Comic-Con Málaga 2025: summary and highlights of the event

Comic-Con Málaga 2025 gathered more than 100,000 fans

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Hollywood, epic cosplay and activities that marked the pop culture..

Malaga made history from September 25 to 28 by becoming the first city outside the United States to host Comic-Con. The Palacio de Ferias y Congresos (FYCMA) was transformed into a huge pop culture showcase that attracted more than 100,000 attendees from different countries.

The atmosphere was a celebration of movies, series, comics, gaming and cosplay. For four days, fans shared space with international stars, comic artists, film directors and content creators. The result was a vibrant event, with iconic moments that marked a before and after in Spain's cultural calendar.

The arrival of Comic-Con in Spain

For the first time, the San Diego Comic-Con crossed borders to be held in Malaga. With more than 80,000 m² dedicated to activities, the FYCMA became the epicenter of international pop culture.

The expectation was extremely high: tickets sold out quickly and the media described the event as a historic milestone for leisure in Spain.
Star guests and featured panels

The big attraction was the international guests, including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jared Leto, Dafne Keen, Luke Evans, Norman Reedus, Aaron Paul and Gwendoline Christie, who starred in crowded panels and signing sessions.
Also participating were comic book greats such as Jim Lee and C.B. Cebulski, along with filmmaker Juan Antonio Bayona.

The panels dedicated to film and series premieres were some of the most talked-about moments, generating conversations on social networks and strong media coverage..

Cosplay and fan community.

One of the big protagonists was cosplay. The aisles of the FYCMA were filled with spectacular costumes that recreated heroes, villains and iconic characters from manga, video games and cinema.

The official contest gathered hundreds of participants and left unforgettable images that circulated through networks.

Beyond the costumes, the fan community was felt: the event was experienced as a great shared party, with long lines, yes, but also with enthusiasm and complicity among attendees.

- Activities for all audiences.
The - program included more than 300 hours of content:
- Illustration and animation workshops and masterclasses.
- Gaming and virtual reality areas.
- Spaces dedicated to comics, illustration and graphic narrative. - Talks and round tables[/b].
- Talks and round tables with artists and creators.

The signings of artists and actors were among the most demanded, although they also generated criticism for their high prices..

Lights and shadows of the first edition.

The event made clear the enormous potential of Malaga as a cultural venue, but also some challenges.

Attendees highlighted the variety of content and the quality of the guests, although many pointed out the excessive queues and the high prices for photos and autographs as points for improvement.

Despite these criticisms, the general feeling was positive: the public celebrated having experienced a meeting of this magnitude in Spain.

Impact and future of Comic-Con in Malaga

Beyond the panels and activities, the Comic-Con Málaga 2025 had a strong economic and media impact..
The city positioned itself as a new cultural and tourist reference, attracting visitors from more than 20 countries.

The organization confirmed that the event will return in 2026 and 2027, consolidating Malaga as an international pop culture venue.

The Comic-Con Málaga 2025 was much more than an event: it was the confirmation that pop culture has a central place in Spain.

With world-class guests, a passionate audience and an unforgettable atmosphere, this first edition opens the door to a promising future.

For the creative community, Comic-Con is also a source of inspiration: a reminder of how comics, illustration, film and cosplay are art forms that connect millions of people.