It's almost time for San Diego Comic-Con, aka fandom Christmas, with four days of non-stop genre goodness bringing panels, seminars, workshops, previews, screenings, cosplay competitions and so much more to San Diego Convention Center from July 24 – 27. If you're attending mostly for genre stuff, you're in for a treat, as this year's Comic-Con International is stuffed full of previews of latest horror movies, comics and television shows, not to mention insightful talks from industry insiders, all of which we've gathered here for you today in a handy guide.
Of course, we'd be remiss not to gently guide your attention towards the dedicated FANGORIA panel taking place on Thursday, July 24 at 8:00pm PDT, not to mention Friday's The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror panel on Friday, July 25 at 4:30pm PDT, which sees Fango's own Angel Melanson join Queens of the Dead director Tina Romero and Malignant and M3GAN writer Akela Cooper among others to discuss the state of indie and studio horror media and give a sneak peek at the best to come this year.
Other panel highlights include NEON's The Next Wave of Horror, which brings SDCC attendees a sneak peek of Keeper, Together and Shelby Oaks, HBO's It: Welcome to Derry panel featuring featuring first-look footage from the premiere episode of the Stephen King adaptation series, an exclusive look at Dan Trachtenberg's Predator: Badlands, a 45 year celebration of Friday the 13th from the Jason Universe team, new looks at the Anne Rice Immortal Universe, special guests from Japan to present an exclusive look at Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and SO much more.
For full information on how to attend Comic-Con International, head over to the official site, and scroll on for all your horror panel needs and delving into the the hard part: figuring out your schedule.
THURSDAY JULY 24
Leave Them in Suspense Panel
Thursday, July 24, 11:00am-12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Adam Cesare, author of the book Clown in a Cornfield and writer on the film adaptation, which had a record-setting theatrical debut earlier this year and makes its streaming debut on Shudder and AMC+ on August 8, joins storytellers Max Allan Collins (SDCC Special Guest), Ted Van Alst Jr. (Never Whistle at Night), Arvind Ethan David (Raymond Chandler’s Trouble is My Business), and Delilah S. Dawson (Guillotine) for a discussion on building tension in mystery and horror fiction while leaving readers on the edge of their seats. The panel will be moderated by Dr. Betty Ramirez (Associate Director, UCSD Writing Center).
The Frights and Delights of Queer Horror Comics
Thursday July 24, 2025 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
From Bride of Frankenstein to The Babadook, horror has long been beloved by the queer community. Creators James Tynion IV andTate Brombal, comic industry directors Jazzlyn Stone and Courtney Menard, and others chat about their favorite media and their own works of queer horror. Moderated by Sami DeMonster.
Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Thursday July 24, 2025 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT
Hall H
Anyone can survive five nights. Can you handle more? The filmmakers and stars of Blumhouse’s Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 invite you behind the curtain of the terrifying new chapter from the highest-grossing horror film of 2023. Moderated by Juju Green aka Straw Hat Goofy.
The Strangers, Chapter 2
Thursday July 24, 2025 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
Step back into the terrifying world of The Strangers with stars Madelaine Petsch (Riverdale) and Gabriel Basso (The Night Agent), director Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2, Exorcist: The Beginning), and producer Courtney Solomon (After). Be the first to get a deeper look at the chilling sequel—and a taste of what's to come in Chapter 3. This summer . . . The Strangers are everywhere.
The Toxic Avenger: Unrated and Radioactive
Thursday July 24, 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm PDT
Hall H
Get ready for mayhem, mutants, and mop justice! Be among the first to dive into the wild world of The Toxic Avenger — the UNRATED, no-holds-barred reimagining of the cult classic from Troma Entertainment. Join writer & director Macon Blair (I Don't Feel At Home in This World Anymore, writer for Marvel Comics/Dark Horse Comics), iconic Troma co-founder Lloyd Kaufman, and an all-star cast including Peter Dinklage (“Game of Thrones”), Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings franchise), Jacob Tremblay (Room, Wonder), and Taylour Paige (Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Zola) for an unforgettable panel. Hear behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive insights, and join a live Q&A. This is one toxic takeover you don’t want to miss!
