CBC Programming at San Diego Comic-Con 2026
The CBC Graphic Novel Committee is excited to announce our 3 panels of authors at San Diego Comic-Con International (SDCCI) 2026! If you’re planning to attend, check us out at the San Diego Public Library, where you can see our programming for FREE, no SDCCI badge required. More details below.
Leap into Action-Filled Graphic Novels
DATE & TIME: Friday, July 24, 10 – 11 am PT
WHERE: Central Library, Shiley Special Events Suite (9th floor)
Join creators as they reveal how they make their exciting stories leap off the page and engage middle-graders and young adults alike.
MODERATOR
- Danielle McKechnie — Otto Normal’s Monsterton (Andrews McMeel)
PANELISTS
- Simón Estrada — Otto Normal’s Monsterton (Andrews McMeel)
- Arianna Irwin — Penelope’s Escape From The Platypusary and 101 Dalmatians: Penny’s Big Splash (Mad Cave Studios / Maverick)
- Mike Maihack — Spider-Man: Mighty Mayhem! (A Mighty Marvel Team-Up) (ABRAMS / Fanfare)
- Samuel Sattin — Unico Awakening (Scholastic / Graphix)
- Katie Longua — Agent Cupcake (Oni Press)
Post-Panel Book Signing in Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace from 11:00-11:30 am
Building Connections with Middle-Grade Graphic Novels
DATE & TIME: Friday, July 24, 11 am – 12 pm PT
WHERE: Central Library, Shiley Special Events Suite (9th floor)
Join graphic novel creators as they dive into middle-grade stories centered on belonging. From shared communities to the bonds we share with family and friends, connection plays a vital role in helping young readers understand themselves and the world.
MODERATOR
- Daniel Sulzberg — Unicons (The Little Press / Pixel & Paper Productions)
PANELISTS
- James Burks — Box Tales: Grow, Strawberries, Grow! (Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / First Second)
- Gale Galligan — The Baby-sitters Club (Scholastic / Graphix)
- Rob Thompson — Feo the Chupacabra (ABRAMS / Fanfare)
- Sequoia Blankenship — Feo the Chupacabra (ABRAMS / Fanfare)
Post-Panel Book Signing in Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace from 12:00-12:30 pm
Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels that Speak Up
DATE & TIME: Friday, July 24, 12 – 1 pm PT
WHERE: Central Library, Shiley Special Events Suite (9th floor)
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
- Julie Fiveash — The Froggy Library (Levine Querido)
PANELISTS
- Jarrett Dapier — Wake Now in the Fire (Penguin Random House / Ten Speed Graphic)
- Tilly Bridges — Just Another Summer (Mad Cave Studios / Maverick)
- Susan Bridges — Just Another Summer (Mad Cave Studios / Maverick)
- R. Sikoryak — Declaration / Emancipation Illustrated (Drawn & Quarterly)
- Rob Reger — Emily the Strange (25th Anniversary Edition) (Chronicle Books)
Post-Panel Book Signing in Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace from 1:00-1:30 pm
We’d like to thank the Comic-Con Programming Team, the San Diego Public Library & the Library Shop, the amazing book creators and their publishers, and our awesome moderators, Danielle McKechnie, Daniel Sulzberg, & Julie Fiveash, for working with us to create these panels.
Learn more about the CBC Graphic Novel Committee and all we do here.
