Category Archives: SDCC

SDCC 2026: Bruce Dickinson and Z2 return with The Mandrake Project: Year Two

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In the middle of his 2025 solo tour of North America, Bruce Dickinson was simultaneously hard at work crafting the next volume in his critically-acclaimed graphic novel saga, The Mandrake Project. This next installment is sure to send readers reeling, as everything they thought they knew about the world of Necropolis and Dr. Lazarus is turned on its head as the second book descends deeper into a world of surreal and mystical madness.

Z2 has announced The Mandrake Project: Year Two as the war between magic and science for the control of immortality reaches a hallucinatory fever pitch. Starting with a near-death experience that propels Necropolis into a parallel world where he learns the dark secrets of his twisted family tree, he’s exposed to revelations that leave him shocked, wondering if he can escape the family legacy of self-destruction in the name of ambition, or if he is simply a cog in a greater cosmic machine, controlled by supernatural forces?

The 184 page volume also includes an extensive series of interviews and essays recounting Dickinson’s life on tour supporting THE MANDRAKE PROJECT album in 2025, as well as insight with the creative team into the development of this next terrifying chapter of the Mandrake Saga. With an introduction by Anvil director Sacha Gervasi, the 12”x12” Deluxe and Platinum Editions are housed in an elegant die-cut slipcase and are bound with a sealing ribbon and gilt paper edging. The oversized Deluxe and Platinum Editions also include a holder inside the back cover that contains four new foil collectors cards and a new edition of the antiqued metal Mandrake Project medallion held by Dr. Lazarus in the comic. This book is the must have item for all lovers of Iron Maiden, Bruce Dickinson, and supernatural tales!

The Bruce Dickinson-signed oversized 12”x12” Deluxe editions and signed platinum editions both come with collector cards and Mandrake Coin in a die-cut slipcase with foil page edging, and will be available directly from Z2 at Z2Comics.com, while a 9”x9” smaller hardcover edition without slipcase will be available via Z2’s retail partners Amazon and Barnes and Noble in the United States, and at HMV UK, as well as many independent comic and music shops worldwide. 

Dickinson will be signing at the Z2 booth #1529 on Friday, July 24 from 2:45pm to 3pm.

THE MANDRAKE PROJECT: YEAR TWO

SDCC 2026: Multi-Platinum Rock Icon Mike McCready of Pearl Jam and Z2 New Graphic Novel and “Lost” Rock Opera Album: Mike McCready’s Farewell To Seasons

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Mike McCready, guitarist for Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, and Mad Season, has teamed up with Z2 to release the original graphic novel and “lost” rock opera, Mike McCready’s Farewell to Seasons. Developed over the last 20 years, McCready’s story captures the drive and sense of community that forged the powerful backbone of the Seattle music scene of the 1980s, as their world changed forever with the explosion of grunge in the ‘90s. Farewell to Seasons unflinchingly shows the brutal cost it had for so many artists and musicians as it captures the lived experience of that seminal era. The glory and the heartbreak as it asks the unanswerable question… was it worth it?

McCready will be signing at the Z2 booth on Thursday, July 23rd from 4pm to 5pm.

Deluxe editions of the graphic novel come packaged with McCready’s Farewell To Seasons, a rock opera of new and original songs. These songs were written and recorded as an artifact created by the lead character, David Williams. It will be exclusively available on Rain City Yellow vinyl as part of the deluxe edition and Translucent Elliot Bay Green vinyl within the Platinum package, and will not immediately be available on streaming services or digital platforms.Renowned for his fiery, melodic solos and electrifying stage presence, McCready draws inspiration from blues and rock icons such as Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan. His signature playing and songwriting is featured on landmark hits including “Yellow Ledbetter,” “River of Deceit,” “State of Love and Trust,” and “Given to Fly”,​ songs that helped shape a generation of modern rock.

