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
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
Have a passion for the inner workings of the comics industry? Curious about breaking into the field as a writer or artist? Marvel professionals from every corner of the business give insider tips, advice, and first-hand accounts of what it takes to start a career in comics today. Panelists include editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and a slew of Marvel talent!
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Brian Stelfreeze (Batman Black-and-White, Wednesday's Comics, Day Men) talks about his career as a comics illustrator and shares what he's learned along the way. Welcome to this lively discussion and Q&A moderated by his good friend Doug Wagner (Gun Candy, I.C.E.).
Thursday July 24, 2014 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
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
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
With a lineup including Frank Cho (Drawing Beautiful Women, Savage Wolverine ), Terry Dodson (Red One, Uncanny X-Men), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic, Storms at Sea), and William Stout (Hallucinations,Legends of the Blues) talking new projects-and publisher John Fleskes frankly discussing future Flesk titles and the latest on the renowned Spectrum Fantastic Art series-you can expect an entertaining hour!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
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
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
DC Comics's backlist is full of the most exciting stories ever told! New fans and veteran fans alike are welcome for an in-depth tutorial on the essential stories and products that make up DC Comics's rich history. At DC Entertainment, there's never been a better time to be a comics fan!
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
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
A discussion of the state and slate of current and upcoming major comic book movies with top YouTube movie pundits, including Manu Bennett (TV's Arrow), John Campea (AMC Movie Talk), Jeremy Jahns (YouTube film critic), Tiffany Smith (DC All Access), Kristian Harloff and Mark Ellis (Schmoes Know), and Jon Schnepp (AMC Movie Talk).
Thursday July 24, 2014 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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
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
Law professor Marc H. Greenberg (Golden Gate University School of Law, author of Comic Art, Creativity and the Law) and business professor and futurist Rob Salkowitz (University of Washington, author of Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) consider how changes such as derivative copyright law, digital delivery of comics, and transmediation will affect the creative process and the comics industry in the near and long-term future.
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
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
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
Karen Hallion (TeeFury pop artist) joins a lively discussion regarding why Steampunk continues to invade all aspects of pop culture, along with fellow Steampunks, maker Brian Uiga (Inspector Spacetime), writer Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Boston Metaphysical Society), and costumer CJ DeAngelus. They'll explore how Steampunk has influenced comics, television, cosplay, and pop art. Moderated by Anastasia Hunter (chair and director of programming for Gaslight Gathering).
Thursday July 24, 2014 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
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
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
Chris Murray (University of Dundee) discusses the often-overlooked and peculiar history of British superheroes, arguing that they reflect the changing relationship between the two countries in the aftermath of World War II. Julia Round (Bournemouth University) investigates the use of gothic and horror tropes in British girls' comics of the 1970s and 1980s, which, she argues, draw on some of the tropes of the previous generation of American horror comics. Phillip Vaughan (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design) analyses British science fiction comics in terms of the influence from American comics, and considering their relationship to British and American television and film.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
60 years ago this month, comics were put on trial in a nationally televised Senate subcommittee hearing that had shattering repercussions for this great American artform. The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund presents the shocking history of moral panic that led to this historic hearing and the birth of the Comics Code Authority, which regulated the medium's content for more than 50 years. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the tale at this CBLDF presentation.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
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
This year marks the 25th anniversary of Heartbreakers, a groundbreaking science fiction series that was one of the first action comics starring female heroes, and the only one written by a woman when it debuted in Dark Horse Presents. Today, there are more women than ever reading and creating comics-not to mention cosplaying and writing about comics-but it seems a lot of the old biases are still entrenched. What's changed in 25 years, and what hasn't? Join Heartbreakers creators Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan, along with friends Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane), Kiala Kazebee (Vaginal Fantasy), Allison Baker (Monkeybrain Comics), and Claire Hummel (Bioshock: Infinite), for a lively discussion of sexism, science fiction, comic books, and geek culture.
Thursday July 24, 2014 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
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.
