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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
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
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
  1: Programs, Animation, Comics, Hilton Programs, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

10:00am PDT

Bringing Films to Life: Building Professional and Fan-Made Props
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Games, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Video Games

10:00am PDT

My Hero Academia 10th Anniversary Panel Powered by Crunchyroll
Thursday July 23, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Ballroom 20
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
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Education, Superheroes

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

11:00am PDT

Cosplay 101: Bringing Your Dreams to Life
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Games, Historical, Kids, Marriott Programs, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

11:00am PDT

Spotlight on Denys Cowan
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
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

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 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Movies, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

Tales From My Spinner Rack LIVE!
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
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
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Superheroes

11:00am PDT

Learn to Draw Professional Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 3
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.
All of the necessary supplies to participate in this Comic-Con How To session will be provided.
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con How To, Comics, Education, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

11:15am PDT

WWE Mattel Reveals
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6A
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
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Fandom, Superheroes, Television

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

11:30am PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #2: How Comics Work
Thursday July 23, 2026 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Comics Arts Conference, Education, International, Superheroes

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
Room 7AB
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

From Sketch to Stunt: Designing Costumes That Survive the Action
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Costuming, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, International, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

12:00pm PDT

Secret Identities: American Superheroes in International Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Comics, Education, Historical, International, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

12:00pm PDT

Tales from the Toy Industry: Navigating the World of Licensed IP
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
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
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Comics, Education, Movies, Music, Omni Programs, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

12:45pm PDT

Spotlight on Jim Lee
Thursday July 23, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
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: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Education, Superheroes

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

Canadian Price Variant Comics: Rarity & Demand
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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: Programs, Comics, Education, Historical, International, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

Robert Kirkman Live!
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF
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: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes, Television

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

Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10
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: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

1:45pm PDT

Marvel Comics: Avengers: Armageddon
Thursday July 23, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room 6A
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? A special discussion of Avengers: Armageddon includes 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
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Comics, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Superheroes

2:00pm PDT

10th Anniversary of Hero Within
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Historical, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

2:00pm PDT

Black Hammer: 10th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
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
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Descend into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
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
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

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

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
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Marriott Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

Ultraduck: Soaring into a New Era of Superhero Cinema: Exclusive First Look
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
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
  1: Programs, Comics, Movies, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

Brandon Davis Show Live
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The Brandon Davis Show records a live episode with featured guest Sarah Finn (Marvel Cinematic Universe casting). Hosted by Brandon Davis (content creator, host), the show centers on fandom, movies, television, and, of course, superheroes.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
  U: Updated, Hilton Programs, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Hilton Programs, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

3:15pm PDT

The Year of Jack Kirby: A Star-Studded Celebration!
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
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. An SDCC 2026 panel-exclusive Marvel comic will be distributed to attendees.
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
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Superheroes, Tributes

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
Room 6BCF
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
  1: Programs, Movies, Superheroes, Television

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
Room 26AB
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Superheroes

3:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Scott Williams
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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

Booth #4505, 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
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes

3:30pm PDT

Drawing with Todd Nauck
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
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.
All of the necessary supplies to participate in this Comic-Con How To session will be provided.
Thursday July 23, 2026 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con How To, Comics, Superheroes

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

4:15pm PDT

Thematic Tunes from Star Wars to Pokémon
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Room 6A
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
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Comics, Education, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

4:30pm PDT

The Night Hawk, 1828: The First Superhero? Yes.
Thursday July 23, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
  1: Programs, Comics, Historical, Superheroes

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
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Omni Programs, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

Power Rangers: The Next Era Begins
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Creators Marguerite Bennett (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Gastronomique), Phillip Sevy (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Kenny Porter (Superboy: The Man of Tomorrow), and Joey Esposito (Power Rangers Unlimited, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Zord Quest) discuss what's in store for the next generation of Power Rangers. Moderated by BOOM! editor-in-chief Andy Schmidt and in conversation with editors Tea Fougner and Ari Yarwood, the panel includes exclusive previews, behind-the-scenes insights, and audience questions about the epic storylines shaping the next era of Power Rangers.
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, Comics, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

The Future of Collecting
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
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
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Games, Podcasts, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

Why Comics Matter Now More than Ever
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

5:45pm PDT

The Tony Swatton: Next Chapter
Thursday July 23, 2026 5:45pm - 6:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
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
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Historical, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

6:00pm PDT

I Want to Read the Comics, but I Don't Know How!
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
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
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Comics, Marriott Programs, Movies, Superheroes, Television

6:00pm PDT

Marvel Rivals: Meet the Cast
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes, Video Games

6:00pm PDT

The Her Universe Fashion Show
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Harbor Ballroom, Manchester Grand Hyatt
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
  1: Programs, Costuming, Hyatt Programs, Movies, Superheroes

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

Marvel, Moana, Manga, Mānēs, and 'Merica (Melting Pot Comics: America at 250)
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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

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 →
Thursday July 23, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Education, Historical, Humor & Satire, International, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

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

8:00pm PDT

The 29th Annual Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:00pm - 10:30pm PDT
Room 6A
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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, International, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web, Writers & Writing, After Dark

8:15pm PDT

Stan Lee: The Final Chapter: Exclusive Documentary Screening
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:15pm - 10:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
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
  1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Superheroes, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

Invincible: The Price of Power and the Strength of Connection
Thursday July 23, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
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 Dr. Sara Roldan (Our Oasis Community Podcast), Marc Davis, LMHC-D, RN (Alchemy Counseling), Dr. Asher Johnson (Superhero Redemption Therapy), and Dr. 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
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

How Science May Give You Superpowers
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
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
  1: Programs, Comics, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

The Looks of Love: The Evolution of Romance in Comics
Thursday July 23, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
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
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Historical, Superheroes, After Dark
 
Friday, July 24
 

10:00am PDT

A Day in the Life of a Comics Writer
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
What do comic book writers do all day? During this fun and candid conversation, writers Melissa F. Olson (Archaic), Meghan Fitzmartin (Mary Sue), Brandon T. Snider (Supergirl's Family Vacation), Tyrone Finch (Batman/Superman: World's Finest), Brandon Hoáng (Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Kyoshi Warriors), and Comic-Con special guest Kelly Sue DeConnick (FML) compare notes on their daily habits, methodology, schedules, and what they do when none of it is working quite right.
Special Guests
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 →
Friday July 24, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

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

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

10:15am PDT

Marvel Rivals: Ignite the Summer!
Friday July 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Room 6BCF
Creative leaders from NetEase Games and Marvel Games share a behind-the-scenes look at Marvel Rivals, featuring Dino Ma (art director), Weitai Luo (principal environment artist), Zhen Li (principal 3D character artist), Peilin Zhong (lead character concept artist), Yachen Bian (marketing lead for Marvel Rivals), Jinghua Duan (lead narrative designer), and Donger Gan (narrative designer), alongside Marvel Games team members Danny Koo (executive producer), Dakota Maysonet (creative development manager), and Dan LaDuca (senior art director). The panel explores the visual and narrative design behind the game's latest content, including the Hellfire Gala, Summer Special, and more, with creative reveals and new announcements.
Friday July 24, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Room 6BCF
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Games, Superheroes, Video Games

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

The Rocketeer: Helmets and Rocket Packs
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Jennifer Stevens Bawcum (The Rocketeer Trust), Michael Possert Jr. (Apollo 13, The Shadow), Jana-Marie Bonar (Jingle All the Way, Earth 2), and Michael Stuart (The Abyss, Armageddon) discuss the fabrication of the iconic helmet and rocket pack for The Rocketeer and the challenges of finishing them in time to meet the shooting deadline.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Marriott Programs, Movies, Superheroes

11:15am PDT

DC's Gotham City
Friday July 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Top DC creators examine the heroes, villains, and the bad seeds shaping Gotham City's future. The panel includes an early look at what is coming this fall, including a major reveal. Featuring G. Willow Wilson (Poison Ivy), Matt Fraction (Batman), Tom Taylor (Detective Comics), Tate Brombal (Batgirl), Christopher Cantwell (Batman: Bad Seeds – Gotham Central), Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), and others. Moderated by Rob Levin (group editor, DC).