This graphic novel and rock opera will be released as a slip-cased oversized 12” x 12” Deluxe Edition, as well as a regular sized 9” x 9” standard edition. All editions of Mike McCready’s Farewell to Seasons is available exclusively at Z2’s website to pre-order, and a standard-sized edition will be available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other independent book stores, retailers and fine comic shops worldwide later this year. 

Farewell to Seasons

SDCC 2026: Rebellion and 2000 AD Announce Limited Edition Collectables plus Rogue Trooper and Judge Dredd Figures from HIYA

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2000 AD is bringing maximum thrill-power to San Diego Comic Con 2026, debuting brand-new limited edition collectables at booth #2121!

Published by the UK’s largest independent creative studio, Rebellion, 2000 AD is one of the longest-running and most celebrated comics in the world today. Best known for explosive sci-fi stories such as Judge Dredd and Rogue Trooper, “The Galaxy’s Greatest Comic” will soon celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027.

Created in partnership with Forbidden Planet and featuring designs by superstar comic book artists, a range of pin badges and keyrings are available to celebrate beloved 2000 AD characters and moments. These premium 2000 AD collectables are debuting at SDCC 2026 in highly limited numbers – once they’re gone, they’re gone! Booth #2121 will also host popular existing 2000 AD merchandise from Forbidden Planet and the Rebellion Shop – from ingots to coins, prints, desk mats, baseball caps and more.

Can’t make it to SDCC this year? Rebellion has got fans covered with a range of limited edition 2000 AD t-shirts available online-only for a short time. Coming soon to the Rebellion Shop, from 20th July – 2nd August.

New 2000 AD Limited Edition Pin Badges

The biggest highlight of this year’s convention? The 2000 AD San Diego Limited Edition Enamel Pin Badge Collector Set! This ultra limited-edition box contains three premium pin badges showcasing beloved characters Judge Dredd, Judge Anderson and Judge Death. Based on art pulled from the pages of 2000 AD, only 250 collector boxes will release! Pin badges in this set include:

  • Judge Dredd: Make Judge Dredd Fiction Again! Take home a pin badge encapsulating the explosive action and violent satire of Judge Dredd, Lawman of the Future.
  • Judge Anderson: She knows what you’re thinking. Channel your love for Psi-Judge Anderson with this pin badge based on stunning cover art by Rachael Stott.
  • Judge Death: Judge Death returns… and this time, he lives. Secure one of 2000 AD’s most chilling foes as imagined by artist Ben Willsher.

2000 AD subscribers will also be able to buy this limited-edition Collector Set through the 2000 AD subscriber portal – so you won’t miss out just because you can’t make it to the show!

In addition, you can pick up a range of assorted limited edition pin badges with designs by world-renowned 2000 AD creators such as Brian Bolland and Jock, plus a keyring in the shape of Judge Dredd’s iconic shield.

Beyond comic books, they’re also celebrating  Rebellion’s much-loved video game franchises, Sniper Elite and Zombie Army, with their very own pin badges depicting the games’ signature x-ray kill cam.

New 2000 AD Action Figures by HIYA

Fans visiting 2000 AD at stand #2121 will also  get a first look in-person at the Rogue Trooper action figure releasing later this year in Fall 2026, with a prototype on display and available to pre-order.

A legend forged in the poisoned wastelands of Nu Earth, the Rogue Trooper is now a 1/12 scale action figure in the EXQUISITE SUPER series by HIYA. Measuring 6.5 inches, this hyper-detailed figure features four pairs of interchangeable hands, two alternate faces and a host of accessories. Rogue Trooper’s iconic rifle, helmet and backpack are included – giving fans their very own Helm, Gunnar and Bagman to take home. The Rogue Trooper action figure releases in Fall 2026 and is a must-have for any fan of the Genetic Infantryman.

Pre-order the Rogue Trooper figure now at HIYA’s online store.

HIYA Rogue Trooper Figure

That’s not all! Ahead of SDCC, Rebellion has announced a new Judge Dredd figure in black and white from HIYA coming in 2027.

