Discover how Whaleden let Comic Con 2025 fans choose the next comic, launched Dracula 2168 #1, and shared fresh art from Luca Maresca and Stewart Kenneth Moore.
In an increasingly digital world where technology is pushing the limits every day, we share memes, meet friends, battle in virtual worlds, and trade digital art… virtually. But there is a place where you can live all these passions in person: Comic-Con.
It is the one place where you can finally pick up the issue you have searched for, add that missing Funko Pop to your shelf, and, if luck smiles on you, snap a selfie with Batman himself, and possibly the artists who draw him.
Whaleden, a recently launched publishing house that wants to open comics to the community, set up its first convention booth this year. Co-founders Jitka and John welcomed visitors and introduced them to something that could be the next major innovation in the industry: Comic Pitch.
Alongside the Comic Pitch reveal, Whaleden joined forces with two acclaimed creators:
Luca Maresca, familiar to many for his runs on Spider-Man, brought limited prints and the first public preview of Dracula 2168 #1. Between friendly chats, signed books, and sketched custom artworks, keeping a steady queue at his table.
Stewart Kenneth Moore, praised for his work on Judge Dredd, signed copies of Thrawn Janet, his dark adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson tale, published by Whaleden. Each book left his table with a signature and a doodle when time allowed.
Although we connected with fans, it became evident that Comic-Con has shifted beyond its original emphasis on comics and their creators. The event now celebrates a broader spectrum of pop culture, with cosplay, iconic heroes, and the enthusiasm of everyday attendees exploring new ideas taking center stage.
The Comic Con Experiment
With Comic Pitch, Whaleden wanted to live test a simple idea: let fans decide the next comic to publish. Five pitches were presented, some by emerging artists, some AI-assisted concepts, and one by well-known creators. Each included a cover, three pages, and a story outline. Comic-Con visitors could read the pitches, scan a QR code, and vote for their favorite. But there was a trick; no one knew which pitch was made by whom.
By the time voting closed, hundreds of votes were in. Emerging artist Gaia Cafiso took first place with 49 % of the vote for Neon Requiem, a cyberpunk fantasy. Second and third place went to the AI-assisted comic pitches, receiving approx. 22 % and 20 %, while the remaining two pitches split the rest. Thanks to its clear lead, Neon Requiem moves into full production; the finished issue will launch later this year.
The outcome of this experiment matters in two ways. On one hand, established and anonymous creators alike could showcase their concepts. On the other hand, fans saw that their votes really counted!
Blood on the Pages
Comic-Con also saw the official release of Whaleden’s first in-house title, Dracula 2168 #1. The story takes place in a future where blood replaces money, and the powerful Sanguine Technologies cartel rules the economy.
Issue #1 was presented with three variant covers by masters Mirka Andolfo, Marco Santucci, and Matteo Lolli. Luca Maresca, who joins the series as lead artist with issue #2, had a busy weekend with dozens of sketches leaving his table.
Yet every event, as good as it is, must end. Saying goodbye was bittersweet, but we didn’t leave empty-handed. We’ve explored ideas with fellow creators, publishers, and media groups, among them Pevnost.cz and HeroComics!
Comic Con’s doors have closed, but its energy follows us home. Dracula 2168 saga continues, Neon Requiem moves into full production, and Comic Pitches are just getting started.
