The folks who bring you Groo the Wanderer tell you how (and maybe why) they bring you Groo the Wanderer and maybe other things, as well. They are Mark Evanier,Sergio Aragonés,Stan Sakai, and maybe the hardest-working man in comics, Tom Luth. Learn what it is that compels these men to, month after month and year after year, tell their tales of the stupidest character ever in comics.
Friday March 31, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
New to the Valiant Universe? Jump on board right here with a concise and fun-filled introduction to the origins and adventures of Valiant's greatest and most iconic heroes, from Bloodshot and Divinity to Faith and Harbinger Renegade to Ninjak and X-O Manowar. Look no further than this panel of Valiant all-stars to find out where to start!
Friday March 31, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208
From the medium's earliest days, activists have taken to the comics form to communicate their messages to the world. CBLDF deputy director Alex Cox brings you on an image-filled march through more than a century of comics activism, revealing the history of how comics can change the world!
Friday March 31, 2017 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
When J. K. Rowling's popular series debuted, Potter fans clamored to find any evidence that they belonged in one of her imaginative Hogwarts houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each house had its unique personality and signature, and soon, readers argued among themselves on why their houses were the best. The Sorting Hat not only opened a question that delved into our personalities, but also provided a deeper look into how we view ourselves, and how others view us. Jessica Tseang (founder of Little Geek Girls, owner of Girl on Geek) leads a frank discussion with Harry Potter experts Erik Amaya (Comic Book Resources, host of Tread Perilously), Adrienne Alwag-Aipia (founder of Los Angeles Dumbledore's Army), Jim Thompson (Esquire, Comic Book Historians Group), Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam cosplay), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), and Dr. Travis Langley (Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology) on why J. K. Rowling's houses are secretly genius, and what we can learn about ourselves along the way.
Friday March 31, 2017 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208
Ever see a comic book cover that makes you wonder, "How the hell did THAT ever get published?" Cartoonist Scott Shaw! (Sonic the Hedgehog, Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!, Simpsons Comics, The Flintstones) returns to provide the answer to that question with his popular digital slideshow of "the craziest comic books ever published!" See why Stan Lee says, "Wow, True Believers, I thought I'd seen it all, but Scott Shaw!'s hysterically hilarious Oddball Comics is the wildest, wackiest exposé of some of the craziest comic books I've ever seen! Or, to put it mildly, Scott's outrageous opuses are a blast!" And if Stan says it, it's gotta be true, right? (You'll be laughing hard, so wearing Depends is highly recommended.)
Friday March 31, 2017 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
YA dominates film, TV, books, and comics, with original stories aimed at middle-grade and young-adult audiences creating legions of devoted fans all over the world. Some of the most popular new voices in comics discuss the importance of YA, how to bring new readers to comic books, and the bright, diverse future of entertainment.
Friday March 31, 2017 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
Award-winning bestselling authors and actors discuss romance in science fiction, fantasy, and horror, whether it be crushes, heart throbs, or love at first sight. Topics include attraction, compatibility, offspring, love, society, (extremely) long-distance relationships, close quarters, customs, rituals, religions, marriage, and more! Panelists include Gigi Edgley (Farscape, Jim Henson's Creature Shop Challenge), Rebekah R. Ganiere (the Fairelle series, president of Fantasy, Futuristic, and Paranormal RWA chapter), and Mark O'Bannon (The Dream Crystal, Pirates of the Imperium). Moderated by James Ganiere (chief editor at Fallen Angel Press, CEO at Rio Vista Universal).
Friday March 31, 2017 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
A lot can happen in six years. Adam Shere, Kiet Pham, and Ryan Van Lu lead a discussion for Nintendo fans with StreetPass OC about becoming a part of or creating a thriving StreetPass community group. StreetPass OC will also answer your questions about the Nintendo Switch, gaming, and the future of StreetPassing in a Q&A session and may even test your knowledge with some Nintendo trivia! Moderated by Andres Cervantes.
Friday March 31, 2017 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
There's never been a better time to discover new visions of your lifelong favorite characters in comic books, but what's the secret to modernizing and diversifying beloved mythology without losing fans? Find out just what it takes to turn your favorite TV show, movie, and more into a successful comic book that balances entertaining longtime fans with bringing in new readers with an eye to the future of entertainment.
Saturday April 1, 2017 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208
The breakout hit of 2016 returns to WonderCon Anaheim! Join the cast and crew of the show that Variety named one of 2016's best new shows as they reveal what's in store for season 2!
Saturday April 1, 2017 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208
ComiXology, Amazon’s premier digital comics shopping and reading platform, spills the beans on everything you’ve ever wanted to know about digital comics, publishing, LIFE, and more—from how to publish your own comic on comiXology Submit to how to begin your own successful startup and even a behind-the-scenes look at the latest comiXology Originals releases. ComiXology CEO and co-founder David Steinberger, along with comiXology Originals head of content Chip Mosher, will answer all your burning questions in a Q&A of epic proportions! Moderated by Albert Ching, managing editor at Comic Book Resources.
Saturday April 1, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
For the last three years, The Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con has wowed audiences with its original "geek couture" designs. Every year winners are chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection with Her Universe to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein,Cat Carson (senior brand manager, Her Universe), Ed Labay (VP GMM, Hot Topic), Andrea Lewis (VP brand marketing, Hot Topic), Jennifer Tisdale (EVP Blondie Girl Productions), and 2016 fashion show winners Hannah Lee Kent,Jesse Thaxton, and Camille Falciola take you behind the scenes of the making of the fashion show and their all-new collection for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2017 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con.
