Hiroki Arai will be a guest at Otakon 2025. He is an animator and animation director at Studio Trigger.
Born in 1992 in Tokyo, he graduated from Tokyo University of Technology. He joined Studio Trigger in 2015 as an animator on “Ninja Slayer.” He continued his career as an animator on “Space Patrol Luluco,” “Kiznaiver,” “Little Witch Academia (TV series),” “Darling in the Franxx,” “SSSS.Gridman,” and “Promare.”
His first role as an animation director was for “BNA: Brand New Animal.” He subsequently worked as animation director and key animator on “SSSS.Dynazenon,” “Cyberpunk: Edgerunners,” “Gridman Universe,” and “Dungeon Meshi.”
He also participated as an animator in the short films “Star Wars: Visions, ‘The Twins'” and “Star Wars: Visions, ‘The Elder.'”
His latest work is “New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt,” where he is an animator and animation director.
Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Crunchyroll has announced their first-ever, two-day music festival at San Diego Comic-Con!
Open to the public and Con-goers on Friday, July 25 and Saturday, July 26 at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Crunchyroll Anime FanFest will feature global, anime-inspired artists across Pop, EDM, Hip-Hop, Rap, Urban, R&B, Latin and more. This immersive music event follows Crunchyroll’s hit concert series that resonated with fans at SDCC in 2024, featuring LiSA and The One Piece 25th Anniversary Symphony Voyage.
The music event emphasizes anime’s global resonance and influence across a variety of genres, and reiterates Crunchyroll’s pulse on the love, power and cultural impact of the medium. Thoughtfully timed to SDCC, this public event ensures that fans of all kinds can experience the music and further connect with the world of anime.
On Friday, July 25, the Crunchyroll Anime FanFest will blend the best of Japan’s music scene with global, anime-inspired sounds.
SPYAIR — Japanese rock band behind Haikyu!! The Dumpster Battle theme.
ASH DA HERO—Punk rock band behind “Judgement” for BLUE LOCK.
Slushii—Anime-inspired DJ, producer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Magnolia Park—Gothic anime-inspired alternative rock band
Hyper Potions—Electronic artist known for anime-esque soundscapes.
VGR—EDM producer known for video game and anime music remixes.
James Landino—Composer and DJ behind Tower of God original soundtrack.
On Saturday, July 26, anime’s impact on hip-hop, R&B and more is on full display for fans to explore the intersection between anime-fandom and music.
Denzel Curry—Miami rapper blending underground hip-hop with anime.
INIKO—Shounen anime-inspired genre-defying songwriter and producer.
Pink Pablo—Puerto Rican singer and producer.
ALI—Boundary-pushing group behind “Lost in Paradise” for JUJUTSU KAISEN.
Yaeji [DJ Set]—NYC-via-Seoul artist, producer, vocalist, DJ and lifelong anime fan.
☆Taku Takahashi x Alenoise—DJ and producer of the Black Clover theme.
NOODLES—Los Angeles-based DJ.
Fans can also explore exclusive artist and anime merch pop-ups, snag giveaways, and explore the Activations Crosswalk—featuring immersive experiences for Gachiakuta, Kaiju No. 8, Rising of the Shield Hero and more—while enjoying unforgettable performances all day and night!
Crunchyroll Anime FanFest is free for all attendees. Doors open at 1:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. Please be on the lookout for Crunchyroll Team Members and signage which will direct you to the entrance.
The eagerly anticipated movie adaptation of classic British comicRogue Trooper, written and directed by Duncan Jones, has released four still images offering fans their first look at the upcoming movie.
The first of the new images shows breakout talent Aneurin Barnard as the Rogue Trooper. Alongside this, we see Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry as scheming battleground looters Mr Brass and Mr Bland. We also get a glimpse of a hulking war vehicle roaming the planet Nu Earth, where the brutal war between the Norts and Southers takes place. The third image depicts two Souther soldiers, lost, traversing the toxic wasteland and battlefield.
Duncan Jones will be appearing at San Diego Comic Con on July 25 (2-3pm PDT at the Rebellion stand, booth number 2121) to meet fans and sign a limited run of the Rogue Trooper hero image.
Behind the scenes images of actors Jemaine Clement and Matt Berry as Mr Brass and Mr Bland were also released, illustrating the facial capture technology used in the creation of Rogue Trooper.
