Comic-Con 2026

Attendees can meet people in and outside their fields and get dedicated one-on-one time with experts who typically speak on the "Success in Creativity" panels. Experts on hand include Luke Cheesman (director of media, TheConGuy.com, and screenwriter), James Frye (managing editor, TheConGuy.com, and screenwriter), Renah Wolzinger, Ed.D. (director at Eduvators; owner, Renzone Music), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author, and lecturer), Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (molecular geneticist and comic writer), Matt Cousin (writer and comic artist/illustrator), Marsia Powers (Fandom Charities and Hellmouth Con), and Topher Davila (art director, TheJewelryDragon.com; illustrator and producer). Each attendee will receive three postcards covering topics and solutions from past panels. Business cards or any item with name, email, and phone number are recommended.

Are you passionate about writing, creating, and storytelling? Do you have a book, script, or idea in need of some TLC? Creative professionals lead a discussion for independent authors, creators, and artists. Featuring host April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome), Doc Farrow (actor, Young Sheldon), Jessica Maison (comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press), Aristotle Dreher (content creator and performer, Aristotle Full Throttle), Laurine Price (producer and writer, Phoenix), Dr. Travis Langley (writer, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), and Tessa McFionn (novelist, Star-Crossed Negotiations).

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

What is a pitch? A pitch is a concise way to present a project or idea. Many creators develop strong concepts but struggle to communicate them clearly and concisely. Giving a good pitch is a vital skill in bringing a project to life. It is also a skill that can be learned and improved with practice. Creators, especially writers or artists attending the Comic Creator Connection immediately after this event, have the chance to practice giving pitches and receive guidance from a professional writer and speaker coach. Pitch reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff (professional speechwriter, speaker coach, and host, Comic Creator Connection). Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

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