Underlined and Random House Kids will be at San Diego Comic-Con this year! Join us at our booth for an author signing, ARC giveaways, and more. Explore our Comic-Con events below.
Special events, signings, and giveaways
Join us at our booth – Penguin Random House Booth 1514/1515 – for a book signing or giveaway.
Signings
Suyi, Davies, Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line | Thursday, 6 PM | PRH Booth – Signing Table #2
Judd Winnick, Hilo Series Books | Friday, 4:30 PM | PRH Booth – Signing Table #2
Gina Chen, Violet Made of Thorns | Saturday, 6 PM | PRH Booth – Signing Table #2
Namina Forna, The Merciless Ones/The Gilded Ones | Saturday, 4:30 PM | PRH Booth – Signing Table #2
Omar Epps, Nubia | Sunday, 12:45 – 1:45 PM | Autograph Area AA03
Giveaways
Friends Like These ARC
Thursday, 12:30 PM
PRH Booth
Sweet Valley Twins: Best Friends ARC
Friday, 11:30 AM
PRH Booth
Nothing More to Tell ARC
Saturday, 11:30 AM
PRH Booth
Middle Grade ARC Drop, featuring Futureland, Sir Callie, and Area 51
Sunday, 11:00 AM
PRH Booth – Signing Area Table #1
Well, That Was Unexpected
Sunday, 1:30 PM
PRH Booth
Panels
Graphic Novels Aren’t Just Pretty Pictures
Thursday, 7/21, 12-1pm | Room 23ABC
A picture might be worth a thousand words, but the words are important too! Learn what it takes to write a compelling graphic novel from writers Judd Winick (Hilo), Jennifer L. Holm (Babymouse), Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities), and Lucas Turnbloom (Steve L. McEvil). Moderated by Marcie Colleen, Senior Editor/Writer for Epic Originals.
Post-panel signing from 1:30-2:30 in AA06.
Writing Your Favorite IP Characters
Thursday, 7/21, 12-1pm | Room 9
Livia Blackburne (Disney’s Feather and Flame), Alexandra Monir (Black Canary: Breaking Silence), Emma Theriault (Disney’s Rebel Rose) and Kiersten White (Padawan; Slayer) discuss writing iconic characters and share their tips on breaking into writing major studio IP.
Post-panel signing from 1:30 – 2:30 in Room 7.
The Challenge of Challenges
Thursday, 7/21, 12-1pm | Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, Grand 12 & 13
How do authors craft meaningful challenges for their protagonists to overcome? What is involved in the balance between a compelling struggle, and either overwhelming the characters, or risking a dissatisfying over-powered resolution? Join Adalyn Grace (Belladonna), Gina Chen (Violet Made of Thorns), Axie Oh (The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea), and Xiran Jay Zhao (Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor), as they rise to the challenge with moderator Maryelizabeth Yturralde.
Post-panel signing from 2-3 in AA04.
Writing in Someone Else’s Universe
Friday, 7/22, 10-11am | Room 7AB
Join authors Adam Christopher (Star Wars: Shadow of the Sith), Suyi Davies (Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line), Alexandra Monir (Black Canary: Breaking Silence), Beth Revis (Star Wars: The Princess and the Scoundrel) and Douglas Wolk (All of the Marvels) as they discuss the process of writing for and about famous pop culture brands, from Star Wars and Stranger Things to the universes of Marvel and DC. Moderated by Elizabeth Schaefer (editorial director, Random House Worlds).
Digging Deep: Exploring Complex Issues When Creating a Graphic Novel
Friday, 7/22, 10-11am | Room 25ABC
Graphic novels are the perfect medium to examine heavy topics from social issues to substance abuse to war. Join an award-winning panel to discuss how they weave in these plot points to create best-selling gn’s for readers of all ages. Panelists include Jennifer & Matthew Holm(Sunny Side Up), Dan Santat (The Aquanaut), Jarrett Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo), Christina Soontornvat (The Tryout) and moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio podcast).
