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Thursday, July 23
 

10:00am PDT

Comics, Spanish, Library Magic!
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Graphic novels aren't just fun; they're secret weapons for learning and community connection. Robert Lanuza, Claudia Apodaca, and Lea Hernandez of the San Diego Public Library discuss how graphic novels can support Spanish-language learning at any age. This lively discussion focuses on how comics, bilingual storytelling, and Spanish conversation programs are helping kids build confidence, improve literacy skills, and fall in love with reading. Moderated by Rebecca Wright (St. Paul's Hollywood Library in S.C.).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, International, Kids, Library Programs, Seminars & Workshops

10:00am PDT

Independent Comics in Action: Building Worlds Outside the System
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 5AB
Independent publishing is where original characters are being created, owned, and brought directly to audiences without traditional gatekeepers. Michael Stradford (Gizmoe Press),writer David F. Walker, designer Jason Medley, and Milestone Media's co-founder Denys Cowan offer a working look at how independent comics are actually being developed, financed, and released today. Moderated by Michael Polis, the panel spotlights Gizmoe Press projects including Grindhouse Comics Presents, an anthology built around original characters rooted in 1970s genre cinema; Fargo: Panama Gold, the next installment in the long-running western series; and an in-progress book on the career of artist Butch Guice. The discussion also covers integrating legacy characters like Fargo and Damballa into new stories, building an audience before launch, and using crowdfunding as a primary publishing model.
Special Guests
avatar for Denys Cowan

Denys Cowan

Booth #4601, Comic-Con Special Guest
Denys Cowan’s acclaimed work as the artist on The Question, Detective Comics, Black Panther, Deathlok, and Nightwing in the 1980s established him as one of comics’ most distinctive storytellers. In 1993 he helped launch Milestone Media, the revolutionary company that changed the face of comics by centering diverse voices and perspectives. Beyond comics, Cowan served as executive producer of the... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

10:00am PDT

Meet the New New Media Studio
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 6A
The entertainment landscape is changing. It can be felt in the water, in the earth, in the air. With studio consolidation, public frustration at A.I. slop, and experienced creatives striking out on their own, a new arts and crafts movement is on the rise. Small indie studios dedicated to creating entertainment aligned to a specific genre or audience across media are emerging, raising the question of whether a handful of passionate artists telling stories across formats can build a viable entertainment business. New media pioneer Felicia Day (Lost Daughter of Sparta, The Guild), Todd Stashwick (VisionQuest, Star Trek: Picard), Matt Medney (Gungnir), Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), and Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Overwatch) discuss their New New Media studios, how they work, and what can be learned from historical indie art movements and the current crowdfunding revolution. Moderated by David Nett (ProgCore Fantasy).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, TTRPG, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: A New Quest Awaits
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Hall H
An exclusive first look at season 3 of Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Series stars Walker Scobell, Aryan Simhadri, Charlie Bushnell, Tamara Smart, Levi Chrisopulos, and Olive Abercrombie appear with executive producers Craig Silverstein and Dan Shotz on a panel moderated by Juju Green, to share behind-the-scenes stories, introduce new characters, and preview the adventures ahead as The Titan's Curse comes to life later this year on Disney+.
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Hall H
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Fandom, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

10:00am PDT

They Can Buy Themselves Flowers
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
When fantastic and terrifying things happen, the protagonists of these books jump directly into the fray. Terry J. Benton-Walker (The Drakon King), Kamilah Cole (An Arcane Inheritance), Ayana Gray (I, Medusa), Katee Robert (The Tarot Trials), and Scarlett St. Clair (Terror at the Gates) discuss writing characters who take destiny into their own hands. Moderated by Jenni Marchisotto (Mysterious Galaxy).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Conan the Barbarian: Beyond the Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
The world of Conan is bigger than ever. Marcos Cronander (Heroic Signatures), Fred Malmberg (director), Shawn Curley (marketing creative director), and others share a look at what lies beyond the comic page, including new gaming projects, the Conan Exiles Remaster, merchandise reveals, and an update on an animated project in development. Moderated by Andrew Sumner (Forbidden Planet TV).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Games, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Crafting Words, Shaping Worlds
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 29CD
From the spark of an initial idea to the final edits, some of today's favorite authors discuss how they navigate the challenges of writing compelling books across genres. Science fiction, fantasy, horror, and romantasy writers share tips, tactics, and behind-the-scenes insight into how they spin tales that keep pages turning and may inspire the next story. Authors include Isabel J. Kim (Sublimation), Naomi Kritzer (Obstetrix), Rebecca Thorne (Moss'd in Space), and Mathilda Zeller (It Looks Like You in the Dark). Moderated by Julia Vee (The Phoenix Hoard series).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Comic Book Law School® 101: Basic Training . . . in IP Rights
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
The Comic Book Law School seminars are back, spreading knowledge and know-how in their typical fun and informative format. Over the past three decades, they have educated and entertained thousands of attendees, including creators, business owners, lawyers, and other Comic-Con International attendees, on identifying and protecting the intellectual property rights of artists, writers, and other content creators. Thursday's session on intellectual property basics provides the knowledge and insights needed to succeed with creations and creative works. As always, all three fun, interactive, and informative Comic Book Law School® programs are led by noted IP and comic book attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic. This first seminar focuses on the basics—which intellectual property rights are available to creators and business owners under U.S. copyright and trademark laws—with the goal of providing attendees with the foundation they need to understand the rights and protections available to creators of all types of creative works, including comics, games, animation, films, and other works. The program covers the best way to protect an idea, the benefits of federal registrations for copyrights and trademarks, the differences between a copyright and a trademark, issues of joint authorship and works-made-for-hire, and more. The goal of this first program is to provide attendees with insights on the protections provided under the law, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems, and perhaps debunk an urban legend or two. It is also an interactive discussion, with opportunities for attendees to weigh in, ask questions, and have fun while learning. Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Cosplay, Education, Fandom, Games, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Bud Plant: Fifty Years at the Center of Comics History
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
Alex Grand (Understanding Superhero Comic Books) interviews Bud Plant (2026 Will Eisner Comic Awards Hall of Fame inductee; founder, Bud Plant Art Books) about his career, from the earliest comic book conventions and the birth of the direct market to independent comics such as Cerebus, Star Reach, and Elfquest. The discussion also covers Bud’s iconic catalogs, his lifelong passion for collecting comics and original art, and the sales of Comics & Comix in 1988 and Bud Plant Art Books in 2026.
Special Guests
avatar for Bud Plant

Bud Plant

Comic-Con Special Guest
Bud Plant has been collecting, buying, and selling comics since 1968. In 2010’s Founders of Comic Fandom, Bill Schelly wrote, “Few comic art enthusiasts have had a more visionary and entrepreneurial impact on the hobby than Plant.” Even in high school, the pioneering retailer ran a mail-order comics sales business. He co-founded comics shops in 1968 and 1969, began exhibiting at... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Historical

11:00am PDT

Comics: Where Do We Draw the Line?
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
What defines a comic? Disagreements are widespread and often controversial. Some feel the definition should be limited to "illustrated narratives on printed pages," but where is the fun in that? Could comics also include The New Yorker covers and kid lit? Or medieval tapestries and Tarot cards? And what about the realms of graphic design, or even fine art? Three highly opinionated speakers who enjoy thinking outside the panel borders—Jim Thompson (founder, A People's History of Comics), Michael Dooley (comics history professor, ArtCenter College of Design), and Rob Salkowitz (faculty member, University of Washington communication leadership graduate program)—mix it up onstage in a lively discussion, with Alonso Nuñez (executive director, Little Fish Comic Book Studio) serving as moderator and referee.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Historical, Humor & Satire, International, Omni Programs

11:00am PDT

Graphic Novels for the Next Generation
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Drawing in young readers can be tough, but graphic novels can be a powerful way to convert the reluctant into the ravenous. Comic-Con special guests Huda Fahmy and Nicole Goux, along with Miles Toriko Burks (Encore!), Felicia Day (The Lost Daughter of Sparta), and Wendy Martin (Castle Swimmer) discuss how they use visual storytelling to enchant a new generation of fans. Moderated by librarian Judy Prince Neeb.
Special Guests
avatar for Huda Fahmy

Huda Fahmy

Comic-Con Special Guest
Huda Fahmy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is the author and illustrator of the webcomic series Yes, I’m Hot in This, the graphic memoir That Can Be Arranged, and the widely popular Huda F graphic novel series. Her book Huda F Cares? was a 2023 finalist for the National... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Goux

Nicole Goux

Booth #2203, Comic-Con Special Guest
Nicole Goux (she/her) is an Eisner Award–nominated illustrator and cartoonist from Los Angeles. She's the artist of DC's Shadow of the Batgirl and co-creator with Dave Baker of Forest Hills Bootleg Society (Simon and Schuster: Atheneum). She has been published by DC, Dark Horse... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Oni Press: The Countdown to 30 Years
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
The countdown to 30 years of Oni Press starts at Comic-Con as the publisher of Scott Pilgrim, EC Comics, Gender Queer, and more spotlights a slate of new releases for 2026 and beyond with creators Tyler Crook (Out of Alcatraz, Archie Goes to Hell), Bryan Lee O'Malley (Scott Pilgrim), Tradd Moore (Top Secret), Curt Pires and Juan Gedeon (Super Mondo Mega Mutts), and Christian Ward (The Forever Home), alongside Hunter Gorinson (president and publisher, Oni Press) and Sierra Hahn (editor-in-chief, Oni Press), with breaking news and announcements.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Comics

11:30am PDT

Image Comics: Comics Characters Fans Will Love or Hate . . . or Love to Hate!
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Matthew Rosenberg (If Destruction Be Our Lot), Patrick Kindlon (Tigress Island), John Layman (Chew), Rob Guillory (Chew), and Dustin Nguyen (Crownbound) discuss character building that leaps from the page and what makes characters lovable or unlikable to readers. Moderated by Jim Viscardi.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Fandom

11:30am PDT

The Jewish Experience in Comics: Characters and Creators
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
Danny Fingeroth (former Marvel editor and writer; author of Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero), Dr. Andrew Fogel (historian of popular culture; author of Superman's Jaw), and Mark S. Zaid, Esq (Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide advisor, comic book historian, author of GI's Rabbi) present a PowerPoint lecture exploring how the Jewish identities of iconic comic creators and characters influenced storylines. The panel traces the origins of characters like the Thing, Magneto, and Superman, examines the personal backstories of Golden and Silver Age creators, and considers whether cultural identities were intentionally woven into their work. Discussion also includes how publishers addressed sensitive topics such as the Holocaust and the public response, as well as the influence of Art Spiegelman's Maus and Will Eisner's graphic novels on Jewish storytelling in comics.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, International, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Mythical Mayhem: New Twists on Beloved Myths
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Myths, legends, epics, and oral tales have lasted for centuries—and with good reason. What does it take to put a new spin on a story that's been woven time and time again? Ayana Gray (I, Medusa), Gracie Marsden (Bones of Jade, Flesh Like Ice), Anders Nilsen (Tongues, Volume 1), and Demi Winters (Dawn of the North) discuss how fairy tales, myths, folk tales, and legends can be woven into new narratives to create worlds that feel both new and familiar.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  U: Updated, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

The Horror (Inspiration)! Oh, the Horror (Inspiration)!
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Moderator Jazzlyn Stone talks to Comic-Con special guests Kelly Sue DeConnick, Nicole Goux, John J. Pearson, Pornsak Pichetshote, and V.E. Schwab about the horrors of everyday life and how that translates into creative inspiration.
Special Guests
avatar for Pornsak Pichetshote

Pornsak Pichetshote

Booth #4901, Comic-Con Special Guest
Pornsak Pichetshote is an award-winning Thai American writer of comics and television. Beginning as an editor for DC's Vertigo imprint, he then oversaw DC Entertainment’s TV's department, spearheading The CW’s Arrowverse. As a comics writer, he is known for Infidel, which was... Read More →
avatar for Victoria

Victoria "V. E." Schwab

Comic-Con Special Guest
Victoria “V. E.” Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books. Schwab's series and standalone titles for readers of all ages have made her a major literary figure, whose notable works include the Villains series, the Shades of Magic universe, The I... Read More →
avatar for Kelly Sue DeConnick

Kelly Sue DeConnick

Comic-Con Special Guest
Kelly Sue DeConnick is best known for reinventing Carol Danvers as Captain Marvel at Marvel and for the Black Label standard-setting Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons at DC. Her independent comics Bitch Planet and Pretty Deadly (both from Image) have ranked as New York Times be... Read More →
avatar for John J. Pearson

John J. Pearson

Comic-Con Special Guest
John J. Pearson is an Eisner Award–winning artist and illustrator based in Leeds, UK. He is the artist and co-creator of The Patron (with Christian Ward), The Smart Division (with Zack Kaplan) and In Bloom (with Michael Conrad). He has worked on Hellblazer: Dead in America and ... Read More →
avatar for Nicole Goux

Nicole Goux

Booth #2203, Comic-Con Special Guest
Nicole Goux (she/her) is an Eisner Award–nominated illustrator and cartoonist from Los Angeles. She's the artist of DC's Shadow of the Batgirl and co-creator with Dave Baker of Forest Hills Bootleg Society (Simon and Schuster: Atheneum). She has been published by DC, Dark Horse... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

Theme: The Heart of a Story
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 3
Without theme, a story is just a sequence of events. Theme is the heartbeat of narrative, the thread that gives meaning to every scene and character arc. But what is theme? How do you find it? More importantly, how do you use it to craft stories that truly resonate? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake examines one of storytelling's most misunderstood elements and offers practical insight into creating stories that linger with readers long after the final page.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con How To, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Absolute Crisis: Relaunching Comics and the First Amendment
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 11
Relaunching the universe is a regular occurrence in comic books and films, with reimagined heroes and innovative approaches to storytelling offering new connections to a changing world. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Jeff Trexler and Dale Cendali (partner, Kirkland and Ellis), pathbreaking attorney Brian Chase, and other thought leaders explore what can be learned from relaunches and reboots in the fight for free expression through the comic arts. Are First Amendment rights enough to defend comics from the latest wave of censorship? Do graphic novels and manga require special protections beyond other types of books? And were the Founding Fathers the real creators of the generational crisis event? In this panel, laws will live, laws will die, and the world will never be the same.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Books, CBLDF Events, Comics, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

Concept to Creation: A Writers Forum
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Are you passionate about writing, creating, and storytelling? Do you have a book, script, or idea in need of some TLC? Creative professionals lead a discussion for independent authors, creators, and artists. Featuring host April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome), Doc Farrow (actor, Young Sheldon), Jessica Maison (comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press), Aristotle Dreher (content creator and performer, Aristotle Full Throttle), Laurine Price (producer and writer, Phoenix), Dr. Travis Langley (writer, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), and Tessa McFionn (novelist, Star-Crossed Negotiations).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Marriott Programs, Movies, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Night of the Living Dead: They're Coming to Get You, Comic-Con!
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Horror history takes center stage with Night of the Living Dead: The Official Story of the Film, from Titan Books. Judith O'Dea (original cast member) and Jim Cirronella (Image Ten) share behind-the-scenes stories from the making of the 1968 classic, from its independent production outside the Hollywood system to its lasting cultural and social impact. Moderated by Andrew Sumner (Forbidden Planet TV).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Shadow House: Steranko's First Foray into Film
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
Jim Steranko's At the Stroke of Midnight won the 1969 Alley Award for Best Feature Story. In 1972, the story was transformed into the short film Shadow House at the American Film Institute's Center for Advanced Film Studies by Ken Dixon. Steranko wrote the script and storyboarded the film. The original 35mm negative was recently restored to a 4K digital file at AFI, and this screening marks the film's first public showing in more than 50 years. After the screening, moderator Alex Grand (Understanding Superhero Comic Books) discusses the production with David Armstrong (Comic Book Historians moderator) and Joel Parham (archivist, AFI Archive).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Movies

1:00pm PDT

The Asian Corner: LeUyen Pham Talks Comics and Kids' Books with Gene Luen Yang
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Eisner Award winner and Caldecott Honor winner LeUyen Pham (Lunar New Year Love Story) has created more than a hundred books in her career, but she is still feeling like a newbie in the world of graphic novels. Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) talks with LeUyen about making comics, the difference between kids' books and comics, and how their Asian history fits into the stories they tell. Q&A to follow.
Special Guests
avatar for LeUyen Pham

LeUyen Pham

Comic-Con Special Guest
LeUyen Pham is the artist of over 120 books for adults and children. Her graphic novels include the multi-Eisner Award–winning Lunar New Year Love Story with Gene Yang, the Eisner Award–nominated Templar, and the bestselling Friends series with Shannon Hale. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Caldecott Honor, The Society of Illustrator’s Bronze Medal, and the Fay B. Kaigler Southern Miss Medallion. She is the creator of the Vampirina book series, which has been... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Education, Kids, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

On the Mic Podcast with Tim Drake LIVE from SDCC
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Hosted by Tim Drake (Funny or Die, Demonetize), an award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and Second City alumnus. Tim's jokes and tweets have been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Comedy Central. Tim has assembled a group of film and TV writers to discuss navigating the madness of a writing career in 2026 Hollywood. Tim is joined by Rob Kutner (writer, Conan, The Daily Show), Stefanie Leder (showrunner/writer, No Good Nick, Melissa and Joey), Kirk Kushin (animation/comic book writer, Hello Kitty and Friends Super Cute Adventures, PAW Patrol), and Hyunjin Jo (writer, Squid Game, I Am Sam).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  U: Updated, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Library Programs, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Library Programs, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

