The new director of Comic-Con Málaga does not come from fandom, but from a sector that can solve last year's problems

**Málaga Comic-Con Faces New Direction Amidst Past Challenges** The inaugural international edition of Comic-Con in Málaga achieved significant success in terms of attendance and ticket sales, attracting nearly 100,000 visitors. However, the event was also met with considerable criticism regarding overcapacity, extensive queues, and inflated prices, leading to over 550 consumer complaints. A recent change in leadership signals a new opportunity to refine operations and ensure the larger pop culture event can thrive outside its California origins. The international debut generated immense anticipation, with tickets selling out rapidly for most days, even before celebrity guests were announced. This initial rush demonstrated strong public interest, though early feedback suggested a shift towards a more mainstream-oriented event compared to the original. The success of the first edition, despite operational hurdles, underscores the potential for such large-scale conventions to draw significant crowds and economic impact. Official figures for the past event report 95,784 attendees over four days, with an estimated economic impact of €44.3 million and the participation of over 110 exhibitors, including major brands like Disney and Nintendo. These figures contrast with earlier announcements from the Málaga City Council, which suggested attendance exceeded 120,000, raising questions about data discrepancies. The lack of explanation regarding these differences and the accumulated consumer complaints suggests an ongoing need for transparency and improved organizational strategies for future events.