• Kevin Smith, Mira Sorvino, Los Serrano, John Romita Jr., Jorge Jiménez and more are among the names drawing huge crowds, with fans more engaged than ever
• Thousands of fans began filling FYCMA from early in the morning for four days dedicated to comics, film, television, animation, video games and pop culture
• Málaga Film Festival Director Juan Antonio Vigar surprised actress Mira Sorvino with the iconic Biznaga in recognition of her career

Málaga, October 1, 2026. San Diego Comic-Con Málaga kicked off its second edition this Thursday at FYCMA (Málaga Trade Fair and Congress Center), with an opening day marked by major names from comics and entertainment, stars meeting their fans, and a packed program of activities throughout the convention.

Since the early hours of the morning, hundreds of fans had gathered outside the venue, eager to be among the first to enter this second edition, featuring new spaces and hundreds of talents. Many arrived dressed as characters from Star Wars, Zelda, Marvel and other major pop culture icons, once again making the fans themselves one of the true stars of San Diego Comic-Con Málaga.

Panels, autograph sessions, meet-and-greets, live demonstrations, workshops and interactive experiences followed one another throughout a memorable day. As this release was being issued, the convention was witnessing a particularly special moment with the presentation of the Málaga Film Festival’s Biznaga to Academy Award-winning actress Mira Sorvino. After looking back on her career during a relaxed conversation, Sorvino had a brief meeting with Málaga Film Festival Director Juan Antonio Vigar, who presented her with the Golden Biznaga and explained the significance of this distinctly Malagueño flower.

COMIC BOOK GREATS CELEBRATE THE ENDURING APPEAL OF SUPERHEROES

Comics once again took center stage from the very beginning of the convention. John Romita Jr., one of the artists behind this edition’s official posters, started the day signing for fans in Artists’ Alley, which this year brings together more than 90 artists.

Shortly afterward, Hall M welcomed Jorge Jiménez, John Romita Jr., Pepe Larraz and Dan Mora for “Matinée: Always Superheroes,” the first panel of this year’s edition. Four leading comic book artists shared their perspectives on characters that have spanned generations, reflecting on the creative process, the relationship between writers and artists, and the ability of comics to connect with new audiences.

Romita Jr. recalled one of the best pieces of advice he ever received from his father: “Don’t take criticism personally, use it as inspiration. There will always be someone better than you, smarter or better-looking. Don’t get angry or cry about it. Use it to your advantage.”

Pepe Larraz also emphasized the importance of connecting with the person on the other side of the page: “Making comics can be very lonely, but finding that emotional connection with the reader is the most important thing to me.”

Jorge Jiménez, meanwhile, spoke about the influence of manga on his work, even when drawing American superheroes. “It’s in my linework, even if it’s unconscious. I’ve always admired it, and it’s in my DNA,” he explained. Addressing several Fine Arts students from the University of Málaga interested in entering the industry, the artist also offered some advice: “Be patient, enjoy what you do, and someone will notice.”

The program dedicated to the ninth art continued with sessions including “Journey into Darkness: A Deep Dive into Horror Comics,” featuring Álvaro Martínez Bueno, Chris Condon, Phillip Kennedy Johnson and Michael Walsh, and “Sláine: Outcast. King. Legend,” with Pat Mills and Glenn Fabry.

KARL URBAN AND AYA CASH THRILL THE FANS

One of the most eagerly awaited moments of opening day came with Karl Urban and Aya Cash, stars of The Boys, who drew a large crowd to Hall M for “Golden Hour: Karl Urban & Aya Cash.”

Amid jokes, memories and numerous questions from the audience, the two reflected on villains and antiheroes, as well as some of the characters that have defined their careers. Urban expressed particular gratitude for the welcome he received in Málaga and for the opportunity to meet his fans: “It’s something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time.” Aya Cash even treated the audience to her own demonstration of her powers on stage.

Fans did not miss the opportunity to ask questions, including which superpower they would choose in real life. Cash opted for the ability to change people’s minds, while Urban chose teleportation so he could spend more time with his family.

Another highlight featured Kevin Smith, Jason Lee and Jason Mewes, who shared stories, memories and behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the View Askewniverse, the interconnected universe that for more than three decades has brought together films, characters, comics and pop culture through titles such as Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma and Jay and Silent Bob.

LOS SERRANO REUNITE

Spanish television also took center stage at the start of San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 with one of the day’s most nostalgic reunions.

Antonio Resines, Fran Perea, Natalia Sánchez, Antonio Molero, Víctor Elías and Jorge Jurado reunited for “Los Serrano: The Reunion,” bringing much of the family from one of Spanish television’s most popular series back together on stage.

Together, they read the opening of the script from the first episode, which premiered twenty years ago and was narrated by young Curro, played by Jorge Jurado, in front of an audience deeply familiar with the series. As Víctor Elías noted, “although it wasn’t the most educational show in the world, every episode had a moral.” Humor was their trademark both on and off screen: they confessed that they sometimes had to film scenes separately because they simply could not stop laughing.

Spanish fiction was also represented by Juan Gómez-Jurado, Koldo Serra and Adriana Torrebejano in “Reina Roja: Loba Negra. From Page to Screen: The Making of Season 2,” where they shared behind-the-scenes stories from the second season, which was filmed in Málaga and Fuengirola.

FROM ANIME TO GUNDAM: FANS GET IN ON THE ACTION

Beyond the major panels, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga launched an extensive program from day one designed for fans eager to get moving, create and play.

One of the areas offering continuous activities throughout all four days of the convention is The Gundam Base, where every hour from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM attendees can take part in the Gundam Workshop and build their own RX-78-2.

Live art could also be found throughout the venue. Rubén Belloso began painting a work inspired by The Lord of the Rings in Exhibitor Hall Garden, while illustrator Salva Espín started work on the piece that will complete the comic-book bench created in Exhibitor Hall Town by BBVA, Official Main Sponsor, and Warner’s Clayface stand began to be covered in clay.

Creators’ District also hosted a self-applied FX makeup demonstration by Begoña “BB,” inspired by Teen Wolf, as well as “Art and Cosplay: The Artist’s Journey,” featuring Mingjue Helen Chen and cosplayers Gehe and Ayu.

Anime fans also had one of their major appointments in Studio M with Miyako Jingū and Mitsumasa Kimura, two Japanese animation professionals associated with titles including Sailor Moon, Captain Tsubasa, Naruto and Dragon Ball Z. Kimura worked live, creating several drawings in front of dozens of young animation fans.

Nintendo experiences, K-Zone activities dedicated to Korean culture and music, and the many other activities spread throughout the venue rounded out an opening day in which fans could go from spectators to active participants.

San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 will continue through Sunday at FYCMA, with three more days dedicated to comics, film, television, animation, video games and the many different expressions of pop culture, with plenty more surprises still to come.

The convention is supported by the FEDER Andalucía 2021–2027 Programme and the Regional Government of Andalusia, further strengthening its position as one of Europe’s leading meeting places for pop culture fans and professionals.