Comic-Con 2016

Moderator Alex Segura (crime novelist and Archie writer) conducts a freewheeling discussion with acclaimed comic book writer, playwright, and screenwriter Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, spotlighting his time at Archie Comics, including the creation of the hit Afterlife with Archie and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina comics and writing other beloved comic book properties like the Fantastic Four; his prolific television (Glee, Supergirl), theatrical (American Psycho, Spider-Man on Broadway), and movie (Carrie and Town that Dreaded Sundown remake) work; and the upcoming Riverdale TV series from the CW.

UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 11:49AM
This panel will highlight talented and diverse individuals who are making waves in virtual reality and augmented reality storytelling. These forward-thinkers will discuss emerging opportunities for women and other minority voices in this innovative medium. The panelists will also touch on the "state of VR" as an industry, including trends and different approaches to content in VR. The panel will culminate with tips for aspiring VR filmmakers and an audience Q&A. Moderators: Jonathan Nafarrete (editor-in-chief, VRScout.com) & Jana Davidoff (senior publicist, CW3PR). Panelists include Christina Heller (co-founder/CEO, VR Playhouse), Jenn Duong (director of VR, 1215creative), Evette Vargas (producer/writer/director, Digital-Reign Productions), Elia Petridis (founder/CEO, Filmatics Creative Services), Helen Situ (VR evangelist, NextVR) and Maureen Fan (CEO, Baobab Studios).

UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 09:41AM
'The British are coming! The British are coming!'? Hardly - they've already arrived... and they've been the driving force of the comics scene for decades! In the 30th Anniversary year of the release of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons's Watchmen, moderator Leonard Sultana (An Englishman In San Diego) talks to Paul Levitz (former DC Comics president) and a panel of special guests - including Kieron Gillen (The Wicked + The Divine), David Lloyd (V For Vendetta), Dave Gibbons (Watchmen, via Skype) and Paul Jenkins (Hellblazer, via Skype) - talk about the recruitment of U.K. creative talent in the late-70s / mid-80s, the key titles of the period and their lasting impact on the comics landscape to this day.

Comics have an incredible but still largely untapped potential to both educate and edify. Meet some of the people who are trying to change that. Leigh Willis (behavioral scientist, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), Rebecca Thompson (Spectra the Laser Superhero), Tom Nugent (director of neurotechnology, new media, and training solutions at Intific), and Josh Elder (executive director of Reading With Pictures) will discuss their experiences in creating comics to address serious, real-world issues like mental health, disease prevention, STEM education, social change and more. Learn what they're doing and learn how you can be part of the global Comics for Impact movement!

Hear Alexandra Bracken (The Darkest Minds series, Passenger series), Marissa Meyer (The Lunar Chronicles, Heartless), and Mary E. Pearson (The Jenna Fox Chronicles, The Remnant Chronicles) discuss the perils, promises, and joys of ending a YA series. Moderated by author Kami Garcia (The Beautiful Creatures series, The Lovely Reckless).

Authors in the horror and thriller genres are more than just talented writers. They have to be masters of psychology, understanding what makes us most terrified and portraying worlds and scenarios that strike at the very core of our deepest and darkest fears. Del Howison of Dark Delicacies probes the twisted minds of Paul Tremblay (Disappearance at Devil's Rock), Amy Lukavics (Daughters unto Devils), Paula Treick Deboard (The Drowning Girls), Tosca Lee (Progeny), Thomas Olde Heuvelt (HEX), and Jonathan Maberry (Rot & Ruin) as they discuss the best ways to scare you.

UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 04:48PM
Everyone loves to play video games, but how much do you know about the teams of creators who make them come to life? Join us for a behind-the-scenes discussion with collaborators from some of the world’s most popular games. Featured panelists will include VFX artists, motion capture producers, composers, character designers, directors, voice-over actors, and other creative artists who will discuss their work on various games such as Assassin’s Creed: Syndicate, Revelation Online, World of Warcraft, Overwatch and StarCraft II, Diablo III, Mafia III, ABZU, Star Wars: The Old Republic, ReCore, Metal Gear Solid V, Resident Evil V & IV, Saints Row III, IV & 4.2 and more. Celebrity Moderators: Scott Porter (Hart of Dixie, Friday Night Lights, Scorpion) and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Once Upon a Time, Ugly Betty). Panelists include Austin Wintory (composer - ABZU, Assassin's Creed Syndicate), Neal Acree (composer - Revelation Online, World of Warcraft, Overwatch, StarCraft II), Eric Grimenstein (senior FX artist, Blizzard Animation - Overwatch, World of Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm), Pete Oswald (production designer - Angry Birds Movie), Vince Argentine (CEO, Mocap Militia - ReCore, Metal Gear Solid 5, Resident Evil 5+6, Saints Row 3, 4, 4.2) and Jesse Harlin (composer - Mafia III, Star Wars: The Old Republic).

UPDATED: Mon, Jul 18, 01:19PM
For nine years, Mark L. Miller (writer, Pirouette, editor, Ain't It Cool News) has gathered a talented group of horror film and comic creators to discuss and dissect the horrors they make and what (if anything) scares them. This year, Mickey Keating (Carnage Park, POD director), Adam Egypt Mortimer (Holidays, Some Kind of Hate director), Radio Silence (V/H/S, Southbound directors), and Matt Pizzolo (Black Mask Studios producer) will talk about how to reinvent the horror genre, pushing new limits, twisting old concepts, and crafting brand new terrors to keep you up at night!

Faith is the breakout superhero of the year. This stereotype-demolishing character from Valiant Entertainment has won critical acclaim, fan enthusiasm, and now, her own monthly series. But what makes her tick? Faith writer Jody Houser (Orphan Black, Mother Panic) takes a deep dive into this soaring hero's past, present, and future. Moderated by Vulture's Abraham Riesman (associate editor).

Those who worked on the Joss Whedon cult classic, which ran for just one season (2002-2003), reminisce on their days working 500 years in the future. Panelists are Carey Meyer (production designer and moderator), Colin De Ruin (art director), Loni Peristere (VFX supervisor and Zoic creator), and Will Cobb (conceptual set designer).

Brian Ward (DVD producer) and Jeff Nelson (senior marketing director) make exclusive announcements, deliver sneak peeks of video from upcoming releases, and more.

UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 09:15AM
Join the Super Geeked Up crew as they discuss your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, superhero, and video game topics and play fun geek-themed improv games like Geeky Accents, Universal Translator, and Let’s Geek It On! Plus a ton of audience participation and awesome prizes! Hosted by Jeff Burns with special co-host Christina Wren (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel) and special guests Rena Strober (Azura in Fire Emblem Fates) and Anna Brisbin (YouTube’s Brizzy Voices).And the world premiere of the trailer for sci-fi series Imperium from TJ Walker (Phoenix Run). Don’t miss this super-interactive award-winning show that will provide the zaniest fun you have at Comic-Con!