Mad Cave Studios has announced its return to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 with a slate of incredible talent, including Momo creator John Cusack, Temporal writer Stephanie Williams, Quiet creator Kim-Joy, and more. The publisher is once again sponsoring the annual Comic Book Legal Defense Fund SDCC Welcome Party and will feature panels, programming, and creator signings throughout the convention.
Find Mad Cave and its imprints—Maverick, Nakama Press, and Papercutz—at booth #2806 all weekend.
Here are the details on Mad Cave’s SDCC ’26 schedule.
Mad Cave Studios SDCC ’26 panels
All times are in PST.
Thursday, July 23
Descend Into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
2-3 p.m., 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: Eternal), Tula Lotay (Groupies, Somna), Scott Snyder (Canary, We Have Demons), 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
10-11 a.m., 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
12-1 p.m., 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 p.m.
A New Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios & Lucasfilm Publishing
12-1 p.m., Room 7AB
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 p.m., 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.
Mad Cave Studios creator signings
All signings will take place at Mad Cave Studios booth #2806 unless otherwise noted. All times are in PST.
Thursday, July 23
- 12 p.m.: Mark London & Mark Russell – Honor and Curse: Eternal, Mister Nemo, Terrorbytes, Dog Tag
- 1 p.m.: Joe Corallo – Ruth Roche: The Phantom Hand of Comics
- 2 p.m.: Tilly Bridges & Susan Bridges – Just Another Summer
- 3 p.m.: Dave Johnson – Pop Kill, Denver
- 4 p.m.: Dan Panosian, Becky Cloonan, Tula Lotay – The Dirt Beneath the Devil, Groupies
Friday, July 24
- 10 a.m.: Omar Morales – Major Thomas
- 11 a.m.: Stephanie Williams, Asiah Fulmore, DJ Chavisb – Temporal
- 12 p.m.: Stipan Morian – Our Soot Stained Heart
- 1 p.m.: Craig Hurd-McKenney – Best Friend Show; Curt Pires & Jock – 51
- 2 p.m.: Disney Star Wars group signing
- 3 p.m.: Mario B. Long – Casshan, God Tier
- 4:30 p.m.: John Cusack – Momo at 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. Click here for details & instructions for Exclusives Portal Sign-ups.
Saturday, July 25
- 11 a.m.: Richard Ashley Hamilton – Scoop; Craig Hurd-McKenney – Best Friend Show
- 12 p.m.: Kim-Joy – Quiet
- 1 p.m.: Benjamin Raab, Deric Hughes, Willi Roberts, Suspiria – The Last Starfighter
- 2:30 p.m.: Toril Orlesky – Hot Blood!
- 3 p.m.: Jimmy Palmiotti & Amanda Conner – Pop Kill, Denver
- 4 p.m.: Sloane Siegel & Benjamin Stockham – Lazarus Order
- 5 p.m.: Fred Kennedy – The Florida Hippopotamus Cocaine Massacre
Sunday, July 26
- 11 a.m.: David M. Booher, Delilah S. Dawson, Soo Lee Star Wars and Disney comics group signing – Disney Kids Comics: Frozen Snowgies Sleepover & Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu
- 12 p.m.: Lan Pitts – Beat Every 1-Up; Christopher Greenslate – Queen Kodiak
- 1 p.m. – Jeannine Acheson & Tom Sniegoski – Nothing Can Stop the Ape!
Stay tuned to The Beat for more news from SDCC ’26.
