September 25, 2025 • 11 mins
Get ready to Geek Out! LA Comic Con is back! In this episode, KFI's Heather Brooker gives you a front-row seat to all the excitement at LA Comic Con 2025. From celebrity appearances straight out of the Marvel Universe, and fan-favorite panels to gaming, anime, and cosplay, we’ve got the inside scoop. CEO Chris DeMoulin joins us to share what makes this year’s event the biggest and best yet. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love the energy of pop culture, this episode will get you hyped for the weekend ahead.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome back to entertain me. I'm Heatherbrooker, and we have
a very special treat for you today. As you know,
we cover all things from SoCal to the silver screen. Well,
for me, nothing is more exciting happening here in SOCOL
than Los Angeles Comic Con, and every year I have
the pleasure of talking to CEO Christa Mulin about what
fans can expect at the con this year. A, you bet,
(00:23):
I'm good. It's so nice to talk with you. This is,
you know, our annual conversation, our Comic Con chat, and
I always look forward.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
To it me too.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
There's some exciting stuff happening this year. I was looking
through the schedule of events and the panels. You have
some huge names that are coming this year. Tell me
a little bit about that.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Well, you know, as you know, we always after every
show we ask our fans who would you like to
see that you haven't seen yet? And we've always hoped
to be able to get some of the Avengers casts
to join us, and so we're thrilled that Elizabeth Olson
and Paul Bettany are joining us this year for able
to talk about their experiences with Avengers with WandaVision with
(01:05):
all the other wonderful things they've done, David Tennant joining
us for a Doctor Who panel, bringing in the whole
Daredevil cast. Those are sort of the you know, the
quote headlines. But what I love about LA Comic Con
is we also have you know, these sort of nostalgic
the Scream casts coming in with Matthew Lillard, the voice
actors from Phineas and ferb the Starship Troopers cast. You know,
(01:28):
one of the things we love about about LA is
how eclectic it is, and we always try to have
that represented in the guest space and I think.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
You guys have definitely done that this year. I know
my daughter actually has recently gotten into gaming, more video games,
and every year it seems like the gaming area also
is growing. What can you tell us this year that's
new in the gaming area.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Well, we have a full stage over there, just like
the main stage that we have in the in the South,
and we try to bring in all sorts of different
gas and games in there. We do have a huge
free play area. Last year we had a big Fortnite tournament.
But interestingly this year what was really coming back from
the fans as well. They love gaming. We always call
(02:14):
that the Gaming and Anime Hall, and so this year
we're actually launching a whole new activation of forty thousand
square foot kind of authentic Japanese activation around anime called
Akiva Station, and we now got a partner that helped
us build that and bring in some talent directly from Japan.
And so you know that we expanded into that area
after COVID because we you know, we knew that the
(02:36):
fans of gaming and anime really complement our core common folks,
and it's been really popular and so you know, there's
kind of more gaming over there than ever before, but
also this big anime activation called the Kiva Station that
we really hope people enjoy.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
So let's talk a little bit about if somebody has
never been to comic Con before and this may be
their first venture into a con, what can they expect
to see and what should they do first, like give
me your con tips for a.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Newbie, sure thing. And one of the fun things about
this show is about forty percent of our attendees every
year it's the first con they've ever been to, so
they're really you know, general pop culture fans who decide
this would be a really fun way to spend a day,
in many cases, spend a day with their family. My
first tip is download the app, because you know, we
(03:26):
have a very broad lineup, and by starting with the
app and seeing who's there, you can kind of remember
the family can sort of figure out what's the thing
that they love that they want to make sure they
don't miss. It's kind of like planning your day at Disneyland.
And if you if you want to do Space Mountain,
you start with planning Space Mountain and you plan around that.
So I recommend a similar strategy. I parking's tough, so
(03:51):
I'm a a big recommendation on public transit. Take the
train or ride share in so that you don't have
to deal with the parking. And I think that is
give yourself enough time to wander around because part of
the fun of a show like this is it is
there's so many things there that they could never have anticipated,
and that exploration and discovery for me, is a big
(04:14):
part of the fun of going to an event like this.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
And I have to say too, kudos to you guys,
because every year the food is better and better. I
remember those first few years just sitting on the floor
trying to like inhale a cheeseburger. But I know last
year when we went there were some amazing food trucks,
there a lot more options in terms of food and drink.
