Comic-Con Highlights: THROUGH, TWISTED METAL S2, MAD CAVE STUDIOS

DAVID DASTMALCHIAN AND Z2 TAKE READERS “THROUGH” TO A NEW GRAPHIC NOVEL UNIVERSE: “David Dastmalchian (Late Night with the Devil, The Suicide Squad, Murderbot) has partnered with Z2 to release a powerful new original graphic novel telling the astonishing story of Alix, a young woman driven by a compulsive need to control the world around her. After a near-death experience, she’s thrust into a labyrinthine realm cloaked in shadows and populated by fantastical creatures, where she is stunned to discover that this mysterious land has been constructed solely for her… A kingdom to rule? Or a prison? As danger closes in, threatening complete obliteration, she must decipher the clues that reveal the true nature of this realm in order to save both the land… and herself.

While this is a modern fantasy tale in the tradition of the iconic Vertigo comics from the 1990s, it is a story rooted in a very personal point of origin for David: “THROUGH is a story inspired by an idea that a dear friend and I hatched when I was living in Chicago and fascinated by outsider artists like Henry Darger. Over the years the story evolved into a labyrinthine mystery that overlapped with my own ongoing struggle for mental wellness. As I dove into the challenging but healing therapeutic work of understanding the myriad parts of myself, this story began to flourish. While fighting for my life, THROUGH became the book I needed to write and the most important tale I’ve ever attempted to tell.”

More than just a compelling fantasy story, THROUGH is an allegory about learning to ask for help, and embracing the individual imperfections that make us unique… and powerful… as human beings.

Z2 Editor-in-Chief Rantz Hoseley expands on the appeal of THROUGH: “There’s a reason that the classic run of comics at Vertigo struck such a chord with audiences, and that’s because it used the supernatural as a device that allowed readers to safely explore painful subjects that were so close to them. From the first time David and I talked about THROUGH, it really struck me how badly we need a tale like this in the times we find ourselves in. A story that helps you examine the hurt you’ve experienced and assure you that it is not an act of weakness to reach out to other people for help. I feel so blessed to be able to help David and Cat bring this powerful fable to life on the comic page.”

The radically different visual styles of the gritty world of urban Chicago, and the mystically surreal land of Ananda Apastan are brought to life by acclaimed artist Cat Staggs who says “Getting to work on Through has been both fun and challenging, involving the depiction of Chicago’s cold winter and an imaginative ‘other world,’ along with exploring different art styles, and DC Alonso brings them together with his colors.  David’s wonderful story makes this journey even more exciting, and I look forward to everyone reading it.”

As part of the promotion and launch of THROUGH, David will be appearing at a number of exciting events during the 2025 San Diego Comic Con, including a panel on Thursday, July 24th at 5:45 in Room 6DE alongside artists Cat Staggs, David Mack and editor Rantz Hoseley, as they talk about the story’s development and secrets. Following the panel, he is a featured guest later that night at Z2 & Fandom’s party at the Hard Rock Cafe. For those who want to get up close and personal, David will be signing at the Z2 booth (#1529) at 1pm on Friday. And finally, David’s SDCC promotion of THROUGH will wrap as a presenter at the 2025 Eisner Awards.

The 140 page book is available in a Deluxe Edition as well as a signed Platinum Edition, which comes with art prints, a set of Focus Cards, and a metal pin featuring the needle that serves as Alix’s doorway to the world of Ananda Apastan. Deluxe and platinum editions are available exclusively at Z2’s website HERE, while a standard trade-sized edition is available via Amazon, Barnes & Noble, as well as other independent retailers and fine comic shops worldwide.

For more information on the book and to preorder your copy, visit z2comics.com/through“

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PEACOCK ACTION-COMEDY ORIGINAL SERIES TWISTED METAL SEASON TWO CRASHES INTO COMIC CON WITH A FULL-THROTTLE BUMPER CAR ACTIVATION AT SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON:

THURSDAY, JULY 24-SATURDAY JULY 26

TWISTED METAL BUMPER BATTLE 

Fans will step into a post-apocalyptic world filled with bumper-to-bumper chaos at Peacock’s Twisted Metal Bumper Battle. As an homage to the Twisted Metal tournament at the forefront of season two, fans will be able to choose their ride, featuring the show’s most iconic vehicles reimagined as bumper cars, and take part in their own version of the Calypso hosted derby. In addition to the bumper car experience, fans can expect epic photo ops, a display of some of the tournament cars featured in the series, surprise and delight moments, and pandemonium around every corner.