Special Guests
avatar for Matt Fraction

Matt Fraction

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Fraction co-created the New York Times bestselling books Sex Criminals and Hawkeye. He co-created and worked as a writer and executive producer on Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and is executive producer on the adaptation of SEX CRIMINALS coming to Amazon Prime next... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

11:30am PDT

Marvel Legends Panel with Hasbro
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Hasbro and Marvel product experts share updates on the Marvel Legends line, including a sneak peek at upcoming, never-before-seen items, followed by a Q&A.
Friday July 24, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Comics, Superheroes

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

Spotlight on Howard Mackie
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Comics writer Howard Mackie, whose work spans the darker corners of the Marvel Universe (Ghost Rider) to the genuinely heroic (Spider-Man), is interviewed, cajoled, and ridiculed by fellow Clone Saga writer Terry Kavanagh (Spider-Man, Moon Knight, and more) in a one-on-one chat and Q&A exploring past work together and future projects in the pipeline.
Special Guests
avatar for Howard Mackie

Howard Mackie

Artist Alley HH-09, Comic-Con Special Guest
Howard Mackie was dragged—kicking and screaming—into writing his first comic book (Iron Man #211) by legendary writer/editor Mark Gruenwald in 1986, and he went on to chronicle the adventures of Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, The X-Men, X-Factor, Mutant-X, Gambit, Wolverine, Batman, and countless others for Marvel, DC, and other publishers. Howard’s most... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

DC's Next Level
Friday July 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
DC storytellers explore the Next Level publishing initiative with announcements, fresh looks, and new details from across the DC Universe. Featuring Joshua Williamson (Legion of Super-Heroes), Hayden Sherman (Legion of Super-Heroes), Kyle Higgins (Teen Titans), Michael Walsh, Gerry Duggan (Next Level: One-Shot), and others. Moderated by Brittany Holzherr (senior editor, DC) and Andrew Marino (senior editor, DC).
Friday July 24, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

McFarlane Toys: Unreleased, Unannounced, Unleashed
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6A
An exclusive first look at the latest toys and collectibles from McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane. The panel explores brands including Fallout, God of War, Poppy Playtime, Marvel, Spawn, DC, and more. The McFarlane Toys team, along with surprise guests, provides an in-depth look at these highly anticipated products, with additional surprises and giveaways.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Comics, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

1:00pm PDT

Sus Stories with Atif Myers
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Comedian Atif Myers (BET and CBS) and fellow comedians Dani Fernandez (Ralph Breaks the Internet, DC Comics), Jeff May (Netflix and Shudder), Adam Tod Brown (You Don't Even Like Podcasts, Cracked), Kazeem Rahman (Netflix; Tough Choice Podcast), and Joe Welkie (Boys Watching Buffy) discuss the weirdest comics they've read and enjoyed and review a current weird comic live.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Humor & Satire, Library Programs, Podcasts, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

The Dwayne McDuffie Award for Diversity in Comics
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
Charlotte (Fullerton) McDuffie (Ben 10: Alien Force, Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Ben 10: Omniverse, and My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Will J. Watkins (Motherland: Fort Salem; director, DMAD; founder of Chicago's first Black-owned comic book shop, now an online store, Mike's on Mars), Matt Wayne (Shadow Cabinet, The World Needs Heroes), Kevin Rubio (Star Wars: Tag & Bink, Green Lantern: The Animated Series), host Phil LaMarr (Static Shock, Justice League Unlimited), and keynote speaker J. August Richards (Angel, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) celebrate the life and work of legendary animation and comics writer, producer, and creator Dwayne McDuffie (Milestone, Justice League Unlimited) and the prestigious award in his name.
Friday July 24, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Comics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, 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

Focus on Jenny Blake Isabella
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10
This year's in-person recipient of the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing used to be known as Tony Isabella, famous for Black Lightning and many, many comics for Marvel (like The Champions, Tigra, Luke Cage, It, the Living Colossus, and more) and other publishers. These days, she's Jenny Blake, who tonight will be presented with an award she so richly deserves. For this hour, she will be interviewed about her life and times by her longtime friend, Mark Evanier (administrator of the Bill Finger Award).
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 →
Friday July 24, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

My Adventures with Superman Season 3
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The next chapter of My Adventures with Superman brings the cast and creative team to the Comic-Con stage to talk season 3 of Adult Swim's acclaimed animated series. From Clark and Lois's evolving partnership to higher stakes in Metropolis and beyond, the panel explores how the show continues to reimagine the world's most iconic hero with heart, humor, and action, plus behind-the-scenes insights and special surprises for fans.
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Hilton Programs, Superheroes, Television

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

Original Comic Art: An Open Discussion with the Insiders
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Moderated by Mickey Finnegan (host of The Ungraded Truth Podcast and founder of Swagglehaus Ent), panelists Brett Bean (creator, D'Orc; artist, Dungeon Crawler Carl: Crocodile, I Hate Fairyland), Dinesh Shamdasani (former CEO and CCO of Valiant Comics and current CEO and CCO of Bad Idea), Michael Hansen (founder of SNIKT.com), Patrick A. Reed (curator, Inventing America, Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing, and Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity), Carl Choi (publisher of 247 Comics), and a surprise guest discuss all things original art, including current trends in comic art collecting. They will provide methods and tips for entering the hobby, spill the tea on past art deals, and answer audience questions. There will even be a public viewing of carefully curated, world-class original artwork. Plus: original art giveaways.
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Superheroes

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

Writing for Indie Comics
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
Whether self-publishing or working for an independent publisher, writing indie comics presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to share a creative vision with the world. Writers Dave Baker (Mary Tyler Moorehawk), Edward Davis (Finish Line Comics), Johnny Parker II (Broken), and Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Morgana Pendragon) share tricks and tips of the trade. Hosted by David Lucarelli (Tinseltown). Free comics are available for anyone who asks a question.
Friday July 24, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Omni Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:15pm PDT

Marvel Comics to Screen: X-Men '97
Friday July 24, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6A
To me, my X-Fans! The creative team behind Marvel Animation’s X-Men ’97, along with special guests, discusses X-Men ’97 Season 2. Featuring insider insights, special anecdotes, and hints of what is to come, this panel offers something for every Marvel fan, including a special giveaway comic at the end of the presentation.
Friday July 24, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Comics, Superheroes, Television

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

3:30pm PDT

Marvel Comics: Next Big Thing
Friday July 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 6A
This panel features some of the world’s leading comics creators examining the future of Marvel Comics. From Amazing Spider-Man #1000 to Infernal Hulk, DNX to Queen in Black, the Marvel Universe has never been busier—or more dangerous—for its heroes. Learn what else is coming down the line in this can’t-miss panel. Attendees who remain until the end will receive a special giveaway.
Friday July 24, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Superheroes

4:00pm PDT

So You Want to Start a Comic Book/Entertainment YouTube Channel
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Efrain Laguardia (Passpoint Comics), Ian Nicolas (Hoodrat Podcast), and Paul Santos (Paul in the 619) share how and why they each started a YouTube channel. Their channels celebrate everything that makes comics great: the storytelling, the art, the iconic characters, and even the hidden gems that deserve more attention. They discuss their passion for comic books and share personal experiences and practical advice to equip attendees with the knowledge and inspiration to launch a comic book YouTube channel. Sometimes you just have to press Record. Efrain, Ian, and Paul participate in a Q&A session moderated by Robert Moreno (Momocomics 80).
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Library Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television

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

Spotlight on Javier Fernández
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Javier Fernández (DC K.O., Batman and Robin, King Spawn) has become synonymous with high-energy storytelling. His work has appeared across Marvel, DC, and Image, and he appears in a one-on-one interview and Q&A session.
Special Guests
avatar for Javier Fernández

Javier Fernández

Booth #4901, Comic-Con Special Guest
Javier (Javi) Fernández is a comic book artist from Granada, Spain, best known for his interiorart and covers for DC Comics. He began working for Marvel Comics in 2011, on Captain America and then a series of Magneto issues in 2014. He has been a regular on such DC titles as B... Read More →
Friday July 24, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, International, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, International, 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

4:15pm PDT

Kirkman, McFarlane, Liefeld, Silvestri, Stephenson: Image Comics Legends Together on One Stage
Friday July 24, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
Image Comics founders and partners Todd McFarlane, Rob Liefeld, Marc Silvestri, Robert Kirkman, and Eric Stephenson discuss how they revolutionized the comic book industry. The panel explores the risks that sent shockwaves through the comic world and forever changed the landscape of the industry.
Friday July 24, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Music, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

4:30pm PDT

Comics One-on-One: Pornsak Pichetshote and Jock
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Pornsak Pichetshote (Absolute Green Arrow) and Jock (Absolute Batman) began their working relationship over two decades ago. Their individual career paths have spanned creator-owned comics (Pichetshote's The Good Asian; Jock's Wytches), work in other media, and overlapping stints in different corners of DC's red-hot Absolute Universe. A one-on-one interview is followed by a Q&A.
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 →
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Superheroes

4:30pm PDT

Dispatch: Off the Clock with the Z-Team
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 6BCF
Voice actors Laura Bailey (Critical Role, The Last of Us II), Travis Willingham (Critical Role, Marvel's Avengers), Seán McLoughlin (aka Jacksepticeye; Sonic Prime, Bendy and the Ink Machine), Alanah Pearce (Cyberpunk 2077, V/H/S Beyond), THOT SQUAD, Yung Gravy, Joel Haver, Mayanna Berrin, Lance Cantstopolis, and a "virtual" MoistCr1TiKaL join Erin Yvette (Hades II, The Wolf Among Us) to discuss what it takes to bring the characters of the award-winning video game Dispatch to life.
Friday July 24, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 6BCF
  1: Programs, Animation, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, Superheroes

5:00pm PDT

Cosplay Is a DRAG: The Draggening
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Chad Hatter (Queer for Fear, Robot Chicken) sits down with Pam Demic (costume designer, Workaholics; drag performer since 1989) and Broadway diva headliners Claire Voyance (Voyance Productions & Broadway Divas SCFTA), Leeko Rae (headliner at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts), and April Showers (Showers Productions & Late-Night Divas @ Hamburger Mary's), along with Thai Teaze (Miss Hamburger Mary's Ontario 2024 and producer/hostess of Oh Honey, It's Brunch!, as well as the infamous Pokebrunches) to discuss the crossroads where cosplay meets drag, as well as navigating these art forms in the modern world.
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