Collider Ladies Night After Dark – The Women of the IFC Entertainment Group
Thursday, July 24, 6:45-7:45pm PDT
Ballroom 20
The Ladies Night After Dark panel zeroes in on all things genre as Collider’s Perri Nemiroff puts a spotlight on the women of the IFC Entertainment Group’s hottest upcoming films. The panel celebrates the Shudder releases of CLOWN IN A CORNFIELD and DANGEROUS ANIMALS with stars Katie Douglas and Hassie Harrison and will feature a first look at FORBIDDEN FRUITS with Alexandra Shipp, who also appears in VIOLENT ENDS, and Dafne Keen and Sophie Nélisse from the hotly anticipated WHISTLE.
The Future of Fear: How AWA and Roy Lee’s Vertigo Entertainment Are Exploring New Frontiers in Horror
Thursday July 24, 2025 7:00pm – 8:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
From the producer behind such horror hits as Barbarian, the It franchise, The Ring franchise, and the upcoming Weapons, and the bold publisher reshaping elevated horror in graphic fiction, The Future of Fear is a chilling new anthology from Roy Lee’s Vertigo Entertainment and AWA that’s taking horror to new terrifying levels. Horror icon Roy Lee, AWA Studios president Zach Studin, and acclaimed comic artists Tim Bradstreet and Mike Choi (illustrators on Look Out and Kill or Be Killed, respectively) discuss new graphic fiction projects and TV/film developments for the franchise. Get an inside look at how this collection of stories is redefining the genre for comics, illustrated prose, and screen. Hear how viral creepypasta, A.I. paranoia, and deep psychological dread are fueling stories like Look Out and Kill or Be Killed.
Fangoria: A Legacy of Horror Entertainment
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT
Room 9
Fangoria is one of the most influential horror magazines and brands in the genre. Panelists will dive into Fangoria’s history, expansions into film and YouTube, and Chainsaw Awards, and preview fun frights in store for the future. Featuring Michael Varrati (director of Chainsaw Awards), Rebekah McKendry (director of special events), Armen Aghaeian (VP of Fangoria Films), Sean Abley (Fangoria writer), and Brian Collins (Fangoria writer).
Hello Again! Horror Franchises That Are Long Overdue for an Update
Thursday July 24, 2025 8:30pm – 9:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Gareth Von Kallenbach and staff from Skewed and Reviewed will look at horror movies that are in need of a remake, sequel, or new content. From mainstream franchise films to cult classics, the panelists are loaded with ideas and updates that you will not want to miss.
FRIDAY 25 JULY
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon panel
Friday, July 25, 12:15-1:15pm PDT
Hall H
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon returns to Hall H for an exclusive preview of the series’ highly anticipated third season, filmed in Spain, with panelists including Chief Content Officer of the Walking Dead Universe Scott M. Gimple, Showrunner and Executive Producer David Zabel, Executive Producer and Director Greg Nicotero, Executive Producer and Star Norman Reedus, and Executive Producer and Star Melissa McBride. The panel will debut the official trailer for season three, which returns Sunday, September 7 at 9pm ET on AMC and AMC+.
The Wait is Over: FX’s Alien: Earth World Premiere and Q&A
Friday July 25, 2025 1:25pm – 2:50pm PDT
Hall H
When a mysterious space vessel crash-lands on Earth, a young woman (Sydney Chandler) and a ragtag group of tactical soldiers make a fateful discovery that puts them face-to-face with the planet’s greatest threat. Be among the first people in the world to see the pilot episode of FX’s Alien: Earth and hear from series creator Noah Hawley, EP David W. Zucker (Scott Free), and the cast of this highly anticipated sci-fi horror series inspired by the acclaimed feature film franchise. FX’s Alien: Earth makes impact August 12 on Hulu, FX, and Disney+ internationally. Moderator: TBD.
Queer Horror
Friday July 25, 2025 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
The queer community has had a long history with the horror genre, from the lesbian vampires of Gothic literature to modern fare like The Boulet Brothers Dragula, I Saw The TV Glow, T-Blockers, and more. Does a queer horror genre exist, and if so, what makes it different from mainstream horror? Prism Comics and moderator/screenwriter Michael Varrati (There’s a Zombie Outside, The Midnight Mass Podcast) host David M. Booher (Specs, Killer Queens), Teri Gamble (Horror Movie Survival Guide, Horror X), Casey Gilly (Buffy the Last Vampire Slayer, Ravenloft), and Sina Grace (West Hollywood Monster Squad, Ghosted in L.A.) discuss these topics.
