UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:40PM Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures...DC Collectibles has them all-and more! The DC Collectibles crew-including DVP for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director for creative services Jim Fletcher, and Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Li'l Gotham), and sculptor Jon Matthews-tell how they come up with so many great products, and what's coming up from comics' top makers of awesome collectibles!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 9
Creative director Nathan Kane and managing editors Terry Delegeane and Chris Duffy give you the lowdown on how Bongo Comics Group and United Plankton Pictures make the best humor comic books in the business. Meet some of the Bongo and United Plankton artists and writers who have tickled your four-color funny bone. Find out what's in stores in the coming months!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
We wanna color you up! You'll never look at color comics the same way again! Oni Press editor-in-chief James Lucas Jones and rock star colorists Lee Loughridge, Ryan Hill, and some special guests discuss the role of colorists in storytelling and the processes behind their particular brands of eye-melting magic.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
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.
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.
SDCC's annual jobs panel is back-and with folks who are hiring! Just because you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn't mean there isn't a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Panelists include Blur Studio animation supervisor/motion capture choreographer Derron Ross (Batman: Arkham City), PCB Productions CEO and gaming director Keith Arem (Call of Duty), Fox Digital Entertainment VP of mobile Matt McMahon (Family Guy app), and Man at Arms star/weapons maker Tony Swatton (Pirates of the Caribbean), who will discuss their gigs and ways into the biz you many not have even considered. Moderated by Fast Company'sSusan Karlin.
Eisner Award-winning artist and Comic-Con special guest David Lasky (The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song) talks about his 25-year career in alternative comics and how it all led up to his recent historical graphic novels. Join David for this relaxed interview moderated by his old friend and former colleague Tom Spurgeon (ComicsReporter.com). A clip from the upcoming documentary Bezango, WA will be shown.
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.
Nearly 30 years ago, Dark Horse rewrote the rules of licensed comics with the release of Aliens, continuing the story lines of Ridley Scott's iconic film franchise. Predator and the iconic crossover Aliens Vs. Predator followed, with each series practically outselling the last. Now, the publisher partners with Scott again, to bring sci-fi epic Prometheus to comics. With just under two months away from the launch of the ambitious and highly anticipated crossover, Fire and Stone, Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie, writers Chris Roberson (Aliens), Joshua Williamson (Predator), Christopher Sebela (Aliens Vs. Predator), and the Prometheus team of Paul Tobin and Juan Ferrerya, reveal just what's in store for this grand universe!
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.
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!
Better Things is a documentary about Jeffrey Catherine Jones, an enigmatic comic book artist from the '70s. His entrance into the comic book art world paved the way for many of today's popular comic book artists to produce work that incorporate fine art influences. His fame did not guarantee a controversy-free reputation. In fact, his personal challenges have stood in the way of a more economically viable existence-in particular, the development of his transgender persona. Unlike most people who have undergone this dramatic and drastic change, Jones maintained a huge loyal following in his industry. The film follows the stories behind his success and it also showcases his artwork through interviews with his family and peers. Excerpts from the film will be shown, followed by a brief discussion with the cast and crew.
Thursday July 24, 2014 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 9
Comic-Con special guest Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men, Ms Mystic) is one of the living legends of comics. His impact on the Dark Knight, nearly 30 years ago, paved the way for a darker Caped Crusader, one that echoes in the movies and animated shows that we all love. From being a champion of creator rights to drawing just about every iconic comic book character who ever graced a page, Neal Adams has done it all, and he talks about some of it in this Spotlight panel!
Frank Mastromauro (co-owner), Peter Steigerwald (co-owner), Vince Hernandez (VP, editor-in-chief), Mark Roslan (VP, director of design and production), David Wohl (Executive Assistant: Iris), J. T. Krul (Jirni), Siya Oum (Lola XOXO), Scott Lobdell (Superman), Paolo Pantalena (Jirni),Giuseppe Cafaro (Fathom: Kiani), Jordan Gunderson (EA: Assassins), Lori Hanson (EA Assassins), and Beth Sotelo (Fathom) will reveal upcoming Aspen titles as well as projects on the horizon. They will also hold a Q&A session with fans. All fans in attendance will receive a gift courtesy of the publisher.