(04:37):
What can people expect in that area this year?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Yeah, I think, you know, as as we've grown as
a show, we try to get feedback from the fans
at all sorts of different areas, and I think that
you know, grabbing the quick chicken fingers and sitting on
the floor thing is not really what people want from
this experience. So we have a really big food court
with food trucks that's off the South Hall, and then
in the West Call, which is part of a Kiva station,
(05:03):
we have a whole sort of Japanese themed food food
court going on over there. So in addition to all
the things that the building offers for those of you
that love hamburg and chicken fingers, there are also two full,
you know, food experiences with plenty of places to sit
and really enjoy taking a break from walking around and
discovering fun things to get something fun to eat, about
(05:25):
to eat and talk about.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
When I was telling my husband about who all was
going to be there this year and making an appearances
and was telling him about you know, Paul Bettany Elizabeth
Olsen and he was just like, wow, that's incredible. And
then I said Charlie Cox and Kristin Ritter and he
was like, no way, Daredeubel and he got really really excited.
So I need to know from you. I know you're
(05:47):
you're inside and you're in the mix of all of
this every year, but who do you get super excited
and you're like, I need to make a note to
go buy this panel? Who gets you really excited?
Speaker 2 (06:00):
You're right? Every year there's sort of one thing that
touches on my personal fandom, and a couple of years
ago it was when we had Elijah and Sean and
Dom and Billy and the four Hobbits from Lord of
the Rings. I went to that panel. Last year it
was Michael J. Fox and the Best of the Future panel.
Ye this year for me, because you know, when I
first met stan Lee, I was telling him that starting
(06:23):
at the age of seven, I was an Avengers collector
and at one point had collected the entire series from
number one through the present day and all the annuals
and all the jobs some big, big event. So I
think the one panel I'm going to not miss this
year is Elizabeth and Paul's and if I can squeeze
in the Daredevil one, I will do that as well.
But you know, we like you are big fans and
(06:44):
your husband and so we you know, we get excited.
You know, some people we talked to for years to
get this on their schedule. I think Elizabeth and David
Tennant or people we've been talking to for years and
that the fans have requested. So we're always thrilled when
we are able to bring in a guest that people
have asked to see.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
You know, one thing we look forward to as well
is walking through the aisles and seeing all of the
art and all of the artwork. Can you talk a
little bit about some of the you know, whether it
be artists or actual comic book signings or authors and
that sort of things that maybe kind of might fly
under the radar for some people that aren't like the
(07:23):
big wow moments. Are there a few of those that
you want to like mention that people should keep an
eye out for.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
I mean, we I think, you know, do you know,
we try to make sure that I think we have
the largest artist alley of any show, certainly in North America.
We have about six hundred and fifty artists, and we
have really well known people, you know, Ryan Otley and
Mark Brooks and Mark Silvestri Andle Higgins and folks like that,
and we always will that they will always find a
(07:54):
home with us here because their work is what started
this all. But I think it's just this is important
to us that we that we I hope there are
one hundred artists there, that this is the first time
they've ever shown their work to the public, that the
sale that they make at La Comicon maybe the first
commercial sale they've ever had, because we want to be
an incubator for new talent as well. And to me,
(08:16):
I think that's why people love Artist Sally is that
you have an opportunity to find somebody whose artistic sensibility
matches your own and support them and collect them and
make their art part of your life. So I think,
you know, we we are moving the Artist Sally downstairs
into Kentia Hall, which in some ways is very appropriate
(08:38):
because in twenty eleven that's where La Comicon, then called
Kamakazi Expost started. The entire show was in Kenya Hall,
and we will now have six hundred and fifty artists
down there, as well as most of the celebrity autographs
and photographs, And I think it's it's kind of a
full circle moment that fifteen years after we started, the
(09:00):
artists are taking over the hall that was originally the
entire show.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Now I want to talk to you about the La
Convention Center itself. You guys have had this event there
for many, many years, and I know you're very familiar
with it, and recently it was announced that they're going
to be making some renovations there, hopefully in time for
the Olympics, or at least get some of it done
in time for the Olympics. From your perspective of someone
who is planning these events there every year, is this necessary?
