Okay, not literally a spotlight. And by literally we mean "literally" as opposed to "figuratively," which are two opposite words no matter what the stupid dictionary says. What in the world is happening to the English language, anyway? And what about . . . oh. Right. The panel. Peter David will talk about stuff. He wrote this description. Can you tell?
Thursday July 21, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
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G. Willow Wilson (Ms Marvel, Alif the Unseen) discusses the making of the hit teen superhero series Ms Marvel, reads new material, and takes questions from the audience.
Thursday July 21, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
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During his tenure as publisher and president of DC Comics and later as a board member of BOOM! Studios, Paul Levitz oversaw an influx of creator-driven concepts (Watchmen, Sandman, The Dark Knight, Lumberjanes) and imprints (Vertigo, Milestone, WildStorm) within the framework of traditional and untraditional corporate ownership models. Levitz discusses his experience and insights on a range of topics shaping the comics industry in the big media era with Rob Salkowitz (Forbes).
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
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First Second editorial director Mark Siegel celebrates the tenth anniversary of this award-winning, bestselling publisher in conversation with Ben Hatke (Zita the Spacegirl), Eva Volin (Alameda Public Library), Karen Green (Columbia University), and Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Mysterious Galaxy). They'll explore the success and explosion of graphic novels in the past decade from the perspective of authors, librarians, academics, and retailers. Moderated by Graeme McMillan (Wired).
This is the world-exclusive first look at Titan's much hyped new Warhammer 40,000 comic book series, based in the staggeringly popular dark science fiction universe from Games Workshop. Join Warhammer 40,000 writer George Mann (Dark Souls, Doctor Who), and editor Andrew James for a jam-packed panel spotlighting the hotly anticipated comic launch in October. Be the first to see exclusive art by Tazio Bettin and Enrica Angiolini from the comic and upcoming plans for the series. Each attendee will receive an exclusive gift!
President of IDW Publishing Greg Goldstein brings together the stalwarts (or culprits) of the boom in archival publishing for details and announcements about the latest classic comic book collections! Joining Greg will be renowned comic book historian and editor Craig Yoe, IDW senior books editor Justin Eisinger, and IDW Artist Edition editor Scott Dunbier and one or two amazing surprise guests . IDW is home to some of the most beloved (and award-winning) collections in comics history, with more on the way. Free book for every attendee, plus other giveaways and prizes.
Q&A session with veteran writer and editor Christopher J. Priest (Black Panther, Quantum & Woody, Deathstroke) covering his 38 years in the comics industry.
Theric Jepson (Monsters & Mormons, Redneck Eldritch) gives a history of Mormon writers and artists who have created comics over the past 100 years. Trevor Alvord (curator of contemporary Mormonism at the Harold B Lee Library, Brigham Young University) discusses how librarians/archivists can leverage comic art in their collections and shares the art he has commissioned at cons around the world by saying to artists: Draw what you think when you hear "Mormon."
Matt Pantaliano (marketing), Jodie Hockensmith (publicity), Nicholas Elliott (marketing), Catherine Hayden (marketing), and Liesa Abrams (marketing) give a sneak peek at the hottest books and properties coming from Simon & Schuster to give readers their perfect match. Their discussion will be moderated by Jon Anderson (executive vice president, publisher), and attendees will take home an exclusive prize.
Editing a book is no easy feat, especially for the person who wrote that book. Authors Kevin Hearne (Iron Druid Chronicles), Michael J. Sullivan (Age of Myth), and Harry Turtledove (Fallout) each read a deleted scene from a published novel and discuss why it landed on the cutting room floor. Moderated by Del Rey editorial director Tricia Narwani.
Webcomics Advocates co-founders Phil Vecchio and Brendan Creecy (Brax the Alien Rocker, Radio BrendoMan podcast) celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics! Joined by Patrick Scullin (Super Siblings) and moderator Josh Anderson (Extra Damage podcast), they will give any webcomic creators in the audience 30 seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!
