Issue 329: San Diego Comic Con

San Diego Comic Con Schedule | Cult-de-Sac: The Cold Open | Heroes For Kids | Alone Against… The Deathlords of Daemonrot | New Books | Events

I had a different newsletter ready to go. It discussed, in part, all the changes I’m currently addressing in my life. However, I decided to hold off on that for a little bit. That’s because it’s San Diego Comic Con week! Where the Hell did the time go? Cindy and I are hopping on a plane tomorrow and heading to California! It’s going to be a very busy, very hectic week for me, but it’ll be a good time, too!

So, this issue, I am focusing on my SDCC schedule and a few assorted bits of news. You’ll also be able to find it on my website.

I hope to see you in San Diego!

Here is my official SDCC Schedule…

The Ignition Pavilion is located at the San Diego Wine & Culinary Center (200 Harbor Drive, #120, San Diego, CA 92101), pretty much across the street from the convention center.

Weds., July 22

5:00 - 7:00pm - Ignition Pavilion Preview night & signing at the Ignition Pavilion

Thurs., July 23

10:00 - 11:00 am - Creature Craft Panel, Room 29AB

From nightmare fuel to fan-favorite creatures, this panel explores how unforgettable monsters are born and how creators blend visual design, personality, and worldbuilding to create creatures that stick with readers long after the story ends.

12 - 5:30 - Signing at the Ignition Pavilion

Fri., July 24

12:00 – 1:00pm – Doing Comics Differently Panel, Room 23ABC

Ignition Press co-founders Filip Sablik (Publisher), Jamie S. Rich (Editor-in-Chief), and Jeremy Haun (Creative Director), along with an all-star panel of comic creators—Cullen Bunn (Ripcord), Olivia Dufault (Prima Apparata), Rob Guillory (Innards), Tini Howard (Sicko), and John J. Pearson (The Patron)—reflect on their inaugural year and unlock announcements for their next phase of publishing. Every attendee will receive a secret, exclusive free giveaway.

1:30 - 4:00 signing at the Ignition Press Pavilion

Sat., July 25

12:00 – 3:00pm – Signing at the Ignition Pavilion

4:00 - 5:00 - DNA of Fear: How New England Shaped Modern Horror, Room 9

This panel explores the rich history of the region that inspired iconic horror authors like H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King. It features industry professionals and bestselling authors discussing how the eerie atmosphere of the Northeast continues to influence modern scary stories.

5:30 - 6:30 - DNA of Fear Signing, Sails Pavillion, AA-02

Sun., July 26

12:00 - 5:00 - Signing at the Ignition Pavilion

Remember! During SDCC, Ignition Press will have Cold Open issues of Cult-de-Sac available!

Cult-de-Sac: The Cold Open features an original prequel story as well as a preview of issue #1, this book will be available with two different covers: a standard cover by Ossio and colorist Ulises Arreola (Absolute Superman) for $4.99 and a variant cover, limited to just 500 copies, with art by Ebrahel Lurci (Murder Podcast), for $9.99. I will be signing copies of this exclusive at the Ignition Pavilion.

Ignition Press’s Cold Open issues act as a standalone entry point for longtime comic fans and new readers alike, featuring an original, self-contained story that introduces the reader to the world, as well as behind-the-scenes material, special sneak peeks, and information on how to get the entire series through traditional retail channels.

Over the weekend, JimmyZ and I traveled to Perryville, Missouri, for the Heroes for Kids convention. The convention is a joint charity venture from Villainous Grounds and Heroes For Kids. They support local and regional organizations in need. The folks who run the event are super cool, and I had a great time in Perryville. We stayed in a rambling old Air BNB that was built in 1858. I know there were ghosts to be found in that building, but I never spotted one.

Alone Against… the Deathlords of Daemonrot is a meatgrinder dark fantasy solo adventure in the tradition of the Lone Wolf and Fighting Fantasy books. The Kickstarter campaign for the project is now live!

This game involves decision-making, dice rolling, collecting treasure, avoiding curses, and battling monsters in a quest to survive a deadly, terrifying dungeon!

One of the things I’m most excited about is the pledge levels. Even this basic element of the Kickstarter backing system is a CHOICE that you’re making. When you pledge your support, you’ll be voting on the next chapter in the series. Will you be delving into the Lich Warrens? Exploring the Silent Crypt? Braving the Troll Hive? You decide and that’s where we’re heading next!

The adventure itself is dark, vicious, and full of horrors. You’ll love it.

Back the Campaign

Here’s a quick rundown of upcoming convention appearances, signings, and other events. Keep in mind, all appearances are subject to changes and cancellations.

July 22 - 26, 2026 - San Diego Comicon, San Diego CA

August 26, 2026 - Store Signing, Bonesy Jonesy, Jonesboro AR

September 11 - 13 - Rose City Comic Con, Portland OR

September 24 - 26, 2026 - FanX Salt Lake City, Salt Lake City UT.

October 7, 2026 - Store Signing TBA

October 10 - 11, 2026 - Nightmare Weekend, Raleigh, NC

October 23 - 25, 2026 - GalaxyCon St. Louis, St. Louis MO

LINKTREE - Links! Links! Links! This will get you everywhere worth visiting!

PATREON - Here, I post a serialized novel, a serialized comic book, short stories, and other cool materials.

THE CULLEN BUNN DISCORD SERVER - A place for fans to hang out and talk about comics, books, movies, games, collecting, and whatever else strikes their fancy.

MY AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE - Listen. You should always shop at your local comic and bookstore first, but if they don’t carry the books you want, you might be able to get them here. And, if nothing else, leave some reviews of the books you love!