Jan Schroeder (freebabylon5.com) and Jon Del Arroz (flyingsparkscomic.com) discuss a growing fan campaign that sprang up after J. Michael Straczynski tweeted the hashtag #FreeBabylon5 and urged fans to "get organized and loud" if Babylon 5 fandom is to grow. See what has been accomplished so far and help brainstorm what can be done in the future to promote this seminal science fiction show and bring it to new viewers.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29A
Ever wonder how the really good books suck readers in and hold their attention page after page? It's not the characters, nor the plot of the book. It is the way in which the author writes that separates his or her story from the pack. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake will use current examples to help you gain insight into how to put your story together in a compelling way that will keep your readers turning the pages to see what happens next.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
God Is Disappointed in You, published by Top Shelf, is the tongue-in-cheek "condensed" version of the Bible you never knew you needed-hilariously modern, but surprisingly authentic-with illustrations and gags by New Yorker cartoonist Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man). Wheeler and writer Mark Russell join together for an hour of unforgettable irreverence, including Q&A, audience sketches, and the hilarious-yet-accurate "ten-minute Bible." Plus: a taste of the new audiobook, read by Dr. Venture himself, James Urbaniak (The Venture Bros.)!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
ADDED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:33PM Comic-Con special guest ScottSnyder (writer of Batman, SupermanUnchained, AmericanVampire, TheWake, and the upcoming Wytches) answers your questions in this candid, open discussion of his work and the craft of writing.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 5AB
Jeff VanderMeer (award-winning author of Wonderbook) and Lev Grossman (novelist and journalist for TIME magazine, as well as contributor to Wonderbook), Charles Yu (novelist and contributor to Wonderbook), and Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan (authors of the science fiction comic Heartbreakers, as well as the books Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel) partake in a discussion led by Ann VanderMeer about the creative process and "sense of wonder" that is key to the writing process, in the context of the participants' current works as well as the innovative visuals in the Hugo Award-nominated Wonderbook: The Illustrated Guide to Creating Imaginative Fiction.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
Areum Jeong (University of California, Los Angeles) examines how Lob and Rochette's graphic novel trilogy Le Transperceneige and the filmic adaptation Snowpiercer use local cultural and political motifs to construct a space in which the readers/viewers can imagine themselves as part of a nation. Sam Cannon (University of Texas at Austin) analyzes how the creators of Detective Heredia use locations in Santiago, Chile to conjure violent places of memory that synthesize past, present, and future meanings of the city. Cathy Thomas (University of California, Santa Cruz) uses recent work in hemispheric American border studies to explain how the misread love missive, such as the brick thrown by a mouse named Ignatz that always "creases the bean" of a cat called Krazy, re-stages courtship and colonial imagination.
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
Have you heard of the CCC? The Comic Creator Connection is the original "speed-dating" event that introduces writers and artists who are struggling to find their creative counterparts and is featured exclusively at the Comic-Con International family of conventions. This All-Star panel spotlights newly published teams who first met at a Comic Creator Connection event. CCC Hosts Douglas Neff and Corey Rothermel (authors of Epic Win! The Geek's Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator) will draw from our veterans the lessons they learned starting and maintaining a successful creative partnership, covering everything from the first handshake to the first draft to the first sale. If you are an aspiring comic book creator, you do not want to miss this panel!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
With so many terms and styles, diving into the mechanics of the craft of writing can be scary. And Point of View (POV) can be one of the toughest to tackle. Yet, if used correctly, POV is a wonderful and powerful tool that is the backbone of your story. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake helps break this piece of the writing puzzle down into something you can use to enhance your writing style.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 2
Fan fiction can lead to jobs in several fields as a professional, including writing books, acting, screenwriting, and many others. Panelists include Katherine Fugate (Valentine's Day), a selected member of the board of directors of the WGAW, who created/executive produced/wrote Army Wives; Melissa Good (Tropical Storm), a fan fiction writer and novelist who has written episodes for Xena, Warrior Princess; Nancy Holder (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Watcher's Guide), New York Times bestselling author whose fan fiction street cred includes Robin of Sherwood;Dru Pagliassotti, a novelist and professor at a California university who has researched Western manga fandom and teaches courses on film and comics analysis; Nancy Cornell-Healy (Intersection), comedian/novelist/playwright; Justin Robinson (Get Blank), a multitalented novelist; and Sherri Rabinowitz (Fantasy Time Inc.), a writer of fan fiction, playwright and award-nominated novelist and host of the popular blog talk radio show Chatting With Sherri.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Dr. David Brin (Hugo, Locus and Nebula Award-winning author of the Uplift trilogy), Jim Butcher (NY Times bestselling author of The Dresden Files series), Rachel Caine (NY Times bestselling author of the Morganville Vampires series), Jason Hough (NY Times bestselling author of The Darwin Elevator series), Marie Lu (NY Times bestselling author of the Legend series), and Jonathan Maberry (NY Times bestselling author of the Joe Ledger series) discuss writing science fiction and fantasy novels and their adaptation to TV and movies. Moderated by Henry Herz (editor of Beyond the Pale).
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
NY Times bestselling comic book author and Comic-Con special guest Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man, Superior Spider-Man, Silver Surfer) shares stories about working in comics, from his early days on Ren & Stimpy to Batman: Arkham Asylum Living Hell to his current runs on Spidey and Surfer. Moderated by Dan's pal, comic book journalist Jill Pantozzi (TheMarySue.com). Attendees be warned: mind-swapping might occur.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
2014 marks the 25th anniversary of the movie Batman, the 50th anniversary of Batman's "New Look," the 75th anniversary of Batman's debut, and the 100th anniversary of the birth of Bill Finger, the Caped Crusader's uncredited co-creator. Not only did Bill Finger breathe life into Batman, Robin, Alfred, Commissioner Gordon, Gotham City, and one fantastic villain after another, he co-created bat-free icons such as Green Lantern, Wildcat, and Lana Lang. Bill's only living descendants Athena Finger (The Cape Creator: A Tribute to Bill Finger) and her son Benjamin invite you to celebrate the life and achievements of the man who first put the dark in the Dark Knight. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates a bat-tastic panel, featuring Bob Kane's biographer Tom Andrae (Batman and Me), writer Mark Evanier (Bill Finger Awards), actress Lee Meriwether (Batman: The Movie's Catwoman), author Marc Tyler Nobleman (Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman), Cartoons Arts' Jens Robinson (son of Joker co-creator Jerry Robinson), and executive producer Michael Uslan (Batman, The Dark Knight film trilogy), plus special messages from legends like DC's last surviving Golden Age artist, Wildcat co-creator Irwin Hasen.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 4
Through the unassuming medium of a daily comic strip, Charles Schulz gently communicated the social and political climate of the changing world around him. Explore the intersection of Peanuts and topical issues through the lens of today's socially attuned humor in cartoons and television. Presentation by Corry Kanzenberg (curator, Charles M. Schulz Museum). Panel discussion and Q&A to follow with Seth Green (Robot Chicken, Family Guy, Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Art Roche (content director, Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates). Moderated by Tom Gammill (The Simpsons, Futurama, Seinfeld).
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
BOOM! Studios creators Paul Jenkins (Fairy Quest), James Tynion IV (The Woods), Megan Hutchison (An Aurora Grimeon Story: Will O' the Wisp), Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters), and Frank Barbiere (Black Market), along with BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban, look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry's leading independent publishers and discuss editing dos and don'ts.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Toto, I've a feeling these aren't your typical fairy tales...From cyborg Cinderellas to swashbuckling pirates, fairy tales are just full of possibilities for retelling and reimagining. A fantastic lineup of authors will discuss how they take well-known stories (such as Rapunzel, The Wizard of Oz, Tam Lin) and remix them for a new audience and how they create their very own fairy tales. Moderated by Shannon Hale (Ever After High series), this panel featuring Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles series), Katherine Harbour (Thorn Jack), John Peck (Charming series), Cornelia Funke (Mirrorworld series), Tony DiTerlizzi (The Search for WondLa), Ben Tripp (The Accidental Highwayman), and Danielle Page (Dorothy Must Die) will give insight to the fairy tales of old, and new!
