Animation Domination: The Can’t-Miss Panels Hitting Comic-Con This July

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Pop culture fans are gearing up for an explosive weekend as Comic-Con rolls out its official schedule. From milestone anime anniversaries and highly anticipated superhero sequels to the return of adult animation staples, this year’s lineup is packed with exclusive footage, star-studded Q&As, and major world premieres.

Beyond the convention center walls, the excitement spills directly onto the streets of San Diego. Beginning Thursday, July 23, the Hulu Animayhem: Fandom Fuel Up, FX’s AHS 13 Flavors stunt, and the Percy Jackson Experience outdoor activations will be open to the public directly outside the San Diego Convention Center, complementing the eight star-studded panels taking place throughout the weekend.

This year, Hulu Animayhem is taking over the Gaslamp Quarter with a food- and beverage-driven, fan-first experience inspired by Futurama and King of the Hill. The iconic Planet Express returns alongside Bobby Hill’s new Robata Chane venture. Guests can enjoy themed offerings like “Fry’s 100 Days of Cold Brew” and Robata Chane-inspired yakitori. While they eat, fans can explore immersive environments, uncover hidden Easter eggs, and capture shareable moments inspired by fan-favorite storylines from each series. On the exhibit floor, Hulu Animayhem fans can also shop for new merchandise and SDCC exclusives from their favorite series like Bob’s Burgers, King of the Hill, Futurama, Family Guy, and more at booth #4229.

Here is your day-by-day guide to the biggest animation and comic panels you need to add to your calendar.

Thursday, July 23: From Superheroes to Indie Rebels

The convention kicks off with a massive celebration in Ballroom 20 at 10:00 a.m., where Crunchyroll is hosting the My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Panel. Fan-favorite voice actors Christopher Sabat (All Might), Justin Briner (Deku), Clifford Chapin (Bakugo), and David Matranga (Todoroki) will take the stage to look back on a decade of the smash-hit superhero anime.

At 1:00 p.m. in Room 6BCF, comic book visionary Robert Kirkman takes the spotlight for Robert Kirkman Live!. Expect behind-the-scenes stories and exclusive reveals stretching across his massive portfolio, from Invincible to his newest superhero series Terminal, as well as Skybound and Hasbro’s expanding Energon Universe featuring Void Rivals and Transformers.

Animation purists will want to head to Room 32AB at 2:00 p.m. for Spike & Mike’s Festival of Animation. Co-founder Spike Decker and Curseborn co-creator Trevor Barber will trace the nearly 50-year history of the legendary showcase that served as the early launching pad for industry titans like John Lasseter, Pete Docter, and Tim Burton.

Later in the afternoon, the dark and gritty return of a legend takes over Room 6BCF at 3:30 p.m. Prime Video is hosting an Advanced Screening and Q&A for Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2, treating fans to the world premiere of the first episode followed by a discussion with the creative team and voice cast.

Rounding out Thursday, Weirder Together: Meow Wolf + Titmouse hits Room 25ABC at 4:00 p.m. to explore the intersection of animation and physical architecture, offering a sneak peek at their new collaborative universe. At 4:45 p.m. in Room 6BCF, Tubi will showcase its wild new original series Breaking Bear, a chaotic, law-breaking comedy about a dysfunctional family of bears going full criminal to save their forest.

Friday, July 24: Nostalgia and Next Chapters

Friday’s lineup relies heavily on heavy-hitting franchises, starting at 11:00 a.m. in the Indigo Ballroom with Adventure Time: Side Quests. Cartoon Network Studios, Hulu, and Disney+ are teaming up for a special presentation and Q&A detailing Finn and Jake’s brand-new adventures across the Land of Ooo.

The Indigo Ballroom stays hot at 2:00 p.m. with My Adventures with Superman Season 3. Showrunners Jake Wyatt and Brendan Clogher, alongside stars Jack Quaid (Clark Kent) and Alice Lee (Lois Lane), will discuss the higher stakes, heart, and humor coming to Metropolis in Adult Swim’s acclaimed series.

Marvel fans will flock to Room 6A at 2:25 p.m. for Marvel Comics to Screen: X-Men ’97. The creative team behind the nostalgic mega-hit will offer a deep dive into Season 2, complete with insider anecdotes, future hints, and an exclusive giveaway comic for attendees.

To close out the afternoon, the Indigo Ballroom welcomes Arlen, Texas’ finest at 4:00 p.m. for King of the Hill. Fresh off its Hulu revival, co-creators Mike Judge and Greg Daniels, showrunner Saladin Patterson, and the iconic voice cast (including Kathy Najimy and Stephen Root) will give fans an inside look at the show’s new era.

Saturday, July 25: The Heavy Hitters and Ballroom 20 Takeover

Saturday morning starts with a tough choice for fans at 10:00 a.m. In Room 6A, DC Studios and Warner Bros. Animation present Batman: Knightfall Part 1: Knightfall, an inside look at the multi-part animated event adapting the iconic comic saga where Bane breaks the Bat. Voice actor Michael Mando (Bane) and the producers will be on hand. Simultaneously, Ballroom 20 kicks off a massive back-to-back block of 20th Television Animation favorites, starting with the Belcher family in Bob’s Burgers, featuring creator Loren Bouchard and the entire main voice cast.

At 11:00 a.m., Ballroom 20 welcomes Futurama. Ahead of its new 10-episode weekly run on Hulu starting August 3, Matt Groening, David X. Cohen, and the legendary voice cast—including Billy West and John DiMaggio—will premiere top-secret, world-exclusive footage.

The animation royalty continues in Ballroom 20 at 11:45 a.m. with The Simpsons. Matt Groening returns to celebrate the show’s “millionth appearance” in the room with an exclusive, chilling sneak preview of a brand-new story that promises to challenge everything fans know about the Simpson family.

The afternoon wraps up with back-to-back comedy blocks in Ballroom 20. At 12:45 p.m., American Dad! stars Scott Grimes and Dee Bradley Baker will tease the upcoming season and the show’s milestone 400th episode. Finally, at 1:30 p.m., Family Guy takes the stage. Seth Green, Alex Borstein, and showrunner Rich Appel will close out the afternoon with an irreverent panel packed with exclusive footage and special announcements.