The 9 TV-Themed 2022 Comic-Con Activations You Need to See

Comic-Con is back. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic shut down San Diego Comic-Con for the first time in 50 years. Unfortunately, the virtual Comic-Con events that followed didn't quite match the former glory or excitement fans felt on their annual pop culture pilgrimages to the West Coast. However, this weekend marks Comic-Con's first full-scale return to live events in San Diego since the pandemic began, and studios are stepping up. Despite many entertainment media companies saving news and announcements for their own events, such as Disney's D23, SDCC still managed to bring in major presenters and talent, with TV taking center stage. AMC's The Walking Dead, HBO's Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon, ABC's Abbott Elementary and more high-profile series had major presences at Comic-Con, some of which you don't even need tickets to check out. Here are the 9 TV-themed activations you need to see for 2022, many of which will be on full display through Sunday: House of the Dragon: The Dragon's Den (HBO) Guests line up outside the House of the Dragon activation. HBO and HBO Max are hosting a House party in honor of the Targaryens on the MLK Jr. Promenade. At the House of the Dragon: The Dragon's Den activation, created by Giant Spoon, Comic-Con guests experience the sights and sounds of a Westeros, conveniently provided by apparent Targaryen supporter Bose. From Dragonstone to the Red Keep, guests head through seven dynamic phases, getting pictures on the Iron Throne and experiencing a ceremonial dragon-hatching. https://twitter.com/HouseofDragon/status/1550164724838309888 Once attendees prove themselves to be true Targaryens, they have the chance to hatch their own dragon through the augmented reality app House of the Dragon: DracARys, powered by Niantic Lightship and produced by The Mill. In other words, you can become your own version of the Mother of Dragons. Severance's Employee Orientation (Apple TV+) The Severance SDCC activation at the Hard Rock Hotel. Apple TV+'s Severance is recruiting new employees at San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel throughout the weekend. In an immersive experience, guests get the opportunity to sever themselves and start a new career at Lumon Industries. New employees will navigate through several locations featured in the series for an up-close dive into the quirky, mysterious show. The Wellness room and the boardroom at the Severance activation. Stops on their first-day orientation include the iconic boardroom, where the new hires will meet their "innie,” and MDR, where they can attempt to refine data. After that, recruits will explore the severed floor and interact with longstanding Lumon employees, gathering perks (and potentially a few finger traps) along the way. Prospective exployees can secure their own orientation time at welcometolumon.com, and don't forget to bring your dancing shoes. https://twitter.com/BenStiller/status/1550230602518958080 Ghosts' Pinecone Trooper Pete’s Friend Zone (CBS) Pete's Friend Zone at SDCC features a variety of fan activities. CBS' Ghosts continues its spirited Summer of Ghosts campaign at Comic-Con with Pinecone Trooper Pete’s Friend Zone, honoring the scout leader ghost Pete. The activation at the Interactive Zone at Petco Park features “scare-free” archery activities, but apparently, nothing is quite what it seems at the campsite on the lawn of The Woodstone Mansion. Fans can enjoy a variety of interactive experiences and better connect to their past, present and future through psychic mediums and programming. The Walking Dead Fan Celebration (AMC) The Walking Dead activation included series set pieces, props and artifacts from the show. An SDCC mainstay for a decade, The Walking Dead is honoring its final season with an extravagant activation at the Hilton Gaslamp Hotel. On Friday, AMC will host a Walking Dead Fan Celebration at the location. There, attendees will enjoy a variety of exclusive experiences, including a collection of series set pieces, props and artifacts from all seasons. Custom video content will also highlight memorable show moments and include special messages from cast and crew. It's an activation to die for—and then come back to life zombie-style so you can experience it again. Slide Into Krapopolis (Fox) The Krapopolis activation includes a 70-foot slide. Krapopolis wants fans to Greek out. The new series from Rick and Morty creator Dan Harmon brought a 70-foot slide in front of the San Diego Convention Center at the Children’s Museum Park thanks to agency Creative Riff. The activation is open to the public, providing photo opportunities with characters from the series and a chance to win a trip for two to Greece. American Horror Stories, What We Do in the Shadows, Little Demon Labyrinth (FX) https://twitter.com/AHSFX/status/1550261491756138496 FX brought several different series to its extensive, walkable labyrinth situated on 100,000 sq. ft. of outdoor space near the San Diego Convention Center. Attendees can "uncover secrets, scares and surprising giveaways along the way," according to a company statement. In the labyrinth, guests can venture through the AHS Garden of Dolls, getting a chance to receive makeup from the artist who helped design American Horror Stories' dolls. Additionally, everyone can immortalize their weekend with a photo inside the hippest new club at SDCC: Nadja’s, a nod to the upcoming season of What We Do in the Shadows. Little Demon also makes an appearance, letting people descend into the underworld of the new animated comedy. Abbott Elementary's New Teacher Dis-Orientation (ABC) ABC brought Abbott Elementary to life. Quinta Brunson's Abbott Elementary is set to welcome in a new class. The series gets its activation in partnership with Hulu + Live TV and courtesy of Creative Riff. The activation is situated in front of the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, letting fans walk the school halls. In addition, the installment features original art submitted by fans during the Abbott Elementary Fan Art Contest. Plus, fans can enjoy screenings of episodes and surprise live performances. Bob's Burgers Activation (Fox) https://twitter.com/nerdsandbeyond/status/1550206103769780231 On the heels of its first movie, which came out in May, the hit animated series Bob's Burgers takes its place on the lawn near the Omni hotel Thursday through Saturday. The Bob's Burgers Movie activation includes photos, a chance to play a "Lucky Ducks" game and even complimentary burgers during the Patty Hour from 3-6 p.m. daily. The activation marks a return to Comic-Con for Bob's Burgers, which took over the Mission Valley Shake Shack in 2018 to feed hungry Comic-Con attendees. Star Trek's 10 Forward: The Experience (Paramount+) https://twitter.com/StarTrek/status/1550231842179076096 Located at 340 Fifth Ave, Paramount+'s immersive Star Trek experience caters to the 21+ crowd. The activation includes food, intergalactic drinks, photo opportunities and interactive elements. Unfortunately, tickets sold out, according to Startrek.com, but fans could still purchase exclusive merch and get a drink at the official Starfleet Outpost beer garden. House of the Dragon’s AR App and Comic-Con Activation Makes You the Mother of Dragons

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The 9 TV-Themed 2022 Comic-Con Activations You Need to See

Zombies, dragons, dolls, giant slides and burgers have taken over the San Diego event

Bill Bradley

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