There’s nothing quite like San Diego Comic-Con, but this year was extra special.
For several days, I moved from panels to interviews, from unexpected meetings to conversations at our booth. Everywhere I turned, someone wanted to talk about a story, a character, a comic, or a new idea. That shared excitement stayed with me long after the convention ended.
I was on three panels and each one had a great topic.
The first explored how creators adapt novels and short stories into other formats, including comic books and animation. Adaptation always fascinated me because the story must work in a new medium, yet still retain the heart of what made it meaningful in the first place. Also, I loved learning a new style of storytelling. Having Mythical Hunters comic book series and Hollow Healer animated short film under my belt gave me a great insight into how this type of adaptation works and what challenges to look out for while still keeping the process fun.
Another panel examined the current state of horror and where the genre may go next. It was also the panel where I made the announcement of collaborating with Panick Entertainment Company on The Bloody Berserk Angel comic book series that falls in the category of dark fantasy and horror alongside action adventure. It was great to look at how society’s fear shapes the genre. Listening to the different perspectives on the panel made me think about why audiences return to frightening stories and what those stories reveal about us.
The third panel focused on world building in fantasy. This subject was especially personal to me. I’ve spent years creating the Seven Galaxies Chronicles, developing its worlds, cultures, histories, characters, and conflicts. I knew first hand how vital rich and vivid world building is to a reader that also doesn’t overwhelm them with unnecessary details.
Conversations often continued after the panels. I met authors, illustrators, content creators, and other creatives throughout the convention. We discussed projects, exchanged ideas, and spoke about the work behind the finished pages.
Our booth brought its own steady stream of wonderful moments. Some people spotted the purple design from across the aisle and walked straight toward us. Others stopped to look at the merchandise, study the book covers, or ask about the characters. I loved hearing what first caught their attention because every answer opened a different discourse. I especially enjoyed meeting young readers whose excitement for the fantasy stories matched mine. I loved their questions about the characters or the world. I could see their curiosity growing as we talked.
Those moments mean more to me than I can explain.
I have lived with these stories and characters for years. I know their histories, their struggles, their fears, and their choices they will make. Watching someone discover them for the first time reminds me of the moment when an idea first began to take shape, and I realized I had found a universe I wanted to explore.
This year also had a number of unexpected encounters. I had the good fortune to meet actor John Cusack. John and I also talked about his new comic book, Momo. I loved learning more about his new project. We got to share our love for comics, characters and telling stories.
I never take conversations like that for granted. I love meeting with people who create in different mediums and hearing what draws them to a project. Even when our paths through the industry differ, the excitement behind the work often feels familiar.
I also met a certain actor from a certain TV series who was at the con incognito. I won’t go into the details but it was a phenomenal meeting. Especially, that I just binge watched said TV show only a few days before the event. Comic-con can surprise you at any moment, and this was certainly one of those moments I will remember for a long time.
Throughout the weekend, I gave interviews and talked about my work, my path as an author, and the continued growth of the Seven Galaxies Chronicles. I never tire of discussing what excites me about these stories. Every interview gave me another chance to remember how the universe began, how much it has expanded, and how much more waits ahead.
When I first started writing these books, back in 2013, I couldn’t see every step that would follow. I couldn’t have imagined the journey that awaited. Talking about my experiences made me pause and appreciate it.
The most personal moments, however, came from returning readers and fans. They remembered earlier books and earlier booths. Some took a moment to look around before telling me how proud they felt when they saw our progress. Those words stopped me.
When I work every day, I tend to focus on what comes next: the next deadline, the next revision, the next project. My returning readers reminded me to look at what we have already accomplished. They had seen the journey from the outside. They remembered where we started. They noticed the changes that I sometimes missed because I stood too close to the daily work. Hearing that they felt proud of us touched me deeply.
They have supported these stories, followed the characters, visited our booths, and returned year after year. They have become part of this journey, and I am grateful that they continue to grow with us.
SDCC 2026 gave me everything I love about cons: thoughtful conversations, creative talk, new readers, loyal fans, serendipitous meetings, and the chance to share stories with people who love them as much as I do.
By the end of the convention, I felt tired, of course. Comic-con is not for the faint of heart. But beneath the exhaustion I felt renewed.
I came home grateful for every conversation, every question, every reader who stopped at our booth, and every person who shared part of their creative journey with me. Most of all, I came home inspired and ready to begin building what comes next.