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Comicpalooza 2026

Comicpalooza is the largest annual, multi-genre, comic book, science fiction, anime, gaming, and pop-culture convention in the Southern United States and is held in Houston, Texas.
At Comicpalooza you’re always in good company. Go ahead, get your cosplay costume and get ready to be transported into a pop-culture extravaganza at Comicpalooza. From panels discussing an array of fan topics, to an exhibition floor featuring unique art and handcrafted goods from artists, to #starstruck moments with our celebrity line-ups, to a thrilling cosplay competition featuring some of our fans, and so much more, there is never a dull moment at Comicpalooza.
The Visually Stunning Movie Podcast Presents: Four Incredible Movies from 40 Years Ago!
Join the Visually Stunning Movie podcast as we look back at the four legendary films celebrating their 40th anniversary – Top Gun, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Labyrinth, and Aliens. Come discuss the timeless nature of these films and why they’ve managed to not only survive but thrive in the four decades since their releases.
Friday, May 22 7:15 PM to 8:00 PM
Podcast Pavilion Stage
YouTube All-Stars Live: Creators, Collecting and Culture
Step into the ultimate creator crossover as YouTube personalities Metal Jesus Rocks, Grimm Life Collective, and Geekdom 101 take the stage for an unfiltered conversation on fandom, collecting, storytelling, and life as content creators in the digital age. Moderated by Craig Price of Matinee Heroes, expect behind-the-scenes insights, lively discussion, and plenty of personality as these fan-favorite voices share their journeys, hot takes, and what keeps them inspired.
Saturday, May 23 3:30 PM to 4:15 PM
Room 330
Comicpalooza Podcast Program Presents: Podcasting Simplified: Branding and Audience Growth
This panel brings together seasoned podcasters for a behind-the-scenes conversation about building and sustaining a show in today’s crowded media landscape. Featuring insights from Daniella (Bad Acts), Brandon (Cult 45), Craig Price (Matinee Heroes), Michael Carrell (Comicast), Ming Chen, and Ozeal (Pod Houston) the discussion breaks down what works, what doesn’t, and what every podcaster should know about staying consistent. This panel will be moderated by Chris Burnett of 10 Drink Minimum.
Saturday, May 23 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Podcast Pavilion Stage
Matinee Heroes Live Episode: Matrix Reloaded
Join Craig Price and Alan Cerny, the hosts of the Matinee Heroes podcast, for a live breakdown of The Matrix Reloaded. From jaw-dropping action set pieces to philosophical rabbit holes, they’ll unpack Neo’s next step in the war against the machines with the sharp insight and irreverent humor that’s made their podcast a fan favorite. Whether you love the sequels, question the Architect, or just came for the highway chase, this panel will have you dodging bullets and rethinking reality.
Saturday 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Room 340
Fighting On Set and In the Kitchen: A Conversation with Mark Dacascos
Allez cuisine! Mark Dacascos joins us for an in-depth discussion on his career. From his early days on the set of Double Dragon to conquering the kitchen in Iron Chef: America to entering the dangerous world of John Wick, this conversation is sure to have many thrills!
Sunday May 24 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
Room 351
This Is The Way… Back to Theaters: The Future of Star Wars
With The Mandalorian & Grogu bringing Din Djarin and Grogu to the big screen for the first time, Star Wars is entering a new era…again. But this time, it’s different. Join us as we break down what this movie means for the franchise, how it connects to The Mandalorian, and where the galaxy far, far away is headed next.
Sunday, May 24 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm.
Podcast Pavilion Stage