WHEN: Thursday, July 24 – Saturday, July 26

HOURS:

· Thursday, July 24th 12PM – 4PM

·  Friday, July 25th 12PM – 6PM

·  Saturday, July 26th 12PM – 6PM

WHERE: THE LOT @ 1ST & J – 450 2nd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Event is free and open to the public. No badge required. Entry and bumper car participation are first come, first served, and not guaranteed. Waivers must be signed by all riders and passengers. 

THURSDAY, JULY 24

SNEAK PEEK AT PEACOCK’S ACTION-COMEDY TWISTED METAL SEASON TWO  

Executive producers Michael Jonathan Smith, Asad Qizilbash (PlayStation Productions), EP/star Anthony Mackie and cast Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa and Anthony Carrigan offer an exclusive sneak peek at season two of Peacock’s high-octane action comedy Twisted Metal, which follows John Doe and Quiet who find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. Moderated by Perri Nemiroff of Collider.

WHEN: 3:00 – 4:00 PM PT

WHERE: Ballroom 20

SATURDAY, JULY 26

PEACOCK’S TWISTED METAL SEASON TWO: SPECIAL ADVANCE SCREENING

An exclusive advance screening of the first two episodes of Twisted Metal Season Two before premiering on Peacock on Thursday, July 31. In Season Two John Doe (Anthony Mackie) and Quiet (Stephanie Beatriz) enter the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament hosted by Calypso (Anthony Carrigan), where they’ll battle new foes and familiar faces, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth (Joe Seanoa and Will Arnett).

WHEN: 10:00 – 11:15 PM PT

WHERE: Room 6DE

ABOUT TWISTED METAL S2

Logline: Following the revelations in the season one finale, John and Quiet find themselves entering the deadly TWISTED METAL tournament, a sinister demolition derby hosted by a mysterious man known as Calypso. As they try to survive an onslaught of dangerous new foes and familiar faces alike, including the murderous clown Sweet Tooth, things get complicated for John when he reunites with his long-lost sister, the vigilante Dollface.

Premiere Date/Rollout: Twisted Metal Season 2 premieres on Peacock with three episodes on July 31, followed by new episodes every Thursday through August 28.

Showrunner / Executive Producer / Writer: Michael Jonathan Smith

Executive Producers: Rhett Reese and Paul Wernick, Will Arnett and Marc Forman (Electric Avenue), Anthony Mackie (Make It Gravy Productions), Jason Spire (Inspire Entertainment), Grant Dekernion, Peter Principato (Artists First), Asad Qizilbash and Carter Swan from PlayStation Productions and Hermen Hulst, CEO, Studio Business Group, Sony Interactive Entertainment

Directors: Phil Sgriccia (201-202, 205-206), Bill Benz (203-204, 211-212), Iain MacDonald (207-208), Bertie Ellwood (209-210)

Series Regulars: Anthony Mackie, Stephanie Beatriz, Joe Seanoa, with Will Arnett, Anthony Carrigan

Recurring Cast: Saylor Bell Curda, Lisa Gilroy, Richard de Klerk, Patty Guggenheim, Tiana Okoye, Michael James Shaw, Mike Mitchell

Studio: Sony Pictures Television, PlayStation Productions and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group

Genre: Comedy

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Mad Cave Studios Returns to San Diego Comic-Con 2025: “Mad Cave Studios is racing into San Diego Comic-Con International 2025 with everything turned up to eleven—limited-edition variant covers, fan-favorite signings, a slate of panels across their imprints, and an official presence at this year’s CBLDF Welcome Party!

Whether you’re a Speed Racer superfan, a Maverick loyalist, a Papercutz reader, a fan of the latest imprint, Nakama Press, or just around to celebrate the comics community, Mad Cave has something for everyone at Booth #2806. The team can’t wait to connect with fans, and collectors won’t want to miss two SDCC-exclusive variant covers: Endless Night #1 featuring art by Patricia Martin and Speed Racer #1 with a cover by Michael Cho.

This year, Mad Cave—alongside Oni Press, The Nacelle Company, and more—will co-sponsor the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF) Welcome Party, at The Westgate Hotel, Thursday, July 24 at 8 PM, where Speed Racer takes the spotlight with sneak peeks, giveaways, and surprises all night long!

