Get your spinner racks ready and your wallets out, because independent comic juggernaut Mad Cave Studios is heading to San Diego Comic-Con International (July 23–26, 2026) with an absolute behemoth of a lineup.
Mad Cave is taking over Booth #2806. It’s packed to the brim with Eisner-nominated creators, exclusive signings, and a sneak peek at an upcoming release slate that spans from high-flying ’80s nostalgia to literal Hollywood royalty. Whether you’re a hardcore collector or a casual reader, Mad Cave—alongside its specialized imprints Nakama Press, Maverick, and Papercutz—is proving they have a story for just about everyone.
An Eisner-Nominated Victory Lap
Mad Cave isn’t just showing up to sell books; they’re showing up to flex. The publisher is arriving in San Diego riding a massive wave of industry recognition. That includes an impressive six nominations for the 2026 Eisner Awards. Keep an eye out for these booth celebrities:
Best New Series: Temporal
Best Writer: Stephanie Williams (Temporal)
Best Cover Artist: Francesco Francavilla (Dick Tracy)
Best Lettering: Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou (Our Soot-Stained Heart)
Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award: Nominees Stipan Morian (Our Soot-Stained Heart) and Toril Orlesky (Hotblood!).
The Main Attractions: From John Cusack to Starfighter
If you’re hunting for the hottest upcoming titles, Mad Cave’s future catalog looks wildly diverse. Major highlights being showcased at the booth include:
Momo: A highly anticipated graphic novel project co-crafted by acclaimed actor, writer, and cinematic icon John Cusack.
The Last Starfighter: The triumphant comic book return of the beloved 1984 sci-fi cult classic. Remember: victory is still a part of the game.
Star Wars: Brand-new stories expanding the galaxy far, far away through Mad Cave’s unique publishing lens.
Panels, Signings, and Partying for a Cause
Beyond the booth, Mad Cave is keeping the community spirit alive. Also, the publisher is once again serving as the official sponsor for the annual Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) SDCC Welcome Party. They are raising a glass to the comics community while supporting the ongoing fight for the freedom to read.
Throughout the four-day convention, attendees can stop by to pick up limited-edition convention variant covers. There are also creator spotlights and panels that dive deep into everything from gritty horror and YA graphic novels to classic comic strip history.
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
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
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 allowed in the signing queue only. Details & instructions for Exclusives Portal Sign-ups.
Swing by Booth #2806. Grab some books before the long lines form, and find out why Mad Cave is quickly becoming one of the most exciting rooms in the house.
Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.
