Mad Cave Studios is heading back to San Diego Comic-Con International with one of its biggest convention lineups yet, bringing award-nominated creators, major panel programming, creator signings, and one of the publisher’s most anticipated slates of upcoming releases to Booth #2806. From the highly anticipated return of the ’80s cult classic The Last Starfighter and Star Wars to the forthcoming release of Momo by acclaimed actor, writer, and filmmaker John Cusack, Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Nakama Press, Maverick, and Papercutz—will celebrate comics across every corner of the growing publishing line.
The publisher arrives with one of its strongest years of industry recognition to date, earning six nominations across the 2026 Eisner Awards, with Temporal nominated for Best New Series, with Stephanie Williams also recognized for Best Writer, while Francesco Francavilla (Dick Tracy) nominated for Best Cover Artist, and Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Our Soot-Stained Heart) nominated for Best Lettering. Rising talents Stipan Morian (Our Soot Stained Heart) and Toril Orlesky (Hotblood!) are also nominees for the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award.
Mad Cave is again sponsoring the annual Comic Book Legal Defense Fund San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party, celebrating the comics community and supporting the CBLDF’s ongoing advocacy for the freedom to read.
Throughout the convention, fans can explore new releases, meet acclaimed creators, pick up limited convention exclusives, and attend programming spanning horror, young adult graphic novels, Star Wars, comic strip history, and creator spotlights.
PANELS & PROGRAMMING
Thursday, July 23
Descend Into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
2:00-3:00 PM | Room 25ABC
Descend into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics—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: Eternal), Tula Lotay (Groupies, Somna), Scott Snyder (Canary, We Have Demons), and and Mark Russell (Terrorbytes, Vanishing Point) discuss what makes horror stories resonate with us, and what new tales of terror they are telling through comics. Moderated by Cara O’Neil (Director of Marketing, Mad Cave Studios).
Friday, July 24
Leap into Action-Filled Graphic Novels featuring Arianna Irwin
10:00-11:00 AM | Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace, San Diego Central Library
From visual storytelling choices to character-driven voice, these graphic novel authors break down the craft behind the page, revealing how their lives, experiences, and personalities create immersive worlds, emotional impact, and unforgettable reading experiences.
Moderator: Danielle McKechnie (Otto Normal’s Monsterton). Featuring Simón Estrada (Otto Normal’s Monsterton), Arianna Irwin (Penelope’s Escape From the Platypusary; Disney 101 Dalmatians: Penny’s Big Splash, Mad Cave Studios / Maverick / Papercutz), Mike Maihack (Spider-Man: Mighty Mayhem! – A Mighty Marvel Team-Up ), Samuel Sattin (Unico: Awakening), and Katie Longua (Agent Cupcake).
Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels That Speak Up, featuring Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges
12:00-1:00 PM | Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Join graphic novel creators for a lively conversation about how young adult graphic novels give shape to moments of standing up, speaking out, and wanting change.
Moderator: Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library). Featuring Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire, Penguin Random House / Ten Speed Graphic), Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges (Just Another Summer), R. Sikoryak (Declaration / Emancipation Illustrated), and Rob Reger (Emily the Strange: 25th Anniversary Edition). A group signing to follow from 1:00-1:30 PM.
A New Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios & Lucasfilm Publishing
12:00-1:00 PM | Room 7AB
A Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing—Join Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing as they make the jump to hyperspace and showcase their Star Wars publishing partnership! Charles Beacham (Editor, Mad Cave Studios), Josh Pruett and Scott Peterson (Phineas & Ferb), Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu—Danger in the Dark), Soo Lee (Star Wars: Tales from the Nightlands, more TBA), and more guests will present news and reveals of new tales coming soon. Fans will hear from the comic creators crafting these tales, enjoy out of this world giveaways, and get a peek inside some of these exciting new projects. Moderated by Michael Siglain (Creative Director, Lucasfilm Publishing).
John Cusack Showcases the Surreal World of Momo
2:30-3:30 PM | Room 5AB
John Cusack (Say Anything, High Fidelity, Grosse Pointe Blank) discusses his first graphic novel, Momo, with fellow actor and comic creator David Dastmalchian (Count Crowley, Through) at Comic-Con 2026. John and David will discuss the inspiration behind Momo and what it’s like telling stories across mediums including film and comics.
CREATOR SIGNINGS
Thursday, July 23
12:00 PM: Honor and Curse: Eternal, Mister Nemo, Terrorbytes, Dog Tag with Mark London and Mark Russell
1:00 PM: Ruth Roche: The Phantom Hand of Comics with Joe Corallo
2:00 PM: Just Another Summer with Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges
3:00 PM: Pop Kill, Denver with Dave Johnson
4:00 PM: The Dirt Beneath the Devil and Groupies with Dan Panosian, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay
Friday, July 24
10:00 AM: Major Thomas with Omar Morales
11:00 AM: Temporal with Stephanie Williams, Asiah Fulmore, DJ Chavis
12:00 PM: Our Soot Stained Heart with Stipan Morian
1:00 PM: Best Friend Show with Craig Hurd-McKenney and 51 with Curt Pires and Jok
2:00 PM: Disney Star Wars group signing
3:00 PM: Casshan, God Tier with Mario B. Long
4:30 PM: John Cusack Momo Autograph Session – Sails Pavilion AA04
*Fans may not bring any additional items to the signing with John Cusack. No posed photos. Cusack will be signing copies of Momo, which will be available for purchase. Exclusive San Diego Comic-Con Portal winners are only allowed in the signing queue. Details & instructions for Exclusives Portal Sign-ups.
Saturday, July 25
11:00 AM: Scoop with Richard Ashley Hamilton and Best Friend Showwith Craig Hurd-McKenney
12:00 PM: Quiet with Kim-Joy
1:00 PM: The Last Starfighter with Benjamin Raab, Deric Hughes, Willi Roberts, Suspiria
2:30 PM: Hotblood! with Toril Orlesky
3:00 PM: Pop Kill, Denver with Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner
4:00 PM: Lazarus Order with Sloane Siegel, Benjamin Stockham
5:00 PM: The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre with Fred Kennedy
Sunday, July 26
11:00 AM: Star Wars and Disney Comics Group Signing
Disney Kids Comics: Frozen Snowgies Sleepover &
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu with
David M. Booher, Delilah S. Dawson, Soo Lee
12:00 PM: Beat Every 1-Up with Lan Pitts andQueen Kodiakwith Christopher Greenslate
1:00 pm: Nothing Can Stop the Ape! with Jeannine Acheson, Tom Sniegoski
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