Venture Bros. Opts Out of SDCC 2023 in Support of SAG-AFTRA Strike

The Venture Bros. creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer have announced that to support the SAG-AFTRA strike, they'll skip San Diego Comic-Con 2023.

The creator of The Venture Bros. Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer have withdrawn from San Diego Comic-Con 2023 in solidarity with the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strike.

Publick and Hammer were set to screen their series-ending special/film, The Venture Bros.: Radiant is the Blood of the Baboon Heart, and engage with fans during the event. In an Instagram post, Hammer expressed their commitment to the union and apologized to fans, stating, "We stand proudly with our union's bigger picture and have therefore pulled out of Comic Con."

The Concurrent Strikes Affecting Comic-Con

The SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes have significantly impacted this year's San Diego Comic-Con, leading to panel and presentation cancelations. ​​​​​​On Friday night, July 14, Hammer explained the decision to support the strike and prioritize the union's broader objectives, writing, "There I was, tickets to San Diego (that I purchased myself) in pocket, stupid tuxedo I bought ready to go, bags packed with pins and swag for fans, all but out the door to promote our movie at Comic Con. Then… SAG•AFTRA goes on strike. Heart breaks into pieces — twice. I don’t make the choice to stand by my union, for there is no choice."

Hammer's post conveyed the team's disappointment as well as their dedication to their fellow workers. " I stand with our actors and our union because we are one. A strike hurts, and is done as a last resort. To sit back and go on strike when you’ve nothing to lose, everything to gain, and watch others bleed for you while you accept the fruits of their suffering is just… just… No. But now I’ve everything to lose… Heart breaks for the third time. This is one of those moments in adulthood that tell you who you are. I just found out that I am a worker that cares for, and stands with his fellow workers. I’ll suffer with them and do so because what SAG•AFTRA is asking for is important.”

Despite the cancelation, they reassured fans that they would eventually have the opportunity to connect, and expressed their love and gratitude. Hammer further wrote, "We truly appreciate all of you so much. Jackson and I made something just for you, but we stand proudly with our union’s bigger picture, and have therefore pulled out of Comic Con. We owe you a thousand warm hugs, and apologize to anyone who planned on meeting us. We will meet someday, and that’s a promise. We love you."