Witch House: Set Decoration of the Supernatural
Friday July 25, 2025 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT
Room 9
What’s a witch without their lair? The Set Decorators Society of America brings you a conversation with Mónica Monserrate Llenza SDSA (set decorator, Agatha All Along) and Ellen Brill SDSA (set decorator, American Horror Story: Coven) talking about their favorite parts of creating a supernatural set. Moderated by Rae Deslich SDSA and Michelle Hall SDSA.
The Next Wave of Horror: Neon’s Together, Shelby Oaks, and Keeper
Friday July 25, 2025 2:30pm – 3:30pm PDT
Ballroom 20
Following the success of their breakout horror hits, Longlegs and The Monkey, Neon brings three upcoming cinematic shockers to Comic-Con for exclusive looks with the filmmakers and talent behind them. Writer/director Michael Shanks and stars/producers Dave Franco and Alison Brie bring their 100% Rotten Tomatoes-rated Sundance and SXSW sensation Together author and critic Chris Stuckmann reveals the hidden secrets of his terrifying debut Shelby Oaks; and horror master Osgood Perkins (Longlegs) descends into darkness with his jaw-dropping new trip, Keeper.
The Long Walk
Friday July 25, 2025 3:00pm – 4:00pm
Hall H
Lionsgate will bring The Long Walk, the highly anticipated adaptation of Stephen King’s novel directed by Francis Lawrence (Catching Fire, Mockingjay – Parts 1 & 2, The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, I Am Legend) to Comic-Con® on Friday, July 25th from 3 to 4 PM. The Hall H panel, moderated by Eric Vespe and Anthony Breznican, hosts of the Stephen King podcast, The Kingcast, will include film stars David Jonsson, Tut Nyuot, Garrett Wareing, Charlie Plummer, and Mark Hamill, along with producer Roy Lee and screenwriter JT Mollner.
Godzilla at 70: Seven Decades of the King of the Monsters
Friday July 25, 2025 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Godzilla takes center stage for a celebration of the King of the Monsters in collectibles, comics, and film. First, Brian Flynn (founder, Super7), Hector Arce (senior director of creative and product development, Mondo), Peter Santa Maria (senior creative director, Mondo), and Jeff Gordon (director, franchise and retail brand development, Bandai) share the latest on Godzilla collectibles. Next, Brian Buccellato (writer, DC), Tim Seeley (writer, IDW), Jake Williams (editor, IDW), and Gerry Duggan (writer, Marvel) discuss Godzilla in comics. Finally, Shinji Higuchi (director, Shin Godzilla) reveals more about the upcoming 4k release and bringing Godzilla to the big screen again. Featuring reveals, giveaways, and surprise guests, the panel will be moderated by Drew Taylor of TheWrap.
Predator: Badlands
Friday July 25, 2025 4:15pm – 5:15pm PDT
Hall H
Director Dan Trachtenberg (Prey, 10 Cloverfield Lane) joins stars Elle Fanning (A Complete Unknown, Super 8) and Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi (The Panthers) for an exclusive look at Predator: Badlands, the latest chapter in the legendary franchise. Hear firsthand stories from the set, insights into the film’s new setting and characters, and get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage.