An animated science fiction feature from Rebellion and Liberty Films, Rogue Trooper tells the story of 19, a ‘Genetic Infantryman’, who finds himself the sole-survivor of an invasion force. Desperate to track down the traitor who sold him and his comrades out, the super soldier is accompanied by three killed-in-action squad mates, whose personalities have been stored in his gun, helmet and backpack.
The Rogue Trooper movie features an ensemble cast, that also includes Hayley Atwell, Jack Lowden, Daryl McCormack, and Reece Shearsmith, Diane Morgan, Alice Lowe, Asa Butterfield, and Sean Bean.
Principal Photography was completed in 2024 utilising the cutting-edge Head Mounted Camera (HMC) technology and expertise of Motion Grinder. Imagery and animation partner Treehouse Digital processed and applied the data to the characters within Unreal Engine 5, handing over to Liberty Films’ own VFX and animation teams to light and finalize, bringing the incredible world of Rogue Trooper to life.
The film is produced by Stuart Fenegan alongside Jason Kingsley, Chris Kingsley and Duncan Jones.
Rogue Trooper was created by legendary artist Dave Gibbons and writer Gerry Finley-Day.
Fans and collectors alike can look forward to 12 all-new, limited-edition releases featuring iconic brands The Simpsons, Hello Kitty, Santa Cruz Skateboards, and Adventure Time. Limited quantities of all items will drop daily on June 25th, 26th, and 27th at noon 12:00pm ET – giving collectors who are unable to attend San Diego Comic-Con three chances to grab these exclusives.
Once the pre-sale ends, these collectibles will only be available for purchase in person at SDCC at the Kidrobot Booth (#2846).
2025 Kidrobot Con Exclusives:
The Simpsons – Donut Riot Punk Homer 3″ Vinyl Mini Figure – Pink Glaze Edition Rock out with this mini figure featuring the donut-loving dad rocking a mohawk, a tattoo that says “Marge,” and black eyeliner for that true punk vibe. Only 500 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cone 6” Vinyl Art Figure – Pearlescent Vanilla with Strawberry Edition This supercute art figure features a flocked cone with a pearlescent scoop of Hello Kitty ice cream, topped with pink whipped cream, pearlescent sprinkles, and a matching bow to complete the kawaii look. Only 500 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cone 6” Vinyl Art Figure – Flocked Chocolate with Mint Edition This art figure features a fuzzy, flocked texture with a chocolatey scoop of Hello Kitty ice cream topped with minty-blue whipped cream, pearlescent sprinkles, and a matching bow to complete the look. Only 500 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cone 6” Vinyl Art Figure – Glow-in-the-Dark Matcha with Chocolate Edition A must-have for matcha lovers who also happen to adore Hello Kitty! This vinyl art figure features a flocked cone topped with an eye-catching green scoop of Hello Kitty ice cream that even glows in the dark! Only 500 available!
Santa Cruz Skateboards – 40th Anniversary Screaming Hand 9″ DIY Vinyl Art Figure Create your own work of art just like legendary artist Jim Phillips did when he conjured up this iconic design in 1985. Now that the Screaming Hand is celebrating its 40th anniversary, why not get inspired with this blank canvas? Only 300 available!
Adventure Time – BMO 8″ Glow-in-the-Dark Vinyl Art Figure – Game Over Edition Get an inside look at what makes this iconic character so special. The lovable BMO is brought to life with an eye-catching lenticular design and features a translucent glitter look that gives off serious retro handheld gaming vibes. Only 300 available!
Hello Kitty Unibee Kaiju Plush Hello Kitty is all dressed up in her fuzzy green kaiju costume, complete with pink wings, antennae, and her signature bow. This supercute plush is made with ultra-soft materials and packed with adorable details. Only 500 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Parlor T-Shirt Featuring a supercute ice cream theme, the t-shirt front showcases a delightful “Hello Kitty Ice Cream Parlor” graphic while the back serves up an ice cream cone treat with three scoops featuring the Sanrio® icon herself. Only 150 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cone Pin – Vanilla with Strawberry Edition This Hello Kitty pin features the Sanrio® icon as a supercute scoop of ice cream topped with pink whipped cream and a matching bow. Only 300 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Cone Pin – Flocked Chocolate with Mint Edition This Hello Kitty pin showcases your favorite Sanrio® character as a supercute scoop of chocolate ice cream topped with minty-blue whipped cream and a matching bow. Only 300 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Pin – Glow-in-the-Dark Matcha with Chocolate Edition This pin features a green scoop of Hello Kitty ice cream that glows in the dark for extra fun! It’s a supercute accessory to add to any outfit or pin collection! Only 300 available!