No Studio, No Publisher, No Problem!
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
What happens when the people who build Hollywood worlds decide to tell their own stories—without permission? This panel focuses on creative independence and why these authors chose self-publishing. Visual effects experts Scott Kilburn (Life of Pi; author of Summoning a Lost Fey), Jim Hillin (Beauty and the Beast; author of Somnicreolist), and Eric Wilson (The Matrix; author of The Murder Algorithm) discuss shifting from working on major movies, TV, and games to writing science fiction and fantasy. Moderated by Theresa Halvorsen (No Bad Books Press).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Library Manga for "Eager Readers"
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Gone are the days when manga were just for young "reluctant readers." Patrons of all ages are coming to the library looking for the next big thing—call them eager readers. Manga experts discuss how publishers are maximizing the impact of format, age rating, and content guidance, anime and other tie-ins, and social media and online communication to help connect readers to manga they will love and libraries can support. Moderated by Ivan Salazar (senior marketing director, Kodansha).
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics

2:00pm PDT

Myths, Monsters, and Dumpster Fires: Coloring Outside the Lines with Camilla d'Errico and Truck Torrence
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
Acclaimed artists Camilla d'Errico (Pop Manga Myths and Monsters Coloring Book) and Truck Torrence (The Official Dumpster Fire Coloring Book) lead a coloring workshop while discussing their artistic styles, inspirations, and the joy of bringing bold, imaginative worlds to life one page at a time. Attendees receive pages from their newest coloring books and can color along using complimentary colored pencils provided by Holbein Artist Materials. Tim Hopper (executive vice president, Holbein) moderates, with time for Q&A.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Seminars & Workshops

2:00pm PDT

The Human Fly vs. Dracula: Amazing Artwork and Edgy Stories
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
The Human Fly vs. Dracula series, currently in production, reveals The Human Fly's untold history before his appearance as "The Wildest Super-Hero Ever-Because He's Real!" in his Marvel Comics series. Jim Krueger (Eisner Award–winning writer, JUSTICE, Earth-X), Peter Lawson (artist, TORN, Niteside), Jaime Jameson (artist, Dreadstar, Midnight Rose), Stephen Kok (creator, Terralympus, Fractured Shards), Alan Brewer (co-owner, The Human Fly character and franchise, Trailer Park of Terror, The Burning), and Gerry Huntman (IPI Comics/IFWG publisher) discuss the rollout of the comics and graphic novels. Moderated by Michael E. Uslan (Batman, Constantine), executive producer of the Batman feature films. PLUS- Comics and graphic novel giveaway contest.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Omni Programs, Superheroes

2:15pm PDT

The Writers Coffeehouse at SDCC
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The Writers Coffeehouse is a free networking and Q&A session held annually at SDCC and monthly in bookstores around the country. Hosted by New York Times bestselling authors Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger Series, V-Wars), Dennis Crosby (Kassidy Simmons), Elle Jauffret (Cosplayed to Death), Henry Herz (Big Bad Book of Kaiju, I Am Wind), Lisa Kastner (author and publisher, Running Wild Press), and Peter Clines (14, The Fold), the Coffeehouse is a lively and interactive program that provides up-to-the-minute information on modern publishing in all its forms, as well as answers to questions that will help writers get ahead in their careers . . . or even break in for the first time. Moderated by Maberry.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Marriott Programs, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Romance on the Big Screen: Why It's About Damn Time
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The biggest genre in fiction is finally taking center stage. From buzzy adaptations to streaming sensations, romance is claiming its rightful place on screens, and audiences can't look away. Panelists Ali Hazelwood (Mate), Christina Hobbs (The Romance Revival), Lauren Billings (The Paradise Problem), Maurene Goo (One & Only), Laura Lewis (Rebelle Media), Amanda Palely (Rebelle Media), and Max Siemers (Magic Hour Entertainment) discuss why the shift is happening now, what it means for the industry, and why love stories have always been the main event. Moderated by Veronica Roth (Seek the Traitor's Son).
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Outlandish Confabulations
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Be prepared for a no-holds-barred discussion of favorite characters, storylines, and theories from Outlander—main books, bulges, and the television series are all fair game. Ginger Wiseman (The Outlander Podcast), Sarah Ksiazek (Outlander TV News), Heather Insley (Outlander SoCal Edition), and Katherine Stinson (Outlander TV News) share their takes.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Historical, Library Programs, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

3:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Matt Dinniman
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6A
The apocalypse will be novelized. Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl), a #1 New York Times bestselling author, chats with Christopher Yost (Thor: Ragnarok, The Mandalorian) about the journey that led to writing apocalyptic fiction, including the megahit Dungeon Crawler Carl series.
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate cocker spaniels, and he plays bass in one band... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:15pm PDT

Academy Award–Winning VFX Studio DNEG: Namit Malhotra's Ramayana: The Epic Begins
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
In an age of gods and kings, the fate of worlds hangs in the balance. Rama, a prince bound by duty, sacrifice, and the greater good, must face Ravana, an immortal ruler driven by pride and vengeance, powerful enough to shatter the cosmos. Namit Malhotra, filmmaker, creative visionary, founder of Prime Focus, and global CEO of the Academy Award–winning visual effects powerhouse DNEG, is joined by international superstars Ranbir Kapoor (Rama), Yash (Ravana), and acclaimed director Nitesh Tiwari for an exclusive first look at the largest cinematic undertaking in Indian film history and a sweeping new retelling of one of the world's oldest and most enduring epics. The panel includes never-before-seen footage, exclusive reveals, live performances, and special giveaways.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Historical, International, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:30pm PDT

Subversive Storytelling
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Stories have always been one of society's most powerful tools for challenging assumptions, questioning authority, and exposing uncomfortable truths. But in an era shaped by misinformation, algorithmic outrage, performative activism, and competing realities, what role does storytelling play in helping audiences navigate the noise? Can satire, speculative fiction, and graphic novels still provoke meaningful conversation in a culture increasingly divided by competing narratives? Artist, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and The A.R.C. creator Tim Disney, writer of The A.R.C. and creative director JC Lacek, publisher Matthew Medney (GUNGNIR), Lalo Alcaraz (Pulitzer-nominated artist, RFK Journalism Prize winner), Deric A. Hughes (The Flash, Arrow, Quantum Leap, The Last Starfighter), and Ben Raab (Green Lantern, Warehouse 13, Quantum Leap, The Last Starfighter) discuss subversive storytelling, political satire, and the responsibility of creators in a rapidly changing media landscape. Drawing from projects that challenge convention and blur the lines between entertainment, commentary, and cultural critique, the panel will explore how creators use fiction to interrogate truth, confront power, and imagine alternative futures. Whether through comics, film, prose, or emerging media, these creators examine how stories can entertain, unsettle, inspire, and ultimately help audiences make sense of an increasingly complicated world. Moderated by writer and host Chris Killen (ComicBook.com).
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Movies, Writers & Writing

3:30pm PDT

The Comic Book Couples!
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 10
Inkpot recipients Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane), Jimmy Palmiotti (Pop Kill, Jonah Hex), Brian Pulido (Lady Death, La Muerta), Jeff Smith (Bone, Tuki), and Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock) are joined by Cartoon Books' Vijaya Iyer, Coffin Comics' Francisca Pulido, and Crusade Comics' Deborah Tucci for one of Comic-Con's most popular, entertaining, and educational panels. In a "Newlywed Game"-type atmosphere, the couples discuss the ups and downs of being married to a comics creator, running a publishing company, and how mainstream and crowdfunding success can happen.
Special Guests
avatar for Jeff Smith

Jeff Smith

Comic-Con Special Guest
Jeff Smith is the writer and artist of such comics and graphic novels as BONE, RASL, TUKI, SHAZAM: The Monster Society of Evil and Little Mouse Gets Ready! Both BONE and RASL were self-published (Cartoon Books) and are New York Times bestsellers. BONE began the current YA graphic novel popularity explosion by launching Scholastic Books’ Graphix imprint, and it has won 52 national and international awards, including 11 Eisner Awards and 11 Harvey Awards, and has been published in 33 countries. CXC, the Columbus comics festival... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

A Crash Course in Media Literacy
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Samuel C. Spitale (author of Quirk Books' graphic novel How to Win the War on Truth) uses the comic arts to break down the types of mass communication, debunk real-world examples of misinformation that muddies the media landscape, and help concerned citizens become more savvy media consumers. Followed by Q&A.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Historical, Humor & Satire, Marriott Programs, Seminars & Workshops

4:00pm PDT

Apex Comics Group 2026-2027 Exclusive Previews
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Mariano Nicieza, writer/artist/publisher, with Scott Lobdell, Gordon Purcell, Michael Dolce, Jessica Court, and Tom Tonkin present CCI-SD exclusive premiere announcements; crossover projects with American Mythology, Dren, Philbo, and Section 8 Publishing; ColecoVision: Air Raiders, Venture, and Cosmic Avenger; and new comics including American Patriot, Phazer, Sire, Biomek, Breath of the Dragon, Agent Three Zero, Blackray, Blue Sultan, The R.I.G.H.T. Project, The Outer Space Men, and more. Featuring work from Ralph Macchio, Mark Bagley, Scott Hanna, Al Milgrom, Ariel Olivetti, Darick Robertson, Greg Hildebrandt, and more.
Special Guests
avatar for Gordon Purcell

Gordon Purcell

Artist Alley II-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Gordon Purcell is a comic book artist perhaps best known for his Star Trek work, in particular his realistic renditions of the actors who play that franchise's characters, as well as those of similarly licensed comic books, such as The X-Files, Xena, Lost in Space, Godzilla, Young... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Carousel: Comics Performances
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The long-running live comics-reading series returns to SDCC, featuring a mix of independent, established, and emerging authors and artists, including Melissa Chan (You Must Take Part in Revolution; Street Noise Books), Maelle Doliveux (I Will Live Forever; Beehive Books), Peter Kuper (Insectopolis; W. W. Norton), Katie Skelly (Heaven; Fantagraphics), Marc Torices (Cornelius: The Merry Life of a Wretched Dog; Drawn & Quarterly), and Sophie Yanow (The Contradictions; Drawn & Quarterly) participate. Hosted by R. Sikoryak (Declaration/Emancipation Illustrated; Drawn & Quarterly).
Special Guests
avatar for Katie Skelly

Katie Skelly

Comic-Con Special Guest
Katie Skelly is a cartoonist based in Los Angeles. Her latest graphic novel, Heaven, will be released in July 2026 by Fantagraphics. Her previous titles include My Pretty Vampire, The Agency, and Maids, also from Fantagraphics. She is the co-host of the comics podcast Thick Lines with Sally Madden, editor of the Viscere horror anthology series, and creator of Bad Girl Tarot. She holds a B.A. in art history from Syracuse University... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Marriott Programs, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

How Sonic the Hedgehog's First Cartoonist Rescued His Stories for a New Sonic Book!
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 4
Scott Shaw! (SDCC co-originator, Oddball Comics creator, and Eisner and Inkpot Award recipient) shares his longtime process of acquiring and owning all of his Sonic material from Archie Comics. The panel also covers the production process of presenting that work in a new format with a new look. Publisher Ken Penders, editor Patrick Luque, and colorist Ethan J. Alvaree share an upbeat tale of little people winning for a change.
Special Guests
avatar for Scott Shaw!

Scott Shaw!

Table I-08, Comic-Con Special Guest
For well over half a century, Scott Shaw! has worked on underground comix, mainstream comics, cartoon shows, and advertisements for TV and print. His credits include DC Comics’ Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Cocoa/Fruity Pebbles commercials on... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

4:00pm PDT

The Reality of A.I.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
Artificial intelligence is a theoretical algorithm that possesses human-like reasoning capability. To some, it's the work of Satan; to others, a heaven-sent tool. From the experts' point of view, what's the truth about A.I.? What's the impact it's having on people's lives, work, and world? David Tucker, senior research scientist specializing in intelligent hardware, cyber-physical systems, and A.I./M.L. (U.S. Department of Energy), and Geoffrey Long, Ph.D. (Microsoft, Disney, MIT, Miami University Emerging Technology program) join moderator Steve Saffel (Marvel, Random House, Titan Books, DEO Editorial) in seeking to demystify this modern hobgoblin while offering ways to live with it, make use of it, and protect people from it.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Omni Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Why Representation Matters in Young Adult Novels
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
The YA-OK podcast hosts Erik J. Brown (author of All That's Left in the World), Alyssa Ljub (contestant, season 4 of Netflix's The Circle) and YA-OK producer Matt Kelly lead a discussion with young adult authors Hannah V. Sawyerr (All the Fighting Parts), Susan Lee (Seoulmates), and more on why representation matters in literature, especially in YA.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Library Programs, Podcasts, Writers & Writing

4:30pm PDT

The Power of Women in Entertainment
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Actor, director, and co-founder of Brooklyn Quarter Danielle Beckmann hosts Gillian Bohrer (producer/studio executive, Twilight, Warm Bodies, La La Land), Dara Resnik (showrunner, Home Before Dark, Daredevil), Amanda Mortlock (writer/producer, Tracker, Strange Bedfellows), and Tawny Platis (voice actor for commercials, animation, Bluetooth devices, and automation) as they share how they have blazed their own paths in film, television, animation, and entertainment.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Books, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

4:45pm PDT

Tubi: Breaking Bear
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Room 6BCF
Breaking Bear is a fur-flying, law-breaking, forest-saving rampage following a dysfunctional family of bears who go full criminal to stop frackers, mobsters, and a psychotic wolf pack from destroying their home. As the bears spiral deeper into the criminal abyss, the bears face off against biker gangs, an egomaniacal news anchor, and the bears' own spectacular talent for self-sabotage. Breaking Bear premieres on Tubi in July 2026.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Room 6BCF
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Humor & Satire, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Television

5:00pm PDT

Creativity Through Fairytale Retellings Writing Workshop
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 11
This interactive workshop helps attendees create their own fairytale retellings. Brandie June (author of the Rumpelstiltskin retelling Gold Spun and Magic at the Grand Dragonfly Theatre) discusses how developing characters makes for a more interesting and complex story. Attendees will be provided with several writing prompts to encourage creative thinking as they develop their own fairytale retellings with unique characters and settings. Participants are often surprised at their own hidden creativity and leave the workshop with the beginning of their own retelling and prompts to develop characters in their writing.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

Inside Indie Manga Publishing: Manga Mavericks Books Industry Panel
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Have you ever wondered what it's like to start a manga publishing company? Manga Mavericks Books co-founders Varun Gupta (CEO and licensing director, Manga Mavericks) and Siddharth Gupta (COO and operations director, Manga Mavericks), alongside indie publishing professionals Amanda Nanawa (founder and CEO, Curation Entertainment Partners, Inc.) and Harrison Doan (head of partnerships and licensing, Mahjong Pros), discuss the challenges of establishing a manga publisher today and ways to help bring more manga to English-language readers. Announcements, prizes, and surprises are included.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics

5:00pm PDT

Mergers and Acquisitions in Entertainment, Publishing, and Gaming
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 9
This panel discusses M&A, or the buying and selling of companies, in the entertainment, publishing, and gaming industries. Topics include why companies engage in M&A transactions and broader industry trends. Panelists include investment banker Matt Wang (senior managing director, Evercore), Joe Brusha (founder and CEO, Zenescope Entertainment), Bruce Fenton and Todd Boylan (partners, Troutman Pepper Locke), and Gio Hunt (video game executive; former roles at Meta, Blizzard, and AOL). CLE (continuing legal education) credit will be offered for attorneys.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Books, Games, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

Manga Publishing Industry Roundtable
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Manga is one of the top-selling book categories in North America. Today, more manga and webtoons are available in print and digital formats than ever before, and more companies are entering the field as well. This panel explores the opportunities and obstacles facing publishers today, with publishing professionals including Hope Donovan (editorial director, VIZ Media), Kurt Hassler (president, Yen Press), Ben Applegate (director, publishing services, Penguin Random House), Morgan Perry (marketing manager, book publishing, Square Enix America), Ed Chavez (president and editor-in-chief, Denpa Books), Michael Gombos (senior director of licensed publications, Dark Horse), Varun Gupta (publisher, Manga Mavericks Books), and more. Moderated by Deb Aoki (Mangasplaining).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics

6:00pm PDT

What's the Scoop with Simon & Schuster
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 4
Amelia Johnson, Jill Hacking, Amy Lavigne, and Anna Elling (Simon & Schuster) give a sneak peek at anticipated middle-grade, young adult, and new adult books of 2026, featuring fantastical adventure, swoony romance, and pulse-pounding thrills. All attendees receive a surprise gift.
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:30pm PDT

Gay Geeks and Where to Find Them
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Nicole Maines (actor, writer), Sami DeMonster (community manager, Tiny Onion), Viktor Kerney (writer, board member, Prism Comics), and Kickxy Vixen (drag queen, cosplayer) gather to discuss their geeky careers, seeking diversity and representation, and how being a member of the community influenced their work. Special performance by Kickxy Vixen. Moderated by Julian Jetson (host, stylist).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

