Kickstarter Heads to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 to Celebrate the Future of Comics

Every year, San Diego Comic-Con brings together the artists, writers, publishers, and fans shaping the future of comics and pop culture. This year, Kickstarter is returning to SDCC with two panels that celebrate the creativity, craft, and community behind comic crowdfunding.

From July 23rd–27th, we'll join some of the industry’s most accomplished creators and campaign experts to share behind-the-scenes insights into successful Kickstarter campaigns, explore where comics crowdfunding is headed next, and help aspiring creators take the first steps toward launching projects of their own.

Headlining the weekend is The Future of Kickstarter Comics panel, which brings together an extraordinary lineup of creators whose work has defined the comics medium. From Eisner Award winners to bestselling creators whose books have sold millions of copies worldwide, these trailblazing storytellers will discuss their latest projects, the evolution of comics crowdfunding, and the creative opportunities that keep bringing them back to Kickstarter.

Whether you're a lifelong comics fan, an experienced creator, or preparing to launch your very first campaign, our SDCC programming offers practical advice, candid conversations, and inspiration from some of comics' most respected voices.

The Future of Kickstarter Comics

Saturday, July 255:30–6:30 PM, Room 26AB

This panel will bring together some of the medium’s most innovative and beloved storytellers for a conversation celebrating the projects they’ve brought to Kickstarter. Spanning generations of comics creators, this extraordinary lineup has shaped the industry through iconic series and groundbreaking storytelling that continues to inspire readers around the world. 

You'll hear firsthand how these creators are approaching their latest projects, what keeps drawing them back to crowdfunding, and why Kickstarter remains a place to connect directly with the fans who champion their work.

Hosted by Chris Hacker of the Oblivion Bar Podcast, the panel features:

• Natalie Andrewson (Dreaming in Color)
• Sean Edgar, Kickstarter Director of Comics & Collectibles
• Rob Guillory (Chew, Ghost Brawler)
• John Layman (Chew, Ghost Brawler)
• Eric Powell (Hillbilly, The Goon)
• Jeff Smith (Bone, Tuki)

Together, they'll discuss the creative decisions behind their latest projects, what keeps them returning to crowdfunding, and how Kickstarter has evolved alongside the comics industry.

Expect conversations about the stories behind the projects, the creative journeys that shaped these iconic careers, and the new comics these creators are bringing to Kickstarter.

The Dos and Don'ts to Kickstart Your First Comic

Sunday, July 262:00–3:00 PM Room 28DE

Every successful Kickstarter campaign starts with a first project.

If you've ever wondered how to turn an idea into a fully funded comic, The Dos and Don'ts to Kickstart Your First Comic is designed for you. Rather than focusing on theory, this panel dives into the real-world lessons creators and campaign experts have learned through years of launching successful projects.

Moderated by Barbara Dillon of Fanbase Press, the discussion features:

• Sean Edgar, Kickstarter
• Shannon Bailey (Todd McFarlane Productions)
• Ash Troub (BOOM! Studios, Penguin Random House)
• Kat Calamia (Lifeline Comics)
• Phil Falco (Lifeline Comics)

Panelists will share practical guidance on preparing for launch, building momentum before your campaign goes live, creating compelling reward tiers, communicating with backers, and avoiding common mistakes that can derail otherwise promising projects.

Whether you're still sketching your first pages or preparing to hit "Launch," you'll leave with a clearer understanding of what makes comic crowdfunding campaigns resonate with readers.

Celebrating a Thriving Comics Community

Kickstarter's comics category has become home to projects spanning every genre, style, and audience, from graphic novels and webcomic collections to deluxe editions from legendary creators and debut books from artists funding their first publication.

What unites them isn't a single artistic style or publishing model. It's a belief that creators should have the freedom to bring their work directly to the people who want to support it.

That philosophy continues to fuel one of the most vibrant communities on Kickstarter. Every campaign contributes to a larger ecosystem where creators learn from one another, readers discover new voices, and independent comics continue to thrive.

As the comics industry evolves, Kickstarter remains committed to supporting creators with the tools, resources, and community they need to build sustainable creative careers on their own terms.

Join Us at SDCC

Whether you're looking to hear from comics legends, gather practical crowdfunding advice, or simply connect with fellow creators, we'd love to see you at our panels during San Diego Comic-Con.

The Future of Kickstarter Comics

• Saturday, July 25
• 5:30–6:30 PM
• Room 26AB

The Dos and Don'ts to Kickstart Your First Comic

• Sunday, July 26
• 2:00–3:00 PM
• Room 28DE

Kickstarter is also proud to sponsor the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Comic-Con Welcome Party, benefiting an organization that protects the First Amendment rights of the comics community through legal advocacy, education, and support for creators, retailers, librarians, and readers.

We hope you'll join us for the conversations, celebrate the creators who continue to shape the medium, and connect with the comics community throughout the weekend. See you in San Diego!