Comic-Con International: San Diego, better known to the masses as SDCC, returns to the sprawling San Diego Convention Center from July 23-26, 2026, with preview night on July 22.
The fan-focused event’s continued evolution from comics to entertainment now leans heavily into toys, games, and licensing, putting an industry spin on what was once a purely consumer-centric event.
For those in or just interested in the business of play, this year’s epic event offers dozens of programming options featuring toy and game makers of every size. And that’s not to mention the strong industry presence on and off the show floor.
Below you’ll find a curated selection of toy-, game-, and licensing-centric programming, hand-picked by The Toy Book. For the full list of panels and additional programming options, visit comic-con.org.
Thursday, July 23
10-11 a.m. — Bringing DC Heroes to Life Through Collectibles — Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Grant Sandground (Upper Deck, vice president of product development), TJ Shevlin (Upper Deck, publishing content specialist), a Warner Bros. representative, and a DC writer explore how iconic characters become premium collectibles.
10-11 a.m. — Hasbro G.I. Joe Panel — Room 25ABC
Bmac, Mark, and Hasbro’s new G.I. Joe development team share product news, digital character renders, in-hand figure prototypes, preorder details, behind-the-scenes stories, and appearances from surprise guests.
11 a.m.-noon — Bringing Licensing to Tabletop Games in 2026 — Room 29AB
Deirdre Cross (WiT — Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment, board member), Justin Gary (Stone Blade Entertainment, CEO), Luke Peterschmidt (Asmodee, head of active category management), Erica Hayes-Bouyouris (Spin Master, lead designer), and Anais Morgan (Renegade Games, production development) discuss adapting brands including Cyberpunk 2077, The Lord of the Rings, and Marvel into tabletop games.
11 a.m.-noon — Star Trek: The Collector Frontier — Room 5AB
Creators from two fan-favorite toy companies preview upcoming Star Trek launches through a new video presentation and behind-the-scenes discussion. The session also includes attendee giveaways.
11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — WWE Mattel Reveals — Room 6A
Danhausen joins Rey Mysterio, Sam Roberts, the Mattel WWE Elite Squad, additional WWE Superstars, and surprise guests for action figure reveals and product news.
Noon-1 p.m. — Tales from the Toy Industry: Navigating the World of Licensed IP — Omni Grand Ballroom DE, fourth floor, Omni San Diego Hotel
Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com; The Toys That Built America) moderates a discussion with Jenn Cassidy (Super7, vice president of business development and licensing), Steve Forde (GoHero, founder; LBO Collective, co-founder), Josh Izzo (Lightstorm Entertainment, executive vice president of franchise development), Marc Mostman (Most Management, licensing, branding, and marketing executive), Bill Murphy (BigBadWorkshop, president), and Blaine Rodenbaugh (NECA, brand manager). The panel covers approaching licensors, selecting properties, meeting retailer expectations, and creating products that remain fresh and faithful to established brands.
1-2 p.m. — Kidults: The New Toy Economy — Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Richard Mayerick (producer, The Toys That Made Us), Garrett Sander (creator, Monster High and Gravestone Guardians), Dan Southworth (actor, Power Rangers and Devil May Cry), Jake “Oz” Krajeski (Alpha Omega Hobby, CEO; Build Paint Play, podcaster), Jennifer Wu (Ultra Pro, senior brand manager), and Scott Zillner (Toy Wizards) examine how adult collectors, nostalgia, and fandom are reshaping the toy business. Bex Francis (SacGeeks) moderates.
1-2 p.m. — Robert Kirkman Live! — Room 6BCF
Robert Kirkman shares updates, reveals, and behind-the-scenes stories from Invincible, Terminal, Void Rivals, Transformers, and Skybound and Hasbro’s expanding Energon Universe.
1-2 p.m. — Tabletop Roleplay Game Design in 2026 — Room 32AB
Expert tabletop role-playing game designers examine current trends and the balance among mechanics, world-building, and storytelling. The discussion also explores how creators attract experienced players while making new games accessible to beginners. A Q&A follows.
2-3 p.m. — Mondo Toy Talk — Room 7AB
Bryan Starr moderates a behind-the-scenes discussion with Hector Arce (senior director, creative and product development), Peter Santa Maria (aka AttackPeter; senior creative director), Alex Brewer (creative manager, sculpting), Jordan Christianson (product manager), and Nolan Fleming (creative director). The Mondo team previews upcoming collectibles, exclusives, and product drops and explores the design and production process behind them.
