San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 has reached the halfway point of its second edition, confirming the growth this event has experienced since its debut. The FYCMA venue has been packed since early morning with fans of comics, film, series, anime, and video games, in a weekend that has become one of the major pop culture events in the Spanish-speaking world this early October.
This year, the convention brings together names such as Karl Urban, Aya Cash, Iñaki Godoy, Taz Skylar, Mira Sorvino, Kevin Smith, and John Romita Jr., alongside some of the most renowned Spanish artists from DC Comics. The combination of international series, comics, anime, and national television explains why this event has established itself as an increasingly relevant reference in the European convention landscape.
One Piece sparks one of the convention’s biggest ovations
The second day was marked by the arrival of Iñaki Godoy, Taz Skylar, Peter Gadiot, and Lukas Ettlin at Hall M, in one of the most crowded panels held so far at the Málaga Comic-Con. The audience gave a standing ovation to the team behind the live-action adaptation of One Piece, in a meeting marked by jokes, hugs, and a conversation focused on the series' relationship with a community of fans that has been following the original story for decades.
One of the central themes of the panel was the responsibility of translating a phenomenon of this scale to live-action without losing the essence of its characters. The cast spoke about honesty and self-criticism when balancing an adaptation that works on its own while respecting the original material.
Godoy also shared a personal reflection on what playing Luffy has meant to him: "I think Luffy has come into my life to remind me that dreams are beautiful and they exist. I still can't believe what has happened to me." After the panel, numerous attendees waited to take photos with the cast.
Karl Urban and Aya Cash ignite the first day with The Boys
Thursday had already delivered one of the most crowded moments of the edition thanks to Karl Urban and Aya Cash, stars of The Boys. Both participated in the "Golden Hour: Karl Urban & Aya Cash" meeting, where they reviewed characters, villains, and antiheroes from the series and answered questions directly from the audience.
Urban thanked the Málaga audience for their reception, while Cash treated the stage to a demonstration inspired by her character's powers. Among the most discussed questions, both answered which superpower they would choose for their daily lives: Cash opted for mind control, while Urban preferred teleportation to spend more time with his family.
That intimate tone was repeated in the meeting featuring Kevin Smith, Jason Lee, and Jason Mewes, who revisited over three decades of stories surrounding the View Askewniverse, the universe of films such as Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma.
Mira Sorvino receives the Biznaga de Oro by surprise
The first day also had a significant tribute component. Mira Sorvino reviewed her career before participating in a meeting with Juan Antonio Vigar, director of the Málaga Festival, who surprised her by presenting her with the Biznaga de Oro in recognition of her career.
The gesture connected the convention with one of the city's own cultural symbols, incorporating a local recognition into the usual format of panels and actor meet-and-greets.
Comics assert their importance with John Romita Jr., Jorge Jiménez, and more artists
One of the first major panels brought together Jorge Jiménez, John Romita Jr., Pepe Larraz, and Dan Mora to talk about the relevance of superheroes and the relationship between writers and artists. Romita Jr., responsible for one of the official posters for this edition, recalled advice 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 spoke about the importance of the emotional connection with the reader, while Jorge Jiménez acknowledged the influence of manga on his work, even within the major American superhero universes.
On Friday, DC took center stage again when Bruno Redondo, Dan Mora, Dani Sampere, Jorge Jiménez, and Rafa Sandoval participated together in "DC Comic Artists Spotlight." Attendees dubbed this group a unique "Spanish Justice League," in reference to the growing influence of Spanish-speaking artists within the publisher.
Los Serrano returns more than two decades later
Spanish fiction also had its space at the start of the convention. Antonio Resines, Fran Perea, Natalia Sánchez, Antonio Molero, Víctor Elías, and Jorge Jurado reunited for "Los Serrano: The Reunion," recovering some of the chemistry that made the series a television phenomenon in Spain.
The cast even read the beginning of the script for the first episode. Víctor Elías humorously recalled that the series "was not the most educational in the world," although every episode ended with its own moral.
