The Fanbase Press staff is very excited to be returning to San Diego Comic-Con 2026, bringing you the coolest interviews, commentaries, and photos – live from the convention floor! From Wednesday, July 22, through Sunday, July 26, all of Fanbase Press’ award-winning comics, graphic novels, and merchandise will be available for sale at Small Press Table O-03. Attendees won’t want to miss the exciting panels and creator signings planned for the con, as well as the limited-edition Shrub #1 comic, and more!

SDCC 2026 Limited-Edition Shrub #1 Comic

Fanbase Press is thrilled to be returning to San Diego Comic-Con 2026, and the team is marking the occasion with the announcement of a 2026 SDCC exclusive: a limited-edition first issue of the new Graphic Medicine series, Shrub, featuring a fold-out page within the story! Series creator and Emmy-nominated writer Shane Portman (Tumble Leaf, Shape Island) will be on hand at the Fanbase Press booth (Small Press O-03) to sign copies of the SDCC exclusive!

In this middle grade adventure, readers will join Shrub who is, well… a shrub… for a cross-country road trip to Hollywood! Join Shrub and a grieving brother and sister as they head out in search of connection. On their journey, pit stops, wacky plant enthusiasts, uprooting, and re-routing abound.

Shrub: The Collected Edition trade paperback will be crowdfunded later this year on Kickstarter, and every issue of the series will include a fold-out page within the story’s narrative.

“Given that Shrub explores the various ways that we allow grief to take root, we wanted to offer readers an exciting and tactile way to dig deeper into the story during their reading experience,” said Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief. “By including a fold-out page within every issue, readers will learn more about the characters and the ways that their collective journeys with grief connect them.”

The 8-issue series was created and written by Shane Portman (Tumble Leaf, Shape Island), illustrated by Andy Alves (Cosmic Cadets), colored by Sophia Du (Story Bots: Answer Time) and Celia FitzGerald, and lettered by Oceano Ransford (Eisner Award-nominated Rikki).

Available for Sale (Small Press Booth O-03)

Fans in attendance will have a chance to stop by the Fanbase Press booth to purchase the publisher’s award-winning comics and graphic novels, including the 2025 IPPY Award-winning Ripple Effects: The Deluxe Edition, 2024 GLAAD Media Award-winning Four-Color Heroes, 2023 Eisner and Harvey Award-nominated Ripple Effects, 2018 Eisner Award-nominated Quince, the 2020 IPPY Award-winning Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition hardcover, the 2022 International Latino Book Award-winning Nuclear Power, and much more.

*Fanbase Press’ creator signing schedule may be found below.

Fanbase Press’ Panel Programming

Fanbase Press and its staff and creators will be hosting and/or participating in a number of thought-provoking panels throughout the week. Below is the schedule of panels:

THURSDAY

10:00 a.m.: Meet the New New Media Studios—The entertainment landscape is changing. It can be felt in the water, in the earth, in the air. With studio consolidation, public frustration at A.I. slop, and experienced creatives striking out on their own, a new arts and crafts movement is on the rise. Small indie studios dedicated to creating entertainment aligned to a specific genre or audience across media are emerging, raising the question of whether a handful of passionate artists telling stories across formats can build a viable entertainment business. New media pioneer Felicia Day (Lost Daughter of Sparta, The Guild), Todd Stashwick (VisionQuest, Star Trek: Picard), Matt Medney (Gungnir), Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), and Anjali Bhimani (Ms. Marvel, Overwatch) discuss their New New Media studios, how they work, and what can be learned from historical indie art movements and the current crowdfunding revolution. Moderated by David Nett (ProgCore Fantasy). Room 6A

7:00 p.m.: The Bride of Frankenstein: She Was Never Meant to Exist—In recent years, the Bride of Frankenstein has re-emerged as a powerful cultural figure, appearing across film, fashion, and storytelling in ways that feel deeply connected to our current moment. This panel explores why the Bride resonates now and what it means that a character created as an afterthought—a constructed woman without agency—has become a symbol of identity, autonomy, and reclaimed power. She began as something that was never allowed to exist, and now she is everywhere. What does her story reveal about how we see women, creation, and control today? And what happens when the Bride is no longer silent, no longer secondary, but the center of her own narrative? Through horror history, modern reinterpretation, and cultural insight, panelists Bryant Dillon (Something Animal, Identity Thief), Jessica Maison (Monster vs Monster Podcast, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Leslie Klinger (editor, The New Annotated Frankenstein), Russell Nohelty (Cthulhu Is Hard to Spell, The Godsverse Chronicles), Sarah Faxon (The Animal Court; forthcoming Tiny Dreadfuls), and Deborah Daughetee (Kolchak, the Nightstalker, Stitches in Weird Tales) examine how the Bride reflects both our fears and our evolving sense of self. Moderated by Rick Hernandez (marketing strategist; host, Neon Swords & Lasers Podcast). Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