Comic-Con special guest Sara E. Mayhew (Legend of the Ztarr, Secrets of Sorcerers, Love Pet) introduces her new Kickstarter-backed manga series Legend of the Ztarr and how she works to promote humanism and critical thinking through pop culture entertainment. Learn all about this new rising star in the manga scene with Q&A about creating manga, storytelling, and popularizing science and skepticism.
Comic-Con special guest Rina Piccolo (gag cartoonist and creator of Tina's Groove syndicated comic strip) presents her comic narrative: A Career In The Comics: How I Started & What I Learned, followed by some fun cartoon videos, comics, and Q&A.
Comic-Con special guest June Brigman will discuss the creation of Power Pack, as well as her 30-year career as a comics penciler. A PowerPoint presentation will be followed by a Q&A session with Ms. Brigman.
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).
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.
Be the first to see the premiere, concept, and design of Peter David and Sal Velluto's New Phantom comic book series together with a multimedia presentation about the history of the The Ghost Who Walks. Sal Velluto (The Phantom, Flash, Justice League Task Force, Black Panther), the artist for the new series, will discuss the direction and philosophy of the book and show off artwork from issue #1. Daniel Herman (publisher, Hermes Press), Graham Nolan (Batman, The Phantom, Rex Morgan, M.D.), and Thomas Andrae ( Batman and Me, Creators of the Superheroes, Walt Kelly: the Life and Art of the Creator of the Art of Pogo) will discuss the history of the character, the classic strip and comic books, and the all-new version (which brings back the classic Phantom) of this iconic character.
A rare behind-the-scenes look as leading pop culture entrepreneurs share the secrets of building successful pop culture businesses! J. K. Parkin from Comic Book Resources and Robot 6 moderates an inspirational talk with comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger, the Harvey Award-nominated cartoonist behind Nimona and Lumberjanes co-creator Noelle Stevenson, Dark Horse president and founder Mike Richardson, and Valiant CEO & chief creative officer Dinesh Shamdasani. It's an inside look at the business side of pop culture no future comics entrepreneur can miss!
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!
In his book Seduction of the Innocent, published 60 years ago, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham claimed that comic books were a leading cause of juvenile delinquency. Forever cast as a villain in the eyes of comic fandom, Wertham is, at worst, represented as an enemy of free speech and, at best, a misguided moral crusader. But is either characterization correct? Was Wertham right, wrong, or both? Do his mid-century hypotheses about media violence have any relevance today? And why are we still talking about him? Author Bradford W. Wright (Comic Book Nation) will offer an historical perspective of Wertham. Library and information science professor Carol Tilley (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) will explore and critique Dr. Wertham's research methodology, while psychiatrists Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. and Praveen R. Kambam, M.D. (Broadcast Thought) will discuss Wertham' s views on juvenile delinquency within the context of current media violence research. Professor Robert A. Emmons, Jr., director of the forthcoming documentary film Diagram for Delinquents, will share his insights in his effort to create a more complete picture of Wertham. Emmons will also discuss the zeitgeist of America during the crusade against comics as one of the first media backlashes in American history. Attorney Jeff Trexler (The Beat, The Comics Journal) moderates.
Around the world, animation comes in all flavors. For kids, for adults. Comedies, dramas, romances, action-adventure. But in the United States, pretty much the only animated features you see are comedies, and fewer and fewer TV series are action-adventure. Craig Miller (Curious George, Beast Wars) leads a panel of writers, producers, and network execs, including Ted Biaselli (VP, programming & development, The Hub), Brian Hohlfeld (Transformers Rescue Bots, My Friends Tigger and Pooh), and James Krieg (Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Teen Titans Go!), who'll try to explain why that is and discuss if it will ever change.
