Stories are about conflict. And there is no purer form of conflict than a good ol' fisticuffs-style brawl. (Or sword fight, laser battle, western shootout...) Yet, how to put that much action down on paper and not only make it believable, but enjoyable and exciting to read? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake brings you deep inside the violence, breaking it down piece by piece, and giving you some tricks you can use to create more realistic and exciting fights.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 16, 11:37AM Panelists explore both the role of gender in mainstream and independent comics, as well as the impact of gender politics on the business side of the industry and in the media. Moderated by comics editor Janelle Asselin, the panel inclides ComicsAlliance.com senior editor Andy Khouri, BOOM! Studios editor Dafna Pleban, comics writer James Tynion IV (The Woods), Image comics director of trade book sales Jennifer de Guzman, and WIRED writer Laura Hudson and IDW publishing editor Sarah Gaydos.
It's the most epic Spider-Man event of all time as every Spider-Man EVER come together to face a world-ending threat! Senior editor Nick Lowe, Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) and Mark Waid (Daredevil) will be taking any and all questions from you, the fans! This is one panel no Spidey fan can miss!
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 6DE
As digital comics have become a driving force of the medium, more publishers and creators have launched digital first lines of comics. How do publishers and creators deal with the unique properties of the web and tablet? How do readers react? Are they an evolution from webcomics or their own medium? And how will technological evolution affect storytelling as more choices arise? PW's Calvin Reid discusses the digital evolution with the people behind digital lines, including Aces Weekly's David Lloyd, Monkeybrain's Alison Baker, New Paradigm's Brandon Perlow, Black Mask Studio's Matt Pizzolo, and Sequential's Russell Willis.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
Comic-Con special guest Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men, Ms Mystic) is one of the living legends of comics. His impact on the Dark Knight, nearly 30 years ago, paved the way for a darker Caped Crusader, one that echoes in the movies and animated shows that we all love. From being a champion of creator rights to drawing just about every iconic comic book character who ever graced a page, Neal Adams has done it all, and he talks about some of it in this Spotlight panel!
For a magic moment, New York City's School of Visual Arts had Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, and Art Spiegelman all teaching classes on comics. Hear stories about those classes from students Joe Quesada (Marvel Entertainment), Drew Friedman (Heroes of the Comics), Batton Lash (Supernatural Law), Mike Carlin (DC Entertainment), and a surprise guest. Plus a not-to-be missed discussion about Will Eisner's other educational efforts. Moderated by Paul Levitz, who is writing Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel for release next year by Abrams ComicArts.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29A
This year's panelists feature media movers and shakers from film, television, comics, and music: Orlando Jones (Sleepy Hollow, MAD TV), Ne-Yo (actor, artist, writer, singer, etc.), J. August Richards (Angel, Marvel Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Kevin Grevioux (I, Frankenstein; Underworld), Cree Summer (Batman Beyond, Rugrats, A Different World), and Erika Alexander (Living Single, Concrete Park). The Black Panel is produced by Tatiana El Khouri and hosted by its founder, Michael Davis.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
Superhero comic books are often dismissed or derided as "power fantasies" or "escapism," but is that always a negative? Incongruous as it may seem for Dean Trippe's Something Terrible to deal with childhood trauma, sexual abuse, and Batman, Trippe has used his comic to deal with his own past, which has then helped other people with difficult backgrounds. Tommy Cash (The Comic Arts Council) and Dean Trippe (Something Terrible) examine misconceptions regarding victims of sexual abuse and the potential value in identifying with superheroes as a coping mechanism.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
Jim Sullos (president, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated), Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration),Joe Rybandt (senior editor, Dynamite Entertainment), Diana Leto (The Cave Girl), and Ron Marz (Korak the Killer) discuss upcoming projects featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs's famous literary heroes, including online comic strips, the Warner Bros. big-screen Tarzan feature (planned for 2016), and Dynamite Comics's pending relaunch of John Carter: Warlord of Mars.
After the successes of Harry Potter, Twilight, The Walking Dead, and Game of Thrones, not to mention the billions made by the Star Wars universe, the latest Batman trilogy and the Marvel Universe, its no surprise that Hollywood's appetite for comic book properties continues to rise. Now that geek is chic, the entertainment industry has increased its mining efforts through all forms of popular culture, but nowhere more than in the comic book industry. But with tens of thousands of characters and properties competing for attention, actually making money from your creations requires understanding the legalities and pitfalls of contracts and license agreements in general, along with an understanding of the business models used by the companies looking to make you an offer. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and entertainment attorney Mona Metwalli present an interactive seminar tackling a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers (and the businesses that hire them) as they begin marketing their properties and creative ideas, including: the key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; potential pitfalls when dealing in contracts, assignments and licenses; and (time permitting) participating in a contract negotiation role-playing exercise.Note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 25, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Understanding when and how to use physical conflict in your story is all well and good. But how do you write it? How do authors paint such a vivid, action-packed fight scene that readers can "see" in their mind using only the written word? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake peels back the mystery and looks at using words to craft action that your readers will not simply read, but experience.