Part of the EXQUISITE SUPER series, this hyper-detailed 6.2 inch Judge Dredd figure brings the Lawman of the Future to life in black and white monochrome style. The figure features four pairs of interchangeable hands, three faces and a host of accessories such as the voice-activated Lawgiver machine pistol carried by judges, daystick baton and a spray-can of Boing!, as seen in the classic comics.

Pre-order the black and white Judge Dredd figure now at HIYA’s online store.

SDCC 2026: Oni Press Reveals Tradd Moore’s Touch Me Someplace Nowhere – Coming in 2027

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In advance of Comic-Con International in San Diego 2026, Oni Press has announced Touch Me Someplace Nowhere – the first creator-owned solo series written, illustrated, and colored by Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist and visionary storyteller Tradd Moore. 

Set to begin publication in 2027, Touch Me Someplace Nowhere follows a cascading cast of outsiders through their turbulent, violent, and libidinous misadventures in an alternate New York City, where a colorful hierarchy of street gangs compete for domination and (literal) wild animals roam the streets. At its center: Kelly Muir, the prodigal child of a powerful New York City crime family, who is about to find herself on a self-immolating, lovesick bender through the exuberant nocturnal archipelagos of drug-infused, gangland Brooklyn after dark.

A native of Georgia and a graduate of the Savannah College of Art & Design, Tradd Moore marked his seismic arrival in the comics industry in 2011 as the artist of The Strange Talent Of Luther Strode (co-created with writer Justin Jordan) at Image Comics, launching one of the decade’s most unexpected breakout hits and instantly cementing his status as one of the decade’s most unique and closely watched sequential storytellers. In 2014, Moore made his Marvel Comics debut as the artist of All-New Ghost Rider, introducing the new hero Robbie Reyes (with writer and co-creator Felipe Smith) to bestseller status and widespread critical accolades. After completing the Luther Strode trilogy with the two subsequent installments for Image, Moore would go on to helm multiple groundbreaking, visually arresting series, including Silver Surfer: Black (with writer Donny Cates) in 2019 and Doctor Strange: Fall Sunrise in 2023 – which would mark Moore’s stunning first foray as both writer and artist and earn his first Eisner Award nomination. 

Touch Me Someplace Nowhere will be Moore’s first wholly creator-owned solo work as both writer and illustrator. 

Beginning on Wednesday, July 22nd, Moore will also be appearing as special guest of Oni Press at Comic-Con International in San Diego and will appear on his first-ever career retrospective spotlight panel with complete timing and details to be announced next week. Additionally, Moore will also be appearing for two signings at the Oni Press booth (#1829), where an exclusive, 9×12″ Touch Me Someplace Nowhere art print (limited to 500) will be given away to attendees while supplies last. 

More details on Touch Me Someplace Nowhere will be released in 2027. 

Touch Me Someplace Nowhere

SDCC 2026: Ignition Press announces two debuts

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Ignition Press has announced it will debut two new series ahead of their first issue releases in comic shops with original, standalone Cold Open issues at Comic-Con International: San Diego (SDCC).

Cult-de-Sac: The Cold Open from Cullen Bunn, artist Fico Ossio, and colorist Ulises Arreola debuts with an original prequel story of a couple’s deadly interaction with the mysterious Homeowners Association, along with a first look at Cult-de-Sac #1. Fans can purchase copies of Cult-de-Sac: The Cold Open Cover A by Ossio and Arreola for $4.99, and a limited-edition cover B variant by Ebrahel Lurci for $9.99. The variant cover is limited to 500 copies. Cullen Bunn, recently in the news for his and Jonas Scharf’s series Bone Parish being in development for a TV series with Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson at Starz, will be signing copies at the Ignition Pavilion throughout SDCC.

