Storm King Comics Brings Horror Master John Carpenter to Midsummer Scream!
John Freaken’ Carpenter is coming to Midsummer Scream and we have all the juicy details for you, so buckle in and get ready, because it’s gonna get crazy!
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 are 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.