• Alongside Peter Gadiot and Lukas Ettlin, they take the convention by storm with a packed panel and unforgettable encounters with devoted fans.
• Andalusia Tourism presents The Surrender in Hall M, a short film combining 3D animation, manga aesthetics and local folklore while representing all eight Andalusian provinces.
• Five leading Spanish-speaking DC artists, Bruno Redondo, Dan Mora, Dani Sampere, Jorge Jiménez and Rafa Sandoval, step out of Artists’ Alley for one of the day’s major gatherings.

DOWNLOAD PHOTOS FROM FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2

Málaga, October 2, 2026. ONE PIECE sent fans into a frenzy this Friday at San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026. Iñaki Godoy, Taz Skylar, Peter Gadiot and Lukas Ettlin were the stars of a second day that saw fans pack Hall M to welcome the series’ cast, meet them, take photos and experience one of today’s biggest pop culture phenomena up close.

Day two of SDCC Málaga once again filled FYCMA (Málaga Trade Fair and Congress Center) with major names from film, television, comics, anime, animation and video games. From action heroes Winston Duke and Manu Bennett, joined by Olympic karate champion Sandra Sánchez, to the Star Wars universe.

ONE PIECE TAKES HALL M BY STORM

Excitement surrounding the One Piece cast could be felt throughout the day, reaching its peak when Iñaki Godoy, Taz Skylar, Peter Gadiot and Lukas Ettlin arrived in Hall M. The audience rose to its feet to welcome them, and the four responded with warmth, jokes, hugs and constant references to their relationship with the fans.

The cast delved into the enormous challenge of adapting a phenomenon like One Piece into live action and the responsibility that comes with taking on a story followed by millions of people around the world. They spoke about honesty, self-criticism and the effort involved in preserving the essence of characters with an exceptionally devoted fan community.

Godoy also explained just how much playing Luffy has changed his own life: “I think Luffy came into my life to remind me that dreams are beautiful and that they do exist. I still can’t believe what has happened to me.”

And while the panel sparked euphoria, that same excitement carried over into the cast’s encounters with fans. Attendees began queuing well in advance for the chance to meet them and take photos, making their time in Málaga one of the defining images of this second edition.

ANDALUSIA BECOMES A VIDEO GAME

The day also included an institutional visit from Manuel Gavira, Second Vice President and Regional Minister for Tourism, Justice, Deregulation and Local Administration of the Regional Government of Andalusia, who presented a new campaign that uses the language and visual style of video games to showcase a different side of Andalusia. In it, a young Japanese woman progresses through different levels guided by the Carriazo Bronze amulet, one of the most emblematic artifacts of Tartessian culture. According to Gavira, this is just a preview of a campaign that will present an Andalusia that is “real, vibrant and contemporary.”

Following the presentation, accompanied by Ricardo Maldonado, Marketing Director at BBVA, and Leopoldo Sánchez, Head of Public Administration for Telefónica Eastern Andalusia – Movistar, he toured every area of the convention, joining Málaga Mayor Francisco de la Torre for a memorable encounter with the 501st Legion.

THE “SPANISH JUSTICE LEAGUE” TAKES OVER SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON MÁLAGA

From Artists’ Alley to the stage. Bruno Redondo, Dan Mora, Dani Sampere, Jorge Jiménez and Rafa Sandoval stepped away for a few hours from the tables where they have been drawing, signing and talking with fans to come together for “DC Comic Artists Spotlight,” one of the highlights of day two for comic book fans. The session brought five artists associated with some of DC’s most important characters together on the same stage. It was such a concentration of talent that attendees themselves dubbed the group their own “Spanish Justice League.”

Comics remained at the heart of Friday’s programming. Jorge Fornés, Bruno Redondo and Arthur Suydam explored the creative process behind some of the industry’s most recognizable imagery in Memorable Covers: Designing the Face of Comics, while Jesús Merino and Pasqual Ferry shared their experiences working for publishing giants such as Marvel and DC.

FROM ACTION HEROES TO STAR WARS

Winston Duke, known worldwide for Black Panther, and Manu Bennett, star of productions including Spartacus and The Hobbit, also drew hundreds of fans to “Secrets of Action Heroes,” a conversation that went far beyond the physical preparation required for their roles.

Duke reflected on his roots in Trinidad and how, as a child, he never imagined he would one day become an action hero. Bennett, meanwhile, spoke about the importance of always searching for the story behind each character and shared personal experiences that have shaped the way he approaches acting. The actor brought the session to a close with one of its biggest ovations when he transformed into Azog, his character from The Hobbit, even delivering some of his lines.

Spanish Olympic karate champion Sandra Sánchez made a surprise appearance during the session to give a demonstration in front of the two actors and share her own story, which inspired the production Karateka, opening in theaters on October 30.

Shortly afterward, the Star Wars universe took over Hall M with the arrival of the 501st Legion, while dozens of attendees took the opportunity to pose for photos with some of the saga’s most recognizable characters. Denise Gough starred in Star Wars: Which Side Are You On?, delving into Dedra Meero, her character in Andor, before Pepe Larraz and Kenny Ruiz brought the galaxy into the world of comics with Star Wars: Drawing a Galaxy Far, Far Away.

ANIME BRINGS SOME OF ITS LEADING CREATORS TO MÁLAGA

Anime once again took center stage in the schedule. Yōichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa, took part in a live drawing session; Shin’ichirō Watanabe and Toshihiro Kawamoto revisited the world of Cowboy Bebop; and Naoki Hamaguchi, director of Final Fantasy VII Revelation, revealed details about the highly anticipated final chapter.

Yoshihiro Ueda, whose four-decade career has included work on productions such as Dragon Ball and One Piece, looked back on his career and the changes the Japanese animation industry has undergone over the years.

VOICES, MUSIC AND CREATIVITY FOR EVERY GENERATION

The day also brought together some of the most recognizable voices in animation and video games. John DiMaggio, known worldwide as the voice of Bender in Futurama, looked back on his career, while Charles Martinet, the voice of Mario for decades, shared his relationship with one of the most universally recognized characters in video game history.

The schedule also produced some unexpected moments away from the stages. Fran Perea walked through the Exhibitor Hall with his guitar, mingling with attendees and adding to the atmosphere of a convention where encounters between artists and fans extend far beyond the major panels.

Friday also featured activities dedicated to board games, K-pop, Gundam, cosplay, miniatures and new technological experiences, as well as the presentation of Messi and the Giants, the new children’s animated fantasy and sports series starring a young Leo Messi, coming to Disney Channel and Disney+ in 2027. And after Akira Yamaoka’s concert on opening day, Friday belonged to Paulo Londra, a pioneer in bringing Argentine trap to an international audience, who had Hall M buzzing with hits such as Adán y Eva.

San Diego Comic-Con Málaga has now reached the halfway point, further strengthening its position as one of Europe’s leading meeting places for pop culture fans and professionals. The convention is supported by the FEDER Andalucía 2021–2027 Programme and the Regional Government of Andalusia.