2:15-3:15 p.m. — LEGO NINJAGO Celebrates: 15 Years and Counting — Room 6BCF
Sam Vincent (Lloyd), Vincent Tong (Kai), Paul Dobson (Master Wu), Deven Mack (Arin), Sabrina Pitre (Sora), and Kazumi Evans (Wyldfyre) celebrate 15 years of LEGO NINJAGO with favorite moments and a live reading of an original canon scene. Kevin Burke and Chris “Doc” Wyatt (LEGO NINJAGO: Dragons Rising, head writers), Pamela Keller and Ryan Burns (LEGO Entertainment, executive producers), and Nigel Kong (The LEGO Group, NINJAGO head of product) also share updates on the brand’s future.
3-4 p.m. — Jada Toys: Taking Collecting to the Next Level — Room 9
Juhn Lim (vice president of product development) and Darryl Li (director of brand management) preview upcoming action figures and die-cast products inspired by Invincible, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Scooby-Doo, and other brands. Brian Sun (senior marketing manager) moderates.
5-6 p.m. — The Future of Collecting — Room 28DE
Shane Walsh (McFarlane Toys Digital), David Yu (VeVe Digital Collectibles), David Steinberger (Neonichiban.com), Brandon Boggus (TRU Media Group), Will Weinraub (Digitoys), James Roach (Muse Ink), and Ben Kendrick (vending.comicbook.com) discuss their projects and the expanding digital collectibles market.
6-7 p.m. — Flip-Or and the Champions of Nefarity Toy Panel — Room 28DE
Mad Hatter Reviews (Flip-Or creator; YouTube personality), Mega Jay Retro (project manager; YouTube personality), Mr. Home Arcade (video producer), and Ramen Toy (toy manufacturer) preview Flip-Or and the Champions of Nefarity Wave 2, including new figures and vehicles. Gilly Writes Comics (comic book creator and editor) and Danny Green (El Dragoon comic book and action figure creator) share publishing updates before a Q&A moderated by Mega Jay Retro.
Friday, July 24
10-11 a.m. — Collector’s Call with Lisa Whelchel and MeTV — Room 6DE
Lisa Whelchel, best known as Blair on The Facts of Life (1979-1988), joins Rob Klein (professional archivist), Jennifer Klein (screen-used costume historian), Matt Weinhold (toy collecting authority and comedian), and Neal Sabin (Weigel Broadcasting, vice chairman) to discuss the collectors featured on Collector’s Call. Ralph Garman (actor, podcaster, collector, and Collector’s Call guest) moderates.
11 a.m.-noon — JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes Upcoming Releases — Room 29AB
The JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes teams preview costumes, action figures, collectibles, and other products inspired by Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Simpsons, and additional brands.
11 a.m.-noon — Lucasfilm: High-End Star Wars Collectibles — Room 7AB
Brian Merten (Lucasfilm) presents new premium Star Wars collectibles and explores the craftsmanship behind products with an authentic connection to the franchise.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Marvel Legends Panel with Hasbro — Room 5AB
Hasbro and Marvel product experts share updates on the Marvel Legends action figure line, including first looks at previously unrevealed products. A Q&A follows.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. — Angry Birds and Palworld: Epic Games with Epic Toys! — Room 6BCF
Dina Al Rifai (The Loyal Subjects, toy designer), John Cohen (The Angry Birds Movie 3, producer), Heitor Pereira (The Angry Birds Movie 3, composer), Tom Akel (Rocketship Entertainment, founder), Thom Zahler (Angry Birds, artist), Evan Lee (EvanTube), and Ben Mattes (Rovio) reveal toys inspired by The Angry Birds Movie 3 and Palworld. The panel also includes updates on M.A.S.K. and The Hunger Games products, a message from Pocketpair, and a preview of another classic toy brand returning in 2027.
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Nerd Stuff and Sword Things: Storytelling in the Masters of the Universe Film World — Room 6A
Chris Butler (Masters of the Universe, screenwriter), Tim Sheridan (Wings of Fate, writer), Mackenzi Lee (Teela: Daughter of Eternos, author), Andy Rogers (Legends of Eternia, editor), and additional guests discuss new stories set in the film’s world. Nate Atwood (Masters of the Universe, producer) moderates.
Noon-1 p.m. — The Law of Collecting — Room 11
Jeff Trexler, Bob Wayne, and Dale Cendali (Comic Book Legal Defense Fund) join Mark Zaid and Brian Chase (attorneys and collectors) to examine intellectual property rights, art resale, public displays, collection theft, and other legal issues affecting collectors.
1-2 p.m. — McFarlane Toys: Unreleased, Unannounced, Unleashed — Room 6A
Todd McFarlane, the McFarlane Toys team, and surprise guests reveal products inspired by Fallout, God of War, Poppy Playtime, Marvel, Spawn, DC, and additional brands.
2-3 p.m. — Hasbro Star Wars Panel — Room 7AB
Members of Hasbro’s marketing and design teams present the latest Star Wars action figures from The Black Series, The Vintage Collection, and Retro Collection.
