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Thursday, July 23
 

10:00am PDT

12th Annual Musical Anatomy of a Superhero and Other Heroes
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Award-winning composers Kris Bowers and Michael Dean Parsons (Spider-Noir), Daniel Pemberton (Masters of the Universe, Project Hail Mary), Mick Giacchino (VisionQuest), and Claudia Sarne (Supergirl) share their projects and scores, including never-before-seen or heard clips, in a discussion moderated by Oscar-winning composer Michael Giacchino (Spider-Man: Brand New Day). Introductions by Ray Costa (Costa Communications/producer).
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

10:00am PDT

Bringing DC Heroes to Life Through Collectibles
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Upper Deck vice president of product development Grant Sandground and publishing content specialist TJ Shevlin, alongside a Warner Bros. representative and DC writer, explore how iconic characters are transformed into premium collectibles.
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

10:00am PDT

Bringing Films to Life: Building Professional and Fan-Made Props
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Jeanie Croshaw (director) moderates a demonstration on building fan-made props, armor, and droids, featuring actual samples of fan-made and professional props used in films. Panelists Christopher Ting (engineer), Zachary Spencer (engineer), Scott Harvey (prop engineer), Keva Tillem (costume designer), and Amanda Negron (costume designer, she/her) share their process and take questions from the audience.
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

10:00am PDT

My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Panel Powered by Crunchyroll
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Crunchyroll and panelists Christopher Sabat (voice of All Might), Justin Briner (voice of Izuku Midoriya), Clifford Chapin (voice of Katsuki Bakugo), and David Matranga (voice of Shoto Todoroki) celebrate the 10th anniversary of the award-winning anime series My Hero Academia.
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Ballroom 20

10:30am PDT

Conan the Barbarian: Beyond the Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
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

11:00am PDT

Cosplay 101: Bringing Your Dreams to Life
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
This fun panel is the perfect first step for beginners and will show that you don't need to be an expert to be a great cosplayer. Featuring Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer, panelist, and charity cosplayer), Bob Mogg (expert steampunker, fabricator, blogger, and teacher), the husband-and-wife team of Jamie Knight-Mason (actress and charity cosplayer) and Michael Mason (filmmaker and charity cosplayer), Miguel Navarro Franco (charity cosplayer and founder/president of Legacy CausePlay Society), Ingrid Luedtke (charity cosplayer and indie horror film actress), and Dan Moyer (charity cosplayer and enthusiast). There will be a Q&A session during the second half of the panel.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

11:00am PDT

Spotlight on Denys Cowan
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Eisner Award–winning creator Denys Cowan discusses artistic evolution, creative reinvention, and the power of collaboration. From helping lead the latest evolution of Milestone Media as its iconic characters expand within the broader DC Universe to developing film, television, and animation projects, Cowan has never allowed himself to be confined to a single lane. Cowan will discuss his collaborations with Charlamagne tha God on Illuminati, the upcoming BeastMode graphic novel with Marshawn Lynch, and his return to monthly comics as the artist of Nightwing. Along the way, he'll share stories from a groundbreaking career that continues to shape comics and popular culture.
Special Guests
avatar for Denys Cowan

Denys Cowan

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 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB

11:00am PDT

Tales From My Spinner Rack LIVE!
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
In 1975, after five incredibly creative—and frustrating—years at DC, writer-artist Jack Kirby returned to Marvel. Over the next few years, he would create titles such as The Eternals and Devil Dinosaur, while also working on Captain America and Black Panther, two characters he co-created. This is the beginning of the final years of the King of Comics' 50+ year career, which also saw him work in animation in Hollywood and introduce brand-new characters for companies like Pacific Comics and Topps. Moderator Gary Sassaman (former director of programming and publications for Comic-Con) talks to Kirby experts Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics) and John Morrow (editor-publisher, Jack Kirby Collector) about the final years of the King, including details on Morrow's new book, Marvelmation: Jack Kirby's Final Act in Comics & Animation. Free Tales from My Spinner Rack! bookmark and set of collector's cards to the first 100 attendees.
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9

