Storm King Comics & John Carpenter at Midsummer Scream

Filmmaker to Make Exclusive Saturday Appearance as World’s Largest Halloween Convention Spotlights Horror Comics August 15-17 in Long Beach

Storm King Comics, the award-winning graphic novel publisher founded by film producer Sandy King, will headline Midsummer Scream’s 2025 “Horror Comic Books” theme when the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention returns to the Long Beach Convention Center from August 15-17, 2025.

Highlighting Storm King’s major presence, legendary director, composer, and Storm King collaborator John Carpenter (Halloween, They Live, The Thing, Escape from New York) will make a highly anticipated appearance. Carpenter will be in attendance on Saturday, August 16th only, signing autographs for fans. Each autograph fee will include a copy of John Carpenter Presents George A. Romero’s THE AMUSEMENT PARK, an all-new graphic novel based on the unique film, from Storm King Comics and the George A. Romero Foundation.

John Carpenter will be joined by Sandy King, founder and editor of Storm King Comics. King, a renowned producer with credits including Vampires, In the Mouth of Madness, Village of the Damned, They Live, Body Bags, Ghosts of Mars and the TV limited series Suburban Screams, heads the publishing company, which brings together top-tier talent from film, novels, and comics.

“We’re thrilled to welcome horror legend John Carpenter, Sandy King and Storm King Comics to Midsummer Scream for the first time,” said David Markland, co-founder and executive director of Midsummer Scream. “Their presence, especially with this year’s theme focused on horror comic books, is a dream pairing. John Carpenter’s appearance in support of Storm King Comics as it launches its latest graphic novel makes this an unforgettable addition to our celebration of horror in all its many forms.”

In addition to Carpenter, Storm King Comics will bring additional artists and creators to their show floor booth throughout Midsummer Scream, where Sandy King will be available during the weekend to meet with fans. The theme “Horror Comic Books” will be seen throughout the event’s programming, partnerships, and key art. Inspired by vintage horror comic book covers by Bernie Wrightson, this year’s official poster is designed by D.W. Frydendal (White Wolf Games’ The World of Darkness series, The Haunted Mansion(comic) from Slave Labor Graphics, Satan’s 3-Ring Circus of Evil, and Creepy from Dark Horse Comics) and represents everything Midsummer Scream is about – haunted houses, a creepy creature, and trick or treating!

Joining the comic celebration, local favorite “Revenge Of” (comic shop and horror pinball arcade) will host horror comic creator signings all weekend and provide pinball machines for attendees to play.

Midsummer Scream welcomes over 50,000 fans and features 300+ exhibitors. The show will include many of its popular features such as the expansive “Hall of Shadows” haunt zone, live entertainment, and numerous panels covering horror films, TV, and major attractions like Halloween Horror Nights, Paramount Scares, and Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group.

Passes for Midsummer Scream now on sale at midsummerscream.com. Follow us on Instagram, Bluesky, and Facebook at @midsummerscream for regular updates on guests, presentations, and other special activations.

About Storm King Comics

Storm King Comics, formed in 2012 as a division of Storm King Productions, is headed by writer/producer and editor Sandy King. Along with her husband, director John Carpenter, King focuses on bringing the best writers from the worlds of comics, movies and novels together to bring their special brand of horror and sci-fi entertainment to comics. Their flagship comic book title John Carpenter’s Asylum has become a global fan favorite, followed by the award-winning annual anthology, John Carpenter’s Tales for a HalloweeNight, and the monthly anthology series, John Carpenter’s Tales of Science Fiction. More recent additions to the Storm King brand are Storm King Comics Dark & Twisted, John Carpenter’s Night Terrors, and John Carpenter Presents Storm Kids, introducing horror and sci-fi to younger audiences.

About Midsummer Scream

Midsummer Scream is presented by David Markland (Co-Founder/Executive Director), Gary Baker (Co-Founder/Executive Producer), Claire Dunlap (Co-Founder/Producer), and Rick West (Co-Founder/Creative Director). Their goal is to showcase the diversity of Southern California’s haunt and horror community as a welcoming beacon for fans around the world to converge on Los Angeles for a weekend of excitement, networking, and non-stop spooky fun!

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!