Fantastic Four (2015, directed by Josh Trank, starring Miles Teller. PG-13) A group of young, brilliant, goodlooking scientists are given strange powers after visiting aplanet in another dimension. They must then fight one of their own that wants to use his new powers to destroy the world. Ask yourself before the movie"What If?" to avoid asking at the end "What the . . .?" (Thursday, Convention Center Room 4, 9:30 pm)
Thursday July 21, 2016 9:30pm - 11:25pm PDT
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The Last Witch Hunter (2015, directed by Breck Eisner, starring Vin Diesel. PG-13) Cursed with immortality, Kaulder is the Witchhunter, tasked through the ages with hunting evilwitches. When the Witch Queen returns from the dead seeking retribution, a battle ensues and the fate of humanity hangs in the balance! (Thursday,Convention Center Room 4, 11:25 pm)
Thursday July 21, 2016 11:25pm - Friday July 22, 2016 1:10am PDT
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Many people have dismissed queer content as adult content inappropriate for kids. However, as we've seen in the popularity and successes of Legend of Korra, Steven Universe, and Lumberjanes, LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines can resonate with young audiences. Moderator Dylan Edwards (Valley of the Silk Sky) leads as a discussion with Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes), James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, The Backstagers), Paige Braddock (Stinky Cecil, Peanuts, Jane's World), Magdalene Visaggio (Kim & Kim), and Josh Trujillo (Adventure Time, Love Machines) about how we can better include healthy representation and how to make it standard practice.
#1 New York Times Bestseller Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack) talks with renowned fantasy author Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind) about the creative lifestyle, how are books created, and what does creativity mean outside the writing and drawing process?
Chester Brown (Paying for It, Louis Riel) is one of the most successful and iconoclastic cartoonists working today. Mary Wept Over the Feet of Jesus continues his thoughts on sex work by retelling nine stories from Hebrew scriptures and the Christian New Testament. It is a New York Times bestseller that has received widespread critical acclaim. Brown will read from Mary Wept and Heidi MacDonald (The Beat, Publishers Weekly) will moderate a Q&A.
It is no secret that Dynamite Entertainment has published some of the most iconic female characters in comics, from Vampirella to Red Sonja to the Warlord of Mars herself. Now, as the industry reaches a turning point in both creative and readership, the publisher brings together some of the brightest stars in comics to discuss the changing role of women on and off the page! Join comics superstars for a continuation of one of the most important discussions happening in the industry today.
For the past 14 years, Ronald Wimberly has been telling stories that pair his world view with his strong storytelling instincts, resulting in works like the Eisner Award-nominated Lighten Up and The Prince of Cats, his collaborations with brands like Nike and Mishka, and even designing for animation like Black Dynamite. Wimberly will share his perspective on designing stories, agitprop and the politics of aesthetics, culture and appropriation, the importance of iconoclasm and why he suspects he'll never work for Marvel or DC again. Moderated by David Brothers.
Before there was Marvel Comics, there was Timely Comics. Artist Allen Bellman was there, and now you can not only listen to his amazing stories and the history of Timely Comics but also participate in a fantastic Q&A. A short signing will follow.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 12:02PM Come experience the latest from IDW! Artists Gabriel Rodriguez and David Messina, writers Christos Gage, Arvind Ethan David and Paul Cornell, editor Sarah Gaydos, and some surprise guests detail current plans, awesome futuristic plans, and much more. Co-moderated by the two-headed monster that is Dirk Wood and Chris Ryall! Prizes, announcements, and Q&A.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 04:51PM After a few years of fading fortunes, manga publishing is catching its second wind. More manga and light novels are hitting the shelves in bookstores and comic shops, and more titles than ever are available in digital formats the same day/date as in Japan. So have things truly turned around for Japanese comics in North America? Get a taste of what's hot, what's not, and what's next for manga in North America and Japan from top publishing pros, including Kurt Hassler (publisher and managing director, Yen Press), Michael Gombos (director of international publishing and licensing, Dark Horse Comics), Ben Applegate (associate director, publisher services, Penguin Random House), Erik Ko (chief of operations, Udon Entertainment), Stu Levy (TOKYOPOP) and possibly a surprise guest or two! Moderated by Deb Aoki (Publishers Weekly, Anime News Network).
Paul Gulacy (The Rook) discusses his 40-plus years in the comics industry with moderator Steve Mattsson (Superboy & the Ravers). Hear about Paul's work on classic characters like Shang Chi, Sabre, Batman, James Bond, Sci-Spy, Catwoman, and G.I. Joe. See behind-the-scenes examples of Paul's technique: layouts, pencils, inks, fully rendered colors, and painting.