(09:28):
Does the ELI Convention Center need some of some upgrading?
What are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 2 (09:35):
We couldn't be more thrilled and more of the plans
to expand the convention Center. You know, La is such
a great city, and yet because that convention facility is
a little on the small side for a big, modern city,
and because the two big halls aren't really contiguous, it's
(09:55):
always made it a little cumbersome to do business there.
And the plans that they have a brilliant They're going
to build a new hall, Pico Hall, that connects South
Hall and West Hall. They're going to add conference room space,
they're going to add events space, and so I'm you know,
we were very supportive. We went to all the city
council meetings and lend our voice and support of it
(10:17):
because in the long run, for the City of Los
Angeles in general and for La ComicCon specifically, it will
enable us to have a world class convention facility that
will allow us to just continue to grow and you know,
launch new activations and get into adjacent spaces of entertainment.
And so we're you know, there'll be a little bit
of working around the construction zones for the next couple
(10:39):
of years, but that's okay. You know, I've been doing
conventions twenty years. That's you know, it'll be fine. But
when it's done, I think as Angelinos will be very
proud of what's there, and it will draw. It will
draw world class events, and it will help La Comic
Con continue to serve the fans of Los Angeles in
bigger and better ways.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well, this is truly one of the most amazing events
want something my family and I look forward to every year,
and we know that it's just going to continue for
many more years to come, and we look forward to
another great con. Chris, thank you so much for your
time as.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Always, well, thank you Heather. It's always I feel like
we've been doing this for ten years running. Yes, and
I always know, I always know it's La Comic Con
time when you and I get to talk and you're
always welcome, and we appreciate your support, both as a
fan and as a journalist, and so thanks very much
for having us, having us on and taking some time
to learn more about the show.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
I know I'll be there this year at La Comic
Con with my family. We can't wait to go and
see all the stars, do a little shopping, buy some collectibles.
It's always such a great time. Thanks for listening everybody.
Remember you can listen to entertain Me anywhere on the
iHeartRadio app.
Welcome back to entertain me. I'm Heatherbrooker, and we have
a very special treat for you today. As you know,
we cover all things from SoCal to the silver screen. Well,
for me, nothing is more exciting happening here in SOCOL
than Los Angeles Comic Con, and every year I have
the pleasure of talking to CEO Christa Mulin about what
fans can expect at the con this year. A, you bet,
(00:23):
I'm good. It's so nice to talk with you. This is,
you know, our annual conversation, our Comic Con chat, and
I always look forward.
Speaker 2 (00:30):
To it me too.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
There's some exciting stuff happening this year. I was looking
through the schedule of events and the panels. You have
some huge names that are coming this year. Tell me
a little bit about that.
Speaker 2 (00:42):
Well, you know, as you know, we always after every
show we ask our fans who would you like to
see that you haven't seen yet? And we've always hoped
to be able to get some of the Avengers casts
to join us, and so we're thrilled that Elizabeth Olson
and Paul Bettany are joining us this year for able
to talk about their experiences with Avengers with WandaVision with
(01:05):
all the other wonderful things they've done, David Tennant joining
us for a Doctor Who panel, bringing in the whole
Daredevil cast. Those are sort of the you know, the
quote headlines. But what I love about LA Comic Con
is we also have you know, these sort of nostalgic
the Scream casts coming in with Matthew Lillard, the voice
actors from Phineas and ferb the Starship Troopers cast. You know,
(01:28):
one of the things we love about about LA is
how eclectic it is, and we always try to have
that represented in the guest space and I think.
Speaker 1 (01:34):
You guys have definitely done that this year. I know
my daughter actually has recently gotten into gaming, more video games,
and every year it seems like the gaming area also
is growing. What can you tell us this year that's
new in the gaming area.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
Well, we have a full stage over there, just like
the main stage that we have in the in the South,
and we try to bring in all sorts of different
gas and games in there. We do have a huge
free play area. Last year we had a big Fortnite tournament.
