Naruto is one of the world's most popular manga series, with over 60 bestselling volumes published. Get all the latest news on the Naruto manga, anime, video games, and more at this super-sized panel, featuring guests from VIZ Media, Bandai Namco games, and a special guest you'll have to see to believe!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
Small press publishers: What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews, and what doesn't? A lot of publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, and why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comics journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for in submissions. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Albert Ching (Comics Book Resources), Amy Chu (DC Comics), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), Alan Kistler (The Mary Sue), Francis Sky (First Comics News), Tanya Tate (First Comics News), J. C. Vaughn (Scoop), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), and Bryan Young (Huffington Post, Big Shiny Robot). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic.
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
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
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.
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.
As Gerry and Sylvia Anderson's iconic Thunderbirds series turns 50 next year, Jamie Anderson (Anderson Entertainment) executive producers of the new Thunderbirds Are Go series Richard Taylor (Jane and the Dragon, The Wot Wots, LOTR), and Giles Ridge (Harry Potter: Behind the Magic, The Illustrated Mum) talk about heritage programs, and the importance of remaining true to the ethos that made the show so successful first time around. Join the Thunderbirds team for this Q&A, moderated by head writer of the new series Rob Hoegee (Slugterra, Generator Rex, Teen Titans).
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!
Have a comic but don't know how to get it in front of the most people possible? Learn essential marketing and PR tips and tricks from the industry's best in this roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of pulling off effective marketing & PR to get your comic noticed. Host Chip Mosher (comiXology's marketing & PR maven) is joined by BOOM! Studio's dynamic marketing & PR duo Mel Caylo and Christine Dinh, along with Fantagraphics Books's stellar PR and marketing team Jacq Cohen and Jen Vaughn, for an inspiring and wide-ranging discussion that will teach you how to market yourself and your comic to the widest audience possible.
Greg Spalenka (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Sandman, Titan Books, The Golden Compass, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) moderates a panel discussion on art career sustainability. Learn strategies on how to create an income from your talent on your own terms with panelists Donato Giancola (professional artist in publishing, film, and games, Tor, National Geographic, Microsoft, Vivendi/Universal, LucasArts), Daniel M. Davis (artist/designer of Steam Crow, publishers of monster books, serigraphs, and other art products), Drew Brophy (professional surf artist and ambassador of adventure travel lifestyle), Maria Brophy (art agent, author of How to Understand Art Licensing Contracts and expert on art licensing and the business of art), and Dawn M. Schiller (Odd Fae and Autumn Things, author of FaeMaker, artist/designer of sculpted handmade dolls).
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.
Jim Sullos (president, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated), Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration),Joe Rybandt (senior editor, Dynamite Entertainment), Diana Leto (The Cave Girl), and Ron Marz (Korak the Killer) discuss upcoming projects featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs's famous literary heroes, including online comic strips, the Warner Bros. big-screen Tarzan feature (planned for 2016), and Dynamite Comics's pending relaunch of John Carter: Warlord of Mars.
In celebration of the 55th anniversary of Rocky and Bullwinkle, join Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation for the U.S. premiere of a new Rocky and Bullwinkle short that will appear on the upcoming release of Mr. Peabody & Sherman on Blu-ray and DVD on October 14. Director Gary Trousdale (Beauty and the Beast) and executive producer and Bullwinkle Studios president Tiffany Ward (daughter of Jay Ward) discuss the film and the legacy of Rocky and Bullwinkle on animation, followed by a Q&A session moderated by film critic and animation expert Leonard Maltin (Of Mice and Magic).
Explore the realm of the Ring like never before when Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment presents an in-depth look at the groundbreaking Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor video game. Focus on the time between The Hobbit and LOTR and learn the secret history of the Rings of Power and their relationship to the Wraith-and maybe get some tips on how to dominate the Dark Lord Sauron's army and other enemies. Panelists Michael de Plater (director of design, Monolith Productions, Tom Clancy's EndWar, Rome: Total War), lead writer Christian Cantamessa (Red Dead Redemption), Phil Straub (art director, Monolith Productions, Utherworlds, D'artiste Digital Painting), the voice of Talion Troy Baker (The Last of Us , Batman: Arkham Origins, BioShock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City), and moderator Professor Janet Croft reveal new gameplay and story details and discuss the innovative approach to storytelling through the Nemesis System. Surprises, revelations and giveaways await you! Middle-Earth: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC Shadow of Mordor will be released on October 7 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
IDW editors John Barber and Carlos Guzman, along with Michael Kelly, Hasbro's director for global publishing, offer a comprehensive overview of all things IDW & Hasbro. Transformers! My Little Pony! G.I. Joe! Dungeons & Dragons! Announcements! Prizes! Featuring writer Mairghread Scott, writer/artist Tom Scioli, and many more special guests.
