We already knew that Marvel Studios and Warner Bros. were scaling back on the big movie presentations, but I'm pretty sure that the majority of us were still hoping for a surprise of some sort. A last minute panel for The Avengers? An early look at The Dark Knight Rises or Man of Steel perhaps? Nope! While there are a fair few decent panels, and plenty on offer for TV fans, the usually awesome last Sunday of the event looks set to be a quiet news day here on CBM!
SUNDAY, JULY 24
10:00-11:00 Archaia Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company: The Early Works of Jim Henson Screening with Special Tale of Sand Discussion
Jim Henson was a creative genius responsible for some of the most iconic properties today, including The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal. But what was he like leading up to that success? Archaia and The Jim Henson Company explore his early works and creative process, complete with archival, rarely seen footage, brought to you by Henson archivist Karen Falk. Then, get an advance look at Tale of Sand, the new original graphic novel coming in September, based on a never-before-seen screenplay written by Jim Henson and his longtime collaborator, Jerry Juhl. Falk, Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy, and A Tale of Sand artist Ramón Pérez will discuss the behind-the-scenes production of the book and debut some new images. Moderated by Archaia CEO P. J. Bickett. Room 4
10:00-11:15 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel
As always, we gather to remember the man some still hail as The King of the Comics, Jack Kirby. If you don’t know who that is, you have no business being at this convention. Moderator Mark Evanier discusses the life and times of Kirby with Walt Simonson (Thor), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Richard Kyle (Graphic Story World), and Mike Royer (inker of lots of Kirby comics). Room 5AB
10:00-11:00 Axe Cop
Meet Comic-Con special guests Ethan and Malachai Nicolle, the 30- and 7-year-old brothers behind the award-winning web comic and print series Axe Cop (Dark Horse Comics). With moderator Kevin Murphy (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Riff Trax) and other guests Ethan and Malachai discuss Axe Cop and give you an exclusive look at what’s coming up in the world of the head-chopping policeman. At age 7, Malachi is Comic-Con’s youngest special guest ever! Room 6DE
10:00-11:00 Young Justice Screening and Q&A
Robin, Aqualad, Kid Flash, Miss Martian, Red Arrow, and Superboy — these aren’t your average sidekicks and this isn’t your average cartoon. In a short amount of time, and with just a small number of episodes, fans have embraced this new action-adventure series as Warner Bros. Animation has brought some of their favorite DC heroes to life. Following a special screening, producers Brandon Vietti (Batman: Under the Red Hood) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles) and members of the creative team will answer your burning questions on what the future holds for “the team.” Young Justice Season 1, Part 1 is available on DVD now. Room 7AB
10:00-11:00 Teen Comics Workshop
Teens! Join teen comics creators Vera Brosgol (Anya’s Ghost), Thien Pham (Level Up), Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy), and Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese) for the interactive comics workshop adventure of your lives. Learn exciting new things about storytelling, character development, drawing, and much more. Room 30CDE
10:00-11:00 Comic Book Fairs: Using Comics as a Literacy Tool
A diverse group of panelists from across the comic book, education, and nonprofit industries offer a frank and educational discussion celebrating and appreciating the role of Archie comics in academia. Archie Comics co-CEO and former teacher Nancy Silberkleit leads a panel that includes Kimberly Earle (CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving), Michael Bitz (ComicBookProject.org), and David Rojas (Archie Education) to discuss how schools can adopt comics in the classroom, how to create comic book-oriented lesson plans, student-created comic book projects, and what Archie Education has planned. Room 32AB
10:30-11:30 Wild Cards
Top writers in the science fiction field discuss the positives and the pitfalls of re-creating the comic experience in a prose form. How can words ever compete with pictures? Or does the depth of characterization make up for the lack of visuals? Panelists include George R. R. Martin (Song of Ice and Fire), Melinda M. Snodgrass (Edge series, Wild Cards), Paul Cornell (Doctor Who and DC Comics), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty novels), Michael Cassutt (Heaven’s Shadow), David Anthony Durham (Acacia Series), Caroline Spector (Wild Cards), Daniel Abraham (Leviathan Wakes, Dragon’s Path), and Kevin Andrew Murphy (Supernatural Suburbia). Room 6BCF
11:00-12:00 Wearing Two Capes: Storyboard Artists Who Moonlight as Comic Artists
Kevin Altieri (Batman: The Animated Series), Gary Hartle (Ultimate Avengers), Dell Barras (G.I. Joe: Renegades), Jeff Wamester (Ultimate Spider-Man), Justin Copeland (Ultimate Spiderman), and moderator Frank Forte (The Super Hero Squad Show) discuss dynamic storytelling, filmmaking, and creating characters in the mediums of animation and comics. Yes, you can do both! This panel includes an audio/visual display of comic art trailers and storyboard animatic demos, plus interviews and a Q&A session. Room 4