LINE Webtoon's Tom Akel will walk you through how to publish and promote your own IP on the Discover platform, while Patreon's Heather Wilder will provide details on a new partnership between Patreon and LINE Webtoon and how creators can take advantage of a new Webtoon creator investment program. Hear from creators who have published their work through Discover while building huge audiences, including Kaitlyn Narvaza (Siren's Lament), winners of the Stan Lee Superhero Comics Contest L. G. Lancaster and Orlando Caicedo (The Bad Guys), and Nick Seluk, creator of the hit series Lars The Awkward Yeti.
Having trouble revving up your creativity engine? Creating worlds and characters can be a daunting idea. However, with the right tools and inspiration, the wonderful world of art, writing, and creativity becomes your oasis. Genese Davis (The Holder's Dominion), Rob Prior (HeavyMetal), Eric Kieron Davis (Star Citizen), and Jonathan Maberry (Rot and Ruin) divulge their experience creating worlds, telling rich stories, and seeing how gender and genre sometimes conflict or combine in interesting ways.
Victor Frankenstein(2015, directed by Paul McGuigan, starring Daniel Radcliffe and James McAvoy. PG-13) The tale of the most infamous mad scientist in history as told fromthe perspective of his faithful assistant Igor. See how Igor and Victor met and follow them as they rise to become legends. (Friday, Convention Center Room4, 9:00 pm)
Highlander (1986, directed by Russell Mulcahy, starring Christopher Lambert and Sean Connery. R) For centuries they have hidden among us, Immortals who have beenfighting to obtain "The Prize." Now the only two left will have to battle to the end to claim it. Remember, "There can only be one!" (Friday, ConventionCenter Room 4, 11:00 pm)
Friday July 22, 2016 11:00pm - Saturday July 23, 2016 12:50am PDT
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Paul Levitz (New York Times bestselling author, Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel; educator, comics historian), Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts), Denis Kitchen (author, The Art of Harvey Kurtzman; cartoonist, publisher), and Chip Kidd (author, Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts; graphic designer, editor) discuss why books about Will Eisner, Harvey Kurtzman, Charles Schulz, and Jules Feiffer were all nominated for Eisner Awards this year.
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
Luis Gantus (writer, The Sad Story of the Mexican Comic Book), Humberto Ramos (penciler, Extraordinary X-Men), Rene Franco (TV host, Es de Noche y ya llegue), Hector Hernandez (financial media expert), and Adalisa Zarate (artist, Traveling Seers) talk about the challenges that Mexican comics face and the close relationship between Mexico and the USA in the media business.
Saturday July 23, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
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Chris Ryall (IDW editor-in-chief), Matt Hawkins (Top Cow publisher), Shannon Eric Denton (editor), Kris Simon (Image Comics), and David Wohl (DC Comics) discuss creating comic books in today's changing climate of publishers and fandom and how to properly pitch to comic book publishers. Moderated by Vince Hernandez (Aspen Comics VP/editor-in-chief).
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
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Celebrate the 75th anniversary of Archie Comics with exclusive news and announcements about your favorite characters, including Archie, Jughead, Betty & Veronica, and more! Featuring your pals from Archie Comics talent including Jon Goldwater, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Mike Pellerito, Alex Segura, Dan Parent, and perhaps a special Riverdale surprise appearance or two.
Angoulême Prize-winner Derf Backderf appears in conversation with Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter) about Derf's long career in comics, from failed political cartoonist to alt-weekly staple, to graphic novels about punk rockers, Jeffrey Dahmer, and garbagemen.
With more than 20 years of experience Japanese comicker Tsutomu Nihei has radically changed the perspective of manga globally. With his unique artistic designs and expansive worlds seen in works such as Biomega and Knights of Sidonia, he has redefined Japanese science fiction. To honor the rerelease of his groundbreaking work Blame!Nihei will sit down with his publishers Vertical and Kodansha for an interview, followed by a Q&A session with his many international fans.
ImageThink's Nora Herting, Heather Willemsand James Lakeshare principlesand exercises from their new book, Draw Your Big Idea. This interactive workshop is designed to help participants clarify their goals and attach actions to them using visual storytelling.
Mike Baron will discuss the origins of the comics series Nexus and Badger and talk about his recent work, with an emphasis on his horror and crime novels. He may recite "The Ballad of Garrison Gland."
Valiant fans from around the world join in celebrating Valiant's 11th annual SDCC fan panel. Valiant guest panelists and moderator Brian Wells discuss everything Valiant, including 4001 A.D.,Faith's ongoing series launch, and the smash hit Divinity II!