Everyone has an origin story, the defining moment where they thrust themselves to greatness, and so do the comic industry's best and brightest. ComiXology's marketing maven Chip Mosher hosts a panel with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger; executive editor at Marvel Comics in charge of the X-Men and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises Mike Marts; BOOM! Studios/KaBOOM! editor and Lumberjanes co-creator Shannon Watters; co-creator of the forthcoming Top Cow series Genius, television writer on Syfy's Alphas, and senior editor of The Hollywood ReporterMarc Bernardin; and writer of Five Ghosts, Black Market, and Solar: Man of the Atom, Frank J. Barbiere, who will fill you in on the extraordinary events that transformed them from everyday comics fans into comic industry heroes!
Last year, we had such a good time celebrating the 100th birthday of the creator of one of comics' great newspaper strips that we've decided to keep the party going. Kelly's magnum opus, Pogo, is now receiving its first ever complete reprinting in an Eisner-winning series from Fantagraphics Books. Let's remember him with David Silverman (The Simpsons), Jeff Smith (Bone), comic historian Maggie Thompson (Comics Buyer's Guide), film critic Leonard Maltin, Carolyn Kelly (co-editor of the Complete Pogo series and Walt's daughter), and moderator Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer).
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!
Saved By The Bell! Punky Brewster! Magical girls! Teen mermaids! As Jessie Spano would say, "I'm So Excited!" Roar Comics is making its debut at SDCC! Check out Lion Forge's new all-ages and YA comics imprint as the company brings together genre-busting talent with fan-favorite characters. Join senior editor Adam Staffaroni to hear what's next for Punky and the gang at Bayside High, and learn about Roar's new digital-first original titles-Roboy, Crystal Cadets, and MER. Featuring creators Chynna Clugston Flores (Blue Monday), Joelle Sellner (Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes), Anne Toole (The Lizzy Bennet Diaries), Lesley Vamos, and Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton. Fun all for all ages, plus some big new announcements!
Zenescope Entertaiment reaches a landmark issue! Many companies don't make it to issue #50, much less #100. Joe Brusha and Ralph Tedesco, along with other Zenescope creators and artists, will talk about their experiences in the industry, the history and success of Grimm Fairy Tales, and how the series paved the way for other titles like Wonderland, Neverland, and Oz. With the release of Grimm Fairy Tales #100, find out what's in store for the entire Grimm Universe!
Face off with your favorite Rotten Tomatoes critics, including Alonso Duralde (TheWrap), Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood), and Fandango Fangirl Tiffany Smith when they join editor-in-chief Matt Atchity and senior editor Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes along with their editorial team. As Matt and Grae invite audience members to share movies they love, hate, or love to hate, everyone in the room uses their "Personal Tomatometer Paddle" to dis/agree with the score. Remember: fortune favors the bold.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 09:17AM Stage show for 9+ years, web series and podcast on the Nerdist Network rated #4 in comedy by Rolling Stone (May 2014), Eisner Award-nominated graphic novel from Archaia Entertainment, highly anticipated concert film-The Thrilling Adventure Hour is a cult phenomenon coming to San Diego in the midst of their nationwide con tour to celebrate current and future plans for comics, TV, and beyond. Creators Ben Acker and Ben Blacker (Marvel) will discuss 2014 plans and exclusive announcements, featuring the WorkJuice Players including Hal Lublin, Marc Evan Jackson, Mark Gagliardi, James Urbaniak, and Craig Cackowski, plus special guests Molly Quinn (Castle), Janet Varney (Legend of Korra), Paul and Storm, and special surprise guests.
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
Learn the essentials for what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. This panel provides an overview of what is involved in creating a costume, the different costume categories, and how much time is involved in creating a costume that is screen accurate. A panel of experts describe, display, and demonstrate tips and techniques used for their costume specialties and share the mission of the 501st legion.
Saturday July 26, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
Kodansha Comics is back in San Diego and ready to talk about the hottest manga of the year, Attack on Titan! Penguin Random House's Dallas Middaugh and Kodansha USA's Kana Koide talk about what's happening with Sailor Moon, Attack on Titan, Fairy Tail, Vinland Saga and No. 6, to name just a few. They'll have some new title announcements and an Attack on Titan sampler for everyone to check out.
Saturday July 26, 2014 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
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.
Horror novels have been keeping us up at night for years. From haunted houses to creepy-crawly worms, mysterious illnesses, demons, human extinction, and the apocalypse, these authors give you goosebumps while you read. Authors Mira Grant (Parasite), G. Michael Hopf (The New World Series), Katherine Howe (Conversion), April Genevieve Tucholke (Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea), Brenna Yovanoff (Fiendish), and James Rollins (The 6th Extinction) discuss their novels, the writing process, and why you keep the light on while you read. Moderated by Glen Hirshberg (Motherless Child).