3-5 p.m. — Gaming Creator Connection — Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Game developers and aspiring industry professionals can meet individually with veteran mentors representing art, design, narrative, business, and other disciplines. Each participant receives approximately 10 minutes with a mentor and may rotate among professionals in a selected field to gather additional feedback.
5-6 p.m. — Hasbro Transformers Panel — Room 25ABC
Hasbro’s Transformers toy development team presents its latest character figures and offers a behind-the-scenes look at the development process. A tri
5:30-6:30 p.m. — The Toy That Changed Everything: How Captain Action Helped Launch Customization Culture — Room 26AB
Michael Polis (Atomic Toybox), Cody Fultz (ThreeZero), and Steve Forde (LBO) examine how Captain Action introduced interchangeable identities and cross-brand customization to the toy aisle. Ed Catto (Captain Action) moderates.
8-9 p.m. — Action Figure Horror Stories — Room 32AB
Matt Weinhold, Shawn Sheridan, Larry Strothe, and James Gonis (hosts of the Monster Party podcast) revisit collecting mishaps involving deteriorating materials, canceled lines, accessories, and the Star Wars Early Bird Certificate program. Dana Gould (comedian) moderates.
Saturday, July 25
10-11 a.m. — Terrible Toys and Problematic Playthings — Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Aaron McLane and Matt Corrigan (The Launchpad Podcast) join Blaine Rodenbaugh (NECA, brand manager) to revisit strange concepts, questionable designs, and poorly matched characters from toy industry history.
10:30 a.m.-noon — Game Pitch Review — Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Professional game developers offer feedback to creators seeking to bring original game concepts to market. Six participants will receive approximately five minutes to pitch a project before receiving constructive criticism on the concept and presentation. Seating and pitch slots are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with onsite registration beginning at 10 a.m. Participants should arrive with a practiced verbal pitch and any supporting visuals loaded on their own device.
10:30-11:30 a.m. — Toys That Made Us: Beloved Blunders — Room 6BCF
Brian Volk-Weiss (creator, The Toys That Made Us) examines memorable toy lines that missed the mark, including LJN’s Dune collection, Kenner’s Waterworld products, and Kenner’s Star Wars Power of the Force 2.
11 a.m.-noon — State of the Board Game Publisher in 2026 — Omni Grand Ballroom DE, fourth floor, Omni San Diego Hotel
Deirdre Cross (WiT — Women in Toys, Licensing & Entertainment, board member), Justin Gary (Stone Blade Entertainment, CEO), Matt Fantastic (Forever Stoked Creative, creative director), Heather O’Neill (9th Level Games, CEO), Erica Hayes-Bouyouris (Spin Master, lead designer), and Luke Peterschmidt (Asmodee, head of active category management) examine the tabletop marketplace, publishing trends, and the industry’s direction in 2026.
noon-1 p.m. — Indie Toy Makers Unite! — Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Jordan Q Hammer (ToyShiz) and Richard Mayerik moderate a discussion with Chris Scott (Grindhouse Toys), Jonathan Cathey (The Loyal Subjects), Mark Morse (Plastic Meatball), Doc Wyatt (Wandering Planet Toys), Mark Vuncannon (Gridiron Studios), Sarah Lynn Reynolds (toy designer), Quang Le (toy designer), Steve Looney (ToyNK, toy retailer), and Harry Moore (designer and artist). The panel covers crowdfunding, production, licensing, retail, and the development of original and licensed action figures.
12:30-1:30 p.m. — How Does a Choose Your Own Adventure Book Get Made? — Room 10
Shannon Gilligan (Chooseco CEO and publisher; longtime Choose Your Own Adventure writer), Kazim Ali (author, poet, and professor of literature, UC San Diego), Jendia Gammon (Choose Your Own Adventure author), and Norm Grock (Choose Your Own Adventure illustrator; graphic novelist) examine the creation of branching narratives and the process of bringing them to the page. Ernie Estrella (entertainment journalist with bylines at SYFY WIRE, Popverse, and more) moderates.
2-3 p.m. — Celebrating Dungeons & Dragons 2026 — Room 25ABC
Anjali Bhimani (Desi Quest, Critical Role), Luke Gygax (GaryCon, founder), Jim Zub (Dungeons & Dragons, author), Stacy King (Dungeons & Dragons, author), Todd Stashwick (Marvel, Star Trek; D&D Dungeon Master), and Kelly Lynne D’Angelo (The Legend of Vox Machina, D&D Dungeon Master) examine the role Dungeons & Dragons has played in tabletop gaming and popular culture.
4:30-5:30 p.m. — Nacelle’s Star Trek Action Figures — Room 10
Brian Volk-Weiss and the Nacelle Toys team share updates on Waves 1-4 of the company’s 1:10-scale Star Trek action figure line and its Build-a-Bridge playset.
