On Friday, April 17, 2020, Comic-Con International made the long-expected announcement that the 2020 installment was cancelled. The convention, which was scheduled for July 23-26, fell into a timeframe that made continuing plans infeasible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This marks the first time the show has been cancelled in Comic-Con’s 50-year history.

It will return on July 22-25, 2021.

As other conventions around the world changed their dates because of coronavirus, the comics industry had been expecting the cancellation or postponement for a while. An announcement seemed on the horizon in recent days.

Earlier in the week on Tuesday, April 14, California Governor Gavin Newsom held a press conference in which he stated that “the prospect of mass gatherings is negligible” until a vaccine is created. Newsom did not give a clear answer for how long restrictions would be, but did say “When you suggest June, July, August, it is unlikely.”

“Recognizing that countless attendees save and plan for its conventions each year, and how many exhibitors and stakeholders rely upon its events for a major portion of their livelihood, they had hoped to delay this decision in anticipation that COVID-19 concerns might lessen by summer. 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,” a statement on Comic-Con’s website stated.

A week prior to this news, the San Diego Tourism Authority commented that Comic-Con was “evaluating any financial liability” that cancelling the con will bring. Comic-Con’s Chief Communications and Strategy Officer David Glanzer stated that they hoped to make an announcement soon and that an “online component” was an option if the con was outright cancelled. New information on a possible virtual experience was not announced.

Individuals who purchased badges to Comic-Con 2020 can request a refund or transfer their passes to the 2021 convention. Badge-holders will receive an email with instructions on how to request a refund. Exhibitors will receive the same option of transferring their payment to the 2021 con or get a refund.

onPeak, Comic-Con’s official hotel affiliate, will handle canceling hotel reservations and refunding deposits made through them. Those who booked rooms through onPeak will be notified when refunds are completed.

It was also announced that WonderCon Anaheim, which had already been cancelled, would return to the Anaheim Convention Center on March 26-28, 2021.

Additionally, the major renovations of Balboa Park’s Federal Building for the Comic-Con Museum have been affected by COVID-19. They are making changes to the initial major renovations with the intention of keeping the grand opening date of summer 2021 while also maintaining the planned experience for visitors.  

“Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures and while we are saddened to take this action, we know it is the right decision,” David Glanzer, spokesperson for the organization, said. “We eagerly look forward to the time when we can all meet again and share in the community we all love and enjoy.”