11:00am PDT

Learn to Draw Professional Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Whilce Portacio (Uncanny X-Men, Punisher), Ryan Benjamin (Absolute Batman, Iron Man), Alex Sinclair (Hush 2, Justice League), and Carlos D'Anda (Justice League vs. Godzilla) lead a hands-on drawing workshop teaching professional strategies for pencils, inks, and colors. Each attendee is required to bring their own drawing materials.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 3

11:15am PDT

WWE Mattel Reveals
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Under the watchful eye of the very nice, very evil Danhausen, the Mattel WWE Elite Squad presents a panel packed with action figure reveals, exclusive announcements, and WWE Superstar guests. Featuring Rey Mysterio, Sam Roberts, and surprise appearances, the session may determine whether Mattel has earned Danhausen's approval—or receives the curse he's been promising for months.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6A

11:30am PDT

The Jewish Experience in Comics: Characters and Creators
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
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

11:30am PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #2: How Comics Work
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
This session explores how comics construct meaning through serial storytelling, reinterpretation, race, and political memory. Paul Young (Dartmouth College) shows how early Hulk comics helped shape Marvel's serialized universe-building through cyclical transformation narratives and crossovers. Francisco Sáez de Adana (University of Alcalá) reinterprets Vitaliti's contemporary artistic reworking of El Eternauta, focusing on how a classic comic work can be reinterpreted to extract meanings that underlie the original as well as to build new ones. Johnathan Flowers (California State University, Northridge) investigates the act of racebending as a form of counter-narrative that exposes systemic racism and white supremacy embedded in superhero culture and fandom. Daniel Ambord considers how comics confront misinformation and "toxic nostalgia," proposing an anti-fascist interpretive framework for engaging classic characters and stories.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB

12:00pm PDT

3rd Annual From Script to Screen: Behind the Camera of Film and TV
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Featuring creatives behind Spider-Noir, Scary Movie 6, My Adventures with Superman, Shringing, and more, this panel goes behind the scenes of some of the most exciting projects in film, television, and animation with the creative talent who help bring them to life. From developing unforgettable characters and stunning visuals to crafting the stories that captivate audiences around the world, this panel offers an insider's look at the collaborative process behind modern entertainment. Artists and storytellers shaping today's biggest productions share firsthand stories and reveal what it takes to turn imagination into an unforgettable on-screen experience. With supervising sound editor and sound designer Andy Sisul (Spider-Noir), costume designer Ariyela Wald-Cohain (Scary Movie 6), composer Daniel Futcher (My Adventures with Superman), supervising sound editor Ethan Beigel, MPSE/CAS (Spider-Noir), composer Greg Nicolett (Dr. Seuss's The Sneetches), and production designer Cabot McMullen (Shrinking, Rooster). Moderated by writer/director Chris Rodriguez (Puffing Iron). Part 2 of Impact24 PR's Panel Superblock.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB

12:00pm PDT

From Sketch to Stunt: Designing Costumes That Survive the Action
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Superhero landings, wire fights, explosions—costumes don't just look good; they have to perform. ISBCD costume designers Gersha Phillips (Captain America), Trayce Gigi Field (Spider-Noir), Charlese Antoinette (Children of Blood and Bone), Antoinette Messam (The Bluff), Dominique Dawson (HIM), Tiffany Hasbourne (Shadow Force), and Jennifer Bryan (The Acolyte) break down how garments are engineered for extreme action, from stretch fabrics and hidden reinforcements to quick-change duplicates and stunt doubles. The panel shares stories of costumes that ripped, burned, or had to be rebuilt overnight, and how teams saved the day.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB

12:00pm PDT

Secret Identities: American Superheroes in International Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
N. Scott Robinson (Ph.D., SD Mesa College) with moderator Alex Grand (author), discuss how American superheroes from Marvel and DC were changed in comics published in Arab, Asian, Latin American, and European areas.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

