SDCC 2026: The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Annual San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party Returns This July

Sponsored by Mad Cave Studios, Ignition Press, GlobalComix, Kickstarter, and CGC, the Annual Comic-Con Celebration Raises Critical Funds to Fight Comics Censorship

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (CBLDF), with support from Marquee sponsors Mad Cave Studios and Ignition Press, and Gold tier sponsor GlobalComix, and and Silver tier sponsors Kickstarter, and CGC, will once again welcome the comics community to its Annual San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 8:00 PM to 12 AM, at The Westgate Hotel (1055 Second Ave., San Diego, CA). The annual fundraiser brings together creators, publishers, retailers, media, and fans for an evening celebrating comics while raising critical funds to defend the freedom to read.

For decades, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund has stood at the forefront of protecting free expression in comics, providing legal assistance, education, and advocacy in response to censorship efforts affecting comic books, graphic novels, manga, and the people who create, sell, teach, and read them. As challenges to books continue to rise across schools, libraries, and comic shops nationwide, the organization’s work has never been more vital.

The Annual San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party serves as one of CBLDF’s signature fundraising events, bringing together every corner of the comics industry for an evening of community, conversation, and giving back. 

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on an expanding lineup of exclusive silent auction items donated by creators, publishers, and industry partners. Confirmed donations include a Conan statue courtesy of Heroic Signatures, and several exclusive contributions from Mad Cave Studios, including a complete set of Speed Racer #1-5 limited edition metal variant covers, an autographed Pop Kill #1 limited edition metal variant by Marguerite Sauvage, and a signed Battlecats Omnibus hardcover, a CGC Signature Series 9.8 graded Krypto the Last Dog of Krypton #1, signed and sketched by Dan Mora, Original Art from Local Man by Tim Seeley, a CGC-graded classic from the censored EC line, and other collectible items.

Ahead of the event, Mad Cave Studios and Ignition Press will each host a special Whatnot livestream to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, offering an exclusive preview of select silent auction items along with exclusive collectibles available for purchase in support of the CBLDF. Mad Cave Studios’ livestream, hosted by Kyle Grimes, begins at 7 PM PST, followed by Ignition Press’ livestream, hosted by Daniel Crary, at 7:30 PM PST. Watch both streams at: https://www.whatnot.com/s/jRQjugoy

The first 100 attendees through the door will receive a gift bag featuring a copy of Mister Nemo #1 Cover A by Duncan Rouleau, courtesy of Mad Cave Studios, along with one of four books from Ignition Press: Tyler Rake: An Extraction Story #1 Ignition Exclusive Cover by Jeremy Haun, Voyeur #1 Ignition Exclusive Cover by Tula Lotay, Murder Podcast #1 Cover by Shaun Martinbrough, or Roots of Madness #1 Ignition Exclusive Cover by Karen Darboe. Additional gift bag items in the gift bags will include CGC Premium Memberships (which include $150 in submission credit), CGC luggage tags, 25th Anniversary CGC pins, and other surprises!

Revenue generated through the Welcome Party directly supports the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s ongoing legal and educational efforts. In recent years, proceeds from the event have helped fund litigation, legal responses, and advocacy initiatives addressing censorship attempts directed at comics in schools, libraries, and comic shops across the country.

Admission to the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s Annual San Diego Comic-Con Welcome Party is $40, with all proceeds from admission and the silent auction directly supporting the organization’s vital work. An SDCC badge is not required to attend. Additional event information is available at CBLDF.org. Click here for tickets and more details.

Visit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund at Booth #1629, Mad Cave Studios at Booth #2806, Ignition Press at Booth #5531, and CGC at Booths #301, #4315, and #5500 throughout San Diego Comic-Con.

To learn more about Ignition Press, visit ignitionpress.com. 

Stay up to date with Mad Cave Studios—and its imprints Papercutz, Maverick, and Nakama Press on social media, or visit madcavestudios.com to explore new releases, licensed series, and creator-owned titles.