Entertainment, Engagement, and Empathy
Friday, 7/22, 11am-12pm | San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd; Helen Price Reading Room
Librarians often remark that there is a book for every reader, and that adage is finally holding true for comics and graphic novels too! Comics creators share how their approach to comics not only offers readers entertainment, but also opportunities to engage more deeply with difficult topics and build empathy for others. The stellar line-up includes Hope Larson and Rebecca Mock (Salt Magic), Special Guest Sophie Yanow (The Contradictions), Jerry Craft (Class Act), Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities), Gabriela Epstein (Invisible), and moderator Matthew Noe (Past-President for ALA’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table).
On Beyond Hero! Who’s Behind the Mask? Exploring Identity Through Graphic Novels and Story
Friday, 7/22, 3-4pm | San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd; Helen Price Reading Room
Are you more of a Batman or a Superman? Is your inner hero inherently who you are or a disguise you wear? In a world where identity has taken on a new life and is at the forefront of discussions across social groups, finding one’s identity has become even more convoluted. Educators and creators discuss the different ways graphic novels and comics can be used to help readers of all ages explore their identity and think about the person behind their own mask. Mask up with Jamar Nicholas (Leon), Diane deGroat (The Adventures of Robo-Kid), Lucas Turnbloom(Steve L. McEvil), Nichole Santangelo (Rancho Minerva Middle School STE(A)M teacher), Andrew Hudson (Rancho Minerva Middle School), and Lisa Harrison (Rancho Minerva Middle School).
Stranger Things Books
Friday, 7/22, 3:30-4:30pm | Room 29CD
Enter the upside down and join authors Adam Christopher (Stranger Things: Darkness on the Edge of Town), Suyi Davies (Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line), Jody Houser (Stranger Things: Science Camp), and audiobook narrator Reginald James (Stranger Things: Lucas on the Line) as they discuss their official Stranger Things books and graphic novels based on the hit series. Moderated Elizabeth Schaefer (editorial director, Random House Worlds).
Illustrator Round Table
Saturday, 7/23, 10-11am | Room 25ABC
Whether they are drawing comics for kids, manga for teens, or webcomics for adults, these illustrators are as varied as the audiences they entertain. Join Camilla d’Errico (Pop Manga Dragons and Other Magically Mythical Creatures), Rachel Ignotofsky (The History of the Computer), Randall Munroe (What If?, How To), Lucas Turnbloom (Steve L. McEvil), and Judd Winick (Hilo series) as they discuss illustrating for a wide variety of mediums and readers. Moderated by Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Southern CA Independent Bookseller).
Post-panel signing from 11:30-12:30 in AA07.
Families of Blood and Magic
Saturday, 7/23, 10-11am | Room 7AB
The saying goes that blood is thicker than water, but what happens when magic gets thrown into the mix, or when galaxy-spanning friendships form? Susan Dennard (The Luminaries), Aiden Thomas (Cemetery Boys), Lizz Huerta (The Lost Dreamer),and Namina Forna (The Gilded Ones), join moderator Anne Heltzel (Just Like Mother) for a discussion of both found and biological families—and all the positives, negatives, and complexities that come with the territory.
Post-panel signing from 11:30-12:30 in AA09.
Supervillains, Zombies, and Gargoyles, Oh My!: A Paranormal Smackdown for Kids
Saturday, 7/23, 12:30-1:30pm | Room 10
Join children’s authors Kiersten White (Wretched Waterpark), Lucas Turnbloom (Steve L. McEvil), and Max Brallier (TheLast Kids on Earth) as they each defend a different supernatural entity in the ultimate paranormal smackdown. Which one will win? Come cast your votes and find out! Moderated by bookseller and comics artist, Rebecca Ann.
Post-panel signing from 2-3 in AA07.
(Re)Making Myths in YA and Middle-Grade Fiction
Saturday, 7/23, 1-2pm | 29AB
Whether myth, legend, or fairy tale, these authors are all reinventing old tropes, challenging traditional archetypes through more diverse and inclusive representation. Join Gina Chen (Violet Made of Thorns), Namina Forna (The Merciless Ones), Naz Kutup (The Loophole), and Xiran Jay Zhao (Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor) as we celebrate a new generation of heroes. This panel will be moderated by Co-owner of Mysterious Galaxy, Dr. Jennifer Marchisotto.