FRIDAY

12:00 p.m.: Cancer-Con: Graphic Medicine Comics from Cancer Patient and Caregiver Cartoonists—Graphic Medicine is taking hold in comics nonfiction and fiction. These stories may be one-page standalones, webcomics, in comic books, in health and medical education teaching tools, academic research, graphic novels, books, and zines. They may be published digitally on social media platforms and cartoonist websites. This panel brings together cartoonists who have had cancer or are cancer patient caregivers to discuss the creative process of making comics through the various phases of cancer—symptoms, screening, diagnostics, treatments, and, hopefully, remission. Panelists Naomi Volain (Plants Go Global), Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), Chris Fink (Breakthrough: Life on the Brink), Brianna Collins, Federico Muelas Romero (T(H)UMOR, Dear Cancer Diary . . . ), and Matthew Mewhorter (Cancer Owl) consider who benefits from cancer comics and graphic pathographies, how graphic medicine differs from other work, and where their work is seen, published, and promoted. Room 26AB

4:00 p.m.: Comics in the Classroom: The Benefits of a Comics-Based Curriculum—Bryant Dillon (president, Fanbase Press) leads comics creators, librarians, and educators, including John Jennings (professor, UC Riverside), Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics; self-publisher, artist, and professor), Dr. Katlin Marisol Sweeney-Romero Pack (assistant professor, UC Davis), Jack Phoenix (comics librarian), and Shane Portman (writer, Shrub), in a discussion of why comics serve as valuable classroom resources and approaches for selecting and integrating comics into curriculum. Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

4:00 p.m.: Comixology Presents: For the Love of Fiction—Actor Thomas Jane (The Lycan, Star Trek, The Punisher), celebrity baker and comics writer Kim-Joy (Turtle Bread, Ordinary Joy), TV writer Marc Bernardin (Adora and the Distance, Star Wars: Mace Windu, Star Trek: Picard, Eyes of Wakanda), writer Michael Conrad (The 99 Legs, Neptune), and writer Frank Barbiere (Zero Instance, Astonishing Times) discuss their newest comics, their creative inspirations, their favorite stories, and why they love fiction. Moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press). Room 25ABC

5:00 p.m.: Expect More with AHOY Comics!—AHOY Comics has made a name for itself with acclaimed creators, witty satire, and a commitment to bold, risk-taking storytelling, including The Toxic Avenger, Babs, Second Coming, Justice Warriors, Billionaire Island, Ancestral Recall, and more. Matt Bors (The Toxic Avenger, Justice Warriors), Mark Russell (Second Coming, Billionaire Island), and Stuart Moore (Captain Ginger) discuss the upcoming The Forgotten Divine graphic novella, more Toxic Avenger comics, and the future of the publisher that asks its readers to expect more. Moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press). Room 28DE

6:00 p.m.: Fiction in the Time of Fascism—Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press) leads comics creators and educators, including Phillip Kennedy Johnson (writer, Superman, Action Comics), Desiree Proctor (writer, Nuclear Power), Corinna Bechko (writer, Invisible Republic), Henry Barajas (writer, La Voz de M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo), and Arthur N. Ebuen (writer, ©alifornia, Inc.), in a discussion of why dystopian comics offer accessible ways to process a challenging world and what can be learned from stories in which characters and societies face profound injustice. Room 28DE

SATURDAY

2:30 p.m.: Women on the Dark Side – Women on the Dark Side returns for its tenth year at SDCC. Whether it’s comic books, novels, film, or art, these are the women creating content that connects with the deeper, darker side of us all. Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Boston Metaphysical Society, Lady Mechanika), Deborah Daughetee (Kolchak, the Nightstalker, Dark Shadows), Megan Hutchison (Coffin Girls, Rockstars), and Susan Lee (founder, Women on the Dark Side; Wraith of Love) discuss their work. Moderated by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press). Room 29CD

