Fans attending Midsummer Scream this August will have the opportunity to celebrate a new chapter in the career of filmmaker and composer John Carpenter. The director returns to the Long Beach Convention Center August 7–9, 2026, alongside producer and Storm King Comics CEO Sandy King, to mark the release of Cathedral, Carpenter’s first original graphic novel, and its companion album.
Co-authored by John Carpenter and Sandy King, with additional writing by Sean Sobczak, Cathedral follows Lieutenant Christine Marks as she investigates a murder connected to an abandoned downtown Los Angeles cathedral hiding a centuries-old evil. The graphic novel arrives August 4 through Storm King Comics and features artwork by Federico De Luca and Luis Guaragna, with lettering by Marshall Dillon.
Releasing August 7 through Sacred Bones Records, the companion album was created by Carpenter with longtime collaborators Cody Carpenter and Daniel Davies. Designed to function both as a standalone record and a chapter-by-chapter soundtrack for the graphic novel, the album introduces a heavier sound than the trio’s previous Lost Themes releases. The first single, “Lord of the Underground,” is available now.
Midsummer Scream will host several special events centered around Cathedral. On Friday, August 7, attendees can take part in a listening party, beginning with an exclusive VIP hour featuring Sandy King, who will discuss the origins and development of the project. Access to the VIP portion will be available to the first 50 attendees who purchase a designated bundle at the Storm King Comics booth.
Saturday, August 8, offers a rare chance for fans to meet John Carpenter in person during a signing event at the Storm King Comics booth. Copies of both the graphic novel and album will be available for signing, with Sandy King and additional Storm King talent appearing throughout the weekend.
The convention concludes with “Crafting Fear: The Invisible Architects of Horror” on Sunday, August 9. Moderated by Jim Branscome, the panel will feature Sandy King alongside editor Jeremy Cohen (Over Your Dead Body) and composer Samuel Jones (Didn’t Die) for a discussion on the creative work behind genre filmmaking.
With a new story unfolding across both page and music, Cathedral will be one of the highlights of Midsummer Scream 2026, giving attendees several opportunities to experience John Carpenter and Sandy King’s latest collaboration. A valid Midsummer Scream admission is required for all scheduled events.
