UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:40PM Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures...DC Collectibles has them all-and more! The DC Collectibles crew-including DVP for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director for creative services Jim Fletcher, and Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Li'l Gotham), and sculptor Jon Matthews-tell how they come up with so many great products, and what's coming up from comics' top makers of awesome collectibles!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 9
Two of the world's top entertainment companies have teamed up for the ultimate panel at SDCC. WWE Superstars and Mattel designers will talk about the all-new WWE Network and give exclusive sneak peeks of Mattel's upcoming WWE figure releases! Incredible guest appearances by Hulk Hogan, Daniel Bryan, Michael Cole, Paul Heyman, and you never know what else will be unveiled. This is a panel you won't want to miss, brother!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:15am - 11:15am PDT
Room 6DE
Members of the Hasbro and Hasbro Studios team will give fans an exclusive sneak peek at the new animated series Transformers: Robots In Disguise airing in early 2015 globally. Attendees will also get a first look at the third season of Transformers: Rescue Bots. In addition, attendees can celebrate the 30-year legacy of the Transformers brand and experience exclusive reveals of never-beefore-seen product. The Transformers team members will also host some Q&A for your burning Transformers questions!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
UPDATED: Sat, Jul 12, 09:35AM Before it's at comic shops, it's in the Previews catalog! This panel shows you how to use the Diamond Comic Distributors' Previews catalog for preordering all of your favorite comics, graphic novels, toys, and other pop culture merchandise. Attendees will get a free copy of the August issue and have a chance to win other exciting prizes! Plus, see how Previewsworld.com interacts with the catalog to inform fans about everything they need to know to get what they want at their local comic shop. Panelists include Previews editor Marty Grosser, Previewsworld.com editor Vince Brusio, and Diamond consumer marketing manager Andy Mueller.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment SVP story and franchise development) and a team of esteemed Blizzard guests reveal next year's lineup of never-before-seen loot! Interact with designers, writers, and artists as they dig into toys, books, collectibles, and more! Panel and Q&A moderated by Kim Phan (host of DirecTV's BlizzCon coverage).
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
Captain Action has invited 1/6th scale customizers to compete in the Captain's Custom Figure Contest. As the Original Superhero Action Figure, Captain Action is all about customization, change and the power of imagination. Those attending the show can bring their creations in for review on stage where their entries will be shown on the big screen. Our panel of judges, and all the fans in the room, will review the six best finalists and award prizes! Additional bonus: Captain Action Enterprises will also reveal upcoming projects, prototypes, and products. Judges/panelists include: J. C.Vaughn (The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans, Blade, Nova), Julius Marx (Action Figure Insider), Michael Polis (Atomic Toybox , Yo Gabba Gabba), and Michael Crawford (Captain Toy, MWC Toys). Moderated by Ed Catto (Captain Action).
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 11:53AM Join the Skylanders team for an inside look at the creative process that brings Toys to Life -and for the first time, life to toys. I-Wei Huang (director at Toys for Bob), will explain the process of creating Skylanders' charming roster of characters, while RichardHorvitz, famed voice of Kaos, discusses the critical role that voice-over acting plays in animating each character. Renowned comic-book writer, RonMarz, will delve into the comic world of Skylanders and how this brand extension is taking Skylanders to a new level. JohnCoyne, senior vice president of consumer marketing at Activision, will shed insight on how the brand has evolved from its origin to the innovation that it is today. Every attendee will receive limited edition Skylanders merchandise.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Vintage and retro are still hot with Boomers and Gen X, but Millennial collectors are now coming into the marketplace looking for their childhood "new classics" toys of the 1990s! Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Batman Animated, and Aliens are all on the rise again and in demand (to say nothing of the My Little Pony renaissance!). Can Furby's comeback be far behind? Come talk to creators and collectors of all generations about Total Justice, Street Sharks, and Dexter's Lab among many other totally rad '90s toys and find out what Clinton-era toyline is now the "new Star Wars" for collectors! Moderator Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com, Geek Shall Inherit podcast) discusses this and much more with a panel of toy industry experts, including Reis O'Brien (Funko), Jeff Trojan (Playmates Toys), Kevin Kiniry (DC Collectibles), Randy Falk (NECA), and Jeremy Sung (Spy Monkey Creations).
