Pop Culture Fans Can Get First Taste Of Comic-Con Ahead Of Weekend Events

SAN DIEGO, CA — While Wednesday's "preview night" is technically the start of this week's San Diego International Comic-Con, a few related events will take place around the city Tuesday.

Among them is "The Science of Story," by UC San Diego, which will begin on the La Jolla campus with the free Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers' Masterclass at 10 a.m. in The Loft at UCSD, 3151 Matthews Lane.

At 7:30 p.m., UCSD's Epstein Family Amphitheater will host "Shredding the Multiverse: Music from Cobra Kai, The Penguin, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, and More," a night of rock music from popular movies. Tickets start at $30.

"Whether you're a writer, filmmaker, gamer, or just a fan of gripping storytelling, `The Science of Story' delivers events that give you the chance to deeply engage with the very idea of story, helping you discover the connective tissue of narrative experiences," said Colleen Kollar Smith, executive artistic director of campus performances and events at ArtPower. "There's no better way to get into the Comic-Con mood than by attending one or all of the events we have planned. Even if you're not attending Comic-Con, you'll find something to love at 'The Science of Story."'

A Comic-Con badge is not required to attend any "Science of Story" events. Tickets for each event, where required, can be purchased at artpower.ucsd.edu/scienceofstory-2026/.

In Balboa Park, the Helen Woodward Animal Center will host its 14th annual "PAWmicon," a celebration of pets, pop culture and pet adoption.

"Inspired by Comic-Con, this one-of-a-kind event transforms Balboa Park into a superhero headquarters where hundreds of dogs (and their humans) suit up in unforgettable cosplay while celebrating the real superheroes: those who choose adoption," a statement from the center read.

The event runs from 4:30-7 p.m. on the Presidents Lawn (behind the Comic-Con Museum). Admission is free, but the "PAWSplay Contest" has a $30 entrance fee.

Getting to the San Diego Convention Center for Comic-Con this year will look a little different as well. Also on Tuesday, the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System will unveil its "Magic: The Gathering Event Line," which will serve as the limited direct line for the four days of Comic- Con.

"San Diego Comic-Con is one of the region's most celebrated events, bringing together creativity, imagination and wonder," said Stephen Whitburn, MTS board chair and San Diego City Councilman. "We're proud to welcome `Magic: The Gathering' as the sponsor of MTS' Special Event Line and grateful for their investment in making transit an integral part of the Comic-Con experience for the tens of thousands of fans from around the world heading to the San Diego Convention Center in Downtown San Diego.

"This partnership helps connect thousands of attendees to the excitement of the convention while supporting safe, convenient, and sustainable transportation throughout our region."

Last year, more than 117,000 trips were taken on the special event line, which operates between Balboa Avenue Transit Center and 12th & Imperial Transit Center.

As part of the partnership, Comic-Con attendees will see "Magic: The Gathering" branding throughout the transit system, including on maps, onboard rider guides, station announcements and digital displays.

— City News Service