San Diego Comic-Con 2026:
John Cusack Enters the Comic Book World with Momo at Mad Cave Studios
For those of us who grew up in the ’80s, John Cusack wasn’t just another actor.
He was our actor.
From Better Off Dead and One Crazy Summer to Say Anything…, The Sure Thing, Grosse Pointe Blank, and High Fidelity, Cusack starred in the kinds of films that grew up right alongside us. Funny, heartfelt, a little quirky, and always authentic, his movies became part of the soundtrack of a generation.
That’s one of the reasons we’re so excited to see him making the leap into comics.
Mad Cave Studios has announced that Cusack will make his Comic-Con debut as a graphic novel creator, taking the stage to introduce Momo, his first original graphic novel, during San Diego Comic-Con 2026.
John Cusack Showcases Momo
Friday, July 24
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Room 5AB
Cusack will be joined by fellow actor, writer, and comic creator Friend of the Show David Dastmalchian (Count Crowley, Through) for a conversation exploring the surreal world of Momo and what it’s like telling stories across film and comics.
If you’ve followed Dastmalchian’s work in comics, you already know he’s become one of the medium’s most passionate creative voices. Pairing him with Cusack for this conversation feels like a perfect match.
Meet John Cusack
Fans will also have the chance to see Cusack during a special autograph session.
Friday, July 24
4:30 PM
Sails Pavilion AA04
A few important notes for collectors:
- Signing is limited to San Diego Comic-Con Exclusives Portal winners. Deadline to submit for the Exclusives Portal is July 16, 2026 12pm PT
- Cusack will be signing copies of Momo, available for purchase at the event.
- Outside items will not be permitted.
- No posed photographs will be allowed.
John Cusack Showcases the Surreal World of Momo
2:30-3:30 PM | Room 5AB
John Cusack (Say Anything, High Fidelity, Grosse Pointe Blank) discusses his first graphic novel, Momo, with fellow actor and comic creator Friend of the Show and the Polka-Dot Man himself David Dastmalchian at Comic-Con 2026. John and David will discuss the inspiration behind Momo and what it’s like telling stories across mediums including film and comics.
Why This Matters
At Saturday Morning Cereal, we often say our show celebrates the stories that shaped us and asks what happens when those stories grow up alongside us.
John Cusack has been part of that conversation from the very beginning.
His films helped define what growing up in the 1980s and ’90s felt like. They were funny without being cynical, romantic without being sentimental, and always centered on characters trying to find their place in the world.
Seeing him now embrace the world of comics feels like a natural evolution.
We’re always excited when filmmakers, actors, and musicians discover what comic fans have known for decades: graphic novels aren’t just another medium. They’re another way to tell unforgettable stories.
We’re looking forward to hearing what inspired Momo, and we can’t wait to welcome John Cusack to the comic book community.
For us, this is one of those wonderfully unexpected Comic-Con moments where two lifelong passions collide.
And honestly?
Eight-year-old us never imagined we’d one day be covering John Cusack’s first graphic novel at Comic-Con.
That’s exactly why we love this show.
But John Cusack Is Only the Beginning
While John Cusack’s Comic-Con debut as a graphic novel creator is the headline, Mad Cave Studios is bringing one of its most impressive convention lineups yet.
The rapidly growing independent publisher returns to Booth #2806 with creator signings, major panels, convention exclusives, and one of the strongest publishing slates on the show floor. Fans of Star Wars, horror, young adult graphic novels, creator-owned comics, and classic science fiction will all find something worth adding to their schedule.
PANELS & PROGRAMMING
Descend Into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics
Thursday July 23
2:00-3:00 PM | Room 25ABC
Descend into Madness: Exploring Horror Through Comics—Dan Panosian (Dirt Beneath the Devil, Canary), Becky Cloonan (Dirt Beneath the Devil, Somna), Leah Kilpatrick (DC Horror Presents, Headless Horseman Annual), Mark London (Terrorbytes, Honor & Curse: Eternal), Tula Lotay (Groupies, Somna), Scott Snyder (Canary, We Have Demons), and and Mark Russell (Terrorbytes, Vanishing Point) discuss what makes horror stories resonate with us, and what new tales of terror they are telling through comics. Moderated by Cara O’Neil (Director of Marketing, Mad Cave Studios).
Leap into Action-Filled Graphic Novels featuring Arianna Irwin
Friday July 24
10:00-11:00 AM |
Shiley Special Events Suite Terrace, San Diego Central Library
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: Danielle McKechnie (Otto Normal’s Monsterton). Featuring Simón Estrada (Otto Normal’s Monsterton), Arianna Irwin (Penelope’s Escape From the Platypusary; Disney 101 Dalmatians: Penny’s Big Splash, Mad Cave Studios / Maverick / Papercutz), Mike Maihack (Spider-Man: Mighty Mayhem! – A Mighty Marvel Team-Up ), Samuel Sattin (Unico: Awakening), and Katie Longua (Agent Cupcake).
Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels That Speak Up, featuring Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges
Friday, July 24
12:00-1:00 PM
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Join graphic novel creators for a lively conversation about how young adult graphic novels give shape to moments of standing up, speaking out, and wanting change.
