8 things we’re excited about at this year’s Comic-Con@Home

Comic-Con International is normally a time when San Diego shines in the international spotlight. Downtown transforms into a movie-and-pop-culture-lovers’ wonderland, with highly anticipated movie trailers dropping, breaking news in the world of comic books and pop culture and celebrities roaming the streets of downtown, rubbing elbows with cosplayers and fans alike.

This summer, Comic-Con returns with an online-only iteration, much like it did in 2020. There’s an in-person “Special Edition” event planned for Nov. 26 through 28, but the online version happens today through Sunday..

The panels are pre-recorded, so they are available after they debut online. Another bonus to the Con being online: The entire event is free and available to all. (Note: a few panels will take place online prior to the official opening).

Here’s what you can expect during the second Comic-Con@Home.

Stan Lee poses with the first-ever IMDb STARmeter Award for Lifetime Achievement on the #IMDboat At San Diego Comic-Con 2017 on the IMDb Yacht on July 21, 2017.

(Rich Polk / Getty Images for IMDb)

Friday, July 23

Panels run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights include:

“Amazon Panel” (11 a.m.): Amazon Prime Video and IMDb TV present conversations with showrunners Rafe Judkins (“The Wheel of Time”), Hideaki Anno (“Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time”), Nico Entel (“S.O.Z.”), Sara Goodman (“I Know What You Did Last Summer”) and Noah Wyle (“Leverage: Redemption”).

“Stan Lee, Marvel, and Rolling Stone: 50th Anniversary” (1 p.m.): A look back at the 50th anniversary of the Herbe Trimpe Hulk cover of Rolling Stone magazine with Stan Lee’s former assistant Robin Green, Roy Thomas (first Marvel Comics editor-in-chief after Stan Lee), and former Marvel writers Linda Fite (“Claws of the Cat”), Jean Thomas (“Night Nurse”), and Mimi Gold (“Black Widow”). Panel is moderated by the author of “A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee,” Danny Fingeroth.

“The Simpsons”

(AP)

Saturday, July 24

Panels run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Highlights include:

“Simpsons Season 33 and Beyond!” (11 a.m.): A sneak peek of season 33 of the classic animated sitcom will feature talks with producer Matt Selman, showrunner Al Jean, animator David Silverman, writer Carolyn Omine, director Mike B. Anderson and more, plus moderator Yeardley Smith (the voice of Lisa Simpson).

“TV Guide Magazine’s 2021 Fan Favorites” (Noon): Shawn Ashmore (“The Rookie”), Lesley-Ann Brandt (“Lucifer”), Leah Lewis (“Nancy Drew”), Kaitlin Olson (“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), Brec Bassinger (“Stargirl”), Jesse Lee Soffer (“Chicago P.D.”), Mädchen Amick (“Riverdale”), Camrus Johnson (“Batwoman”), Roselyn Sanchez (“Fantasy Island”) and Nicole Maines (“Supergirl”) participate in this panel that celebrates fandom moderated by TV Guide senior writer Damian Holbrook.

“Central Park” (3 p.m.): The animated AppleTV+ series “Central Park” makes its Comic-Con debut with this panel featuring conversations with Loren Bouchard (co-creator, executive producer), Josh Gad (co-creator, executive producer, voice of Birdie), Leslie Odom Jr. (voice of Owen Tillerman), Tituss Burgess (voice of Cole Tillerman), Kelvin Yu (producer) and Steven Davis (producer).

Jodie Whittaker as The Doctor applies her sonic screwdriver to another thorny problem in the new season of “Doctor Who” on BBC America.

(Casey Crafford/BBC America/BBC Studios)

Sunday, July 25

Panels run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include:

“Doctor Who” (10 a.m.): The Comic-Con favorite “Doctor Who” panel features conversations and exclusive content from Chris Chibnall (showrunner), Jodie Whittaker (“The Thirteenth Doctor”), Mandip Gill and new cast member John Bishop, plus surprise guests.

“Dexter” (1 p.m.): Fans of Showtime’s “Dexter” (and those interested in its upcoming revival) won’t want to miss this panel featuring series star Michael C. Hall, Clyde Phillips (showrunner, executive producer), Scott Reynolds (executive producer), Marcos Siega (executive producer, director) and newcomer Julia Jones as they discuss the new season and present a never-before-seen trailer.

Fan experience

Fans can also experience the thrill of another Comic-Con pastime: buying merchandise. The full exhibitor listings just went live, so fans can still stock their shelves with collectibles. Exhibitors include BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT, Dark Horse Comics, Disney Television Studios, Funko, LLC and Marvel Entertainment. Fans can also participate in the first-ever Comic-Con@Home Book Club and various at-home challenges, including a cosplay contest.

For more information on Comic-Con@Home, visit comic-con.org/cci/2021/athome.

We’ll see you in November, Comic-Con!