San Diego Comic-Con 2024’s biggest franchise headlines included Robert Downey Jr.’s return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom, the Russo brothers’ return to direct the next two Avengers films, and DC’s first preview of the new animated series Creature Commandos. The July 25–28 convention also brought news about The Penguin, Harley Quinn, DC’s All In comics initiative, Transformers One and a Lego Super Mario set.
“Biggest” here means a selection of consequential, widely recognizable announcements—not an official ranking. San Diego Comic-Con covers comics, film, television, games, animation and other popular culture, and the highlights below represent reported news rather than every panel or reveal. The San Diego Tourism Authority anticipated about 135,000 attendees across the four-day event in a June 2024 profile; that was an advance estimate, not a confirmed final count. San Diego Tourism Authority’s convention profile
Marvel brought Robert Downey Jr. back as Doctor Doom
Marvel’s Saturday Hall H presentation culminated in the announcement that Robert Downey Jr. would play Doctor Doom in Avengers: Doomsday. The Russo brothers were announced as directors of that film and the following Avengers movie. The Fantastic Four were also said to be part of the casts of both upcoming Avengers films. These details come from GamesRadar’s contemporaneous event coverage, rather than an official Marvel panel recap. GamesRadar’s Marvel SDCC 2024 live coverage
Fantastic Four: First Steps gets its title and setting
Marvel revealed the title Fantastic Four: First Steps for its forthcoming Fantastic Four film and described its world as a retro-future version of the 1960s. The panel also showed material for Captain America: Brave New World and shared updates on Thunderbolts.
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DC previewed the new universe and updated its TV slate
Creature Commandos introduced the new DC universe on screen
James Gunn presented a first trailer for the adult animated Creature Commandos. DC described the series as the first media set in the new DC cinematic universe led by Gunn and Peter Safran. DC’s July 2024 panel report said the series would have seven episodes and was planned for Max in December 2024; those were announcements made at the time, not a current release schedule. DC Studios’ Hall H panel report DC’s event recap
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The Penguin and Harley Quinn bring familiar characters back
The Penguin received a Hall H preview and a new trailer. DC framed the series as a bridge between The Batman and its sequel. DC also announced that Harley Quinn season five was planned for November 2024, with Harley and Ivy moving to Metropolis. These are convention-era announcements; they do not establish present-day availability or scheduling.
DC All In set out a broad comics initiative
DC announced All In, a publishing initiative slated to begin in fall 2024, including the return of the Justice League in Justice League Unlimited and a new line of “Absolute” universe titles. Other announced books included The New Gods, a Justice Society series, Absolute Flash and DC Horror Presents: Creature Commandos.
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DC’s report on Jim Lee’s panel said DC All In Special #1 was scheduled for the first week of October 2024, while Absolute Green Lantern was planned for March 2025. Those were announced plans, not evidence that a particular edition is currently in stock. James Gunn was quoted in DC’s July 27 report saying, “Peter (Safran) and I knew we needed one logo that would bring us all together.” DC’s All In panel report
Other highlights showed the convention’s range
Superhero news was only part of the weekend. GameSpot’s event roundup covered panels for Transformers One, Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Doctor Who, Alien: Romulus, Star Trek, The Penguin and other properties. Its listed highlights included a second Transformers One trailer and a Lego Super Mario World set showing Mario riding Yoshi. These are examples of the event’s breadth, not a claim that they outranked every other announcement. GameSpot’s SDCC 2024 roundup
Rank #4
- Star Wars Doorables Hyper Peek Set - Bundle with 2024 SDCC Exclusive 3 Doorables Mini Figures with Trading Cards Plus Stickers, More | Star Wars Mini Figures Comic Con Collectible Set.
- This Star Wars Doorables set includes one 2024 Comic Con exclusive Hyper Peek box with 3 figures and matching trading cards. Figures include The Mandalorian Din Djarin, Baby Yoda Grogu, and Cad Bane.
- Sure to be a hit with Star Wars fans, the Star Wars Doorables mini figures are great to use as party favors, party supplies, goodie bag fillers, gift basket fillers, and more!
- This Comic Con exclusive Star Wars Doorables mini figures box makes the perfect gift for your favorite Star Wars fan. These mini figurines will match any other Mandalorian merchandise and collectibles!
- Officially licensed Star Wars Doorables Hyper Peek box is great for kids and adults, boys and girls alike. Set also comes with Baby Yoda stickers and a Star Wars bookmark.
What to take away from SDCC 2024
The weekend’s most consequential franchise developments included a major Marvel casting and directing reveal, a clearer identity for the Fantastic Four film, and DC’s first on-screen preview of its new universe. DC also used the convention to promote connected television and comics plans, while other panels and reveals ranged across film, television and collectibles. Because these are historical announcements, their original release windows should not be treated as current schedules.
Quick Recap
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