Held March 28–30 at the Anaheim Convention Center, WonderCon 2025 burst with passion, artistry, and a close-knit fan vibe that balanced blockbuster buzz with indie heart.
Creator Spotlights & Panels
Spotlight panels were a fan-favorite. Highlights included:
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- Derek Kirk Kim (The Last Mermaid) and Sam Maggs both wowed with personal insights into their creative journeys
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- Todd McFarlane, Jim Lee, and Dan Slott delivered industry masterclasses on stage—especially the “Two Legends” showdown between Lee and McFarlane
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- Ronald D. Moore offered an epic retrospective of Battlestar Galactica, Star Trek, and more
TV & Film Panels
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- Prime Video’s Invincible panel dove deep into Season 3, with co-showrunner Simon Racioppa sharing production stories—from romance scene pacing to multiverse voice acting.
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- Horror fans flocked to the Until Dawn panel featuring director David F. Sandberg and cast, who unveiled behind-the-scenes effects secrets: “lots of latex and blood!”.
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- X‑Men ’92 & ’97 reunited voice cast and creatives in a joyful, nostalgia-fueled session—complete with Wolverine actor Cal Dodd channeling Clint Eastwood vibes.
Artist Alley & Comic Culture
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- Small Press creators enjoyed meaningful conversations and local support, even if some noted their booths were isolated from the main Artist Alley.
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- In the Golden Apple “What Am I Going To Do With All These Comics?” panel, experts discussed donating collections to universities and libraries—with Golden Apple’s own Ryan Liebowitz sharing heartwarming donor stories.
Artist Alley & Comic Culture
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- Small Press creators enjoyed meaningful conversations and local support, even if some noted their booths were isolated from the main Artist Alley.
-
- In the Golden Apple “What Am I Going To Do With All These Comics?” panel, experts discussed donating collections to universities and libraries—with Golden Apple’s own Ryan Liebowitz sharing heartwarming donor stories.
Masquerade & Community Energy
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- The WonderCon Masquerade on Saturday night dazzled with cosplay craftsmanship and choreography, hosted by Ashley Eckstein and featuring a Star Wars lightsaber performance.
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- Day One was all about casual meet‑ups, vintage vibes, and indie shopping—where creators like Dustin Nguyen (Descender/Ascender) sold keepsakes and fans connected over mutual love for comics.
Noteworthy Moments
While the major panels and headliner guests grabbed attention, some of the most memorable moments came from the smaller, spontaneous, and utterly delightful parts of the convention weekend. Here’s a deeper dive into what made WonderCon 2025 feel magical:
“Skeleton Crew” Kids Panel Takeover
In a refreshingly wholesome twist, the kids of the cast and crew from Disney+’s upcoming Skeleton Crew took the moderator reins during a Star Wars-themed panel. Their wide-eyed curiosity, honest questions, and on-stage enthusiasm brought both laughs and “aww”s from the audience. It was a reminder that fandom isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about passing it on.
Tom Kenny’s Pop-Up Musical Bash
SpongeBob fans were treated to a spontaneous and hilarious performance when Tom Kenny (voice of SpongeBob) and his band delivered a music set in the hallway near the panel rooms. It was high-energy, chaotic, and completely unscheduled—crowds gathered fast, and the vibe was pure joy.
Impromptu Cosplay Parade on the Show Floor
While Saturday night’s Masquerade was the official stage for cosplay excellence, fans also organized an impromptu cosplay parade mid-day Saturday. Over 200 cosplayers joined in, weaving through Artist Alley with music, dance, and zero pretense. Highlights included a 12-foot-tall mech build, a “group” cosplay of The Beatles’ Yellow Submarine, and a perfectly choreographed Avatar: The Last Airbender troupe.
WonderCon 2025 proved itself as San Diego Comic-Con’s more intimate sibling, brimming with creator access, heartfelt panels, indie artistry, and community warmth. It’s the sweet spot for fans seeking serious interaction without sacrificing closeness or authenticity.
Thinking about attending next year? Do it! Bring your fandom spirit and your cosiest shoes—you’ll leave refreshed, inspired, and already dreaming of sequels.