Thursday July 24, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Learn how independent toy producers are bringing their creations to life in plastic, resin, and plush! Leading artists and toy designers George Gaspar (October Toys), Scott Tolleson (Stolle Art), Dave Bondi (toy designer), Carlos East (The Beast Brothers), and John "Spanky" Stokes (SpankyStokes.com) discuss toy production, brand development, and answer audience questions. Moderated by Ayleen Gaspar (Toy Break).
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 17, 03:39PM In celebration of the new documentary film, Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, co-creator Kevin Eastman will lead this fascinating panel including Randall Lobb (writer/director), Isaac Elliott-Fisher (executive producer), Mark Hussey (executive producer), and Galen Walker (executive producer), taking fans behind-the-scenes and beneath the streets into the incredible 30-year journey and reveal the real origin story of four of pop culture's most enduring heroes. Featuring clips from the documentary, followed by a Q&A discussion, fans will get to see how this so-called "happy accident" defied every naysayer to become one of the most popular and beloved franchises in the world.
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:15pm - 9:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
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
Members of the Hasbro brand and design team including Jeff Labovitz (director, global brand marketing, Hasbro), Bill Rawley (design manager, Hasbro), and others discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming, never-before-seen action figures from the highly anticipated Star Wars Rebels animated series.
Friday July 25, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. Moderated by Anita Castellar of Lucas Licensing.
Join Playmates Toys-the master toy licensee for TMNT since the 1980s -as members of the mutant marketing team prepare to "unleash shell" and discuss what's new and next for the articulated heroes on a half shell. Get sneak peeks at Turtle toys based on Nickelodeon's animated series, Paramount's blockbuster movie, and the original comic series. It's a great chance to ask questions of "team green" members who've worked on all incarnations of the Turtles since their debut three decades ago.
Friday July 25, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Simpsons collectors of the world, unite! Take a break from the busy Comic-Con floor and get a chance to meet some of your fellow collectors of Simpsons merchandise from all over the country. Meet the other Simpsons collectors you see on the message board and put faces to names. This gathering, hosted by the staff of the SimpsonsCollectors.com website, is a great chance to network with other collectors and share your experiences in the hobby with others.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 02:04PM Don't stop rockin' your right to fright-we are Monster High! Rally with the coolest ghouls and mansters of Monster High to get a freak peek at exclusive scenes from the newest Monster High DVD, FreakyFusion (this Fall from Universal Studios Home Entertainment), a never-before-seen webisode, and more! But that's not all...our Monster High team is just DYING to share more secrets! GarrettSander, RebeccaShipman, NatalieVillegas, GlendaChiu, IvyBleser, and ScottWilger (Monster High Toy Designers) and EricHardie (Monster High Copywriter) will reveal uhhh-mazing new Monster High ghouls and how they came to un-life! Moderated by Emmy-Award winning Executive Producer of Monster High, AuduPaden.
Saturday July 26, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Diamond Select Toys' Chuck Terceira (president), Jason Wires (prototype painter), and Zach Oat (marketing supervisor) discuss what's coming up for the popular 2-inch mini-figure line, including new series based on X-Men: Days of Future Past, Guardians of the Galaxy, Sin City, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Adam Biehl (vice president, Global Marvel Line at Hasbro), Jesse Falcon (director of hardlines, Marvel), Dwight Stall (senior Marvel product design manager, Hasbro), Bobby Vala (Marvel product designer, Hasbro), and Laura Guilbault (senior manager, Global Marvel Line at Hasbro) discuss Hasbro's popular Marvel action figure lines. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming action figures. Adam, Jesse, Dwight, Bobby, and Laura will also host a Q&A for your burning Marvel action figure questions!
