Storm King Comics, the award-winning graphic novel publisher founded by film producer Sandy King, will headline Midsummer Scream this year, bringing with them the one and only horror maestro John Carpenter – we've got the exclusive details for you today.
The world's largest Halloween and horror convention returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15-17, this year celebrating a Horror Comic Books theme, with Carpenter in attendance on Saturday, August 16 only, signing autographs for fans.
Each autograph fee will include a copy of John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s THE AMUSEMENT PARK, an all-new graphic novel based on the unique film, from Storm King Comics and the George A. Romero Foundation.
The Halloween and They Live icon will by Sandy King, founder and editor of Storm King Comics. King, a renowned producer with credits including Vampires, In the Mouth of Madness, Village of the Damned, They Live, Body Bags, Ghosts of Mars and the TV limited series Suburban Screams, heads the publishing company, which brings together top-tier talent from film, novels, and comics.
David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream, expresses his excitement:
“We’re thrilled to welcome horror legend John Carpenter, Sandy King and Storm King Comics to Midsummer Scream for the first time […] Their presence, especially with this year’s theme focused on horror comic books, is a dream pairing. John Carpenter’s appearance in support of Storm King Comics as it launches its latest graphic novel makes this an unforgettable addition to our celebration of horror in all its many forms.”
Storm King Comics will bring additional artists and creators to their show floor booth throughout Midsummer Scream. The 2025 special guest lineup also features The Last Drive In‘s Joe Bob Briggs and Darcy the Mail Girl, Art the Clown himself David Howard Thornton, drag legend and filmmaker Peaches Christ, horror host Ivotres Littles, The Rocky Horror Picture Show‘s Barry Bostwick and many, many more talents that make our genre so special.
The theme “Horror Comic Books” will be seen throughout the event’s programming, partnerships, and key art. Inspired by vintage horror comic book covers by Bernie Wrightson, this year’s official poster (seen below) is designed by D.W. Frydendal (White Wolf Games’ The World of Darkness series, The Haunted Mansion (comic) from Slave Labor Graphics, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Evil, and Creepy from Dark Horse Comics).
Passes for Midsummer Scream are now on sale at midsummerscream.com.
