Comic-Con canceled for first time in 50 years over coronavirus concerns

\Visitors dressed in Cosplay costumes wait in line to enter the San Diego Convention Center during Comic Con International on July 20, 2017 in San Diego, California.
\Visitors dressed in Cosplay costumes wait in line to enter the San Diego Convention Center during Comic Con International on July 20, 2017 in San Diego, California.(Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

Southern California’s Comic-Con, the fan-friendly annual convention focused on comic books and science fiction culture, was canceled Friday for the first time in its 50-year history.
Organizers cited the ongoing coronavirus pandemic as they confirmed with “deep regret” that the four-day event scheduled to start July 23 will not take place.
The hope is to return to the San Diego Convention Center in July 2021, they said.
“Continuous monitoring of health advisories and recent statements by the Governor of California have made it clear that it would not be safe to move forward with plans for this year,” organizers said in a statement Friday.
They had hoped to delay the decision considering “countless attendees save and plan for its conventions each year” and “many exhibitors and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of their livelihood,” but it’s now clear that COVID-19 concerns will continue into the summer, they said.
“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and while we are saddened to take this action, we know it is the right decision,” said David Glanzer, spokesperson for the organization. “We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all meet again and share in the community we all love and enjoy.”
People who purchased badges for Comic-Con 2020 will have the option to request a refund or transfer their badges to Comic-Con 2021, organizers said.
Exhibitors for Comic-Con 2020 also will have the option to request a refund or transfer their payments to Comic-Con 2021.

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