Bay Area comic book fans will definitely want to check this event out

Get ready to party, East Bay comic book fans, because Oakland is set to welcome its first comic convention in more than a decade.

Comic Con Oakland will draw super hero enthusiasts, graphic novel junkies and other interested parties from all over the Bay Area - and perhaps well beyond - for its inaugural two-day run, May 9-10, at the Oakland Convention Center.

"We are very excited to bring a comic book convention back to Oakland," says Convention Director George Demonakos. "There is such an incredibly diverse art scene here that we want to celebrate by featuring incredible local talent at the show, while also bringing in artists, writers and creators from around the country who work in the world of animation, comic books and cartooning. There's really something for everyone."

That "something for everyone" includes "a wide variety of programming, including artist showcases, exhibitor booths, collectibles and opportunities to meet some of the industry's most talented voices," according to a news release.

Attendees can stroll through a large exhibition floor filled with original art, collectibles and other merchandise. There will also be a number of acclaimed comic book artists and other creative types on site.

Some of the more notable guests include Jorge Gutierrez (the award-winning animator of "The Book of Life" and "Maya and the Three"); Kevin Altieri (who has directed "Batman: The Animated Series"); and voice actors Luci Christian and Faye Mata (from the "One Piece," "My Hero Academia," "Rick and Morty: The Anime," "Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure," "Pokémon").

Other acclaimed guests include Justin Greenwood, Dave Johnson, David F. Walker, Steve Lieber, Andy Price, Joe Quinones and Tony Shasteen.

And, of course, Bay Area local creators will most definitely be in the house — including Erik Larsen (“Spider-Man,” “Savage Dragon”), Bobby Podesta (“North for the Winter”), Thien Pham (“Family Style”), Briana Loewinsohn (“Raised by Ghosts”), Scott Morse (“Soulwind”), David Brothers (“Time Waits”), Julia Wertz (“Bury Me Already”) and John Giang (“Star Wars”).

The event runs 10 a.m.-6 p.m. May 9 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 10. Tickets start at $25 (children 12 and under are free), comicconoakland.com.

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This story was originally published May 6, 2026 at 1:10 PM.