Hello Kitty Ice Cream Deluxe Pins & Lanyard Set The printed lanyard features a variety of Hello Kitty ice cream cone flavors and each of the four pins showcases the supercute icon in a different design—including an ice cream truck with spinning wheels! Only 500 available!
Megumi Sakurai will be a guest at Otakon 2025. She is a kimono artisan.
Born as the eldest daughter of a family that runs a kimono shop, she began studying Nagoya Yuzen dyeing in 1996 as an apprentice to a traditional craftsperson in Nagoya.
She continued to hone her skills and knowledge of kimono through custom orders at the family kimono shop as well as participation in exhibitions nationwide, and in 2017, she obtained the national certification as a traditional craftsperson.
Currently, in addition to kimonos, she also designs winning sashes for horse racing, original family crests, and various other commercial designs.
Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Oni Press has announced its upcoming slate of guests, signings, and panels for 2025’s American Library Assocation Conference (ALA). Taking place Friday, June 27th through Monday, June 30th, visit creators Brian Gonsar, Mat Heagerty, Ben Kahn, Maia Kobabe, Meredith McClaren, and Joey Weiser at Booth #418 for daily signings. Stop by the booth for ARCs, bookmarks, badge ribbons, and the first 100 librarians at the booth Friday through Sunday will receive a free Gender Queer Oni Press Tote bag!*
Ahead of ALA, Oni Press has released an all-new ALA-focused trailerfor Dracula’s Brunch Club, a hilarious new graphic novel from debut authors Brian Gonsar and Keenan Gaybba. Dracula’s Brunch Clubco-creator Brian Gonsar will host a Donut Brunch at ALA on Sunday, June 29, at Booth #418, starting at 9 a.m. while supplies last! You DO-NUT want to miss it.
Then: Join Oni’s esteemed talent to talk comics and the creative process on panels such as “Scary Sisters: Libraries Supporting Women Creators in Horror Comics” with Meredith McClaren on Saturday, June 28 at 10:30am in the Philadelphia Marriott, Franklin 11; the “Booklist Graphic Novel Panel, Part II” with Mat Heagerty on Saturday, June 28 at 1:30pm on the Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage; “Power up the Pages with Spectacularly Supernatural and Superhuman Graphic Novels” with Brian Gonsar, Mat Heagerty, Meredith McClaren, Ben Kahn, and Joey Weiser on Sunday, June 29 at 11:30am on the Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage; “The Art of Building Bridges with Debut Middle Grade and Young Adult Authors” with Brian Gonsar on Sunday, June 29 at 12:30pm on the Chapter One Stage.
And don’t miss Oni’s special guest – Gender Queercreator Maia Kobabe – speaking about censorship and graphic novels on programs such as the “GNCRT Friday Forum: Why Graphic Novels? Defending Graphic Novels Value in School in the Age of Censorship” at 2:00pm in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 118 A B; the “Freedom to Read Foundation President’s Program: Fighting for Your Right to Read Freely” on Saturday, June 28 at 1:00pm in the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 107; and the “Banned Together: Defending Diverse Stories in a Time of Censorship” panel on Saturday, June 28 at 2:30pm on the A Real Page-Turner Stage.
Check out Oni Press’ full ALA 2025 schedule below!
Friday, June 27
2:00pm – 3:00pm: GNCRT Friday Forum: Why Graphic Novels? Defending Graphic Novels Value in School in the Age of Censorship,
Featuring Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer: A Memoir)
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 118 A B
Saturday, June 28
9:00am – 10:00am: Meet Brian Gonsar (Dracula’s Brunch Club) signing ARCs in Oni Press Booth #418
10:30am – 11:20am: Meet Maia Kobabe (Gender Queer: A Memoir) signing in Oni Press Booth #418
10:30am – 11:30am Panel: Scary Sisters: Libraries Supporting Women Creators in Horror Comics
Location: Philadelphia Marriott, Franklin 11
Horror often addresses “The Other,” that which is perceived as different, alien, or monstrous compared to the norm, invoking fear or revulsion. This panel will discuss how women comics creators, including writers, artists, and editors, use horror as a lens/mirror to reflect and critique societal issues about gender, race, sexuality, and other topics. Why do women create horror comics? Why do women read horror comics?