12:00pm PDT

Tales from the Toy Industry: Navigating the World of Licensed IP
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Success often starts with a recognizable intellectual property. But what does it really take to secure a sought-after license, and how do toy makers, large or small, decide which IP is worth the pursuit? Moderator Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com, The Toys That Built America) will pull back the curtain on the world of licensing, exploring the tough decisions, unexpected hurdles, and exciting opportunities that shape the toys on our shelves. This panel brings together industry professionals from all corners of the toy world: Jenn Cassidy (VP of business development and licensing, Super7), Steve Forde (founder, GoHero; co-founder, LBO Collective), Josh Izzo (executive VP of franchise development at Lightstorm Entertainment), Marc Mostman (licensing, branding, and marketing executive, Most Management), Bill Murphy (president, BigBadWorkshop), and Blaine Rodenbaugh (brand manager, NECA) will share real stories and advice on how to approach licensors, what retailers are looking for, and how to create products that are both fresh and faithful to beloved brands.
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor

12:45pm PDT

Spotlight on Jim Lee
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
World-renowned comic book artist, writer, and president/publisher/chief creative officer of DC Comics Jim Lee (Batman, Superman, Justice League, Suicide Squad) talks about his 35+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live. Watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tricks of the trade that bring DC’s characters to life.
Special Guests
avatar for Jim Lee

Jim Lee

Comic-Con Special Guest
Jim Lee, the world-renowned comic book artist, writer, editor, and publisher, is currently president, publisher, and chief creative officer of DC. He leads creative efforts to integrate DC’s publishing portfolio of characters and stories across all media, supporting Warner Bros... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 6DE

1:00pm PDT

Absolute Crisis: Relaunching Comics and the First Amendment
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
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

1:00pm PDT

Canadian Price Variant Comics: Rarity & Demand
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Kevin Polidano (CEO, The Comic Doctor Inc.) and Angelo Virone (cpvpriceguide.com, CPV historian) discuss the history, rarity, and growing popularity of Canadian Price Variant (CPV) comic books, including how scarcity and collector demand have made CPVs one of the hobby's most exciting market segments. A Q&A follows, moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett (filmmaker and host of the Burnettwork YouTube channel).
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

1:00pm PDT

On the Mic Podcast with Tim Drake LIVE from SDCC
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Hosted by Tim Drake (Funny or Die, Demonetize), an award-winning filmmaker, writer, producer, and Second City alumnus, the panel features conversation about TV, film, and comedy with Alexander Watson (Demonetize, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia) and additional celebrity guests. Drake's jokes and tweets have been featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Comedy Central.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library

1:00pm PDT

Robert Kirkman Live!
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
The biggest Robert Kirkman panel yet. From Invincible to the newest superhero series Terminal, to Void Rivals and an expanding vision for Transformers in Skybound and Hasbro's Energon Universe, Robert Kirkman pulls back the curtain on it all. Behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive reveals, and surprises are part of the program.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF

1:30pm PDT

Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Moderated by Amanda Miller and Amber Miller (co-founders, Fangirl Central), this panel spotlights Black female storytellers from all areas of the industry who are shaping narratives across genres and platforms. ShaMya Williams (producer, Starting 5), Christian Streaty (writer, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures), Ryan Oakley (illustrator, Fortnite), Kai Grayson (producer, Roles for Initiative LA), Chelyse Abrams (editor, Michael), and Angela Entzminger (screenwriter, My Adventures with Superman) discuss their creative journeys, the challenges of forging new paths, and the power of fandom in building community and identity. One lucky audience member will have the opportunity to win a commissioned 5x7 bust illustration.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10

1:45pm PDT

Marvel Comics: Avengers: Armageddon
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Armageddon is here. The Red Hulk has conquered Latveria and has his sights set on world domination. Only the Avengers can stop him . . . but at what cost? VP and executive editor Nick Lowe, editor-in-chief C.B. Cebulski, Avengers: Armageddon writer Chip Zdarsky, and more discuss breaking news about the blockbuster event set to usher in a new era of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. Attendees who stay until the end will receive an exclusive copy of Avengers: Armageddon #2 with a secret new cover by Chip Zdarsky, teasing the future of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room 6A