5:00pm PDT

The Collapse of the Billionaire Hero
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
In today's cultural and economic climate, fascination with the wealthy has shifted toward sharper awareness of inequality, frustration, and scrutiny. Hosts of the Tangential Giants Podcast Kareem Anderson, Patrick Kellenberger, and Ken Rolow, with guests Ray-Anthony Height (comics creator and founder, SKYE-TIGER Studio), Magical Girl Marina (fandom and cosplay content creator), and Justin Quizon (podcast host and comics writer), discuss how money functions as a storytelling tool, the nuance gap in portrayals of wealth, and what characters can look like when wealth is removed from their narratives.
Friday July 24, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Library Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web

5:30pm PDT

Indigenous Comics and Nature's Advocacy
Friday July 24, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Comics creators Dale Ray DeForest (Dine), Tokala Tatum (Yakama/Rosebud Sioux), and Deshheum (Nooksack/Shxwhay Village First Nation) are joined by Kumeyaay/Ipai artists Nayah and Chanthavy Alvarado to explore how Indigenous art and stories convey ancestral links and unique responsibilities to a people's homeland. Moderated by comics creator Chag Lowry (Yurok/Maidu/Pit River).
Friday July 24, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Education, Historical, Kids, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

Divine Design for Demigods: Creating the Costumes for Disney's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Season 2
Friday July 24, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
Catherine Adair (costume designer, Local 892; Perry Mason season 2, The Mysterious Benedict Society season 1) shares behind-the-scenes details on creating costumes for iconic characters, alongside her costume team: David Matwijkow (assistant costume designer, Local 892; Perry Mason season 2), Daniel Mahler Landman (key costumer, Local 705; Star Trek: Picard season 3), Tannis Hegan (specialty costumer; Tron: Ares, Peacemaker), and Zoe Neary (producer; co-producer, The Old Man season 2).
Friday July 24, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Kids, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

6:00pm PDT

Fiction in the Time of Fascism
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press) leads comics creators and educators, including Phillip Kennedy Johnson (writer, Superman, Action Comics), Desiree Proctor (writer, Nuclear Power), Corinna Bechko (writer, Invisible Republic), Henry Barajas (writer, La Voz de M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo), and Arthur N. Ebuen (writer, ©alifornia, Inc.), in a discussion of why dystopian comics offer accessible ways to process a challenging world and what can be learned from stories in which characters and societies face profound injustice.
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Education, Historical, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

6:00pm PDT

Unmasking Cultura: Latino Legends in Cosplay
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Cosplay, comics, and popular cultura have become powerful spaces for cultural expression. For Latinos, the journey often involves building opportunities where none exist, navigating creative industries that may not always reflect direct experiences, and finding ways to turn passion into meaningful community impact via lucha libre, premieres, car shows, charity events, workshops, art shows, and more. So what does it take to create cosplay, curate art, mentor the next generation, and build lasting relationships as Latinos? Learn how to integrate education, clinical data, and functional cosplay with Michael Alberto Garcia (professor); design and implement red-carpet-worthy cosplay with Nancy Gonzalez (mixed media artist); photograph and tell the story with Nohemi Ramos Uriostegui (industry photographer); experiment with thermoplastics, electronics, and other materials with Bruce Salas (award-winning cosplayer); and lead and coordinate charity events and administration with Ricky Gutierrez (founder of Cosplay4Kids). Moderated by Mark "Funky" Garcia (curator and LCS manager). Q&A to follow.
Friday July 24, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, International, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Tributes

7:00pm PDT

Black Heroes Matter: Icons and Identity
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Carl Varnado (Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Relooted) moderates a discussion with Kadeem Hardison (A Different World, Static Shock), J. August Richards (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Angel), producer Denee Busby (The Cookout; Hyperlens Studios), Ryan Benjamin (Batman Beyond, Star Wars), Sanford Greene (Wolverine, Bitter Root), Jessica Murrey (World Reborn), and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Rob Edwards (The Princess and the Frog) on the evolution of Black representation across diverse media. Panelists explore the behind-the-scenes craft, capital strategy, and narrative ownership involved in modernizing and expanding legacy characters for film, network television, independent media, comics, and interactive gaming ecosystems.
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Movies, Superheroes

7:00pm PDT

The Law of Spider-Noir
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Lawyers take on the Amazon series Spider-Noir. What are the rules for private eyes fighting organized crime? What war crimes are committed by performing experiments on prisoners of war? Which crime carries the more stringent penalty: vigilantism or violating Prohibition? A panel of judges and attorneys examines the web of legal issues in Spider-Noir, taking on the black-and-white questions of the law. Featuring Judge Carol Najera (Los Angeles County Superior Court), Kathy Steinman (San Diego deputy city attorney), Michael Dennis, Stephen Tollafield, Vana Palacio (Greenberg Traurig, LLP), and Michael Skeen. Moderated by Kate Bridal (Now It's Ruined Podcast). Presented by The Legal Geeks.
Friday July 24, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television

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 Fortress of Solitude and the Batcave: Exploring the Archival Records of Superman and Batman
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 10
While generations of fans have thrilled to the adventures of Superman and Batman in comic books, animated cartoons, television, and movies, professional historians are only now beginning to unearth and examine their archival records. Dr. Andrew Fogel (visiting scholar, Center for Jewish History) and Dr. Blake Scott Ball (associate professor of history, University of North Alabama), with Dr. Bradford Wright (professor of history, Imperial Valley College) moderating, provide a behind-the-curtain look at original handwritten and typed documents, material objects, comic artwork, and periodicals preserved in private collections and libraries nationwide. This never-before-seen evidence offers new and fascinating histories of the Man of Steel, the Dark Knight, their caretakers and publisher, and the place they occupy in the broader sweep of American history.
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Comics, Costuming, Education, Historical, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

Christian Comic Arts Society Mixer
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
Presented by the Christian Comic Arts Society and Geeky Guys/Gals 4 God, this is the 18th annual mixer where Christian professionals in the pop culture community come together to discuss their faith and interact with attendees. Featuring Luis Serrano (Samson), Joe Queen (Geeky Guys/Gals 4 God), Christina Todd (Geeky Guys/Gals 4 God OC), Eric Jansen (God and Country Graphics), and Scott A. Shuford (FrontGate Media/moderator). There will be time for people to network and the always-popular geek quiz, with prizes. Guests, networking, and prize opportunities will be featured.
Friday July 24, 2026 8:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

The Boys vs. Supernatural
Friday July 24, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
How well do you know Eric Kripke's two biggest hits: Supernatural and The Boys? Can you name all the shared actors between the two shows? Did you catch every clever homage shared between the shows? Do you think one pulled off its finale better than the other? Host Sadie Witkowski (host of In Defense of Fandom podcast) pits Geekscape podcasters Matt Kelly (Weird Al-gorithm and One Hit Thunder podcasts), Eric Conner (Marvel Movie Talk podcast), and Joe Fejeran (Fright School and San Diego Pride podcasts) as "Team The Boys" against "SPN Family" members Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural season 15 writer), Berly Land (host of Denim-Wrapped Nightmares podcast), and Irena Chernova (self-described fanfic writer and meta dabbler) to see who knows these shows the best. Audience participation is highly encouraged, with cheers determining who wins each round.
Friday July 24, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Fandom, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, After Dark
 
Saturday, July 25
 

10:00am PDT

Terrible Toys and Problematic Playthings
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
The Oozinator . . . The Flush-o-matic . . . These sound like things no one would want to play with, yet everyone remembers terrible toys that made no sense at all and should not have been given to children. A Terminator figure who makes an obscene gesture? An Underwater Spider-Man? Aaron McLane and Matt Corrigan (the Launchpad Podcast) take Blaine Rodenbaugh (NECA brand manager) for a walk through the forgotten toy aisles of the childhood many tried to forget. They promise it will be more fun than an antivirus Bruce Wayne.
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Library Programs, Podcasts, Superheroes

10:30am PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #9: Superman's Co-Creator Jerry Siegel: Do We Have the Whole Story?
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
Jerry Siegel, writer of Superman with artist Joe Shuster, has attained legendary status through fans' enduring love of the character. Since 1975, the Superman saga, chronicled by comics luminaries such as Neal Adams, Jerry Robinson, and others, has portrayed Superman's creators as hapless victims of a greedy corporation once managed by Jack S. Liebowitz and owned by Harry Donenfeld. Early Superman artwork and comics read in concert with published materials and documentary evidence paint a more complicated picture of the legal and personal circumstances behind the production and management of Superman. The historical record, much of it only recently unearthed through court exhibits and the collector market, blurs the familiar mythology of Superman's creators as victims and his corporate owners as villains. Attorney Mark S. Zaid and historian Andrew Fogel (Center for Jewish History) will reveal this hidden history, with comics writer and editor Mark Waid (Kingdom Come) presenting Siegel's own words. This roundtable asks the audience the thorny question: Do we have the whole story?
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 →
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Comics Arts Conference, Education, Historical, Superheroes