4:00 p.m.: Creators, Assemble! Comics Camaraderie: A Networking Event – The “speed dating” style networking event returns with new and returning guests. Brief pitches and structured rounds support learning and connecting with industry insiders, retailers, publishers, and creators, including Alex Antone, Barbra Dillon, Charlie Stickney, Heather Antos, Meghan Fitzmartin, Drew Edwards, Lisa Burdage, Dylan Davison, Jessica Maison, David M. Booher, Gamal Hennessy, Jonathan Chance, John Hazard, Joseph P. Illidge, Shannon Live, Tony Fleecs, Katie Pryde, John Berry, Omar Morales, Gabriel Valentin, Jeffrey Snow, Dan Brozo, Brock Smith, and more. Moderators are librarians and educators who work with comics, including Matthew Atherton, Stacy-Michelle Banks, Matt Slayter, Mary Ellen Stout, Joel Bakker, Joe Barrette, Elias Campos, Sophia Juarez, Janie Ghinazzi, Jack Phoenix, Megan Halsband, Allison Dohr, Jana Tropper, and Moni Barrette. Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

5:00 p.m.: Self- and Small Press Publishing: Making Your Own Way in the Comics Industry – Are you interested in making comics that don’t fit a typical mold? Do you want more control of your creative and financial future in the comics industry? Moderator Lauren Mitchell (director, workforce engagement and belonging; cosplayer) discusses unconventional routes, best practices, and paths to success with established independent comics publishers Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press, editor-in-chief), Bryant Dillon (Fanbase Press, publisher), Jessica Maison (Wicked Tree Press, publisher/writer), Arthur N. Ebuen (Studio 12-7, publisher/writer), Justin Giampaoli (Studio 12-7, editor/writer), and Ryan Claytor (Elephant Eater Comics, self-publisher/artist/professor). Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

SUNDAY

1:00 p.m.: Tales of Saucer Country and Beyond: The High Strangeness of UFOs and UAPs in Comics—With the recent disclosure that Paul Cornell and Ryan Kelly’s Saucer Country graphic novel is now in active development for TV, and with an abundance of UFO- and UAP-related comics and news stories, this panel examines the truth behind the tall tales. Moderator Barbra Dillon is joined by Saucer Country EP and publisher Chris Ryall (Groom Lake) and fellow Forteans Paul Cornell (Who Killed Nessie?), Chris Condon (High Strangeness), Gordon Purcell (The X-Files), and Denton Tipton (The X-Files). Room 7AB

2:00 p.m.: A sequential art masterpiece may be waiting to be written and drawn, and Kickstarter can help make it a reality. But where do you start? What are the essential steps to not just fund a passion project but reach all of the fans waiting to happen? Veteran campaign managers and creators outline the essential steps (and unforeseen obstacles) that can maximize Kickstarter’s crowdfunding impact. Kickstarter thought leaders Shannon Bailey (Todd McFarlane Productions), Ash Troub (BOOM! Studios, Penguin Random House), Kat Calamia and Phil Falco (Lifeline Comics), Kickstarter director of comics Sean Edgar, and additional panelists share practical guidance on channeling passion for sequential art into a fully funded launch. Moderated by Fanbase Press’ Barbra Dillon. Room 28DE

Fanbase Press’ Creator Signing Schedule

Wednesday, July 22, through Sunday, July 26
– Writer Bryant Dillon (Something Animal, Identity Thief)

Thursday, July 23
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: David Accampo (creator/writer, The Margins)

Friday, July 24
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.: Melissa Chan (writer, Street Noise Books’ You Must Take Part in Revolution)
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Shane Portman (creator/writer, Shrub)
2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Jordan Hart (creator/writer/colorist, Ripple Effects)

Saturday, July 25
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Desirée Proctor (co-writer, Nuclear Power)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Shane Portman (creator/writer, Shrub)

Sunday, July 26
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Desirée Proctor (co-writer, Nuclear Power)

Fanbase Press’ Convention Coverage

Fanbase Press’ staff will be conducting interviews and covering panels and events throughout the weekend. Be sure to follow Fanbase Press’ Facebook, Bluesky (@fanbasepress.bsky.social‬), Twitter (@Fanbase_Press), and Instagram (@fanbasepress) with the hashtag #FPSDCC to stay up to date on our SDCC updates!

More Amazing Exhibitors and Panelists to See!

