San Diego’s Comic-Con International – the *ultimate* playground for superhero stans, anime addicts, and cosplay kings/queens – is back with its signature chaos. But behind the Spider-Man selfies and exclusive merch drops, a real-world villain is lurking: trade tariffs. 🦸♂️📦
Event organizers say rising costs linked to global trade policies are squeezing studios, publishers, and indie vendors. Imagine trying to sell hand-painted figurines when shipping fees feel like a Thanos snap 💥. Small businesses, which give Comic-Con its quirky charm, are especially feeling the pinch.
“We’re seeing 20-30% price jumps on materials,” shared one vendor (dressed as a very stressed Deadpool). “It’s like the economy rolled a critical fail.” 🎲
While Marvel and DC might weather the storm, experts warn the tariffs could reshape fan culture itself. Will next year’s Con have fewer indie artists? More corporate booths? The stakes are higher than a lightsaber duel. 🔥
But true to Comic-Con spirit, creativity’s fighting back: Vendors are teaming up for bulk orders, and some publishers are switching to local suppliers. As one panelist put it: “Fandoms survive apocalypses daily. This? We’ll cosplay our way through.” 🛡️✨