10:30am PDT

The Ringer-Verse's 2026 Franchise Power Rankings
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
The Ringer-Verse crew—House of R's Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin and The Midnight Boys' Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman—debates which franchises at the center of nerd culture have dominated the year. From the DCU to the MCU, Game of Thrones to Star Wars, who is winning 2026? And with major releases like Spider-Man: Brand New Day and Dune: Part Three still to come, what could change?
Saturday July 25, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

Black Dog and Leventhal's Spider-Man Total Universe Panel
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Patrick A. Reed (pop culture historian and curator) is joined by Spider-Man artists and writers to discuss the rich comic book history of Spider-Man across six decades, inspired by Reed's upcoming book Spider-Man Total Universe.
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

11:15am PDT

DC's Metropolis and Beyond
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Top DC creators gather for a conversation about Superman, the next phase of DC's All In comics, and what is on the horizon for the heroes who soar far beyond Metropolis. Featuring Joshua Williamson (Superman), Mark Waid (Action Comics, Justice League Unlimited), Tom King (Wonder Woman), Stephanie Williams (Wonder War: The Matriarch, Warriors and a Wee Wonder), Jeremy Adams (Green Lantern, Emperor Aquaman), Morgan Hampton (Green Lantern Corps), Nicole Maines (Justice League: Dream Girls), and more. Moderated by Paul Kaminski (group editor, DC).
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 →
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 →
Saturday July 25, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

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

12:30pm PDT

DC's Absolute Universe
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
Award-winning writers and artists behind DC's Absolute line discuss the fan-favorite comics and how these stories are crafted. The panel includes early hints about the justice closing in on Absolute Batman, Absolute Wonder Woman, and the rest of the Absolute cast. Featuring Scott Snyder (Absolute Batman), Nick Dragotta (Absolute Batman), Hayden Sherman (Absolute Wonder Woman), Jeff Lemire (Absolute Flash), Che Grayson (Absolute Catwoman), Pornsak Pichetshote (Absolute Green Arrow), Rafael Albuquerque (Absolute Green Arrow), and others. Moderated by Katie Kubert (group editor, DC) and Andrew Marino (senior editor, DC).
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 →
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

12:30pm PDT

What Is the Best Superpower?
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
It's flight, right? No, wait, teleportation? Maybe it's always finding a parking spot? Moderator Jazzlyn Stone puts Comic-Con special guests Deniz Camp, Matt Fraction, LeUyen Pham, Stephanie Williams, and Caspar Wijngaard to the test as she discovers who knows what really is the superpower to beat all others.
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 →
avatar for Matt Fraction

Matt Fraction

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Fraction co-created the New York Times bestselling books Sex Criminals and Hawkeye. He co-created and worked as a writer and executive producer on Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and is executive producer on the adaptation of SEX CRIMINALS coming to Amazon Prime next... Read More →
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 →
avatar for Deniz Camp

Deniz Camp

Comic-Con Special Guest
Deniz Camp writes comics. The son of Turkish and Filipina immigrants, born in the Philippines but raised in the American midwest, he’s known for 20th Century Men (Image Comics), Ultimates (Marvel), Absolute Martian Manhunter (DC), Bleeding Hearts (Vertigo), and Assorted Crisis ... Read More →
avatar for Caspar Wijngaard

Caspar Wijngaard

Comic-Con Special Guest
Caspar Wijngaard is an award-winning, Eisner and Hugo Award–nominated comic artist from the U.K. Best known for his work on the critically acclaimed Image Comics series The Power Fantasy, which he co-creates with writer Kieron Gillen, his other notable creator-owned titles incl... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

The Greatest American Hero Returns
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
William Katt (Ralph Hinkley, The Greatest American Hero), Don Handfield (CEO, AMP Comics), Tawnia McKiernan, and David Mack discuss the return of The Greatest American Hero. After 40 years, Ralph Hinkley is back to finish what he started. The panel offers a preview of the new series and discusses what is ahead. Believe it or not, The Greatest American Hero is back!
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Comics, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Television

1:00pm PDT

To You, Your X-Pod: A Live X-Men '97 Fan Experience
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
X-Men '97 is back. Grammy Award nominee Mega Ran (Black Materia, Buddy's Magic Tree House) and his partner Marcos Rivas join a special group of guests for an interactive fan panel exploring what makes X-Men '97 so great, including the lore, the theories, and more. Cosplay is encouraged.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom, Library Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

1:45pm PDT

Marvel Comics: Midnight Universe
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room 6A
The light had its turn. The cloak of secrecy is removed around Midnight, a terrifying new Marvel Comics universe featuring monstrous incarnations of the world’s biggest heroes. The writers behind this new creator-driven initiative reveal what readers need to know, along with insights into the world and its origins. Attendees who remain until the end will receive an exclusive black-and-white ashcan edition preview of the Midnight Universe.
Saturday July 25, 2026 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

The Science of Spider-Man's New Challenges
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Peter Parker might have been erased from the collective memory, but Spider-Man still has battles to fight. The Fleet Science Center brings local neuroscientists, psychologists, and other STEM professionals together to explore the science behind the villains set to terrorize New York City in the upcoming film, and how Spider-Man can handle life on his own amid the chaos.
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM

2:00pm PDT

Building a Pop Culture Podcast
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Podcast hosts and creators Alexis Hodoyán-Gastélum (It’s a Kpop Thing podcast host), Theresa Avila (It’s a Kpop Thing podcast host), Alexandrea Callaghan (Lady Comic Book History podcast host/journalist), Chris Victor (Live Your Dreams/The Front Row podcast host; actor; producer), Joe Gawalis (Live Your Dreams/The Front Row podcast host; creator; filmmaker), Josh Blumenkranz (film/TV critic; content creator; actor), Meosha Bean (Creator to Creators podcast host; filmmaker; cinematographer), and Maddy Myer (Maddy Mania podcast host; publicist; journalist) discuss what it takes to build and sustain a pop culture podcast from the ground up. From ideation and branding to guest booking, production, editing, promotion, and audience engagement, the panel explores the creative and business sides of podcasting across entertainment, fandom, film, television, gaming, comics, and digital culture. Moderated by Lizzy Gonzalez (Lizzy Cupcake, content creator). Audience Q&A follows.
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Fandom, Library Programs, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television, Video Games |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Fandom, Library Programs, Movies, Music, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

2:00pm PDT

Fans Assemble for Marvel Causeplay
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Marvel costume fans from Avengers Initiative, a national volunteer nonprofit group, discuss how to get started in cosplay and how to use costuming to give back through community service events with event partners. Mark Chu-Lin (Avengers Initiative head commanding officer) moderates, with Kato Trooper (Avengers Initiative head executive officer), Kate Tidwell (executive officer, West Coast Avengers of California), Kristin Erickson (licensed marriage and family therapist), Adriana Shrem (parent of UC Irvine Health Burn Center program recipient), James Fegan (A-1 Comics communications officer), Kimberly Yong (content distributor), and Robert Torres (photographer).
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Comics, Fandom, Marriott Programs, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

2:00pm PDT

The Forgotten Trio: Letterers, Inkers, and Colorists
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Jessica Tseang (past Eisner judge, The Comics Voyager), and DC and Marvel award-winning letterers, colorists, and inkers share important tips for surviving in a world of A.I., how to maintain a career, their experiences in the industry, and what to expect in the future. Veterans Beth Sotelo (colorist), Jimmy Palmiotti (inker), Amanda Conner (artist and illustrator), and Dave Lanphear (letterer) will share their thoughts.
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  U: Updated, Comics, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Comics, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

2:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Matt Fraction
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Writer and producer Matt Fraction (Batman) is joined by his wife, writer Kelly Sue DeConnick (Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons), for a conversation about storytelling across comics and television, creator-owned work, collaboration, and surviving long enough to become a veteran of an industry that still feels faintly ridiculous. The panel includes stories from Fraction's work in comics and television, plus audience Q&A and a discussion of what happens when two people with objectively very cool jobs still cannot reliably impress their teenagers.
Special Guests
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 Matt Fraction

Matt Fraction

Comic-Con Special Guest
Matt Fraction co-created the New York Times bestselling books Sex Criminals and Hawkeye. He co-created and worked as a writer and executive producer on Apple TV's Monarch: Legacy of Monsters and is executive producer on the adaptation of SEX CRIMINALS coming to Amazon Prime next... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Humor & Satire, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

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

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

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

Marvel Fanfare
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6A
A behind-the-scenes look at House of Ideas storytelling, featuring insider insights and rarely shared comic book anecdotes from both upcoming and past projects. This panel explores the history of fan-favorite Marvel Comics storylines in a program built for fans, by fans. Attendees who remain until the end will receive an exclusive giveaway comic book.
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes

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

The Mighty Crusaders
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 9
In 1940, MLJ Comics, the company that would later become Archie Comics, published Pep Comics #1 and introduced America's first patriotic superhero, The Shield. Over the decades, MLJ and Archie created a rich pantheon of superheroes, including fan favorites such as The Black Hood, The Comet, The Hangman, The Jaguar, and many more, collectively known as the Mighty Crusaders. These heroes have enjoyed a remarkable legacy, with their stories reprinted in England, France, Germany, and Brazil, while also crossing over into radio, film, and pulp fiction. Moderator Rik Offenberger (The MLJ Companion) and panelists Lily Butler (Archie Comics), Steven Butler (Archie Comics), Tim Chizmar (Spooky Ninja Kitty), Ronald Fleming (Fantastic Comic Fan), Ray MacKay (G-Man Comics, Big Bang Comics), and Chris Squires (Archie Comics) explore the 80-plus-year history of the greatest superheroes in the Archie Universe.
Special Guests
avatar for Steven Butler

Steven Butler

Comic-Con Special Guest
Steven Butler is a 37-year veteran comic book creator who has worked for a wide variety of companies on many well-known titles, including The Badger for First Comics; Web of Spider-Man, Silver Sable and the Wildpack, and Punisher War Journal for Marvel Comics; Superman for DC... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Historical, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Belén Ortega
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 4
Belén Ortega (Wonder Woman, Trinity, Summer of Supergirl) is one of the most dynamic and popular artists in comics today. She appears in a one-on-one  interview and Q&A session.
Special Guests
avatar for Belén Ortega

Belén Ortega

Booth #4901, Comic-Con Special Guest
Belén Ortega is a Spanish artist who made her American comics debut in 2019 with Marvel Comics, as both a cover and interior artist on Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and more. In 2021, she began collaborating with DC Comics as an artist on B... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 4
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, International, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, International, Superheroes

3:30pm PDT

Jack Kirby's Greatest Villains
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Tracy Kirby and Jeremy Kirby (Kirby family) join Rand Hoppe (Kirby Museum), Mark Evanier (former Kirby assistant), Bruce Simon (cartoonist), Mark Badger (artist and teacher), and Roy Schwartz (pop culture historian and journalist) in a discussion of Jack Kirby's greatest villains, including Dr. Doom, Darkseid, and Galactus, illustrated with archival slides from the Jack Kirby Museum.
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 →
Saturday July 25, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Education, Historical, Superheroes

4:00pm PDT

DNA of Fear: How New England Shapes Horror
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 9
Jeremy Haun (The Beauty; Murder Podcast), Doug Wagner (Batman, Marvel Zombies, Plastic), Matt Hawkins (Top Cow president/COO; Postal), Cullen Bunn (The Empty Man, Harrow County, The Unsound), and Hilarie Schmalke (co-owner/publisher Midnight Factory) discuss how New England influences horror across comics, film, and television. Moderated by Adrian Reyes (El Rey Comics).
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Superheroes

4:00pm PDT

How to Transform Reference into Character Design
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
Rockhe Kim presents a first demo in the United States, showcasing expertise in human anatomy. Using a reference photo as a starting point, Rockhe demonstrates how to transform a single pose into dynamic character designs inspired by familiar figures such as the Hulk, Spider-Man, and more. This session emphasizes the importance of a strong anatomical foundation.
All of the necessary supplies to participate in this Comic-Con How To session will be provided.
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con How To, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

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

4:30pm PDT

Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
Did you like the Clint Eastwood–directed Changeling? The first Thor movie? WWZ? Babylon 5? Sense8? Would you like to know more about J. Michael Straczynski's run on The Amazing Spider-Man and many other titles for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and others? If so, well, you're SOL because there's a rumor he will spend the entire hour yodeling, for no discernible reason, unless enough people show up to discourage him. The convention's mental health is in your hands.
Special Guests
avatar for J. Michael Straczynski

J. Michael Straczynski

Comic-Con Special Guest
J. Michael Straczynski created Babylon 5, co-created Sense8, wrote the Clint Eastwood film Changeling, and worked on Thor (movie and comic), World War Z, and the upcoming films One Second After and Liminal. He has written over 300 comics for Marvel, DC, Image, and Dark Horse, p... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

Marvel Studios Hall H Presentation
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Hall H
Marvel Studios' Hall H presentation features Kevin Feige and special guests from across the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a look at what's next from Marvel Studios.
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Hall H
  1: Programs, Comics, Movies, Superheroes

5:30pm PDT

1980s Comic-Con Lost Videos Part III: The Trilogy
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Digitized Betamax tapes gifted to the Comic-Con Archives by Greg Koudoulian to David Glanzer (Comic-Con International chief communications and strategy officer) anchor this screening and discussion of rarely seen Comic-Con TV footage from the early 1980s. Highlights include 1982 interviews with Jack Kirby and George Clayton Johnson; Sergio Aragonés (MAD magazine) onstage (including a dance); Comic-Con history as told by Shel Dorf; a "Marvel vs. DC" game show featuring Joe Kubert, Paul Levitz, and others; Masquerade clips hosted by Gary Owens; and Inkpot Awards footage, including the awards' origins, plus appearances by Dave Stevens, Archie Goodwin, Richard Kyle, and more. The program also includes an exclusive mystery clip.
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  U: Updated, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Historical, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Historical, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

5:30pm PDT

Danny Trejo's Year of the Devil
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
Creators Danny Trejo (Machete, Spy Kids), Keith Arem (Call of Duty, Ascend), and Chris Yates (Marcus Walker: Kingslayer Protocol), along with cover artist Dave Alvarez-Villalpando (BackerKit) and others, discuss Danny's debut graphic novel and upcoming crowdfunding campaign. Moderated by Ryan J. Downey (Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter).
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Superheroes, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

Inspiring Illustrators Instruct: Learn from Entertainment's Premier Illustrators
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Christian Cordella (2021 CDG Award winner, Superman, upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day), Alessandro Taini (2022 Emmy-winning production designer, Star Trek: Prodigy, upcoming Ghostbusters), Max Narciso (2024 Oscar-winning character designer, Luck, War Is Over), Erik Lechtenberg (The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, Space Jam: A New Legacy), Erik Lechtenberg (storyboard artist at Illumination; Space Jam: A New Legacy, The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants), Hyoung Taek Nam (principal character concept artist for Naughty Dog Studio; The Last of Us: Left Behind, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End), and Glenn Harmon (2018 Annie Nominee; Boss Baby, upcoming Cat in the Hat) explore storytelling through visuals, the creative process, breaking in, and how to develop a career in illustration, character design, and entertainment. Moderated by Kevin Holmgren (WritingCards.com).
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

5:30pm PDT

From Indies to Blockbusters: The Storytelling Power of Diversity
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6A
Nicole Maines (actress, writer, Supergirl, Justice League), Lenore Zann (actress, X-men ‘97, X-men: The Animated Series ), Andy Park (former Marvel director of visual development , Deadpool & Wolverine, Avengers: Doomsday), Rob Edwards (writer, Captain America: BNW, The Princess and the Frog), Anjali Bhimani (actor, Ms. Marvel, Overwatch), Stephanie Filo (editor, Daredevil: Born Again, A Black Lady Sketchshow) Andres Useche (writer, director, ICE: No One is Safe, Resist), Caitlin Glass (actress, director , Solo Leveling, FullMetal Alchemist), Hadas Mozes Lictenstein (producer, talent agent, Euphoria, Scarred), Teri Weinberg (producer, executive, The Office, Ugly Betty), and Karen David (actress, Fear the Walking Dead, Galavant) reveal their paths into the industry, how they push the boundaries of their craft, and how everyone can make a difference by giving voice to underrepresented communities and pursuing greater inclusion, empathy, and equity. Moderated by Kimberly Woods (voice actor, Archer, X-Men '97).
Saturday July 25, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6A
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Games, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, International, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Games, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, International, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

The Track You've Never Heard: Audio Description and the Stories Behind the Stories
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 11
Blind film and TV audiences experience every superhero battle, every alien landscape, and every moment a character's face changes everything, and the people on this panel are the reason why. Audio description is the art of putting audiences inside a story when they cannot see the screen. Christina Stevens (AD writer, Superman), Anna Capezzera (Deluxe), Serina Gilbert (BlindyGirl, The Last of Us), and Colleen Connor (AD Training Retreats) discuss how this work actually gets made: the decisions, the details, and the moments that get it right, moderated by Roy Samuelson (AD performer, House of the Dragon, Spider-Man).
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 11
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

Out in Comics: Year 39
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 4
The comic world's longest-running panel is back for its 39th record-breaking year. The comic book world has become a celebrated part of the pop culture world. LGBTQ comics and graphic novels for all ages are being produced and acclaimed in incredible numbers, and queer characters are finally starting to show up in genre movies and TV shows like Star Trek: Discovery and X-Men '97. And yet, in a politicized and polarized world, LGBTQ comics and graphic novels and LGBTQ characters in popular media are facing more banning and opposition than in previous years. This means that telling stories of queer characters of diverse backgrounds and identities is more important than ever before. Prism Comics, moderator Andy Mangels [he/him] (founder of the "Out in Comics" panel; bestselling author of Wonder Woman '77 Meets The Bionic Woman, Star Trek, and Star Wars books and comics), and panelists Jenny Blake Isabella (Black Lightning, Ghost Rider), George Gene Gustines (comics journalist and editor, New York Times), Rupert Kinnard (Brown Bomber and The Diva), Jim McCann (The Other/Half), Margeaux Pepoy (The Adventures of Simone & Ajax), Sarah Gailey (Upright Women Wanted, Eat the Rich), and Brandon T. Snider (Supergirl's Family Vacation, Pride Parade Mad Libs) discuss what being "Out in Comics" means now and in the future. A short Prism Comics meet-and-greet follows the panel discussion.
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 4
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