Saturday July 26, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 9
Image and Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri and president Matt Hawkins tell it how it is, 22 years and kicking. Learn the details of the new Talent Hunt, find out the latest about Top Cow's various projects and the status of film, TV, and video game projects. Witness firsthand the awesome glory that is Top Cow! MOO! All attendees will receive a special limited-edition lithograph only available to those that attend the panel.
Saturday July 26, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
Legendary creator Berkeley Breathed (Bloom County, Opus, Flawed Dogs) makes a rare appearance at Comic-Con-International and-even more rare-will be hosting his second (and probably final) presentation. He's a bit mysterious about what he'll be presenting. However, there is unofficial word that he may be revealing recent illicit photos and art of his best friend Bill Watterson, "borrowed" from the latter's secret retreat in the foothills of Colorado.
Saturday July 26, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
Legendary Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. co-creator Jim Steranko is interviewed by pop-culture maven J. David Spurlock. Controverial topics include the true Father of the Modern Graphic Novel; why Captain America: The Winter Soldier is dedicated to Steranko; the real origin of Mister Miracle; the Switchblade Years, motorcycles, death-defying escapes, hot redheads, Marvel, moviemaking, and more. Don't miss it, pal...
I Was the Cat creators Paul Tobin and Benjamin Dewey share a hilarious presentation about their new graphic novel and the finer points of feline world domination. After that, it's Hemingway or the Highway when Joshua Hale Fialkov and Gabo present a live table read of The Life After #1! Come for the freebies, stay for the detailed descriptions of a future cat war, adventures in purgatory, and news and announcements about future Oni Press comics!
With nearly 60 years as an animation artist, Comic-Con special guest Willie Ito has done it all. He worked at Disney on Lady and the Tramp's spaghetti scene with mentor Iwao Takamoto and on One Froggy Evening and What's Opera Doc at Warner Bros' famed Termite Terrace under Chuck Jones' direction. He went on to The Beany and Cecil Show with Bob Clampett and then Hanna Barbera for the beginnings of The Flintstones, The Jetsons, and many other cartoons. Ito has great stories and experiences to share. After HB he went to Disney Consumer Products and spearheaded implementation of collectibles and licensed products worldwide. He has also designed comic books, comic strips, coloring books, and more. Join animation expert Leslie Combemale of ArtInsights for a spotlight on Willie's life, including the part of his childhood spent in a Japanese internment camp that inspired his most recent venture, a series of children's picture books based on the experience.
Comic-Con special guest Jeff Smith discusses his foray into the world of online comics with his new title TUKI: Save the Humans, as well as the 10th anniversary of Scholastic's color version of Bone. Moderated by Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter).
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.
Members of Los Angeles-based Captured Aural Phantasy Theater, as a preview of their upcoming play, dramatically read excerpts from some of the offending stories and transcripts of the April 1954 Senate hearings attacking comics, highlighting a discussion led by Ben Dickow (guest lecturer, Otis College of Art) and Craig Yoe (editor, Haunted Horror comics) about how comics such as EC never were the same again.
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!
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.
Animation Showcase! A reel of short animation from around the world, some of the best and most creative all-ages animation on the planet, including films from Spain, Ireland, UK, Netherlands, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, China, Russia, Mexico, Italy, Australia, and Japan. (A)
Jet Devereux Milburn/Annie Minogue The inherent optimism and spontaneity of youth is seen in this inspiring music video. (L) (USA)
Airburst, the Soda of Doom Dani Bowman Based on the popular children's video-game adventure! (A) (USA)
Lami Christopher and Oliver DeFaye Musical notes with personalities show music has a life of its own. (A) (Japan)
The Plastic Pest Jessica Hokanson Insects made of plastic bags enjoy nature from a different perspective. (A) (USA)
Follow Nicholas Mastrangelo In this music video by the band Haunted by Heroes, bravery wins out in a battle involving robots and monsters.
I've Awoken Nicholas Mastrangelo A robot crash lands on a planet and tries to settle into his new "home"...until he begins to miss the things that warmed his heart the most.
