Midsummer Scream, the world’s largest Halloween and horror convention, today announced that legendary filmmaker John Carpenter will return to the Long Beach Convention Center, August 7–9, 2026 celebrating two landmark creative works releasing simultaneously this August: CATHEDRAL, his debut original graphic novel, and the companion album of the same name.
CATHEDRAL is co-authored with Sandy King, acclaimed producer, editor, and CEO of Storm King Comics, Carpenter’s wife, longtime creative partner, and the first woman to found a comic publishing house. CATHEDRAL the graphic novel publishes August 4 via Storm King Comics; the album arrives August 7 on Sacred Bones Records which is the same day Midsummer Scream opens its doors. The dual release marks the first time in Carpenter’s storied five-decade career that he has written an original graphic novel, representing his most ambitious cross-medium project to date.
“Midsummer Scream is exactly the right place to unleash CATHEDRAL on the world,” commented John Carpenter. “These monsters have been living in my head long enough. I can’t wait to share them with the fans who will truly appreciate what we’ve created.”
Sandy King added, “There’s no better audience than the Midsummer Scream crowd to be the first to experience CATHEDRAL. This is a community that lives for horror done right, and John and I are thrilled to bring this nightmare to them first.”
A propulsive horror story, it centers on an abandoned cathedral in downtown Los Angeles concealing a centuries-old evil. When a police officer is murdered at the site, Lieutenant Christine Marks and her detectives descend into its catacombs and into a nightmare they may not survive. The book is also co-written with Sean Sobczak, with illustrations by Federico De Luca and Luis Guaragna, and lettering by Marshall Dillon. The companion album, created by Carpenter with longtime musical collaborators Cody Carpenter (synths) and Daniel Davies (guitar), functions as both a standalone record and a chapter-by-chapter score to the graphic novel. Leaning into a heavier sonic palette than the trio’s acclaimed Lost Themes series, Carpenter has described CATHEDRAL as “kind of our first heavy metal album.” The debut single, “Lord of the Underground,” is available now and fans can pre-order the book at https://johncarpenterscathedral.com.
VIP LISTENING PARTY
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
On Friday evening, August 7, Midsummer Scream will host a listening party for CATHEDRAL the album, kicking off with an exclusive VIP portion. The first hour (7pm-8pm) of the event is reserved strictly for a select group of pre-purchasers, featuring a special appearance by Storm King Comics CEO Sandy King. During this exclusive window, Sandy will share the definitive story behind the project – from the dream that inspired it to its evolution as a groundbreaking cross-medium work.
To secure your spot for this exclusive VIP portion, be one of the first 50 attendees to visit the Storm King booth and purchase the bundle, which includes an exclusive access credential for the special presentation for purchaser and guest. Following this initial hour, the room will open to all Midsummer Scream attendees to join the listening party for the remainder of the evening.
GRAPHIC NOVEL & ALBUM SIGNING WITH JOHN CARPENTER
SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
On Saturday, August 8, John Carpenter will appear at the Storm King Comics booth on the convention showfloor to sign copies of CATHEDRAL the graphic novel and album, a rare opportunity for fans to meet the director in person. Sandy King and additional Storm King talent will be on hand throughout the weekend.
“CRAFTING FEAR” PANEL WITH SANDY KING CARPENTER
SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
On Sunday, August 9, acclaimed producer Sandy King will headling “Crafting Fear: The Invisible Architects of Horror,” a deep-dive panel exploring the unsung artistry behind modern genre filmmaking. Moderated by Jim Branscome (film programmer for Cinematic Void and the American Cinematheque), the discussion will feature panelist insights from Sandy Kin, Editor Jeremy Cohen (Over Your Dead Body), and Composer Samuel Jones (Didn’t Die).
A valid Midsummer Scream admission is required to attend all the events listed above.