6:30pm PDT

The Unsung Heroes of Superhero Films
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Behind every epic battle and breathtaking moment is a team of creative powerhouses and unsung heroes bringing superhero worlds to life. Costumer Gaby Acosta (Captain Marvel), composer Christopher Young (Spider-Man 3, Deadpool VR), stunt coordinator Thom Khoury Williams (Doom Patrol, The Punisher), sound mixers Ryan Collins and Nick Offord (Spider-Noir), stunt coordinator Chelsea Bruland (Descendants: The Rise of Red, Black Widoow), composer Roger Suen (Daredevil, Krypton), and stunt coordinator Cory DeMeyers (Venom, Project Power) share how their craft transforms imagination into cinematic impact, building worlds, shaping action, and giving every punch, explosion, and emotional beat its power. Moderated by Lumos PR CEO Stephanie Pfingsten.
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  U: Updated, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Comics, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Games, International, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Comics, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Games, International, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

6:45pm PDT

X-Men Fandom Panel
Saturday July 25, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
Season 2 of X-Men '97 is upon us, and the annual X-Men Fandom Panel returns to celebrate all things X-Men. Cast members Lenore Zann (Rogue), Holly Chou (Jubilee), Gui Agustini (Sunspot), and Carolina Ravassa (Polaris) will appear alongside the composers of X-Men '97, The Newton Brothers. Surprise appearances and freebies from Hasbro, Entertainment Earth, Agoro, and more will be featured. X-Men fans won't want to miss this panel moderated by Chandler Poling and Chris Riley of Giant-Size Productions, producers of The Uncanny Experience, the ultimate immersive X-Men fan event.

Saturday July 25, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
  U: Updated, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Music, Superheroes, Television |   1: Programs, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Music, Superheroes, Television

7:00pm PDT

Creating India's Superheroes for the World
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Sharad Devarajan (co-creator, Spider-Man: India; CEO, Graphic India) discusses the rise of a new generation of superheroes of Indian origin, with exclusive announcements for the hit animated series The Legend of Hanuman alongside ongoing projects including Baahubali: The Lost Legends, Chakra The Invincible, 18 Days, Shadow Tiger, and Devi. Continuing the legacy of a panel that began in 2016, the conversation explores how East and West are converging as a new wave of creators collaborate on original mythologies for global audiences.
Saturday July 25, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Animation, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, 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

8:00pm PDT

Gerry Conway Celebration
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 3
A celebration of the life and work of comics, television, and film writer Gerry Conway (Spider-Man, Justice League), who co-created enduring characters including the Punisher and Firestorm. Moderated by Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), with Laura Conway, Nick Lowe (Marvel Comics), Jody Houser (Spider-Man: Renew Your Vows, What If . . . ? Dark: Spider-Gwen), Christine Valada, and others.
Special Guests
avatar for Paul Levitz

Paul Levitz

Comic-Con Special Guest
Paul Levitz has been a comics fan (The Comic Reader), editor (Batman), writer (Legion of Super-Heroes), executive (decades at DC Comics, ending as president & publisher), historian (Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel) and now teacher of subjects related to comics and tra... Read More →
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 3
  1: Programs, Comic-Con How To, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Movies, Superheroes, Television, Tributes, Writers & Writing, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

The Science of Science Fiction: All Your Questions Answered
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Daniel W. Rasmus (University of Washington, Serious Insights) and NASA scientists Jessica Weber (astrobiologist, NASA JPL), Dr. James T. Keane (planetary scientist, NASA JPL), and Dr. Tiffany Kataria (research scientist, NASA JPL) answer questions about the science behind science fiction. Can a life-form fuel an interstellar trip? Can life evolve with a different chemistry? Is A.I. the interface or the monster? What science is real or imagined behind favorite superheroes? Can humanity survive an apocalypse? From the realities of lunar colonization to the mysteries of spice addiction and the solvability of the three-body problem, no question is too big—or too impossible. The panel challenges what fans think they know about the world today and what will be possible tomorrow. A Q&A session is moderated by Alyssa Rasmus (producer, Run Studios).
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

AAPI Representation in Comics and Media
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
A candid discussion with creators on what inspired them growing up and their experiences breaking into the industry. Rich Ting (actor, Tulsa King, Warrior), Peggy Chung (director/author, Gadget-Bot Productions, Kaidro Chronicle), Helen Shang (television writer, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power), Nogi San (artist, Marvel/DC/BOOM!), and Mark Nazal (visual effects supervisor, Gotham, Lucifer) discuss the work behind the characters and stories seen across comics and media. Moderated by Justin Otero.
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, BIPOC, Comics, Marriott Programs, Movies, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, After Dark |   1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Marriott Programs, Movies, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, After Dark

8:00pm PDT

Not So Strange Bedfellows: The Relationship Between Comics and Pro Wrestling
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling "a comic book come to life." That is not far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan to the antiheroics of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and the villainy of Ric Flair, this panel explores the parallels in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms. Featuring Francis Szyskowski (creator, The Massacre Twins), Rik Offenberger (editor-in-chief, First Comics News), Hunter Jackson (co-founder, GWAR; professional wrestler), Chris Squires (G-Men Comics; 20-year veteran wrestling referee), and Michael Mondragon (Punk Rock Art School; co-founder, Pro Wrestling Guerrilla). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (founder/publisher, Ultima Comics).
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes, Television, After Dark |   1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Superheroes, Television, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

Best Spider-Man Villain: Great Pop Culture Debate Live
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Do you have opinions on superheroes? Of course you do. This live version of the hit podcast Great Pop Culture Debate features host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Tim Seeley (Local Man, Rogue: The Savage Land), Jordan Morris (The Amazing Venom, Good Mythical Morning), Meghan Fitzmartin (Mary Sue, Supernatural), and Brendan Hay (Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai, Robot Chicken) debating who Spidey's greatest enemy is. Audience votes live will decide which villain moves forward. Sixteen contenders. One winner. Infinite debates.
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
  1: Programs, Comics, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Podcasts, Superheroes, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

You Can't Do That Anymore!
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Hosts of the You Can't Do That Anymore! podcast Terrence Tatum (actor, podcaster) and Anastasia Washington (Grind, Addams Family) discuss the state of the superhero genre and its impact, including whether superhero stories are stronger when villains stay alive or are rehabilitated. Joined by Teri Gamble (Horror Movie Survival Guide, Grind), Matthew Price (Grind, Its Nerd House), Issac Robinson Smith (X-Men '97, Voltron), David Crownson (Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer), and Matt Acevedo (Smosh Pit, G4TV).
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Superheroes, After Dark

8:30pm PDT

The Comic-Con International 2026 Masquerade
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
Ballroom 20
In 1974, Comic-Con added a costume contest to its events, and it's been a part of the convention ever since. Not a dance or party, it's a cosplay stage event with awards, prizes, and more. Doors open for audience seating 30 minutes early at 8:00. The ballroom holds 4,000, but for those worried about getting a seat, free tickets are given out at noon on Saturday near Ballroom 20 and also at the Masquerade Desk after 3:00. A ticket guarantees a seat but is not required, and those without tickets are welcome after the ticketed line has gone in. Overflow viewing on large screens is available in the Sails Pavilion and Ballroom 6A. Emcees will once again be five-time Hugo Award-winning writers and artists Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio, with intermission entertainment from The Saber Guild Star Wars performance group and The Corps Dance Crew.
Saturday July 25, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
Ballroom 20
  1: Programs, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Tributes, Video Games, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

Advancing STEM Through Comics
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 9
Shane Haggard (chemistry/engineering), Jessica Stanfield (chemistry), Rachel Surprenant (paleontology), and Ronald L. Coleman (genetics, Kevin the Drunk Jedi) discuss advancing STEM through comics, how science and engineering are portrayed positively versus negatively (or even inaccurately), and the possibilities in science depicted in comic canon. Moderated by Lisa Chaddock (geoscience).
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 9
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Education, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, After Dark

9:00pm PDT

Trivia for the Rest of Us: Let's Play!
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Everyone is welcome; appropriate for all ages. Use your own device to play in this inclusive session covering topics like superheroes, video games, movies, princesses, Stan Lee, and more. Winners receive prizes. Featuring Debbie Kunes and Jeff Kunes (directors), Owen Kunes (monitor), Tyler Kunes (creator), David Fong and Karen Huang (producers), Diana Steinman and Connor Welch (research), Amy McKee and Jaymes McKee (tech), and Mark Elliott and Ivan Garcia (development).
Saturday July 25, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Kids, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, After Dark
 