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
In print or digital, comic books need color, but do you know how comic books are colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (DC's weekly series Future's End) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob SquarePants) demonstrate step-by-step the transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. Followed by Q&A session.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
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
Walt Disney Animation Studios presents director Don Hall, producer Roy Conli, production designer Paul Felix and character designer Shiyoon Kim as they share the visual development of Walt Disney Animation Studios' November 7, 2014 film, Big Hero 6. The action-packed comedy adventure tells the story of robotics prodigy Hiro Hamada, who learns to harness his genius - thanks to his brilliant brother Tadashi and their like-minded friends: adrenaline junkie Go Go Tomago, neatnik Wasabi, chemistry whiz Honey Lemon and fanboy Fred. When a devastating turn of events catapults them into the midst of a dangerous plot unfolding in the streets of San Fransokyo, Hiro turns to his closest companion - a robot named Baymax - and transforms the group into a band of high-tech heroes determined to solve the mystery. Inspired by the Marvel comics of the same name.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
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
Antero Garcia (Colorado State University) and Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools) provide educators with specific planning and facilitation strategies for using graphic novels and comics in the classroom to enhance student participation, academic discourse, and achievement. Rubrics, lesson plan templates, and instructional questions will be provided for attendees.
Thursday July 24, 2014 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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.
Panelists Daniel Presedo (Photoshop imagineer), Chris Cox (Photoshop engineer), Brian Haberlin (Anomaly), and Rayce Bird (FaceOff) discuss how Adobe Photoshop is the world's best digital imaging software. Find out what is new in the 2014 release and hear from these talented Pro's as they present their insights, tips and tricks to Photoshop and answer your Photoshop questions! They will give away a one-year subscription to the Creative Cloud.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Attention all comic collectors! ComicBase, the world's premiere software program for managing comic collections, will be holding their annual user group meeting with creator Pete Bickford. This once-a-year presentation will discuss the latest features and news about ComicBase and Atomic Avenue.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
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
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 21, 05:41PM In his 75-year publishing history, Batman has grown into one of the most popular and influential icons of all time. Don't miss this historic panel with the legendary creators such as Neal Adams, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee, Frank Miller, Grant Morrison, Denny O'Neil, and Scott Snyder, who have shaped the Dark Knight into the hero he is today.
Thursday July 24, 2014 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 6BCF
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.
With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your invaluable guide to breaking into the comics industry. Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (Marvel and IDW) is joined by writers Joshua Williamson (Ghosted, Nailbiter) and Joshua Hale Fialkov (The Ultimates, The Bunker), Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie (Hellboy), and IDW Publishing editor-in-chief Chris Ryall (Zombies Vs. Robots) for what promises to be the best panel on breaking in ever!
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
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
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.
Get ready for a no-holds-barred debate/discussion of the current state of the geek marketplace. Like sports reporters at the World Series or Super Bowl, these podcast hosts voice their opinions on their weekly shows, but what happens when they face each other, and may not get the last word on a subject? Featuring John Siuntres (Word Balloon), Heath Corson (The Nerdist Writers Panel-Comics Edition), Calvin Reid (Publisher's Weekly Comics World), Tim Beyers (The Motley Fool), John Mayo (Comic Book Page), and Glen Weldon (NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour).
Thursday July 24, 2014 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
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
Comic book legend Howard Chaykin interviews New York Times bestselling author, comic book writer, and Comic-Con special guest Gregg Hurwitz (Tell No Lies, Batman: The Dark Knight) about comics, crime fiction, TV, movies, and all other order of fictional mayhem.
Matt Hawkins and John Nee present a discussion on how to pitch. They will talk about pitching your ideas and provide some mock pitches where they will alternate being the person pitching and person being pitched to. Writer, physicist, and social media maven Matt Hawkins has published over 1,000 comic books in his 21-year career at Image Comics and Top Cow and has created and/or written many, including Think Tank, Aphrodite IX, The Test, Alibi, Lady Pendragon, and Tales of Honor. Despite producing TV series, feature films, and video games, Matt still considers himself to be a comic book dude. John Nee was senior VP of business development for DC Comics, where his responsibilities included operational oversight of two publishing imprints (WildStorm and CMX Manga), global licensed publishing, international rights, interactive entertainment, book trade sales, and circulation and subscriptions for MAD magazine and DC Comics.