The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror Panel
Friday, July 25, 4:30-5:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Tina Romero, director of The Independent Film Company/Shudder’s upcoming film QUEENS OF THE DEAD, join some of the most knowledgeable and influential voices in horror today to discuss the state of indie and studio horror media, and give a sneak peek at the best to come this year. Featuring exclusive footage from future releases and stand out festival titles and a lively discussion, moderated by Overlook Film Festival Co-Founder and Director of Film Programming, Michael Lerman, with Akela Cooper (writer, M3GAN, Malignant), Peter Kuplowsky (Programmer, Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness) and Angel Melanson (journalist, Fangoria)
EC Comics: The Summer of Fear
Friday July 25, 2025 5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Out of nowhere, the immortal EC Comics has risen from the grave at Oni Press with the surprise debut of a bestselling series, including Epitaphs from the Abyss and Cruel Universe. Now, the most notorious name in terror is preparing for an even bigger, bolder, and bloodier second act with “The Summer of Fear” as three killer new series prepare to strike with an array of award-winning creators at the helm. Explore what lies ahead in titles like Blood Type, Catacomb of Torment, and Cruel Universe 2 as creators Corinna Bechko (Green Lantern: Earth One), Chris Condon (Ultimate Wolverine), J. Holtham (The Horizon Experiment), Matt Kindt (BRZRKR), and Ben H. Winters (Benjamin) join president and publisher Hunter Gorinson, editor-in-chief Sierra Hahn, and senior editor Allyson Gronowitz to discuss the most iconic name in horror comics—and the future of fear itself!
Jason Universe: Celebrating 45 Years of Friday the 13th
Friday July 25, 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
It’s been 45 years since Jason first haunted our screens—and now, it’s time to return for a new era. Jason Universe and Horror, Inc. celebrates the legacy, evolution, and future of one of horror’s most iconic franchises with Horror, Inc. president Robert Barsamian, VP Robbie Barsamian, and CMO Sheri Conn, and writer/director Mike P. Nelson (The Domestics). Moderated by Mondo senior creative director Peter Santa Maria (a.k.a. AttackPeter), panelists will dive deep into Jason’s blood-soaked history and what’s lurking ahead, with an inside look at the new design of Jason and his infamous hockey mask, as well as an exclusive first look at the upcoming Jason Universe short form vignette.
The 50th Anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws!
Friday July 25, 2025 7:15pm – 8:15pm PDT
Room 6A
Just when you thought it was safe to go back to Comic-Con . . . 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of the first summer blockbuster: Jaws (1975). Come celebrate Jaws' big 5-0 and hear about the impact and legacy of Steven Spielberg’s iconic film with fellow fans and experts, including Chris Gore (film critic and founder of Film Threat), Pat Jankiewicz (author of Just When You Thought It Was Safe: A Jaws Companion), and others. Moderated by Mark Atkinson (actor, filmmaker, wicked big Jaws fan).
Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse: Do You Have the Guts?
Friday July 25, 2025 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Zombies snarl at the gates of your colony. Supplies are as low as morale, and you just caught someone hoarding canned peaches. What now? Do you forgive them? Exile them? Reinforce the law? Dr. Sheri-Lynn Kurisu (associate professor of criminology and justice studies, CSUSM), Dr. Matthew Atherton (professor of social sciences, CSUSM), Dr. Zachary Hays (associate professor of criminal justice, CSUB), and Alex Antone (editorial director, Skybound Entertainment/Image Comics) lead a lively and informative discussion about your choices and what they reveal about justice, governance, and survival. Moderated by Allison Carr (academic transitions librarian, CSUSM).
Monstrous Women: From Revered to Reviled
Friday July 25, 2025 8:30pm – 9:30pm PDT
Room 10
Why are powerful women so often cast as monsters? This panel explores the cultural roots of horror tropes that turn independent women into witches, vampires, and villains. From Lilith and Eve to Elizabeth Bathory and folk shamans, they'll trace how history and myth distorted female power—and how these narratives still haunt modern horror. Featuring Rick Hernandez (marketing executive and host, Neon Swords & Lasers Podcast), Jessica Maison (Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters, The Plastic Girl Trilogy), Jennifer Brody (A Sacrifice of Flesh and Fury, Namaste and Slay), Deborah Daughetee (Dark Shadows, Kolchak, the Nightstalker), Tim Chizmar (Film Threat’s winner Best Indie Horror 2024, Full Moon), Leslie S. Klinger, (editor, New Annotated Frankenstein, New Annotated Dracula), K. C. Grifant (Monster Gunslinger series, Shrouded Horror), and Lisa Ann Berain (Hell’s Coming for You, Naked and Unashamed. As God Intended).