The Folk of Dooney Hollow: The Cold Open from Jeremy Haun, artist Alex Lins, and colorist Trish Mulvihill debuts with an original prequel story introducing the horrors in the woods, plus a first look at The Folk of Dooney Hollow #1. Fans can purchase copies of The Folk of Dooney Hollow: The Cold Open Cover A by Haun and Nick Filardi for $4.99, and a limited edition cover B variant by Lins for $9.99. The variant cover is limited to 500 copies, and Jeremy Haun will be signing copies at the Ignition Pavilion throughout SDCC.

Ignition Press’s Cold Open issues act as a standalone entry point for longtime comic fans and new readers alike, featuring an original, self-contained story that introduces the reader to the world, as well as behind-the-scenes material, special sneak peeks, and information on how to get the entire series through traditional retail channels.

The Ignition Pavilion will be open with free admission to the public during the following hours:

Wednesday, July 22nd: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Thursday, July 23rd: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Friday, July 24th: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, July 25th: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
Sunday, July 26th: 12:00pm – 6:00pm

The Ignition Pavilion is located at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center located at 200 Harbor Drive, #120, San Diego, CA 92101

SDCC 2026: Daniel Warren Johnson launches a new epic Chainkata this November

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CHICKS. WITH CHAINSAWS. IN SPACE. On the heels of his chart-topping hit run on Transformers, Eisner Award winning Do A Powerbomb, and critically acclaimed The Moon Is Following Us, superstar writer/artist Daniel Warren Johnson will launch an all-new, eye-melting series titled Chainkata this November from Image Comics.

A decade’s worth of critically-acclaimed work has Chainkata poised to be one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Johnson first began turning heads with fan-favorites Space-Mullet (now brought to a wider market through Image Comics) and then Extremity and Murder Falcon through Image/Skybound. His quick ascension on those early works made him “one-to-watch” and put him on the industry’s collective radar. Do A Powerbomb shot Johnson to fame with his perfect blend of high-octane action and heart-string tugging storytelling and won him his first Eisner Award in the Best Publication for Teens category. His name headlined Skybound’s wildly successful multiple Eisner Award winning Transformers reinvigoration and, paired with another critical-darling in The Moon Is Following Us, made Johnson a household name. This rapid-fire success was rounded out by direct hits in Wonder Woman: Dead Earth, Beta Ray Bill: Argent Star, and of course Absolute Batman—further raising his profile and all ramping up to this incredible new series’ launch.

In Chainkata, Luma is a chainsaw-wielding warrior queen, seeking out an unknown power in the vastness of space. All she wants is to find peace, but violence and terror follow her through every black hole. The story will blend the epic, high-stakes sci-fi of Beta Ray Bill and Space-Mullet and with the character-building depth of Extremity and Do A Powerbomb. It is the culmination, and maximization, of Johnson’s craft and the perfect read for fans of action-packed comics with art that leaps from the page. 

Chainkata will see a full rollout of promotion and appearances planned at this month’s San Diego Comic-Con to kick off the excitement. This bold new vision is Johnson’s most ambitious project yet as he aims to bring sci-fi back to the forefront of comics and storytelling in a way never seen before. 

Chainkata #1 will be available at comic book shops in November 2026.

Chainkata #1

SDCC 2026: Oni Press, Rebellion, and The Nacelle Company Press Kick Off the Fight of the 22nd Century in Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars!

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In advance of Comic-Con International 2026 in San Diego, CA, the Nacelle Company,​ Oni Press, and Rebellion have announced a historic partnership, which officially begins today with the announcement of Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars #1 –  launching the wreckage-strewn collision of the 22nd Century’s most feared lawman against its hardest-charging mutant outlaws in a no-holds-barred showdown for supremacy! Spanning two 40-page, deluxe format issues beginning in December 2026, Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars #1 written by​ writers Dan Watters and Ryan O’Sullivan with art by​ Jordi Tarragona. The debut issue features covers by David Finch, Karl Kerschl, and Andrew Krahnke, and more to be revealed!