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Jill Sanford (VP, Nickelodeon original series TV animation), Duncan Rouleau (executive producer, Man of Action), Kevin Burke and Chris "Doc" Wyatt (head writers, Avengers Assemble), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (VP /producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (publicist, Geek & Sundry), a surprise guest or two, and your moderator Dan Evans III (director current, Marvel TV Animation) will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adapt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood!
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Christina Lauren (Sweet Filthy Boy), Kresley Cole (Dark Skye), and Alice Clayton (Rusty Nailed) turn up the temperature at SDCC with blush-inducing readings, smutty discussion and a hilarious battle over movies, TV shows, and Hollywood's hottest geeks.
From mail to photographs and now comics, everything is making the move to digital. Comic-Con International special guests Colleen Coover (Bandette), Batton Lash (Supernatural Law), Jeff Smith (Bone), Rina Piccolo (Tina's Groove), and Paul Tobin (Bandette) discuss with moderator Mark Waid (Daredevil) when and why they make the switch to digital.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Trevor Roth (COO, head of development, creator of Days Missing, Worth), Tory Mell (producer, Roddenberry Entertainment), Rod Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Entertainment), Chris Moreno (artist, Worth), Aubrey Sitterson (writer, Worth), and Paul Morrissey (Eisner Award-winning editor) talk about their newest graphic novel Worth, their new short film Instant, and hold an awesome iPad Mini giveaway. Moderated by Tory Mell.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Get your first look at two of next summer's most anticipated films. First, Scholastic's iconic book series Goosebumps, written by R. L. Stine, has already captured the world's imagination-selling over 400 million books worldwide. Now it's coming to the big screen, with Jack Black starring as the author himself and Rob Letterman directing. Jack and Rob will tell you all about how Stine's monsters are coming to life on the big screen. The film hits theaters on August 7, 2015. Then, stay tuned as director Chris Columbus has a special video announcement about his upcoming film Pixels, starring Adam Sandler (in theaters May 15, 2015)-you'll find out how one lucky Comic-Con badge-holder might win a chance to be a part of the movie.
Comic-Con special guest Brian Crane discusses his 25 years of creating the Pickles comic strip, using a PowerPoint presentation. He will give a behind-the-scenes look at how he got started and how he creates his daily comic strip, which is syndicated in over 800 newspapers around the world. The presentation will be followed by a short Q&A session.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 4
Jane Espenson (Husbands), Amy Berg (Eureka), Nicole Perlman (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead) discuss what it's like to create blockbuster science fiction in the media: their adventures and challenges, what's working now, what the future will look like, and all the factors that will change how we consume our personal fandoms. Moderated by Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy Blog).
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
If you're an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don't want to miss! BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and managing editor Bryce Carlson, along with some of the industry's most exciting up-and-coming and established talent, including Frank Barbiere (Black Market), Chris Miskiewicz (Thomas Alsop), Palle Schmidt (Thomas Alsop), Vanesa R. Del Rey (Hit, The Empty Man), Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters), and Royden Lepp (Rust), share their breaking-in experiences and give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Hot on the heels of the premiere of the Dark Horse comic turned television series The Strain, you are invited to explore the darker corners of comics. Horror has been one of the cornerstones of the Dark Horse publishing line for years, and 2014 will be no exception! Join panelists for an hour of all that is guaranteed to thrill and chill you, with resident horror junkies, editor-in-chief Scott Allie and PR director Jeremy Atkins, along with Eric Powell (The Goon), Mike Huddleston (The Strain), the first U.S. appearance of Colder artist Juan Ferreyra, and more for sneak peeks, announcements, and other surprises along the way!
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 09:37AM John DiMaggio (executive producer of IKTV, also the voice of Bender from Futurama, Jake The Dog from Adventure Time, IFC's Out There, and many more) has reassembled the cast and crew of IKTV to take a deep dive into the hundreds of hours of documentary footage that didn't make it to the big screen. Panelists Fred Tatasciore (Hulk, Ben 10, Mad), Andrea Romano (25-time Emmy nominee, 8-time Emmy winner for Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, and more), Rob Paulsen (Darkwing Duck, Animaniacs), Lawrence Shapiro (director, IKTV), Dee Bradley Baker (Gravity Falls, Phineas and Ferb), Brandon Sonnier (editor, I Know That Voice), and Steve Broback (Tweet House, IKTV Social Team), discuss behind-the-scenes stories, techniques that voice actors use to deliver great performances, and much more!
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you love? Want to learn more about Infinite Comics? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from Ryan Penagos (executive editorial director of digital) and other guests on what's happening with the Marvel Comics App, Marvel AR, Marvel.com, Marvel's vast social media presence, and more in this can't-miss panel!
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Comic-Con special guests Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover discuss their Eisner Award-winning digital comic Bandette, as well as such titles as Colder, I Was the Cat, Prometheus, Plants vs. Zombies, Angry Birds, Paul's novels, and the commonsense fact that Hulk could beat Thor.
New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks (World War Z) and William Christensen (Avatar Press publisher) discuss the scoop on new projects and creators joining the Avatar Press lineup! Plus, an inside look at projects by Garth Ennis, Alan Moore, Kieron Gillen, and of course, Max Brooks. William Christensen moderates and runs the Q&A session for this event.
Waiting for the next book in your favorite series to release can be agonizing...and yet, oh so worthwhile. Whether you've suffered through the wait time for each installment or held out until the release of the last book to binge read, bestselling series authors succeed at keeping countless readers hooked, book after book! Join authors Laini Taylor (Dreams of Gods & Monsters/Daughter of Smoke & Bone Trilogy), Lev Grossman (The Magician's Land/The Magicians Trilogy), Leigh Bardugo (Ruin & Rising/The Grisha Trilogy), Jonathan Maberry (Fire & Ash/Rot & Ruit Series), Ben H. Winters (World of Trouble/The Last Policeman Trilogy), Lynn Flewelling (Shards of Time/ Nightrunner Series), and Kresley Cole (Dark Skye/Immortals After Dark Series), as they chat with Maryelizabeth Hart (Mysterious Galaxy) about the trials and tribulations of plotting multinovel story arcs, keeping momentum going between books, and knowing when (if ever) to end a bestselling series.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
John Scalzi (Redshirts, Lock In) reads from his forthcoming near-future thriller, answers audience questions, and maybe even serenades them on the ukulele(!).
Twenty years in the making, fans of the novel can rejoice: The Giver is coming to the big screen. The Weinstein Company and Walden Media will premiere exclusive footage from the upcoming film with stars Jeff Bridges, Brenton Thwaites, Odeya Rush, director Phillip Noyce, and bestselling author Lois Lowry.
Explore the past, present, and the future of female character creation for film, TV, comics, video games, and novels and examine the traps of common tropes, clichés, and stereotypes, while discussing how content creators can create wonderful, relatable, and realistic female characters with moderator Michele Brittany (West Coast Bleeding Cool News correspondent), Neo Edmund (Red Riding-Werewolf Huntress, Kaijudo Rise of the Duel Masters), Charlotte Fullerton (My Little Pony, Ben 10 Omniverse), Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Geek Nation), Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans, creator of countless comic book characters), Andrew Robinson (Kaijudo Rise of the Duel Masters, Rescue Bots), and Mairghread Scott (Transformers Prime, Rescue Bots).
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 11:33AM DC Entertainment's digital initiative has been a pioneer in digital comics. Get an exclusive look at the exciting series that make up the future of digital comics with the all-star talent behind them, including Ralph Garman (Batman '66 Meets the Green Hornet), Marc Guggenheim (Arrow), Kyle Higgins (Batman Beyond), Cat Staggs (Sensation Comics), Freddie E. Williams II (Infinite Crisis) and others behind them!
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
The future of comics is bright, and Nick Dragotta (East of West), Rick Remender (Deadly Class), Richard Starkings (Elephantmen), Jason Latour (Southern Bastards), Stuart Moore (EGOs), and Ryan Burton (Dark Engine) are proof of that fact. Sci-fi, western, apocalyptic, kid-friendly. Realistic, cartoony, abstract, painterly. Anything goes in comics, and there are an infinite number of stories to tell.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Oscar-Pulitzer-Eisner Hall of Fame winner Jules Feiffer turns to the noir genre with his new graphic novel Kill My Mother. Come hear a conversation with this comics pioneer who started with Will Eisner, went on to become one of the world's most-read comic strip creators, and eventually conquered the Broadway stage and Hollywood. Now, preview his return to his first love with a daring new work that stretches his talent yet again. Questioning by comics historians Mark Evanier and Paul Levitz, as well as audience members.