ADDED: Wed, Jul 23, 06:49AM Want to work in a fandom-related industry you're passionate about, but not sure where to start? These professional "Nerds for a Living" will discuss careers within gaming, film, comics, illustration and more. LeeJoyner (director of admissions, Cinema Makeup School), TomKurzanski (art director, TeeFury), ClaireHummel (production designer, HBO; concept artist, BioShock Infinite), KarenHallion (artist and illustrator), BradHerman (lead product designer, DreamWorks Animation), and PatLoika (Loikamania Podcast) will share their career-building experiences. Topics include training, online resources, networking, and tactics to use (and avoid) for breaking into your dream industry. Moderated by WendyBuske (marketing director, Nerd For A Living). This panel will conclude with an audience Q&A.
Collaboration is the lifeblood of comics. Writers, artists, colorists, and letterers team up to create the comics you know and love. Kelly Sue DeConnick (Pretty Deadly),Fiona Staples (Saga), MattFraction and ChipZdarsky (Sex Criminals), John Layman (Chew), Steve Seagle (Imperial), and some special surprise guests will discuss creating entire universes from scratch and the teamwork it takes to make their comics the best they can be.
Friday July 25, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Get the inside scoop on your favorite collectible toys from Mattel: Masters of the Universe, DC Comics, Ghostbusters, and more! Plus the latest news on the future of MOTU Classics. Get exclusive sneak peeks at 2015 product that will not be shown anywhere else! This panel will also include a Q&A with Mattel marketing manager Scott "Toy Guru" Neitlich, toy designer Brandon Sopinsky, digital content strategist Eve Orio, and special guests The Four Horsemen. It's the place to be for the world premiere of tons of new toys and collectibles!
Friday July 25, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 15, 03:48PM President of IDW Publishing Greg Goldstein leads a spirited discussion about the recent boom in prestige collections of archival comic material. Joining Greg will be renowned comic book historian Craig Yoe, VP of book trade sales at Dark Horse Comics Michael Martens, founder of Sunday Press Peter Maresca, associate publisher of Fantagraphics Eric Reynolds, and IDW senior editor of special projects Scott Dunbier. If you have a bookshelf bowing under the weight of great big books full of comics and still crave more, this is the panel for you! Plus announcements and giveaways. Just added! Dean Mullaney from the Library of American Comics!
Friday July 25, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Frank Mastromauro (co-owner), Peter Steigerwald (co-owner), Vince Hernandez (VP, editor-in-chief), Mark Roslan (VP, director of design and production), David Wohl (Executive Assistant: Iris), J. T. Krul (Jirni), Siya Oum (Lola XOXO), Scott Lobdell (Superman), Paolo Pantalena (Jirni),Giuseppe Cafaro (Fathom: Kiani), Jordan Gunderson (EA: Assassins), Lori Hanson (EA Assassins), and Beth Sotelo (Fathom) will reveal upcoming Aspen titles as well as projects on the horizon. They will also hold a Q&A session with fans. All fans in attendance will receive a gift courtesy of the publisher.
Romance anthologies were once the most popular American comics genre, with over 150 titles published each month; by the end of the '70s, they'd vanished, never to return. Michelle Nolan (Love on the Racks), Colleen Coover (Gingerbread Girl), and moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) reveal the glories and heartbreak of comics' lost romances.
Friday July 25, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
The New 52 return to San Diego for a star-studded, action-packed panel with David Finch (Forever Evil, upcoming Wonder Woman), Meredith Finch (upcoming Wonder Woman), Van Jensen (Green Lantern Corps), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Superman), Jeff Lemire (Futures End, Green Arrow, Justice League United), Charles Soule (Red Lanterns, Superman/Wonder Woman, Swamp Thing), Robert Venditti (The Flash, Green Lantern) and others. Join the creators of DC Comics's most powerful and influential heroes and heroines for a sneak peek at what is to come for these champions of justice!
Friday July 25, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Milestone Media is all grown up, and here's your chance to get the lowdown on what's really the deal with all those rumors. Milestone partners and founders Denys Cowan, (Django Unchained, Green Arrow), Derek Dingle (Black Enterprise magazine), and Michael Davis (The Hidden Beach) are ready to spill. The Milestone @ 21 panel is produced by Reggie Hudlin (Django Unchained, Django/Zorro) and hosted by Phil LaMarr (Static Shock, Mad TV). If you're not there, you just won't get it...and your friends will never let you forget it.
Friday July 25, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Graphic novels are often associated with violence and aggression. They can, however, be used to help kids gain a greater understanding of the often violent world around them, and they can often be used to defuse anger. Finally, they can be used to teach history, social studies, and social organization. This panel of educators, authors, and artists will show you how. They'll discuss the intertwining history of comics, violence, and censorship and provide teachers with classroom tools to integrate incredible graphic novels within language arts, social studies and science, effectively meeting Common Core State Standards while addressing ever-present resistance to the graphic text artform. Panelists include Meryl Jaffe, Betsy Gomez, Matt Holm, and Jennifer L. Holm.