Making Mormon Characters in Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Matt Page (Future Day Saints) and Chris Hoffman (Salt City Strangers) share their approach to writing and drawing unique Latter-day Saint characters. They will examine what distinguishes Mormon characters in comics, including their sense of identity, connection to community, and the cultural barriers they face, and explore how these qualities fit into the stories Matt and Chris aim to tell. Moderated by Trevor Alvord (curator at the BYU Library).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Writers & Writing

6:45pm PDT

Documentary Filmmaking and Video Essays
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
If you've ever wanted to make your own documentary film or video essay, this panel is a must. Edward Doty (director, Fighting in Plain Sight) moderates an all-star panel of directors, producers, and network executives in a roundtable discussion that will prepare attendees to craft their own nonfiction work. Panelists include Mike J. Nichols (editor, Zappa and Last Play at Shea), Amanda Spain (VP of documentary, EverWonder Studios), Matthew Klickstein (author/producer, Meet Me in San Diego), and Gabriel Molton (owner, Daydream Studios).
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Grand 6, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  4: CCI-IFF, Books, CCI-IFF and Film School, Marriott Programs, Movies, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, CCI-IFF and Film School, Marriott Programs, Movies, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

How to Use Hypnotic Language for Dynamic Storytelling
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 11
Grant Offenberger (Grant Me Peace: Hypnotherapy, Talk Is Jericho) moderates a panel on psychological techniques that can help capture an audience's attention and strengthen storytelling. Panelists Jon Allen (Rick & Morty, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), Colin Stanley (Little Victorian Boy, Dropout), Alexis Mincolla (3TEETH), and Katarina Severen (WWE, Ensnared) share approaches for engaging audiences through dynamic narrative delivery.
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

When the Void Screams Back: The Latest in Sci-Fi Horror
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
Science fiction promises the stars, while horror warns to be careful how far anyone ventures. Bestselling and award-winning authors and editors Peter Clines (God's Junk Drawer, The Broken Room), Jendia Gammon (Doomflower, Dungeon Crawl at the Haunted Mall), Jean-Paul L. Garnier (Space Cowboy Books, Simultaneous Times), Scott Sigler (Beasts Beyond the Rivers, Slay: Hatchet Man), and moderator KC Grifant (Monster Gunslingers, Shrouded Horror) share insights into sci-fi horror that resonates, from the terrors of space to insidious technologies and biological processes gone monstrously wrong.
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Comic Creator Connection
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Are you a writer with a great idea for a comic book series, but you can't draw? Or maybe you're an artist looking to illustrate an incredible story, but you can't write. Where do you go to meet other creators? How is that done? Comic-Con is proud to once again host the Comic Creator Connection, a fast-paced networking event that brings writers and artists together to help them meet new creative partners. Here's how it works: In this two-hour event, writers and artists sit down across from each other at a table. By artists, that means pencillers, inkers, colorists, and more; all are welcome. Then, in five-minute sessions, they talk one-on-one with each other about their ideas and skills. At the end of each five-minute period, participants get up and move on to the next person. If both are interested in furthering the conversation, they exchange contact information. If not, they move on. Think of it as speed dating, but for writers and artists. Pro tip: The room often fills up, so arrive early for the best chance at getting in. Seating begins at 6:45.
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic Creator Connection, Comics, Education, Marriott Programs, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

7:30pm PDT

Saga Press Publishing Panel
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Simon & Schuster's Saga Press is the award-winning publisher behind many fan-favorite fantasy, sci-fi, and horror books. The panel offers an exclusive look at highly anticipated fall releases, direct conversation with bestselling authors, and insight into the state of genre publishing from Saga staff Joe Monti (vice president, associate publisher, editorial director), Theresa DeLucci (director of marketing and publicity), Christine Calella (publicity manager), Amara Hoshijo (executive editor), and Karintha Parker (publicist).
Thursday July 23, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

8:00pm PDT

Sam Kieth: Celebrating an Artistic Life
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 3
Sam Kieth was a unique talent. Several of Sam's friends and colleagues share memories and celebrate a truly wonderful person who left us much too soon. There will be a slideshow presentation featuring many images by Sam that were scanned from his original art. Attendees are welcome to share their memories of Sam Kieth. Moderated by Scott Dunbier, with others to be announced.
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con How To, Comics, Historical, LGBTQIA+, Superheroes, Tributes, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

Dracula and Frankenstein Turn 95!
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 9
Julian David Stone (author of the novel It's Alive!) and Antonia Carlotta (host of the Universally Me web series) celebrate the 95th anniversary of Dracula and Frankenstein with a presentation and discussion on the making of and the remarkable influence of the first two Universal Monster films.
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Tributes, After Dark
 
Friday, July 24
 

10:00am PDT

Bad Medicine in TV and Film
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
The physicians of Hi Everybody! A Bad Medicine Podcast return to examine what Hollywood gets right and wrong about medicine, injuries, and how the body works. Spoiler: There's almost never enough blood. Featuring Drs. Ewa Farrelly, Courtney Nicholas, Greg Winter, and Jackson Vane. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Fandom, Library Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Technology - Science - STEM, Television

10:00am PDT

Leap into Action-Filled Graphic Novels
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Adventure awaits. Danielle McKechnie (Otto Normal's Monsterton) and fellow authors Simon Estrada (Otto Normal's Monsterton), Arianna Irwin (Penelope's Escape from the Platypusary and 101 Dalmatians: Penny's Big Splash), Mike Maihack (Spider-Man: Mighty Mayhem! [A Mighty Marvel Team-Up]), Samuel Sattin (Unico Awakening), and Katie Longua (Agent Cupcake) discuss how action-packed stories spring off the page and engage middle-grade readers and teens alike.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Kids, Library Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Love in Every Universe: The Great Romance Trope Debate
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
Enemies to lovers. Fake dating. Love triangles. These are the tropes fans live for, but which ones still deliver, and which ones are overdue for a breakup? This panel turns romance into a full-on debate as voices from storytelling, publishing, and fandom go head-to-head over the tropes that define favorite love stories, featuring ROSEOAK (WEBTOON creator), Alessandra Ferreri (Wattpad head of content), E. M. Wilson (Wattpad author, Situationship), Becca Erin Title (founder, Meet Cute Bookshop), and more.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Lucasfilm Publishing: Stories from a Galaxy Far, Far Away . . .
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Lucasfilm Publishing and Star Wars authors, including Ahmed Best, Kristin Baver, and more, provide behind-the-scenes insights, stories across several eras and frontiers, and, most of all, fresh announcements and reveals that expand the Star Wars saga into books and comics for readers of all ages.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Spotlight on Briana Loewinsohn
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
Harvey Award winner and Eisner nominee Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts) and her bestie, Eisner winner Thien Pham (Family Style), have a lively discussion about the life and works of Briana Loewinsohn.
Special Guests
avatar for Briana Loewinsohn

Briana Loewinsohn

Artist Alley HH-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Briana Loewinsohn is the author of the graphic memoir Ephemera (Fantagraphics, 2023), which was listed as one of the ALA’s top graphic novels of 2023 and was awarded the 2023 Foreword Indies Editors Prize for nonfiction. Her latest book, Raised by Ghosts (Fantagraphics, 2025), won... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

TMNT: Shellebrating 300 Issues of Turtle Power and Last Ronin
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
From Technodrome-sized surprises about the blockbuster comics to jaw-dropping reveals about The Last Ronin beyond the panels, IDW's TMNT panel delivers shellshocking surprises for fans. Moderators Comic Book Couples Counseling lead an announcement-filled discussion with Gene Luen Yang, Tom Waltz, Andrew Joustra, Jake Thomas, Sarah Myer, and a surprise guest who will remain in the shadows . . . for now.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Fandom

10:30am PDT

Smallville's Kristin Kreuk: Black Star
Friday July 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
Actor Kristin Kreuk (Burden of Truth, Murder in a Small Town) discusses her first comic book, Black Star, a Northern Gothic noir infused with horror and dark humor. Kreuk appears with co-writer Peter Mooney (Rookie Blue, Mistletoe Murders) and screenwriter Eric Putzer to discuss the creative process from concept to page and the eerie world behind the series. Moderated by Andrew Sumner (Forbidden Planet TV). Black Star #1 debuts at the convention with a special exclusive cover available only at the show.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Comic Book Law School® 202: Show Me the Money!
Friday July 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
Following Thursday's Comic Book Law School® 101 panel on the basics of intellectual property (IP) law, this second session continues to an area of importance for all IP owners and creators—making money off IP capital, and perhaps even using that IP capital as the foundation for earning a living. For writers, illustrators, and all other types of artists and content creators, the process of moving ideas from mere thought to something tangible is only the first step of many. Commercializing creative works is not always smooth, and for those new to the business world, it can be a source of stress. However, with the help of this panel of legal eagles, attendees can get started on the road to the commercial launch and hopefully the success of their IP-based projects. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) leads a panel of guests—IP lawyer Chad Tillman and USD School of Law professor Monica Sullivan—for this year's second Comic Book Law School® seminar, tackling some of the more advanced issues that creators, and the businesses they work with, face when seeking to monetize their works. This session provides insights into options and opportunities for generating income from creative endeavors, including understanding key terms in contracts and licenses, from publishing to merchandising to distribution agreements; tips on working with collaborators and co-creators; separating independent contractors from employees; licenses and transfers of rights; and key things to know when Hollywood comes knocking. With the program's interactive format and discussions focusing on the problems and pitfalls that come with generating income through creative efforts, this session offers valuable insights. Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 24, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Building Connections with Middle-Grade Graphic Novels
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
From shared communities to bonds with family and friends, connections help young readers understand themselves in the world. Daniel Sulzberg (Unicons), James Burks (Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow!), Gale Galligan (The Baby-Sitters Club), Rob Thompson (Feo the Chupacabra), and Sequoia Blankenship (Feo the Chupacabra) share stories centered on empathy, trust, and belonging.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Kids, Library Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Cosplay 102: Taking It to the Next Level and Beyond
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer, panelist, and charity cosplayer), Bob Mogg (expert steampunker, fabricator, blogger, and teacher), the father-and-daughter team of Brendan Prout (charity cosplayer, author, and 501st and Rebel Legion member) and Annika P (young cosplayer and charity volunteer), Ayla Fox (actress and cosplayer), and Nathan Seekerman (armor and prop maker and cosplayer/actor) share insights on taking costuming skills into the big leagues.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

11:00am PDT

Pitching Your Comic to Publishers
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
It's nearly impossible to know what publishers are looking for at any given moment, so Comics Experience has brought together creators who have worked with nearly every major comics publisher to share their pitching insights. Andy Schmidt (editor-in-chief at BOOM! Studios), Tini Howard (Marian Heretic, X-Men), Rich Douek (Sea of Sorrows), and Chris Ryall (IDW Publishing, former editor-in-chief) share a trove of strategic information that can serve creators for years to come.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Toddlers to Teens: Writing for Kids
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
How can an adult writer get in touch with the mindset of their kid audience? What's the difference between chapter books, middle grade, and young adult? Best-selling and award-winning kidlit writers tackle these questions and more, with Marcie Colleen (Love, Triangle, Kitten Ninja), Amber Morrell (The Alchemy of Letting Go), Dan Santat (A Fishboy Named Sashimi, All the Hulk Feels), Leanne Schwartz (A Prayer for Vengeance, To a Darker Shore), Sherri L. Smith (Candace, the Universe, and Everything, Pearl), Joey Spiotto (Max, a Little Axolotl, Grumpy Unicorn), and Greg van Eekhout (COG, Happy Town).
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Youths Standing on Business
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Tales of princesses and witches are being reimagined for today's young readers. Comic-Con special guest LeUyen Pham, along with Sumayyah Beck (Airrelle of the Maroon Witches), Kim Bussing (Princess Swap), and Jennifer Lee (As I Dream of You), discuss how they are transforming a new generation of readers through fantastical written and visual storytelling. Moderated by Becca Erin Title (Meet Cute).
Special Guests
avatar for LeUyen Pham

LeUyen Pham

Comic-Con Special Guest
LeUyen Pham is the artist of over 120 books for adults and children. Her graphic novels include the multi-Eisner Award–winning Lunar New Year Love Story with Gene Yang, the Eisner Award–nominated Templar, and the bestselling Friends series with Shannon Hale. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Caldecott Honor, The Society of Illustrator’s Bronze Medal, and the Fay B. Kaigler Southern Miss Medallion. She is the creator of the Vampirina book series, which has been... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

11:30am PDT

Don't Call It a Comeback! Celebrating 40 Years of SLG Publishing
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
The independent publisher behind Jhonen Vasquez' Johnny the Homicidal Maniac, Roman Dirge's Lenore, James Turner's Rex Libris, and Serena Valentino and Ted Naifeh's GloomCookie marks 40 years of independent comics publishing and shows no signs of stopping! Too stupid to quit, too mean to die . . . find out the latest and what's ahead with SLG owner/founder/publishing icon Dan Vado and maybe some special guests. Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (founder/publisher, Ultima Comics).
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Comics

11:30am PDT

Genre Mixing and Maxxing
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Genres constantly evolve, and these authors are the Mendels in the garden, mixing and matching tropes to expand the bounds of genre. SDCC special guest Matt Dinniman (The Dungeon Crawler Carl series; Operation Bounce House), Robert Jackson Bennett (A Trade of Blood), Adalyn Grace (Belladonna; The Wretched Divine), Isabel J. Kim (Sublimation), and Veronica Roth (Seek the Traitor's Son; Divergent) discuss what it takes to define—and subvert—genre tropes to create best-selling works. Moderated by Matthew Berge (Mysterious Galaxy).
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate cocker spaniels, and he plays bass in one band... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

11:45am PDT

Nerd Stuff and Sword Things: Storytelling in the Masters of the Universe Film World
Friday July 24, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Room 6A
Fabulous secrets will be revealed in this exploration of behind-the-scenes moments and new stories set in the MOTU film world, featuring Chris Butler (screenwriter, MOTU film), Tim Sheridan (writer, Wings of Fate), Mackenzi Lee (author, Teela: Daughter of Eternos), Andy Rogers (editor, Legends of Eternia), and others. Moderated by Nate Atwood (producer, MOTU film), an expert in nerd stuff and sword things.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:45am - 12:45pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

A Conversation with San Diego Celebrities Gabriel Wisdom and (Shotgun) Tom Kelly
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
For the first time, San Diego celebrities Gabriel Wisdom and (Shotgun) Tom Kelly come to Comic-Con to share stories from their multi-decade careers in radio and TV. Gabriel was a longtime radio personality and a special part of the early days of the con, as he helped promote it to the San Diego community. He went on to become a prominent figure in the investment sector. In 2025, he published his latest book, Salton Sea Tales. (Shotgun) Tom Kelly is being inducted this year into the Radio Hall of Fame. He currently hosts a program on SiriusXM, and he recently published his book All I Wanna Do Is Play the Hits.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Fandom, Historical, Marriott Programs

12:00pm PDT

A Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing make the jump to hyperspace and showcase their Star Wars publishing partnership. Charles Beacham (editor, Mad Cave Studios), Josh Pruett and Scott Peterson (Phineas & Ferb), Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu: Danger in the Dark), Soo Lee (Star Wars: Tales from the Nightlands), and more guests present news and reveals of new tales coming soon. Fans will hear from the comic creators crafting these tales, enjoy out-of-this-world giveaways, and get a peek inside some of these exciting new projects. Moderated by Michael Siglain (creative director, Lucasfilm Publishing).
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Fandom, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Doing Comics Differently: Ignition Press Year One and Beyond
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Ignition Press co-founders Filip Sablik (publisher), Jamie S. Rich (editor-in-chief), and Jeremy Haun (creative director), along with an all-star panel of comic creators—Cullen Bunn (Ripcord), Olivia Dufault (Prima Apparata), Rob Guillory (Innards), Tini Howard (Sicko), and Christian Ward (The Patron)—reflect on their inaugural year and unlock announcements for their next phase of publishing. Every attendee will receive a secret, exclusive free giveaway.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels That Speak Up
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
These stories can't keep quiet any longer. Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library), Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire), Tilly Bridges (Just Another Summer), Susan Bridges (Just Another Summer), R. Sikoryak (Declaration/Emancipation Illustrated), and Rob Reger (Emily the Strange (25th Anniversary Edition)) discuss how graphic novels shape moments of standing up and speaking out to initiate change.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Library Programs, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Focus on Stacey McEwan
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
New York Times bestselling author Stacey McEwan, author of A Forbidden Alchemy and the Glacian Trilogy, talks with fellow bestselling author Kaylie Smith (Phantasma, Enchantra) all about writing simmering romantasy with substance, her position as a BookTok comedy sensation, and her newly released sequel, A Forsaken Prophecy.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Marriott Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Spilling the Tea on Animation IP
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
Siobhan Blanas (literary manager, The Gotham Group) moderates a discussion with Micah Askins (development coordinator, PlayStation Productions), Megan Barnard (director of development, DreamWorks Animation), Curtis Baxter (Predator: Kejime, Storm: Lifedream), Joyce Im (creative executive, Laika), Amanda Muñoz (Maul: Shadow Lord, Star Wars: The Bad Batch), and Nicholas Parker (head of business and legal affairs, The Gotham Group) on adapting books, comics, and games into animation. Panelists examine how to protect, package, and pitch IP for animated TV and film, followed by a Q&A.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Movies, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