National Public Radio’s lively weekly podcast began in 2010, co-created by NPR Monkey See writer-editor Linda Holmes and NPR Music writer-editor Stephen Thompson. Regular panelist Glen Weldon has kept comics commentary an essential ingredient, and Stephen’s mother (and Comic-Con Toucan blogger) Maggie Thompson has appeared on the show from time to time. Maggie’s Spotlight panel introduces the PCHH team to Comic-Con for a roundtable discussion.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Superstar creators Jock (Batman), Chris Burnham (Batman), Henry Flint (Judge Dredd), and Michael Carroll (Jennifer Blood) are all here as the legendary British comic book kicks off San Diego with all the 2000 AD and Judge Dredd talk and games you can handle! Moderated by 2000 AD's Michael Molcher and definitely not for Thrill-suckers!
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
ComiXology, the revolutionary cloud-based digital comics platform, spills the beans on everything you've ever wanted to know about digital comics, publishing, life, and more! Learning everything from how to publish your own comic book through comiXology Submit to how to begin your own successful startup just like comiXology, from co-founders and panelists David Steinberger and John D. Roberts. Moderated by comiXology's marketing & PR maven, Chip Mosher.
Comic-Con special guests Amanda Conner & Jimmy Palmiotti, the award-winning writers of Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane, and owners of the multimedia company Paperfilms, sit down for a talk in an intimate, interactive panel, discussing their work and future projects inside and out of comics.
Comic-Con special guest Gene Luen Yang (The Shadow Hero) and Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics) talk comics, creative processes, current and upcoming projects, and the general state of the industry. It'll be awesome.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
We've seen the job title, but what does it mean? There are lots of answers -- join veteran editors Barbara Randall Kesel, Bob Schreck, Joe LeFavi, Maggie Thompson, Shannon Eric Denton, and others for some of the many answers!
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Diana Gabaldon (Outlander, Written in My Own Heart's Blood) discusses her blockbuster bestselling novels and the highly anticipated STARZ original series, and reads from her 8th installment and #1 New York Times bestseller Written in My Own Heart's Blood. With assistance from Ali T. Kokmen (Barnes & Noble/NOOK Media).
With so many damsels in distress, "fridged" girlfriends, and invisible women in popular culture, how's a fangirl (or fanboy) supposed to find a lady to look up to? By banding together and making their own, that's how! To discuss the best (and most disappointing) examples of powerful women in pop culture, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak) has assembled a team of women and men dangerous in their own right: Lesley Aletter (professional stuntwoman), Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia founder), Adrienne Curry (host/model/Tolkien enthusiast), Jane Espenson (Husbands), Alan Sizzler Kistler (TheMarySue.com), Bryan Q. Miller ( Batgirl), and Jennifer K. Stuller (Ink-Stained Amazon).
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
This is part of the "Breaking In" series along with the Insight to Indies panel. If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (ThunderCats [2011], Transformers: Rescue Bots), Geoffrey Thorne (TNT's Leverage, Ben 10), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10, Generator Rex), animation showrunner Charlotte Fullerton (Ben 10: Omniverse), veteran screenwriter Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser), and actress/writer Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw from Living Single and co-creator/co-writer of Concrete Park, a graphic novel from Dark Horse) all share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
When stories mix modern cities like Paris, L.A., and New York with magic, myth, and demon spawn, they are collectively known as Urban Fantasy, and many of today's popular authors are adding their otherworldly ingredients to the melting pots of modern (and not-so-modern) society. Jim Butcher (Skin Game), Seanan McGuire (Sparrow Hill Road), Richard Kadrey (The Getaway God), Thomas Sniegoski (The Remy Chandler Series), Amber Benson (Calliope Reaper-Jones series), and Greg van Eekhout (California Bones) discuss why something old with something new equals gold. Moderated by Anton Strout (Incarnate).
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Artist's Edition editor Scott Dunbier blathers on and on about Artist's Editions past, present, and future. There will be a couple of cool announcements as well as special guests Walter Simonson and IDW president (and art lover) Greg Goldstein-what more could you possibly want?
Usually, this is the panel where Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier make empty promises of more Groo the Wanderer to come. This time though, there actually is new Groo with the release of the long-awaited Groo Vs. Conan miniseries from Dark Horse, to be followed closely by a new series of new Groo stories and a new series of old Groo stories and you'll hear all about it at the panel with Sergio and Mark and Stan Sakai and the world's hardest-working colorist, Tom Luth.
New York Times bestselling author George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones) discusses his novels, projects, and the visceral new In the House of the Worm comic book series. Moderator William Christensen (Avatar Press publisher) conducts this Q&A with Martin live and in person!
The Antidote Trust teams up with Eisner Award-nominated and creative writing force (live action and animation), Brandon Easton, for two hours of in-depth discussions. This first hour concentrates on independent comic creation. Panelists include Andre Owens (writer of the sci-fi superhero comic book Force Galaxia and writer/director for the web series The Psychedelic Detective), Dani Dixon (comic book creator of 13, M.I.S.//ing, Five Nations and publisher of Tumble Creek Press), Glyph Awards Rising Star 2014 recipient Jason Reeves (freelance illustrator for USA Today and co-creator of the comic book One Nation), Glyph Award recipient with Mr. Reeves Alverne Ball (classically trained writer and consultant for the film industry), Hannibal Tabu ( 2012 Top Cow Talent Hunt winner who writes The Buy Pile for Comic Book Resources), and Robert Roach (TV and film story illustrator, comics creator of Menthu, and winner of the inaugural Glyph Rising Star Award). Moderated by DeWayne Copeland, co-creator and producer of the hit indie superhero webseries CV Nation.
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 16, 11:21AM Graphic novel authors and educators discuss how kids' heroes have grown and changed over the years. Discussing "Hero" templates, they'll explore old and new hero favorites and whether a mold helps or hinders the development of future heroes. Panelists will then ask the audience to help create an SDCC 2014 hero as artist panelists draw/design/experiment with hero templates. Implications for fans, educators, students, and aspiring writers, and critics will be discussed. Panelist include Meryl Jaffe (Raising a Reader), JenniferHolm (Babymouse, Squish), MatthewHolm (Babymouse, Squish),, DaveRoman (Astronaut Academy) , FrankCammuso (The Misadventures of Salem Hyde), TedNaifeh (Courtney Crumrin) , MarcTylerNobleman (Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman, Bill the Boy Wonder), Royden Lepp (Rust), and AlexisFajardo (Kid Beowulf).
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Swords, magic, and chivalric knights on white horses-or should that be morally ambiguous knights? In the age of Game of Thrones, the epic fantasy genre is changing. Patrick Rothfuss (The Slow Regard of Silent Things), Robin Hobb (Fool's Assassin), Joe Abercrombie (Half a King), Raymond E. Feist (Magician's End), Django Wexler (The Shadow Throne), Morgan Rhodes (The Falling Kingdoms series), and Sam Sykes (The City Stained Red) discuss their recent works and epic fantasy in general. Moderated by Brent Weeks (The Way of Shadows).
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 10:06AM The man The Los Angeles Times dubbed "the world's foremost Trekspert," Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise) moderates a panel celebrating five decades since filming began on the original Trek pilot starring Jeffrey Hunter. Panelists consist of a murderer's row of Star Trek luminaries reflecting on 50 years of Trek history, including Scott Mantz (chief film critic, Access Hollywood), David A. Goodman (producer, Star Trek: Enterprise, author Federation: The First 150 Years), Marc Cushman (author, These Are the Voyages,Volumes 1-3), Ed Gross (legendary Trek journalist), Robert Meyer Burnett (producer, Star Trek: The Next Generation Blu-rays), Jeff Bond (author, The Music of Star Trek) Vic Mignogna (Captain Kirk, Star Trek Continues) and Chase Masterson (actress, Deep Space Nine). Look back...and forward...at sci-fi's first franchise. It's like nothing you've encountered before.
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Dive into the world of the Eisner Award-winning The Walking Dead graphic novel series with creator Robert Kirkman and artist Charlie Adlard. Moderated by The Walking Dead editor Sean Mackiewicz.
