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 what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for. Panelists include Albert Ching (Comic Book Resources), Alex Raymond (Hollywood Gone Geek), Chris Thompson (Pop Culture Hound, Bleeding Cool), Francis Sky (First Comics News, Massacre Twins), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), J. C. Vaughn (Gemstone Publishing), Jez Ibelle (First Comics News), Josh Waldrop (Red Gorilla), Tanya Tate (First Comics News, JustaLottaTanya), and Tim Chizmar (Fangoria, First Comics News). Independent comic creators Holly Golightly (Broadsword Comics), Josh Henaman (Bigfoot), and Michael Kingston (Headlock Comics) will explain what worked for them and what to avoid when looking for press coverage.
Thursday July 21, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
Howard Chaykin, the man frequently described as the Randy Newman/Van Morrison/Robert Altman of comics, is on hand for an unmoderated hour of informed and amusingly immoderate conversation. This deeply influential cult figure, a prince of a guy who prefers to be good rather than nice, guarantees at minimum three huge laughs, a slew of informed contrarian opinion, and at least one unaccompanied number from the American popular songbook.
Thursday July 21, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
UDON is celebrating another groundbreaking year of publishing the best of video games, anime, and manga from Japan and around the world. Come meet the artists and editors as they discuss this year's breakout hits and announce upcoming titles, including some big surprises you will definitely want to be the first to hear about! Plus: attendees will have a chance to win some of UDON's hottest new releases!
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 09:15AM We love superhero and science fiction movies for their quick pace, fantastic ideas and spectacular action sequences. Cars flip into the air, trains derail and flatten everything in their paths, characters have extraordinary tools and abilities, and storylines travel throughout time and space. But could any of the imaginative scenarios we witness in action blockbusters actually happen? How often do movies reflect accurate science or realistic depictions of future technology and discoveries? How important is it for the science in fictional movies to align with reality? Join us as Fred Bronson (writer Star Trek: TNG), Adam Weiner (physics teacher, The Bishop’s School), Professor Brian Keating (astrophysicist professor, UC San Diego), Craig Titley (writer and producer Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) discuss the fine balance between storytelling, imagination, and realistic science.
ComiXology, Amazon's premier digital comic shopping and reading platform, spills the beans on everything you wanted to know about digital comics, publishing, and more! Want to know about comiXology Unlimited, the new monthly subscription service? Come to this panel. Want to know more about how to get your comic up on comiXology Submit? This is your panel. Featuring comiXology co-founder and CEO David Steinberger, comiXology communications guru Chip Mosher, and the comiXologist podcast crew Tia Vasiliou and Matt Kolowski.
This used to be the annual "Sergio and Mark Show" but the name has changed to note that the adventures of Groo the Wanderer are brought to you not just by the award-winning team of Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier, but also by Stan Sakai (the creator of Usagi Yojimbo) and the hardest-working man in comics, Tom Luth. They'll be discussing the new Groo miniseries, the first issue of which is debuting even as you read this, and many upcoming projects. Some feature their silly barbarian, some don't. But it's always a treat to hear these brilliant guys, especially the tall one who wrote this panel description.
Find out where some of your favorite titles are heading, and be the first to hear about the new series on deck for the fall from comics' most innovative imprint.
In 2004, Dynamite Entertainment exploded into the world of licensed comics with the release of fan-favorite Army of Darkness. Since that time, the little publisher that could has grown into the leading publisher that does. The company has become the industry leader in books based on film, television, video games, and more, with such diverse world-renowned brands as Atari, James Bond, Grumpy Cat, Bob's Burgers and so many more! Dynamite CEO/publisher Nick Barrucci, senior editor Joseph Rybandt, and surprise guests reveal the shape of comics to come!
Need tips on how to market your comic, or have questions about building relationships in the comics industry? This is the panel for you! Sit in on this enlightening roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR. Comics marketing and PR veteran Chip Mosher (comiXology senior director communications) hosts David Hyde (founder, Superfan Promotions), Hunter Gorinson (Valiant director of marketing, communications & digital media), and Hope Nicholson (publisher, Bedside Press) for a wide-ranging discussion.
Greg Spalenka (artist, educator in publishing, film, Sandman, Titan Books) moderates this annual panel discussion on art career sustainability. Learn strategies on how to earn an income from your talent from panelists Todd Lockwood (artist in publishing, gaming, Wizards of the Coast, Tor), J. L. Schnabel (artist/owner of Blood Milk Jewels, arts writer), Daniel M. Davis (artist/designer of Steam Crow, publisher of monster books, art products), Ray Chou and Vincenzo Ferriero (founders of Mythopoeia, Skies of Fire), and Aaron Horkey (fine artist/illustrator, member of arts collective The Vacuum).