UDON Entertainment Industry Panel 2026
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Celebrating another groundbreaking year of publishing the best video game and anime art books and manga from Japan and around the world, UDON chief Erik Ko and director of publishing Matt Moylan share all the new and exciting projects that UDON will offer in the coming months.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, International

12:00pm PDT

Writing Dialogue that Drives Your Scenes
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 3
Dialogue is one of the hardest elements to master in writing novels. Why? Because it is more than just conversation. Great dialogue must drive the plot, reveal character depth, and add drama without sounding forced. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake shares techniques for creating dialogue that feels natural, sharp, and purposeful, showing how effective dialogue can deepen characters and advance a story with every word spoken.
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con How To, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Fantasy, Fantasy, and More Fantasy
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
From cutthroat magical academies and kingdoms where dance is prohibited to rival thieves seeking mystical treasure and baking contests steaming with political intrigue, fantasy is a boundless mirror of the human experience mixed with the power of wild imagination. Melissa de la Cruz (Kingdom of Waves), Petra Lord (Queen of Faces), Anna Mercier (All We Hunger For), and Barbara Perez Marquez (To Dance the Moon and Stars) discuss world-building, swoony romances, and complex magic in their fantasy books. The message is clear: bring on more fantasy. Moderated by Sara Raasch (The Fake Divination Offense).
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Star Wars Books from Random House Worlds
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
A journey to a galaxy far, far away. Tom Hoeler (editorial director, Random House Worlds), Gabriella Munoz (editor, Random House Worlds), and New York Times bestselling authors Madeleine Roux (Star Wars: Legacy) and Ashley Poston (Star Wars: Eyes Like Stars) discuss Star Wars books from Penguin Random House, highlighting how these and other stories enrich the Star Wars universe and offer fresh perspectives on Star Wars storytelling.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Visual Literacy for Early Readers
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Creators Julio Anta (Speak Up, Santiago!; Sol Goes for the Goal), Stephen Shaskan (author/illustrator, Pizza and Taco), Trisha Speed Shaskan (author, Itty Bitty Witch), and Dora Wang (author/illustrator, Pocket Peaches) and creator-educators Chris Pearce (cartoonist, Big Fat Notebook study guides) and Jana Tropper (Animal Rescue Friends; speech-language pathologist) discuss how they scaffold early visual literacy skills. From overall story construction to artistic choices within a single panel, understanding visual images—including identifying literal and nonliteral meanings, making predictions, and connecting images with background knowledge and other media—is a critical skill for young readers. Creators share examples from their work, educators discuss classroom use, and time is reserved for Q&A.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Kids, Library Programs, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

Artist's Editions and More: What's Next at Act 4?
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Act 4 Publishing's Scott Dunbier and Amanda Dunbier talk about their remaining books coming out this year and reveal, for the first time, a number of Artist's Editions coming next year. As usual, there will be a presentation of glorious original art, as well as a Q&A session. There will also be some trivia questions (with a prize) and a raffle, with two recent Artist's Editions given away in a snazzy new Act 4 Publishing tote bag.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Historical, Superheroes

1:30pm PDT

BOOM! Comics for You: Behind the Scenes
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
What does it take to turn a deliciously twisted comic concept into a book readers can't put down? Writer Marguerite Bennett (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Gastronomique) offers an inside look at the comic-publishing process, featuring the upcoming queer, erotic horror series Gastronomique. From editorial development and creative collaboration to marketing, sales, and distribution, if you've ever wondered how bold, boundary-pushing comics get made, this is your chance to hear directly from the people who help bring them to life, including editors Elizabeth Brei and Maya Bollinger, senior designer Madison Goyette, special projects design manager Crystal White, operations associate manager Nicholas Romeo, and marketing manager Alya Kronsberg.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Mysteries & Crime Dramas

2:00pm PDT

Creating and Maintaining Your Comics Community
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Besties Raina Telgemeier (Smile), Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese), Julia Wertz (Bury Me Already, It's Nice Down Here), Thien Pham (Family Style), and Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts) discuss lives of friendship and comics.
Special Guests
avatar for Briana Loewinsohn

Briana Loewinsohn

Artist Alley HH-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Briana Loewinsohn is the author of the graphic memoir Ephemera (Fantagraphics, 2023), which was listed as one of the ALA’s top graphic novels of 2023 and was awarded the 2023 Foreword Indies Editors Prize for nonfiction. Her latest book, Raised by Ghosts (Fantagraphics, 2025), won... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Education, Humor & Satire, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Female Comic CEOs: Women Making Comics
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Women in leadership roles across pop culture help build the businesses that create the stories comic fans love. Panelists Waverly Lim (Kwento Comics), Cecilia Lim (Kwento Comics), Hilarie Schmalke (Midnight Factory), and Janet Wade (Toshigawa Universe) discuss their work building comics companies and bringing projects to readers. The session includes a recorded message from Paula Garces (Aluna; On My Block).
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Fandom, Marriott Programs

2:00pm PDT

From Burnout to Brainstorm
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
Comic-Con special guest Huda Fahmy (Huda F Cares, Huda F Would Love You?, she/her) along with Amanda Meadows (comic book editor, Andrews McMeel Publishing, she/her), James F. Wright (writer, Attrition, Godzilla: Rivals: Rodan versus Ebirah, he/him), and MLOU the Artist (zine maker, "Explaining My Gender in Tagalog," they/them) discuss what's good in what's real: the value in practice and process, showing up for each other, naming truths and preserving histories, and why it's vital to participate in the defense of reality and the most vulnerable among us. Moderated by Christine Pasalo Norland (writer, founder, Hello Barkada, she/her).
Special Guests
avatar for Huda Fahmy

Huda Fahmy

Comic-Con Special Guest
Huda Fahmy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is the author and illustrator of the webcomic series Yes, I’m Hot in This, the graphic memoir That Can Be Arranged, and the widely popular Huda F graphic novel series. Her book Huda F Cares? was a 2023 finalist for the National... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Get Your Story into Comics or Animation
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
A book, short story, treatment, or work-in-progress script can become a comic or animated project without relying on traditional gatekeepers. Indie creators and producers discuss current pathways for adaptation and production, including building creator-led pipelines and reaching audiences through newer distribution channels. Panelists S. G. Blaise (founder/CCO, Lilac Grove Entertainment), Kris Longo (CEO/publisher, PANICK Publishing), Lesley Worton (president/head of production, Tongal Productions), David Derks (TV executive, cartoonist, and pop culture commentator), Eric Elder (founder/executive producer, OW! Entertainment), and Heidi MacDonald (editor-in-chief, Comics Beat) share practical guidance on developing, packaging, and positioning projects for comics and animation. Moderated by James David Powell (writer and producer, BlerdHive).
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Laughing Through the Quest: Humor in Fantasy and LitRPG
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl), Becca Lee Gardner (Adventure Cats: A Choose Your Cat Adventure), Aaron N. Hall (The Legend of Uh), and Kenny Gould (The Castle of 1000 Doors) discuss the ins and outs of crafting humorous fiction. Moderated by Jonathan Bacon-Liu (host of the All the Time We Have podcast).
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate cocker spaniels, and he plays bass in one band... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

The Scribe Awards and Media Tie-in Panel
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Each year, the International Association of Media Tie-in Writers presents the Scribe Awards to celebrate outstanding works tied to popular licenses, such as novelizations of movies and TV shows, as well as numerous original works set in the worlds of Star Wars, the MCU, the DCU, video games, popular TV shows, and more. The awards event at SDCC includes a lively panel discussion with current nominees and past winners. Jonathan Maberry, the president of the IAMTW (author and comic book writer, Joe Ledger series, NecroTek, Punisher) moderates a panel featuring Stacia Deutsch (author, Ninjago, Smurfs), David Avallone (author and actor, Elvira, Red Sonja Noir), Scott Sigler (author, Aliens: Phalanx, Beasts Beyond the River), Debbie Daughetee (author, Kolchak, Murder, She Wrote), Gini Koch (author, Alien series), and Jennifer Brody (author, Star Wars, Disney).
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Awards Ceremonies, Books, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, International, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

LGBTQIA+ Activism in Comics
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
In a time of polarization when politics has seeped into every corner of popular culture, what is the role of comics creators? How do comic books and pop art comment on the current social and political climates . . . or should they at all? Prism Comics, moderator David Reddish (political journalist, anchor for Occupy Democrats, and host of The David Reddish Show), and panelists Tara Madison Avery (We're Still Here; publisher, Stacked Deck Press), Marc Andreyko (Torso, Love Is Love), David M. Booher (Canto, Ghostbusters, Killer Queens), Sarah Gailey (Upright Women Wanted, Eat the Rich), and William O. Tyler (We Belong, Theater of Terror: Revenge of the Queers) discuss how the Trump era has affected the popular genre of comics and how queer artists use their voices to inspire the public and be catalysts for change and empathy.
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
  U: Updated, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #8: Focus on Shawn Martinbrough: Graphic Novel Storytelling, From Art to Words
Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Comic-Con special guest Shawn Martinbrough (Thief of Thieves, Anansi Boys) is an Eisner Award– and NAACP Image Award–nominated artist whose career spans genres, publishers, and markets. His projects range from comics series for the Big Two, to original graphic novels, to best-selling children's books. Martinbrough explores his journey of becoming a professional illustrator working with some of the best writers in the comic book industry, to writing stories of his own in various genres for DC Comics, Megascope/Abrams ComicArts, Ignition Press, Dark Horse Comics, and Simon & Schuster. Ringo Award-winning Sina Grace (Iceman, Ghosted in LA) moderates.
Special Guests
avatar for Shawn Martinbrough

Shawn Martinbrough

Comic-Con Special Guest
Shawn Martinbrough is an Eisner Award–nominated artist whose comic book projects include Batman: Detective Comics, Luke Cage Noir, The Black Panther, Hellboy, Thief of Thieves, Promethee 13:13, Anansi Boys, and the NAACP Image Award–nominated, bestselling kid's book Like Lav... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Comics Arts Conference, Education, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Two Marks Explain Everything
Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 10
If you want to know anything about comic books—how they're made, who did what, why your favorite comic was canceled, anything—this is the panel for you. If longtime comic book writers Mark Waid and Mark Evanier don't know it, there's a good chance no one does. Questions are welcome. And be prepared to learn the secrets behind the comics.
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

Comic-Con Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
avatar for Mark Waid

Mark Waid

Comic-Con Special Guest
Over the course of his four decades in the comic book industry, New York Times bestselling author Mark Waid has developed characters and written stories for Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, The Avengers, X-Men, Archie, Star Wars, The Incredibles, Fantastic Four, Wonder Woman, Daredevil, Captain America, and almost every other franchise currently enjoying success... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Creature Feature Reboot: Monsters of Horror
Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Monsters: can't live with 'em, and can't bear to read books without 'em. A creature-feature conversation with Max Brooks (World War Z), Peter Brett (The Demon King), Shane Hawk (Never Whistle at Night), TJ Payne (Intercepts: A Horror Novel), and Marshall J. Moore (The Henchperson's Guide to Unionizing). From zombies to tentacled nightmares and beyond, the panel explores the important questions, including "Is it really a monster if you want to be its friend?", "If you make a regular animal REALLY big, does that make it a horror icon?", and "Why are creatures frequently so gooey?" (Please note: relative gooeyness may or may not be discussed in detail.) Moderated by Cheryl Eddy (senior editor, io9).

Friday July 24, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  U: Updated, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Hermes Press Celebrates the 60th Anniversary of Dark Shadows with a New Art Book and Graphic Novel
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Hermes Press celebrates the 60th anniversary of Dark Shadows, the gothic romance/vampire television show, with a Comic-Con premiere of Dark Shadows Noir,a new deluxe art book featuring many never-before-seen behind-the-scenes photographs, a graphic novel, and an exact re-creation of Gold Key Comics' issue #1 of the title. The panel will begin with a brief video of planned Dark Shadows projects and show off the new art book and graphic novel. Daniel Herman (publisher of Hermes Press) will talk about comic book and comic strip tie-ins and the series of paperback library novels that have been reprinted, as well as plans for additional reprints. He will be joined by John Logan (screenwriter of Skyfall, Spectre, and Gladiator, creator of Penny Dreadful, and an authority on all things Dark Shadows), Kathryn Leigh Scott (a star of the classic TV show, as well as the author, with Logan, of a new history of the show), Jim Pierson (expert on all things Dark Shadows). Craig Hurd-McKinney (writer of the graphic novel), and Jok (artist on the title).
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Television

3:00pm PDT

What Now?! Comics Censorship in Schools and Libraries
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Comic books are under attack in schools and libraries across the country. This panel covers the latest threats, what is being done, what to know, and ways to help protect the freedom to read comics. Featuring Jeff Trexler (interim director, CBLDF), Gamal Hennessy (comic book attorney), Moni Barrette (comics librarian), and Mary Ellen Stout (lecturer, SDSU), with a surprise guest creator.
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Historical, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Library Programs

3:00pm PDT

International Comics from Around the World
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Jessica Tseang (The Comics Voyager, Eisner judge 2022) discusses with comic book creators from Taiwan (artists PAJI, Kane, and Fish Wang), Mexico (creator Fers), Afghanistan and Switzerland (creator Selai Balkhi) about popular titles in their country, their works, culture, and comic book museums to visit in their home countries. The panel also explores comics from Korea, Mongolia, and Chile.

Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Books, Comics, International, Marriott Programs |   1: Programs, Books, Comics, International, Marriott Programs

3:00pm PDT

No Capes Required: Women Powering Pop Culture
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
You don't need a cape to be a hero in storytelling. Moderator Janet Hsieh (Fun Taiwan) leads a lively panel with AJ Mendez (WWE pro wrestler), Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel), Carolina Ravassa (Overwatch), Helen Shang (The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), and Silenn Thomas (CEO, Frank Miller Ink), women who are making their mark across comics, gaming, sports, television, and film. Expect candid stories, industry insights, and a celebration of the voices driving today's most exciting and inclusive pop culture moments.
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, TTRPG, Video Games, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, TTRPG, Video Games, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Roll for Romance: An Interactive Rom-Com Decided by Dice
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 11
Romance authors across genres put character chemistry to the test in a live dating-game format where storytelling meets chance, guided by audience prompts and the roll of the dice. Featuring Kristy Boyce (Rolls and Rivalry), Barbara Perez Marquez (To Dance the Moon and Stars), Anna Mercier (All We Hunger For), and Ashley Poston (Star Wars: Eyes Like Stars). Moderated by Kim Bussing.
Friday July 24, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 11
  U: Updated, Books, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, TTRPG, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, TTRPG, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Graphix Unboxed: The Next Big Graphic Novels for Kids
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 9
Scholastic Graphix previews upcoming graphic novels, with bestselling creators sharing sneak peeks, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories. Featuring Sara Amini (Mixed Feelings), Gale Galligan (The Baby-Sitters Club), Joey Spiotto (Max, a Little Axolotl), and Raina Telgemeier (The Baby-Sitters Club).
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Kids

4:00pm PDT

The Return of Cute!
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
Round and square, jagged and smooth, shapes have a language all their own. Shape language gives characters personality at first glance. Guin Thompson (Archaia/BOOM!) and Durwin Talon (DC Comics, TwoMorrows Publishing) demonstrate that sometimes the best designs rely on impactful shapes and that clarity may be the quickest way to elicit emotion. Attendees can draw along and create their own cute characters.
All of the necessary supplies to participate in this Comic-Con How To session will be provided.
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con How To, Comics, Superheroes

4:00pm PDT

Tarzan and John Carter of Mars Live!
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Writer-showrunner Michael Kogge (Star Wars) and a surprise Academy Award–winning guest discuss their vision for the animated TV series John Carter of Mars in development, followed by updates on the upcoming John Carter of Mars audio drama, with Wasé Chief (Horizon: An American Saga) discussing her voice work as Dejah Thoris. Both efforts are authorized by Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. Andrew Sumner (Titan Books, Titan Comics) shares a new announcement, while Tom Akel of Rocketship Entertainment shares updates on the upcoming massive Russ Manning’s Tarzan project and Matías Timarchi of Alien Books discusses a new take on the Lord of the Jungle in Tarzan Beyond. The session concludes with Wolf Larson (writer/producer; former Tarzan TV star; VP of entertainment, ERB, Inc.) on what's ahead in the ERB Universe for film, TV, and publishing.

Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  U: Updated, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

4:30pm PDT

Love (& Rockets) and Hate
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
As far as independent comics series go, Love & Rockets and Hate are about as iconic as they get. Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez (Love & Rockets) have been chronicling the exploits of the residents of Palomar and Hoppers since 1982, while Peter Bagge (Hate) has created an enduring chronicle of Seattle's 1990s grunge milieu. Gilbert, Jaime, and Peter discuss their long-running series with Gary Groth (Fantagraphics co-founder, editor).
Special Guests
avatar for Peter Bagge

Peter Bagge

Artist Alley II-09, Comic-Con Special Guest
Peter Bagge is an American cartoonist specializing in alternative comics, best known for his satirical series Neat Stuff (1985–1991) and Hate (1990–1998), which featured exaggerated depictions of dysfunctional suburban families and grunge-era youth through characters like Bud... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

4:30pm PDT

Pro Writers AMA: Ask Me (Almost) Anything!
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Dreaming of a career as a professional writer? Whether your goal is screenwriting, animation, video games, comics, graphic novels, or prose fiction, this panel of industry veterans offers an honest look at the realities of building a career with words. From breaking into the business and finding representation to indie publishing, branding, marketing, crowdfunding, and convention sales, no topic is off the table. Should you pursue traditional publishing or go independent? Do you need an agent? Is Amazon an opportunity, a challenge, or a trap? This interactive Q&A features practical advice, hard-earned lessons, and insights from the front lines of today's publishing and entertainment industries. Panelists include Neo Edmund (Power Rangers, Red Riding Alpha Huntress Chronicles), Brian Freyermuth (Fallout, Epic Micky 2), Melissa Flores (Power Rangers, Spider-Gwen: Smash), Doc Harry Kloor (Star Trek, Quantum Quest), Francesca Lia Block (House of Hearts, Weetzie Bat), and Amy Linsamouth (The Savior, Spirit House). Moderated by Prof. Adira Edmund (Terra Tarot, Red Riding Alpha Huntress Chronicles).
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Comics, Education, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

Expect More with AHOY Comics!
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
AHOY Comics has made a name for itself with acclaimed creators, witty satire, and a commitment to bold, risk-taking storytelling, including The Toxic Avenger, Babs, Second Coming, Justice Warriors, Billionaire Island, Ancestral Recall, and more. Matt Bors (The Toxic Avenger, Justice Warriors) and Mark Russell (Second Coming, Billionaire Island) discuss the upcoming The Forgotten Divine graphic novella, more Toxic Avenger comics, and the future of the publisher that asks its readers to expect more. Moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press).
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

Hello Maggie!: Film Premiere at Comic-Con
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 4
Disney legend and Inkpot and Annie Award recipient Willie Ito (producer) presents the true story of the love and friendship between a boy and his pet bird while being interned at a WWII concentration camp for Japanese Americans at Heart Mountain, Wyoming. James Lopez (veteran Disney artist) joins Willie to discuss the production, followed by a Q&A moderated by Mindy Johnson (animation historian and author). Anne Marlborough (associate producer) and Sarah King (photographer) also participate.
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Education, Historical, International, Kids

5:00pm PDT

Penguin Random House: Buzzy Books 2026
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Penguin Random House staff present the buzziest books of the year, from science fiction and fantasy to romance and horror, highlighting upcoming reads they are bringing to shelves.
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books

5:00pm PDT

Live Voiceover Coaching: Get Paid to Talk
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 3
Audience volunteers will perform actual scripts from across the VO spectrum and get live coaching from voiceover luminaries, including Scott Brick (Audible Hall of Fame narrator, the Dune saga, Jurassic Park), TJ Storm (video game VO actor, motion capture for Godzilla, Deadpool), Eric Jason Martin (author/narrator, the New Arcadia series), and Roy Samuelson (audio description performer, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon). Moderated by Suzanne Elise Freeman (Audie Award–winning narrator, Five Nights at Freddy's). The panel will also feature audience Q&A.
All of the necessary supplies to participate in this Comic-Con How To session will be provided.
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Comic-Con How To, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

LitRPG: Dungeon Crawler Carl and Beyond
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
More and more people are reading LitRPG. Learn about the booming subgenre from popular authors Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl), Shirtaloon (He Who Fights with Monsters), S.M. Boyce (Blood Reaper), Seth Ring (Battle Mage Farmer), Eric Ugland (One More Last Time), and Shawn Wilson (Ultimate Level 1). Moderated by Henry Herz (Combat Monsters).
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate cocker spaniels, and he plays bass in one band... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, TTRPG, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

William Morris Endeavor (WME): The Role of a Talent Agency in an Evolving Entertainment World
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Agents from WME Eric Reid (motion picture department), Cori Wellins (TV literary department), Austin Vaziri (TV literary department), and Olivia Burgher (literary packaging department) discuss the role of a talent agency in an evolving entertainment world.
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, International, Movies, Television

6:00pm PDT

Your Next Book Obsession: Tor Publishing Group
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Tor Publishing Group publishes some of the greatest sci-fi, fantasy, romance, and horror books today. The Tor teams share a preview of exciting upcoming titles from Tor, Tordotcom Publishing, Nightfire, Bramble, and the newest imprint, Wildthorn, with picks to add to TBR lists. Featuring Lauren Abesames (publicity), Libby Collins (publicity manager), Lauren Moye (associate marketing manager), and Tiana Tolbert (senior marketing manager).
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

Queer Horror
Friday July 24, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 10
The horror genre has always attempted to bring audiences to the threshold of their fears and use a dark lens of the fantastic to force them to come face-to-face with issues the mainstream may otherwise dare not address. For those in the LGBTQIA+ community, this sense of otherness within the genre is not only terrifying and titillating, but it is often relatable. The queer community has had a long history with the horror genre, from the sapphic subtext of Gothic literature to modern fare such as Summoning Sylvia, T-Blockers, and The Boulet Brothers' Dragula. Does a queer horror genre exist, and, if so, what makes it different from mainstream horror? Furthermore, how does the current political climate alter the lens through which people celebrate and connect to the macabre? Prism Comics, moderator/screenwriter Michael Varrati (There's a Zombie Outside, The Midnight Mass Podcast), and panelists Drusilla Adeline (Bloodhaus Podcast, Sister Hyde Design), C.J. Arellano (Dry January, Griffica), Casey Gilly (Return to Sleepy Hollow, Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer), Daniel Montgomery (The Jessica Cabin), William O. Tyler (We Belong, Four Seasons of Fear), and Vander Von Odd (The Boulet Brothers Dragula, Scorch Marks) explore the current realms of queer horror.
Friday July 24, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Bringing Together Pop Culture and Cooking
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Cookbook authors share how they transform beloved movies, games, and other fandoms into creative, delicious recipes.
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Manga Recommendations for Non-Manga Readers
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 4
Manga is more popular in the U.S. than ever, but for some readers the massive world of manga can seem confusing, intimidating, or just "not for them." Publishing pros and manga experts, including Ben Applegate (director, publishing services, Penguin Random House) and Cayley Last (editor, Kodansha), and others, dispel misconceptions about the medium, discuss its rise in pop culture, and offer suggestions on how to get started. Whether a reader is 16 or 60, into superheroes, indie comics, autobiographical works, romance, or something else entirely, there is manga out there for everyone. Moderated by Ivan Salazar (senior marketing director, Kodansha).
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics

7:00pm PDT

Comic Creator Connection
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Are you a writer with a great idea for a comic book series, but you can't draw? Or maybe you're an artist looking to illustrate an incredible story, but you can't write. Where do you go to meet other creators? How is that done? Comic-Con is proud to once again host the Comic Creator Connection, a fast-paced networking event that brings writers and artists together to help them meet new creative partners. Here's how it works: In this two-hour event, writers and artists sit down across from each other at a table. By artists, that means pencillers, inkers, colorists, and more; all are welcome. Then, in five-minute sessions, they talk one-on-one with each other about their ideas and skills. At the end of each five-minute period, participants get up and move on to the next person. If both are interested in furthering the conversation, they exchange contact information. If not, they move on. Think of it as speed dating, but for writers and artists. Pro tip: The room often fills up, so arrive early for the best chance at getting in. Seating begins at 6:45.
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic Creator Connection, Comics, Education, Marriott Programs, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

7:30pm PDT

HerStory of Animation: Mary Blair and Beyond
Friday July 24, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Award-winning author and historian Mindy Johnson (Ink & Paint, Tinker Bell, and more) reveals newly discovered trailblazing women animators and artists from the dawn of the industry. The panel offers a sneak peek at Johnson's curated exhibition, HerStory of Animation, and forthcoming book, The "Only" Woman Animator, featuring rare imagery, artistry, and all-new stories about the leading heroines of animation history.
Friday July 24, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Education, Historical, International

8:00pm PDT

Blind Date with a Book, Chapter 5: Revenge of the Fifth
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The librarians are back at Comic-Con to help find your forever read, dating-game style, in this fifth annual librarian-powered literary spectacle. San Diego Public Library librarians Vanessa Gempis, Melissa Barbour, Christina Wainwright, and Maureen Meadows, along with host Scott Ehrig-Burgess of The Library Shop, help three lucky audience members fall in love with a book.
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Games, Marriott Programs, Writers & Writing, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

Bridging The Expanse: United by War/Divided by Peace!
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Carl von Clausewitz famously wrote, "War is a mere continuation of policy by other means." This principle echoes into the distant future of The Expanse. Across the solar system, the three major powers—Earth, Mars, and the Belt—wield their militaries not just as instruments of defense, but as tools of political leverage, coercion, and survival. Moderator Michael Pea (senior writer, Friends of Comic Con), Krys Blackwood (principal designer, NASA JPL), Lt. Col. Matthew Frebert (Department of War), Julius Francisco (Southern CA School of Writing 2.0), Dr. Benjamin Taitz (clinical and forensic psychologist), and Jordan Ticktin (aerospace systems engineer) examine this conflict. Who will win? What is the cost?
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

The Psychology of Minions
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
From Harley Quinn to Kronk, Mr. Smee to the minions Bob (and Kevin and Stuart), Iago in Aladdin to Mario Bros' Goombas, minions have long held a special place in fans' hearts. They fight, they follow, they support villains (often with humor), but they are far more than just second fiddle. From comic books and fantasy epics to superhero films and animated series, minions are the hardworking henchpeople of some of the most beloved and hated villains. Dr. Keith W. Beard (professor, Marshall University), Dr. Britani Black (assistant professor, Marshall University), and Dr. April Fugett (professor, Marshall University), along with their graduate student minions Addison Guilliams, Hannah Estep, and Mallory Stanley, explore psychological themes that help explain why fans feel a connection to characters who sometimes even "steal" the show (see what they did there). There will probably most definitely not be a blueprint for how to encourage your own minions.
Friday July 24, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

The Psychological Journey of The Lord of the Rings
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
The Lord of the Rings is an epic, high-fantasy tale that centers on fellowship, bravery, and good against evil. How does Frodo's resilience speak to our own capacity to persist when faced with despair? What does the One Ring symbolize? When did Saruman the Wise abandon reason for madness? How and why does fantasy storytelling improve mental health? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (The Arkham Sessions, UCLA), Miranda (host, Tolkien Tuesdays), and Todd Stashwick (actor, Marvel's VisionQuest; co-founder, ProgCore Fantasy) explore and explain the psychology of Middle-earth's riveting and unforgettable characters, both from the page and on screen. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anniversaries, Books, Education, Fandom, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, After Dark
 
Saturday, July 25
 

10:00am PDT

Comic Creator Connection All-Stars
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
The Comic Creator Connection All-Stars celebrates creative teams who met at one of Comic-Con's annual writer/artist networking events and have since published a new project together. Hosts Douglas Neff and Corey Rothermel (authors of Epic Win! The Geek's Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator) kick off the party with a discussion with each team about how they built a successful creative partnership, from their first handshake to their first draft to their first sale. The panelists dish up their juiciest stories on the real ins and outs of creating comics. This heartfelt panel is packed with practical advice, hard-won wisdom, and plenty of smiles from the industry's newest published creators.
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic Creator Connection, Comics, Education, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Making Fiction Real: The Art of Writing Authentic Characters
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
We've all been there: You crack open a book, and the characters are so realistic, so enthralling, that they walk off the page. Ashley Poston (Someday Garden), Shirlene Obuobi (Die for Me), Scott Westerfeld and Justine Larbalestier (The Mortons), Elise Kova (Prince of Swords), and Chip Pons (Dearly Departed) discuss their craft and compare character-building techniques across genres. Moderated by Haydee Smith.
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Abrams Spotlight Panel
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 29CD
A first look at upcoming graphic novels, comics, and illustrated books from Abrams ComicArts, Abrams Fanfare, and Abrams. Editors Charles Kochman (editor-in-chief, Abrams ComicArts), Charlotte Greenbaum, and Connor Leonard, along with creators Mark Evanier (The Essential Peanuts), Mariko Tamaki and Nicole Goux (This Place Kills Me), Shay Mirk (Making Nonfiction Comics), Meggie Ramm (Batcat 4: Seeing Stars), and Sequoia Blankenship and Rob Thompson (Feo the Chupacabra), discuss their latest projects and the books they are bringing to readers in 2026 and 2027. From middle-grade comics and nonfiction comics to literary graphic novels and classic comic strip collections, this panel offers an inside look at the creators, editors, and books shaping the future of comics publishing at Abrams.
Special Guests
avatar for Nicole Goux

Nicole Goux

Booth #2203, Comic-Con Special Guest
Nicole Goux (she/her) is an Eisner Award–nominated illustrator and cartoonist from Los Angeles. She's the artist of DC's Shadow of the Batgirl and co-creator with Dave Baker of Forest Hills Bootleg Society (Simon and Schuster: Atheneum). She has been published by DC, Dark Horse... Read More →
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

Comic-Con Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

10:30am PDT

Threads of Tension: Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 10
This panel explores how authors craft emotionally charged stories that connect with readers by examining how tension is built, emotions are evoked, and narratives become unforgettable across fantasy, horror, science fiction, and more. Joseph Eckert (The Traveler), Deena Helm (Our Cut of Salt), Terry J. Benton-Walker (The Drakon King), and Katee Robert (The Tarot Trials), moderated by Ken Bebelle (The Phoenix Hoard series), discuss techniques for creating lasting emotional journeys.
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Comic Book Law School® 303: Trademark Parody Limitations, Taylor Swift and Showgirls, A.I. Updates, and Other Hot Topics
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
For the third (and final) panel of this year's Comic Book Law School® series, a group of distinguished legal experts sheds light on some of the complex issues facing creators and businesses, with an eye to the most current and important legal issues from the past year and how they apply to comics and the pop-culture scene. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz (author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) moderates a panel of legal eagles—law professors Betsy Rosenblatt, Lisa Ramsey, and Marc Greenberg, and IP attorneys David Lizerbram and David Branfman—in a discussion focused on real-world issues of importance to fans, creators, and legal professionals. The panel shares insights and knowledge, and provides practical advice, concerning recent updates relating to intellectual property law, impactful court decisions, and how new technologies aid, or impinge on, the rights of creators and those who hire creative individuals. This year's topics are expected to include First Amendment limits for trademark parodies, updates on recent trademark disputes and decisions, and insights into new cases involving artificial intelligence, plus best practices for incorporating A.I. in the creative process and related ethical issues for legal practitioners. Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Middle Eastern/North African Representation in Media
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
A discussion and celebration of positive Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) representation in Western arts and entertainment, with a look at progress past and present, and what more can be done in the future. Panelists Yas Modares Ghasiri (Sylvester Stallone's MVP, The Breastorcism), Esraa Darwish (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Fast X), Sarah Fatemi (Netflix Is a Joke, SkankFest), Kaveh Taherian (Mothman's Compendium of Southern California Cryptids, 500 Open Tabs), Jasmin Joestar (Twitch), and Sara Karimipour (Jurassic World: Chaos Theory, Alice's Wonderland Bakery) share perspectives on creating and sustaining authentic representation. Moderated by Paul Zecharia (Mr. Student Body President, I Don't Like My Voice). A Q&A follows.
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Games, International, Marriott Programs, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten: Graphics Edition
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Turning a story into a book told through images takes its own set of skills. Acclaimed and award-winning graphic novelists and nonfiction authors Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire), Wendy Martin (Castle Swimmer), Renee Nault (Salvage), Anders Nilsen (Tongues, Volume 1), and Punko (Stagtown: Volume 1) share the tips, tools, and wisdom that helped them put pen to page, ink to paper, and create works of visual and narrative art. Moderated by author Rachel Ignotofsky (Dinosaurs).
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Top Cow: 2026 and Beyond
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
Top Cow legends Marc Silvestri (founder, CEO) and Matt Hawkins (president, COO) plus Top Cow creators including Stjepan and Linda Šejić, Simon Birks, Henry Barajas, and Marguerite Bennett discuss and present their upcoming projects. The panel explores the next several years at The Cow. Attendees will receive a free custom print with autograph lines for several creators who will be signing at the booth right after the panel.
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Live Audition and Casting Director Q&A: Sci-Fi + LitRPG Audiobooks
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 3
Randomly chosen audience members will audition with actual audiobook scripts and get feedback from major casting directors and audiobook coaches, including Scott Brick (Audible Hall of Fame narrator and coach, the Dune saga, Jurassic Park), Khai Dattoli (executive casting director, Podium Entertainment), Melanie Gagne (independent casting director and executive producer, Scholastic Audio), and Eric Jason Martin (author/producer/narrator, the New Arcadia series). The panel will include discussion about audiobook casting and performance, as well as audience Q&A. Moderated by Suzanne Elise Freeman (Audie Award-winning narrator, Five Nights at Freddy's).
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con How To, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

