Convention - SDCC 2026 : Mad Cave Studios Reveals a Star-Studded Programming Schedule 

By Mulder, 14 july 2026

Mad Cave Studios is heading into San Diego Comic-Con International 2026 with arguably the most ambitious convention program in the publisher's history, reflecting the remarkable growth the independent company has experienced over the past several years. Located at Booth #2806, Mad Cave will bring together an impressive combination of exclusive releases, major creator appearances, high-profile panels, autograph sessions and industry recognition, while showcasing the diversity of its publishing family, including Papercutz, Maverick and Nakama Press. The program also underlines how far the publisher has evolved since its founding in 2014, moving from an emerging independent label to one of the comic industry's fastest-growing publishers with an increasingly prestigious portfolio of licensed and creator-owned properties. This year's Comic-Con presence particularly emphasizes three pillars of Mad Cave's strategy: expanding major licensed universes, nurturing original creator-owned books and developing graphic novels for readers of every age.

One of the convention's biggest attractions will undoubtedly be the arrival of John Cusack, who is making a rare appearance at Comic-Con to introduce Momo, his very first graphic novel. Known worldwide for iconic performances in films such as Say Anything..., High Fidelity and Grosse Pointe Blank, John Cusack has spent decades crafting memorable cinematic characters, making his move into comics particularly noteworthy. During a Friday afternoon panel, he will discuss the surreal world of Momo alongside actor, writer and comic creator David Dastmalchian, exploring how storytelling changes when moving from cinema to sequential art. Fans fortunate enough to secure one of the highly coveted Exclusives Portal reservations will later be able to attend an autograph session in the Sails Pavilion, although Mad Cave has already confirmed that only copies of Momo purchased for the event will be signed, with no additional memorabilia or posed photographs permitted. The project has already attracted considerable attention throughout the publishing industry, with Mad Cave executives previously describing it as one of the company's flagship releases for the second half of 2026.

Another major highlight is Mad Cave's rapidly expanding partnership with Lucasfilm Publishing, which has become one of the publisher's most significant achievements of the year. Earlier in 2026, it was officially announced that Mad Cave, through its Papercutz imprint, would become a new publisher of original all-ages Star Wars graphic novels, marking the company's first official venture into the galaxy far, far away. The San Diego Comic-Con panel promises new announcements and exclusive previews, featuring editor Charles Beacham, writers Josh Pruett, Scott Peterson, Delilah S. Dawson, artist Soo Lee, and moderator Michael Siglain, Creative Director of Lucasfilm Publishing. While the panel description deliberately keeps some reveals under wraps, fans can expect updates on upcoming titles following the previously announced Star Wars: Smugglers and Scoundrels by Cavan Scott and Star Wars: Tales from the Outer Rim by Greg Pak, both scheduled for publication this autumn. The inclusion of giveaways and first looks at future projects suggests that Comic-Con will serve as the official launchpad for the next phase of Mad Cave's Star Wars publishing ambitions.

The convention will also shine a spotlight on another beloved science-fiction property returning under the Mad Cave banner: The Last Starfighter. For many fans who grew up during the 1980s, the cult film has remained a cherished classic despite never receiving an official cinematic sequel. Mad Cave has stepped into that gap by launching both a reprint of the original Marvel adaptation and an entirely new comic-book continuation developed with original creator Jonathan Betuel and producer Paul Davidson. Written by Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes, with artwork by Willi Roberts, the new series continues the adventures of Alex Rogan as leader of the Star League. Comic-Con attendees will be able to meet the creative team during a Saturday signing, reinforcing the publisher's commitment not merely to revisiting nostalgic properties but to meaningfully expanding them for a new generation of readers.

Mad Cave's programming reflects the remarkable breadth of its catalogue. Horror fans will find plenty to enjoy during the "Descend Into Madness" panel, bringing together acclaimed creators including Dan Panosian, Becky Cloonan, Leah Kilpatrick, Mark London, Tula Lotay, Scott Snyder and Mark Russell for an exploration of why horror remains one of comics' most emotionally resonant genres. The discussion promises to examine both psychological terror and visual storytelling while highlighting several upcoming horror projects from across the industry. Equally diverse are panels devoted to young adult storytelling, where creators such as Tilly Bridges, Susan Bridges, Jarrett Dapier, Rob Reger, R. Sikoryak, Arianna Irwin, Simón Estrada, Samuel Sattin, Mike Maihack and Katie Longua will discuss the unique power of graphic novels aimed at younger readers. These sessions perfectly illustrate how Mad Cave continues investing simultaneously in mature horror, licensed adventures and accessible all-ages publishing.