11:00-12:00 Watchmen: 25 Years Later
The first issue of Watchmen appeared in comic book stores in June 1986, and its shockwaves are still reverberating. The landmark series’ artist Dave Gibbons, colorist John Higgins, and editor Len Wein discuss its legacy with moderator Douglas Wolk. Room 7AB
11:00-12:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers
Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) help educators and librarians navigate the wonderful world of comic books with an overview of the medium, highlighting specific ways comics and graphic novels can be used to engage a variety of learners while promoting reading and literacy. Panelists include Paul Levitz (Legion of Superheroes), Frank Beddor (creator, The Looking Glass Wars), Dr. Bill McGrath (National University), and Bill Galvan (artist, Archie Comics). Room 23ABC
11:00-12:00 IDW: Special Projects and Imprints
IDW doesn’t make just your favorite monthly comics. Senior editor Scott Dunbier, designer Dean Mullaney (creative director of the Library of American Comics), comics historian Craig Yoe, and head of IDW’s prose line Jeff Conner present a revealing look at some of the upcoming additions to IDW’s superb archival and prose lines. Room 24ABC
11:00-12:30 Comic-Con How-To: Creative Character Design with Bryan Tillman
Bryan Tillman, author of Focal Press’s Creative Character Design, talks about ways to bridge the gap between the technique of drawing characters and the theory of good character design.Topics include archetypes, color, design, silhouettes, story, and much more. Bryan is the academic director for Media Arts and Animation, Game Art and Design, Visual Game Programming and Motion Graphics and Visual Effects and a faculty member of the Animation Department within the Art Institute of Washington, DC. He is also the CEO and owner of Kaiser Studio Productions, which is a production studio for comics, animation, toys, and games. Room 28DE
11:00-12:00 Archie Comics: Building a Video Game Comic Legacy with Sonic and Mega Man
For years, Archie has crafted a detailed, epic and exciting comic universe around Sonic the Hedgehog and the many wonderful characters that populate the universe of the SEGA character. Now Archie has added a Mega Man series to the fold — featuring the compelling detailed universe of the bestselling video game series. Join writer Ian Flynn (Sonic, the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, Mega Man), editor Paul Kaminski (Sonic, Mega Man), Archie president Mike Pellerito, and executive director of publicity and marketing Alex Segura for a discussion that promises to be full of big Sonic and Mega Man news, teasers, artwork, and more. Room 32AB
11:15-12:15 Marvel: Women of Marvel
Forget Spider-Woman & Emma Frost, meet the real Ms. Marvels of the comic world! Join women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel to hear what it’s like working as a woman in comics today. These ladies are busting through the four-color ceiling! Guests include host Grace Randolph (The Weekly Watcher), writer Marjorie Liu (X-23), artist Christina Strain (Runaways), and more, brought to you by Oxygen. Room 5AB
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Jordi Bernet
Superstar Spanish cartoonist Jordi Bernet is a Comic-Con special guest for the very first time. Known best for his work in his native country on such titles as Torpedo 1936 and Clara de Noche, Bernet has also made his mark in American comics on Jonah Hex, The Spirit, and Batman: Black and White. Fellow cartoonist Sergio Aragonés interviews this international treasure about his prolific career in comics. Room 8
12:00-1:00 The Philippine Invasion
Back in the 1970s, comics were “invaded” by an incredible influx of talented artists from the Philippines. Some of them became mainstays in American comics. This year, Comic-Con has invited some of those artists to appear at the event as special guests, including Ernie Chan, Tony DeZuniga, and Alex Niño, along with current-generation Filipino artist Gerry Alanguilan. Writer and editor Mark Waid talks with this quartet who have made an indelible mark in American comics. Room 4
12:00-1:00 DC Focus: Jeff Lemire
Jeff Lemire first made an impression on the world of comics with his award-winning Essex County graphic novel trilogy. He soon made the move to DC Comics with the graphic novel The Nobody and comics including Superboy and the dystopian epic Sweet Tooth. Lemire recently wrote the miniseries Flashpoint: Frankenstein and the Creatures of the Unknown and will make a splash in September with the new, continuing series Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man. Join Jeff for a special chat about his work for DC Comics and Vertigo. Room 7AB
12:00-1:00 Jews ‘n’ Comics: A Past & Present History
From Ben Grimm to The Golem and more, comic book historian and illustrator Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) surveys the specifically Jewish creation of the American superhero and its antecedents in older, ancient myths, as well as the significant contributions Jews have made to the evolution of comic book art in the 20th and 21st centuries — including his own superhero creation, Captain Israel! Room 24ABC
12:15-1:45 CBLDF Live Art Battle!
