VIZ returned to San Diego Comic-Con from July 22 through July 26, 2026 with a schedule that mixed anime screenings, creator education, portfolio reviews, merchandise, and fan programming. For manga readers and aspiring creators, the most useful parts of the schedule are the events that explain how original manga is developed and how artists can present work to editors.
The creator-focused event
The Making Manga with VIZ workshop was scheduled for Friday, July 24. VIZ described it as a session with editors and creators discussing development, pitching, and one-shot submissions. That makes the panel more than a promotional appearance: it is a practical look at what an English-language manga publisher expects from sequential art and story proposals.
Aspiring creators should treat public workshops like this as orientation rather than a guarantee of publication. The strongest takeaway is usually the process: build readable pages, demonstrate visual storytelling, understand the intended audience, and present a project clearly.
Portfolio reviews for original work
VIZ also scheduled portfolio-review sessions for its Originals and One-Shots programs. The publisher asked artists to bring sequential pages that show paneling, black-and-white art, and storytelling. Its One-Shots program accepts short, self-contained manga and can consider right-to-left or left-to-right formats.
That detail matters because it shows that “manga-inspired” publishing outside Japan is not restricted to one page direction. Editors are looking for clarity, craft, and a complete reading experience.
Screenings, booth activity, and merchandise
The convention guide also listed a Rooster Fighter English-dub screening, introductory RWBY programming, and official booth merchandise. Fans attending primarily for manga should check the publisher’s latest schedule before traveling across the convention center because room assignments and access rules can change.
MangaPanda’s view
The creator-development programming is the most valuable part of this year’s VIZ schedule. Convention exclusives disappear, but transparent information about pitching, portfolio preparation, and editorial expectations can help new creators long after the event.
This article summarizes the publisher’s official schedule in original language. Check the linked VIZ source for late changes, entry procedures, and full event details.