• This year, White Ash Comics has moved across the aisle to booth 2201 in the Independent Press Pavillon.  There, you’ll be able to pick up the 2026 gold-foil logo, SDCC Exclusive one-shot of The Game featuring a cover by Don Aguillo (Spawn, Rise). This exclusive, written by Charlie Stickney (who will be in the booth to sign copies) with art by Mauricio Mora, is limited to 75 total copies onsite. So, make sure you visit us early if you want to get a copy. They will also be hosting a series of signings by creators, including:
  • Conor Hughes (Void Rivals, White Ash, The Game)
  • Skylar Patridge (Supergirl, Glarien, Run)
  • Layne Morgan (Starfleet Academy, Glarien & Thane, Run) 
  • Jodie Troutman (Redshirts, Glarien & Thane, Run)
  • Charlie Stickney (White Ash, Glarien, The Game)
• Comics creator and 2018 Inkpot Award recipient Randy Reynaldo will make his 29th exhibitor appearance at SDCC ‘26 under his WCG Comics imprint name, where he’ll be at his usual location, Small Press Booth K1. At the show, a new issue of his long-running, globetrotting detective/spy series, Rob Hanes Adventures #27, which takes Rob to the war in Ukraine, will debut, as well as a new 100-page trade paperback, Rob Hanes Adventures, Vol. 3, that collects issues 9–12 of the series. Randy will also have all back issues of the series, trade collections, original art, prints, and sketches available at special deal prices, along with free pin buttons and bookmarks.
• Writer/author Neo Edmund (Power Rangers / The Red Riding Alpha Huntress Chronicles) will be participating in the below signing schedule, as well as participating in the “Pro Writers AMA: Ask Me (Almost) Anything!” panel on Friday at 4:30 p.m. in Room 24ABC.
  • Thursday, 07/23/2026:  02:00 PM – 03:00 PM at AA12
  • Friday, 07/24/2026: 06:00 PM – 07:00 PM at AA15 (Post panel signing including author Francesca Lia Block)
  • Saturday, 07/25/2026:  04:00 PM – 05:00 PM at AA12
  • Sunday, 07/26/2026:  11:00 AM – 12:00 PM at AA12
• Rylend Grant of Half Evil Comics will be hosting the “Why We Make Comics: The Urge, The Obsession, The Necessity” panel on Friday at 7 p.m. in the Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina. Plus, be sure to join WRITERS BLOCK co-hosts Rylend Grant and David Avallone for the annual WRITERS BLOCK meetup at the Bayfront Hilton’s Odysea Bar on Friday night at 9 p.m.
• Robert Roach/Black Inc! Imprints (along with Hiroshi Kanatani) will be at Booth 2304 in the Independents Pavilion. Robert Roach will be a panelist on 2 panels: HEROTALK: Black Comics’ (Old School) Message Board/Independent Creators United on Friday at 12:00 p.m. in Room 4 and STREAMING HAS CHANGED MEDIA FOREVER on Sunday at 2:00 p.m. in Room 29AB.
• Writer/producer Craig Miller will be at Small Press Table K-13, selling (and signing) copies of his books, Star Wars Memories and More Movie Memories.  He will have some Star Wars collectible items for sale, too. Craig will be on 2 panels: “Star Wars Memories: The Early Days of Star Wars, SDCC, & Fandom” on Friday at 3:00 p.m. and “A Look Back at Animated Series from the ’80s” on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.   
• Boston Metaphysical Society will be back in Small Press (L-03) under its new corporate name, Queen of Mercia LLC, with the complete Mystery at Pikes Peak series, and the first two issues of the new title, Morgana Pendragon. Go and check out their new lapel pins and steampunk metal bookmarks!
• Broken Oar Comics will be at Small Press Table Q-05. They will be debuting the brand-new, all-ages hardcover graphic novel, RETURN TO MISFIT ISLAND, with all three creators, Sara Silver, Nicholas Doan and Bobby Timony, available to sign all weekend. Plus, They will have an SDCC exclusive Misfit Island sticker, limited to 100 pieces and available only with purchase of RETURN TO MISFIT ISLAND!
• Artist Don Aguillo (Spawn, King Spawn, The Sequels) will be at Artist Alley table HH-21, selling copies of his cover work and art prints!
• Artist Don Nguyen (Pablo the Gorilla) will be at Artist Alley table AA-22. He’ll be hosting the Indie Floor Tour once again, offering great prizes for folks who return their completed floor tour sheet. Don will be participating in the “Life Drawing on the Go!” panel on Friday at 11 a.m. and again on Sunday at 10 a.m. in Room 3.
• Writer Steven Prince will be at Small Press table M-03 (under the 2510 Press). He will have all-things Monster Matador and much more!
• Arthur N. Ebuen (Studio 12-7) will be in Artists’ Alley EE-11, debuting Westside: Volume 1 with two cover options. He’ll also have the covers as a virgin print set, FREE with the purchase of any two books. Arthur N. Ebuen will also be debuting his new Voltes V print set to expand his vehicle series.

On behalf of everyone at Fanbase Press, we look forward to seeing you in San Diego!