Animation, Comics, and Manga Collide at Dream Con 2026
More than 45,000 attendees joined in celebration of nerd-culture at Dream Con 2026, hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. This three-day event was more than a typical convention-but covered nearly every fandom and had more than enough to keep guests busy.
With a stacked programming that encompassed comics, animation, cosplay, gaming, and even mental health, finding a niche to network and learn from was incredibly easy.
The love of stories and storytelling remained a core aspect of this convention as talented creators such as Carl Jones, Gigi Murakami, and Marcus Williams were present at multiple panels and at booths on the convention floor to answer questions from fans and talk about their latest projects.
The award-winning Black-owned animation studio, Martian Blueberry–helmed by co-founders Carl Jones and Love Jones–showcased a number of projects such as Intellectual Power, Make Out Hill, and Junichiro Jackson.
During a discussion on Building Worlds Through Art & Animation, Carl Jones discussed the importance of independent companies when it comes to representation.
"We're constantly looking for ways to push boundaries and speak to our people in a very nuanced and authentic way. It's just really difficult because we're up against a Hollywood that is only betting on large IPs and huge stars,” said Jones. “Which is why we launched Martian Blueberry as an answer to that—because I don't want to just talk about the problem. I want to be the solution to it."
Carl Jones, CEO of Martian Blueberry seated next to moderator Brianna Williams
Moderated by Brianna Williams, attendees of the Building Worlds Through Art & Animation panel had an opportunity to ask about the craft of storytelling.
When asked about illustrating, comic book writer/artist Marcus Williams encouraged artists to focus on doing the work. “Get a sketchbook and don’t judge yourself–you’re doing something. You have to physically create and be brave enough to put something on the page.”
Manga artist, Gigi Murakami also encouraged aspiring creators to study sequential art intentionally. “When it comes to paneling and storyboarding, I think the best answer is to reference your favorite comic with a critical eye. Study placements of characters and understand that there are different types of comics and sequential storytelling like Western Comics, Japanese Manga, and French comics–all of which are very different types.”
Photographed: Marcus Williams, Gigi Murakami, and Carl Jones
Panels weren’t the only way in which fans could connect with creators. Dream Con had an impressive Artist Alley with both established and up-and-coming creators telling their stories in comic or manga format.
The Pages and Panels team connect with several of the creators on the convention floor to learn about their works.
“I created Camp Geechee, a historical fiction manga rooted in Gullah Geechee culture, tradition, and history. I’m passionate about this project because of the main themes of reconnecting to your own culture and understanding where you come from. I feel like a big part of one’s identity is knowing your history to know who you are.”
Joshua Mishoe, the creator of Camp Geechee
“I’m a science fiction writer, and my series started in 2019. My series is the Ursa Universe and it’s five interconnected comics about invaders and protectors of Earth who battle over the planet. My characters are all Black as it’s important to see ourselves in comics.”
Janice L. Dennie, Creator with Kente Comics
“I’ve always been a writer and went to film school. I released the first issue of Impound in 2020 and after it came out,
I saw people’s responses and realized this was something
I had been training for my whole life. I try to write different heroes for different types of people. I keep in mind heroes that are most honorable, or edgy, or heroes who have redemption arcs.”
Brent Trayce Sands, Entrepreneur and Comic Book Creator
“When it comes to my work, I want people to have a sense of ‘awe’ or sense of power. My art book is a compilation of my work with backstories on each piece and I’m mindful of little details that I hope readers notice like feather choices or sense of scale in some of the subject matter.”
Jocelyn Short, Concept Art Illustrator for the Entertainment Industry
“My title, I Hate Healing, is a story of self-exploration and facing the darkness inside all of us. I talk about how we have to embrace all parts of ourselves, so my character starts with therapy and goes on a healing journey. My other title, Loveless Cupid, is about a world where Cupid is recently divorced so people don’t listen to him. I write stories that encourage readers to be okay with who they are and to practice self-love.”
Melvin Todd, Comic Creator
“We’re in the business of independent Black media and make a range of comics and manga. We have historical fiction, cyberpunk, and space operas. No project of ours is the same and we keep an open mind in our stories and love connecting with people who are hungry for unique comics.”
TJ Sterling, CEO at RAE Media
Visit https://www.dreamconvention.comto stay up to date on the 2027 event details.
Quotes were edited for clarity.
