Panels, programming, and appearances from the legend himself with new projects
You may not know Joseph P. Illidge by name, but you’ve seen his work across media for a long time. This year’s SDCC attendees will have the opportunity to learn more about him and his upcoming projects. He has joined Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy as its intellectual property partner, and the Eisner nomination for Best Anthology for Noir is the New Black (FairSquare Graphics), the acclaimed editor, writer, and creative executive Joseph P. Illidge is heading to San Diego Comic-Con 2026 for a full slate of panels, creator programming, and appearances.
Centaur Riders: Cataphract Legacy marks Illuminous’s first client acquisition and an important milestone in the company’s mission to champion original creator-owned intellectual property. Meanwhile, Noir is the New Black‘s 2026 Eisner Award nomination for Best Anthology recognizes Illidge’s contribution to the acclaimed collection through his story, The Winterfields. Building on that momentum, Joseph P. Illidge will appear at the following panels and creator events:
| Panels & Programming |
| Pitching Your Vision and Developing IP Thursday, 7/23/2026, 5:00PM – 6:00PM, Room: 25ABC Whether you’re dreaming of the Big Two or building your own universe from scratch, this is the panel that pulls back the curtain. Industry veterans John Barber and Joseph Illidge are bringing the inside knowledge from Marvel and DC. Kristen Simon and Tom Waltz will break down exactly what Mad Cave and IDW want to see from new projects, whether you’re pitching something original or chasing a licensed property. And if indie publishing and Kickstarter are calling your name, David Hedgecock and Shannon Denton have cracked that code, and they’re ready to share it. Moderated by Magma Publisher Denton J. Tipton, this is the panel aspiring creators can’t afford to miss. Brand New Day: Comics and the Art of Reinvention Saturday, 7/25/26, 8:30PM – 9:30PM, Room: 7AB From Spider-Man’s “Brand New Day” to Marvel’s Ultimates, DC’s Absolute line, and countless reboots in between, comics have long been the medium of reinvention—erasing marriages, rewriting origins, and reimagining icons for new eras. But what drives these creative resets? How do fans react when beloved characters are remade, and what can the psychology of change in comics teach us about navigating change in our own lives? Join forensic psychiatrist Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., child and forensic psychiatrist Praveen Kambam, M.D., author Alex Segura, and freelance editor and author Joseph P. Illidge for a lively look at the art and impact of reinvention in comics—from the storytelling logic behind big swings to the fierce fandom debates that follow. Along the way, the panel will explore why letting characters change (and letting ourselves change with them) might be one of comics’ most enduring superpowers. Moderated by attorney Jeff Trexler (Interim Director, CBLDF). Beyond his featured panels, Illidge will also participate in The Creator’s Symposium on Thursday, July 23, at 10:00 AM in Room 23ABC, joining fellow professionals for a discussion centered on the evolving needs of comics creators and the realities of working in today’s industry. He’ll also take part in Creators Assemble: Comics Camaraderie, a networking event on Saturday, July 25, at 4:00 PM (Room TBA) that brings together creators, publishers, editors, and industry professionals to foster collaboration, strengthen community, and build new creative connections. |
About Joseph Illidge: He is a writer, editor, producer, and IP strategist whose career spans comics, publishing, film, and multimedia development. His work includes leadership roles with DC Comics, Image Comics, Simon & Schuster, Todd McFarlane Productions, and Milestone Media. His writing credits include The Shadow Cabinet, The New History of the DC Universe: The Dakota Incident (DC Comics), Bloodletter (Spawn Universe/Image Comics), Harriet Tubman(HarperCollins), and the Judge Kim and the Kids Court series (Simon & Schuster). His editorial work on DC’s Batman line and Lion Forge Catalyst Prime imprint helped shape a new generation of inclusive superhero storytelling. Illidge serves on the Board of Directors of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and has received both the Inkpot Award and a Citation from the New York State Assembly.Â
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