Friday July 25, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
If an artist is paid for his or her work, does that mean it's not personal? The creation of art is such a personal thing, but does it always have to be this way? Hear creators Ray Billingsley (Curtis), Michael T. Gilbert, (Mr. Monster), David Lasky (The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song), Mimi Pond (Over Easy), and Jim Rugg (Supermag) share their views on when or if a project can be for love and money.
Friday July 25, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Comic-Con special guest writer/artist Batton Lash celebrates 35 years of is characters Wolff & Byrd Counselors of the Macabre, from newspaper strip to the Supernatural Law comic books, webcomic, and graphic novels. Interviewed by author/futurist Rob Salkowitz, Batton will discuss his influences, self-publishing, crowdfunding, the mixing of humor and horror, writing for Archie and Bongo, and his new series for Aces Weekly, "The First Gentleman of the Apocalypse."
Top Shelf is so excited to debut the The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen: Century hardcover that they flew artist Kevin O'Neill all the way from England for his first U.S. visit in years! You think in his 15 years of collaboration with Alan Moore on the League, he's picked up a good story or two? Plus: Top Shelf continues to innovate with new digital projects; meet the genius minds behind their latest graphic novels, and get a look at the much-anticipated Book Two of March, the #1 New York Times bestselling graphic memoir trilogy by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell!
Friday July 25, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Learn how to take your idea and make a graphic novel using Brian Haberlin's graphic novels Shifter and Anomaly as test cases. Subjects discussed include idea to script, page format, panel layout, art style, distribution, printing, and more. Comic book creator, editor, writer, penciler, inker, and colorist Brian Haberlin is the co-creator of Witchblade, Anomaly, and many other comic books and graphic novels.
Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Chad Coleman, and Michael Cudlitz join executive producer and showrunner Scott Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead) to discuss the shocking finale of season 4 of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 5, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 5.
2014 marks the 75th anniversary of Batman, but also several other anniversaries for the character. It's the 100th birthday of writer Bill Finger who wrote many of the character's adventures through the 1960s, and is responsible for many additions to the legend and some of the Dark Knight's most infamous villains. It's the 50th anniversary of the "New Look" Batman, which started in 1964 under editor Julius Schwartz and including artist Carmine Infantino's interpretation of the Caped Crusader, which saved Detective Comics from possible cancellation. And it's the 25th anniversary of Tim Burton's Batman movie, which brought the character back to a whole new audience, in a new-and much darker-form. Comic-Con special guest Denny O'Neill (writer/editor, Batman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow) will moderate fellow Comic-Con special guests Chuck Dixon (writer, Batman, Airboy), Kelley Jones (artist, Batman, Deadman), Graham Nolan (artist, Detective Comics, The Phantom, Joe Frankenstein), and Brian Stelfreeze (artist, Shadow of the Bat, Daymen) in a discussion on how they kept the world's greatest detective going strong through the '80s and '90s.
Friday July 25, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Comic-Con special guest Mike Mignola celebrates the 20th anniversary of his iconic creation Hellboy, star of comics, movies, and animation. Ask Mike about the Mignolaverse in this casual Q&A.
Friday July 25, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 18, 02:07PM This is the Avengers like you've never seen them before! Marvel is bringing its biggest creators and its best characters together for Avengers NOW! Join editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, Rick Remender (Avengers & X-Men: AXIS), Jason Aaron (Original Sin) and other guests as they dish on the evolution of Marvel's most iconic characters!
Friday July 25, 2014 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 6BCF
Learn about the story that shocked the world-the Death of Archie-and find out more about the hit horror series Afterlife with Archie. Get exclusive news on upcoming classic Archie storylines, the new Sabrina ongoing series, and what's to come from Archie's superhero imprint. The panel features Jon Goldwater (co-CEO/publisher), Victor Gorelick (co-president/editor-in-chief), Mike Pellerito (president), Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (chief creative officer/writer of Afterlife with Archie), Francesco Francavilla (artist of Afterlife with Archie), Dan Parent (writer/artist, Kevin Keller), Michael Uslan (writer, Farewell, Betty & Veronica), and moderator Alex Segura (SVP-publicity and marketing/editor of Red Circle Comics). Plus, an exclusive gift bag ticket!
How did a pioneering neuroscientist become one of the 20th century's most notorious censors? In 1954, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham published the popular book Seduction of the Innocent, which inspired such moral panic that comics were placed on trial by the U.S. Senate. Wertham's efforts, although presented as science, were actually carefully manipulated to discredit the medium. The results nearly destroyed the comics artform in the United States. Carol Tilley, the professor whose recent research helped debunk Wertham once and for all, will take you back in time, behind the scenes, as she shares some of the little-known stories of Dr. Wertham's war on comics.
Friday July 25, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comic-Con special guest Veronica Roth, author of FOUR: A Divergent Collection, joins authors Walter Jury, Leigh Bardugo and Laini Taylor as they divulge what led them on the road to writerdom. From books to movies to comics and more, what are these authors geeking out about? Hear about their literary muses, their author crushes, and all things awe-worthy that inspire them to write the books they write. Moderator Aaron Hartzler will coax the most titillating answers out of these panelists as they dish on their evolutions and revolutions.