Fresh off a dazzling 2015 with breakout books Space Riders, We Can Never Go Home, and Young Terrorists, Black Mask has made a name for itself as the hottest launchpad to debut new talent and as the home for some of the coolest, most provocative comics around. Black Mask co-founder Matt Pizzolo (Young Terrorists, Godkiller) and creators Magdalene Visaggio (Kim & Kim), Matthew Rosenberg (We Can Never Go Home, 4 Kids Walk into a Bank), Tyler Boss (4 Kids Walk into a Bank), Vita Ayala (upcoming Our Work Fills the Pews), Katy Rex (Jade Street Protection Services), and other panelists present a wide-ranging discussion of how new creators and new ideas are changing comics and how you can be a part of it.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 03:34PM Moderator Spiro Skentzos (Grimm) is joined by some of today's biggest TV writer/producers/executives, including Beth Schwartz (Arrow), Terry Matalas (12 Monkeys), Jose Molina (Agent Carter), Karen Horne (NBC) and Jeffrey Bell (Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) discuss navigating the TV spec terrain, including beginner's mistakes, what they look for in a writer, and what it takes for you to write a killer spec that will stand above the crowd. There will be a huge Q&A component, so bring your questions.
Jim Sullos (president, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.), Cathy Wilbanks (archivist, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc.), Anna Kislevitz (head of licensing and merchandising, 41 Entertainment, producer, Tarzan and Jane), Dr. Harry Kloor (Hollywood writer, producer, director), Matthew Rhodes (producer, former president of Bold Films and Mandalay Pictures), and author Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan on Film) discuss upcoming releases featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs's famous literary heroes, including the animated Netflix Original Series Tarzan and Jane, comics, novels, and more based on Tarzan of the Apes, Carson Napier of Venus, and The Land That Time Forgot.
The greatest newspaper strip of all time? Some would call it that. Even if you aren't one of them, you've gotta love the wit and whimsy of Walt Kelly's magnum opus, Pogo, now receiving its first-ever complete reprinting in an Eisner Award-winning series from Fantagraphics Books. Remember this great artist with comics historian Maggie Thompson (Comics Buyer's Guide), film critic Leonard Maltin, historian Michael Barrier, cartoonist Scott Shaw!,Eric Reynolds (co-editor of the Complete Pogo series), and moderator Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer).
A celebration of all the 4-color Star Trek worlds, featuring a look at all past iterations and a chat with many who've chronicled the Enterprise crews' comic book adventures, including Len Wein, Scott Tipton, Mike Johnson, John Van Citters and J. K. Woodward. Moderated by Star Trek editor/supreme commander Sarah Gaydos.
You love comic books, right? Do you love them enough to start your own comics company? Come hear what it takes to make it in comics from publishers who have paved their own path. Trail-blazing comics professionals David Steinberger (comiXology CEO and co-founder), Ross Richie (founder and CEO BOOM! Studios), Dinesh Shamdasani (Valiant entertainment CEO and chief creative officer), Mike Marts (editor-in-chief, AfterShock Comics), Alvin Liu (publisher, Kodansha Advanced Media), Jimmy Palmiotti (co-founder Paperfilms), Joe Glass (Principal, Queer Comix), and Hope Nicholson (publisher, Bedside Press) are primed and ready to give you the info you need to break in and stay in the comics biz.
Trina Robbins (Pretty in Ink), Mary Fleener (Twisted Sister Comics), Anina Bennett (Heartbreakers), and MariNaomi (Turning Japanese)-women of four generations-discuss surprising and often unknown contributions by women in comics from early history, WWII, and underground to trends today. Moderated by Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson (The Major Loomed Like a Superman).
Neville Page (Avatar, Star Trek films, Face Off) and Glenn Hetrick (Hunger Games films, Marvel'sAgents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Face Off) share the latest techniques of design and fabrication as well as their approach to creating a complete character.
An insider's look at the overlapping worlds of comics and professional wrestling, including a historical retrospective and predictions for the future of wrestling comics. Featuring Lucha Underground superstar Chavo Guerrero (Chavo Guerrero's Warrior's Creed), WWE Hall-of-Famer Andre the Giant's daughter Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, and recordbreaking wrestling comics writer Mike Kingston (Headlocked). Hosted by Heidi MacDonald (Comics Beat).
French YA graphic novel creator Mathieu Reynès(Alter Ego, Harmony) and American novelist Matthew J. Kirby (Last Descendants: Assassin's Creed Series) discuss and compare their work, experiences, and readership as seen from the two sides of the Atlantic. Moderated by Brigid Alverson (Publishers Weekly, School Library Journal).
Trivia panel returns! Join the Geek & Sundry Twitch channel crew in a trivia battle with you, the audience! The Geek & Sundry Trivia Game will test your geek culture knowledge (and improv skills) and award you the chance to win some sweet, sweet swag!