But interestingly this year what was really coming back from
the fans as well. They love gaming. We always call
(02:14):
that the Gaming and Anime Hall, and so this year
we're actually launching a whole new activation of forty thousand
square foot kind of authentic Japanese activation around anime called
Akiva Station, and we now got a partner that helped
us build that and bring in some talent directly from Japan.
And so you know that we expanded into that area
after COVID because we you know, we knew that the
(02:36):
fans of gaming and anime really complement our core common folks,
and it's been really popular and so you know, there's
kind of more gaming over there than ever before, but
also this big anime activation called the Kiva Station that
we really hope people enjoy.
Speaker 1 (02:50):
So let's talk a little bit about if somebody has
never been to comic Con before and this may be
their first venture into a con, what can they expect
to see and what should they do first, like give
me your con tips for a.
Speaker 2 (03:04):
Newbie, sure thing. And one of the fun things about
this show is about forty percent of our attendees every
year it's the first con they've ever been to, so
they're really you know, general pop culture fans who decide
this would be a really fun way to spend a day,
in many cases, spend a day with their family. My
first tip is download the app, because you know, we
(03:26):
have a very broad lineup, and by starting with the
app and seeing who's there, you can kind of remember
the family can sort of figure out what's the thing
that they love that they want to make sure they
don't miss. It's kind of like planning your day at Disneyland.
And if you if you want to do Space Mountain,
you start with planning Space Mountain and you plan around that.
So I recommend a similar strategy. I parking's tough, so
(03:51):
I'm a a big recommendation on public transit. Take the
train or ride share in so that you don't have
to deal with the parking. And I think that is
give yourself enough time to wander around because part of
the fun of a show like this is it is
there's so many things there that they could never have anticipated,
and that exploration and discovery for me, is a big
(04:14):
part of the fun of going to an event like this.
Speaker 1 (04:16):
And I have to say too, kudos to you guys,
because every year the food is better and better. I
remember those first few years just sitting on the floor
trying to like inhale a cheeseburger. But I know last
year when we went there were some amazing food trucks,
there a lot more options in terms of food and drink.
(04:37):
What can people expect in that area this year?
Speaker 2 (04:40):
Yeah, I think, you know, as as we've grown as
a show, we try to get feedback from the fans
at all sorts of different areas, and I think that
you know, grabbing the quick chicken fingers and sitting on
the floor thing is not really what people want from
this experience. So we have a really big food court
with food trucks that's off the South Hall, and then
in the West Call, which is part of a Kiva station,
(05:03):
we have a whole sort of Japanese themed food food
court going on over there. So in addition to all
the things that the building offers for those of you
that love hamburg and chicken fingers, there are also two full,
you know, food experiences with plenty of places to sit
and really enjoy taking a break from walking around and
discovering fun things to get something fun to eat, about
(05:25):
to eat and talk about.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
When I was telling my husband about who all was
going to be there this year and making an appearances
and was telling him about you know, Paul Bettany Elizabeth
Olsen and he was just like, wow, that's incredible. And
then I said Charlie Cox and Kristin Ritter and he
was like, no way, Daredeubel and he got really really excited.
So I need to know from you. I know you're
(05:47):
you're inside and you're in the mix of all of
this every year, but who do you get super excited
and you're like, I need to make a note to
go buy this panel? Who gets you really excited?
Speaker 2 (06:00):
You're right? Every year there's sort of one thing that
touches on my personal fandom, and a couple of years
ago it was when we had Elijah and Sean and
Dom and Billy and the four Hobbits from Lord of
the Rings. I went to that panel. Last year it
was Michael J. Fox and the Best of the Future panel.
Ye this year for me, because you know, when I
first met stan Lee, I was telling him that starting
(06:23):
at the age of seven, I was an Avengers collector
and at one point had collected the entire series from
number one through the present day and all the annuals
and all the jobs some big, big event. So I
think the one panel I'm going to not miss this
year is Elizabeth and Paul's and if I can squeeze
in the Daredevil one, I will do that as well.
But you know, we like you are big fans and
(06:44):
your husband and so we you know, we get excited.
You know, some people we talked to for years to
get this on their schedule. I think Elizabeth and David
Tennant or people we've been talking to for years and
that the fans have requested. So we're always thrilled when
we are able to bring in a guest that people
have asked to see.