The hilarious adventures of Jack Burton continue as Big Trouble in Little China, one of the most beloved cult films of all time, is now a BOOM! Studios comic series. The series picks up right after the end of the film and, with the guidance of director John Carpenter, it's the first time new stories of the Pork Chop Express have been told in any medium. Join series writer Eric Powell (The Goon), colorist Michael Garland (The Empty Man), and editor Ian Brill for a lively discussion of what to expect next in the series and to talk all things Big Trouble in Little China. Plus, writer Christopher Sebela (Dead Letters) will be on hand with a special announcement relevant to Big Trouble fans' interests! Moderated by Comics Alliance senior writer Chris Sims.
In today's pop culture landscape, creators are faced with the potential (and challenge) of turning their characters and series into cross-platform properties. From games to toys and television to film, the opportunities for global success have never been greater. The potential pitfalls, however, have never been more challenging. Moderator Sohaib Awan (creator of IDW Publishing's Jinnrise), along with Mairghread Scott (lead writer on Transformers: Prime the Animated Series), and Royden Lepp (creator of Archaia Entertainment's Rust), will explain the step-by-step process each creator must take to protect his or her intellectual properties. What do creators need to do from beginning to end? How long does the process from comic to TV/film take? What are the greatest obstacles to success? After over two years of development, an animated series based on Jinnrise is being produced; the panelists will explain how it was done.
Host Patrick Yurick (CEO of MakingComics.com), in this celebratory panel designed to connect the comic makers of the world, discusses the status of the worldwide comic-making revolution happening on- and off-line. Guest panelists include Mark Waid (Thrillbent, Daredevil), Rachel Beck (Storyforge Productions), Jim Zub (Skullkickers, Wayward), Andy Schmidt (Comics Experience), Christina Blanch (SuperMOOC2, Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), and Palle Schmidt (Comics For Beginners, Thomas Aslop).
For seven years, veteran comic book writer/editor Sid Jacobson has fought to bring the world his newest graphic novel, The Sacred Band of Thebes, a truly controversial story that demands to be told in today's politically correct world. Jacobson and his fellow writers Bart Baker and Glenn Rabney will talk about their journey, including the sometimes surprising negative reaction to sensitive themes and characters and publishers' fears of dealing with hot button topics. If there's a story for a graphic novel in your soul and the powers that be all keep telling you that it's a great story, this is a panel discussion you won't want to miss.
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).
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 18, 02:48PM Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling "a comic book come to life." That is not so far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan, antiheroes such as John Cena, and villains like Ric Flair, the panel explores the parallels in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms. Featuring Rik Offenberger (FirstComicsNews.com), Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins), Scott Lost and Eburonson (The 2nd Shift), Michael Kingston and Michel Mulipola (Headlocked), Sasha Darevko (Championship Wrestling from Hollywood) and TNA superstar Mr. Anderson. Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (pwnedcast.com).
Dana Nachman (documentary filmmaker, KTF Films) unveils her latest project Batkid: The Film, which chronicles the making of the overnight international phenomenon that is Batkid. The panel features Patricia Wilson (CEO of Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area and mastermind behind Batkid), Eric Johnston (Batkid's adult Batman sidekick and inventor), Mike Jutan (Batkid's nemesis, The Penguin, and Lucasfilm engineer), and Sue Graham Johnston (The Damsel in Distress and VP of operations, Oracle). Join this dynamic team for a Q&A session moderated by Chris Taylor (deputy editor, Mashable).
UPDATED: Sat, Jul 26, 11:50AM Panelists Meryl Jaffe (Raising a Reader), Matthew Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Talia Hurwich (Johns Hopkins University), Faith Erin Hicks (Friends With Boys, Superhero Girl, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin), Jonathan Hamel (game designer, Tomb Raider), Jim di Bartolo (In the Shadows), and Royden Lepp (Rust) discuss what makes a fan-favorite villain and what budding creators might want to think about when hatching their own knavish ne'er-do-wells. They'll tackle how villains of past and present have changed, how affective villains play foil to their heroes, and whether villains are becoming more believable and more likeable. Panelists will then ask the audience to help create an SDCC 2014 villain.
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!
A distinguished roundtable of comic creators, digital impresarios and webcomic entrepreneurs discuss all things digital comics-the promise and the peril of the ongoing digital revolution. Panelists include Mark Waid (head honcho at Thrillbent), Ben Abernathy (editorial director at Madefire), Ron Perazza (co-founder of Comic Book Think Tank), Jen Brazas (Mystic Revolution), Hank Kanalz (senior VP of integrated publishing at DC Comics), and Josh Elder (Scribblenauts Unmasked).
Saturday night's impressive costuming event is reviewed, audience questions can be answered, and a big-screen video of all the costume entries is presented for those who missed it or who simply want a second look. Hosted by Masquerade director Martin Jaquish and Masquerade assistant John Ruff.