The role of libraries in collecting horror comics can help highlight the influence of women creators in horror comics. By displaying their work, libraries help support these creators’ contributions to the horror genre, and how they challenge and redefine the genre. Libraries can also support independent publishers or self-published creators of women-created horror comics.
Moderated by Lizzy Walker, Associate Professor, Metadata & Digital Initiatives Librarian, Wichita State University Libraries
12:00pm – 1:00pm: Meet Ben Kahn (Mr. Muffins: Defender of the Stars) signing copies in Oni Press Booth #418
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Attend the ALA GNCRT Magical Tea to hear from Dracula’s Brunch Club writer Brian Gonsar!
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 202 A B
1:00pm – 2:00pm:Freedom to Read Foundation President’s Program: Fighting for Your Right to Read Freely
Location: Pennsylvania Convention Center, Room 107
Since its founding in 1969 the Freedom to Read Foundation (FTRF) has had a critical impact on the right of Free People to Read Freely. First Amendment litigation is the foremost action achieving results in the fight against censorship and that is our expertise. FTRF President Sophia Sotilleo will be joined by a panel of notable guests, including author Maia Kobabe, to discuss First Amendment rights, how they look different in different sectors, and how our staff, members, and colleagues are dealing with challenges to their intellectual freedom. You will leave this program with knowledge of ways to move forward and tackle these issues with the support of each other and the support and expertise of the Foundation. Whether you are a long-time member or being introduced to FTRF for the first time, our mission is clear – Free People Read Freely®.
1:30pm – 2:30pm: Meet Joey Weiser (The Littlest Fighter) signing copies in Oni Press Booth #418
1:30pm – 2:20pm: Booklist Graphic Novel Panel, Part II
Join Booklist for a #ReadGraphic panel featuring creators from your favorite publishers on Saturday, June 28 at 1:30 p.m. ET on the Graphic Novel/Gaming Stage during ALA’s Annual Conference in Philadelphia. Booklist’s Books for Youth and Graphic Novels editor Sarah Hunter will lead a conversation with creators Mat Heagerty (Indoor Kid from Oni Press); Colleen AF Venable (Junie B. Jones: The Graphic Novel from Random House Children’s Books); Brian “Smitty” Smith (Transformers: Worst Bot Ever – Meet Ballpoint! from Skybound Entertainment); and Scott Campbell (Cabin Head And Tree Head from Tundra Books). Stay tuned for a free book signing immediately following the panel!
2:30pm – 3:20pm Banned Together: Defending Diverse Stories in a Time of Censorship
Location: A Real Page-Turner Stage (Booth #2435)
Join editor Ashley Hope Pérez and contributors Nikki Grimes, Kelly Jensen, and Maia Kobabe for an insightful conversation about BANNED TOGETHER: OUR FIGHT FOR READERS’ RIGHTS, a bold anthology that tackles the issue of book bans through fiction, memoir, poetry, graphic narratives, essays, and more. This collection brings together the voices of fifteen legendary YA authors and illustrators, each exploring the high-stakes question of what is lost when books are kept from teens. With personal stories, clever comebacks to censorship, and powerful reflections on the importance of access to diverse stories, this program will highlight the urgency of defending intellectual freedom. Don’t miss this essential discussion on empowering young readers and the fight for the freedom to read.
Moderated by Sally Morgridge, editor of BANNED TOGETHER (Holiday House, Executive Editor)
3:00pm – 4:00pm: Meet Mat Heagerty (Indoor Kid) signing chapbooks in Oni Press Booth #418
4:00pm – 5:00pm: Meet Meredith McClaren (Meat Eaters) signing copies in Oni Press Booth #418
Sunday, June 29:
9:00am – 11:00am: Attend Donut Brunch at Oni Booth #418 and meet writer Brian Gonsar signing advance copies of DRACULA’S BRUNCH CLUB
*Donuts while supplies last
11:30am – 12:30pm Meet Maia Kobabe signing copies of GENDER QUEER: A MEMOIR in Hoopla Booth #939
11:30am – 12:20pm:Panel: Power up the Pages with Spectacularly Supernatural and Superhuman Graphic Novels!
