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John Cusack is making waves in the comics world this summer. The iconic actor’s debut graphic novel Momo arrives in July from Mad Cave Studios. Most surprisingly, Cusack himself will hit late-night talk shows to promote the book, making it his entire focus for 2026.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Release Date: July 2026 from Mad Cave Studios
- Artist: Ignacio Noé, lettered by Taylor Esposito
- Page Count: 192 pages, expanded from 150-page original script
- Promotional Focus: Late-night talk show circuit throughout summer 2026
How ‘Momo’ Came to Life After 16 Years
John Cusack began developing Momo with conceptual roots dating back decades. In 2010, artist Ignacio Noé created early comic work for Damian Hirst‘s company Other Criteria. The project eventually evolved when Hirst discovered Cusack was developing a script. According to Cusack, the story originated from classified documents about 1970s drug routes that he and Hirst investigated together.
The script transformed from 150 original pages to 192 pages during development. Noé worked tirelessly to decode and visualize Cusack’s vision, creating what Mad Cave VP Mark Irwin calls the “best work of Noé’s career.”
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Plot Follows Two Criminals on a Surreal Road Trip
The story blends cosmic horror, conspiracy theories, and surrealist fantasy into one explosive narrative. Two criminals on the run must deliver a cryptic artifact to Jackie Gleason, the legendary TV star. Their mission spirals into chaos with encounters featuring demon-possessed monsters, occult actors, and mystical beings.
The journey traverses a decaying American landscape, filled with nuclear secrets and supernatural twists. Cusack describes it as blending theological noir, pulpy sci-fi, and absurdist comedy into something truly original.
What Industry Leaders Say About This Project
| Detail | Information |
| Release Month | July 2026 |
| Publisher | Mad Cave Studios |
| Pages | 192 |
| San Diego Comic-Con | Expected appearance |
Mark Irwin, Mad Cave Studios VP, told retailers the book will “blow their minds.” He explained, “Hunter S. Thompson has nothing on John Cusack.” Irwin emphasized that Cusack has made this his entire focus for the year, planning substantial media appearances and Comic-Con booth presence.
“It’s insane. Hunter S. Thompson has nothing on John Cusack. It’s pretty hard to describe other than every conspiracy theory coupled with every surrealistic fantasy you could ever imagine, all in one book.”
— Mark Irwin, Vice President, Mad Cave Studios
Cusack’s Legendary Acting Career Sets the Stage
John Cusack rose to fame in the 1980s Brat Pack era, starring in Better Off Dead and The Sure Thing. His breakthrough came in Cameron Crowe’s Say Anything, where the boombox scene became iconic. Later roles showed his range across The Grifters, Grosse Pointe Blank, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, and Con Air.
This marks his most ambitious creative venture to date. Instead of acting alone, Cusack wrote the script, collaborated with legendary artist Ignacio Noé, and now plans extensive promotion. Ignacio Noé brings decades of experience from works like The Convent of Hell, Helldorado, and Ship of Fools.
Will John Cusack’s Late-Night Tour Change Comics Fandom Forever?
The late-night talk show circuit strategy marks a bold departure from typical graphic novel promotion. Cusack’s mainstream celebrity status could introduce Momo to audiences far beyond comic shops. Few celebrities have leveraged their platform to such extent for graphic novels.
Pre-orders already reflect significant interest, with $19.99 hardcover and $49.99 collector editions available. San Diego Comic-Con 2026 will feature Mad Cave booth appearances. Industry insiders predict Momo could become a cultural moment if Cusack’s talk show appearances succeed in reaching mainstream audiences interested in edgy, original storytelling.
Sources
- Bleeding Cool – Exclusive reporting on Cusack’s late-night promotional plans and behind-the-scenes details
- Mad Cave Studios – Official publisher information and retail announcements from ComicsPRO
- Simon and Schuster – Book details, pricing, and distribution information