Ghostface’s Killer Trivia
Friday July 25, 2025 9:00pm – 10:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
They say the third time’s the charm, but tonight it’s a SCREAM! If you like scary movies, come match wits against the actual voice of Ghostface himself—Roger Jackson from the Scream franchise—as he slashes through horror trivia for the third year in a row at Comic-Con! Matt Corrigan and Aaron McLane (the Launchpad Podcast) will award prizes and moderate the killer competition. Don’t come alone . . .
SATURDAY 27 JULY
The SlaughterVerse: Expanding the World of Something Is Killing the Children
Saturday July 26, 2025 10:00am – 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
In 2019, Erica Slaughter introduced readers to the secret world of monsters and the hunters who fight them. In 2021, the doors to The House of Slaughter were opened, expanding Erica’s world into a storytelling universe. Series creator James Tynion IV will fill fans in on what they can expect as we approach the 50th issue of this landmark series.
Curious Haunts x The Cullenoscopy Live!
Saturday July 26, 2025 11:00am – 12:00pm PDT
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Go live with a horror podcast crossover event from two of the most prolific horror comics writers. Longtime friends and hosts Cullen Bunn (The Cullenoscopy) and Jeremy Haun (Curious Haunts) rave, compare hot takes, and dive deep into their favorite aspects of the horror genre, cocktails, and much more. Plus, find out some of the truly spooky goodness the pair have in store for you with new comics publisher Ignition Press! Get a free gift for attending!
From Dracula to Demogorgon: The Secrets Behind Crafting Iconic Creatures
Saturday July 26, 2025 12:00pm – 1:00pm PDT
Omni San Diego Hotel, Omni Grand Ballroom DE, 4th Floor
Monsters have captivated our imaginations for centuries, from ancient myths to modern horror. But what makes a monster rise from ordinary to legendary? Explore the art of creating unique monstrosities that stand the test of time in books, films, and comics with panelists Brian Asman (Man, F*ck this House, Good Dogs), Jennifer Brody (A Sacrifice of Flesh and Fury, Namaste and Slay), Delilah S. Dawson (Star Wars: Phasma, Dungeons & Dragons Ravenloft: Heir of Strahd), Luke Dumas (The Paleontologist, A History of Fear), Shane Hawk (Anoka, Never Whistle at Night), and Alan Maxson (Godzilla: King of the Monsters, The Sandworm from the 97th Oscars). Moderated by KC Grifant (Monster Gunslingers, Shrouded Horror), panelists will share tips for elevating monsters from one-dimensional antagonists to icons, as well as make recommendations for the best creations in horror media.
Beneath the Covers: The Sinister World of IDW Dark
Saturday July 26, 2025 2:00pm – 3:00pm PDT
Room 4
Cosmic terror in Event Horizon and mind-bending tales in The Twilight Zone are just a taste of the nightmares that IDW Dark has to offer. Moderated by Joseph Deckelmeier (Screen Rant), twisted creators Patrick Horvath, Casey Gilley, Rodney Barnes, Hannah Rose May, and Heather Antos (group editor) unleash exclusive reveals and announcements, featuring Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees, Sleepy Hollow, 30 Days of Night, and more sinister stories that will send a shiver down your spine.
Women on the Dark Side
Saturday July 26, 2025 2:30pm – 3:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
Whether it’s comic books, novels, film, or art, these women are creating content that connects with the deeper, darker side of all of us. Featuring Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Boston Metaphysical Society, Lady Mechanika), Deborah Daughetee (Kolchak, the Nightstalker; Dark Shadows), Megan Haskell (Last Descendant, Forged in Shadow), and Susan Lee (founder, Women On The Dark Side; Embrace The Chaos). Moderated by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press).
70 Years of Godzilla
Saturday July 26, 2025 4:00pm – 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Celebrate Godzilla's 70th anniversary with Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski as they share photos and stories from their new book from Abrams, Godzilla: The First 70 Years. The book explores every aspect of the creation, design, and evolution of King of the Monsters in Toho Studios' films and TV series from 1954 to the present. The presentation, moderated by Aaron John Gregory (Godzilla product development manager, TOHO International), will include exclusive behind-the-scenes photography, production materials, posters, and more.