11:30am PDT

How to Pitch Your Story for Comics, Graphic Novels, Film, and Animation
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
Do you have an idea for the next great story? Gene Yang (American-Born Chinese), Julia Wertz (Impossible People), Sara Phoebe Miller (BOOM! Studios), Jordan Morris (Teen Titans Go!), and Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts) discuss what you need to know to pitch your idea for graphic novels, comics, animation, TV, and film. Moderated by Thien Pham (Family Style).
Special Guests
avatar for Briana Loewinsohn

Briana Loewinsohn

Artist Alley HH-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Briana Loewinsohn is the author of the graphic memoir Ephemera (Fantagraphics, 2023), which was listed as one of the ALA’s top graphic novels of 2023 and was awarded the 2023 Foreword Indies Editors Prize for nonfiction. Her latest book, Raised by Ghosts (Fantagraphics, 2025), won... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Movies

11:30am PDT

What's Next from WEBTOON Entertainment
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
WEBTOON editors, executives, and creators share announcements, first looks, and behind-the-scenes insights into upcoming projects across WEBTOON Entertainment. From breakout webcomics and graphic novels to adaptations and new platform initiatives, the session spotlights stories and creators shaping the future of comics and entertainment.
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, International, Movies, Superheroes, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Blade Runner Comics: The Tokyo Nexus Saga
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 4
This spotlight on the Tokyo Nexus comics saga with Jeff Conner (Alcon director of publishing) includes special video appearances from Nancy Collins (writer) and Mariano Taibo (artist), and David Leach (Blade Runner comics editor). The panel explores the expanding universe of Blade Runner comics with updates on current and upcoming series, including a first look at Blade Runner: Black Lotus: Underbelly. Moderated by Andrew Sumner (Forbidden Planet TV).
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

From Playlists to Panels: Pop Culture in the ELA Classroom
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Austin Bruns (Ánimo Leadership Charter High School) shares how he transforms students' existing engagement with pop culture into rigorous, purposeful learning. From song lyrics to graphic novels, he leverages cultural relevance and student interest as a gateway to critical thinking, close reading, meaningful analysis, and creative production.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Fandom, Library Programs

12:00pm PDT

Ravished and Left No Crumbs
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Some love stories need life to give them a second chance; some love stories need death to give them a chance. Elise Kova (Prince of Swords), Christina Lauren (The Romance Revival), Shirlene Obuobi (Die for Me), Chip Pons (Dearly Departed), Ashley Poston (Eyes Like Stars, The Someday Garden), and Joss Richard (It's Different This Time) discuss writing romances that never say die. Moderated by Michelle Bucud (Mysterious Galaxy).
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Spotlight on V. E. Schwab
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
V. E. Schwab and Joanna Robinson discuss Schwab's prolific career, filled with stories of monsters, villains, magic, and immortality. A Q&A follows.
Special Guests
avatar for Victoria

Victoria "V. E." Schwab

Comic-Con Special Guest
Victoria “V. E.” Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books. Schwab's series and standalone titles for readers of all ages have made her a major literary figure, whose notable works include the Villains series, the Shades of Magic universe, The I... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Wertham's Revenge: Mental Health, Media, and What Kids Should Read
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 11
Fredric Wertham's infamous claim back in the 1950s that comics are harmful to kids' mental health has returned. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Jeff Trexler, CBLDF board member and former DC Comics VP Bob Wayne, and forensic psychiatrist Vasilis Pozios explore the revival of this argument in the new wave of comics censorship, what recent lawsuits targeting kids' content online could mean for all comics-related media, and how new research can help us understand why comics are actually a force for good.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Books, CBLDF Events, Comics, Kids

12:00pm PDT

Z2: Where Comics and Culture Collide
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Over the last five years, Z2 has established itself as a publisher of graphic novels that bring the entertainment worlds of music, film, and comedy to life in comics. Z2 welcomes creators Cage Claypool (Frizzle Fry), Charlie Benante (Anthrax, Pantera), Carla Harvey (Lords of Acid), and David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil), along with Jasminne Saravia (Z2 editor), for a discussion with Ryan J. Downey (MTV News) about building the rock-and-roll standard in comics and what fans can expect from Z2's 2026 and 2027 lineup of books.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Music, Podcasts

12:30pm PDT

Building the Media Company of Tomorrow
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Moderated by Adhrucia Apana (Curiosity Entertainment; filmmaker, founder), panelists Igor Mijavec (senior vice president, strategy and business development at NBCUniversal), Charles Allen (Storyteller Media; publisher, founder), Matthew Medney (Gungnir Books; publisher, founder), and Jason Neese (director, executive producer, The Umbrella Academy) tackle the business of transmedia storytelling: sourcing original IP, spotting franchise potential early, and structuring shared-ownership partnerships that align creators, publishers, and producers around stories audiences love. A Q&A follows.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

Comic Books for the Blind
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 3
Scott Brick (Audible Hall of Fame narrator, the Dune saga, Blade Runner), blind martial artist and competitive surfer Joshua Loya, Roy Samuelson (audio description performer, The Last of Us, House of the Dragon), and Chad Allen (creator of the audio comic Unseen, who also happens to be blind) discuss the ways in which blind and low-vision comic book fans can enjoy every aspect of geek culture.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Comic-Con How To, Comics, Education, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

12:30pm PDT

Dark Horse: Usagi Yojimbo
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The wandering rabbit ronin takes center stage as Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo) discusses 40+ years of creating his beloved comic book series. From past adventures to new horizons, Jared Cullum (Kodi) and Zack Rosenberg (T.S. Hullabaloo) join Sakai for a conversation moderated by Justin Eisinger (editor-in-chief, Dogu Publishing; It Rhymes with Takei).
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Comics

12:30pm PDT

How Does a Choose Your Own Adventure (CYOA) Book Get Made?
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 10
Get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating Choose Your Own Adventure books, the iconic children's book series that has shaped generations of readers. Shannon Gilligan (Chooseco CEO and publisher; longtime Choose Your Own Adventure writer), Kazim Ali (author, poet, and professor of literature, UC San Diego), Jendia Gammon (Choose Your Own Adventure author), and Norm Grock (Choose Your Own Adventure illustrator; graphic novelist) discuss the process of building branching narratives and bringing them to the page. Moderated by Ernie Estrella (entertainment journalist with bylines at SYFY WIRE, Popverse, and more).
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Education, Games, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

Image Comics: The Future of Comics
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6A
Doug Wagner (Narco), Michael Walsh (Exquisite Corpses), Tyler Boss (Exquisite Corpses: Rascal Randy), Curt Pires (Fireborn), and Jonathan Ball (The Eye Collector) discuss character building that leaps from the page and what makes characters lovable or unlikable to readers. Moderated by Jim Viscardi.
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Books, Comics

1:00pm PDT

Classic Monsters, Modern Art
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 9
This new book from Insight Editions documents and reimagines the trajectory of Gothic horror through illustration—from film's silent era to the turn of the millennium. The book features contemporary work from more than 45 artists and a richly detailed chronicle from genre expert Anthony Taylor (The Art of George Wilson, Monsterama), with a foreword by Jonathan Maberry (the Joe Ledger series; Rot and Ruin). Joining Taylor and Maberry on the panel is Damian Fulton (featured illustrator). Moderated by Shannon Eric Denton (Graveslinger; Monster Forge Productions).
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Education, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Legendary Comics: Street Fighter, Dune, Godzilla/Kong, and More
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Legendary Comics and Publishing, the book division of the studio behind the upcoming Street Fighter, Dune: Part Three, and next year's Godzilla x Kong: Supernova. The panel includes the latest about their graphic novels, art books, and other tie-in publishing across all the company's franchises. A special giveaway is planned.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics

1:00pm PDT

Mischief and Magic
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Assemble, ye rogues and knaves, for some good chaos. Jedediah Berry (Kill All Wizards), Kristy Boyce (Rolls and Rivalry), Sara Raasch (The Fake Divination Offense), and Travis Deverell/Shirtaloon (He Who Fights with Monsters) discuss how they bring mischief and humor to their fantastical worlds. Moderated by journalist Bree Steffen.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

The Comic Art of David Lynch
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 11
Iconic director David Lynch is best known for his films and Twin Peaks, but he was also an accomplished artist, including in the comic arts. Comics creator Matt Haley (unpublished Twin Peaks season 3 graphic novel), author and former Los Angeles Reader editor Dan Barton, author and professor Michael Dooley, and the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Jeff Trexler discuss Lynch's comics and cartoons, connections to comics in Lynch's films, and Lynch's influence on comics, manga, anime, and fandom. From The Angriest Dog in the World and the animated web series Dumbland to the quest for justice in a creative multiverse, the panel examines what can be learned from Lynch's dreams.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, CBLDF Events, Comics

1:00pm PDT

What's Ahead for D&Q
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Drawn & Quarterly co-owners Peggy Burns (CEO and president) and Tom Devlin (executive editor) announce D&Q's Spring 2027 list, revealing covers and sharing exclusive excerpts from your favorite indie cartoonists and the fresh new talent sure to join them on your bookshelves.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Humor & Satire

1:00pm PDT

Ultima Comics: Bigger, Longer, and Uncut!
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The independent comics revival is in full force, and Ultima is in the mix. The Founding Four have multiplied like two-headed rabbits, with new titles, new creators, and new weird fun. The Ultima crew brings its special brand of chicanery home. Independent is the new mainstream. Panelists include Francis Szyskowski (creator, The Massacre Twins), Payton Oliver (creator, Parenthetical Bullet), Tim Peterson (creator, Fire in the Dark), Flobo Boyce (creator, Pr. OXE), Taylor Hammond (creator, Captain Starfish and the Aquanauts from Neptune), Anthony Ray Bench (creator, Alex Starts the Apocalypse), and Daniel Seib (creator, Curse of the Wereflamingos). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (founder/publisher, Ultima Comics).
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Books, Comics, Marriott Programs, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Comics, Marriott Programs, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

Battle of BookTok Tropes
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10
BookTok tropes go head-to-head as Olivie Blake (Clara & the Devil), Melissa de la Cruz (Kingdom of Waves), Adalyn Grace (The Wretched Divine), and Anna Mercier (All We Hunger For) debate which popular trope reigns supreme, with the audience casting the final vote. Moderated by Stephanie Carr (LiteraryHypewoman).
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Hispanic Creators and Artists Discuss the Comic Book Industry
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
Jorge R. Gutierrez (The Book of Life, La Luna Lopez, Speedy Gonzalez), J Gonzo (cover artist, Marvel, IDW, and Image; La Mano del Destino), Melissa Flores (Power Rangers Prime, Spider-Gwen Smash, The Dead Lucky), Joel Gomez (La Muerte, La Luna Lopez), and Martin Zavala (cover artist, Something Is Killing the Children, Invincible) discuss their careers and the comic book industry from a Hispanic perspective. Moderated by Adrian Reyes (El Rey Comics).
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics

2:00pm PDT

The Masters of Comic Book Horror
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
The biggest and most sinister names in horror comics spill their secrets about crafting nightmares and share new art reveals and announcements. Whether adding to the legacy of fan-favorite franchises like Event Horizon and Smile or conjuring new frights like Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, the chilling conversation is moderated by IDW Dark's Heather Antos and features spine-tingling creators Patrick Horvath, Christian Ward, Hannah Rose May, Stephanie Williams, Collin Kelly, and Jackson Lanzing.
Special Guests
avatar for Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams

Artist Alley GG-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Stephanie Williams is a research scientist turned prolific comics writer. She’s best known for helping to bring Nubia back to relevancy for DC Comics with Nubia and the Amazons and Nubia: Queen of the Amazons. She has worked on such titles as Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Horror and Suspense

2:00pm PDT

Science in Middle-Grade Sci-Fi
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Panelists discuss the role of science in middle-grade science fiction, including how scientific accuracy can support (or complicate) storytelling and how well-portrayed science can inspire young readers to pursue science fiction and STEM pathways. Authors Greg Van Eekhout (Voyage of the Dogs), Becca Lee Gardner (Bleep Blurp Murder), and Delilah Dawson (Ride or Die) appear with scientists Lisa Will (resident astronomer, Fleet Science Center) and Ronald Coleman (Ph.D. in regenerative medicine). Moderated by Jonathan Bacon-Liu (host, All the Time We Have Podcast).
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  U: Updated, Books, Kids, Library Programs, Technology - Science - STEM |   1: Programs, Books, Kids, Library Programs, Technology - Science - STEM

2:30pm PDT

Women on the Dark Side
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Women on the Dark Side returns for its tenth year at SDCC. Whether it's comic books, novels, film, or art, these are the women creating content that connects with the deeper, darker side of us all. Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Boston Metaphysical Society, Lady Mechanika), Deborah Daughetee (Kolchak, the Nightstalker, Dark Shadows), Stephanie Williams (Nubia, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur), Megan Hutchison (Coffin Girls, Rockstars), and Susan Lee (founder, Women on the Dark Side; Wraith of Love) discuss their work. Moderated by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press).
Special Guests
avatar for Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams

Artist Alley GG-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Stephanie Williams is a research scientist turned prolific comics writer. She’s best known for helping to bring Nubia back to relevancy for DC Comics with Nubia and the Amazons and Nubia: Queen of the Amazons. She has worked on such titles as Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Wreck... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Narrating Bestselling Audiobooks
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 10
Scott Brick (Dune, Orphan X series), Daniel Henning (The Cerulean Chronicles, In the Lives of Puppets), Avi Roque (Cemetery Boys series, Sworn Soldier series), Karissa Vacker (The Girls Before, Forget Me Not), and Vikas Adam (The Fake Divination Offense, A Killer in the Family) discuss the behind-the-scenes artistry and technical precision of narrating bestselling audiobooks. From the isolation of the recording booth to the ears of listeners, these voice actors share their processes for bringing complex characters to life, mastering diverse accents, and collaborating with authors to translate the written word into a compelling audio experience.
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 10
  U: Updated, BIPOC, Books, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Batdriven West: Batman '66 to Life on the Road
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Karen Whitfield (Bronze Age Batgirl; author, Batdriven West) and Athena Finger (granddaughter of Bill Finger; heiress to the Dark Knight) discuss life on the road with the original Caped Crusaders, Adam West and Burt Ward. The panel includes a Q&A.
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, Books, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Historical, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Build the World: Live Ideation Workshop
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 11
Kino Scialabba (award-winning art director and concept designer), Nicole Caliro (international award-winning writer), Mark Nazal (Emmy Award–winning VFX supervisor and filmmaker), Jessie Jam Miranda (stuntman, Collateral, Deadliest Warrior), Bob Keen (Saturn Award–winning makeup and FX artist and filmmaker), and Mark Jabourian (VFX generalist) lead a live ideation workshop where attendees pitch story ideas, develop concepts, and shape visuals in real time across comics, film, and animation.
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Comics, International, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Conan the Barbarian: Tides of the Tyrant-King
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Crom doesn't care about you. Titan Comics and Heroic Signatures present updates and reveals from the world of Conan with award-winning writer Jim Zub, editor Chris Butera, and others discussing Conan the Barbarian, the new miniseries Tides of the Tyrant-King, and Savage Sword of Conan. The session also includes a creative team announcement and a first look at the long-awaited Kull comic. Moderated by Andrew Sumner (Forbidden Planet TV).
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Fantagraphics at 50: (Still) Publishing the World's Greatest Cartoonists
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Gary Groth (co-founder and president of Fantagraphics) and Conrad Groth (editor at Fantagraphics) discuss the storied history of Fantagraphics. Moderated by fellow traveler and BAO publisher Michele Foschini. The panel reflects on five decades of groundbreaking comics publishing and what lies ahead.
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics

3:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Frank Miller
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
Comic-Con special guest and legendary cartoonist Frank Miller, one of the most important comic book creators of the last half-century, returns to San Diego to discuss his new masterclass memoir, Push the Wall, and share a lifetime of creative wisdom and knowledge with fans. Attendees get a glimpse of Miller's life story, including how he went from a 19-year-old Vermonter freshly arrived in 1970s New York to becoming an innovative comic book artist and writer who reimagined Daredevil and Wolverine, rescued and reimagined Batman, and created original characters.
Special Guests
avatar for Frank Miller

Frank Miller

Comic-Con Special Guest
Frank Miller is the award-winning comic book writer, artist, novelist, screenwriter, film director, and producer best known for Daredevil: Born Again, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Elektra Assassin, Sin City, and 300, among others. He co-authored with Tom Wheeler the young adult... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Vibe Check: Terrifying
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
When things go bump in the night, these authors bump right back. Clay McLeod Chapman (Wake Up and Open Your Eyes), Shane Hawk (Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II), CJ Leede (Headlights), Luke Dumas (Nothing Tastes as Good), and Deena Helm (Our Cut of Salt) discuss delving into the dark depths of culture and their own psyches to discover new terrors. Moderated by Dr. Betty Ramirez (associate director, UCSD Writing Center).
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Scott Shaw!'s Oddball Comics Live
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
Scott Shaw! uses a new laptop to quickly access his various Oddball Comics program themes, leaving it up to the usually packed audience to determine which one will be featured in his annual funnybook cheesefest. News on his upcoming Oddball Comics book from TwoMorrows will be included.
Special Guests
avatar for Scott Shaw!

Scott Shaw!