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Room 6A
Are you ready for Marvel's biggest event of the year? In Avengers & X-Men: AXIS, the Red Skull has enslaved thousands, has amassed an army, and now broadcasts his message of hate across the world. Earth's last hope hinges on the fragile alliance of two estranged teams-the Avengers and the X-Men! A who's who of Marvel talent and editors will be on hand to discuss this Marvel blockbuster! Plus, find out the latest on current and future X-titles! Join editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, executive editor Mike Marts, senior editor Nick Lowe, Avengers & X-Men: AXIS writer Rick Remender, and other Mighty Marvel guests for a rousing discussion and Q&A session!
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
In recent years, transgender creators have gained visibility in comics, movies, and television after long being consigned to the shadows. From coming out and transition to navigating gender politics in a world still struggling to understand, cartoonists, writers, and filmmakers are investing their work with unique personal experiences as their characters learn to live and love in new and unexpected ways. Prism Comics and moderator Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads, Gooch, Prism Comics) present panelists Dylan Edwards (Transposes), Melanie Gillman (As the Crow Flies), J. D. Saxon (Mahou Shounen Fight!), Elizabeth Lain (F*** the Limits!: The 30-Day Art Project, This Is Where), Ashley Love (Trans Forming Media, journalist, transsexual advocate), and Comic-Con special guest, famed comics historian Michelle Nolan (Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics) for an exploration of a range of exciting new themes and stories for contemporary audiences.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
A lineup of all-star creators who've used Kickstarter to launch their dream projects help you learn first-hand from the pros how to create your own successful Kickstarter campaign. Panelists include legendary TV writer/producers Jane Espenson and Brad "Cheeks" Bell (Husbands), comics icon Jimmy Palmiotti (Denver, Forager), and artist extraordinaire John Picacio (The 2014 John Picacio Calendar). Moderated by Craig Engler (Kickstarter).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Eleanor Davis (How to be Happy) will do an autobiographical presentation that has something to do with finding truth in fiction & the strange passions inside an author/reader relationship.
Comics creator and author Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics) literally wrote the book on making comics. Now he's returned to fiction with The Sculptor, a nearly 500-page epic story of love, loss, art, and memory. Join the man Frank Miller called "just about the smartest guy in comics" for a fast-moving visual presentation on the challenges of building stories, bringing characters to life on the page, and constructing the worlds they live in.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Frederator's Cartoon Hangover channel presents Bee and PuppyCat and Friends, with the creator of Bee and PuppyCat, Natasha Allegri, and the cast and crew of the most successful crowdfunded animation series ever, including the voice of Bee, Ally Rachel; the voice of Deckard, Kent Osborne; Efrain Farias (art director); character designer Becky Dreistadt; writer (and voice of Wallace) Frank Gibson; and writer Madeleine Flores. Cartoon Hangover will also present the upcoming short film Manly and a conversation with the creators Justin Moynihan and Jesse Moynihan. Moderated by Frederator's VP of development, Eric Homan.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 6A
What's it like to work as a comics creator in Japan? What does it take to get your manga published in top magazines like Shonen Jump or Morning? How do you get a job as an assistant to a top manga-ka (comics artist)? Felipe Smith (writer/artist, All-New Ghost Rider, Peepo Choo, MBQ), Jamie Lynn Lano (former assistant manga-ka on The Prince of Tennis, author and artist, www.jamieism.com), and Steve Cummings (Wayward, Uglies, and Pantheon High) are three people who lived the dream in the motherland of manga, and boy, have they got stories to tell! They, along with editor/manga publishing pro Lillan Diaz-Pryzbyl (head comics editor, Sparker Monthly, former senior editor, TOKYOPOP Inc.), offer insights about what it really takes to make a living in manga in Japan (and North America), followed by what should be a lively Q&A session moderated by Deb Aoki (editor, MangaComicsManga.com).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Think you have a one-shot digital comic in you that the world should see? Here's your chance to pitch it to Mark Waid (Daredevil, Superman: Birthright, Empire), James Tynion IV (Batman, The Eighth Seal, The House in the Wall), Christina Blanch (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood),Chris Mancini (Comedy Film Nerds), Nicholas Rucka (Kitchen Death Match), Lori Matsumoto (Thrillbent general manager), and Raygun (Thrillbent web development/design). They'll listen to your verbal pitch and select the best they hear for further development. Along the way, there'll be frank discussion about how Mark and his partners do what they do, what works and doesn't work in digital comics, what makes this medium unique, and what new projects are coming up from Thrillbent!
How do you get in? How do you get that first assignment? Craig Miller (Curious George, Beast Wars) leads a panel including Charlotte Fullerton (Ben 10: Omniverse, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Patrick Rieger (Thunderbirds Are Go), Dean Stefan (X-Men, Darkwing Duck), and Cort Lane (VP, animation development & partnerships, Marvel Studios) who will tell you the truth about what you need to know and do.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Get the inside word on Simon & Schuster's upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes. Chrissy Noh (associate marketing director), Matt Pantoliano (digital marketing), Liesa Abrams (marketing manager), Hayley Gonnason (publicist) and Christian Trimmer (publicity manager) give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Cassandra Clare, Scott Westerfeld, Tony DiTerlizzi, Rachel Renée Russell, and Brandon Mull. Hear what's going on with S&S's hot properties and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for Brandon Mull's Five Kingdoms.
Robert Roach (Menthu, The Roach), Gini Koch (Alien Collective), Ed Erdelac (Terovolas), Nathan Long (Blackhhearts Omnibus), and Nancy Holder (Wicked Saga) discuss structure and storytelling, the use of pacing, and how certain creators use a timeline to build flow. Moderated by Jeffrey Twohig.
Thursday July 24, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Bestselling author Robin Hobb (Fool's Assassin) and Del Rey executive editor Anne Groell discuss the return of the beloved Fitz and the Fool story. Also, hear what's coming from Del Rey and Random House, including details on upcoming titles from authors Joe Abercrombie, Terry Brooks, Pierce Brown, George R. R. Martin, Peter F. Hamilton, and more!
Producing complicated and unusual books takes more than just ink and paper-sometimes it takes blood, sweat, and tears. For anyone who's ever been interested in making their own books, join Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Calista Brill (senior editor, First Second Books), Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), Dave Marshall (editor, Dark Horse Comics), and Kirstie Shepherd (author, Gadabout Time Machine User's Manual) for a panel discussion on the red flags to watch out for on the long journey to get the details right, and to hear funny stories of where things went wrong.
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Nerdist Science editor Kyle Hill and panelists discuss the science hidden in your favorite fandoms. From Star Wars to Game of Thrones, scientists, writers, and engineers will dissect everything geek and answer audience questions.
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
From legendary storytellers to new comics voices, Black Mask Studios has captured the imaginations of the most forward-thinking creators with a simple promise: robust creator rights plus storytelling to new audiences across media. With insight from some of Black Mask's partners helping expand these stories to new audiences, the creators will discuss their unique (and often surprising) missions for their stories, from saving the lives of abused animals to preparing readers for the afterlife.
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.
Back by popular demand! The Big Bang Theory writers are back in San Diego and ready to share secrets behind TV's #1 comedy, which is coming off its most climactic season yet (a first kiss! an engagement! Professor Proton became one with The Force!). Uncover the writers' room mysteries and learn how intimidating it was to write for Darth Vader. (Answer: Very.) The hit show's executive producers and writers take the stage for a lively discussion to discuss the creative process. From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory returns for season 8 this fall, Monday nights at 8/7c on CBS. The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Seventh Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 16.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Ballroom 20
Vengeance: punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense. Villain: a character in a story who does bad things. Hear your favorite authors talk about the dubious bad guys they write about and the characters that teach them a lesson. Moderated by Michael Carroll (The Super Human Series) and featuring Rachel Caine (Prince of Shadows), Marie Lu (The Young Elites), Arwen Elys Dayton (Seeker), Ann Aguirre (Mortal Danger), Kimberly Derting (The Taking), Kiersten White (In the Shadows), and Allen Zadoff (The Unknown Assassin).