Friday July 25, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
How sexist are superhero comic books? How fairly do comic book creators depict females and femininity, and how do we view the creators who attempt to introduce feminist values? Rebecca Sader (University of Texas at Dallas) looks at how well Birds of Prey fares in light of methodology like the Bechdel test. Matthew J. Brown (University of Texas at Dallas) delves into the psychology and (unorthodox) feminist values of psychologist William Moulton Marston, the creator of Wonder Woman and a pioneer in the invention of the lie detector. Annamarie O'Brien (Bowling Green State University) looks at mommy issues in Jack Kirby's Fourth World saga, from idealized Mother Box to the monstrous depiction of mothering gone awry via the villainous Granny Goodness.
Friday July 25, 2014 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
IDW editors John Barber and Carlos Guzman, along with Michael Kelly, Hasbro's director for global publishing, offer a comprehensive overview of all things IDW & Hasbro. Transformers! My Little Pony! G.I. Joe! Dungeons & Dragons! Announcements! Prizes! Featuring writer Mairghread Scott, writer/artist Tom Scioli, and many more special guests.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:42PM Even after 75 years of stories, the Bat-family comics couldn't be any hotter! Join the talent behind the Dark Knight for an exclusive look at what's in store for the World's Greatest Detective. With Marc Andreyko (Batwoman), Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics), Pat Gleason (Batman and Robin), Greg Pak (Batman/Superman), Scott Snyder (Batman, Batman Eternal), Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin) and others, there has never been a better time to walk the streets of Gotham City!
Comic-Con special guest June Brigman will discuss the creation of Power Pack, as well as her 30-year career as a comics penciler. A PowerPoint presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Ms. Brigman.
Comics today present an amazing range of stories and characters, including more LGBT stories and characters than ever before. Since comics appeal to young and old alike, how do creators use the medium to present LGBT content and characters for younger audiences? What comics are out there for teens and younger readers? How can parents, librarians, and educators introduce such books to young people? Prism Comics, moderator P. Kristen Enos (Active Voice, Creatures of Grace), and creators who produce comics for younger readers-Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Charles "Zan" Christensen (Northwest Press, The Power Within), Dusty Jack (Scuttlebutt Ink, Mahou Shounen Fight!), Grace Ellis (Lumberjanes), Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), Robert Paul (Little Rainbow Comics), and Elizabeth Watasin (Charm School)- look at the world of LGBT and LGBT-friendly comics for younger readers.
Friday July 25, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Comic-Con special guest Brian K. Vaughan, the Eisner Award-winning co-creator of Saga, Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina and Runaways, takes the stage for no-holds-barred Q&A session about writing, Image Comics, his time in the Hollywood trenches, gin, his new pay-what-you-want digital comics initiative PanelSyndicate.com, money, and just about anything else YOU feel like asking.
Friday July 25, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Join Comic-Con special guest Mark Brooks for an open and fun discussion about the average day in the life of a comic book artist. With over a decade of professional experience working for companies such as Marvel, Disney, Sideshow Collectibles, Hasbro, and Sega-Mark will offer his unique insight into time management (being a slave to deadlines), work-life balance (Kids! Nagging spouse! Video games!), working the convention scene (spend money to make money), and ways to market yourself (social media is your friend-sometimes). At the end of the panel, Mark will give away a copy of his new Marvel art book and a sketch!
Who really created Batman? Was it the Caped Crusader's officially credited creator, Bob Kane, or was it his secret collaborator, Bill Finger? What did editor Vince Sullivan, artist Jerry Robinson, writer Gardner Fox, and others contribute when first shaping the Batman mythos, from the Dark Knight's debut in 1939 until he gained a young crime-fighting partner, a clownish arch-foe, and a feline femme fatale one year later? Pulling from interviews, biographies, personal communications, and external evidence, experts conduct a forensic investigation into this question of historical, cultural, and ethical importance. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) asks Tom Andrae (Batman & Me), Brad Ricca (Super Boys), Athena Finger (The Cape Creator: A Tribute to Bill Finger), Marc Tyler Nobleman (Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman), Denny O'Neil (Batman), Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art), Jens Robinson (CartoonArts International), Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight films), and Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson (granddaughter of DC Comics's founder) the basic question: Who built the bat?
Friday July 25, 2014 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Everyone has an origin story, the defining moment where they thrust themselves to greatness, and so do the comic industry's best and brightest. ComiXology's marketing maven Chip Mosher hosts a panel with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger; executive editor at Marvel Comics in charge of the X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises Mike Marts; BOOM! Studios/KaBOOM! editor and Lumberjanes co-creator Shannon Watters; co-creator of the forthcoming Top Cow series Genius, television writer on Syfy's Alphas, and senior editor of The Hollywood ReporterMarc Bernardin; and writer of Five Ghosts, Black Market, and Solar: Man of the Atom, Frank J. Barbiere, who will fill you in on the extraordinary events that transformed them from everyday comics fans into comic industry heroes!