Launching directly out of the pages of Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars #1, the upcoming publishing collaboration will also mark the first milestone in a newly cemented merchandising partnership between Rebellion and the Nacelle Company that will see Nacelle’s Consumer Product division create a new line of highly detailed action figures and other collectibles that will feature crossovers between The Biker Mice From Mars and Rebellion’s Judge Dredd characters. The first wave of figures will be made available for pre-order this fall and be released online and in stores in 2027.

Across the frayed cordons of space-time, the greed-fueled oligarchs Limburger and Karbunkle have identified a strange new world to plunder, but they never anticipated that Throttle, Vinnie, and Modo – the extraterrestrial anti-heroes known as the Biker Mice From Mars – would dare to foil their latest cross-dimensional conquest: the smog-clogged metropolis known as Mega-City One.

Now, the Martian brothers and their bikes are stranded between blocks in Mega-City’s endless, chaotic sprawl … alongside 400 million citizens who want them dead and the one man committed to delivering them to justice at any cost: the unforgiving Judge Dredd! The law has no place for vermin on Mega-City One’s streets … but when the Biker Mice’s otherworldly abilities draw the gaze of the inhuman entity calledJudge Death, man and mouse alike will be caught in the crosshairs in the first-ever Biker Mice From Mars crossover outside of the NacelleVerse!

To celebrate the new partnership, Nacelle, Oni Press, and Rebellion will be giving fans a special reward directly from the streets of Mega-City One at Comic-Con International 2026 in San Diego, CA, beginning on​ Thursday, July 23rd! Simply visit the Rebellion booth (#2121) to retrieve your free Mega-City One parking ticket with an official Department of Justice stamp – then get it stamped again in sequence at the Nacelle Company booth (#2547) and Oni Press booth (#1829) to avoid the death penalty, and receive one of 500 limited-edition Judge Dredd/Biker Mice From Mars art prints, featuring the upcoming cover art of Eisner Award-winning artist David Finch!

SDCC 2026: Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Returns for its Fifth Installment!

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Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence

After more than four decades, the cult horror-comedy franchise born in San Diego is coming home. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, the fifth installment in the series, was largely produced and filmed in San Diego and premieres in select theaters this August, opening wide and available on VOD in September.

The franchise holds its San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC) panel on July 24, in the city where it all began. Since the original Attack of the Killer Tomatoes debuted in 1978, the series has spawned a Saturday morning cartoon, a Nintendo game, an early-career role for George Clooney, and four decades of devoted fans.

The SDCC panel takes place on Friday, July 24 at 7:15 in the San Diego Convention Center’s room 6A and will feature moderator and Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence’s producer Michael Polis, director David Ferino, Killer Tomatoes original creator Costa Dillon, cast members Dan Bakkedahl, Myrna Velasco, Zachary Roozen, Samantha Bailey, and Noor Razooky. The panel will discuss the making of the new film and include the world debut of the official trailer, exclusive footage, an audience Q&A, and a special appearance by Norman the Killer Tomato.

In addition to the panel, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence will be part of the Atomic Toybox Booth, number 3917 on the main floor at the San Diego Convention Center. Attack of the Killer Tomatoes merch will be available including posters, tomato plushies, clothing, skateboards and more.

In Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, a young biotech prodigy develops a revolutionary genetically engineered vegetable designed to solve humanity’s problems. But when the experiment spirals out of control, it unleashes a new generation of killer tomatoes, setting the stage for another outrageous chapter in the long-running cult franchise.

The cast also includes comedy legend David Koechner, Eric Roberts, Catherine Corcoran, and franchise icon John Astin, who returns as Professor Gangreen decades after first appearing in the series.

The panel is open to Comic-Con badge holders.

SDCC 2026: Todd McFarlane Productions Brings Exclusive Comics to Fans Through Whatnot

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Todd McFarlane Productions are bringing San Diego Comic-Con exclusives directly to fans around the world with a special Whatnot live show on July 9th. For the first time, an official Todd McFarlane signed SDCC exclusive comic release will be offered exclusively through Whatnot, giving collectors everywhere the opportunity to secure this year’s limited-edition variants regardless of whether they can attend the convention in person.

