Friday was the first day of LA Comic-Con. This iteration of Los Angeles Comic-Con takes up four halls which would seem good except fans of artist alley might be disappointed. We walked three halls on Friday at the Los Angeles Convention Center and we thought there are three things to keep in mind, two of which you’ll want to line up for as soon as possible.

First, don’t forget your Wild Bill mug. Wild Bill’s Craft Beverage Company is at Los Angeles Comic-Con. Regular con goers know that means. You pay one price and get unlimited drinks if you have a mug. If you don’t, buy one! They are regulars at Los Angeles Comic-con and veteran-owned.

Outside of celebrity signings, there are two things you’ll want to line up for at the beginning of your day, one in South Hall where the main stage is and most of the exhibiters. That’s The Stan Lee Experience. If you’ve been following LA Comic-Con, you’ll remember that although it began as Comikaze Expo in 2011 (November 5) in Kentia Hall, it morphed into Stan Lee’s LA Comic-Con in 2012. Lee did attend and preside over the proceedings. Lee died in 2018, but his presence lives on in 2025 as The Stan Lee Experience brings  Lee back as a computer-generated hologram image who can answer your questions.

The West Hall is focused on anime with a large footprint for free gaming that uses two different spaces, one for online and another for face-to-face.  West Hall also has the military recruiters right next to a car display (two Jurassic Park cars, Knight Rider’s Kit and cars made up like Pixar Animation Studios’ Cars’ characters).  Maruchan ramen is offering a free flight of noodles. You’ll get five different flavors, all delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Otherwise, in both West Hall and South Hall there are booths selling tea where you can get samples. And for people who love chocolate, you’d find two booths, one in West and the other in South Hall.

Between West Hall and South Hall is Concourse Hall where the Horror Section is. We stopped by but didn’t have time for the Haunted Car Wash or the Jack the Ripper Encounter. There was quite a line for the Carnival of Souls. You can also experience the inflatable blackout maze or the Museum of Monsters. We might try one of these on Sunday.

While there are a few artists scattered around in South Hall and West Hall, the majority of artists seem to be in Kentia Hall where we will be heading on Saturday afternoon.

For tickets visit ComicConLA.com.

Hours

Friday: 1:00 PM* – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM* – 7:00 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM* – 5:00 PM
*VIP pass holders get 30 minutes early access each day