Speaker 1 (07:03):
You know, one thing we look forward to as well
is walking through the aisles and seeing all of the
art and all of the artwork. Can you talk a
little bit about some of the you know, whether it
be artists or actual comic book signings or authors and
that sort of things that maybe kind of might fly
under the radar for some people that aren't like the
(07:23):
big wow moments. Are there a few of those that
you want to like mention that people should keep an
eye out for.
Speaker 2 (07:32):
I mean, we I think, you know, do you know,
we try to make sure that I think we have
the largest artist alley of any show, certainly in North America.
We have about six hundred and fifty artists, and we
have really well known people, you know, Ryan Otley and
Mark Brooks and Mark Silvestri Andle Higgins and folks like that,
and we always will that they will always find a
(07:54):
home with us here because their work is what started
this all. But I think it's just this is important
to us that we that we I hope there are
one hundred artists there, that this is the first time
they've ever shown their work to the public, that the
sale that they make at La Comicon maybe the first
commercial sale they've ever had, because we want to be
an incubator for new talent as well. And to me,
(08:16):
I think that's why people love Artist Sally is that
you have an opportunity to find somebody whose artistic sensibility
matches your own and support them and collect them and
make their art part of your life. So I think,
you know, we we are moving the Artist Sally downstairs
into Kentia Hall, which in some ways is very appropriate
(08:38):
because in twenty eleven that's where La Comicon, then called
Kamakazi Expost started. The entire show was in Kenya Hall,
and we will now have six hundred and fifty artists
down there, as well as most of the celebrity autographs
and photographs, And I think it's it's kind of a
full circle moment that fifteen years after we started, the
(09:00):
artists are taking over the hall that was originally the
entire show.
Speaker 1 (09:05):
Now I want to talk to you about the La
Convention Center itself. You guys have had this event there
for many, many years, and I know you're very familiar
with it, and recently it was announced that they're going
to be making some renovations there, hopefully in time for
the Olympics, or at least get some of it done
in time for the Olympics. From your perspective of someone
who is planning these events there every year, is this necessary?
(09:28):
Does the ELI Convention Center need some of some upgrading?
What are your thoughts on that?
Speaker 2 (09:35):
We couldn't be more thrilled and more of the plans
to expand the convention Center. You know, La is such
a great city, and yet because that convention facility is
a little on the small side for a big, modern city,
and because the two big halls aren't really contiguous, it's
(09:55):
always made it a little cumbersome to do business there.
And the plans that they have a brilliant They're going
to build a new hall, Pico Hall, that connects South
Hall and West Hall. They're going to add conference room space,
they're going to add events space, and so I'm you know,
we were very supportive. We went to all the city
council meetings and lend our voice and support of it
(10:17):
because in the long run, for the City of Los
Angeles in general and for La ComicCon specifically, it will
enable us to have a world class convention facility that
will allow us to just continue to grow and you know,
launch new activations and get into adjacent spaces of entertainment.
And so we're you know, there'll be a little bit
of working around the construction zones for the next couple
(10:39):
of years, but that's okay. You know, I've been doing
conventions twenty years. That's you know, it'll be fine. But
when it's done, I think as Angelinos will be very
proud of what's there, and it will draw. It will
draw world class events, and it will help La Comic
Con continue to serve the fans of Los Angeles in
bigger and better ways.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
Well, this is truly one of the most amazing events
want something my family and I look forward to every year,
and we know that it's just going to continue for
many more years to come, and we look forward to
another great con. Chris, thank you so much for your
time as.
Speaker 2 (11:13):
Always, well, thank you Heather. It's always I feel like
we've been doing this for ten years running. Yes, and
I always know, I always know it's La Comic Con
time when you and I get to talk and you're
always welcome, and we appreciate your support, both as a
fan and as a journalist, and so thanks very much
for having us, having us on and taking some time
to learn more about the show.
Speaker 1 (11:33):
I know I'll be there this year at La Comic
Con with my family. We can't wait to go and
see all the stars, do a little shopping, buy some collectibles.
It's always such a great time. Thanks for listening everybody.
Remember you can listen to entertain Me anywhere on the
iHeartRadio app.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.