Warner Bros. may be skipping Hall H at this year's Comic-Con International in San Diego, but that doesn't mean DC won't have a massive presence at the annual mecca of pop-culture.
DC has announced an impressive slate of panels and events taking place throughout the convention highlighting both the DC Universe streaming service and the publisher's flagship superhero, Batman, who celebrates his 80th anniversary this year.
A special DC Universe two-hour event on Saturday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront will center on the service's original series, including news, sneak peeks and screenings for Tians, Doom Patrol, Young Justice: Outsiders and Harley Quinn. Meanwhile, on Friday, July 19 at 10 a.m. in Room 9, fans can attend a panel featuring the hosts of DC Daily.
“We are excited to showcase our original shows and share more news of what’s to come in year two for DC UNIVERSE,” DC Universe SVP and General Manager Sam Ades said in a statement. “In San Diego, we’ll embrace the ways in which DC UNIVERSE provides real-life membership benefits like no other service, designed specifically for DC fans. After last year’s amazingly successful introduction at SDCC, we’re thrilled to focus on the members who have made the service home to their DC fandom by offering unique, interesting experiences only we can provide.”
DC Universe members can also partake in a number of exclusive events and giveaways, including:
- An all-inclusive trip to San Diego awarded in a sweepstakes through the DC UNIVERSE service*
- Passes to the exclusive screening of the premiere of DC Spotlight: Shazam, a behind-the-scenes documentary
- VIP tickets to attend Batman’s induction into the Comic-Con Museum Hall of Fame
- Access to sign-up for a members-only signing with Jim Lee, world-renowned comic book artist, writer, editor and Publisher of DC
- A chance to attend a private, DCU member brunch on a yacht in the San Diego Marina with surprise talent appearances and special giveaways
On the Batman side of things, DC is celebrating the Caped Crusader's 80th birthday with The Batman Experience, "a massive, interactive exhibition that includes the largest-ever collection of Batman-related props, costumes and vehicles."
"DC is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Comic-Con to celebrate Batman’s 80th, from our dozens of panels to our newly expanded booth which is the largest on the convention center floor - THE BATMAN EXPERIENCE takes everything to the next level," DC Publisher and CCO Jim Lee said.
The Batman Experience also includes:
- The Dark Knight Dive is the centerpiece attraction of THE BATMAN EXPERIENCE and a one-of-a-kind VR skydiving experience into the Gotham City. By combining a skydive booth with the magic of VR goggles and a helmet in the shape of a Batman cowl, gamers and Batman fans will enjoy a 4D interactive experience. Visitors will virtually fly through Gotham City in pursuit of the Scarecrow, who in attempting to take over the city, unleashes his Fear gas and creates a harrowing journey for fans through Batman’s 80 years of friends and foes.
- The Batcave gaming lounge will feature all generations of Batman video and arcade games straight from the DC archives - examples include Warner Bros. titles such as Batman The Brave And The Bold (Wii or 3DS), LEGO Batman 3 (PS4), Batman: Arkham Knight (PS4) and Injustice 2 (PS4) - and are all available to play as part of THE BATMAN EXPERIENCE.
- Hundreds of rare pieces of iconic DC comic book art and large-scale film and television props, including several from Tim Burton’s groundbreaking “Batman” film such as the Batmobile and Batsuit worn by Michael Keaton. The original Batman feature film is celebrating its own 30th anniversary this year. Joining these classic pieces will be a new car created by “Wayne Technology” that will give fans a taste of their future entertainment experiences in autonomous cars with 5G.
- WHAAM! KABOOM! POW! The Rogue Gallery Rumble is an interactive punching bag experience that uses projection mapping and lights to trigger classic and iconic animations and sounds throughout the space.
- A special 6-foot Batman Black & White Statue designed by acclaimed artist and writer Todd McFarlane will be unveiled on July 17, marking the 100th statue in the line. The one-of-a-kind life-size version of the 100th statue will be displayed throughout SDCC along with the other 99 Batman Black & White figures from DC Collectibles.
The Batman Experience will take place at Balboa Park, and a sneak preview will occur at an event called The Gathering on Wednesday, July 17 at 5 p.m. Tickets are available here.