UPDATED: Sat, Jul 12, 09:35AM It's open enrollment for the biggest adventure in DC Comics's history: THE MULTIVERSITY! Visionary writer Grant Morrison, Cameron Stewart and a cast of unforgettable characters from 52 alternate Earths of the known DC Multiverse present a behind-the-scenes look at the cosmos-spanning, soul-shaking series that asks the question "How safe is your head?"
For the first time at Comic-Con, a detailed look at the origins of the American Sunday comic strip-the art form that gave birth to modern comics. Learn about the artists and publishers who launched a completely new type of entertainment that would influence all popular culture for a century to come. Host Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), along with cartoonist and publisher Denis Kitchen (editor, The Yellow Kid, plus dozens of strip collections) and writer and historian R. C. Harvey (The Genius of Winsor McCay and Meanwhile...A Biography of Milton Caniff), will guide you through the earliest days of American comics. View rare examples of the seminal work of Outcault, Dirks, Swinnerton, McCay, Herriman, and dozens more known and unknown "Founders of the Funnies."
Talk digital art, character design, and naked monsters with comic artist and Comic-Con special guestFiona Staples (Saga). Moderated by Image Comics director of trade book sales Jennifer de Guzman.
Friday July 25, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Join Comic-Con special guest and recluse, Jae Lee, artist of Stephen King's Dark Tower comics and current artist of Batman/Superman, for a rare and candid Q&A about anything you wish to discuss. Ask Jae anything. Whether this session is exciting or boring is entirely up to you!
Friday July 25, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Writer/artist Terry Moore (Rachel Rising, SIP Kids, Strangers In Paradise, ECHO) discusses new projects, describes upcoming storylines, and answers all of those burning questions you have always wanted to ask. This fan-favorite event is chock full of fun and games!
Calvin Reid (Publishers Weekly editor) moderates a panel with Nick Abadzis (author of The Cigar That Fell in Love with a Pipe, Titan's Doctor Who comic series, and the award-winning graphic novel Laika) Frank Cammuso (author of The Misadventures of Salem Hyde series), Kazu Kibuishi (writer and artist of theAmulet series, and editor of the Explorer series) and Gene Luen Yang (writer and artist of the graphic novel Boxers & Saints) about the overlap between mainstream and alternative comics, and the possibility of a greater collaboration between the two.
Friday July 25, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Presenting some of the most exciting voices in graphic novels today: Michael Cho (Shoplifter), Faith Erin Hicks (Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Lucy Knisley (Relish), Jen Wang (In Real Life), and Gene Luen Yang (The Shadow Hero). The age of the graphic novel is truly beginning in the comics industry, and these panelists will discuss their own work, their process, and the future they see for graphic novels today. Moderated by Lev Grossman (TIME).
Geek culture is winning the war for the hearts, minds, and wallets of consumers. Comic book-inspired stories dominate both the box office and overnight ratings. Major brands are doubling down on their embrace of geek-centric content and its creators. Yesterday's nerds are today's key decision makers across all business sectors. What does this all mean for a marketplace that strives to remain relevant? How are producers and publishers of content responsible for turning you into a "superfan" reacting and responding to the challenge? And how are brands and advertisers working together with industry advocates-including your friendly neighborhood comic shop-to keep the "comic" in "comic culture"? Bonfire Agency and a diverse panel of pop culture professionals present a lively discussion and debate. Panelists include publisher Filip Sablik (BOOM! Studios), journalist Heidi MacDonald (The Beat,Publishers Weekly), entertainment marketer Jeff Dellinger (Hero Complex), author Rob Salkowitz (Comic Con and the Business of Pop Culture), comics retailer Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics) media strategist Kris Longo (Geek Riot Media), and Ed Catto (Bonfire Agency). Moderated by Steve Rotterdam, former senior VP of sales & marketing at DC Comics and founding partner of Bonfire Agency.
Friday July 25, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
The iPad has transformed the way you read comics, but did you know you can create comic art on it too? See a comic book character come to life as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Wolverine: An Origin Story) and Kristy Miller (The Wick and Kelty Adventures) demonstrate how to pencil, ink, and paint comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps work best and how you too can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. Q&A session.
Friday July 25, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Reading With Pictures provides you with the latest research and proven practical strategies for using comics and graphic novels in your classroom or library. Josh Elder (founder of Reading With Pictures) moderates a panel of experts that includes Dr. Katie Monnin (associate professor of literacy, University of North Florida), Jeff Barbanell (co-founder, Scholastic Innovations), Andrea Shockling (Comics Therapy), David Cutler (founder, SpinEdu), Andrea Colvin (VP of content, Andrews McMeel Publishing), and Tracy Edmunds (curriculum director, Reading With Pictures).
IDW invites you to join in their 15th anniversary celebration with this panel featuring IDW's own "Martin & Lewis," Dirk Wood and Chris Ryall, alongside special panelists Gabriel Rodriguez, Jonathan Maberry, Scott Tipton, and more to come for a spirited chat filled with announcements galore!