“Mad Cave is honored to support the CBLDF and its mission to protect the rights of creators, retailers, and readers,” said Allison Pond, VP of Marketing. “We can’t wait to celebrate alongside our fellow comics fans—and we’re bringing plenty of Speed Racer energy to the party!”

Fresh off being awarded the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award by Comic-Con International, Mad Cave shows no signs of slowing down, leaning further into their commitment to uplifting creators, communities, and independent storytelling.

SDCC 2025 PANELS Featuring Mad Cave Studios, Maverick, Nakama Press & Papercutz

FRIDAY, JULY 25
Make ‘Em Laugh: Using Jokes, Puns, and Goofy Ideas to Hook Reluctant Readers
12:00–1:00 PM | Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library
A hilarious conversation featuring Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!, Transformers: Worst Bot Ever, and more.

SATURDAY, JULY 26
Manga Without Borders: The Global Evolution
1:30–2:30 PM | Room 29CD
Explore manga’s worldwide rise with Nakama Press creator Mario B. Long, Fawn Lau VIZ Media, Morgan Perry Square Enix, Josh Sippie Harper Collins and more. Moderated by Mad Cave’s Allison Pond.

A Flash of Creativity: Draw With the Flash Gordon Adventures Artists!
3:00–4:00 PM | Room 11
A family-friendly workshop with Art Baltazar, Franco, and John Patrick Green celebrating Flash Gordon Adventures Vol. 2

Hispanic Creators and Artists Discuss the Comic Book Industry
4:00–5:00 PM | Room 9
Mad Cave CEO Mark London joins Jorge R. Gutierrez, Alex Sinclair, and others to discuss their careers and the evolving industry.

SUNDAY, JULY 27
Papercutz: A Phineas & Ferb Drawing Workshop with John Green
10:00–11:00 AM | Room 11
A lively all-ages workshop with artist John Green and voice actors Vincent Martella (Phineas) and David Errigo Jr. (Ferb).

Signings at Booth #2806 

From Speed Racer to Phineas and Ferb, meet the minds behind Mad Cave Studios’ most exciting stories:

THURSDAY, JULY 24
10:00 AM – Amit Tishler & Elliot Sperl (The Last Wardens)
11:00 AM – Steven DeKnight (Beneath)
12:00 PM – Liniers (Ghost of Wreckers Cove)
1:00 PM – Joe Harris (Past Time)
2:00 PM – Chris Condon (Far Down Below)
3:00 PM – Phillip Sevy (Don’t Forget Your Briefcase)
3:30 PM – Cristina Vee (Miraculous Chibi)

FRIDAY, JULY 25
11:00 AM – Sean Von Gorman, Joey Esposito, Megan Huang (LA Strong)
12:00 PM – Jeremy Adams & Lee Loughridge (Flash Gordon)
1:00 PM – David Pepose & Mark Russell (Speed Racer)
2:00 PM – Zack Kaplan (Dark Empty Void)
3:00 PM – Oliver Bly (The Mushroom Knight)
4:00 PM – Ryan Alexander-Tanner & Mark Russell (The Vanishing Point)

SATURDAY, JULY 26
10:00 AM – Jim Calafiore & Dan Didio (Defenders of the Earth)
11:00 AM – Mark Sable, Dan DiDio, Amit Tishler (LA Strong)
12:00 PM – Group Signing w/ David Pepose, Michael Cho, & Mark London (Speed Racer)
1:00 PM – Jimmy Palmiotti (Pop Kill)
2:00 PM – Pierre-Alexandre Comtois (Sunder)
3:00 PM – Mario B. Long (God Tier)
4:00 PM – Rubine (Look Into My Eyes)
5:00 PM – Art Baltazar, John Patrick Green, & Franco (Flash Gordon Adventures)
6:00 PM – Mark London, David Baron (Endless Night)

SUNDAY, JULY 27
9:30 AM – David Pepose (Ten-Ton Titan Terrier)
12:30 PM – Jok (The Body Trade)
2:00 PM – Phineas and Ferb Cast Signing
4:30 PM – Gabriel Valentin (Digital Lizards of Doom)
5:00 PM – Jamie Noguchi (School For Extraterrestrial Girls)

For signings, panels, and the ultimate exclusives, Mad Cave Studios is your SDCC home base.

Swing by Booth #2806, catch your favorite creators and take home something you won’t find anywhere else.

Get the latest news on Mad Cave Studios on social media, or visit www.madcavestudios.com to check out the full lineup of new releases, licenses, and celebrated creator-owned titles!”