2:00pm PDT

10th Anniversary of Hero Within
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
A decade of pop culture apparel is celebrated with the Hero Within team. Founded at Comic-Con 10 years ago, Hero Within has grown and evolved with each subsequent SDCC. Founder and "Chief Nerd" Tony B. Kim shares stories, soul-crushing defeats, and inspirational moments from the past 10 years. Limited anniversary exclusives and giveaways are planned for attendees, while supplies last. Trevor Kaihoi (operations guru) and Liz Bai (sales ninja) also appear.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

2:00pm PDT

Black Hammer: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Bestselling cartoonist Jeff Lemire and more creators from the world of Black Hammer discuss 10 years of the brilliant, critically acclaimed, and award-winning superhero saga. Exclusive details about what's next for the Black Hammer universe and what the 10th anniversary holds in store will be revealed.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 6DE

2:00pm PDT

Descend into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Dan Panosian (Dirt Beneath the Devil, Canary), Becky Cloonan (Dirt Beneath the Devil, Somna), Leah Kilpatrick (DC Horror Presents, Headless Horseman Annual), Mark London (Terrorbytes, Honor & Curse), Tula Lotay (Groupies, Somna), Scott Snyder (Canary, We Have Demons), and Mark Russell (Terrorbytes, Vanishing Point) discuss what makes horror stories resonate and what new tales of terror they are telling through comics.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC

2:00pm PDT

The Human Fly vs. Dracula: Amazing Artwork and Edgy Stories
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
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), 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.
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor

3:00pm PDT

A Web of Design: Caught in the Creation of Sony's TV Series Spider-Noir
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Trayce Gigi Field (costume designer, Local 892; Spaceballs: The New One, The 'Burbs) discusses the costumes designed for the Spider-Noir series with her costume team, including Daniel Selon (assistant costume designer, Local 892; Blue Beetle, Agatha All Along), Maddison Carroll (assistant costume designer, Local 892; Agatha All Along, The Muppet Show), Julia Van Vliet (key costumer, Local 705; The Flash, Hocus Pocus 2), Imario Susilo (costume concept artist, Local 892; The Mandalorian and Grogu, Tron: Ares), and Maggie Chan (costume concept artist, Local 892; Lanterns season 1, Spaceballs: The New One), with creator and showrunner Oren Uziel (screenwriter, Mortal Kombat (2021)). Moderated by Spencer Williams, founder of The Art of Costume.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

3:00pm PDT

Brandon Davis Show Live
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
The Brandon Davis Show records a live episode with the SDCC crowd in attendance. Hosted by Brandon Davis (content creator and host), the show centers on fandom, movies, television, and superheroes, with surprise guest panelists.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

3:00pm PDT

Ultraduck: Soaring into a New Era of Superhero Cinema: Exclusive First Look
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
An exclusive first look at Ultraduck, a bold new superhero film based on the best-selling graphic novel. The panel offers a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage, along with behind-the-scenes stories and insights into the creative process that brought this unique hero to the big screen. The discussion explores the journey from page to screen, from concept development to final animation. All attendees will receive a free exclusive Ultraduck collectible pin to commemorate the experience.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB

3:15pm PDT

The Year of Jack Kirby: A Star-Studded Celebration!
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Industry superstars Tom King, Mark Waid, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Nick Dragotta along with Tracy Kirby, Jeremy Kirby, and pop culture historian Roy Schwartz, celebrate the legacy of Jack "The King" Kirby, co-creator of the Marvel Universe, mythmaker of DC's New Gods, and pop art pioneer. With a street named after him in NYC, a new documentary in production, two museum exhibits, the upcoming Mister Miracle animated series, and Avengers: Endgame, 2026 is the year of Jack Kirby.
Special Guests
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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 6DE

3:30pm PDT

Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2 Advanced Screening and Q&A with Cast and Crew
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
A world-premiere screening of the first episode of Batman: Caped Crusader Season 2, followed by a Q&A with the voice cast and creative team behind the animated noir series. Batman: Caped Crusader hails from Warner Bros. Animation, DC Studios, J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot Productions, and Matt Reeves' 6th & Idaho. Along with Abrams, Reeves, and Bruce Timm, executive producers include James Tucker, Geoffrey Thorne, Sarah Geismer, Rachel Rusch Rich, and Sam Register.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 6BCF

