San Diego Comic-Con 2026:
Main Character Energy Puts Black Female Storytellers Center Stage
One of the best parts of San Diego Comic-Con isn’t just discovering the next big movie or comic. It’s hearing directly from the creators shaping the stories we’ll be talking about for years to come.
This year’s Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers panel promises exactly that.
Bringing together an accomplished group of writers, producers, editors, and artists from across film, television, comics, and animation, the discussion will explore what it means to create authentic stories in today’s entertainment landscape, especially when adapting beloved franchises or introducing audiences to entirely new worlds.
Panel Information
Main Character Energy: Black Female Storytellers
Thursday, July 23, 2026
1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Room 10
San Diego Convention Center
Admission is open to San Diego Comic-Con badge holders.
A Panel Full of Creators Behind Today’s Biggest Franchises
The lineup features creators whose work spans some of the most recognizable names in pop culture, including Star Wars, My Adventures with Superman, Fortnite, Starting 5, and more.
Panelists include:
- Christian Streaty – Writer, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures
- ShaMya Williams – Producer, Starting 5
- Ryan Oakley – Illustrator, Fortnite
- Kai Grayson – Producer, Roles for Initiative LA
- Chelyse Abrams – Editor, Michael
- Angela Entzminger – Screenwriter, My Adventures with Superman
The discussion will be moderated by Amanda and Amber Miller, co-founders of Fangirl Central.
Why This Panel Matters
As fans, we often celebrate the finished product without getting to hear from the people behind the scenes who shape the characters, dialogue, and emotional moments that stay with us long after the credits roll.
This panel will explore how these creators approach storytelling, remain authentic to their own voices while honoring established franchises, navigate the entertainment industry, and examine the role fandom plays in building community and connection.
Whether you’re an aspiring creator, a lifelong comics fan, or simply curious about how today’s biggest stories come together, this conversation promises valuable insight from voices helping define the future of genre storytelling.
A Bonus for One Lucky Fan
Stick around until the end of the panel and you might leave with more than inspiration.
One audience member will win a commissioned 5×7 bust illustration by illustrator Ryan Oakley, making this one of the more unique giveaways at Comic-Con.
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. Be sure to follow Saturday Morning Cereal and follow us on X @StayClassySDCC for live updates throughout the show.