Anne Rice Immortal Universe Panel
Saturday, July 26, 4:30-6:00pm PDT
Ballroom 20
Anne Rice’s Talamasca Comic-Con attendees will be introduced to the newest series within the Anne Rice Immortal Universe, and the Talamasca secretive society responsible for tracking and containing the witches, vampires, and other creatures scattered around the globe. Panelists include Executive Producer Mark Johnson, who oversees the Anne Rice Immortal Universe for AMC Networks, Showrunners and Executive Producers, John Lee Hancock and Mark Lafferty, along with cast members Nicholas Denton, William Fichtner, Celine Buckens and Maisie Richardson-Sellers. Moderated by TV Guide Magazine and TV Insider’s Damian Holbrook, the panel will also debut a thrilling teaser trailer and reveal exclusive series news.
Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire The critically acclaimed, award-winning series returns to Ballroom 20 for a panel that will give attendees an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of the new season and preview the story of rockstar Lestat (Sam Reid), who starts a band and heads out on tour, among other series news and on-stage surprises. Moderated by Holbrook, the panel will feature Executive Producer Mark Johnson, Showrunner and Executive Producer Rolin Jones, Composer Daniel Hart and cast members Reid, Jacob Anderson and Eric Bogosian.
Dread the Hall H: (Fictional) Comic Convention Horror Stories
Saturday July 26, 2025 5:00pm – 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Everyone has experienced the joy and anguish of trying to get into their favorite packed panel, and now there’s a new comic celebrating those highs and lows in heightened horrific fashion! Dread the Hall H co-writers Chris Ryall and Jordan Hart, alongside cover artist Maria Wolf, artist Keithan Jones, longtime convention staple Tim Seeley, and others, share spirited convention stories both real and fictional in celebration of both comic conventions in general and their new horror anthology in specific. Best of all, every guest in attendance will get a free one-of-a-kind Dread the Hall H lanyard!
Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence
Saturday July 26, 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm PDT
Room 6A
Hide your ketchup packets—the tomatoes are back, and they’re refried! Director David Ferino, producer and moderator Michael Polis (Yo Gabba Gabba), writer and creator Costa Dillon, and cast members Eric Roberts (The Righteous Gemstones), David Koechner (Anchorman), Catherine Corcoran (Terrifier), Myrna Velasco (Star Wars: Resistance), Zachary Roozen (Romeo and Juliet Killers), and Noor Razooky (The Old Man) give a sneak peek at Attack of the Killer Tomatoes: Organic Intelligence, a modern reboot of the cult-classic satire. The panel features exclusive footage, behind-the-scenes stories, and a surprise appearance by the unpredictable tomato puppet star “Answer Ball.”
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle
Saturday July 26, 2025 5:45pm – 6:45pm PDT
Hall H
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba has won the admiration of millions of fans around the globe since its debut in 2019. In celebration of the highly anticipated first feature film of the epic trilogy coming exclusively to theaters on September 12, 2025, Crunchyroll is proud to present Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle coming to Hall H! Special guests from Japan and the U.S. host an unforgettable evening featuring an exclusive-footage presentation. The three-part cinematic movie represents the all-out battle of the hugely popular award-winning anime shonen series.
Fangs, Fur, and Frank: Frazetta’s Influence on Modern Horror
Saturday July 26, 2025 6:00pm – 7:00pm PDT
Room 9
Grandmaster artist Frank Frazetta may be best known for his fantasy work, but his forays into horror have also left a lasting legacy. From his renditions of the classic monsters like Dracula and the Wolfman to the covers of Eerie and Creepy to his own designs for Death Dealer and Vampirella, Frazetta’s imposing style influenced the look of chilling work down to the present day. Art superstars Emil Ferris (My Favorite Thing is Monsters), Jimmy Palmiotti (Marvel Knights, Painkiller Jane), and Eric Powell (The Goon) alongside Sara Frazetta (FrazettaGirls) discuss Frazetta’s enduring influence and appeal. Moderated by Rob Salkowitz (Forbes, ICv2).
MeTV’s Svengoolie and the Sven Squad Make Their Comic-Con Debut!