Friday July 25, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
Superstar Evangeline Lilly (The Hobbit, Lost) introduces her first illustrated children's book The Squickerwonkers (Titan Books)-a mischievous and uproarious tale about a clever and unruly child called Selma who meets the remarkable Squickerwonkers of the fabulous Squickershow, a band of traveling marionettes. Evangeline will discuss this enchanting and gorgeous project and her collaboration with illustrator Johnny Fraser Allan of WETA.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 6A
Spiro Skentzos (Grimm), Karen Horne (VP, NBC programming talent development and inclusion), Keto Shimizu (Arrow), David Schulner (Emerald City), and David Slack (Person of Interest) come together to share their TV writing experiences on such topics as getting started, basic script mistakes, how to get representation, writing programs, staying motivated, and negotiating today's turbulent TV terrain. There will be a large Q&A component, so bring your questions.
Friday July 25, 2014 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
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.
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
Watching your favorite science fiction and fantasy stories come to life is a thrilling adventure; fiction is fabulous fodder for film, and graphic tales make for great games. Books often inspire multimedia projects that allow fans to fully immerse themselves in the interactive worlds authors have created. From books to movies to TV shows and games, these tales resonate with fans beyond the pages of a novel. James Frey (Endgame), Chris Weitz (The Young World), James Dashner (Maze Runner & The Rule of Thoughts), Andrew Kaplan (Homeland), Fred Van Lente (Make Comics Like Pros), James Silvani (Draw-a-sauras), and Melissa De La Cruz (Ring and the Crown) discuss life as writers in the Digital Age and how technology has transformed both their projects and the publishing industry as a whole. Moderated by Walter Jury (Scan).
Friday July 25, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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
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
Coming up with creative ways to commit mayhem and murder is the lifeblood of these talented thriller authors. A fatal chimera virus; hybridized bioengineered parasites; murderous microchips; lethal electric stimuli; deathstrike via satellite targeting-how many ways can you kill someone? Top thriller authors Tobias Buckell (Hurricane Fever), Alex Hughes (Marked), M. A. Lawson (Rosarito Beach), Stephen Blackmoore (Broken Souls), Gregg Hurwitz (Don't Look Back), and moderator Jeff Ayers (Long Overdue) discuss the art of delivering deadly thrills. But don't worry too much. A little light reading never killed anyone.
Friday July 25, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
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
Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO's Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode fourth season in June and will begin filming its fifth season this summer. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Featured cast include (in alphabetical order) Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister, Natalie Dormer as Margaery Baratheon, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Rose Leslie as Ygritte, Rory McCann as Sandor Clegane ("The Hound"), Pedro Pascal as Oberyn Martell, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.
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 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
The new era of Star Wars storytelling begins in September with Star Wars: A New Dawn. New York Times bestselling author John Jackson Miller, Shelly Shapiro (editor, Del Rey), Frank Parisi (editor, Del Rey), Jennifer Heddle (senior editor, Lucasfilm), Pablo Hidalgo (Lucasfilm Story Group), Vanessa Marshall (Hera in Star Wars Rebels), and Dave Filoni (executive producer, Star Wars Rebels) discuss the planning and process of Star Wars: A New Dawn and present the list of upcoming Star Wars novels from Del Rey.
Starz presents its highly anticipated new TV series Outlander with writer/executive producer Ronald D. Moore, author Diana Gabaldon, and cast members from the series, including Caitriona Balfe, Sam Heughan, Tobias Menzies, Graham McTavish, and Lotte Verbeek.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 03:31PM First-time Comic-Con attendee and star of HornsDaniel Radcliffe joins co-star Juno Temple, director Alexandre Aja, and novelist Joe Hill to debut the world premiere of the Horns movie trailer, chat about the film, and hold an audience Q&A. In addition, Salma Hayek and filmmaker Joe Lynch will be introducing new footage from the kick-ass film Everly. The panel will also reveal new scenes from upcoming RADiUS titles with some special surprises.
Ralph McQuarrie's art for the original Star Wars trilogy is introduced to a new generation of young readers in Star Wars: The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight. New York Times bestselling author Tony DiTerlizzi a talks about the conceptualization of this project and the process, challenges, and privileges of writing to the works of a legend; along with Troy Alders (art director, Lucasfilm), J. W. Rinzler (executive editor, Lucasfilm), and Joanne Chan (children's book editor, Lucasfilm)
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!
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).
Sheyne Fleischer (assistant editor, The Bachelor, Hells Kitchen), Tess Fowler (writer/illustrator Game of Thrones Exclusive Animation, The Rascals), Alicia Minette (prop fabrication: Sushi Girl, Man at Arms), and Aubriana Zurilgen (creature creation: Steve Wang's Creature Workshop, MasterFX), will explore the nontraditional roles of women in the comic and entertainment industries. Female editors, illustrators, prop fabricators, and creature creators will relate their success stories and how to follow your dreams in the industry, while exploring gender roles in the creative professions. Moderated by Glenn Freund (League of S.T.E.A.M.).
Friday July 25, 2014 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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.
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.
Literary agents Holly Root (Waxman Leavell Literary Agency) and Jane Putch (Eyebait Licensing and Literary Management) team up with film agent Brandy Rivers (Gersh Agency) to take your questions and discuss the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more! No pitches, please.
Friday July 25, 2014 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Following FM's giant Godzilla issue with Hugo winner Bob Eggleton, it's time once again to invade SDCC. Join FM publisher Philip Kim and executive editor Ed Blair as they discuss the future of the world's first monster fan magazine, including celebrating its legendary cover art with FM artists 2014 Rondo Award winners Jason Edmiston (Planet of the Apes, Vincent Price) and Simon Thorpe (Doctor Who, Wicked Witch), and Terry Wolfinger (Ghostbusters). New covers revealed, included Terry's Bruce Campbell and Jason's Big Trouble in Little China. Plus new projects and exciting surprises!
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
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
Max Allan Collins (Mike Hammer), co-founder of the IAMTW, will announce the winners of this year's Scribe Awards for excellence in tie-in writing, including honoring this year's Grandmaster Award "Faust" winner, Diane Duane (Star Trek). Join panelists Michael A. Black (Executioner), Stacia Deutsch (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs), Nathan Collins (Battle Royale), Glenn Hauman (Star Trek), Nancy Holder (Chicago Fire), Robyn King (Shadowrun), and Jonathan Maberry (Wolfman) for a freewheeling look at one of the most popular and yet underappreciated branches of the writing trade. Followed by a Q&A session.
Friday July 25, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Jeff Goldsmith (publisher of Backstory on the iPad) interviews screenwriter/producer Simon Kinberg (Mr. & Mrs. Smith) about what it took to write and produce the worldwide box office smash hit X-Men: Days of Future Past. Kinberg will take you behind the scenes as to how he and the film's creative team evolved the longstanding film franchise to an all new high. From the standout Quicksilver sequence to managing the same comic characters at different points in time and beyond-he'll discuss how the film was made and take your questions.
Neil Gaiman is one of our most beloved modern storytellers, crafting amazing fantasy worlds across comics, novels, films, and music. But what is his story? This new documentary takes you along for the ride on Neil's record-setting 2013 signing tour, and explores a life as fantastical as one of his stories. Filmmakers Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking With Gods) and Jordan Rennert (Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts), Neil's "Pepper Potts" Cat Mihos, and a special guest present an exclusive first look at the film.
Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Diana Gill (executive editor, Ace/Roc), and Mia Garcia (Penguin Young Readers Group) give you the dish on forthcoming books from their exciting authors and licensed properties, such as Cherie Priest, Rick Yancey, Jim Butcher, Patricia Briggs, Rachel Caine, Marie Lu, Morgan Rhodes, Ilona Andrews, Katherine Howe, Adventure Time, and many more. You can expect giveaways like finished books or advanced reading copies!
Have you ever thought of a perfect idea for a TV series? Find out how to write it! Gray Jones (host, TV Writer Podcast, partner of Script Magazine) moderates a discussion and Q&A with powerhouse panelistsJen Grisanti (writing instructor, NBC's Writers on the Verge), Lisa Alden (Entourage), William Rabkin (author, Writing the Pilot), Bill Taub (author, Automatic Pilot), and Carole Kirschner (director of the WGA Showrunner Training Program).