3:30pm PDT

Heroes After the Uniform: Veterans, Comics, and the Stories That Help Us Reclaim Ourselves
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Veteran stories are often treated as if they end when the uniform comes off, but for many, that is where the real story begins. Meghan Camarena (Radiant Pink, Pokémon Trainer Tour) moderates a conversation with Sandra Winn (consultant, The Dead Lucky; producer), Todd Wesche (host of Vets With Benefits, Vetus Legal), Melissa Flores (Power Rangers Prime, The Dead Lucky), Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (psychologist, UCLA), Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow), and Christopher Sean (Ultraman: Rising, Star Wars Resistance) about how comics, fandom, and popular culture can help veterans and military-connected communities rebuild identity, process transition, move beyond stereotypes, and reclaim the parts of themselves changed by service.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB

3:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Scott Williams
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
From his iconic runs on X-Men to Batman and more, Scott Williams (Batman: Hush) discusses his 40-year career in comics as an artist and inker and his evolution as a creator over the decades. Guest moderator and longtime collaborator Alex Sinclair (Batman: Hush) joins him for art, insights, and a lively Q&A session.
Special Guests
avatar for Scott Williams

Scott Williams

Comic-Con Special Guest
Scott Williams is a fan favorite comic book artist whose career spans over 40 years. Best known as the inker on such hit titles as X-Men (including X-Men #1 in 1991, the single largest-selling comic in history) and Batman: Hush, Williams has won numerous awards for his groundbreaking embellishment style. Having collaborated with dozens of the top artists in the field, the symbiotic partnership Scott shares with superstar Jim Lee in particular is one of the longest-lasting pairings in the business. Scott... Read More →
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC

3:30pm PDT

Drawing with Todd Nauck
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Todd Nauck (Marvel and DC Comics comic book artist; Amazing Spider-Man, Young Justice) demonstrates his approach to comic art, shares tips and tricks, and relates stories and experiences from his 30+ years as a professional comic artist.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3

4:00pm PDT

Apex Comics Group 2026-2027 Exclusive Previews
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
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

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

4:15pm PDT

Thematic Tunes from Star Wars to Pokémon
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Crafting themes for favorite characters is no easy task. Composers across film and television discuss their approaches to writing music for iconic stories and the challenges of scoring projects with dedicated fan bases. From Supergirl to Darth Maul, the panel covers it all, featuring Ed Goldfarb (Pokémon), Claudia Sarne (Supergirl), Trey Toy (Castlevania: Nocturne), and Kevin Kiner, Deana Kiner, and Sean Kiner (Star Wars: Maul—Shadow Lord). Co-moderated by Louie Stephens (director of film, TV, and visual media, BMI) and Chandler Poling (White Bear PR).
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Room 6A

4:30pm PDT

The Night Hawk, 1828: The First Superhero? Yes.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Was Superman the first superhero and the originator of the superhero genre? No. Matthew Warner Osborn (UM-Kansas City) discovered the Night Hawk in The Mechanics Free Press in 1828, predating the Man of Steel by more than a century. The Night Hawk fits the Mission-Powers-Identity definition of the superhero devised by Peter Coogan (Institute for Comics Studies). In conversation with Coogan and historian Dr. Andrew Fogel (Skirball Cultural Center), Osborn lays out his discovery, names the man behind the cloak of America's first superhero, and discusses his forthcoming book Night Hawk: A Nineteenth Century Superhero and the Dawn of American Mass Culture (University of Chicago Press, 2026).
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB

5:00pm PDT

La Llorona Comics: The Latin American Challenge of Creating Comics . . . Before Tapping Out
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Raul Valdes (artist), Oscar Amador (writer), Giobany Arevalo (editor), Alex Sinclair (colorist, DC Comics), and Blue Demon Jr. (luchador legend) discuss the difficult task of producing independent comics in Mexico and how the proliferation of A.I. may impact the industry. Moderated by Carlos Joey Moises (host, ComicMania podcast).
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor

