The Best Cosplays at San Diego Comic-Con 2025 (Day 1)

Even without Marvel and DC hosting major panels this year, Comic-Con cosplayers in 2025 showed up in full force on Thursday, July 24. Thousands of fans packed the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter, showing off some of the most creative, clever, and cinematic costumes—from intricate multiverse mashups to handmade costumes crafted over months. The Gaslamp buzzed with free events and activations for badge-less fans, where Spider-people swung in from every corner and Fantastic Four suits made a strong showing ahead of the MCU film premiere. We also spotted full squads of Minecraft cosplayers, anime characters tricked out in light-up outfits, and even a fully animatronic Deadpool head that winked, blinked, and rattled off one-liners to fans posing for photos. The fandom and imagination on display were on high display—and this is only day one of Comic-Con. Here are some of our favorite looks.

Photos Courtesy of Cole Novak