Rob Salkowitz

Tillie Walden's new graphic novel, *Charity & Sylvia*, offers a profound and subversive take on queer narratives. Set in 19th-century rural Vermont, it chronicles the 50-year partnership of Charity Bryant and Sylvia Drake, focusing on how their community accepted them despite the era's lack of vocabulary for same-sex relationships. Walden, Vermont's Cartoonist Laureate, meticulously researched their lives, highlighting their integration through shared values like faith and community. The book challenges modern exclusionary views of traditional America, presenting an inclusive historical perspective. Its detailed artwork and nuanced storytelling make it a masterful contribution, demonstrating how shared values fostered acceptance in an unexpected historical context.

Column by Rob Salkowitz

The prestigious Harvey Awards, named after visionary Harvey Kurtzman, have announced their 2026 nominees, celebrating top achievements in comic books and graphic novels. Presented annually at New York Comic Con, the awards recognize excellence across seven concise categories: Book of the Year, Digital Book, Best Children's Book, Best Young Adult Book, Best Manga, Best International Book, and Best Adaptation. Nellie Kurtzman, co-chair, highlighted that the nominees embody her father's vision of comics as serious art that entertains and challenges. Industry professionals can cast their votes until August 28, 2026. Winners will be revealed on October 9, 2026, at the Javits Center, continuing the Harveys' nearly four-decade tradition of guiding readers to essential titles and showcasing the medium's global impact.

Marvel Comics is relocating its publishing division from Manhattan to Burbank, California, consolidating operations with Disney and Marvel Studios. This strategic move, prompted by an expiring New York lease and a shift in creator demographics, mirrors rival DC's earlier relocation. Concurrently, Stephen Wacker will replace C.B. Cebulski as editor-in-chief. Cebulski's departure follows recent sales declines and a broader leadership shake-up within Marvel. Wacker, known for acclaimed titles like Daredevil and Hawkeye and his film/TV experience, is well-regarded in the industry. This significant shift, ending Marvel's 90-year New York presence, will be a major discussion point at the upcoming San Diego Comic-Con. The company plans to assist the 100 affected staffers with their move.

Column by Rob Salkowitz

San Diego Comic-Con has made a robust recovery from pandemic cancellations, now boasting strong financial health and a fully packed program for its upcoming July 22-26 event. Major studios like Marvel, Star Trek, and DC are returning, alongside celebrity guests and diverse programming. Financially, SDCC reported $35.4 million in revenue against $30.9 million in expenses for 2024, significantly boosting net assets. However, the event faces challenges including venue capacity limits, rising costs for participants, and hotel availability in San Diego. While exploring licensed events internationally, SDCC maintains its non-profit mission. Organizers acknowledge "contingencies" for potential relocation if fan experience in San Diego deteriorates due to facility constraints or affordability, with the current agreement running until 2027.

Whatever you might expect from a graphic novel by actor John Cusack, 'Momo' is certain to surprise you with its range of offbeat influences.

Illustrator Bill Sienkiewicz, known for his expressionist, mixed-media style, is the subject of a new documentary retrospective. Produced by ComicBookPros, founded by his manager Sal Abbinanti, the film's trailer debuted at San Diego Comic-Con. Sienkiewicz's nearly 50-year career spans comics like Moon Knight and New Mutants, and his work on Daredevil influenced "Spider-Verse." The documentary features testimonials from peers and Sienkiewicz's own insights into his evolving, avant-garde process. He describes art as a surprising journey, a relationship, and a powerful tool to find truth and beauty. Starting as an outcast, he remains passionate, crediting early teachers and mentor Neal Adams.

San Diego Comic-Con officials, facing severe space and financial constraints, publicly floated the controversial idea of eliminating Hall H. Chief Communication Officer David Glanzer suggested foregoing the iconic 7,500-seat auditorium to generate revenue, citing the convention's long-standing issue of outgrowing its venue. He explained that current facilities lack space for exhibitors and attendees, and declining sponsorship revenues hinder crucial improvements like outdoor Wi-Fi for managing Hall H lines. Both Glanzer and Chair Robin Donlan appealed for corporate sponsors, highlighting the need for creative solutions amid limited resources. This rare public discussion about Hall H's future signals an escalated plea for support, even as SDCC is confirmed in San Diego through 2030, with a 2028 date shift for the LA Olympics.

Column by Rob Salkowitz Posted by Rob Salkowitz on July 29, 2026 @ 1:17 am CT