5:00pm PDT

The Future of Collecting
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Panelists Shane Walsh (McFarlane Toys Digital), David Yu (VeVe Digital Collectibles), David Steinberger (Neonichiban.com), Brandon Boggus (TRU Media Group), Will Weinraub (Digitoys), James Roach (Muse Ink), and Ben Kendrick (vending.comicbook.com). discuss their respective projects and the expanding world of digital collecting.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE

5:30pm PDT

Why Comics Matter Now More than Ever
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
In an era of endless content, why do comics still cut through the noise? Brian Buccellato (Justice League vs. Godzilla vs. Kong), Carl Choi (publisher of 247 Comics), Heath Corson (Witness Point), Melissa Flores (The Dead Lucky), and Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian) discuss relevance, representation, and the power of visual storytelling. Moderated by Mickey Finnegan (content creator, Swagglehaus), this panel tackles where comics are headed and why they still matter.
Special Guests
avatar for Pornsak Pichetshote

Pornsak Pichetshote

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 26AB

5:45pm PDT

The Tony Swatton: Next Chapter
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:45pm - 6:45pm PDT
Legendary blacksmith and propmaker Tony Swatton (Hook, Man-at-Arms) discusses his career spanning more than 300 films with multiple Oscar-winning makeup artist Ve Neill (Pirates of the Caribbean, Beetlejuice), Isaac C. Singleton, Jr. (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Deadpool), producer Valerie Perez (Paula Peril series, Saturn Awards), cosplayer Ashley Howe, writer/director Benjamin L. Brown (Severed Road), and moderator Cate Barry (True-Sight Lens, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road, Man at Arms: Reforged), Tony's fiancée. The discussion highlights Tony's new YouTube channel, featuring blacksmithing techniques, tool demonstrations, plenty of hammers, and building projects with friends.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:45pm - 6:45pm PDT
Room 6DE

6:00pm PDT

I Want to Read the Comics, but I Don't Know How!
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Curious to explore the comic book roots of your favorite characters, movies, TV shows, and anime, but baffled and overwhelmed by all the options? Experts, including Katie Pryde (Books with Pictures), Douglas Wolk (All of the Marvels), and Deb Aoki (Mangasplaining), walk you through the world of comics and graphic novels and offer laser-focused recommendations for what you want to read.
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

6:00pm PDT

Marvel Rivals: Meet the Cast
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Voice talent from Marvel Rivals discuss bringing fan-favorite heroes to life, with Erik Braa (Moon Knight), Brittany Cox (Angela), Bill Millsap (The Punisher), Laura Post (Emma Frost), Hakeem Ysaguirre (Cloak), and Lenore Zann (Rogue). A Q&A follows.
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF

6:00pm PDT

The Her Universe Fashion Show
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Geek couture takes the runway. Hosted by HypeFriend! podcast duo Ashley Eckstein (actress; Her Universe founder) and Michael James Scott (actor and singer), the 2026 Her Universe Fashion Show celebrates DC. Twenty designers go head-to-head with DC-inspired looks, turning fan passion into high fashion. Winners earn the chance to design a collection for Her Universe.
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt

6:30pm PDT

Gay Geeks and Where to Find Them
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
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

6:30pm PDT

Marvel, Moana, Manga, Mānēs, and 'Merica (Melting Pot Comics: America at 250)
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Eisner and Harvey Award–winning Gene Luen Yang (Shang-Chi, Superman, Lunar New Year Love Story), Thien Pham (Sumo, Family Style), and Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera, Raised by Ghosts), along with Wayne Lo (Star Wars: The Clone Wars designer; ILM VFX art director), take part in a high-energy sing-off of the "Star-Spangled Banner" with Hawaiian, Hebrew, Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Texan flair. Beyond the fun, the panel explores the heart and memories behind their comics, celebrating culture shaped by America's unity and diversity.
Special Guests
avatar for Briana Loewinsohn