5:30-6:30 p.m. — Collectible Figures and More News from Playmates Toys — Room 10
Jeff Trojan, Ray Geiman, Pat Linden, John Stelzner, Lydia Torres, and Aidan Rutten (Playmates Toys, marketing and design leaders) present figures, collectibles, exclusives, and first-look debuts from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Monsterverse, Dungeon Crawler Carl, and other brands.
6:30-7:30 p.m. — ActionFigureInsider: Action Figure Designers from Concept to Collectibles — Room 10
Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com; The Toys That Built America) moderates a discussion with Joe Allard (Design Devil, chief creative officer), Hector Arce (Mondo Toys and Collectibles, senior creative director), Jason Langston (JNL Toys LLC, founder), Blaine Rodenbaugh (NECA, brand manager), and Kyle Wlodyga (Mattel, senior designer). The panel traces action figure development from sketches and digital sculpts through tooling, paint, packaging, licensing approvals, and production.
7:30-8:30 p.m. — Indie Action Figures: Behind the Scenes — Room 10
Esteban Cifuentes (creator of FIST and toy designer), Wade Merrick (Unparalleled Universe and creator of Odious), David Vonner (toy design legend), and Jason Bienvenu (Spero Toys, art director) discuss building original action figure brands and overcoming development and production challenges.
8:30-9:30 p.m. — Breathe Life Into Your Toys: The Art of Stop-Motion Animation — Room 26AB
Raymond Montemayor (PixelPlex, founder; Star Wars Toy Stories, stop-motion animator), Jax Navarro (Plastic Action, owner and founder), Jacob McCann (mccannimation, stop-motion animator), Lance Anderson (Nova Toymation, stop-motion animator), and D.M. Galloway (DGDX Animation, stop-motion animator; Field of Stars Entertainment, founder) break down the equipment and techniques used to bring toys to life. Jamie Costa (Half-In Productions, actor, writer, and producer) moderates.
Sunday, July 26
11 a.m.-noon — Want to Be a Toy Designer? — Room 3
John Muniz (Netflix, creative production manager), Karl Altstaetter (comic book artist, director, and former PhatMojo creative leader), Dennis Canon (PhatMojo, packaging director; formerly Moose Toys), and Cesar Mora (Mattel, product development) discuss toy industry careers, educational paths, sought-after skills, and the process that takes products from concept to retail.
Noon-1:30 p.m. — Ball-Jointed Dolls 101: Creating, Customizing, and Collecting — Room 29CD
Doll creators, owners, and enthusiasts introduce the world of ball-jointed resin dolls, including products from Volks, Fairyland, Luts, Iplehouse, Bergemann Dolls, and other companies. The panel covers customization, maintenance, photography, and collecting.
12:30-1:30 p.m. — Artist Brand Collaborations: The Other Side of Merchandise Licensing — Room 6DE
Kristen Carr (Inspired By Chaos, executive director of media and events) moderates a discussion with Derrick Baca (The Whatever Company, chief merchandising officer), Liz DeSilva (The Whatever Company, chief creative officer), Ben Butcher (Kaleidos Creative, CEO and founder), and guest artists. The panel explores how original artwork becomes collectible figures, plush, apparel, and accessories.
1-2:30 p.m. — Tabletop Game Design Pitch Panel — Marina D, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina
Designers present projects ranging from early concepts to polished games and receive feedback from Tony Serebriany (USAopoly, vice president, inventor relations), Matt Fantastic (Forever Stoked Creative, creative director), Candice Harris (Kickin’ It Creative, game designer), and Ross Thompson. Each designer receives approximately 5-10 minutes to present a concept and receive guidance on the game and pitch.
1:45-2:45 p.m. — Transformers: The Good, the Bad, the Funny — Room 6DE
Zeno Robinson (Beyblade X), Isaac Singleton (Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), Bennie Latham (Transformers: EarthSpark), John Bailey (Bumblebee and Honest Trailers), Eric Bauza (Coyote vs. Acme), and additional guests discuss performing characters from across Transformers animation, film, and gaming.
3-4 p.m. — Mythic Worldbuilding: A Celebration of Four Horsemen Studios — Room 6DE
Eric Treadaway (creative director), Jeremy Girard (marketing director), George Gaspar (studio director), and Roger Lay Jr. (producer) preview upcoming Mythic Legions, Cosmic Legions, and Figura Obscura figures and accessories. The Four Horsemen Studios team will also reveal the return of characters from a cult-favorite animated series from the 1990s.
The Toy Book‘s fan-centric sister publication, The Pop Insider, is dropping a new issue at SDCC, with copies available in print from our friends at Animation Magazine, Booth No. 1530. Be sure to pick up your copy, while supplies last!
