Green Day in Gallagher Square, Guillermo del Toro, Dumbledore: The best things we saw Friday at Comic-Con

Friday at Comic-Con International saw the same waves of thousands and thousands of people in downtown San Diego, both inside and outside of the San Diego Convention Center, showing that the long lines and blazing sunshine would not deter the masses.

Read more Rick Moranis met with standing ovation at ‘Spaceballs’ sequel Comic-Con panel

Cosplayers showed up in full battle gear, body paint, high heels, fake heads, masks and every other costume piece you can think of, handmade, ordered online or 3D printed. It was also another day of star sightings, including three-time Academy Award winning director Guillermo del Toro.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s reporters, editors and photographers were roaming around looking for the most interesting things to see. Here’s what they found.

This article will be updated throughout the day.

“Stranger Things”

Husband and wife Josue Cruz, 35, and Bella Cruz, 34, of Escondido, sit on stationary bicycles as part of a Hot Wheels and “Stranger Things” promotion on the convention floor.

— Phillip Molnar

Snoopy and siblings

At the Peanuts pop-up shop, fans will see some characters they may not know as well: Snoopy’s siblings. Belle, Andy, Olaf, Marbles and Spike are the stars of the show here, though other well-known characters are also on display. Visitors to the pop-up can buy exclusive merchandise, but the biggest highlight is a chance to “adopt” a plush version of one of the siblings from the Super7 and Best Friends Animal Society shop. 200 W. Harbor Drive.

— Abby Hamblin

Mini K-Pop Demon Hunters

There are K-Pop Demon Hunters toys on display at the Mattel booth. They are not for sale on the convention floor but are available in stores. No. 3029. Exhibit Hall.

— Phillip Molnar

A treat for Superman fans

Eagle-eyed fans at the DC booth may have seen a restaurant above the merchandise stand called “Jimmy’s,” a nod to Superman’s pal, Jimmy Olsen. However, DC said that space is only used for staff. No. 4544. Exhibit Hall.

— Phillip Molnar

“Halo” continues to be a popular choice for cosplayers

Christopher Loomis from Denver, Colorado, said he has been San Diego Comic-Con 10 times and has been sporting his Spartan cosplay, from the video game Halo, for the past six years. He said the handmade design took him six months to create and he continues to make alterations and hone is craft each year. “I love coming out here and seeing all my friends,” Loomis said. “I think the friendship is my favorite part.”

— Maya Santiago

AMC Theatres inside Comic-Con

The AMC movie booth draws fans in with a recreation of a classic movie theater entrance, complete with a menu of film-inspired merchandise, including hats, blankets and plush toys. The selection features items tied to recent releases such as “Supergirl,” “The Odyssey” and “Toy Story 5” alongside fan favorites from Harry Potter and Hello Kitty, which continue to sell out quickly, according to Tiffany Scantlebury-Wheeler, AMC’s merchandising marketing manager. Visitors can pose for photos and shop for exclusive merchandise inspired by their favorite films. “We wanted to tease and show fans what we have coming, but also bring back some of their favorites,” said Scantlebury-Wheeler. No. 3945. Exhibit Hall.

— Maya Santiago

Fans fight to save their beloved franchise

A small plane was flying over the San Diego Convention Center on Friday morning with a banner asking fans to “save Stargate.” A new show in the “Stargate” franchise was recently scrapped by Amazon MGM, frustrating some fans. The banner could be seen by attendees of San Diego Comic-Con International walking in the Gaslamp Quarter.

— Phillip Molnar

The Lodge by Paramount+

The Lodge, an immersive experience by Paramount+, returns to Happy Does Bar the Gaslamp District this year. It features cocktails, swag, games and photo-ops for many popular shows. Fans can explore the U.S.S. Port Galley for “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,” where they can enjoy nutrition cubes and drinks like Cosmic Drops and Vulcan Sunset while vibing to an alien DJ. They can also explore the Republic City Marketplace from “Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender” or find their way through “South Park.” On display as well are UFC and “Dutton Ranch.”