Made by Children! Various This year's version of short animation from around the world made by children, presented in partnership with the Varazdin Croatia Animation Festival. Films from Croatia, Russia, Belgium, Africa, and France. (A) (Global)
A Hitch at the Fairmont Craig Lew Birds gather ominously, like a Hitchcock film. But perhaps they have something good in mind. An ode to reading, based on the book by Jim Averbeck. (A)(USA)
Munchimonster! Charlotte Puerin The Munchimonster and friends help kids learn more about good eating and the fun and health benefits of exercise, in the films Munchercise with Munchy Monster, How to Save Seeds, and more. (A) (USA)
Mish and Mash Caroline Cunningham Oakes Mish and Mash are tiny creatures who make the most of new adventures. (A) (New Zealand)
The Ant and the Grasshopper Andrew Aiton An ant and a grasshopper discover a pile of food. What's next? (A) (USA)
The Frog and the Ox Andrew Aiton A frog seeks to be as strong as an ox? Is it possible? (A) (USA)
Today's Headline Arem Kim One man faces peril, with some strange obstacles in the way. (A) (USA)
Baseball Boogie Vivian Lee LeRon is the best ball player in the neighborhood, but for this young slugger, every home run is like a strikeout. (A) (USA)
Turngaait Paul-Emile Boucher An Inuit child wanders away from his village, fascinated by a wild bird. (A) (France)
What I Got Kevin Davis/Bill Mumy Bill Mumy, aka Joe Busker, gets transported into a Humphrey Bogart movie by unknown forces, when he meets a mysterious girl at the Santa Monica Pier. A tribute to John Houston's African Queen. (L/A)
The Wishing Well Rod Maxwell One woman's quest for love takes her to a wishing well. An all-time festival favorite. Directed by and starring Rod Maxwell, star of the SyFy Channel series Face Off. Rod Maxwell in person at the screening! (L/A) (USA)
Lost and Found Philip Hunt A boy and a penguin find friendship and adventure. Who is lost, and who is found? (A) (UK)
Some of the best shorts from the past 11 years of the festival. Take a trip back in time, enjoying again some of the all-time favorites! (A, L, D)
Dead Bug Julio Benito Cabrera Don't be too quick to judge nature. It may surprise you. A colorful animation-meets-live action treat. (L) (Puerto Rico)
A Film by Abigail Paul Vernon A child discusses her new toy video camera she received for Christmas, leading her to create and explain the characters and plot of an intricate story she has for a film. (D) (UK)
Bunny Business Rebecca Olson A young man needs to fix his favorite stuffed animal. (A) (USA)
Luminaris Juan Pablo Zaramella In a world controlled and timed by light, an ordinary man has a plan that could change the natural order of things. (L/A) (Spain)
Bottle Kirsten Lepore This stop-motion short details a transoceanic conversation via bottle. (A) (USA)
Move Mountain Kirsten Lepore A girl journeys through a vibrant, pulsing, macrocosmic landscape. (A) (USA)
Cootie Contagion Joshua Smooha Biohazard. Cootie levels: Maximum. Patient: Matt. Infected by: Rebecca. Patient still interested in her. Patient must be quarantined! (L) (USA)
Soup Meghan Artes Soup takes on many different flavors. The ABCs of soup. (A) (USA)
The Plant Jennifer Oxley A girl devises a creative solution to get her kite from the branches of a tall tree. (A) (USA)
Yarn, Paper, Scissors Rebecca Olson A stop-motion animated short about a yarn critter that must save his paper friend from a malevolent pair of scissors. (A) (USA)
Fish Tank Fantasy Alison Chin Frustrated by the boundaries of life, a fish has an epiphany that could bring him happiness. (A) (USA)
Bubble Maija Burnett A boy's adventure takes him higher than he imagined. (A) (USA)
Closed Albert Radl A locked door. A stubborn person. Who wins? (A) (Germany)
Lightheaded Mike Dacko Teamwork and loyalty while on the run. (A) (USA)
The Mantis Parable Josh Staub A parable of friendship, hope, and promises kept. (A) (USA)