Ever wonder what gives vampires the energy to live forever? (Hint, it’s a sweet treat!) Or how superpowered sports skills could change your life? (Spoiler, slam-dunks ahead!) Or what would happen if you woke up as a member of the undead? (These answers can’t stay buried.) How about if your pet Corgi was cosmically powered? (Tail wags to the rescue!). Or what if your small stature hid big battle energy? (Kaiju fights in store!) Find out all this and more as Brian Gonsar (Dracula’s Brunch Club), Mat Heagerty (Indoor Kid), Meredith McClaren (Meat Eaters), Ben Kahn (Mr. Muffins: Defender of the Stars), and Joey Weiser (The Littlest Fighter) join together for an extraordinary exploration of real-world topics such as mental health, bullying, and more!
Moderated by Oni Press Senior Editor Grace Scheipeter.
12:30pm – 1:30pm Power Up the Pages Panelist Signing with Mat Heagerty (Indoor Kid), Meredith McClaren (Meat Eaters), Ben Kahn (Mr. Muffins: Defender of the Stars), and Joey Weiser (The Littlest Fighter) in Oni Press Booth #418
12:30pm – 1:20pm Panel: The Art of Building Bridges with Debut Middle Grade and Young Adult Authors
Location: Chapter One Stage (Booth #112)
There are many challenges as well as opportunities new authors face in connecting with readers and the literary community. Join Brian Gonsar (Dracula’s Brunch Club), Stan Yan (The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang), Jess Callans (Ollie in Between), and Shana Targosz (The Underwild) as they share insights on creating authentic, diverse narratives, building a supportive network, and bringing people together in an ever-evolving world.
Moderated by Amie Wright, Toronto Comic Arts Festival, Executive Director
2:00pm – 3:00pmMeet Maia Kobabe signing copies of GENDER QUEER: A MEMOIR in Oni Press Booth #418
Come to the Baltimore Comic-Con on October 17-19, 2025 at the Baltimore Convention Center in the Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Tickets to the show are now available.
The annual tradition, the Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook, returns in 2025 for the thirteenth year, celebrating creators and friends of the show. This year’s book of art features interpretations of characters from 2025 guest Jeff Smith’s Bone!
Beautifully designed by returning guest and Cupid’s Arrows, Warning Label, Time and Vine, and Love and Capes creator Thom Zahler, the book comes in a standard and, for VIP ticketholders, a limited VIP cover edition.
Bone features the Bone brothers, Fone, Phoney, and Smiley and their adventures in The Valley. The cast of characters expands to include Fone’s love interest Thorn and her grandmother, Gran’ma Ben, the Rat Creatures, Lucius, Miss Possum and the Possum Kids, and many more they encounter along the way.
Bone has been printed in Jeff Smith’s own Cartoon Books, Image Comics, and Scholastic/Graphix, and incude novels and children’s books beyond the comics and graphic novels.
The Baltimore Comic-Con scavenger hunt, which has become a must-do activity for many of our fans, will be back in 2025! When you buy the book, you’ll get a list of Yearbook contributors and their table numbers. Participants succeeding in acquiring the appropriate quota of autographs from contributors can then get their choice of bonus prints — and it’s a great way to meet our guests!
Art created for the 2025 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook Featuring Bone will be auctioned off at the Baltimore Comic-Con Art Auction on Saturday, October 18th. Fans and art collectors alike won’t want to miss this opportunity to win these one-of-a-kind items, only available at the Baltimore Comic-Con!
The book will be sold in the Exclusives Booth in the lobby. The book will be available at the Baltimore Comic-Con for $29.99.
