The annual CBLDF San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party is back for 2025, and it promises to be an unforgettable night for a great cause. This premier industry event returns to The Westgate Hotel on Thursday, July 24th, from 8 PM to 12 MIDNIGHT PT. This year, the celebration of creativity and free speech is being co-hosted by Oni Press, the Eisner and Harvey Award-winning publisher, and global entertainment powerhouse The Nacelle Company. For fans and creators, this party is a cornerstone of the SDCC experience, offering a chance to mingle, celebrate, and support a vital organization.
The event is a joint effort from some of the most exciting names in entertainment. Joining Oni Press and The Nacelle Company are an impressive lineup of co-sponsors, including Mad Cave Studios, Kickstarter, Global Comix, and Raremarq. The collaboration highlights a shared commitment to protecting the First Amendment rights of the comics community. This support is more critical than ever, and the party serves as both a celebration and a fundraiser for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s essential work. As a premier destination for comic book addicts, we know how important it is to protect the medium we love.
What to Expect at the CBLDF San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party
This year’s party is timed perfectly to celebrate the launch of a major new comic series. Oni Press and The Nacelle Company are releasing BIKER MICE FROM MARS #1, the first-ever ongoing series for the beloved animated and toy franchise. The new book comes from the creative team of writer Melissa Flores and artist Daniel Geté. In addition, The Nacelle Company is building excitement for two new seasons of The Toys That Made Us and the upcoming Biker Mice from Mars animated series, produced with Ryan Reynolds’s Maximum Effort.
A Party with a Purpose
The core mission of the event is to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. In recent years, the comics industry has faced unprecedented legal challenges, with graphic novels like Maia Kobabe’s Gender Queer (published by Oni Press) becoming targets of censorship. The CBLDF successfully defended the book in Virginia, and Oni Press is reciprocating that support through this event and its “Fight Censorship, Read Comics!” campaign. Jeff Trexler, Interim Director of the CBLDF, notes, “Censorship is growing faster than ever in the U.S., but with the help of our sponsors, members, and the entire comics community, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is moving even faster to protect free expression.”
Sponsors, Swag, and Speed Racer
The sponsors are bringing more than just their support; they’re bringing exclusive content and celebrating their own new comics. Mad Cave Studios is highlighting the return of SPEED RACER from writer David Pepose and artist Davide Tinto. They will offer an exclusive convention variant and limited-edition bandanas.
The first 50 attendees who donate $25 or more at the door will receive a free gift bag loaded with comics and merchandise. These bags will feature sought-after variant Comic Book Covers for Biker Mice from Mars #1, a signed copy of Speed Racer #0, and a new zine from Kickstarter with crowdfunding tips from seasoned creators. The evening will also feature the CBLDF’s annual Silent Auction, where attendees can bid on rare art and collectibles from a variety of supporters. With so much happening, this is an event devoted fans won’t want to miss. For more information on publisher events, you can visit the official Oni Press page.
Conclusion
The CBLDF San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party is more than just a kickoff to the convention; it’s a powerful statement of solidarity. It’s a chance for the community to come together, honor the incredible work being done in comics, and stand up for the freedom of artistic expression. With an incredible lineup of sponsors, exclusive merchandise, and a focus on beloved franchises like Biker Mice from Mars and Speed Racer, this party is set to be one of the highlights of SDCC 2025.
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