Saturday April 1, 2017 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208
Authors Chuck Wendig (Thunderbird), Delilah S. Dawson (Strike), Lila Bowen (Conspiracy of Ravens), Sam Sykes (An Affinity for Steel), Stephen Blackmoore (Hungry Ghosts), Kiersten White (And I Darken) explore the dark and dangerous products of their imaginations with Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Mysterious Galaxy).
Saturday April 1, 2017 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
Before a camera is unpacked, before a set is built, the illustrators of the Art Directors Guild are brought in for pre-visualization-concept art, storyboards, key frames, and more. Panelists include Anson Jew (Wonder Woman, Passengers), Benton Jew (Wonder Woman, Logan), Robin Richesson (Preacher, Jack Reacher), Patrick Rodriguez (A Wrinkle in Time, Justice League), moderated by Tim Burgard (Independence Day: Resurgence, The Revenant).
Saturday April 1, 2017 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208
Jim Sullos (president, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.), Cathy Wilbanks (archivist, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.), and artist Jorge Pacheco discuss upcoming releases featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs's famous literary heroes, including comics, novels, role-playing games, and more based onTarzan of the Apes, John Carter of Mars, Carson of Venus, Pellucidar, andThe Land That Time Forgot. Moderated by Scott Tracy Griffin, author of Tarzan on Film (Titan Books, 2016), this panel will include special announcements and a surprise guest!
Saturday April 1, 2017 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
IDW has been blazing the way in archival collections, from Artist's Editions to the Marvel Artist's Select books and beyond. Greg Goldstein,Chris Ryall,Scott Dunbier, and special guests discuss what's come out so far and, most important, what's coming next!
Saturday April 1, 2017 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
If you have a passion to tell stories through the mediums of novels and comics, there are now limitless opportunities to produce, publish, and distribute your work. Of course, with so many options it can be a brain-scrambler to know which path is the best way to go. Is it better to go indie or seek out a traditional publisher? A panel of professional writers will discuss the many paths they've taken to get their work into the hands of their readers. Moderated by Neo Edmund (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Red Riding, the Alpha Huntress series) and featuring Marv Wolfman (The New Teen Titans, Batman: Arkham Knight), R. A. Salvatore (The Demon Wars Saga, Dungeons & Dragons: Forgotten Realms), and Joe LeFavi (Fraggle Rock, Thrilling Adventure Hour).
Saturday April 1, 2017 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
Tune into Legion of Leia's own Nerd Up or Shut Up podcast. Join in on the conversation as you step into the next episode and chat and debate all things nerdy with hosts Anastasia Washington (Coyote Magnate), Maggie Olbrich (Nerd Up or Shut Up), Emalee Burditt (Nerd Up or Shut Up), Richard Sheehan (Nerd Up or Shut Up), and moderator Aabria Lipscomb (Coyote Magnate).
Saturday April 1, 2017 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
Meet Kevin Eastman, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! The program will include a 20-minute presentation on past and present TMNT, from Mirage to IDW. Plus, get a close look at independent projects Fistful of Blood and Lost Angeles. Cowabunga!
Sunday April 2, 2017 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208
From storyboarding to comics and back, Lissa Treiman has been a Disney storyboard artist for the last 10 years (Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, Big Hero 6, Zootopia) and a comics fan her entire life. In 2015, she made her first foray into published comics (Giant Days), bringing her years of cinematic storytelling experience with her. Join her for a discussion about the similarities and differences between the two storytelling platforms.
Sunday April 2, 2017 11:30am - 12:30am PDT
Room 208
This panel addresses what new writers need to do once they have material ready to go out to the masses. The shifting 21st century digital frontier means the age-old methods of building a career have been rendered irrelevant. This group of Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel creators share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable property and market yourself accordingly. Moderated by 2015 Disney/ABC Writing Program winner and 2014 Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton (Marvel's Agent Carter, IDW'sM.A.S.K.), the panel includes TV producer Geoffrey Thorne (The Librarians, Marvel Comics'sMosaic), writer Ubah Mohamed (Gang Related, ABC's The Whispers), actress/writer Erika Alexander (Concrete Park, Queen Sugar), and artist/writer Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser,Concrete Park).
Sunday April 2, 2017 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
This March, Valiant celebrates 25 years of its most enduring comic book icon as bestselling writer Matt Kindt and a rotating cast of powerhouse interior artists launch a stunning new beginning in the all-new X-O Manowar #1. A blockbuster roundtable of Valiant's greatest talents present an in-depth discussion of X-O Manowar's landmark place in comics history, along with a special look forward at the new series of 2017.
Understanding independent publishing and production (TV, streaming, film, print/digital comics, and other media) is crucial for present-day creators. Spearheaded by members of The Antidote Trust, this panel covers everything: conceiving IP, producing one's product, branding, marketing, distributing creative commodities, and so on. Panelists are Russell Nohelty (writer, publisher, consultant), Hannibal Tabu (2012 Top Cow Talent Hunt winner, Project Wildfire: Enter Project Torrent, Menthu: The Anger of Angels, Project Wildfire: Street Justice), Andre Owens (director, publisher,Force Galaxia, The Stoned Age), and Melissa Jarvis (author, The Lineage series). Moderated by Robert Roach (storyboard artist, winner of the inaugural Glyph Award for indie comics, creator of Menthu and The Roach).
Ever wondered if lightsabers could ever be a reality? Curious about which Star Wars droid NASA would take into space? Expert panelists Emily Manor-Chapman (NASA engineer), Kieran Dickson (editor, COMET), Fon Davis (Star Wars production designer), Travis Langley (editor,Star Wars Psychology), Janina Scarlet (author,Superhero Therapy), and others, with moderator Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia) break down the science behind a galaxy far, far away and field all of your burning, geeky questions.
