Today Skybound, in partnership with Image Comics, announced its programming slate, product list, and talent participation for the upcoming American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference & Exhibition for 2026, which will take place this year from Friday, June 26th to Monday, June 29th at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. Skybound’s presence at ALA Annual will include interactive programming, on-site and off-site signings, giveaways, and more.
Skybound will be located at booth #3217 on the exhibitor floor, and will have finished copies of acclaimed books as well as new comics including:
Invincible Universe: Battle Beast Vol. 1 by Robert Kirkman and Ryan Ottley
TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever – Bot Swap! by Brian “Smitty” Smith and Marz Jr.
Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man by Eisner-nominated writer James Tynion IV and DaNi
Corpse Knight #1 by Michael Chaves and Matthew Roberts
M.A.S.K. #1 by Dan Watters and Pye Parr
Terminal #1 by Robert Kirkman, Joe Casey, and Andy Kubert
Universal Monsters: Phantom of the Opera #1 by Tyler Boss and Eisner-nominated artist Martin Simmonds
Skybound will also debut exclusive giveaways available one-time only for ALA attendees, including a slew of different bookmarks featuring the Energon Universe series TRANSFORMERS, G.I. JOE, and Void Rivals, lanyards featuring Universal Monsters, shelf talkers featuring the Invincible Universe, and many punchy badge ribbons featuring Skybound properties.
Acclaimed Skybound talent Dan Watters (Author, M.A.S.K.), James Tynion IV (Author, Universal Monsters: The Invisible Man), and Marz Jr. (Artist, TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever) will be attending the conference and participating in programming and signings throughout the weekend.
The full slate of Skybound talent appearances is below.
PROGRAMMING & SIGNINGS FEATURING SKYBOUND TALENT:
PROGRAMMING:
Saturday, June 27th:
1:00pm - 3:00pm (CT) – GNCRT’s 2026 Magical Comics Tea
Description: Come join the Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table for the upcoming 2026 Magical Comics Tea! Visit with creators and other comic loving library staff as we hear about upcoming titles and projects from your favorite publishers. Dress up as your favorite tea-time character (hats are especially encouraged) or just come as you are and share in the comics camaraderie!
Skybound Talent: Dan Watters Attending
Location: Hilton Chicago, Continental A
Hosted by: Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table
1:45pm – 2:30pm (CT) - Skybound’s Graphic Novel Book Buzz – TRANSFORMERS, Invincible, Universal Monsters, and More!
Description: Join Skybound Entertainment as we discuss the most anticipated graphic novel releases of 2026 from new and acclaimed voices in the industry! Stop by to learn how these titles can be integrated into your library via programming, book displays, and more.
Skybound Presenter: Alex Hargett, Director of Brand, Editorial
Location: Book Buzz Booth #5228 – McCormick Place Convention Center
Hosted By: Skybound Entertainment & Book Buzz
3:30pm – 4:00pm (CT) – TRANSFORMERS Drawing Tutorial & Signing with Marz Jr.
Description: Join Marz Jr., the artist of the TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever series, at the GNCRT Comics Lounge for a drawing tutorial of your new favorite bot, Ballpoint, followed by a signing where all attendees will receive a free copy of the newest book TRANSFORMERS: Worst Bot Ever – Bot Swap!
Skybound Talent: Marz Jr.
Location: GNCRT Comics Lounge – McCormick Place Convention Center
Hosted By: Skybound & GNCRT
SIGNINGS:
Offsite:
Friday, June 26th
5:00pm – 7:00pm (CT) – Dan Watters and Marz Jr. Signing at Challengers Comics & Conversation (1845 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60647)
Onsite:
Saturday, June 27th
9:30am – 10:30am (CT) – Dan Watters Signing at the Skybound Booth (Booth #3217)
11:00am – 12:00pm (CT) – James Tynion IV Signing at the Skybound Booth (Booth #3217)
12:30pm – 1:30pm (CT) – Marz Jr. Signing at the Skybound Booth (Booth #3217)
Sunday, June 28th
10:00am – 11:00am (CT) – Marz Jr. Signing at the Joyful Reading Company Booth (Booth #4729)
10:30am – 11:30am (CT) – Dan Watters Signing at the Skybound Booth (Booth #3217)
12:00pm – 1:00pm (CT) – Marz Jr. Signing at the Skybound Booth (Booth #3217)
ABOUT THE AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
The American Library Association (ALA) is the only non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated entirely to America’s libraries and library professionals. For almost 150 years, ALA has provided resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. The ALA serves academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
ABOUT SKYBOUND ENTERTAINMENT
Skybound, co-founded by Robert Kirkman and CEO David Alpert, is a creator-first, multiplatform entertainment studio dedicated to transforming bold ideas into global franchises. Home to iconic worlds including Invincible, The Walking Dead, Impact Winter and Stillwater, Skybound brings stories to life across comics, television, film, games, audio, merchandise, collectibles and more. With in‑house studios Skybound Animation and game developer Quarter Up - plus strategic acquisitions including Maple Media, Sagafilm and Nine-Four Entertainment - we unite creators with world‑class partners, production capabilities and fan communities. Our mission is to build immersive, authentic universes that resonate with audiences for years to come.
Skybound publishes bestselling comics with top industry talent across its originals, licensed slates, and young readers imprint Skybound Comet. As a licensing partner, Skybound collaborates with Hasbro, The LEGO Group, and Universal Products & Experiences on their most coveted properties. Skybound’s groundbreaking reimagination of TRANSFORMERS and G.I. JOE in the Energon Universe is Hasbro’s most successful comic book line ever, headlined by the two-time Eisner Award winning TRANSFORMERS. Additionally, Skybound ran the two most funded comic campaigns ever on Kickstarter.
Press Contact:
Shannon Meehan | Skybound Entertainment
smeehan@skybound.com