Sunday, July 26
 

10:00am PDT

'90s Cartoon Draft 2026
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
This is a live sports-inspired draft of '90s nostalgia where four comedians vie for their top five, with Justin Jordan (Still Scrolling Podcast), Joshua Ling (Comic Talk Podcast), Paige Blackcloud (content creator), and host Dimithri Perera (The Keeg Podcasts). They'll share their personal tastes and childhood memories, all while working with the crowd to create a "perfect team."
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Fandom, Library Programs, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television

10:00am PDT

GeekEd: Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? When Pop Culture Becomes Pedagogy for First-Gen Students
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
What does it mean for educators and student-support professionals to write about the work that shaped them? Moderator La'Tonya "LT" Rease Miles (My Tribe Media and Santa Clara University) is joined by panelists Martha Enciso (My Tribe Media and University of Redlands), Ariela Canizal (University of San Diego), Brenda Bran (California State University, Dominguez Hills), and Jennifer Henriquez (California State University, Dominguez Hills) for a conversation about identity, scholarship, and the power of bringing your full self into professional spaces. Inspired by First Gen & Juice: Exploring First Generation College Student Narratives in Pop Culture and Mass Media (2026), this panel explores how contributors, many of whom are first-generation college graduates themselves, used pop culture, fandom, and lived experience to reflect on their careers, affirm their identities, and reimagine what counts as meaningful professional knowledge. Attendees are also invited to share the stories that shaped their own educational journeys.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Library Programs, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes

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

10:30am PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Capes, Curls, and Culture: Black Women in Comics
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
Black women in comics challenge the very form of comics itself, asking how a form whose history is embedded in stereotype and caricature can make room for the plurality of Black women's experiences. Bringing together Black women scholars and creatives from a range of backgrounds, this roundtable considers the representation of Black women in comics across the 20th and 21st centuries. Panelists Sasha Sanders (California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo), Christian Hines (Texas State University), Kiana T. Murphy (Brown University), Ebony Toussaint (Ororo Comics Podcast), Briana Forbes (Pink Riot Comic Show), Keisha Parks (The Blerd Library), and Karla Medrano (Blaq Girl Comics) consider the contributions of Black women writers and illustrators in comics, focusing on how they use the form to critique popular discourses around representation, politics, and belonging. The roundtable also considers Black women scholars in the field of comics studies, such as Ebony Flowers, Qiana Whitted, and Rebecca Wanzo.
Sunday July 26, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Comics Arts Conference, Education, Historical, Superheroes

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

GeekEd: Behind Batman's Mask: Rigid and Flexible Masculinity in Pop Culture and on College Campuses
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
When are we wearing masculinity, and when is it wearing us? The tropes we see in stories like Batman, Star Wars, Steven Universe, and He-Man present examples of both rigid and flexible versions of the many forms masculinity can take. Panelists explore what masculinity can look like through the lens of popular culture, examples we can draw from iconic characters, and the ways these representations can contribute to the socialization and performance of gender for college students. Featuring Emilie Iannarelli (UC Berkeley), Dylan Pugh, MPH (UC Berkeley), Dr. Billy San Juan (Pop Culture Psychology), Dr. Alfred Day (UC Berkeley), and Sabrina Van Zuiden, LCSW (Sweet Mango Therapy).
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Library Programs, Movies, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

No Girls Allowed: Female Artists Who Work Within the Star Wars Universe
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Star Wars is described as a franchise for everyone, yet last year on X (formerly Twitter), the hashtag "No Girls Allowed" gained traction in discussions about who is and is not allowed to participate in the fandom. Moderated by Krystina Arielle (host of Star Wars: The High Republic Show; host of Star Wars Celebration; actor; cosplayer), Tricia Buchanan-Benson (Lucasfilm, Disney, The Simpsons, King of the Hill, and Futurama), Karen Hallion (Lucasfilm, Disney, Doctor Who, and Marvel), Sarah Wilkinson (Lucasfilm, Topps, 20th Century Fox, DC, and Marvel), and Annette Lilly (artist/creator) discuss what inspires them, how they got started, and what it is like to be a female creative within the Star Wars universe.
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Marriott Programs, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

11:00am PDT

Spotlight on Gordon Purcell
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Artist Gordon Purcell discusses work on Star Trek, The X-Files, Lost in Space, JLA, Silver Sable, and other projects, in a rare visit to California. Moderated by Dan Jurgens (Superman).
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 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

Art Is Super!
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Comic-Con special guests Denys Cowan, Javier Fernández, Belén Ortega, and Scott Williams, with Mark Waid leading the discussion, talk about superhero art and what makes it pop. These fan favorites have illustrated some of your favorite superheroes of all time, making this a panel of super greats.
Special Guests
avatar for Javier Fernández

Javier Fernández

Booth #4901, Comic-Con Special Guest
Javier (Javi) Fernández is a comic book artist from Granada, Spain, best known for his interiorart and covers for DC Comics. He began working for Marvel Comics in 2011, on Captain America and then a series of Magneto issues in 2014. He has been a regular on such DC titles as B... Read More →
avatar for Belén Ortega

Belén Ortega

Booth #4901, Comic-Con Special Guest
Belén Ortega is a Spanish artist who made her American comics debut in 2019 with Marvel Comics, as both a cover and interior artist on Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, and more. In 2021, she began collaborating with DC Comics as an artist on B... Read More →
avatar for Scott Williams

Scott Williams

Booth #4505, 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 →
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 →
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 →
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes |   1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes

11:00am PDT

Masters of the Public Domain
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
In a crowded comics marketplace, many creators find public domain characters a way to appeal to preexisting fan bases and bring new fans to their work. What separates a fresh take from a blatant cash grab? How can new life be breathed into old stories, and how loyal should creators be to established lore? Clay Adams (Blazing Blade of Frankenstein, Camilla Unbound), Kat Calamia (Lifeline Comics, The EverAfter Verse), Phil Falco (Lifeline Comics, The EverAfter Verse), Jessica Maison Judd (Mary Shelley's School for Monsters), and Fabrice Sapolsky (Shakespeare's Vampires; 2026 Eisner nominee, Noir Is the New Black) discuss what to do (and not to do) when using works from the public domain. Moderated by Andy Nordvall (Bad Future Comics, Nightmare Theater 3-D).
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Comics, Marriott Programs, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Comics, Marriott Programs, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

11:15am PDT

Steve Ditko: His "Amazing" Career
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
Steve Ditko always wanted to create comics; it was his passion. But most people only know the four years of his work at Marvel during his stint on Spider-Man and Doctor Strange—four years out of 65 dedicated to producing comics. So, what else did he do? A LOT. This panel looks back at Ditko's 65-year career, with audience participation welcome as attendees share their personal favorite Ditko work. Panelists Bob Burden (Eisner Award–winner and creator of Flaming Carrot), Michael E. Uslan (executive producer of the Batman movie franchise; comic writer), and Frank Miller (writer, artist, and creator of Elektra, Sin City, and more) join Mark S. Ditko (Steve Ditko's nephew) and Joanna 'Ditko' Opela are joined by possible surprise industry experts as they discuss Ditko's career and contributions to the comics industry. Moderated by Lenny Schwartz (writer, Ditko: The Play; filmmaker, The Haunted and The Hunted).
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 →
Sunday July 26, 2026 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
  1: Programs, Comics, Superheroes, Tributes

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

Gardner Fox: Architect of the DC Universe
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Alex Grand (Understanding Superhero Comic Books), Terri Fox (Fox's granddaughter), Lenny Schwartz (Rise of the Bat), Bill Field (Field of Comics group), Phil Nelson (Nelco Comics), and David Armstrong (MGM senior VP) discuss the life and influence of Gardner Fox, writer behind the JSA, Hawkman, and the DC multiverse. The panel explores the Fox effect on superhero comic books.
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Historical, Marriott Programs, Superheroes

12:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Mark Waid
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Mark Waid, the award-winning writer of Kingdom Come, Justice League Unlimited, Fantastic Four, Irredeemable, and more, makes his rapid-fire guarantee: He'll answer 50 audience questions in 50 minutes on any topic, including himself. All questions welcome.
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 →
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

The Choice Behind the Voice
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Voice actors including Candi Milo (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes), Frank Todaro (The Cuphead Show), Piotr Michael (Young Jedi Adventures), and Shelby Young (LEGO Star Wars)share the process that went into crafting the voices for their most famous characters in a Q&A hosted by writer/producer FM De Marco (DreamWorks Dragons).
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Comics, Education, Fandom, Humor & Satire, International, Kids, Library Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Autism in Comic Books
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Representation matters, but it comes with complications. Moderator Britton Payne (animation attorney; executive director, The Autism Scene) details the sometimes troubling history of autistic characters in comic books and how comics as a medium can foster a modern understanding of autism among its readership. Multiple-Eisner award nominee Deniz Camp will discuss the development of the autism storyline he wrote in the smash hit comic book Absolute Martian Manhunter. Fourth grader and inclusion advocate Eleanor Payne discusses YA books featuring autistic characters. Panelist Rebecca Burgess (YA graphic novel Speak Up!) also discusses their experiences as an autistic comic book creator and the process of creating autistic comic book characters, including an autistic main character navigating her way through high school.
Special Guests
avatar for Deniz Camp