Friday July 25, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Zombie Research Society and experts Max Brooks (World War Z), Matt Mogk (AMC's Talking Dead), Steven Schlozman (Harvard Medical School), Scott Kenemore (Zombie, Indiana), Brendan Riley (Columbia College, Chicago), Cameron Carlson (U.S. Navy), Brad Voytek (UCSD), and Craig Engler (Syfy's Z Nation) discuss the evolution of the modern zombie in science, survival, and pop culture, with a special focus on little known facts and common misconceptions.
In the literary world, there are mystical beings, futuristic landscapes, magic and mayhem, heroes and villains, and slowly but surely, more diversity in our heroes. Panel participants are the creators that have made a more diverse world with their novels. Join authors Gene Luen Yang (The Shadow Hero), Josephine Angelini (Trial by Fire),Sherri L. Smith (Orleans), Adele Griffin (The Unfinished Life of Addison Stone), Greg Weisman (Spirits of Ash and Foam: A Rain of the Ghosts Novel), and Lydia Kang (Control), as moderator David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy leads the discussion of what is "diversity" in genre writing, what it looks like, and why it is important.
Saturday July 26, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
These authors know how to thrill readers with stories of kick-ass heroines who traverse the boundaries of other worlds and dimensions. Deborah Harkness (All Souls Trilogy), Marjorie Liu (Labyrinth of Stars), S. J. Harper (Reckoning), Christina Lauren (Sublime), Tonya Hurley (Blessed series), and moderator Chris Marie Green (Only the Good Die Young) discuss the paranormal elements in their action-packed novels that keep their protagonists on their toes and readers on the edge of their seats.
Saturday July 26, 2014 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
Temple of Art is an ongoing 2-year art and photography project, a unique conversation among over 50 artists that includes original work incorporating multiple modalities and disciplines. The show currently has a book published by Baby Tattoo, bicoastal gallery openings, and a feature-length documentary. Creator Allan Amato (commercial photographer, Justified, Wilfred, Necessary Roughness ) will be curating, discussing art as a battleground between ego, alchemy, and discipline. The panel features such greats from both the comics industry and the fine art world as Dave Mckean (Mirror Mask, Sandman), Barron Storey (Sandman:Endless Nights, Marat-Sade Journals), Kent Williams (Kent Williams: Opthalm, The Fountain), Jason Shawn Alexander (Abe Sapien, Batman: End Game), David Mack (Kabuki, Daredevil), Bill Sienkiewicz (Electra Assassin, The New Mutants), Grant Morrison (Batman: Arkham Asylum, The Filth, Happy), Jim Mahfood (Clerks, Tank Girl), Stephanie Inagaki (fine artist, Miyu Decay), and Ryan Graff (designer, publisher). Moderated by Jon Schnepp. A video presentation of original works from the show and preview of the documentary will be played as well. Giveaway T-shirts, postcards, and posters.
Saturday July 26, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
If writers' rooms were like superhero teams then "Inside the Writers' Room" just lined up the Justice League and The Avengers for this all-star insider look at your favorite TV series. The scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows share their candid thoughts on how to write and rewrite the series you love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the deep, dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writers' room-and why network executives actually care about what you write on message boards. Get the straight scoop on how shows go from inside their heads to a dry erase board to your television sets and tablets from some of today's most talented and outspoken writers and producers, moderated by Sony Pictures Television's jocular senior VP of drama development & production, Chris Parnell. The heroic lineup this year includes Michael Narducci (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals), SteveHolland (The Big Bang Theory), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, About a Boy), William Harper (Grey's Anatomy), Christine Boylan (Constantine, Once Upon A Time), Ashley E. Miller (The New Terminator TV series, Fringe, Andromeda), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers Prime), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, Castle, Arrow), Jose Molina (Sleepy Hollow, Firefly, Agent Carter), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Castle, Free Enterprise TV Series).
Saturday July 26, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Every day, our present begins to look more and more like science fiction. We converse with AIs on our phones, communicate by digital avatars, and maintain entire social presences online. Movies like Her demonstrate how familiar-and how close-we are to a world where Cylons co-mingle with humanity. Authors Daniel H. Wilson (Robogenesis), Andy Weir (The Martian), Jason Hough (The Dire Earth Cycle), Daniel Price (The Flight of the Silvers), M. D. Waters (Prototype), and Nick Cole (Soda Pop Soldier) discuss potential robot uprisings with moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy!
Saturday July 26, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Whether it's a dystopian society, the aftermath of an apocalypse, or an unknown intergalactic landing point, the way YA novels envision the future is often complex and layered with problems and untapped possibilities. A dynamic group of authors including Emily Lloyd Jones (Illusive), Benny Zelkowicz (Foundry’s Edge), Romina Russell (Zodiac), Michael Johnston (The Heart of Dread series), Pierce Brown (Red Rising), Cam Baity (Foundry's Edge), Charles Yu (How to Survive in a Science Fiction Universe), Benny Zelkowitcz (Foundry's Edge), and Cecil Castellucci (Tin Star) discuss how they create their worlds of tomorrow, the architecture and outlining involved, and what we learn about our contemporary selves as a result of these future landscapes.
Saturday July 26, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Female creators talk about how to cultivate your ideas and bring them to life. Leave with inspiration, confidence, a solid plan of action, and tons of new ideas. Moderated by Stephanie Pressman (Fashionably Nerdy, Stalking LeVar) and featuring America Young (Geek Therapy, The Chimaera Project), Helenna Santos (Ms. In The Biz), Heidi Cox (Stalking LeVar, Geek Speak TV), Kristen Nedopak (The Geekie Awards, The Skyrim Parodies), Patty Jean Robinson (Pike & Trident, Awkward Embraces), Samantha Mason (Fashionably Nerdy, Legends of Atoll), and Stephanie Thorpe (Elf Quest, Shelf Life).
Saturday July 26, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Endgame: The Calling is an engrossing apocalyptic adventure novel at the core of a groundbreaking interactive project that will be published on October 7. A YA trilogy by international bestselling author James Frey and New York Times bestselling author Nils Johnson-Shelton, the Endgame trilogy follows 12 teens as catastrophic events lead them on a global quest in search of three ancient keys that will save not only their bloodlines but the world. Each book in the series is also the focal point of an interactive experience within the Endgame universe, consisting of a sequence of challenging puzzles that, when solved, will ultimately lead to the location of a hidden key. The first eligible reader to solve the final puzzle for the first book will find the key and win $500,000 dollars' worth of gold. Google's Niantic Labs is developing a location-based augmented reality game that will bring Endgame to life in the real world and allow players to join in battle to unlock the mysteries of Endgame. Panelists James Frey (co-author of Endgame and creator of Full Fathom Five), 20th Century Fox's Wyck Godfrey (producer of the Endgame film, The Maze Runner, and The Fault in Our Stars), John Hanke (leader of Google's Niantic Labs and creator of Google Maps) and Mat Laibowitz (Ph.D., founder of Futuruption) discuss the Endgame universe they've created.
Saturday July 26, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Paul Roman Martinez (Adventures of the 19XX), Travis Hanson (The Bean), and Daniel Davis (Steam Crow) let you in on all the secrets that led them to a combined 10 successful crowd funded projects and over $200,000 raised toward publishing costs. Paul, Travis, and Daniel provide tips you can use on your next project and a Q&A session designed to increase your chances of crowdfunding success
Saturday July 26, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Joe Abercrombie (Half a King), Diana Gabaldon (Outlander), Lev Grossman (Magicians Trilogy), George R. R. Martin (Game of Thrones), and Patrick Rothfuss (The Kingkiller Chronicle) have written some of the most memorable books of their time, pushing genre fiction into the mainstream. Join these bestselling authors along with moderator Ali T. Kokmen (Barnes & Noble/NOOK Media) for a discussion on fantasy literature, fandom, and how they mastered their craft.
Saturday July 26, 2014 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Room 6A
Comic-Con special guest Mimi Pond reads from her New York Times bestselling debut graphic novel Over Easy, a chatty, slyly observant coming-of-age story about a young woman going from naive, sexually inexperienced art-school dropout to self-aware, self-confident artist. Pond's wry and limber anecdotes create a compelling portrait of a distinct moment in time-when hippies became punks and free love was on everybody's mind. Pond, who has written for The Simpsons and Pee Wee's Playhouse and created comics for National Lampoon, the LA Times, and Seventeen, will talk about the origins of Over Easy and share anecdotes about her creative process.