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
Some of the most memorable color decisions in comics can happen before the first page is drawn. Ian Herring (Ms. Marvel), Ryan Hill (Judge Dredd: Mega-City Two), Sloane Leong (Change), and José Villarrubia (Trillium) discuss the art of color design with moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Class is in session, as some of the greatest artists in the industry-Lee Bermejo (Before Watchmen: Rorschach, upcoming Suiciders), John Romita Jr. ( Superman), Nicola Scott (Earth 2)-take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process. DC Comics is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive, all-access look at what it's like drawing for DC.
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comics and graphic novels are highly effective tools not only for improving literacy but also for teaching mathematics, science, and history/social studies. Join the experts from Reading With Pictures as they present the best in comics and graphic novels for teaching in content areas, including recommended titles and lesson ideas, and hear from the creators of some of the best graphic texts for content study. Moderated by Tracy Edmunds (curriculum director at Reading With Pictures) and featuring Nick Dragotta (Howtoons), Geoffrey Golden (Sesame Street), Chuck Dixon (The Forgotten Man), Jonathan Hennessey (The United States Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation), and Josh Elder (Comics That Make Kids Smarter).
Thursday July 24, 2014 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
MAD, the country's #1-selling humor magazine (in a field of 1), is dumber than ever! MAD editor John Ficarra and art director Sam Viviano take a ridiculous peek at what's happening at the magazine, and an epically moronic Q&A that's bound to be, well, MAD! (Prizes will be awarded for most moronic questions!)
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!
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!
Holy Bat Panels! Get all the details on the most anticipated home entertainment release in fanboy history when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment reunites pop icons Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar on the Hall H stage for a Bat-tastic look at Batman: The Complete TV Series. The actors behind Batman, Robin. and Catwoman, along with moderator Ralph Garman, will give you an inside sneak peek at all the exclusive content within this blockbuster home entertainment release, as well as exhibiting dazzling HD remastered footage from the landmark series. Batman: The Complete TV Series will be released in November 2014.
In the past few years, the geek world has been filled with many noteworthy moments of importance to the queer fan. Some were fabulous, some were unfortunate, some were misguided, and some were "blink and you missed it." LGBT activist and columnist P. Kristen Enos (Active Voice, Creatures of Grace) leads a discussion with Diane Anderson-Minshall (The Advocate), Trish Bendix (AfterEllen.com), Matt Kane (GLAAD), and Sean Z. Maker (Bent-Con) on the events of LGBT interest in the past year, why they think they were so important, and what they might mean for the future for LGBT fans.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 14, 11:53AM Join the Skylanders team for an inside look at the creative process that brings Toys to Life -and for the first time, life to toys. I-Wei Huang (director at Toys for Bob), will explain the process of creating Skylanders' charming roster of characters, while RichardHorvitz, famed voice of Kaos, discusses the critical role that voice-over acting plays in animating each character. Renowned comic-book writer, RonMarz, will delve into the comic world of Skylanders and how this brand extension is taking Skylanders to a new level. JohnCoyne, senior vice president of consumer marketing at Activision, will shed insight on how the brand has evolved from its origin to the innovation that it is today. Every attendee will receive limited edition Skylanders merchandise.
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Vertigo is ready to blow your mind with trend-setting comics and topnotch talent, including Lee Bermejo (upcoming Suiciders), Mark Buckingham (Fables, Fairest), Tula Lotay (Bodies), Simon Oliver (FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, The Wake), and others! From horror to mythic fiction to sci-fi and beyond, see what amazing new ideas are coming your way from the imprint that's on a mission to defy all your expectations!