Come watch two teams of art titans battle to the bidder end at the CBLDF’s Comic-Con Live Art Battle! Team captains Chris Burnham (Batman Confidential) and Ale Garza (Superman/Batman) will bring their fiercest ink warriors to face off by making art you can bid on to support the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund! Room 5AB
12:30-1:30 Marvel: Fear Itself
The biggest comic book event of the year has everyone talking — but just what comes after it concludes? You’ll get the exclusive news here, with the big announcements that’ll change the future of the Marvel Universe — and send your favorite characters in exciting new directions. Be the first to know the biggest news of the weekend as the creators behind the comic blockbuster event answer your questions and leave you cheering! Join Greg Pak (Alpha Flight), Cullen Bunn (The Deep), Nick Spencer (Iron Man 2.0), editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others for the news you can’t miss. Room 6DE
12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Ashley Wood
Ted Adams, IDW’s CEO/publisher engages in a lively discussion with Comic-Con special guest Ashley Wood. Learn about Wood’s long comic book career and his toy company, 3A Toys, as well as his artistic plans for the future, in this one-on-one interview and Q&A session. Room 8
1:00-2:00 The New Wave of Children’s Books
Artists/creators Attaboy (You Might Be a Monster & Other Stories…), James Kochalka (Johnny Boo), Ragnar (Got Your Nose), Rhode Montijo (Cloud Boy), and Brianne Drouhard (Billy the Unicorn) discuss the exciting new wave of innovative books for kids (and the rest of us!). Moderated by Bob Self (Baby Tattoo Books). Room 24ABC
1:00-2:00 PW: What Comes After the Graphic Novel?
With Borders’s bankruptcy shaking the publishing world and the health of brick-and-mortar stores everywhere being watched anxiously, the world of comics publishing is entering a new world of tablets, websites and, yes, good old comics shops. Join PW Comics World co-editor Heidi MacDonald in a discussion with publishing professionals as they take a look at what’s next on the horizon. Participants include Judy Hansen, Hansen Literary Agency; Portlyn Freeman, co-owner, Brave New World Comics; Jeff Webber, eBooks director, IDW; and Terry Nantier, NBM publisher. Room 25ABC
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Mark Tatulli
Take a look behind the scenes of newspaper comic strip cartooning as Comic-Con special guest Mark Tatulli tells the story of his rise in the comics, from childhood cartoons through Heart of the City and on to his most successful creation, the darkly funny Lio. Rejected Lio strips and funny reader feedback, plus Q&A session. Room 8
1:30-2:30 Editing Comics the BOOM! Studios Way
BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon talks to three of fandom’s favorite BOOM! writers — Chris Roberson (Starborn, iZombie, Superman), Daryl Gregory (Planet of the Apes, Dracula Company of Monsters), and Michael Alan Nelson (28 Days Later, Dingo, Hexed) — about the ins and outs of editing comics at BOOM! Don’t miss this in-depth look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry’s leading independent publishers as they discuss editing dos and don’ts at today’s hottest comic book company. Room 23ABC
1:45-2:45 Designing the New 52
What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! DC’s Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP – Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner, and others discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE
2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Joëlle Jones
Since her debut illustrating 2 Reasons Why I Love Her in 2006, Comic-Con special guest Joëlle Jones has been one of comics’ most talked-about new artists. Get in on the conversation as Jones sits down with journalist Erik Henriksen and her long-time collaborator Jamie S. Rich to discuss her various projects from Oni Press, Vertigo, and Dark Horse and what it’s like to draw Dr. Horrible, Madman, and Spider-Man. Room 4
2:00-3:00 Max Brooks: Zombie Survival 101
Max Brooks, screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, is the world’s leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks comes to Comic-Con to share his insight into the rotting minds of the undead, reveal how the Zombie Survival Guide came into existence, and field questions from zombie-phobic fans. You dare not miss this lecture — your very life may depend on it! Room 7AB
2:00-3:00 Cover Story: The Art of the Cover
Comic-Con’s annual Cover Story panel explores what it takes to make a great cover. This year, moderator Mark Evanier talks to special guests Ernie Chan (known for his incredible run of DC covers in the 1970s), Jo Chen (Buffy the Vampire Slayer covers for Dark Horse), Alan Davis (numerous covers for Marvel), Dave Gibbons (his groundbreaking Watchmen covers integrated the cover with the story inside), Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL), and Ashley Wood (Popbot, World War Robot, Zombies vs. Robots) about their cover work and what makes a great cover. Room 25ABC