It's the annual comics journalism panel, and despite what you may have heard, comics journalists are still alive. Are they well? You'll find out with The Beat's Heidi MacDonald, Bleeding Cool's Rich Johnston, and Comics Reporter's Tom Spurgeon, as they are joined by Eisner Award-nominated Matt Meylikhov of Multiversity, Joshua Yehl of IGN, and Jill Pantozzi of The Mary Sue to talk about what's new in comics and what's new in covering them.
Saturday July 26, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Authors James Dashner (The Maze Runner) and Christina Lauren (Beautiful Bastard), together with their publishing teams-literary agent Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Agency), executive editor Krista Marino (Random House, Delacorte), literary agent Holly Root (Waxman Leavell Literary Agency), senior editor Adam Wilson (Simon & Schuster, Gallery), and associate director of publicity Kristin Dwyer (Simon & Schuster, Gallery)-discuss their roles and interactions navigating the path from story idea to bestseller. Moderated by author Nathan Bransford (How to Write a Novel).
Saturday July 26, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Chuck Palahniuk (Fight Club, Choke, Haunted), director David Fincher (Fight Club, Seven, The Social Network, and Gone Girl), Gerald Howard (Doubleday executive editor), and special guests discuss the seminal novel's journey from book to film and beyond. Moderated by Rick Kleffel (TheAgonyColumn.com).
Saturday July 26, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
David Pomerico, executive editor from Harper Voyager US, provides an overview of the upcoming season's best new fiction. From the publishing powerhouse that brought you Divergent, comes the latest and greatest in teen fiction. Christina Colangelo and Lauren Flower of HarperTeen present major upcoming YA book releases that will transport you from a dystopian version of Oz to an apocalyptic battleground and beyond. Get ready to grab plenty of HarperTeen giveaways, limited-edition goodies, and advance copies!
Industry gossip hound Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool) hosts this panel discussing Bleeding Cool magazine's upcoming "Top 100 Comic Industry Power Rankings" and the big comic book news breaking at Comic-Con.
In this seminar, author/publisher Mark O'Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, Aia the Barbarian, Fantasy Imperium, Better Storytelling) discusses how to create a buying frenzy, what every author ought to know about writing and marketing, and some plain talk about a simple business that often sounds complicated.
Saturday July 26, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Iconic weird tale author H. P. Lovecraft (1890-1937), in his introduction to the story The Call of Cthulhu wrote: "We live on a placid island of ignorance in the midst of black seas of infinity, and it was not meant that we should voyage far. The sciences, each straining in its own direction, have hitherto harmed us little; but some day the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality, and of our frightful position therein, that we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the deadly light into the peace and safety of a new dark age." Was he right? A panel of scientists and Lovecraft experts will discuss the science behind Lovecraft's stories and what modern research has revealed about humanity's place in the cosmos. With Cody Goodfellow (Deepest, Darkest Eden: New Tales Of Hyperborea), Shane Haggard (Chemistry instructor, San Diego City College), Leslie S. Klinger (The New Annotated H. P. Lovecraft), Andrew Leman (The H. P. Lovecraft Historical Society), and Lisa Will, Ph.D. (astronomy and physics professor, San Diego City College). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (The H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival and CthulhuCon-Los Angeles).
Johnny Cavooto (Sartana), Brandon T. Perlow (publisher, Watson and Holmes), Bryan Graham, Jeffrey Twohig (FuzzyLogixMedia), and Rebecca Nelson (FuzzyLogixMedia) discuss the process of being published and troubleshooting production issues. Moderated by Gini Koch.
Studios today are not buying movies. They are buying franchises. They want "Story Worlds" that can exist in multiple mediums. But it's not just big franchises. Even smaller stories can be enhanced by using the multitude of mediums available to modern storytellers. In this panel discussion hosted by the New York Film Academy's Screenwriting Department, industry experts weigh in on the concept of transmedia, from franchise creation to audience engagement, and how the new media landscape influences, expands, and oftentimes even enhances the storytelling process. Moderated by Adam Finer (chair of industry outreach and professional development, associate chair of media studies, New York Film Academy), the panel includes Dafna Pleban (editor, BOOM! Studios), Margaret Dunlap (The Middleman, The Lizzie Bennet Diaries), Adam Moore (Dirt3, Vendor, associate chair of screenwriting, New York Film Academy), Nunzio DeFilippis (New X-Men, Amazing Agent Luna, director of curriculum development, New York Film Academy), Christina Weir (New X-Men, Amazing Agent Luna), Joe Harris (X-Files: Season 10, Ghost Projekt), and Flint Dille (Ingress, Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay).
Saturday July 26, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Each year, we set aside time to talk about Comic-Con's first superstar guest and the man they call The King of the Comics, Jack Kirby. Jack left us in 1994 but his influence on comics, film, and this convention has never been greater. Discussing the man and his work this year are Len Wein, Scott Shaw!, Charles Kochman (editorial director, Harry N. Abrams Books) and Kirby family attorney Paul S. Levine, plus members of Jack's family. And of course, it's moderated by Mark Evanier.
Sunday July 27, 2014 10:00am - 11:15am PDT
Room 5AB
Kenneth Hough (University of California, Santa Barbara) examines comic book speculations on drone warfare in the 1940s and 1950s, comparing these early images with modern debates about the use of unmanned weapons. Melissa Colleen Stevenson (Stanford University) compares Fables' Fabletown Compact with the Truth and Reconciliation commissions instituted in South Africa after apartheid and the Ley de Punto Final passed in Argentina after the fall of dictatorship there, examining how Bill Willingham's work approaches real world philosophical questions about the nature of forgiveness, the demands of justice, and the very human desire for vengeance. Hadas Marcus (Tel Aviv University) reviews how various environmental themes are depicted in comics, from classic examples that only touch upon somewhat vague ecological topics, to contemporary works that explore looming environmental and sustainability issues in a much more detailed and often darkly apocalyptic manner.
Sunday July 27, 2014 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
The best stories stay with you forever. They shape who we are and what we love. Join some of the industries great storytellers as they talk about stories that shape and mold and stick with you long after the book has closed. Featuring Paul Pope (The Rise of Aurora West), Dav Pilkey (Captain Underpants), Rachel Renee Russell (The Dork Diaries), Brandon Mull (Sky Raiders), E. J. Altbacker (Shark Wars), Pseudonymous Bosch (Bad Magic), and P. Craig Russell (The Graveyard Book) in conversation with David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Skybound's Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) and other Skybound writers and artists-including Josh Williamson (Ghosted), Khary Randolph (Tech Jacket), Matt Roberts (Manifest Destiny), and Chris Dingess (Manifest Destiny)-discuss not only their own works but the ever-changing landscape of the modern comic book industry. Moderated by Skybound editorial director Sean Mackiewicz.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Comic-Con special guest Chuck Dixon (Batman, Punisher, Winterworld, Bad Times) will conduct his own informal Q&A about comic book writing, the creation of Bane, how to live in Florida but write about life in a world of constant winter, and what it's like to be a lightning rod of controversy in a world of make-believe.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
How important is reading at an early age? Panelists will demonstrate how students can create their own comics in a classroom and the benefits of utilizing graphic novels in academic settings. They include New York Times bestselling author Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars, Hatter M), writer Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers), writer/editor Dave Elliot (Weirding Willows), librarian Karen Green (Columbia University),New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men, Dirk & Steele), Harvey Award nominee Connor McCreery (Kill Shakespeare), and comics retailer Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). Secret Origin of Good Readers free 70+ page companion resource book PDF and reading lists at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
From Ms. Marvel to Black Widow, from Twitter to tumblr, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in the industry recently. Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it's like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry. Panelists include producer and photographer Judy Stephens, Marvel's The Watcher host Lorraine Cink, Marvel Studios asset manager Alexis Auditore, artist Katie Cook (All-New Marvel NOW! Animal Variants) artist Rachelle Rosenberg (Amazing X-Men), and special guest editor-in-chief Axel Alonso!
Sunday July 27, 2014 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters) shares his first novel, Overwatch, which blends the espionage and legal thriller genres, while delving into the inner workings of the CIA. Join Marc and moderator Joe Kelly for this Q&A session as they discuss what inspired Marc to write his first novel and his work in television, film, and comic books.
