Image Comics returned to San Diego Comic-Con 2026, celebrating everything that has made the publisher one of the most influential forces in modern comics: creator-owned storytelling, bold new ideas, and some of the industry’s most exciting voices.
With a full schedule of panels, creator appearances, exclusive releases, and previews, Image showcased a lineup that highlighted both established franchises and the next generation of comic creators.
New Worlds and New Voices Take Center Stage
Image Comics has always been a home for creators looking to build original universes, and that tradition was a major focus at Comic-Con.
The publisher spotlighted upcoming projects including:
- Hammerfist
- Crowbound
- The Karman Blade
- The Last Driver
- Chainkata
- D’Orc
- White Sky
- Red Roots
- If Destruction Be Our Lot
- M1: Monster Racing League
- Odin
- Youngblood #100
- Tigress Island
Several of these projects received special Comic-Con ashcans or convention editions, giving fans their first looks at some of Image’s newest creations.
Robert Kirkman Brings the Skybound Universe to SDCC
One of the biggest highlights of Image’s Comic-Con programming was Robert Kirkman Live!
The legendary creator discussed the expanding worlds behind:
- Invincible
- Void Rivals
- Transformers
- The Energon Universe
- Terminal
The panel promised behind-the-scenes stories, exclusive reveals, and a look at what is next for Kirkman’s growing collection of creator-driven properties.
The Energon Universe Continues to Grow
The Energon Universe remained one of Image and Skybound’s biggest success stories.
The Comic-Con panel “Transformers and G.I. Joe: The Energon Universe is Unstoppable” featured Robert Kirkman, Joshua Williamson, Conor Hughes, and Skybound publisher Sean Mackiewicz discussing the future of the shared universe featuring:
- Transformers
- G.I. Joe
- Void Rivals
- M.A.S.K.
Fans received updates on the next phase of this ambitious interconnected universe.
The Massive-Verse Expands
Fans of the Massive-Verse also received attention at SDCC.
The panel “Kyle Higgins, Radiant Black – The Massiveverse & More” featured Kyle Higgins, Ryan Parrott, and other creators discussing the future of the superhero universe that began with Radiant Black.
The Massive-Verse has become one of Image’s most successful modern superhero lines, introducing new heroes while embracing the excitement of classic superhero storytelling.
Daniel Warren Johnson and Image’s Artistic Vision
Image celebrated some of the industry’s most distinctive artists during the “Artists Unleashed” panel.
Featured creators included:
- Daniel Warren Johnson (Chainkata, Do a Powerbomb!)
- Skottie Young (I Hate Fairyland, Twig)
- Ian Bertram (The Karman Blade)
- Caspar Wijngaard (The Power Fantasy, Home Sick Pilots)
- Sanford Greene (Bitter Root)
- Sean Gordon Murphy (The Last Driver)
The panel focused on creative process, influences, and the craft behind some of Image’s most visually exciting books.
The Return of Major Fan Favorites
Image also highlighted several returning favorites and milestone projects.
Among the biggest fan-driven moments:
Spawn Universe
Todd McFarlane continued to celebrate the ongoing expansion of the Spawn mythology, with fans getting the chance to meet the legendary creator at the Image booth.
Youngblood #100
Rob Liefeld’s groundbreaking superhero team celebrated a major milestone with a special SDCC edition.
Savage Dragon
Erik Larsen’s long-running series continued its historic run, reminding fans of Image’s decades-long commitment to creator-owned comics.
Image Comics: The Future of Comics
One of Image’s major Comic-Con themes was the future of storytelling.
The panel “Image Comics: The Future of Comics” featured creators including:
- Doug Wagner
- Michael Walsh
- Tyler Boss
- Curt Pires
- Jonathan Ball
The discussion focused on creating memorable characters, building new worlds, and finding new ways to connect with readers.
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