— Madeleine Kashkooli

The Daily Bugle

A marketer Friday morning was handing out copies of “The Daily Bugle,” the fictional newspaper where Spider-Man works as a photographer, under the Gaslamp archway. The promotion was for the upcoming film, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” The newspaper was light on articles and more focused on advertisements for Spider-Man toys.

Read more Rohnert Park fire damages apartment

— Phillip Molnar

Harry Potter cosplayers

Harry Potter cosplayers continue to warm the hearts of Comic-Con attendees, even though the final film in the franchise was released almost exactly 15 years ago. This group of cosplayers, led by San Diego’s Kim Hutsell as Albus Dumbledore, said this was either their 10th or 12th anniversary of meeting up together, though Hutsell said he has been coming to Comic-Con since the 80s.

— Abby Hamblin

Director Guillermo del Toro hits the exhibit hall

Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro held a signing for an exclusive “Pan’s Labryinth” art print and the collector’s Tarot del Toro bundle, followed by a meet-and-greet. The ticketed event was limited to the first 20 purchasers and sold out almost instantly during Wednesday’s preview night. Even after tickets were gone, eager fans continued lining up around the booth in hopes of catching a glimpse of the director.

— Maya Santiago

This family is dedicated to cosplay

The Ford Family, which documents its cosplay on Instagram as @fordfamilystrong, was seen outside the San Diego Convention Center dressed as X-Men characters. From left: Aiden Ford as Gambit, Christopher Ford as Cyclops, Carter Ford as Wolverine and Alyssa Ford as Jubilee. The family, from Atlanta, Georgia, has previously cosplayed as the Addams Family, “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” characters and “The Incredibles.”

— Abby Hamblin

A classic “Batman” cosplay

This crew of cosplayers, who want to make sure everyone knows they’re specifically representing the 1966 film version of “Batman,” traveled from Washington, D.C. to be in San Diego Friday. Asked their ages, the crew responded “over 60,” then, “over 50.” They said they’ve been friends for decades and it’s their first trip to Comic-Con.

— Abby Hamblin

Green Day in Gallagher Square

Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong played a medley of songs from the band’s catalog on top of an ice cream truck Friday afternoon at Gallagher Square. After the songs, he threw T-shirts, cassette tapes and ice cream to attendees. The appearance was a promotion of new film “Nimrods,” inspired by the band. Mason Thames and Jenna Fischer, actors in the upcoming “Nimrods” movie, were also there and threw ice cream into the crowd. Bassist Mike Dirnt and drummer Tre Cool made people ice cream in the truck.

— Madeleine Kashkooli and Phillip Molnar

Mission Control: STEAM Activity Room

In the Del Mar Room at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, a group of organizations, including IF/THEN, the Fleet Science Center and Cosplay for Science, combine to form a fictional organization, Scientists and Engineers for Space Exploration (SEFSE), from which visitors can learn about various skills and careers in science in a Mission Control program as they earn badges for completing missions. Ambassadors representing fields such as ecology, neuroscience, computer science and geology guide participants through activities such as digging for and testing gems and collecting trading cards for various women in STEAM fields.

— Abby Hamblin

Godzilla

Fans could take pictures with an actor dressed as Godzilla on the convention floor. The Godzilla booth was promoting the upcoming film, “Godzilla: Minus Zero.” There was also merchandise for sale, including a toy modeled after the new version of Godzilla in the film for $35. No. 3345. Exhibit Hall.

— Phillip Molnar

Spider-Meme

Spider-Man cosplayers responded to a call to recreate the “largest meme ever” of different versions of Spider-Man pointing at each other.

— Madeleine Kashkooli

The Latverian witch changes colors

A Latverian witch costume on display, from the upcoming Marvel Studios film, “Avengers: Doomsday,” has created a stir online because of costume changes. It was dressed green on Wednesday, gold on Thursday and purple on Friday.

— Phillip Molnar

Hall H kaiju attacks

Retailer FATRABBITFARM of Chandler, Arizona, was selling shirts and hoodies of a cat dressed as a kaiju destroying the convention center. Co-owner and artist Patty Variboa said she wanted to create a San Diego-specific design for Comic-Con International. No. 4533. Exhibit hall.

Read more Bay Area set for picturesque weather as much of United States sizzles