This year’s confirmed guests for the show include: Kaare Andrews (Spider-Man: REIGN 2), Eddy Barrows (Superman), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Marty Baumann ((Pixar artist), John Beatty (Marvel Super Heroes: Secret Wars), Josh Blaylock (Mercy Sparx, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Russ Braun (The Boys), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Letizia Cadonici (House of Slaughter), Jim Calafiore (NED, Lord of the Pit), Keith Champagne (Stranger Things), Howard Chaykin (Time Squared), Jo Chen (Runaways), Jim Cheung (Young Avengers), Frank Cho (Harley Quinn), Amy Chu (Emma Frost: The White Queen), Chris Claremont (X-Men), Matthew Clark (Adventures of Superman, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Becky Cloonan (Somna), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Michael W. Conrad (Manowar: Invictus), Dani (Sensational Wonder Woman), Deans Family Productions (Crass Fed), Jeff Dekal (Something is Killing the Children), Todd Dezago (The Perhapanauts), David Finch (Moon Knight), Trish Forstner (Feral), Franco (Deadman Tells the Spooky Tales), Barbara Friedlander (Swing with Scooter), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (DC Nation), Mike Grell (Green Arrow: The Longbow Hunters), Brian Haberlin (Spawn, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Mike Hawthorne (Deadpool), Marc Hampel (Sandman), Scott Hanna (Amazing Spider-Man), Jamal Igle (Superman, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Chris Kemple (Artist Alley Comics), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (Incredible Hulk), Dan Krall (House of Night), Adam Kubert (Wolverine), Jae Lee (Inhumans), Tula Lotay (Barnstormers), Kevin Maguire (Justice League), Laura Martin (Nubia: Queen of the Amazons), Shawn Martinbrough (Red Hood: The Hill), Ron Marz (Green Lantern), Mike McKone (Red Goblin), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Adriana Melo (Action Comics), Josh Middleton (Aquaman), Al Milgrom (Spectacular Spider-Man), Mark Morales (Thor), Trevor Mueller (Albert the Alien), Sarah Myers (TMNT Saturday Morning Adventures), Tom Nguyen (The Switch), Mike Norton (Battlepug, courtesy of Hero Initiative), Kevin Nowlan (Batman: Sword of Azrael), Dan Parent (Sabrina the Teenage Witch), John J. Pearson (In Bloom), Andrew Pepoy (Simone & Ajax), Barbara Perez Marquez (The Cardboard Kingdom), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khoi Pham (Star Wars: Darth Vader), Tom Raney (Green Lantern), Amy Reeder (Power Girl), Esad Ribic (Conan the Barbarian), Afua Richardson (Kahhori: Reshaper of Worlds), Don Rosa (Uncle $crooge), Craig Rousseau (Herculoids), Jim Rugg (Street Angel), Stuart Sayger (Conan the Barbarian), Joseph Schmalke (Seven Years in Darkness, courtesy of Groundbreaking Comics), Bart Sears (Deathstroke), Declan Shalvey (Old Dog), Louise Simonson (The Death of Superman 30th Anniversary Special), Walter Simonson (Thor), Don Simpson (Megaton Man), Jeff Smith (Bone), John K. Snyder III (Suicide Squad), Mark Sparacio (Chelsea Dagger and the Women of Excalibur), Joe Staton (Dick Tracy), Karl Story (The Mandalorian), Zoe Thorogood (It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Universe), Billy Tucci (Shi), Brian K. Vaughan (Spectators, Friday and Saturday only), Gus Vazquez (Sunfire and Big Hero Six), Mark Waid (Justice League Unlimited), Mark Wheatley (Breathtaker), Matt Wieringo (Stargate Atlantis: Gateways),Keith Williams (Web of Spider-Man), Maria Wolf (Phoenix), Rich Woodall (Electric Black), John Workman (Wild Things), and Thom Zahler (Love and Capes).
The All-American Rejects are headlining this year’s Fandom Party during San Diego Comic-Con 2025!And you know what that means: the countdown is on for Fandom’s return to San Diego! The world’s largest fan platform will once again host its highly anticipated event during the biggest fan convention of the year. The Fandom Party is sponsored by Universal Orlando Resort as well as Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.The eighth annual Fandom Party will take place at FLOAT at the Hard Rock Hotel on Thursday, July 24 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m and is invite only.
With chart-topping singles like “Gives You Hell,”“Dirty Little Secret,” and “Move Along,” The All-American Rejects have solidified their place as one of the most iconic bands of the 21st century. Selling over 10 million albums worldwide and amassing billions of global streams, the band has built a lasting legacy in the music industry. Their headlining performance will kick off the convention weekend in a major way, bringing together hundreds of fans, industry insiders, celebrities, and influencers for a night to remember.
The Fandom Party is THE must-attend event during convention week in San Diego, bringing fans a high-energy celebration at the intersection of pop culture, gaming, fantasy, music, and community. This year, attendees will enjoy an unforgettable night of curated and immersive fan-first experiences including:
Getting a glimpse into Universal Epic Universe, where attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy custom interactions featuring the five extraordinary worlds within the all-new theme park: Celestial Park, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD,How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk– and Dark Universe.
Traverse across a post-apocalyptic world and transcend time to reshape the past in CODE VEIN II – step into this haunting universe with Bandai Namco’s photo op featuring a life-size replica of the in-game vehicle Motorcycle Forma.
