SDCC 2026: JIM LEE, FRANK MILLER, SCOTT SNYDER AND MORE HEADLINE THIS YEAR'S MUST-SEE COMIC CREATORS

By Suprdupr Staff

With San Diego Comic-Con just weeks away, one thing is already clear: comic fans won’t be lacking for legendary creators to meet.

Comic-Con International has revealed its official Special Guests, while publishers, exhibitors and creators have begun confirming additional appearances, setting the stage for one of the strongest comic creator lineups in recent years.

The convention’s Special Guest roster includes industry icons such as Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Mark Waid, Kelly Sue DeConnick, Jeff Smith, Matt Fraction, Denys Cowan, Ryan Ottley, J. Michael Straczynski, Paul Levitz, Scott Williams, Shawn Martinbrough, Nicole Goux, Deniz Camp, Mike Royer, Maggie Thompson and many others. These creators are officially honored by Comic-Con International for their contributions to comics and pop culture and will participate in spotlight panels, signings and special events throughout the convention.

But the official Special Guest list is only part of the story.

Many of today’s hottest creators are attending San Diego Comic-Con through publisher booths, Artist Alley, retailer appearances and special events rather than as official Special Guests.

Among the creators fans should be watching are Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, the creative team behind DC’s critically acclaimed Absolute Batman, along with superstar artist Peach Momoko, whose unique style continues to make her one of the industry’s most sought-after cover artists.

Collector favorite Dan Quintana has also confirmed his SDCC appearance, including a signing at the Comic Art Summit and additional appearances expected during the show. Quintana’s rapidly growing fan base and limited convention appearances have made his books and signatures increasingly difficult to obtain.

Other creators expected to draw significant crowds include Clay Mann, known for his acclaimed work on Batman, Heroes in Crisis and Marvel, as well as Todd McFarlane, whose scheduled signings remain among the most coveted tickets of the convention.

The creator lineup extends well beyond these headliners. Fans can also expect appearances from writers, artists and editors representing DC Comics, Marvel, Image Comics, Skybound, Ghost Machine, DSTLRY, Dark Horse, BOOM! Studios, IDW Publishing, Oni Press and dozens of independent publishers. Full booth schedules and signing times are expected to roll out throughout July.

For collectors, San Diego Comic-Con remains the biggest event of the year. Exclusive variants, creator signings, CGC Signature Series opportunities and surprise announcements have a history of sending modern comics soaring in demand almost overnight.

Suprdupr Take

The Hollywood announcements may dominate the headlines, but Comic-Con still belongs to comics. Whether you’re chasing a Jim Lee autograph, hoping to meet Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta, picking up the latest Peach Momoko exclusive or tracking down Dan Quintana, planning ahead is the difference between leaving with memories—or leaving with grails.

Suprdupr will continue tracking creator announcements, signing schedules, CGC Signature Series opportunities and exclusive comic releases as they’re announced leading up to SDCC 2026.