The publisher's schedule is equally impressive away from the panel rooms. Across four days, dozens of creators will be available for autograph sessions covering nearly every corner of Mad Cave's publishing line. Readers will have opportunities to meet Stephanie Williams, whose acclaimed science-fiction series Temporal has become one of the company's breakout successes, alongside Asiah Fulmore and DJ Chavis. Other featured creators include Joe Corallo, Dave Johnson, Omar Morales, Stipan Morian, Craig Hurd-McKenney, Curt Pires, Jok, Mario B. Long, Richard Ashley Hamilton, Kim-Joy, Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Conner, Sloane Siegel, Benjamin Stockham, Fred Kennedy, David M. Booher, Lan Pitts, Christopher Greenslate, Jeannine Acheson and Tom Sniegoski. The schedule demonstrates Mad Cave's deliberate effort to provide fans with direct access to both established industry veterans and emerging voices.

Beyond new books and celebrity appearances, 2026 has also become a milestone year for industry recognition. Mad Cave enters Comic-Con with six nominations across the prestigious Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards. Temporal earned a nomination for Best New Series, while Stephanie Williams received recognition in the highly competitive Best Writer category. Francesco Francavilla was nominated for Best Cover Artist thanks in part to his work on Dick Tracy, while Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou received a Best Lettering nomination for Our Soot-Stained Heart. Rising creators Stipan Morian and Toril Orlesky were also honored with nominations for the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, highlighting Mad Cave's growing reputation as a publisher willing to champion emerging talent alongside established creators. The Eisner Awards ceremony, one of the comic industry's highest honors, will take place during Comic-Con on Friday evening.

Another noteworthy aspect of Mad Cave's Comic-Con presence is its continued support for the broader comics community. Once again, the publisher will sponsor the annual Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Welcome Party, reaffirming its commitment to the organization's advocacy for freedom of expression and the right to read. This involvement has become an important tradition within the comics industry, placing Mad Cave alongside publishers and creators who actively support legal protections for artistic freedom.

Taken together, the 2026 San Diego Comic-Con lineup illustrates just how dramatically Mad Cave Studios has expanded its influence. Whether through headline-grabbing projects such as Star Wars, the revival of The Last Starfighter, the publishing debut of John Cusack, acclaimed creator-owned series like Temporal, or the continued growth of Papercutz, Maverick and Nakama Press, the publisher arrives in San Diego with an unusually broad and confident slate. Booth #2806 is likely to become one of the convention's busiest destinations for readers eager to discover exclusive releases, celebrate award-nominated creators and glimpse the future direction of one of the comics industry's most dynamic independent publishers.

Panels recap : 

Descend Into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
Where: Room 25ABC, San Diego Comic-Con International
When: Thursday, July 23, 2026, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
A horror-focused discussion featuring Dan Panosian, Becky Cloonan, Leah Kilpatrick, Mark London, Tula Lotay, Scott Snyder and Mark Russell, moderated by Cara O'Neil.

Leap into Action-Filled Graphic Novels
Where: Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace, San Diego Central Library
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
What : A panel on graphic novel storytelling featuring Arianna Irwin, Simón Estrada, Mike Maihack, Samuel Sattin and Katie Longua, moderated by Danielle McKechnie.

Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels That Speak Up
Where: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What : Creators including Tilly Bridges, Susan Bridges, Jarrett Dapier, R. Sikoryak and Rob Reger discuss socially conscious young adult graphic novels.

A New Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios & Lucasfilm Publishing
Where: Room 7AB
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
What : Mad Cave and Lucasfilm Publishing preview upcoming Star Wars graphic novels with Charles Beacham, Josh Pruett, Scott Peterson, Delilah S. Dawson, Soo Lee and moderator Michael Siglain.

John Cusack Showcases the Surreal World of Momo
Where: Room 5AB
When: Friday, July 24, 2026, 2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
What : John Cusack discusses his first graphic novel with David Dastmalchian, exploring the creative process behind Momo.

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 Show with 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 and Queen Kodiak with Christopher Greenslate
1:00 pm: Nothing Can Stop the Ape! with Jeannine Acheson, Tom Sniegoski

(Source : press release)