The release features two highly collectible covers celebrating a rare artistic collaboration between Spawn creator Todd McFarlane and acclaimed artist Artgerm. The first showcases Artgerm’s original artwork, while the second is a special Todd McFarlane inked version that layers McFarlane’s signature inks over the piece, blending the styles of two fan-favorite creators into a unique SDCC exclusive collectible. Both books will be signed by Todd McFarlane.

Limited to just 750 sets, the release will be offered exclusively as a signed collector’s set featuring one Artgerm cover and one special Todd McFarlane inked cover, both signed by McFarlane. Available only through the Whatnot live show, each set gives collectors the opportunity to own both versions of this rare collaboration while supplies last.

The July 9th live show marks the beginning of a new series of Todd McFarlane Whatnot exclusive comic releases. Throughout the remainder of the year, fans can expect additional live show events featuring limited-edition comics available only through Whatnot, with each release offering its own exclusive comic and limited print run. 

Unlike previous years, these SDCC exclusive sets will not be available for purchase from Todd McFarlane Productions during San Diego Comic-Con 2026. By making the books available through Whatnot ahead of the convention, fans who secure a collector’s set through the live show are expected to receive them in time to bring them to San Diego, where they can seek out Artgerm’s signature during the show.

Fans can secure the SDCC exclusive collector’s set during the Todd McFarlane Whatnot live show on July 9, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM PST. Each signed set includes one Artgerm cover and one Todd McFarlane inked cover, available for $200 + shipping. A limit of five sets per customer will apply.

SDCC 2026: ComicsPro Retailer Day Registration Open

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ComicsPro 2026 Retailer Day

ComicsPRO, the comics specialty retailer trade association, has announced that the registration has opened for the 2026 ComicsPRO Retailer Day taking place during San Diego Comic-Con. It’s being held on July 24th in Room 31ABC of the San Diego Convention Center. The event, open to all registered comic retailers, allows publishers and distributors to talk directly to comics retailers about upcoming products and initiatives. The event will also include a video presentation for the Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award and a panel entitled, “Creating Opportunities in a Multi-Distributor Landscape.”

Universal Distribution will be hosting the retailer lunch and the “Fresh Start” Networking Event at the beginning of the event.

Over 40+ publishers and other vendors are expected to present at the event. This includes: 2000 AD / Rebellion, Ahoy Comics, Bad Idea, Book Industry Charitable Foundation, BOOM! Studios, Bulgilhan Press, Clover Press, ComicsBurgh, Dark Horse Comics, DC Comics, Drawn & Quarterly, Dynamite Entertainment, IDW Publishing, Ignition Press, Image Comics, Kodansha USA, Little Star Storage, Mad Cave Studios, Marvel, Massive Publishing, Oni Press, PI Comics, Pop King, PSA, Random House Worlds, Reedpop, Rekcah/COMICS: The Magazine, Rocketship Entertainment, Rose City Comic-Con, Square Enix, Titan Comics, TokyoPop, Upper Deck, Viz Media, Yen Press, and Z2 Comics

SCHEDULE

9:30 – 10:10 Fresh Start Networking (Coffee, muffins)
10:10 – 10:50 Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award Presentation
11:00 – 12:20 Lunar Distributed Publishers
12:20 – 12:50 Break (grab your box lunch sponsored by Universal Distribution)
12:50 – 1:50 Universal Distribution (lunch) – Upper Deck and other Vendors
1:50 – 3:10 Penguin Random House Distributed Publishers
3:10 – 3:30 Break
3:30 – 4:10 Other Publishers and Vendors
4:10 – 5:00 Panel: Creating Opportunities in a Multi-Distributor Landscape

Comic Retailers interested in attending the event can register now.

Attending retailers will receive “thank-you” items from publishers, distributors, and other vendors sent directly to their stores in the weeks following the event.

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