Comic-Con International is a California-based nonprofit public benefit corporation dedicated to promoting public awareness and appreciation of comics and related popular arts such as film, science fiction, and fantasy literature. Founded in 1970 originally as the San Diego’s West Coast Comic Convention, it officially became the San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) in 1973 and evolved into Comic-Con International in 1995 to reflect its broader mission beyond just comics[1][3][4]. The organization hosts the annual San Diego Comic-Con, recognized as the largest convention of its kind worldwide, drawing over 130,000 attendees before the pandemic with a diverse focus on comics, movies, television, gaming, and interactive media[3][6]. The event takes place at the San Diego Convention Center, which has been its home since 1991, with additional activities spread across nearby venues[1][3]. Beyond the main convention, Comic-Con International also organizes WonderCon, the Comic-Con Museum, the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (the comic industry's equivalent to the Oscars), and the Storytelling Across Media symposium, all aimed at celebrating and educating about the cultural contributions of comics and popular arts[2][3]. Key achievements include establishing a globally influential platform for pop culture fandom and significantly impacting San Diego's economy. The convention generates over $165 million in overall local spending, with attendees averaging nearly $700 each during their stay, and contributes more than $3.2 million in hotel and sales tax revenue annually, making it San Diego’s largest annual event and a major economic driver[5]. Notable aspects of Comic-Con include its nonprofit status, its expansive scope that bridges multiple entertainment genres, and its role as a cultural and commercial nexus for fans, creators, and industries worldwide. It fosters a unique community through cosplay, exclusive previews, panels, and an extensive Exhibit Hall, continually adapting to new media trends while honoring the historic and ongoing contributions of comics and related arts[1][2][