SDCC ‘25: Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias and Jo Koy bring laughter to Hall H

By Gem M.

Thursday’s Gabriel Iglesias and Jo Koy Hall H panel at San Diego Comic-Con, hosted by MC/San Diego Native Chino, delivered plenty of laughs to the packed audience. Chino kicked off by introducing the well-known comedians, acknowledging that it’s the first time two comedians are at Comic-Con together. 

The panel started with the pair promoting their next comedy show happening for one night only at SoFi Stadium. The room was immediately filled with laughter and cheers from everyone just from the introduction video alone. 

After getting cozy on stage, Chino told a story about how he is related to Fluffy and how they met years later at an event. He recalled that they hadn’t seen each other for 15 years until one day he was MC-ing an event and saw him there. They had too many coincidences when bringing up their family history: their dad having the same name, being born from the same area, and having the same occupation–a mariachi singer. But fortunately for them, their dads are first cousins. Jo Koy jokingly said his last name was also Iglesias, alluding that perhaps he is also related to them, earning even more laughter from everyone. 

They then talked about how they got to Comic-Con and their history with their collections. Jo Koy collects mostly shoes while Fluffy focuses on figures, cars, and more. Fluffy said that when you’re on the floor, “you realize, you like that, you like that, you like that.” Jo Koy then added, “You don’t know the power of San Diego Comic-Con.” 

They then recalled how they decided to be comedians. Koy started it off by saying that he chose comedy right after high school and joked that he chose to not be a nurse right after graduating, a thing he jokes about since it’s common with Filipino people.

Fluffy wanted to be a comedian at 10, mainly from watching SNL. He cited Eddie Murphy as one of his biggest inspirations and shared he was going to be a teacher, acknowledging that they aren’t appreciated or paid enough. Jo Koy also added his anecdote that he also watched and loved Eddie Murphy in 1987 when he was 15. 

How did they start this collaboration? Well they noticed they had a similar fanbase and management. Koy then told the audience that they should do a show together, which funnily led later to Fluffy suddenly announcing they’re doing their show at SoFi; they didn’t even discuss the venue beforehand, earning a loud laugh from everyone.

“This show is going to be epic,” Jo Koy emphasized.

Chino then pulled up the fan questions he got from his radio listeners. The first one was “Who was your hero?” Jo Koy first said that his hero was Eddie Murphy, reiterating his reason again. But then Fluffy then said it was mom because she was there for him and was his strongest support. Jo Koy was thrown off by his answer and immediately tried to take it back and comedically brought up how his mom would be disappointed in him that he didn’t say her. 

Another fan question was “What was the worst piece of advice you got?” Fluffy immediately answered, “It’s going to hurt,” with no elaboration and making the audience laugh once again. Jo Koy’s answer was also short, and it was from his mom telling him, “when are you going to stop doing that,” meaning comedy. He elaborated for everyone the reason why she said that to him is once again how Filipinos see things and that comedy wasn’t really viable in his mom’s eyes.

The last few questions led to the biggest laughs: “what are your pre-show rituals?” Jo Koy answered that he needs to use the bathroom before his shows because he learned his lesson. He got into detail how he held his pee one time, and he had a small incident backstage. He swore that he would never do that again. Fluffy immediately followed up that he has the same ritual but instead of pee it’s “poo.” 

Another full circle moment came again when the question of aftershow rituals was asked. They both answered that it was the same as the preshow. They then jokingly (or maybe seriously?) said that their jokes and anecdotes are the reason why Marvel won’t come back, again bringing more laughter from everyone.

After a couple more questions, the panel ended with a surprise signed Funko Pop giveaway. But, they promised that everyone in attendance will get something special. A mini Funko keychain of Fluffy and merch from Jo Koy.

As the first comedian panel in Hall H, it delivered plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments.

Stay tuned to The Beat for more coverage from SDCC ’25.