From the critically acclaimed classic pulp feel of The Black Beetle to the unnerving horrors of Afterlife with Archie and everything in between, join Comic-Con special guest Francesco Francavilla for this Q&A session moderated by Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider podcast).
Friday July 25, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 24, 12:40PM We couldn't imagine our favorite comic book, TV show, novel or film without our beloved superheroines. However, the journey for them has not been easy. Whether it's cultural barriers or societal sexism, super women have had to fight more than just crime in order to survive. Creators Genese Davis (The Holder's Dominion, MMORPG.com, The Gamer in You), Adrianne Curry (America's Next Top Model), voice actor Susan Eisenberg (Justice League, Jackie Chan Adventures, Injustice, Skyrim), (Michele R. Wells (Disney Publishing Worldwide, DK Publishing, Penguin), and Adam Simon (Man Down, Synapse) discuss the challenges and obstacles to creating relevant female protagonists in today's male-dominated industries.
This program is not just a great opportunity for those interested in opening their own comic book specialty store, it’s also a chance to get a peek into the comics retail profession. Bring your best questions for this panel of veteran comic book specialty retailers. Hosted by Joe Field (Flying Colors Comics, CA). (This panel is open to all Comic-Con attendees.)
Friday July 25, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Prepare to redefine your definition of hero! The status quo of your favorite characters is jettisoned for a new beginning as Grayson, Teen Titans, and Harley Quinn bring a fresh and gritty edge to DC Comics. Join the talent behind this group of new comics-Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn), Tom King (Grayson), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn), Sean Ryan (New Suicide Squad), Tim Seeley (Grayson) and others-in a panel that is unlike any out there.
Moderated by the Comics Reporter himself, Tom Spurgeon, this panel will explore the use of humor by today's best cartoonists slash illustrators. Drew Friedman (Old Jewish Comedians)'s newest bookHeroes of the Comics debuts right here at Comic-Con, and his comics and illustrations have appeared in National Lampoon and High Times. Lisa Hanawalt is the James Beard Award winner for humor for her comics in Lucky Peach and is the cartoonist behind My Dirty Dumb Eyes. Mimi Pond wrote the pilot of The Simpsons, the cult classic The Valley Girl's Guide to Life, and her new fictionalized memoir Over Easy. Spurgeon will get out of these cartoonists' way when they lay it on thick, explain when to go easy, and share how to always get a laugh.
Friday July 25, 2014 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide) is renowned for his zombie survival lectures but this year he returns to provide intel and anecdotes on how to survive a Vampires vs. Zombies apocalypse! Moderated by William Christensen (Avatar Press publisher), this panel and Q&A introduces readers to Max Brooks's new all-original comic book series, Extinction Parade: War!
Michael Cho and his four-time Eisner Award-winning editor Chip Kidd talk about comics and the making of graphic novels, specifically Michael Cho's upcoming debut, Shoplifter (Pantheon Books, Sept. 2). Shoplifter tells the story of a young woman's search for meaning, happiness, and self-fulfillment as she works as a millennial urban professional. She dabbles in small time shoplifting as a means of coming to terms with her conflicting emotions. Cho is an illustrator, cartoonist, and writer based in Toronto. Kidd is designer and author of Batman: Animated, Peanuts: The Art of Charles M. Schulz, and Mythology: The DC Comics Art of Alex Ross.
Friday July 25, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Be the first to see the premiere, concept, and design of Peter David and Sal Velluto's New Phantom comic book series together with a multimedia presentation about the history of the The Ghost Who Walks. Sal Velluto (The Phantom, Flash, Justice League Task Force, Black Panther), the artist for the new series, will discuss the direction and philosophy of the book and show off artwork from issue #1. Daniel Herman (publisher, Hermes Press), Graham Nolan (Batman, The Phantom, Rex Morgan, M.D.), and Thomas Andrae ( Batman and Me, Creators of the Superheroes, Walt Kelly: the Life and Art of the Creator of the Art of Pogo) will discuss the history of the character, the classic strip and comic books, and the all-new version (which brings back the classic Phantom) of this iconic character.
Get updated on everything Mouse Guard, including news on upcoming projects, collectibles, and other surprises with creator, writer, and artist David Petersen. Plus, enjoy a live reading of several Mouse Guard short stories with David and panelists Hal Lublin (The Thrilling Adventure Hour), Meredith Salenger (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Hollywood Heights), and a surprise guest! Moderated by BOOM! Studios marketing manager Mel Caylo.
Friday July 25, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Celebration of 24 Hour Comics Day: 2014 is the 10th anniversary of 24 Hour Comics Day. Please come by and celebrate with us! We'll reminisce about past years while also discussing how to make October 4th, 2014, the best 24 Hour Comics Day ever. On the panel will be Nat Gertler (Founder of 24 Hour Comics Day), Nathan Vargas (co-author of 24HCD Survival Guide), Chris Brady (4 Color Fantasies), Jimmy Purcell (Artist) and Marco Davanzo (ComicsPRO Administrative Director). (This panel is open to all Comic-Con attendees.)