Moderator: Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library). Featuring Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire, Penguin Random House / Ten Speed Graphic), Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges (Just Another Summer), R. Sikoryak (Declaration / Emancipation Illustrated), and Rob Reger (Emily the Strange: 25th Anniversary Edition). A group signing to follow from 1:00-1:30 PM.
A New Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios & Lucasfilm Publishing
Friday, July 24
12:00-1:00 PM | Room 7AB
A Galaxy of Star Wars Comics from Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing—Join Mad Cave Studios and Lucasfilm Publishing as they make the jump to hyperspace and showcase their Star Wars publishing partnership! Charles Beacham (Editor, Mad Cave Studios), Josh Pruett and Scott Peterson (Phineas & Ferb), Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu—Danger in the Dark), Soo Lee (Star Wars: Tales from the Nightlands, more TBA), and more guests will present news and reveals of new tales coming soon. Fans will hear from the comic creators crafting these tales, enjoy out of this world giveaways, and get a peek inside some of these exciting new projects. Moderated by Michael Siglain (Creative Director, Lucasfilm Publishing).
Drawing Courage: YA Graphic Novels That Speak Up, featuring Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges
Friday, July 24
12:00-1:00 PM |
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
Join graphic novel creators for a lively conversation about how young adult graphic novels give shape to moments of standing up, speaking out, and wanting change.
Moderator: Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library). Featuring Jarrett Dapier (Wake Now in the Fire, Penguin Random House / Ten Speed Graphic), Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges (Just Another Summer), R. Sikoryak (Declaration / Emancipation Illustrated), and Rob Reger (Emily the Strange: 25th Anniversary Edition). A group signing to follow from 1:00-1:30 PM.
The Last Starfighter Returns
Speaking of childhood favorites…
Mad Cave is also bringing The Last Starfighter back to Comic-Con.
The Last Starfighter Signing
Saturday, July 25
1:00 PM
Creators Benjamin Raab, Deric Hughes, and Willi Roberts will celebrate the return of one of the defining science fiction films of the 1980s.
At Saturday Morning Cereal, we’re always fascinated by stories that grew up with us.
Few movies embody that spirit better than The Last Starfighter.
Six Eisner Nominations
Mad Cave also arrives at Comic-Con celebrating one of the strongest years in the publisher’s history.
Among this year’s Eisner Award nominations:
🏆 Temporal — Best New Series
🏆 Stephanie Williams — Best Writer
🏆 Francesco Francavilla — Best Cover Artist
🏆 Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou — Best Lettering
along with two Russ Manning Promising Newcomer nominations recognizing the next generation of comic creators.
Booth #2806 Is Going to Be Busy
Throughout Comic-Con, fans can stop by Booth #2806 for:
- Exclusive convention comics
- Creator signings
- New releases
- Limited merchandise
- Surprise announcements
- Meet-and-greets with creators across Mad Cave, Maverick, Nakama Press, and Papercutz
Whether you’re coming for John Cusack, Star Wars, The Last Starfighter, horror comics, or simply to discover one of comics’ fastest-growing publishers, Booth #2806 belongs on your Comic-Con map.
CREATOR SIGNINGS
Booth#2806
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*
*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 only allowed in the signing queue. Details & instructions for Exclusives Portal Sign-ups.
Saturday, July 25
11:00 AM: Scoop with Richard Ashley Hamilton and Best Friend Show withCraig 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
Why This Matters
As Saturday Morning Cereal enters its 14th season, we’ve had a front row seat to the evolution of podcasting.
We’ve watched the medium grow from a niche corner of the internet into mainstream entertainment. Along the way, countless celebrity podcasts have emerged, where actors interview actors, filmmakers interview filmmakers, and familiar faces tell familiar stories.
There’s certainly a place for all of that.
But over the years, we’ve found ourselves returning to where our own story began.
Comic books.
After all, the themes of Saturday morning television didn’t begin on Saturday mornings. They began on comic book pages, where artists and writers first imagined heroes, villains, adventures, and impossible worlds that would eventually leap onto our television screens and into our imaginations.
If Saturday morning television was the gateway, comics were often the foundation.
That’s why moments like this resonate so deeply with us.
When someone like John Cusack, whose films helped define our generation, chooses comics as the next chapter of his creative journey, it reminds us that this medium continues to inspire storytellers across every corner of entertainment.
For us, that’s where the conversation has always belonged.
We’ve always celebrated the stories that shaped us as kids and explored what happens when those stories continue to grow alongside us. Today, more than ever, comics sit at the center of that conversation. They’re where new worlds are born before they become the next great film, television series, or cultural phenomenon.
Seeing worlds collide like this doesn’t feel unusual anymore.
It feels like we’re exactly where we’re supposed to be.
And after fourteen seasons…
It still feels like Saturday morning.
We’ll be on the ground all week at San Diego Comic-Con 2026, bringing you the biggest news, exclusive interviews, panel coverage, and behind-the-scenes moments from the convention floor and inside the press rooms. Follow Saturday Morning Cereal and @StayClassySDCC for live updates throughout the show.