Table I-08, Comic-Con Special Guest
For well over half a century, Scott Shaw! has worked on underground comix, mainstream comics, cartoon shows, and advertisements for TV and print. His credits include DC Comics’ Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew, Sonic the Hedgehog, the Cocoa/Fruity Pebbles commercials on... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom

3:30pm PDT

Comics vs. Authoritarianism!
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 10
In an age of censorship, making comics is a radical act. Moderator Mo McMasters (Pretty Guts Press) leads a discussion with graphic novelists Andrew Aydin (March), Melissa Chan (You Must Take Part in Revolution), Dave Maass (Death Strikes: The Emperor of Atlantis), and Shay Mirk (Making Non-Fiction Comics, Guantanamo Voices) about portrayals of resistance in comics and how their own work serves as a form of resistance.
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, International, LGBTQIA+

4:00pm PDT

Beyond the Mainstream: Literary Manga, Manhwa, and Manhua
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Editors and publishers from Kana (Abrams), Takumigraphics (Fantagraphics), Drawn & Quarterly, and Kazé (HarperCollins) discuss the growing audience for literary manga, manhwa, and manhua. The panel explores how publishers discover new projects, work with creators and translators, and connect acclaimed Japanese manga, Korean manhwa, and Chinese manhua with English-language readers. Panelists also discuss how these works fit within the broader comics landscape and why they continue to reach new audiences.
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom

4:00pm PDT

The Future of TwoMorrows Publishing
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
John Morrow reveals TwoMorrows Publishing's plans for the future and looks back at the company's more than three decades in business. In addition to getting the scoop on his 100th issue of The Jack Kirby Collector (the publication that started it all), featured panelists include Kevin Miller (author of The Crisis Companion, debuting at Comic-Con), Keith Dallas (who will give the scoop on not one, but two upcoming American Comic Book Chronicles volumes), Peter Bosch (author of the company's American Movie/TV Comics books), Greg Biga (author of a top-secret upcoming TwoMorrows book that will be revealed at the panel), and Ed Catto (editor of RetroFan magazine).
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

4:00pm PDT

Creators Assemble: Comics Camaraderie, A Networking Event
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
The "speed dating" style networking event returns with new and returning guests. Brief pitches and structured rounds support learning and connecting with industry insiders, retailers, publishers, and creators, including Alex Antone, Barbra Dillon, Charlie Stickney, Heather Antos, Meghan Fitzmartin, Drew Edwards, Lisa Burdage, Dylan Davison, Jessica Maison, David M. Booher, Gamal Hennessy, Jonathan Chance, John Hazard, Joseph P. Illidge, Shannon Live, Tony Fleecs, Katie Pryde, John Berry, Omar Morales, Gabriel Valentin, Jeffrey Snow, Dan Brozo, Brock Smith, and more. Moderators are librarians and educators who work with comics, including Matthew Atherton, Stacy-Michelle Banks, Matt Slayter, Mary Ellen Stout, Joel Bakker, Joe Barrette, Elias Campos, Sophia Juarez, Janie Ghinazzi, Jack Phoenix, Megan Halsband, Allison Dohr, Jana Tropper, and Moni Barrette.
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

4:15pm PDT

Inside Season 2 of TNT's The Librarians: The Next Chapter
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The stars of TNT's hit fantasy series The Librarians: The Next Chapter, including Callum McGowan (Jamestown), Jessica Green (The Outpost), Olivia Morris (Hotel Portofino), and Bluey Robinson (Britannia), along with series showrunner and executive producer Dean Devlin, share insider stories from the set and exclusive details from the upcoming season, along with a special sneak preview of the adventures ahead. Moderated by Josh Gates (Expedition Unknown), with Christian Kane (Leverage) and Lindy Booth (Dawn of the Dead) joining to discuss returning to the franchise and reprising their fan-favorite roles.
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Fandom, Hilton Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

5:00pm PDT

Level-Up: Taking Your Comics to the Next Tier
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 11
Marcus McNeal (editor-in-chief, Odyssey Comics), Rob Pilkington (writer, Slight Return), April Connors (creator, Everybody's Happy Nowadays, as Prof. Raco), Joshua Pruett (writer, Stranger Things Tales From '85; The Last Comics on Earth), and Amy Linsamouth (writer, Jackie and the Magical Guys; Byte Me) discuss strategies for creating comics that stand out, including what separates good ideas from great projects and why so many comics fall short despite solid art or writing. Topics include shaping pitches with clarity and intent, assembling and leading creative teams, navigating editorial without losing your voice, and making choices that give a project a distinct identity.
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

Self- and Small Press Publishing: Making Your Own Way in the Comics Industry
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Are you interested in making comics that don't fit a typical mold? Do you want more control of your creative and financial future in the comics industry? Moderator Lauren Mitchell (director, workforce engagement and belonging; cosplayer) discusses unconventional routes, best practices, and paths to success with established independent comics publishers Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press, editor-in-chief), Bryant Dillon (Fanbase Press, publisher), Jessica Maison (Wicked Tree Press, publisher/writer), Arthur N. Ebuen (Studio 12-7, publisher/writer), Justin Giampaoli (Studio 12-7, editor/writer), and Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics, self-publisher/artist/professor).
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Marriott Programs, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

Masters of the Universe: The Power of Storytelling
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
As Masters of the Universe hits the big screen for the first time in 40 years, the panel looks at how He-Man, Skeletor, Teela, and the rest of Eternia have endured on the small screen for the last four decades. Creators including Ted Biaselli, Tim Sheridan, and Shannon Eric Denton discuss the Power of Grayskull and beyond. Moderated by TJ Shevlin.
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

From Idea to Page to Screen
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 9
What does it take for a story to go from a blank page to a bookshelf and then onto the screen? Agents, publishing pros, and producers come together for an honest look at the modern path to publication and adaptation. From securing representation to navigating book-to-film opportunities, this panel explores how today's most exciting stories are discovered, developed, and brought to life across platforms. Kathleen Ortiz (KO Media Management), Holly Root (Root Literary), Matt Sugarman (Weintraub Tobin), and Max Siemers (Magic Hour Entertainment) discuss and answer questions about the process. Moderated by Nathan Bransford.
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Spiritual Themes in Comics
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Spiritual themes continue to be an essential component in comics, television, and movies, with series like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Ironheart, and Win or Lose all having spiritual themes as an important element in their stories. Russell Dalton (professor), Casey Robin (illustrator), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), Alesha Escobar (author), Justin Martin (professor), Ralph Miley (CCAS), Leo Partible (filmmaker), and Kyle Keene (moderator) will discuss the importance of spiritual themes in storytelling and the future of these themes as they are interwoven in culture and creative expression.
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

7:30pm PDT

Taking Off with Rocketship Entertainment
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Rocketship Entertainment, the 2021 Ringo Award winner for favorite publisher, is an industry leader in publishing hit webcomics and webtoons and a growing force in independent publishing. Tom Akel (CEO and publisher), Leeanne M. Krecic (aka "Mongie," Let's Play, Dragon King Oath), Ryan Benjamin (founder, Comic Pro Boot Camp; Frostpunk), Sanford Greene (1000), Brandon Lee (a.k.a. "TurtleMe," The Beginning After the End), and David K. Wilson (Empiria) discuss the transitions from webcomics to print and back, and what is coming to Rocketship, T-Minus 10 tabletop, and Bottlerocket! all-ages comics. The panel also includes a look at upcoming Rocketship games and series, including Angry Birds, Frostpunk, and Tarzan.
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Books, Kids, Web

8:00pm PDT

Frankenstein: VFX in Guillermo del Toro's Vision
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
An in-depth look at the creative and technical process behind more than two hours of visual effects for Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein. Dennis Berardi (overall VFX supervisor; founder, MR. X; The Shape of Water, Nightmare Alley), Stacey Dodge (VFX producer; Comandante, Painkiller), Ayo Burgess (MR. X VFX supervisor; The Boys, The Deliverance), Ivan Busquets (Industrial Light & Magic VFX supervisor; Michael, The Irishman), and David Roby (MR. X CG supervisor; Nightmare Alley, Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities) discuss the work. Moderated by Mark Peikert (founder, Meet Me at Crafty).
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Books, Cosplay, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

How to Create Your Own Novel
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Brittany Winner—one of the Winner Twins; international bestselling author of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts: I Love Rock 'n' Roll, Halestorm: Hyde Manor, and The Strand series—explains how to create a novel step-by-step. She is joined by Seanan McGuire (New York Times bestselling author; Hugo and Nebula Award winner; October Daye series, InCryptid series), James A. Owen (bestselling author and illustrator; The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series, StarChild graphic novel series; founder, Coppervale International), Jonathan Maberry (New York Times bestselling author; five-time Bram Stoker Award winner; Inkpot Award winner; Joe Ledger series, Rot & Ruin series, V-Wars), and additional guests to be announced. From developing a writing routine to an in-depth look at different publishing paths, panelists explore what it means and what it takes to be a professional author and achieve success. They share war stories, secrets, and paths to help attendees tell their stories to the world.
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

Villains Do It Better
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
From fandoms to books, there's something incomprehensibly alluring about the dark, morally gray, or deadly that makes a girl want to go bad. (I'm looking at you, Predator.) Readers are falling for the bad guy in bold numbers these days, but crafting a villain worth rooting for takes effort. Authors Abigail Owen (Games Gods Play), Addie Thorley (Burn the Kingdom Down), Amalie Howard (Queen of the Night Sky), Christine Ma-Kellams (The Band; associate professor of psychology, San José State University), Jayci Lee (Nine Tailed), and Sajni Patel (A Drop of Venom) discuss what truly draws attention and gets readers rooting for villains, whether they want to be them or be with them. Authors will participate in a Q&A session moderated by Stephanie Carr (LiteraryHype Podcast).
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

Troma Celebrates Independence
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
For decades, the Troma team has been outspoken about the dangers of media consolidation and censorship. This panel celebrates artists who remain defiant, independent, and committed to standing up to evil in all its forms, with previews of new films and more. Featuring Lloyd Kaufman (president of Troma; creator of The Toxic Avenger), Chuck Tingle (author of Fabulous Bodies), and Michael Varrati (filmmaker and screenwriter). Moderated by Megan Silver.
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing, After Dark
 
Sunday, July 26
 

10:00am PDT

Book-Talking with the Comic-Con Graphic Novel Book Clubs of San Diego
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
For more than 12 years, the Comic-Con Graphic Novel Book Clubs of San Diego have been talking comics and building a community of readers. At this panel, members from clubs across the region discuss two recent Eisner Award–winning titles: Somna by Becky Cloonan and Tula Lotay, and Zatanna: Bring Down the House by Mariko Tamaki and Javier Rodriguez. The discussion offers a book club–style look at these distinguished works, along with tips for organizing and conducting a comics and graphic novel book club. Featuring Nicole Assante (La Jolla club), Lisa Capehart-Gidney (Mission Valley club), Karim Chee (Encinitas Club), Richard Hannasch (Escondido club), Tiffany Kellbach (Chula Vista club), Eva Parrill (North Park club), and Attiba Royster (Downtown club). Moderated by Erwin Magbanua (Chula Vista club).
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comics

10:00am PDT

Emily the Strange Panel Experience
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
Rob Reger (creator, Emily the Strange) and panelists discuss the Emily the Strange Tarot Card with a strange tarot reading; the 25th anniversary of the first-ever published book, Emily the Strange (Chronicle Books): Emily's first diary, The Lost Days (HarperCollins), back in print: and a new Emily the Strange coloring book. Updates on the development of a feature animated film with Warner Bros. Animation will also be shared. As always, audience participation will be encouraged, with rewards for being strange. Bring your Q's for some A's. Be there, or get lost.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Girl Dessert
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 24ABC
Here's a treat for readers who love to devour Romantasy. Callie Hart (Quicksilver, Brimstone), Autumn Krause (The Gods Will Sing Our Song), M.K. Lobb (The Dark in Her Veins), Kaylie Smith (Phantasma, Enchantra), and Ariel Sullivan (Conform, Beneath) talk about the ingredients they use to bring the sweet and the heat to their worlds. Moderated by Jeanelle Horcasitas (educator, technical writer, and speculative futurist).
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Minicomics and the History of Tiny Books
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
Jeff McClelland (The Tick), Tracy Stegeman (San Diego Public Library), and Sebastian Shepherd (The Ruins of Our Past) discuss the long—and small—history of creating, printing, distributing, reading, and collecting miniature books, with a special focus on and tutorial about minicomics.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Historical, Omni Programs

10:00am PDT

Pop Culture and the Christian Church
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Hosted by the Christian Comic Arts Society for 28 years at Comic-Con International, this panel will explore the effectiveness of the Christian church in reaching out to the comic book, anime, and gaming communities. Where has the church been successful? Where has it fallen short? What strategies could help the church be more effective? Panelists include Alexander James (pastor), Brendan Prout (Geeks for God), Karyn Keene (educator/youth leader), Christopher Stewart (pastor, Jesus House), Bryan Mero (Fix-it Felix, cosplay repair), Joe Queen (Geeky Guys/Gals 4 God), and Kyle Keene (moderator).
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

10:00am PDT

Spotlight on David Gerrold
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
David Gerrold is the creator of tribbles for Star Trek: The Original Series and the creator of Sleestaks and Pakuni for Land of the Lost. He has written for a dozen science fiction TV shows, including The Twilight Zone, Babylon 5, Sliders, and Tales from the Dark Side. He has written more than 40 novels, including The Man Who Folded Himself and The War Against the Chtorr. And if that weren't enough . . . he's a lot of fun in person. He will be interviewed by an as-yet-unannounced moderator, followed by a Q&A session.
Special Guests
avatar for David Gerrold

David Gerrold

Comic-Con Special Guest
David Gerrold has been writing professionally for more than half a century. He created the tribbles for Star Trek and the Sleestaks for Land of the Lost. He has written for Babylon 5, Twilight Zone, and other TV series. His most famous novel is The Man Who Folded Himself. His sem... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

The Baby-Sitters Club at 40: Friendship Never Goes Out of Style
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 6DE
Forty years later, Kristy, Claudia, Mary Anne, Stacey, Dawn, and friends are still making new fans. Raina Telgemeier and Gale Galligan discuss the legacy and future of The Baby-Sitters Club and their newest adventure in graphic novel form.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 6DE
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Historical

10:00am PDT

Writing Cozy Villains
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Everyone knows how to write terrifying villains, but creating villains audiences want to root for is a whole different skill. As cozy fiction continues to take over bookshelves and streaming platforms, readers are falling in love with charming criminals, lovable monsters, and morally gray characters. This panel explores crafting cozy villains with humor and heart and how to create unforgettable antagonists readers end up rooting for. Panelists include Dr. Janina Scarlet (The Villains Club, Dark Agents), Jonathan Maberry (V-Wars, the Joe Ledger series), Deric Hughes (Arrow, Quantum Leap), E. M. Noller (The Villains Club), Robin Talamas (The Villains Club), Dennis K. Crosby (Death's Legacy, The Villains Club), M. B. Bruce (The Villains Club), and Dave Beaudrie (The Villains Club). Dustin McGinnis (Superhero Therapy Podcast) moderates.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Books, Education, Fandom, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing

10:00am PDT

Graphic Novel Storytelling: From Idea to Page
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
Creators discuss the art of graphic novel storytelling, from developing characters to structuring narratives and bringing stories to life visually across original works and adaptations. Featuring Julio Anta (Sol Goes for Goal), Mika Song (Night Chef), Barbara Perez Marquez (To Dance the Moon and Stars), Stephen Shaskan (Pizza and Taco), and Trung Le Nguyen (Angelica and the Bear Prince). Moderated by Whitney Leopard (executive editor, Random House).

Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

How to Work in Storytelling
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 23ABC
Many people want to tell stories, but fewer understand how the storytelling business works. Whether writing comics, novels, film, television, games, animation, or content for emerging platforms, turning creativity into a career requires navigating an industry that is constantly evolving. From breaking in and building relationships to developing intellectual property, securing representation, understanding contracts, and adapting to new technologies, the path is rarely straightforward. Author and social media influencer T.D. Orel, television writer J. Holtham (The Handmaid's Tale, Jessica Jones, Supergirl), Image Comics creator, author, and Stranger Fiction founder Jonathan Ball, Ph.D. (The Eye Collector, Last Breeds), Rama Vallury (voice actor, X-Men '97), John Connelly (aerospace engineer and author of Aeon and the bestselling book Beyond Kuiper), bestselling author and publisher Charles Allen (Storyteller Publishing), and Kaidro creator Robert Simons discuss what it takes to build a sustainable career in storytelling. Drawing from experiences across publishing, television, comics, independent media, and audience-building in the digital age, the panel explores the practical realities of working in the entertainment industry, the opportunities and challenges facing creators today, and the skills that matter most in an increasingly competitive landscape. The discussion offers insights into the craft, business, and future of storytelling for aspiring creators, emerging professionals, and veterans looking to navigate the next chapter of their careers. From finding an audience to building a lasting creative career, this panel examines what it really takes to turn stories into a profession.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

10:30am PDT

Queer Comics in Color
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 10
Inclusion and diversity are crucial to storytelling. All cultural voices deserve to be heard in comics and popular media. Prism Comics, moderator Viktor Kerney (StrangeLore, We Belong), and panelists Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library), Ajuan Mance (Gender Studies, Living While Black), Sean Z (MYTH, Ramonah Rising), and Jesse Ledina (AndrogynArt) discuss the contributions of queer people of color to comic books and graphic novels and ways of creating a more inclusive queer geek community.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 10
  U: Updated, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

40 Years of James A. Owen Awesomeness at Comic-Con!
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29CD
James A. Owen (artist/writer, StarChild, The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series), moderator Alex De Luca (writer/letterer, Dragon Whisperer, Enigmatown), Wendy Pini and Richard Pini (creators, ElfQuest), Maggie Thompson (senior editor, Comics Buyer's Guide; instigator of comic book fandom), and Jim Pascoe (writer/creative director, The Cottons Trilogy, Hellboy Animated) celebrate 40 years of James A. Owen at Comic-Con. Owen made his Comic-Con debut in 1986 at age 16 (the youngest exhibitor to that point), self-publishing his fantasy comic Pryderi Terra Book One: Awakening. In the early 1990s, he again self-published one of the early progenitors of the self-publishing wave of B&W comics, StarChild, which also debuted at Comic-Con. He later expanded into magazines, books, public speaking, and the New York Times bestselling YA fantasy series The Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica. Photos and stories from the last 40 years of Owen's career highlight how it connects with this gathering, along with updates on a career-retrospective art book and a return to comics with new collaborative projects. The first 132 guests receive a copy of Pryderi Terra Book One: Awakening.
Special Guests
avatar for Maggie Thompson

Maggie Thompson

Comic-Con Special Guest
The first ongoing comics fanzines were published in 1961. That was 65 years ago—when Maggie and Don Thompson published the first issue of Comic Art. Five years later in New York City, they attended the first multi-day comics convention. In 1976—two decades after Comic Art #1... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

11:00am PDT

Conspiracy Theories and Propaganda Throughout Pop Culture
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
J. D. Lombardi (producer/writer, YouTube's Down 2a Science; middle-school science teacher, Glendale Unified), along with Samuel C. Spitale (author, How to Win the War on Truth), Kay Montgomery (owner/school counselor, Building a Champion; host, Down 2a Science), J. Matthew Catron (library clerk, Philadelphia Public Library), and Andrew Fontanelle (assistant editor, various TV shows; graphics artist/music composer, Down 2a Science), trace propaganda used by characters throughout comics and films and demonstrate how it correlates to the current climate of misinformation. Teaching science literacy and critical thinking in and out of the classroom is crucial. Educators and fans of the popular arts alike are invited to participate in a closing Q&A session.
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Historical, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Omni Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television

11:00am PDT

The Art of Graphic Novels, for All Ages
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
In an era defined by rapid-fire digital imagery and attention spans pulled in a thousand directions, graphic novels do something miraculous: They make us slow down, reveling in the unique collaborative storytelling between words and art. Graphic novelists Dan Santat (A Fishboy Named . . . Sashimi), Jennifer Lee and LeUyen Pham (As I Dream of You), and Olivie Blake (Clara & The Devil, Volume 1) discuss the inspiration behind their new graphic novels, their creative processes, and the unique challenges of bringing stories to life for all ages. Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, The Books of Clash series) moderates.
Special Guests
avatar for LeUyen Pham

LeUyen Pham

Comic-Con Special Guest
LeUyen Pham is the artist of over 120 books for adults and children. Her graphic novels include the multi-Eisner Award–winning Lunar New Year Love Story with Gene Yang, the Eisner Award–nominated Templar, and the bestselling Friends series with Shannon Hale. She is the recipient of several awards, including the Caldecott Honor, The Society of Illustrator’s Bronze Medal, and the Fay B. Kaigler Southern Miss Medallion. She is the creator of the Vampirina book series, which has been... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Kids, Writers & Writing

11:30am PDT

Marvel Comics at Abrams Books
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
Marvel's original graphic novels from Abrams Books take center stage in a discussion of Marvel Dimensions by Alex Ross, X-Men: Elsewhen by John Byrne, Doctor Strange: Endless Nightmare by Kevin J. Anderson, Thor: Behemoth of the Black Moon by Eric Powell, and the A Mighty Marvel Team-Up books by Mike Maihack and Dean Hale. Charles Kochman (editor-in-chief, Abrams ComicArts) joins the discussion as panelists share behind-the-scenes insights into the creation of these projects and discuss what's ahead for Marvel's publishing program at Abrams Books. Moderated by Sven Larsen (vice president, licensed publishing, Marvel Entertainment).
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Superheroes

12:00pm PDT

Building a Universe with Impound Comics
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 11
Brent Sands (creator of the Impound Universe), Brandon Gingell (creator of Hybrid), and Ray Anthony (creator of Midnight Tiger) discuss the process of building original comic book universes, developing characters, and creating interconnected stories. The panel explores the experiences, challenges, and world-building techniques used by independent creators for aspiring writers, artists, and comic book fans, followed by a Q&A session.
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

From Blackbeard to Netflix: Pirates in Modern Media
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
Bryan Cantrell (author, Pirates of the Wild West), Dr. Rebecca Simon (Why We Love Pirates, historian), Isaac C. Singleton Jr. (actor, Pirates of the Caribbean), Zach McGowan (actor, Black Sails), and Lukas Ettlin (director, One Piece) explore how pirate history evolved into pirate mythology and continues to influence storytelling across film, television, comics, books, and video games. Moderated by Cantrell.
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Omni Programs, Television, Video Games

12:00pm PDT

Life in Comics: Graphic Nonfiction
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 4
Graphic memoirists Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts), Thien Pham (Family Style: Memories of an American from Vietnam), and R. Sikoryak (Declaration/Emancipation Illustrated) discuss their art, process, and research with Rocco Versaci (professor at Palomar College).
Special Guests
avatar for Briana Loewinsohn

Briana Loewinsohn

Artist Alley HH-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Briana Loewinsohn is the author of the graphic memoir Ephemera (Fantagraphics, 2023), which was listed as one of the ALA’s top graphic novels of 2023 and was awarded the 2023 Foreword Indies Editors Prize for nonfiction. Her latest book, Raised by Ghosts (Fantagraphics, 2025), won... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics

12:00pm PDT

Multi-Genre Masters
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Whether it's fantasy, sci-fi, horror, or a tingler, these authors aren't afraid to adopt new genres to tell their stories. SDCC special guest V. E. Schwab, Olivie Blake (Gifted & Talented, Clara and the Devil), Sara Hashem (The Jasad Crown), Chuck Tingle (Fabulous Bodies), and Kiersten White (Mister Magic: The Graphic Novel) discuss how they genre-hop within and between their books. Moderated by Jenni Marchisotto (Mysterious Galaxy).
Special Guests
avatar for Victoria

Victoria "V. E." Schwab

Comic-Con Special Guest
Victoria “V. E.” Schwab is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 20 books. Schwab's series and standalone titles for readers of all ages have made her a major literary figure, whose notable works include the Villains series, the Shades of Magic universe, The I... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

12:15pm PDT

Ask an Astronaut: Q&A with NASA Astronaut (and Everest Climber) Scott Parazynski
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
Scott E. Parazynski is a physician, astronaut, and explorer. Trained as an ER doctor, he is a veteran of five Space Shuttle flights and seven spacewalks, including the one dubbed the "Apollo 13 moment" of the shuttle era. He is the first person to have both flown in space and summited Mount Everest. He was also Senator John Glenn's personal space physician during Glenn's historic return to orbit in 1998 and completed the first U.S.-Russian spacewalk. In addition, he is an active volcano explorer, scuba diver, commercial-rated pilot, former Olympic coach, technology inventor, serial entrepreneur, and author of the bestseller The Sky Below: A True Story of Summits, Space and Speed. An extended Q&A is included. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company).
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Books, Education, Fandom, Historical, International, Kids, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Tributes |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Education, Fandom, Historical, International, Kids, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Tributes

1:00pm PDT

Gemma Correll: How Comics Help Us Talk About Mental Health
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
In the bestselling graphic memoir Anxietyland, award-winning cartoonist, writer, and illustrator Gemma Correll leads readers through the amusement park of her own mind, chronicling her lifelong experience with anxiety and depression through humor and visual metaphor. Featured in The New Yorker, on NPR, and as Molly Ringwald's inaugural book club pick, #1 New York Times bestselling author Adam Grant says, "Get ready to laugh at your neuroses—and feel seen, too." Correll shares the process of using humor and illustration to make difficult mental health experiences accessible and relatable; the power of visual storytelling and how illustration expresses emotions and internal experiences that words alone cannot; creating work that makes readers feel seen and less alone in their struggles; and how sharing personal stories through art helps reduce stigma and open up conversations around mental health.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Needful Things: Collecting Stephen King
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Richard Chizmar (co-author, Gwendy's Button Box; owner, Cemetery Dance Publications), Robert Wiener (president, Donald M. Grant Publisher), David Williamson (owner, Betts Books, online S. King resale store), Tomas Krynsky (owner, SK Collector), Jackie Matyas (founding member, KingCon LLC; administrator, Stephen King Rare Editions Facebook Group), and Jesse Lankford (fanboy/moderator) share their passions for collecting rare and limited-edition books by the world's number-one selling horror author, Stephen King, along with behind-the-scenes information about producing and selling collectible books.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Tales of Saucer Country and Beyond: The High Strangeness of UFOs and UAPs in Comics
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
With the recent disclosure that Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly's Saucer Country graphic novel is now in active development for TV, and with an abundance of UFO- and UAP-related comics and news stories, this panel examines the truth behind the tall tales. Moderator Barbra Dillon is joined by Saucer Country EP and publisher Chris Ryall (Groom Lake) and fellow Forteans Paul Cornell (Who Killed Nessie?), Chris Condon (High Strangeness), Gordon Purcell (The X-Files), and Denton Tipton (The X-Files).
Special Guests
avatar for Gordon Purcell

Gordon Purcell

Artist Alley II-16, Comic-Con Special Guest
Gordon Purcell is a comic book artist perhaps best known for his Star Trek work, in particular his realistic renditions of the actors who play that franchise's characters, as well as those of similarly licensed comic books, such as The X-Files, Xena, Lost in Space, Godzilla, Young... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Books, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Television

1:30pm PDT

Little Fish: Comics, Community, Collaboration!
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Comics can connect pop culture and education across schools, libraries, literature, film festivals, and more. Little Fish Comic Book Studio spotlights partnerships and collaboration models for educators, librarians, and nonprofit leaders, with Alonso Nuñez (Little Fish Comic Book Studio), Rene LaFargue (Kevin Workman Foundation), Jenelle Dean (KPBS/One Book One San Diego), Reyna Turner (educator), and Little Fish students.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education

1:30pm PDT

The Science of Frankenstein
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Dr. Mark C. Glassy examines the science, real and implied, in Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, or the Modern Prometheus, first published in 1818. A single line in the novel—"I might infuse a spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay at my feet"—has inspired countless interpretations. The science of 1818 consisted of alchemy, electricity, galvanism, anatomy, and physiology. This lecture explores what Shelley suggests (more than states) and what has changed in the past 200 years.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:30pm PDT

Development to Distribution: Thinking Outside the Box
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Angela Oh (actor/writer, UDriveMe on Tubi, Castle, Scream Queens), Dawn Higginbotham (filmmaker, UDriveMe, Night of the Templar, Morning Person Pictures; author), Kumari Bakhru (postproduction producer, UDrive Me,  AFI, and NYFA, author), Susan Spohr (postproduction supervisor, associate producer, author), and Valerie Lettera-Spletzer (DreamWorks Animation; teacher), with moderator Renee O'Connor (filmmaker, ROC Pictures; actor, Xena: Warrior Princess), discuss creatively navigating the workflow from development and previs through new media and film production to marketing, deliverables, and distribution for independent films.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  U: Updated, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Education, Historical, International, Movies, Music, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Web, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Education, Historical, International, Movies, Music, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Web, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Comics for Education
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Host Dimithri Perera (The Keeg Podcasts) discusses the educational importance of comic books in the classroom with three comics-loving educators: Sara Zitney (cosplayer/educator), Ambrosha Koepp (content creator/educator), and Drew Maxey (comic writer/educator).
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Library Programs

2:00pm PDT

Final Steps: Comic Book Lettering
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 11
Dezi Sienty (DC Comics), Josh Reed (Dark Horse Comics), Joel Rodriguez (Metal Ninja Studios), Alex De Luca (Red 5 Comics), and Clay Adams (Scout Comics) examine the importance of comic book lettering. Panelists explore how graphic design impacts storytelling to enhance the look of favorite comics and review often-overlooked production elements required to prepare projects for the printer. Moderated by Zen (Image Comics).
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Streaming Has Changed Media Forever
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Streaming services need to fill space and are hoping for the next big thing. Panelists Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger), Gini Koch (The Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Katt Series), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), J.B. Garner (The Push Chronicles), Robert Roach (The Roach), Gary Montalbano (Disney), and Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl) discuss their experiences—good, bad, and indifferent—while offering tips on creating work that is more attractive to streaming services. Moderated by Jeff Twohig (Fuzzy Logic Media).
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Dinniman

Matt Dinniman

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Dinniman is a writer and artist from Gig Harbor, Washington. He is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dungeon Crawler Carl series, along with several other books about the end of the world. He doesn’t really hate cocker spaniels, and he plays bass in one band... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

The Dos and Don'ts to Kickstart Your First Comic
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
A sequential art masterpiece may be waiting to be written and drawn, and Kickstarter can help make it a reality. But where do you start? What are the essential steps to not just fund a passion project but reach all of the fans waiting to happen? Veteran campaign managers and creators outline the essential steps (and unforeseen obstacles) that can maximize Kickstarter's crowdfunding impact. Kickstarter thought leaders Shannon Bailey (Todd McFarlane Productions), Ash Troub (BOOM! Studios, Penguin Random House), Kat Calamia and Phil Falco (Lifeline Comics), Kickstarter director of comics Sean Edgar, and additional panelists share practical guidance on channeling passion for sequential art into a fully funded launch. Moderated by Fanbase Press’ Barbra Dillon.
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Rise of the Independents: The Indie Comics Revolution Revised!
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The '90s demonstrated that independent comics could compete at the top levels of sequential art, and the 2020s have expanded the playing field through democratized pro-quality tools, global access to world-class talent, and the reach of social media and connectivity. Veteran indie creators and newer voices discuss the current era of independent comics and the creators who carved the path. Panelists include Dan Vado (founder, SLG Publishing), Josh Blaylock (owner, Devil's Due Comics), Eli Schwab (publisher, Cosmic Lion Productions), Dave Dwonch (publisher, HellBrain Productions), Todd Tochioka (publisher, Snug Comics), Mike Dolce (publisher, Sire Studios), Jay Savage (founder, Blackline Comics), and Mark Bandy (publisher, Crimson Sleep Studios). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop(founder/EIC, Ultima Comics).
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  U: Updated, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

2:15pm PDT

The Lord of the Rings and the New Age of Adaptations
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
It's been 25 years since fans excitedly anticipated Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movies, and now a new age of adaptations is upon us. Jay Komas (general manager, Middle-earth Enterprises), Clifford Broadway (host, TORn Tuesday), Matt Graf (Nerd of the Rings), Jim Wert (TORn special events coordinator - East), Kellie Rice (Happy Hobbit; author), and Cathy Udovch (TORn special events coordinator - West). TheOneRing.net returns with the latest news and gossip on The Hunt for Gollum, The Rings of Power, games, collectibles, and other LOTR goodies in the works. What a time to be a fan.
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Costuming, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

The Anatomy of Fear: Celebrating Five Years of Fright and Terror with Nightfire
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Marking five years of Nightfire, authors discuss spine-tingling fear, bone-chilling cosmic horror, and psychological terror from some of horror's leading voices and exciting new talent. Featuring Taylor Grothe (Lethal Kiss), Deena Helm (Our Cut of Salt), C.J. Leede (Headlights), Chuck Tingle (Fabulous Bodies), and Mathilda Zeller (It Looks Like You in the Dark), moderated by Terry J. Benton-Walker (The Drakon King).
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Ask a (Comics) Librarian
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 4
Did you know that comics librarianship is over 50 years old? Or that libraries have championed graphic novels as "real reading" for just as long? Comics creators who have worked in a variety of libraries discuss their professional and creative practice, tips and tricks for starting, growing, and evolving graphic novel collections, and what comics for kids, teens, and adults librarians are reading and recommending.
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education

3:30pm PDT

The Horrors Persist but So Do We: A Latine Horror Panel
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Description.
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

3:30pm PDT

The Power of Color: The Discussion Continues
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Given the current atmosphere, representation in comics and pop culture continues to be at the forefront of the entertainment industry with Harry Potter and The Odyssey. Does the industry explore the option of looking at new material from independent creators, or does race swapping continue to be used as a method of furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to the topic of race?Discussing this topic are Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Larissa Lam (actress), Hannibal Tabu (writer/producer), Leo Partible (filmmaker), Dr. Thomas Parham (JAG), Baldwin Chiu (filmmaker), and Ralph Miley (moderator).
Sunday July 26, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television
 

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Wednesday, July 22
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Ballroom 20
Del Mar Room, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Grand 1, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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Sails Pavilion - Autographs
Sails Pavilion - Portfolio Review
Sala 28DE
Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
West Mezzanine Terrace
  • 1: Programs
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