2:00-3:00 Drawing The Simpsons
They’re TV’s first family of fun! Between their comics, television, and movie appearances, The Simpsons remain one of the most popular cartoons around the world. Emmy Award-winning artist Phil Ortiz (The Simpsons comic books) shows you how to draw Lisa and Bart in this fun hands-on drawing workshop for Simpsons fans of all ages! Room 30CDE
2:30-3:30 Christian Comics: The Calling of the Artist
What unique challenges do artists face in developing work for both mainstream and religious audiences? How can “Christian media” avoid becoming just a pale imitation of their secular counterparts? Panelists Sergio Cariello (The Action Bible), Eric Jansen (Missions Press), Steve Blount (Kingstone Media), Robert Luedke (Eye Witness), John Shore (I’m OK – You’re Not), Mike Shields (Blue Blazes), and moderator Buzz Dixon (Hits & Misses) discuss the challenges and rewards of following the call of personal faith and the creative arts. Special giveaways for those in attendance. Brought to you by the Christian Comic Arts Society. Room 23ABC
3:00-4:00 DC Comics – The New 52
DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a “DC Comics – The New 52″ panel each day, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Join DC Comics Group Editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics’ cutting-edge! Join Matt, Mike and some of the industry’s top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 Disney/Marvel Team-Up
Everyone wondered what would happen when the Mouse House got together with the House of Ideas, and the answer is an amazing assortment of Marvelous kids books! Editors from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Marvel unveil their new line of Marvel Origin Storybooks for kids, featuring modern retellings of some of Marvel’s most iconic characters, such as Thor, Captain America, Spider-Man, and the X-Men. From artwork to film adaptations to beginner books, find out all the upcoming excitement from the combined might of Disney and Marvel. With Ruwan Jayatilleke, senior vice president, Marvel; Rich Thomas, global editorial director, Disney Publishing Worldwide; and Michael Siglain, senior editor, Disney Publishing Worldwide. Room 24ABC
3:00-4:00 Comic-Con How-To: Drawing with Jim Lee
Artist and co-publisher of DC Comics Jim Lee draws for an hour. See how he does it on the big screen! Room 28DE
3:30-4:30 How to Start a Collaborative Comic (Print or Web)
The High Tech High Graphic Novel Project of Chula Vista, CA (Dinoindino.com) hosts a panel about the steps and challenges of starting your own small (15-25 people) to large (30-60 people) group collaborative comic (for print or web). How can high school students anywhere do what these students do? How can anyone do what they do? All will be discussed and more. Room 26AB
4:00-5:00 The Superhero Battlefield
What drives superheroes to keep fighting the good fight without getting burned out, disillusioned, or transforming into villains themselves? Trauma psychologist Dr. Andrea Letamendi (UCLA) explores the minds of your favorite comic book heroes and villains, linking them with the very real minds of actual trauma survivors. Alongside Dr. Letamendi are fellow psychologists Dr. Robin Rosenberg (The Psychology of Superheroes) and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman in his Belfry), as well as guest panelists including writer Len Wein (Swamp Thing). Room 4
4:00-5:00 Art Masters: Drawing DC
Superstar artists share their secrets of drawing the DC Universe, with a special projector designed so you can see their every master stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely draw oohs and ahhs from the gathered masses! Room 30CDE
4:00-5:00 Full-Time Creative Work on a Part-Time Schedule
Learn the secret to using part-time collaboration to achieve full-time results! No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation, costuming/cosplay), breaking into today’s media is a full-time job, even if you have only part-time hours to accomplish it. Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear.com), Aleister Gilgrim (Disney Publishing Digital Media), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV.net), Kevin Flessing (TomatoTV.net), Ron Coleman (molecular geneticist and writer), Jonelle Cobb (creative director, GeekdomWear.com), Jody Patterson (main contributor, RatBoxProductions.net), and Tara Strand (co-founder, Gotham Public Works) talk about how they successfully juggle time between the creative and business sides and discuss the process, pitfalls, and potential of part-time collaboration from their experiences in illustration, writing, design, animation, and costuming and cosplay. Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to go pro, if you struggle with deadlines, need help finding collaborators, or simply want to know how to get your foot in the door, this panel is not to be missed! Room 32AB
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