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
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.
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 17, 10:09AM Manga sales have started coming back from the recession lows, and simultaneous publishing is starting to make inroads. So how are the people in the industry faring? Questions will be answered, and stories will be told! Hear it directly from long-time professionals Jonathan Tarbox (Fist of the North Star), Stephen Paul (One Piece), Ed Chavez (marketing director, Vertical), Nathan Collins (Battle Royale Remastered), and Lillian Diaz-Przybyl (head editor, comics, Chromatic Press).
Thursday July 24, 2014 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Hip-Hop and comics reflect each other in many ways: graffiti and album covers incorporate superheroic imagery, rappers adopt secret identities and grandiose aliases, writers base their characters in urban settings, and artists draw on Hip-Hop's rich visual vocabulary. Both forms thrive on excitement and energy, inspire passionate fanbases, and have risen from modest beginnings to achieve global recognition. Here, Patrick A. Reed (Depth of Field magazine) brings together graphic artists and musical innovators to discuss the ties between these two creative cultures.
Thursday July 24, 2014 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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).
John Siuntres (Word Balloon Comics Podcast host) and Mark Waid (Thrillbent Comics) present this rarely seen in the U.S. short film. In 1978 the Canadian TV Show Behind The Scene produced a 20-minute look at the comic book business featuring footage shot at the offices of DC and Marvel Comics. Narrated by comedian Jonathan Winters, the film stands as a time capsule look at how comics were made and marketed in the pre-digital world of the mid-20th century. You'll see footage and comments from Stan Lee, Archie Goodwin, Neal Adams, Julie Schwartz, Denny O'Neil, Jim Steranko, John Romita, and many more! The audience will get the chance to answer trivia questions about the footage they see and win prizes.
Thursday July 24, 2014 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
Since launching in 2012, Monkeybrain Comics has become recognized as a premier publisher for quality digital comics, and many of their titles have since been released in print editions by publishers such as IDW, Image/Shadowline, and Dark Horse. Co-publishers Allison Baker (Monkeybrain Comics) and Chris Roberson (Edison Rex) are joined by Anina Bennett (Heartbreakers), Christopher Sebela (High Crimes), Jen Vaughn ( Avery Fatbottom), and Gabriel Hardman (Kinski) to discuss the advantages of publishing digitally and how digital and print can work together.
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
The hit comedy show from the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre returns to Comic-Con. Who would win in a fight, Batman or Wolverine? Superman or Gandalf? Questions like these have plagued humankind for decades, but only Tournament of Nerds can settle these disputes...by pitting two comedians against each other to battle it out in heated debate! Hosted by Justin Donaldson (Reno 911!) and Hal Rudnick (Screen Junkies), the panel features Marc Andreyko (Batwoman), Maddox (The Best Page in the Universe), Jesse Snider (Evil Ernie), Roger Barr (I-Mockery), Mike Carlson (Conan), Aaron Sparrow (Darkwing Duck), and a bunch of surprise celebrity guests!
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 17, 03:39PM In celebration of the new documentary film, Turtle Power: The Definitive History of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, co-creator Kevin Eastman will lead this fascinating panel including Randall Lobb (writer/director), Isaac Elliott-Fisher (executive producer), Mark Hussey (executive producer), and Galen Walker (executive producer), taking fans behind-the-scenes and beneath the streets into the incredible 30-year journey and reveal the real origin story of four of pop culture's most enduring heroes. Featuring clips from the documentary, followed by a Q&A discussion, fans will get to see how this so-called "happy accident" defied every naysayer to become one of the most popular and beloved franchises in the world.
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:15pm - 9:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Comics on Comics returns to Comic-Con for it's fearsome fifth year! Juan-Manuel Rocha and Vito Lapiccola are joined by the intensely incredible Jon Schnepp (The Death of Superman Lives: What Happened?) and other strange guests! Watch as the greatest comic minds meet the greatest minds in comics!
Thursday July 24, 2014 8:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