Post-panel signing from 2:30-3:30 in AA07.
The Buzziest Books of 2022 From Penguin Random House
Saturday, 7/23, 7-8pm | Room: 9
The penguins are in the house and they have the perfect new book rec for you! Join Penguin Random House staff Brittanie Black (publicist, PRH Audio), Sarah Blumenstock (senior editor, Berkley), Lyana Salcedo (associate marketing manager, Penguin Young Readers), Anne Jaconette (marketing manager, Doubleday), Jordan Pace (publicist, Del Rey), and Sarah Reck (senior manager, brand marketing, Random House Children’s Books) as they preview the buzziest books of the year!
Kids Draw Superheroes
Sunday, 7/24, 11am-12pm | Room 11
Artists from graphic novels, comics, and animation will each work with individual kids to design an original superhero (or villain) in just 5 minutes, based on random superpowers chosen from a hat! It’s fast and furious, and as many kids as they can squeeze in will go home with an original piece of art! Featuring Lucas Turnbloom(Steve L. McEvil), Justin Thompson (Charles Schulz Studios), Dan Santat (The Aquanaut), Jarrett Krosoczka (Lunch Lady), Matt Holm (Babymouse), and Marty Davis (Disney Animation).
Kids Draw Superheroes
Sunday, 7/24, 11am-12pm | Room 11
Artists from graphic novels, comics, and animation will each work with individual kids to design an original superhero (or villain) in just 5 minutes, based on random superpowers chosen from a hat! It’s fast and furious, and as many kids as they can squeeze in will go home with an original piece of art! Featuring Lucas Turnbloom(Steve L. McEvil), Justin Thompson (Charles Schulz Studios), Dan Santat (The Aquanaut), Jarrett Krosoczka (Lunch Lady), Matt Holm (Babymouse), and Marty Davis (Disney Animation).
Post-panel signing from 12:45 – 1:45 in AA03.
Actor Omar Epps Shares First Look at New Afrofuturist Fantasy Series
Sunday, 7/24, 11:15am-12:15pm | Room 6DE
Known for his roles on House, This Is Us, Juice, Love & Basketball, and more, popular actor and producer Omar Epps turns to the world of young adult literature with an electrifying Afrofuturist fantasy, Nubia: The Awakening. Get the first look at this powerful saga about three teenage refugees from a fallen African utopia who must navigate newfound powers in a climate-ravaged New York City. Moderated by Krista Marino, VP & Senior Executive Editor at Delacorte Press.
Post-panel signing from 12:45-1:45 in AA03.
Magical Middle Grade
Sunday, 7/24, 12-1pm | Room 7AB
Growing up is hard, especially when you’re also dealing with potentially world ending battles between good and evil. Join Tracy Badua (Freddie vs. the Family Curse), Soman Chainani (Rise of the School for Good and Evil), Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities), Lilah Sturges (Girl Haven), and Kiersten White (Wretched Waterpark) as they share the joys of writing Middle Grade and the importance of books that show a younger generation ready to take on the world. Whether they are facing curses, sudden travel between worlds, or haunted theme parks, these kids exceed expectations in every way, and have a lot of fun while doing so. We have confirmed Judy Prince-Neeb as the moderator. Judy is the Children’s Services Librarian at South Pasadena Public Library.
Post-panel signing from 1:30-2:30 in AA07.
So You Want to Make a Graphic Novel?
Sunday, 7/24, 1-2pm | Room 28DE
Graphic novels are owning the bestseller charts! But what goes into making them? Join an award-winning group of comics creators as they discuss the nitty-gritty of creating graphic novels for young readers. Panelists include: Raina Telgemeier (Smile), Jennifer & Matthew Holm (The Big Adventures of Babymouse), Dan Santat (The Aquanaut), Jarrett Krosoczka (Hey, Kiddo), and moderated by Rose Brock, PhD. (Hope Nation).
While You Wait in Line: Quizzes, Activities, & More!
Take this quiz to find out which YA sci-fi or fantasy novel you should read next.
Download activities for your kids! Play games featuring your favorite characters from Disney, Minecraft, and more.
