Comic-Con for Everyone: Introducing 'San Diego Live’
Every July, over 130,000 collectors and fans gather in San Diego for the ultimate pop culture and collectibles convention. From its 1970 origins as a small comic book show, the convention has evolved into a major event where Hollywood studios promote their latest releases. Throughout its evolution, it maintains its status as the most important event on the calendar – not just in comics, but also in toys and the broader collectibles space.
“The convention is the cornerstone of the industry. It’s the one place where anyone who wants to cut their teeth in industry, from retailers to artists have to be and the place where the fans and collectors want to be.”
Sellers have faced rising travel and convention expenses, but conventions still boost their businesses by reaching a broader audience on the floor and digitally. Success comes from offering event exclusives, whether acquired onsite or created independently, and partnering with artists and celebrities for signing events. These tactics have led to record sales during convention weekends.
Introducing San Diego Live!
Knowing the importance of these convention weekend shows to sellers' sales goal, we are introducing “San Diego Live” – a celebration of collectibles and pop culture running July 25-28.
The on-platform event will feature Comics, Funko, Action Figures, and LEGO, welcoming any seller, whether they're in San Diego or participating from home. This opens up the convention experience to sellers who couldn't attend in the past due to travel costs, business commitments, childcare, or other reasons. Now, everyone can join the action!
Event Exclusives Available to All Participating Sellers
In recent years, event exclusives have become game-changers for sellers at conventions, offering buyers unique products they can't find elsewhere. Whatnot sellers have embraced this trend, producing and securing exclusive items that perform exceptionally well. This year, we've made exclusive covers available to all participating sellers through a private pre-sale, allowing everyone, from small-scale sellers to big names, to bring incredible releases to market alongside top retailers, artists, and creators.
Exclusive Comics
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Exclusive Comics 〰️
Omega Men #3 - Javan Jordan Ltd 1000 - DC Comics
Ahead of the DCU relaunch, we've partnered with DC Comics to reprint Lobo's classic first appearance in Omega Men #3. This facsimile variant includes the original interior design and ads from the 1980s, featuring brand new cover art by popular artist and Whatnot seller Javan Jordan. This virgin variant showcases Lobo in all his glory and is limited to just 1,000 copies.
High Republic #8 Foil - Paolo Villanelli Ltd 1500- Marvel Comics
To celebrate the release of The Acolyte on Disney+ (a new Star Wars show set in The High Republic era), we've teamed up with comicbookexclusives.com and Marvel to reprint the iconic High Republic #1 Homage cover. This time, it's a full foil premium version, limited to just 1,500 copies.
TMNT #1 - Bill Galvan Ltd 1500 - IDW Publishing - IRL Event Exclusive
As TMNT relaunches with a new series, we're teaming up with famed Archie artist Bill Galvan to give the Turtles a Beatles twist. This exclusive cover pays homage to the iconic Abbey Road image, set in NYC, the Turtles' home. This landmark issue, hitting shelves the week of SDCC, marks the first TMNT relaunch since 2012 and only the fourth in the 40-year history of TMNT.
Archie Summer Special - Kyle Willis Ltd 500 - Archie Comics
This variant cover for Archie’s Summer Special features the titular character in an Elvis-inspired Jailhouse Rock pose within a classroom. Created by emerging artist and Whatnot seller Kyle Willis, the cover showcases his unique mosaic style, where he cuts up and paints recycled comic book interiors to create the cover art. This labor-intensive process is truly unique, and it's Kyle’s first time teaming with Archie for a cover. This Virgin version is limited to just 500 copies.
Canto: A Place Like Home #1 - Drew Zucker Ltd 1000 - Dark Horse Comics
Beloved indie comic Canto has moved from IDW to its new home at Dark Horse Comics. Canto is also headed for feature film production via an animated film from Will Smith’s Westbrook Studios. This Virgin cover marks the launch of the final arc in the Canto series, featuring art by Whatnot seller and co-creator Drew Zucker, and writing by Whatnot seller David Booher. This cover is limited to just 1,000 copies.
Join San Diego Live
It's not too late to join San Diego Live! No matter where you are, you can participate. Just schedule a show in the Show Scheduler between July 25-28 and use the relevant San Diego Live category tag to be featured in our online event hub. This makes it easy for buyers to find your stream and dive into all the convention action. Whether you're selling or just watching, don't miss out on the exciting streams, amazing personalities, and awesome exclusives at our San Diego Live Event Hub. See you there! ⚡️
