Planning for 2026 events might not be at the top of everyone’s agenda, but those events are surely coming at us fast. And the year is going to kick into gear with a bang with the ComicsPRO annual Industry Conference, to be held in Glendale, California February 19 – 21, 2026. Run by the comics retailer organization ComicsPRO, it’s become the most important business meeting for the US comics industry, attended by shop owners, publishers, distributors, creators…and by special permission, even a few journalists, including The Beat.
Last year’s event, coming a few weeks after Diamond’s bankruptcy, was a real humdinger. This one, with a year of twists and turns and industry changes, should be a humdinger-palooza. Or in PR speak, a “can’t miss” event.
And one thing folks won’t want to miss is the just announced keynote speaker Robert Kirkman, creator of The Walking Dead, Invincible, and The Energon Universe of comics.
“I’m excited and tremendously honored to be delivering the keynote speech for ComicsPRO this year,” said Kirkman in a statement. “I previously spoke at ComicsPRO way back in 2010 and while my unwavering devotion to the direct market retail community has remained unchanged in that time, I hope I’ve gotten a little better at public speaking.”
“Robert has been instrumental in the growth of comic shops in the 21st century. First, by creating amazing stories for comics and then by bringing those stories to a wider audience through hit TV series,” added Joe Murray, owner of Captain Blue Hen Comics in Newark, DE and President of ComicsPRO. “As Robert’s profile has risen in the entertainment industry, his love and support for local comic shops has remained strong. We are beyond thrilled to welcome him to our 2026 Annual Meeting as the Keynote Speaker!”
Also on the agenda: programming designed by retailers for retailers reflecting the priciples of advocacy, connection, education, and promotion. The schedule includes publisher presentations, small group roundtable discussions, networking opportunities, and educational classes.
“Education is a cornerstone of what ComicsPRO strives to provide to the industry,” explained Shannon Live, Vice-President of the Board and Director of Education of ComicsPRO. “We stack our annual conference with classes, workshops, and lightning talks that highlight skills and training opportunities for retailers of any tenure in the industry. Learning together and from each other raises our social capital and drives our industry towards a brighter tomorrow.”
ComicsPro 2025 included such huge announcements of the latest Marvel/DC crossovers, and Matt Fraction’s Batman. What shocks and thrills will next year’s bring? If you haven’t signed up yet, registration is now open for all comic shop retailers here.
Vendors interested in exhibiting at the conference can find more information here.