Sunday July 27, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Disney Publishing Worldwide gives SDCC attendees a special sneak preview of upcoming books from Disney Press, Disney-Hyperion, Marvel Press, and Disney Lucas Film Press, along with their interactive storytelling and creativity apps. Moderator Rose Brock (award-winning librarian) and panelists Nachie Marsham (executive editor for Disney Book Group), Michael Siglain (executive editor for Disney Lucas Film Press/Disney Book Group), Tomas Palacios (editor for Marvel Press), Dina Sherman (senior marketing manager for Disney Book Group/School & Library Division), Michael Zagari (lead producer for Disney Digital Media), and Brooke McKnight (marketing manager for Digital) will demonstrate and talk about some of the exciting new reads and apps coming from DPW. Disney cosplay fans are encouraged to come-as long as costumes are kid-friendly!
Author/journalist and Comic-Con special guest Michelle Nolan (Love on the Racks) will join moderator Maggie Thompson (former editor of Comics Buyer's Guide) and Bud Plant (45 years of Bud Plant Comic Art) for a discussion and Q&A about Michelle's more than 50 years as a comics historian/entrepreneur.
Strong protagonists, engrossing romance, humor, action, and angst! This popular annual Q&A session and chat about the hottest new titles and trends in YA fiction is moderated by Nathan Bransford (The Jacob Wonderbar series)and features Kresley Cole (The Arcana Chronicles), Kami Garcia (The Legion Series), Tessa Gratton (United States of Asgard series), Tahereh Mafi (the Shatter Me series), Natalie Parker (Beware the Wild), C. J. Redwine (The Defiance series), Brendan Reichs (The Virals series), Margaret Stohl (The Icons series), and Scott Westerfeld (Afterworlds).
Sunday July 27, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 09:57AM Moderated by Racebending.com, an intersectional, all-women (social) Justice League of television creators, graphic novelists, artists, and cultural commentators will explore the topic of women in the superhero world. Featured panelists include Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), Marguerite Bennett (Batman), and Faith Erin Hicks (The Adventures of Superhero Girl), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (UnderTheMaskOnline.com), Joanna Estep (Bold Riley), and Jules Rivera (Valkyrie Squadron).
Sunday July 27, 2014 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Long time Disney creators Patrick and Shelly Block discuss how they went about designing their new epic fantasy world set on Luminas. They will provide tips on crafting interesting characters, and thoughts on the art of being original. Patrick and Shelly Block are creating the graphic novel, Frostlings; Shelly writes the dialogue and provides ideas for characters, and Patrick hand paints the pages using brushed ink and watercolors.
75 years ago the Marvel Universe first came to life with the release of Marvel Comics #1 (soon to become Marvel Mystery Comics), featuring the Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner. The company was called Timely then, but as you can see, the word "Marvel" was already part of its comics world. Continuously publishing since 1939, Marvel revolutionized comics in the early 1960s with the help of legends such as Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko. Ever since then, Marvel has proven what remarkable staying power and worldwide appeal these characters have. Daredevil celebrates his 50th anniversary this year, for one! Newer waves of talented artists and writers have all taken the helm at developing these beloved characters' storylines and influencing their looks and appeal into the 21st century. Moderated by Mark Waid (Daredevil), Comic-Con special guests Dan Slott (writer, Superior Spider-Man, Amazing Spider-Man) and Joe Quesada (chief creative officer, Marvel Entertainment) will be on hand to discuss these heroes and what keeps them fighting the good fight.
Drawing creator-owned comics can be tough, but our panelists make it look easy. Join AmyReeder (RocketGirl), ChrisBurnham (Nameless), TulaLotay (Supreme: Blue Rose) and a few very special guests as they discuss work ethics, storytelling, finding collaborators, and creating some of the best comics in the business.
Everybody talks about comics growing up-but can they still mature without (GASP) forgetting the children? Join this eclectic group of creators and editors for a lively roundtable. What are the challenges of entertaining different age levels? Are there lessons comics should take from manga, animation, and YA literature? And what advice should any aspiring creators know if they want to make their comics truly awesome for all ages? Bring your kids along, or just your inner child, and find answers that will get you laughing, learning, and looking at the craft of all-ages comics in a whole new way! Featuring as moderator writer Tom Pinchuk (Max Steel) with writer/artist Katie Cook (My Little Pony), writer Jenni L. Holm (Baby Mouse), editor Shannon Watters (kaBOOM!, Adventure Time), editor Sarah Gaydos (IDW Kids Comics), and writer/editor Joel Enos (Ben 10, Perfect Square).
Sunday July 27, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Join Dynamite publisher Nick Barrucci, Dynamite senior editor Joseph Rybandt and moderator Alan Kistler as they present a special 10th Anniversary Celebration featuring the upcoming Django/Zorro crossover creative team of Reginald Hudlin (editor, Django/Zorro), Matt Wagner (writer, Django/Zorro) and of course the very special guest Quentin Tarantino as they help to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dynamite Comics!
Sunday July 27, 2014 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:44PM The comics industry can be tough to break into! Come by for an inside look at how some of DC Entertainment's top talent -- Nicola Scott (Earth 2), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, Batman, Batman Eternal, The Wake), and Charles Soule (Red Lanterns, Superman/Wonder Woman, Swamp Thing) -- made their careers crafting the tales of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and more.
The Beat's Heidi MacDonald will get today's best literary cartoonists to spill their guts on just how they use moments and memories from their lives with actual facts from the time period and how they combine everything into the art of nonfiction or the fictitious memoir. Gilbert Hernandez is the cartoonist behind Marble Season, Bumperhead, and Love and Rockets that touches on his childhood but never tells the full story of his life as one of the famous Hernandez Brothers. Mimi Pond'sOver Easy tells the story of Madge, an art school drop out in the '70s when hippy met punk, a story close to her own life. David Lasky's The Carter Family is a biography of the first superstar group of country. MacDonald will ask: Do they draw likenesses from memories or from photographs? Do they take liberties with the facts to tell a more engrossing story? "Fictionalized Nonfiction" will peek into the creative process of today's leading graphic novelists.
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
For artists and writers who get "stuck," veteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP FIM, Meathouse Man, Airwolf) brings proven tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those blocked brain cells and deadline demons! Part information, part motivation, all entertaining!
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
First Second authors Faith Erin Hicks (Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Lucy Knisley (Relish), Paul Pope (The Rise of Aurora West), and Gene Luen Yang (The Shadow Hero) in conversation.
Sunday July 27, 2014 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, webcomics, design or animation, costuming or cosplay), "breaking in" has never been a more apt term than in today's media. It is a full-time job, and you only have part-time hours to accomplish it. Topics cover a myriad of organizational subjects: different kinds of leadership that match your groups needs, the importance of starting everyone on the same page and how to keep everyone there, how to build your team, a variety of angles on deadlines and work environments. The panelists, representing a broad cross-section of levels of authority, departments, work pipelines, and sizes of organizations, come from a variety of media, including illustration, writing, design, animation, podcasting, and live-action film production. Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear), Sean Glumace (Adobe education leader), Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Heather Joseph-Witham, Ph.D. (Mythbusters and various TV), Gene Turnbow (general manager, KryptonRadio.com), Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (molecular geneticist), Jonelle Davila (creative director, TheGeekGirlProject.com), Chris Dickens (writer and co-creator of Vigilante Project), and Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV), provide content that is a mix of speaking, questions and some short interactive applications where the audience can directly apply the topics covered. As an added bonus to help get your creative work life further along, the panel will give away a one-year subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud.
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The Winner Twins, multiple award-winning and national bestselling sci-fi authors, scriptwriters, and producers, teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer's block to the different paths to publishing. The teenage twins have written four science fiction novels and have taught their unique award-winning creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. The Winner Twins will be joined by bestselling author and renowned actor Richard Hatch, of Battlestar Galactica fame, and other surprise guests who will teach you how to create a film or TV treatment from your novel, and how to pitch it.
Acclaimed comics writer James Hudnall (Harsh Realm, Espers, The Age of Heroes, Lex Luthor: The Unauthorized Biography) explains the secrets to better writing and making a story that matters and reveals seven key secrets that can turn an ordinary story into something special. He is joined by author Dr. Terry Cronin (The Skinvestigator, Students of the Unusual) for a discussion on how to make the most of your fiction.
Sunday July 27, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