Briana Loewinsohn

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC

6:45pm PDT

Alter Egos and Origin Stories
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Ben Reilly (Brooklyn/Atlanta rapper inspired by Spider-Man lore) joins Gabe P (founder and host, On The Radar; radio host) and Patrick A. Reed (NYC-based pop culture historian, curator, journalist, DJ, and founder of the Hip-Hop and Comics: Cultures Combining program at Comic-Con) for a candid conversation exploring the intersection of hip-hop and comic book storytelling through alter egos, identity, and worldbuilding. The panel examines how these elements shape music, creative process, and artistic evolution, drawing parallels between superhero mythology and modern rap culture. The conversation explores how artists create personas, build immersive worlds, and draw inspiration from superhero mythology before opening up to an audience Q&A.
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Room 6A

8:00pm PDT

Sam Kieth: Celebrating an Artistic Life
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
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

8:00pm PDT

The 29th Annual Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 10:30pm PDT
Martial arts movie consultant Ric Meyers (Films of Fury), commentary beast Frank Djeng (Bruce Li and I), and That Phat Samurai Guy Preston Downey (Movie Dojo Podcast) and their awesome Extravagang are back with a whole new slew of the best fight scenes, sneak peeks, world premieres, surprise guests, and more.
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 10:30pm PDT
Room 6A

8:15pm PDT

Stan Lee: The Final Chapter: Exclusive Documentary Screening
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:15pm - 10:15pm PDT
Stan Lee was the beloved face of comics and a legend whose larger-than-life personality inspired people around the world. But behind the smiles, convention appearances, and red-carpet events, there was a very different story. Stan Lee: The Final Chapter reveals the reality of Stan Lee's final years. Through never-before-seen footage and firsthand accounts, the documentary pulls back the curtain on the life of this icon and serves as a reminder that what the public sees is not always the whole truth.
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:15pm - 10:15pm PDT
Room 6DE

8:30pm PDT

Invincible: The Price of Power and the Strength of Connection
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
While many superhero stories focus on the thrill of the fight, Invincible stands out for its unflinching look at the emotional and psychological toll of wearing the mask. This panel brings together mental health experts Sara Roldan (Our Oasis Community Podcast), Marc Davis, LMHC-D, RN (Alchemy Counseling), Asher Johnson (Superhero Redemption Therapy), and Benjamin Taitz (The Fleet: Star Trek Costuming and Charity Fan Group) to explore the complex dynamics of the Grayson family, the trauma of legacy, and how Mark navigates a world where being "invincible" doesn't mean you can't be broken. The panel explores the series' portrayal of resilience and the deep-seated human need for connection in the face of intergalactic betrayal. Moderated by Aaron Weinstein, M.A. (NerdNite OC).
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD

9:00pm PDT

How Science May Give You Superpowers
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
An unbreakable skeleton like Wolverine. A healing factor that speeds recovery. Daredevil-level senses. Dr. KC Huang (Stanford), Dr. Christopher Hernandez (UC San Francisco), and Dr. Shane Campbell-Staton (Princeton; host of The Biology of Superheroes podcast) examine biology and engineering research pushing the limits of human potential, from rare individuals with extraordinary abilities to the hidden power of the microbiome and the evolutionary forces behind nature's own "superpowers." Moderated by Tom Galloway (comics expert and former A.I. researcher).
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 28DE

9:00pm PDT

The Looks of Love: The Evolution of Romance in Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Led by Sydney Heifler (romance comic historian), this roundtable of comics creators and experts examines how love stories have evolved in comics over time. History professor Michael Dooley (2020 Eisner Judge) discusses romance in early 20th-century newspaper strips, such as Nell Brinkley's groundbreaking, ornate Art Nouveau series "Golden Eyes and her Hero Bill." Rand Hoppe (Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center) and Bruce Simon (Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center) discuss post-WWII romance comics. John Lustig (Last Kiss), Thomas F. Zahler (Love and Capes), Jaime Jameson (comics creator and expert), and former Marvel creative director Jim Krueger (Earth X) look at modern depictions of love in comics, romance comics redux, graphic novels, and superhero comics.
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
 

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