Deniz Camp

Comic-Con Special Guest
Deniz Camp writes comics. The son of Turkish and Filipina immigrants, born in the Philippines but raised in the American midwest, he’s known for 20th Century Men (Image Comics), Ultimates (Marvel), Absolute Martian Manhunter (DC), Bleeding Hearts (Vertigo), and Assorted Crisis ... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  U: Updated, Anime & Manga, Comics, Education, Historical, Kids, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Comics, Education, Historical, Kids, Marriott Programs, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

Color Bind, A BIPOC Actual Play
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom ABC, 4th Floor
When the Gray Curse stripped Tah'ruul of its vibrancy, legacies and myths were lost with it. Now, generations later, heroes band together to retrieve Tah'ruul's colors and revive its culture. Narrator Doriam Couto and players Fish, Jaz Diaz, KZ, Noel Esquinca, and a surprise guest take part in an actual play adventure focused on uplifting BIPOC and POC voices, experiences, and history through the lens of fantasy.
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom ABC, 4th Floor
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Games, LGBTQIA+, Omni Programs, Superheroes, TTRPG

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

12:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Steven Butler
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 10
Steven Butler is a 37-year veteran comics artist. He is best known for drawing the first appearance of Spider-Man's clone, Scarlet Spider, in Web of Spider-Man for Marvel Comics in the 1990s, as well as for a long run illustrating the Sonic the Hedgehog comic series for Archie Comics. He has also illustrated many other comics series, such as The Badger for First Comics, Silver Sable and the Wildpack and Punisher War Journal for Marvel, Superman for DC Comics, many stories for Disney Adventures magazine, and a large number of Lady Death homage covers for Brian Pulido's Coffin Comics. Steven is currently working alongside his daughter Lily Butler, providing artwork for Archie Comics digest books and seasonal comics, as well as forming DUO Publishing with her and putting out their self-published title Fianna McCool and the Hound of Ulster, an anthropomorphic ode to Celtic mythology. Steven's spotlight panel focuses primarily on his achievements and challenges throughout his career, and how he discovered that there are indeed good opportunities in the industry completely outside the mainstream. A Q&A follows.
Special Guests
avatar for Steven Butler

Steven Butler

Comic-Con Special Guest
Steven Butler is a 37-year veteran comic book creator who has worked for a wide variety of companies on many well-known titles, including The Badger for First Comics; Web of Spider-Man, Silver Sable and the Wildpack, and Punisher War Journal for Marvel Comics; Superman for DC... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 10
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Video Games

1:00pm PDT

GeekEd: Surviving the Upside Down: Higher Education in the Days of Future Past
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
What kind of future are we building in higher education right now? Using the Upside Down from Stranger Things and the timeline-shifting stakes of X-Men, this panel examines what it means to learn, work, and belong on college campuses during an era of profound sociopolitical upheaval.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Education, Historical, Library Programs, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

The Best Pop Culture Vacation Destinations
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
The pop culture digital magazine The Pop Break hosts a family-friendly, bracket-style debate on the best pop culture vacation destinations. Alex Marcus (podcast network director, The Pop Break), Amanda Rivas (podcaster and senior editor, The Pop Break), Gigi Ford (cosplayer, podcaster, and content creator), Jason Patrick Galit (JPG; pop culture educator and consultant, InterMyth), Brandon Jackson (content creator and photographer, Chief Geek Photography), and Derick McDuff (podcast host, Underrated Movie Podcast) debate amenities, tourist sites, and street food from favorite pop culture locales. Could a place like Atlantis convince someone to take a trip under the sea, or could Mount Olympus take the top spot? Audience participation is encouraged and rewarded throughout the debate.
Sunday July 26, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Comics, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, Library Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

2:00pm PDT

Comics GOAT: Tribute to Archie Goodwin
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
For many DC and Marvel big names of the '70s–'90s, the answer to "Who was your comics guru?" is the same: Archie Goodwin. Explore the indelible influence—and hilarious "war stories"—of the Marvel editor-in-chief and DC group editor who guided Star Wars, Epic Comics, Batman: The Long Halloween, and more. Jordan B. "Gorf" Gorfinkel (Batman, Batguys Return podcast) moderates a who's who of Archie's colleagues and collaborators, including Paul Levitz (DC Comics president), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), and Chuck Kim (Archie's DC assistant editor), with appearances by Mike Carlin, Howard Chaykin, Klaus Jansen, Jeph Loeb, Bill Sienkiewicz, and Walt and Louise Simonson.
Special Guests
avatar for Paul Levitz

Paul Levitz

Comic-Con Special Guest
Paul Levitz has been a comics fan (The Comic Reader), editor (Batman), writer (Legion of Super-Heroes), executive (decades at DC Comics, ending as president & publisher), historian (Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel) and now teacher of subjects related to comics and tra... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Podcasts, Superheroes, Tributes, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Cover Story: The Art of the Cover
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
What does it take to make a great cover for a comic book? Let's ask three of the top artists . . . all folks who've created some of the best. Nicole Goux (This Place Kills Me), Steven Butler (Sonic the Hedgehog), Dan Jurgens (The Death of Superman), and maybe someone else talk shop. Moderated by Mark Evanier.
Special Guests
avatar for Steven Butler

Steven Butler

Comic-Con Special Guest
Steven Butler is a 37-year veteran comic book creator who has worked for a wide variety of companies on many well-known titles, including The Badger for First Comics; Web of Spider-Man, Silver Sable and the Wildpack, and Punisher War Journal for Marvel Comics; Superman for DC... 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 →
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 →
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Comics, Superheroes

2:00pm PDT

From Page to Scream!: Horror Across Media
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Horror has a way of finding audiences everywhere: in comics, film, folklore, haunted attractions, and beyond. From creeping dread to full-on spectacle, the genre keeps evolving while holding onto the fears that make it so compelling. Featuring horror filmmaker and author, Kristine Gerolaga, scare actor Michael Beggs, slasher screenwriter, singer, and horror historia author, Chance Calloway, and creature actor Scotch Hopkins. This panel explores why horror continues to thrive across media and why we keep coming back for more. Moderated by scare actor Tania Escobar and PR manager Winter Adair.
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Marriott Programs, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

2:00pm PDT

Stan Lee and The Grindhouse Radio
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Hosts of the official Stan Lee podcast Hazel Avivah (Stan Lee Universe brand manager and podcast executive producer), Brimstone (podcast main host and producer), Dayna Pereira (podcast co-host), Tom Greer (podcast co-host), and Kim Adragna (podcast co-host), along with surprise visits from celebrity guests, discuss Stan Lee's legacy and how it continues to inform conversations about where pop culture has been and where it is headed.
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Marriott Programs, Movies, Podcasts, Superheroes, Tributes, 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

2:30pm PDT

With Great Power Comes Great Psychology: The Many Masks of Spider-Man
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Who is Spider-Man? He's Peter, Miles, Ben, Miguel, Peter again. Silk, Ghost-Spider, Spider-Woman, and others have spun their webs as well. Each Spider-hero goes through many changes. As the movie Spider-Man: Brand New Day explores Spidey's mutations on the big screen, experts examine changes in the characters and their nature over the years. Dr. Travis Langley (Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs, Batman and Psychology) and Danny Fingeroth (Superman on the Couch; former Spider-Man group editor) ask Comic-Con special guest Howard Mackie (The Amazing Spider-Man, Ghost Rider), John Semper Jr. (Spider-Man: The Animated Series), Jim Krueger (Earth X; Spider-Man: Black and Blue), Travis Adams (Daredevil Psychology), Dr. Harpreet Malla (clinical psychologist), and Dr. Martin Lloyd (The Joker Psychology, Star Wars Psychology) for their insights into the Spiders' changes over time.
Special Guests
avatar for Howard Mackie

Howard Mackie

Artist Alley HH-09, Comic-Con Special Guest
Howard Mackie was dragged—kicking and screaming—into writing his first comic book (Iron Man #211) by legendary writer/editor Mark Gruenwald in 1986, and he went on to chronicle the adventures of Danny Ketch: Ghost Rider, Spider-Man, Hawkeye, The X-Men, X-Factor, Mutant-X, Gambit, Wolverine, Batman, and countless others for Marvel, DC, and other publishers. Howard’s most... Read More →
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
  1: Programs, Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

2:45pm PDT

Starship Smackdown XXXIII: We're Getting Too Old for This Ship Edition
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room 6A
The ultimate cosmic conflagration returns to San Diego, as the U.S.S. Enterprise confronts Serenity, an Imperial Star Destroyer battles Battlestar Galactica, and Jefferson Starship wrecks this city. Panelists Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Robert Meyer Burnett (The Burnettwork, Free Enterprise), Kay Reindl (Millennium, Freaked), Isaac M. Altman and Caden Miller (The Kids Stay In The Podcast), Deric Hughes (The Flash, Quantum Leap), and Mark A. Altman (Pandora, Deathlands, The Librarians) return for another round of ancient combat. The Smackdown panel, hailed by NPR, returns to Comic-Con for its third decade.
Sunday July 26, 2026 2:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room 6A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Podcasts, Superheroes

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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Ballroom 20
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Sails Pavilion - Autographs
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Sala 28DE
Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
West Mezzanine Terrace
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