A copy of the AWA Studios graphic novel Beast Mode by Marshawn Lynch, shown both as a closed front cover and open to an interior page featuring comic panels.
AWA Studios Brings BEAST MODE 510, Ultimate Oz, and More to New York Comic Con 2026
16 minutes agoComic Books, Conventions, Latest News, Nerd News
Comic book fans heading to New York Comic Con 2026 are going to have plenty to check out at the AWA Studios booth! AWA Studios is bringing two exciting panels, creator signings, exclusive merchandise, giveaways, and, of course, some major star power to the Javits Center from October 8-11.
The publisher is putting the spotlight on two very different—and equally exciting—corners of its comics universe: the magical world of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE and NFL legend Marshawn Lynch’s explosive new graphic novel, BEAST MODE 510.
And yes, there will be prizes!
Follow the Yellow Brick Road at the Ultimate OZ Game Show
Things kick off Thursday, October 8, with “Beyond the Emerald City: An Interactive Ultimate OZ Game Show.” The panel takes place at 6:45 p.m. in Javits Center Room 1C03 and promises to be a must-attend event for fans of Oz, comics, and a little friendly competition.
OZ historian Tori Calamito, along with EmKay Shrader and Tara Tagliaferro of the “Down the Yellow Brick Pod” podcast, will host an interactive trided mythology of Oz
Using the iconic map of Oz as the foundation for the adventure, fans will travel across the legendary lands of Oz, tackle tri for prizes
The panel will also explore how ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE expands upon L. Frank Baum’s beloved mythology with new characters, deeper lore, and surprising connections throughout the world of Oz.
So, whether you’re an Oz superfan or simply ready to see what lies beyond the Emerald City, this is one yellow brick road you won’t want to miss.
Marshawn Lynch Unleashes BEAST MODE 510
Then, on Friday, October 9, AWA is turning up the intensity with Marshawn Lynch.
The NFL legend and Super Bowl XLVIII champion will join NAACP Image Award-nominated writer Sheldon Allen, Eisner Hall of Fame artist Denys Cowan, and AWA Chief Creative Officer and former Marvel Editor-in-Chief Axel Alonso for “Marshawn Lynch, Legendary Comic Creators, and AWA Unleash BEAST MODE 510 Graphic Novel.”
The panel kicks off at 5:45 p.m. in Javits Center North Room 408.
Fans will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the creation of BEAST MODE 510, Lynch’s debut graphic novel inspired by his Oakland roots, family, larger-than-life personality, and unmistakable Beast Mode mentality.
The genre-bending graphic novel combines action, comedy, and social satire to transform Lynch’s legendary persona into an all-new street-level superhero—a neighborhood fixer who is about to find himself in some seriously wild adventures.
And there’s an extra incentive to get there early: a few lucky attendees will receive signed copies of BEAST MODE 510!
Meet the Creators at the AWA Booth
The excitement doesn’t stop when the panels end. Fans can head over to AWA Studios Booth #4357 throughout New York Comic Con to shop exclusive comics, prints, merchandise, and more while meeting some of the talented creators behind AWA’s biggest titles.
There will also be a pretty awesome daily surprise for fans.
The first 25 fans who visit the AWA booth each day between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m. will receive a free blind bag packed with AWA goodies, including trades, one-shots, stickers, bookmarks, and other surprises.
And some lucky fans could score something even more special, including signed bookplates from Ronda Rousey for EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED, signed bookplates from Charlamagne The God for ILLuminati, or signed comics from Mark Russell and other creators.
AWA New York Comic Con 2026 Signing Schedule
- 1:00-2:00 p.m. — ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE creative team Larry King, Fred Van Lente, and Patricia Martín signing. Purchase of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: Volume 1 or Volume 2 required.
- 3:00-4:00 p.m. — ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE creative team and Oz historians meet-and-greet.
- 4:00-5:00 p.m. — ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE creative team signing. Purchase of ULTIMATE OZ UNIVERSE: Volume 1 or Volume 2 required.
- 1:30-3:00 p.m. — Marshawn Lynch and BEAST MODE 510 creative team Sheldon Allen and Denys Cowan signing. Purchase of BEAST MODE 510 graphic novel required.
- 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. — YEAR ZERO creative team Benjamin Percy and Frank Cho signing, plus a NYCC-exclusive print giveaway. No purchase necessary!
Get BEAST MODE 510 at NYCC
The wait is officially over! BEAST MODE 510 officially releases on Tuesday, October 6, giving fans the chance to grab a copy at the AWA booth throughout New York Comic Con.
With Marshawn Lynch, legendary comic creators, the expanding Ultimate Oz Universe, exclusive giveaways, creator signings, and plenty of surprises, AWA Studios is bringing some serious comic book energy to New York Comic Con 2026.
New York Comic Con 2026 takes place October 8-11 at the Javits Center in New York City. If you’re heading to NYCC, make sure AWA Studios Booth #4357 is on your list!
