An inaugural Comic-Con gala without a show, but with a message: "San Diego has found a home in Malaga"

The opening gala was surprising, but due to its formality and lack of spectacularity. For a "global" event as claimed during the opening ceremony of the first San Diego Comic-Con Málaga (SDCCM), the script was very conventional. It lasted only 35 minutes—the same duration as the delay it had over the scheduled time; hosts were amiable, Dafne Keen and Taz Skylar—Skylar was chewing gum while speaking—but had no role other than introducing speeches; the spotlight was entirely on political representatives with no notable guests or surprises. In the absence of superheroes, the one who brought the most enthusiasm and passion was David Glanzer, head of communications and strategy for the main event in the United States, who after attending the start of the first European edition of SDCC all day, congratulated himself on Thursday because this project that began 55 years ago in the basement of a Californian hotel has become "the leading event of its kind in the world" and "has found a home here, in beautiful Málaga."

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In his speech in English, which could be followed in Spanish through an artificial intelligence system on mobile phones, Glanzer revealed that this leap beyond the borders of the United States was forged over two and a half years during which numerous visits to Málaga were made to seal the deal. "Great things don't happen by chance. It takes a lot of effort, a lot of work, long days and nights, to bring about an event of this caliber," stated the spokesperson for San Diego Comic-Con, who, without wanting to personalize this adventure, made it clear that "this event would not be possible without the countless meetings" and the "planning of a group that has done incredible" and "tireless" work.

David Glanzer thanked Málaga "for honoring our brand" and "for having the passion to produce an event worthy of the Comic-Con name"

On behalf of the president of San Diego Comic-Con, Robin Donlan, also present at last night's opening gala, David Glanzer expressed his satisfaction for the staging, the setup, and the spectacular atmosphere at the Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga, thanking the organization "for truly honoring our brand, for loving comics and pop art as much as we do, and for having the passion to produce an event worthy of the Comic-Con name."

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Juanma Moreno confessed he is a fan of the 'Star Wars' saga and bid farewell in Jedi style: "May the Force be with you"

The understanding between San Diego and Málaga is complete, and this was also sealed by the president of the Junta de Andalucía, Juanma Moreno, who took to the monumental stage of Hall M and, before an audience of 3,000 people, mentioned that SDCCM will continue to be held "at least" two more years until 2027. The official compared the event to the celebration of the Latin Grammy two years ago in Seville, adding that "today we repeat this feat by being the first place outside the United States to host Comic-Con." Moreno took the opportunity to remind that Andalusia is a "great set of almost 90,000 square kilometers" and revealed his geekier side as a fan of the 'Star Wars' saga, bidding farewell with a phrase very important to him: "May the Force be with you."

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Meanwhile, the mayor of Málaga, Paco de la Torre, honored the international nature of the event and began his speech in English to welcome all attendees from other nationalities. "Pop culture unites countries just like culture in general," stated the mayor, who thanked the Junta de Andalucía for sponsoring the event and the director of SDCCM, Javier Barberá, and his team for making Málaga "the European capital of this event." He garnered applause when he drew a parallel between the two coasts and claimed that "the San Diego of European California is Málaga."

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De la Torre also presented an award from the event to the mayor of the Italian city of Lucca, Mario Pardini, closely linked to the world of comics. This was the only highlight of a gala that concluded with a dance show, with fifty dancers on the grand stage of Hall M, and a confetti cannon to announce the end. There was applause, but also questioning glances and a question: "Is that it?"

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The opening gala, which included filmmaker Álex de la Iglesia—a geek of distinction—in the audience, closed a first day that, on the contrary, left a great impression. Many were amazed by the wide range of activities, staging, and atmosphere that delighted fans, many of whom were dressed as various characters, from Wonder Woman to hundreds of soldiers and creatures from 'Star Wars'. An evident success, which caused numerous and inevitable queues, but turned Málaga into the capital of pop culture. This is just the beginning. There are three more days to go and a visit from His Majesty Arnold Schwarzenegger.