With religion and spirituality at the forefront of recent world events, panelists discuss the influence of spiritual themes in comics and pop culture. They will delve into the importance of spirituality to the culture as communicated through comics and other related media. The panel will be presenting the world premiere of a full episode from the new Bibleman series. Panelists include Scott Marcano (Diablo Publishing), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), B. Dave Walters (talk radio host, Rise Up), Luis Serrano (Rooted Chronicles), Pastor Frederick K. C. Price (Crenshaw Christian Center), and moderator Dr. Thomas Parham (Azusa Pacific University).
Larry Stark (EC's legendary "Number One Fan"), Grant Geissman (author of Feldstein! The MAD Life and Fantastic Art of Al Feldstein), Bill Leach (publisher/editor of Horror from the Crypt of Fear), J. David Spurlock (biographer of Wallace "Wally" Wood), Ben Dickow (founder, Captured Aural Phantasy Theater), and Jon Gothold (Second Generation EC Fan-Addict) discuss the history of EC Comics fandom in a session moderated by Thommy and Josh Burns (admins, EC Fan-Addict Club on Facebook).
Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986, directed by John Hughes, starring Matthew Broderick. PG-13) Popular high school sudent Ferris Bueller skips school to cheer up his neurotic anddepressed best friend, Cameron. With the help of his girlfriend they take Cameron and his father's precious sports car on a trip to the city, but Ferrismust use all his wits and guile to not be caught. (Saturday, Convention Center Room 4, 9:00 pm)
Saturday July 23, 2016 9:00pm - 11:00pm PDT
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Deadpool (2016, Directed by Tim Miller, starring Ryan Reynolds and Morena Baccarin. R) An unscrupulous wise-talking mercenary goes to extreme lengths to find a curefor his terminal cancer. The good news: he finds a cure that also gives him super powers. The bad news: he is horribly disfigured and goes on a rampage totrack down the man who did it to him. (Saturday, Convention Center Room 4, 11:00 pm)
Saturday July 23, 2016 11:00pm - Sunday July 24, 2016 12:50am PDT
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From My Little Pony to Strawberry Shortcake, and Skylanders to TMNT Animated and X-Files: Origins to Disney, IDW loves kids' comics and love even more the kids who read them! Hear from the writers and editors of their all-ages fare and then stay for the best Q&A at SDCC since every question is open only to nonadults! Hosted by editors Sarah Gaydos and Bobby Curnow, with Derek Charm, Jake Goldman, and Haley Mancini (Powerpuff Girls),Jodie Houser (X-Files: Origins), Caleb Goellner (TMNT: Animated), Sara Richard (MLP), and Tony Fleece (MLP). Plus prizes for all kids in attendance!
Cece Bell (El Deafo) discusses the inspiration for her autobiographical graphic novel, the behind-the-scenes decision-making involved in its creation, and its reception by both deaf and hearing readers. Susan Van Metre (editor, Abrams), who edited the book and was a major player in its development, moderates the discussion.
Wuvable Oaf burst onto the San Francisco indie comics scene in 2008 and the fur has been flying ever since. Creator Ed Luce and moderator Sina Grace (Not My Bag, Self-Obsessed) chat about all things Wuvable, from kitties to music to the future of this larger than life queer character.
Hank Green, co-creator of SciShow, Crash Course, VidCon, the Internet Creator's Guild, and Vlogbrothers just wants to hang out and talk. Ideally, the conversations will be in his areas of expertise, which include chemistry, creator economies, Snapchat, They Might Be Giants, contemplating mortality, and the pronunciation of .GIF. Please come, he's bringing presents.
Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Emily Carroll (Through the Woods) answers your questions and chats about storytelling, horror, and her comic making process.
Whether you're thinking about launching your first Kickstarter project or you're ready to embark on your fifth, our lineup of veteran creators has a wealth of invaluable information for you. Jamie Tanner (Kickstarter's comics outreach lead), Hope Nicholson (The Secret Loves of Geek Girls), Kel McDonald (Sorcery 101), and George Rohac (CEO, Breadpig) discuss all things Kickstarter, from the best way to promote your project to avoiding common pitfalls and everything in between.
The world today would have been unthinkable 15 years ago. A world where a superhero can be found on every screen, big or small. A world where larger-than-life stories are given the respect they deserve in both live action and animation. But what about on the stage? This panel will focus on the writers, directors, and producers who have brought superheroes to the theater. Productions ranging from indie to Broadway will be explored, as these artists talk about the challenges they faced in making a live audience believe a man could fly.