Think you know everything from Crisis on Infinite Earths to Blackest Night to Flashpoint? Come by and test your knowledge of the DC Universe from its inception all the way to The New 52 against DC's finest minds to win some exclusive prizes!
Saved By The Bell! Punky Brewster! Magical girls! Teen mermaids! As Jessie Spano would say, "I'm So Excited!" Roar Comics is making its debut at SDCC! Check out Lion Forge's new all-ages and YA comics imprint as the company brings together genre-busting talent with fan-favorite characters. Join senior editor Adam Staffaroni to hear what's next for Punky and the gang at Bayside High, and learn about Roar's new digital-first original titles-Roboy, Crystal Cadets, and MER. Featuring creators Chynna Clugston Flores (Blue Monday), Joelle Sellner (Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes), Anne Toole (The Lizzy Bennet Diaries), Lesley Vamos, and Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton. Fun all for all ages, plus some big new announcements!
Hot on the heals of his free, 39,000-person, online course on comics, William Kuskin (professor, University of Colorado Boulder, editor, Graphia: The Graphic Novel and Literary Criticism) will discuss the transformative power of comics in education. Join him for a reading of Spider-Man, MJ Watson, Molten Man, making comics, and the imagination. You will leave motivated to think BIG thoughts!
Your project is going to make millions of dollars-but you have to sign this contract first-yikes! Andy Schmidt (Comics Experience, Marvel, IDW Publishing) and Joe Sergi, attorney and author of Comic Book Law: Cautionary Tales for the Comic Book Creator, offer an in-depth look at comics contracts. If you want to work in the entertainment industry-especially publishing-you can't afford to miss this panel!
Friday July 25, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
A rare behind-the-scenes look as leading pop culture entrepreneurs share the secrets of building successful pop culture businesses! J. K. Parkin from Comic Book Resources and Robot 6 moderates an inspirational talk with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger, the Harvey Award-nominated cartoonist behind Nimona and Lumberjanes co-creator Noelle Stevenson, Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson, and Valiant CEO & chief creative officer Dinesh Shamdasani. It's an inside look at the business side of pop culture no future comics entrepreneur can miss!
Dave McKean shows images and clips from his new film Luna and his new books Pictures That Tick 2: Exhibition from Dark Horse, and Dream States: The Collected Dreaming, Sandman Presents, and Sandman Overture covers from DC Comics. Plus a few surprises, including Comics Unmasked, a massively successful exhibition that Dave designed for the British Library in London, and 9 Lives, a performance piece premiered at the Sydney Opera House in Australia.
Thus far in 2014, Archaia-an award-winning imprint of BOOM! Studios-has published beautiful hardcover reprints of the novelizations of favorite Henson properties Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and The Storyteller. Panelists reveal details of Archaia's Henson publishing plan for the rest of the year, including sneak peeks at a never-before-seen project from the Henson Archives. Featuring panelists Jeff Stokely (Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Witches), Jake Myler (Fraggle Rock), Ian Herring (Jim Henson's Tale of Sand), and Shane-Michael Vidaurri (Jim Henson's The Storyteller: Witches) and moderated by Henson line editor at Archaia Rebecca "Tay" Taylor.
Friday July 25, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 17, 02:05PM After over two years of AdventureTime comic books, BOOM! Studios and Cartoon Network continue to break new ground with the July debut of a new limited series, AdventureTime: Banana Guard Academy. This marks the first time that one of the writers behind the animated show, KentOsborne, will write the AdventureTime comic! To mark the occasion, Osborne, has crafted a brand-new, original AdventureTime radio play that will tie into this new comic series, and for the first time anywhere, it will be performed live by voice actors from the show, including OliviaOlson (Marceline), TomKenny (Ice King), and JeremyShada (Finn). Plus, learn more about the show with Osborne and fellow writer AdamMuto (also the inspiration for Gingerbread Muto!), and more about the BANANA GUARD comic series with editor ShannonWatters and artist MadRupert. Come prepared with all of your burning questions about the Land of Ooo!
Zenescope Entertaiment reaches a landmark issue! Many companies don't make it to issue #50, much less #100. Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, along with other Zenescope creators and artists, will talk about their experiences in the industry, the history and success of Grimm Fairy Tales, and how the series paved the way for other titles like Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz. With the release of Grimm Fairy Tales #100, find out what's in store for the entire Grimm Universe!
The animated feature film Pixies is coming to theaters this winter starring the voices of Christopher Plummer (The Sound of Music), Alexa Vega (Spy Kids) and Carlos Pena (Big Time Rush), with music by Michael Bublé. Watch the world premiere of the opening scene for Pixies in its entirety. This will be followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the production of the animated features The Steam Engines of Oz and Howard Lovecraft & The Frozen Kingdom. All three animated features are based on the Arcana graphic novels and produced by Arcanamation. Sneak peek world movie premiere, free comics, door prizes, Steampunk, HP Lovecraft, and Pixies. Come celebrate Arcana's 10th year!
