San Diego Comic-Con had a more low-key feel this year; with the streaming wars winding down and more limited release schedules from the big studios, the money spent on the show by Hollywood appeared to be declining as a result.  There were fewer stars in Hall H, and no appearance by Marvel on the convention’s biggest stage.

There were fewer wraps on the buildings near the convention center, no skins in the convention hotel elevators, and less elaborate off-site activations.  There was still a lot going on, but not at the frenzied level of recent years.  In the collectibles business, Funko's presence seemed toned-down, reflecting declining U.S. demand for its figures.

The Diamond bankruptcy was reflected in a big change on the exhibit floor, with lots of open space in its booth area, which went to Ad Populum as one of the purchased assets.  The bankruptcy also led to a changing of the guard for retailer programming, with Lunar Distribution and Penguin Random House Publisher Services presentations filling the slot previously occupied by the Diamond Retailer Lunch (and the lunch part is gone).

Despite the changes, fan enthusiasm seemed undiminished, and comic publishers, creators, and their fans took advantage of the opportunity to connect at the greatest show on earth. 

Click Gallery below for Part 1 of our photo coverage!