessica Gasparolo (Cruise Director) to also discuss the future of the Comic-Con experience and how it is evolving across platforms.

Panelists will describe how they work to bring communities closer to the stories, creators and characters during Comic-Con: The Cruise. The discussion will also offer a first look at how the cruise crafts immersive, story-rich environments that carry on the spirit of Comic-Con, enhanced by the unique and self-contained environment of a cruise ship. Additional topics include the inspiration behind interactive programming, panels and themed nights that build lasting connections between guests, how the Artist’s Alley exhibitors are selected, celebrated and showcased in an intimate setting that allows for longer and more meaningful engagement, and the expansion of cosplay on the 2026 voyage. The panel will also exclusively reveal Comic-Con: The Cruise theme nights and contests, with artwork created by Dan Parent (Archie, Felix the Cat, Barbie, Disney Adventures).

Fans who stop by the Comic-Con: The Cruise booth during the convention (#4021) will receive a collectible pin (while supplies last), additional merch and have the chance to win a trip on the 2026 voyage. Special guests including Amanda Conner, Felicia Day, Jimmy Palmiotti and Brian Posehn (comedian/television and comic writer/D&D podcaster) will be dropping by the booth throughout the weekend to help spin the giant prize wheel and engage with fans.

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