Friday July 25, 2014 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
After all the interesting and exciting movie panels are over, Hall H belongs to a middle-aged man who once worked with BatFleck! Ask ComiKev questions and get ready to say #WalrusYes as Kev premieres the trailer to his first film in three years: the twisted, transformative tale of Tusk! Wrap up a busy Friday with the Clown Prince of Comic-Con!
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 02:08PM Horror films, TV shows, books, and comics are more popular than ever. Authors, filmmakers, and comics creators are always looking for new twists to the medium, including presenting LGBT subtext, plot elements, and characters. But does a gay horror genre exist, and if so what makes it different from mainstream horror? Do queer horror creators bring a different sensibility to the medium? Has the current surge of LGBTQ acceptance and civil rights influenced the horror genre? Prism Comics and moderator/horror expert Sean Abley (Fangoria's Gay of the Dead, Out in the Dark) and panelists Jeffrey Reddick (Final Destination, Day of the Dead), J. T. Seaton (George: A Zombie Intervention, NOLA Horror Film Festival), Tim Sullivan (2001 Maniacs, Chillerama), Guinevere Turner (American Psycho, The L-Word, Crazy Bitches) and Michael Varrati (Tales of Poe, Sins of Dracula) explore these and other aspects of this popular medium from a queer perspective.
Friday July 25, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
A team of Korea's prolific artists and animation studios represented by Jongmin Shin (Padak, Breakups, Demian) showcases the latest and greatest trends in Korean comics and animation. They will also showcase their recent and upcoming productions on some of today's hottest comics. Join Jongmin and crew for this session moderated by Austin Osueke (publisher of eigoMANGA).
Friday July 25, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
In his book Seduction of the Innocent, published 60 years ago, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham claimed that comic books were a leading cause of juvenile delinquency. Forever cast as a villain in the eyes of comic fandom, Wertham is, at worst, represented as an enemy of free speech and, at best, a misguided moral crusader. But is either characterization correct? Was Wertham right, wrong, or both? Do his mid-century hypotheses about media violence have any relevance today? And why are we still talking about him? Author Bradford W. Wright (Comic Book Nation) will offer an historical perspective of Wertham. Library and information science professor Carol Tilley (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) will explore and critique Dr. Wertham's research methodology, while psychiatrists Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. and Praveen R. Kambam, M.D. (Broadcast Thought) will discuss Wertham' s views on juvenile delinquency within the context of current media violence research. Professor Robert A. Emmons, Jr., director of the forthcoming documentary film Diagram for Delinquents, will share his insights in his effort to create a more complete picture of Wertham. Emmons will also discuss the zeitgeist of America during the crusade against comics as one of the first media backlashes in American history. Attorney Jeff Trexler (The Beat, The Comics Journal) moderates.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 18, 01:18PM The 26th annual Eisner Awards (the "Oscars" of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 30 categories. Presenters will include British talk show host/comics writer Jonathan Ross, actor/screenwriter/comedian Thomas Lennon (Reno 911, Balls of Fury), actor/comedian Orlando Jones (Sleepy Hollow, The MAD Show), actress Kelly Hu (Arrow, Warehouse 13), nominee Reginald Hudlin (writer, Black Panther; producer, Django Unchained), Belgian graphic novelists Benoît Peeters and François Schuiten (Obscure Cities series), nominees Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Sex Criminals) and Kelly DeConnick (Pretty Deadly, Captain Marvel), Hall of Fame cartoonist Sergio Aragonés (Groo, MAD), writer/artist Bill Morrison (Bongo Comics), writer/artist nominee Terry Moore (Rachel Rising, Strangers in Paradise) and voice actors Phil LaMarr (Samurai Jack, Justice League Unlimited, MADtv) and Vanessa Marshall (Young Justice, Spectacular Spider-Man), plus some special surprises! Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comics Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award.
April Fugett, Ph.D. (associate professor, Department of Psychology, Marshall University), Keith W. Beard, Psy.D. (professor, Department of Psychology, Marshall University), Elijah Wise, Britani Black, and Josh Carter (doctoral student, Marshall University) discuss how personality informs our choices of the characters we identify with and follow. Specific traits and characters will be reviewed in the context of research, movie ideas, game alignment, and sales.
Friday July 25, 2014 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Come join the CCAS for its annual mixer. This is an opportunity for Christian professionals and fans to intermingle, socialize, and network. Meet creators such as Eric Jansen (God and Country Graphics), Luis Serrano (Samson), Josh Burns (music composer), and John Schafer (Superbook).
Friday July 25, 2014 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 09:17AM Stage show for 9+ years, web series and podcast on the Nerdist Network rated #4 in comedy by Rolling Stone (May 2014), Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel from Archaia Entertainment, highly anticipated concert film-The Thrilling Adventure Hour is a cult phenomenon coming to San Diego in the midst of their nationwide con tour to celebrate current and future plans for comics, TV, and beyond. Creators Ben Acker and Ben Blacker (Marvel) will discuss 2014 plans and exclusive announcements, featuring the WorkJuice Players including Hal Lublin, Marc Evan Jackson, Mark Gagliardi, James Urbaniak, and Craig Cackowski, plus special guests Molly Quinn (Castle), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), Paul and Storm, and special surprise guests.