The event will also have custom activations from partners, including a themed scavenger hunt hosted by the beloved Santaverse character The Elf on the Shelf and Z2 that can all be experienced while those over 21 enjoy a drink from the official beverage sponsor, Mike’s HARDER Lemonade.
Animation producer Yuki Mukai will be a guest atOtakon 2025. He is an animation producer at Maho Films.
Mukai has been involved as an animation producer for many popular titles, such as “Blue Miburo,” “I’m Standing on a Million Lives,” “By the Grace of the Gods,” “In the Land of Leadale,” “I’m the Villainess, So I’m Taming the Final Boss,” “A Playthrough of a Certain Dude’s VRMMO Life,” and “I’ll Become a Villainess Who Goes Down in History.”
Otakon 2025 will be held from August 8-10, 2025 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.
Skybound Comet has announced the Clementine Book Three Book Tour, a nationwide summer tour in support of the new graphic novel from the incomparable writer/artist Tillie Walden. The heart-wrenching finale of the Eisner-Award nominated YA trilogy is available in comic book shops tomorrow and everywhere books are sold July 8, 2025.
From the world of Robert Kirkman’s The Walking Dead comes the epic conclusion of Clementine,in whichTillie Walden holds absolutely nothing back.
To celebrate the release of Tillie Walden’s highly anticipated graphic novel, the Clementine Book Three Book Tour will kick off with a special appearance at the ALA Annual Conference in Philadelphia and will continue with stops along the West Coast through mid-July.
Tillie Walden’s in-person appearances will include book signings and, at select locations, thoughtful conversations with Walden and a lineup of special guests that features some of the most accomplished talent working in the worlds of books and comics today, including Terry Blas (Eat Your Heart Out), G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel), and Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes).
Full details of each appearance are listed below.
Friday, June 27 – Philadelphia, PA
Brave New Worlds 7:00pm – 8:30pm ET Dual Book Signing with Matt Braly (Family Force V)
Saturday, June 28 & Sunday, June 29 – Philadelphia, PA
Appearing at Skybound booth (#506) and other activations for badge holders, including:
We Control Our Own Fate: Great Expectations in Graphic Novels Panel
Saturday, June 28, 9:30am – 10:20am ET
Whether it be fate, destiny, or expectations from others, the universe has a lot of opinions of how we should live our lives. Despite that, the characters in these graphic novels grab their destinies by the horns, regardless of the trials they face. Brian “Smitty” Smith, Faith Erin Hicks, Matt Braly, and Tillie Walden discuss crafting stories for a wide range of readers, the road to embracing ourselves, audience Q&A, and more!
Scary Sisters: Libraries Supporting Women Creators in Horror Comics
Saturday, June 28, 11:00am – 12:00pm (ET)
Horror often addresses “The Other,” that which is perceived as different, alien, or monstrous compared to the norm, invoking fear or revulsion. This panel will discuss how women comics creators, including writers, artists, and editors, use horror as a lens/mirror to reflect and critique societal issues about gender, race, sexuality, and other topics. Why do women create horror comics? Why do women read horror comics? The role of libraries in collecting horror comics can help highlight the influence of women creators in horror comics. By displaying their work, libraries help support these creators’ contributions to the horror genre, and how they challenge and redefine the genre. Libraries can also support independent publishers or self-published creators of women-created horror comics.
Clementine Book Three ALA Signing
Saturday, June 28, 12:30pm – 1:30pm (ET)
Please visit the Skybound booth (#506) where Tillie Walden will be signing copies of Clementine Book Three.
Clementine Book Three ALA Signing
Sunday, June 29, 1:00pm – 2:00pm (ET)
Please visit the Skybound booth (#506) where Tillie Walden will be signing copies of Clementine Book Three.
Monday, July 7 – Eugene, OR
Books with Pictures Start Time: 5:00 PM PT In Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Tuesday, July 8 – Portland, OR
Powell’s Books Start Time: 7:00 PM PT Terry Blas in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Wednesday, July 9 – Seattle, WA
Kinokuniya Start Time: 6:00 PM PT G. Willow Wilson in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Thursday, July 10 – Los Angeles, CA
Skylight Books Start Time: 7:00 PM PT Shannon Watters in Conversation with Tillie Walden + Book Signing
Saturday, July 12 – North Hollywood, CA
Collector’s Paradise Start Time: 2:00 PM PT Dual Book Signing with Patrick Horvath (Beneath The Trees Where Nobody Sees)