Saturday July 26, 2025 7:30pm – 8:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
Legendary horror host Svengoolie (Rich Koz) and members of his Sven Squad—Sarah Palmer (Gwengoolie), Scott Gryder (IMP), and Bill Leff (Nostalgiaferatoo)—along with executive producer Jim Roche will thrill fans with a lively discussion about the past, present, and future of horror hosting. Dan DiDio, former publisher for DC Comics and Frank Miller Presents and editor for the Svengoolie comics, will moderate. As the last nationally broadcast horror host on the air, Svengoolie represents a unique legacy in television history, blending classic monster movies with comedy and fan engagement to keep this beloved tradition alive since the 1970s—and on MeTV since 2011. Panel attendees will receive a Comic-Con exclusive Svengoolie and the Sven Squad collectible trading card set and a limited-edition Svengoolie button!
Celebrate Toxic Mess Summer with AHOY Comics, Troma, and The Toxic Avenger!
Saturday July 26, 2025 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Come celebrate Toxic Mess Summer with Pulitzer-nominated writer Matt Bors (The Toxic Avenger), writer Mark Russell (Second Coming, Toxie Team-Up), writer Stuart Moore (Toxie Team-Up), Troma Entertainment founder Lloyd Kaufman, and Retroware Games art director Xander Arnot, hosted by The Daily Dead’s editor-in-chief Jonathan James. AHOY's Toxic Mess Summer has been raging since April, when the trade paperback of The Toxic Avenger revival landed in stores, followed by The Toxic Avenger Pinup Special in May, the launch of the Toxie Team-Up in June, and now the start of a new ongoing series in July: The Toxic Avenger Comics. It's all leading up to the action-packed Toxic Crusaders beat 'em up videogame landing from Retroware in Q3, the Toxic Avenger film starring Peter Dinklage landing in theatres on Labor Day Weekend, and a new Toxic Crusaders series . . . and that's just the beginning!
Unholy Trinity: Vampires, Witches, and Ghosts in Comics
Saturday July 26, 2025 8:00pm – 9:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Old hags, sexy vixens, ghoulish spectres . . . witches, vampires, and ghosts in comic books have long thrilled, spooked, and entertained readers. But these characters also reflect a complicated history of social issues. Pamela Jackson (San Diego State University), Beth Pollard (San Diego State University), and James Thompson (People’s History of Comics) come together for an engaging and image-filled romp through three of the most popular genres of comic book monsters as they explore their real and metaphorical connections to civil rights, age, domestic violence, race, physical and mental illness, and more.
Sound of Fear
Saturday July 26, 2025 8:30pm – 9:30pm PDT
Room 29CD
One key element that makes horror films pop is the music. Composers Andrew Scott Bell (Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey), Rob Reider (Happy Horror Days), Matt Glass (Ghosts of the Ozarks), Nomi Abadi (Ivar Tunnel: Shook Ones), Holly Amber Church (Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities), and Anna Drubich (Barbarian, Sting) discuss their method of making some frightening music for horror films. Moderated by Anastasia Washington.
Horror from the Heart of Texas
Saturday July 26, 2025 9:00pm – 10:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Derek McCaw (FanboyPlanet.com, Horror Not Hate) celebrates Texan horror comics creators Drew Edwards (Halloweenman, The Matron), David Bowles (The Matron, Catrina's Caravan), and Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge Productions). Eisner Award–winning writer Jim Krueger (Earth X, The Human Fly) drops in to remind us the Chainsaw Massacre didn't start in Texas.
It’s Troma Time!
Saturday July 26, 2025 9:00pm – 10:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Lloyd Kaufman (creator of The Toxic Avenger) will have news on his latest movie: Troma’s The Power of Positive Murder, with producer Andrew Miller and star Adam Peltier. They will be joined by Catherine Corcoran (actress, Terrifier, Return to Nuke ‘Em High), Mathew Klickstein (author, Lloyd Kaufman Interviews), and Justin Silverman (creative director Retroware Games) with a major announcement about the The Toxic Crusaders Video Game. Moderated by Megan Silver.
IT: Welcome to Derry
Saturday July 26, 2025 9:15pm – 9:45pm PDT
Room 6BCF
HBO is treating fans to an exclusive, early sneak peek of its highly anticipated horror series IT: Welcome to Derry, from Warner Bros. Television, featuring first-look footage from the premiere episode presented by Andy Muschietti (executive producer, director) and Barbara Muschietti (executive producer) and the release of a brand-new teaser.
