Comic-Con Museum at Balboa Park, San Diego
Popnology (Newest Exhibit)
Immerse yourself in the world of POPnology, Comic-Con Museum’s latest interactive exhibit that demonstrates the connection between pop culture and real-world technology! Engage with your favorite science fiction technology such as driverless cars, robots, drones, and more to learn how fantasy becomes reality and explore which science fiction of today will become reality tomorrow. POPnology not only chronicles humans’ progression from science fiction to science fact but also illuminates emerging technologies that are just now showing up on the cultural radar.
Highlights of the exhibit include:
Whether your room has a poster or figure of Stan Lee, Ein, All Might, Gumby, PAC-MAN, or the Comic-Con Toucan, Comic-Con Museum, in Balboa Park, has an exhibit for you. The magic of Comic-Con happens all year round!
“We always want to pay tribute to creators, innovators, and legends in the popular arts world,” said Museum Executive Director Rita Vandergaw. “We do just that in an homage to Stan Lee’s 100th birthday and Cowboy Bebop’s 25th anniversary. Anime features have been one of the top requests from attendees, so we’re looking forward to celebrating the fandoms of ‘Cowboy Bebop’ and ‘My Hero Academia’ with Crunchyroll for current and future fans to discover.”
Excelsior! The Life and Legacy of Stan Lee
Stan Lee appeared at Comic-Con numerous times over the course of his 78-year career to delight his legions of fans. This year, Comic-Con Museum and Kartoon Studios, the controlling partner to the “Stan Lee Universe” IP, present a first-ever exhibit to celebrate his 100 years of legacy. The exhibit will feature rare comic books, original art, and paintings exploring decades of Lee’s work and a section devoted entirely to Lee’s co-creators of the Marvel Universe, including Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and other amazing co-creators. The exhibit has been curated by Comic-Con Museum; Michael Uslan, originator and executive producer of the Batman movie franchise; and David Uslan, both consultants to Kartoon Studios’ “Stan Lee Universe.” Artwork will feature never-before-seen items donated by auction houses and private collectors, including Heritage Auctions, DC Comics, Metropolis Comics, Gary Stiffelman, Dr. Michael Vassallo, Michael E. Uslan, Rob Prior, Danny Fingeroff, Benjamin LeClear, Mark Yturralde and Funko.
Cowboy Bebop 25th Anniversary Art Exhibition
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic anime “COWBOY BEBOP,” a gallery of commissioned art was created to capture the essence of the series’ iconic characters, settings, and themes through the unique style and interpretation of the artists, including JJ Harrison, Utomaru, La Boca, Tom Whalen, Murugiah, Sachin Teng, and more. The creation of these pieces has allowed creators – who are also fans of the series – to express their appreciation for the series and contribute to the vast and diverse range of artistic interpretations of this beloved anime. This gallery is presented in partnership with Crunchyroll and Mondo.
My Hero Academia Installation
Presented in partnership with Crunchyroll, the statue of the “Historical Battle in Kamino” from “My Hero Academia” is a stunning representation of the epic fight between All Might and All For One in Season 3 Episode 48. By capturing this iconic moment, the statue showcases the artistry and significance of the My Hero Academia franchise, providing fans with an opportunity to relive the excitement and celebrate their love for the series.
Comic-Con Masquerade (Expansion)
The exhibit will double in size, featuring new and former winners and entrants’ costumes from the Comic-Con Masquerade, the annual costume competition at the convention, plus costumes from noted costume designer Allan Lavigne.
As part of Comic-Con, the world renowned comics and popular arts convention, the Comic-Con Museum is a participatory space focused on bringing together diverse audiences for shared vibrant experiences featuring comics, film, science/fiction, fantasy, TV shows, books, video games, anime, or other related popular arts. With immersive exhibits that change seasonally, hands-on STEAM based art making activities, panels, movie screenings, and other dynamic programming, you will always find something new and exciting to explore.
Comic-Con Museum is located at 2131 Pan American Plaza, in Balboa Park, San Diego 92101 (619) 546-9073. Visit www.comic-conmuseum.org
