COMICS FAN GUIDE

Awesome Con is the ultimate destination for comic book fans! Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a collector on the hunt for rare finds, or an aspiring creator, this guide is your key to unlocking must-see guests, insightful panels, and exclusive reveals, and everything comics at the show. So sharpen those Sharpies, prep your pull lists, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend dedicated to the comics you love!

COMIC GUESTS

We’ve got Comic guests! Meet your favorite writers, illustrators, and more! They will be in Artist Alley selling their work, doing commissions, participating in panels and much more.

See all Comic Guests

See full Artist Alley list

COMIC PANELS & EVENTS

Tales from the Void - Horror Comics as a Genre

Friday – Room 204 – 4:30 PM
Casting a light into the dark world of Horror Comics, we’re going to explore some of the history of horror comics as a genre and talk to some of the stars of Horror comics today! Panelists – Ben Templesmith, Joseph Schmalke, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, and Shawn Martinbrough. Moderator – Rich Woodall

Comic Book Superheroes Cosplay Meetup

Saturday – Booth #365 – 12:45 PM
The third Annual Superhero Photoshoot Meetup is happening! Join us for a variety of scenarios open to all cosplaying heroes and villains throughout the multiverse attending Awesome Con!

Tell Me a Tale: Creating Comics with Depth

Saturday – Room #206 – 6:30 PM
Ever wondered how to infuse your stories with emotional heft? How do creators combine their lived experiences with the stories they tell? Join us for a discussion about what it takes to tell heartfelt stories, both in traditional and indie publishing. Panelists will talk about their experiences creating comics and how to blend meaningful topics with outstanding storytelling.

How to Build a Hero: Art, Story, and the Power of Comics

Saturday – Room #207 – 5:00 PM
Every great hero starts with a bold idea—but what turns that idea into a character fans rally behind? Comic book creators Tom King, Rico Renzi, Sarah Myer, Kelly Yates, Shawn Martinbrough, and Kevin McGuire come together to share stories from their careers and break down the creative process behind heroic characters. From dynamic visuals and emotional storytelling to collaboration and career lessons, this panel celebrates what makes heroes resonate across generations—and why comics remain one of the most powerful storytelling mediums today. This Panel will be moderated by Comic Artist Rich Woodall

When Subtext Becomes Text: LGBTQ+ Characters in Comics History

Sunday – Room 201 – 12:15 PM
Join Geeks OUT in examining how queer representation in comics was shaped by censorship, publisher fear, and deniability—and why modern confirmations aren’t retcons, but payoffs. A media-history look at how subtext became canon, finally saying what creators and readers always knew.

Comic Illustrators: A focus on Industry and Craft

Sunday – Room 202 – 12:15 PM
Do you want to become a professional comic creator? Hear from the pros on how they deal with deadlines, feedback, self-promotion, and balancing your personal life while making a living drawing comics. Panelists – Shawn Martinbrough, Mitch Gerads, Kevin Maguire, and David Mack Moderator – Rich Woodall

See Full Schedule

COMIC EXHIBITORS AND VENDORS

JSA x CGC

JSA – Booth right outside of the autograph area in Hall C.

Want to get your autographs authenticated? JSA is offering a $12-per-autograph special for any autographs acquired at Awesome Con 2026. Learn more at www.spenceloa.com.

CGC – Booth 1935

If you collect comics, you know CGC — the world leader in comic book grading. Founded in 2000, CGC provides an accurate, consistent and impartial assessment of authenticity and grade, backed by a comprehensive guarantee. CGC is part of the Certified Collectibles Group, whose mission is to empower collectors with services that ignite passion, create value, and build community.

Disney Artist James C Mulligan – Booth 2820

Groundbreaking Comics – Booth 2643

Groundbreaking Comics is the place to find all the rare variants you are looking for, and so much more! We have a large variety of new comics and variant covers, and specialize in Marvel and Independent publishers.

Atlantis Games & Comics – Booth 2044

Atlantis is your one-stop destination for comics, cards, games, and good times.

Stormwatch Comics – Booth 2141

Stormwatch Comics is South Jersey’s Premiere comic shop, serving the comic community for over 27 years.

Jason Palmer Art – Booth 2842

Groundbreaking Comics – Booth 2643

Welcome to Tuland, or as the streets call it, 2-Land. This cities got it all. Bright lights, big stages, opportunities to grow, as well as slums, crime-infested alleys, and pitfalls that will crush your spirits. Oh yeah, and it’s inhabited by a new species scientifically identified as Homometazoas, but everyone around here and the rest of the country calls them Huminals.