Saturday July 26, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Are mass-market collector toys dying? The price of raw materials and the production process continue to skyrocket. Action figures that were $7.99 five years ago are now in stores for over $20. At that price can you still be a "completist"? And will there even be a next generation of collectors if parents can't afford more than one or two figures? How have collectors' habits changed along with the economy and are toy companies doing anything to counteract price hikes and hold on to the collectors market? Moderator Daniel Pickett (ActionFigureInsider.com, Geek Shall Inherit Podcast) discusses these issues with toy industry experts Jerry Macaluso (Pop Culture Shock Collectibles), Eric "Cornboy" Mayse (The Four Horsemen Design, Mattel MOTUC), Eric Treadaway (The Four Horsemen Design, Mattel MOTUC), and Jean St. Jean (Jean St. Jean Studios, DST).
Brian Bowler (brand marketing director, LEGO) will take you on an exclusive, inside look at the development of LEGO Legends of CHIMA with Tommy Andreasen (senior creative manager, LEGO), John Derevlany (writer, LEGO), and Samuel Johnson (senior product designer, LEGO). Hear how the TV series and toys came to life, with the team behind the theme!
Sunday July 27, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
Doll owners and enthusiasts discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Elfdoll, Volks, Fairyland, Iplehouse, and many others. This year artist Bo Bergemann of Bergmann Dolls will talk about sculpting and manufacturing BJDs. You'll also have the opportunity to learn the basics about BJDs and pick up tips on customizing, maintaining, and photographing these beautiful dolls. Share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just see the many dolls on display. From tiny to towering, it's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin!
Sunday July 27, 2014 12:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and TT Games present an inside look at LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham, its upcoming, multiplatform game. Produced by the creative geniuses of TT Games, LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham puts Batman, Superman, and the heroes of DC Comics in an out-of-this-world adventure to various Lantern worlds battling Brainiac and some of the universe's most cunning villains. More than 150 characters with amazing powers and abilities provide a whole new twist on the popular action-adventure game. Be among the first to see a Comic-Con exclusive game-play demonstrations and character reveals, receive exciting prizes and giveaways, and witness a true blockbuster announcement. Panelists include TT Games game director Arthur Parsons and executive producer Phill Ring, as well as several members of the stellar voice cast, many of whom are reprising their roles in the famous franchise, including Troy Baker (Batman: Arkham Origins ), Travis Willingham (LEGO Batman: The Movie: DC Super Heroes Unite!), Laura Bailey (Batman: Arkham Origins), Dee Bradley Baker (Phineas and Ferb), Josh Keaton (Green Lantern: The Animated Series)-and special guest star Adam West!LEGO Batman 3: Beyond Gotham will be available in the fall.
Sunday July 27, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF
The LEGO: Ninjago team talks about the development of the TV show and toys.Tommy Andreasen (senior creative manager, LEGO), series writers Dan Hageman and Kevin Hageman, and Simon Lucas (product designer manager, LEGO) discuss the behind-the-scenes development of the LEGO Ninjago product line and TV series, with Brian Bowler (brand marketing director, LEGO) moderating the panel.
DST's Chuck Terceira (president), Jason Wires (prototype painter), and Zach Oat (marketing supervisor) preview upcoming items in the company's diverse product lines, from 7-inch Select action figures to electronic vehicles to role-play items to vinyl banks.
Hear all about how key toys from the film were brought to life! Brian Bowler (brand marketing director, LEGO) will lead the discussion on the development of The LEGO Movie with Matthew Ashton (executive producer and vice president of product design, LEGO), Michael Fuller (senior product designer, LEGO), and Jadon Sands (actor, The LEGO Movie).
Back for a second year at Comic-Con is Pin Pics, an exclusive insight into the world of Disney Pin Trading. Lead panelist Barry Koper (Disneyana expert) will take you back to the beginning of the Disney pin-trading hobby. Anthony and Samantha Medina (Pin Pics presidents) will take you through modern trends in trading and discuss the future direction of Disney pins as collectibles. Jennifer Colyn (Pin Pics event director) moderates, followed by Q&A. All pin traders, Disney enthusiasts, and collectors welcome.