National fiction was also represented by Juan Gómez-Jurado, Koldo Serra, and Adriana Torrebejano, who participated in a meeting dedicated to Reina Roja: Loba Negra and the creation of its second season, filmed partially in Málaga and Fuengirola.
Star Wars, Black Panther, and The Hobbit expand the second day’s offerings
Friday brought Winston Duke, known for Black Panther, and Manu Bennett, linked to Spartacus and The Hobbit, to the stage for a conversation about action heroes. Bennett sparked one of the biggest ovations of the day when he channeled his character Azog and performed some of his lines.
Spanish Olympic karate champion Sandra Sánchez made a surprise appearance to perform a demonstration, before Star Wars took over Hall M with the 501st Legion. Denise Gough delved into her role as Dedra Meero in Andor, while Pepe Larraz and Kenny Ruiz discussed the graphic representation of the saga.
Anime and video games strengthen the international programming
On Thursday, Miyako Jingū and Mitsumasa Kimura, linked to productions such as Sailor Moon, Captain Tsubasa, Naruto, and Dragon Ball Z, gave the public a look into the creation process of Japanese animation.
Friday added Yōichi Takahashi, creator of Captain Tsubasa, along with Shin'ichirō Watanabe and Toshihiro Kawamoto, linked to Cowboy Bebop. Yoshihiro Ueda reviewed four decades of his career related to Dragon Ball and One Piece, while Naoki Hamaguchi spoke about the future of Final Fantasy VII.
Pop culture was also represented by John DiMaggio, the voice of Bender in Futurama, and Charles Martinet, linked for decades to Mario.
Participatory activities and music complete the experience
One of the most notable elements of this edition is the number of activities that invite the public to be more than just spectators. The Gundam Base organizes workshops to build your own RX-78-2, while other spaces offer live painting, special effects makeup, and cosplay demonstrations.
Rubén Belloso worked live on a piece inspired by The Lord of the Rings, Salva Espín participated in a work for the BBVA comic bank, and the space dedicated to Clayface has been transformed using clay throughout the days.
Music has also played a leading role, with the concert by Akira Yamaoka on the opening day and the performance by Paulo Londra on Friday in Hall M. That same day, Messi and the Giants was also presented, a new children's animated series centered on a young Leo Messi, which will arrive on Disney Channel and Disney+ in 2027.
The third day adds Elijah Wood and Sean Astin
With the event now in its third day of activity, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 has welcomed Elijah Wood and Sean Astin among the big names on Saturday, along with guests such as Deborah Ann Woll, Dan Fogler, Kristian Nairn, Richard Dean Anderson, Denise Richards, Dina Meyer, Casper Van Dien, Michael Ironside, and John DiMaggio.
The day maintains the combination of signings, actor meet-and-greets, and comic panels that has defined this edition. The Artists' Alley continues to bring together authors such as John Romita Jr., Dan Mora, Jorge Jiménez, Carmen Carnero, and Pepe Larraz.
With Saturday still underway and Sunday ahead, San Diego Comic-Con Málaga faces the final stretch of its second edition, confirming its ambition to establish itself as one of the great European events for fans of film, series, comics, anime, and video games.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026?
It is the second edition of this pop culture convention held at FYCMA, which brings together comics, film, series, anime, and video games with panels, signings, and participatory activities over four days.
Which One Piece actors participated in the event?
Iñaki Godoy, Taz Skylar, Peter Gadiot, and Lukas Ettlin starred in one of the most crowded panels, focused on the live-action adaptation of the series.
Why did Mira Sorvino receive the Biznaga de Oro in Málaga?
The actress received this recognition by surprise from Juan Antonio Vigar, director of the Málaga Festival, as a tribute to her career during her visit to the convention.
Which The Boys actors attended the convention?
Karl Urban and Aya Cash participated in the "Golden Hour" meeting, where they talked about their characters and answered questions from the audience.
Which The Lord of the Rings actors were present?
Elijah Wood and Sean Astin were among the big names of the third day of the event, held on Saturday.
How long does San Diego Comic-Con Málaga 2026 last?
The convention takes place over four days, with Saturday and Sunday still to come after the event's midpoint.