Award-winning bestselling authors and actors discuss romance in science fiction, fantasy and horror. Crush, heart throb, or love at first site? Attraction, compatibility, offspring, love, society, (extremely) long-distance relationships, close quarters, customs, rituals, religions, marriage, and more! Featuring Rebekah R. Ganiere (Fairelle Series, president of Fantasy Futuristic & Paranormal RWA Chapter), Juliet Landau (actress, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel), Gigi Edgley (actress, Farscape, Star Trek Continues), Mark O'Bannon (author, The Dream Crystal, Imperium), and Katrina Law (actress, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow). Moderated by James Ganiere (chief editor, Fallen Angel Press, CEO-Rio Vista Universal).
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 14, 05:02PM Jonathan Jacques-Belletête (executive art director, Deus Ex universe) and Samantha Payne and Joel Gibbard (COO and CEO Open Bionics) discuss the collaboration between Eidos-Montréal and Open Bionics to create affordable, functional and fashionable 3D-printed prosthetic arms, inspired by the Deus Ex universe.
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
Meet Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire, Blue Beetle), Jody Houser (Orphan Black), Rhianna Pratchett (Mirror's Edge), and most of the talent behind the Attack on Titan Anthology, the ambitious collaboration between the biggest manga hit of the decade and an all-star roster of comics creators, including Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Phil Jimenez, Michael Avon Oeming, Faith Erin Hicks, and others. New art from the anthology will be revealed, along with a look at new comics from one of America's biggest manga publishers, and lots of free books and exclusive promo items.
Saturday July 23, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
Twenty-five years after the first black-and-white issue of the self-published comic book Bone appeared on comic shop shelves, and over a decade since the concluding chapter, comes a new (and completely superfluous) adventure featuring the Bone cousins in Bone Coda!Jeff Smith discusses the 25th Anniversary of Bone, followed by a reading of the new tale.
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
Diamond Select Toys president Chuck Terceira and prototype painter Brian Felgar discuss what's coming up for the long-running 2-inch toy line, including Aliens, Predator, and Doctor Strange. Marketing supervisor Zach Oat moderates.
Renowned literary graphic novel publisher Drawn & Quarterly spent 2015 feting 25 years of publishing the world's greatest cartoonists. Hillary Chute (editor of Outside the Box: Interviews with Contemporary Cartoonists) leads a conversation with publisher Peggy Burns and a wide-ranging, groundbreaking group of D+Q cartoonists who define the D+Q aesthetic of quality: Lynda Barry (The! Greatest! Of! Marlys!, Syllabus), Kate Beaton (Step Aside, Pops, Hark! A Vagrant), Chester Brown (Mary Wept Over the Feet of Jesus, Paying for It), and Lisa Hanawalt (Hot Dog Taste Test, My Dirty Dumb Eyes).
An effective musical score is a vital component of storytelling and invites the audience to immerse themselves in a fictional narrative. From the blank page to the orchestral stage, composer Bear McCreary explores the creative process of crafting musical worlds on projects such as The Walking Dead, 10 Cloverfield Lane, Battlestar Galactica, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and more.
Valiant Entertainment continues to be one of the biggest surprise successes in comics history, rising from the ashes in 2012 and generating some of the industry's smartest, most action-packed superhero stories. Valiant creators Jody Houser (Faith), Robert Venditti (X-O Manowar, Wrath of the Eternal Warrior), B. Clay Moore (Savage), and Joshua Dysart (Imperium) describe how they construct the Valiant universe, moderated by Vulture's Abraham Riesman (associate editor).
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 03:16PM Lewis Smith (Perfect Tommy), Billy Vera (Pinky Carruthers), Damon Hines (Scooter Lindley), Gerald Peterson (Rug Sucker) and Pepe Serna (Reno Nevada) discuss their experiences making this cult classic, their participation in the upcoming Shout Factory special edition Blu-ray, and their potential involvement in the new Banzai television series being spearheaded by Kevin Smith. Moderated by Joe Parrington (publicist, Raining Hollywood Publicity).
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 09:14AM Following the international success of Jinnrise (due for release as a 2018 animated television series from m4e), Jabal Entertainment's CEO Sohaib Awan details the development of its latest project: Blades of Hope. Chris Ryall (editor-in-chief, IDW Publishing), Ron Corcillo (LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures), Russ Carney (Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Siya Oum (creator of Aspen's comics' Lola XOXO), and Maryam Awan (Blades of Hope) discuss how properties like Blades of Hope overcome roadblocks and stereotypes to become true transmedia brands. The Blades of Hope journey/movement is once again proving that gender specificity does not define heroism in comics or the real world.
It is a golden age to be a geek, with a new Star Wars movie every year, multiple Marvel movies, the cinematic DC Comics Justice League forming, and more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-not to mention all of the TV projects like The Walking Dead, The Flash, Powers, and Arrow! With those projects come toys and collectibles! Learn how these companies are handing production and security for some of the biggest licenses of all time, how retailers are stocking them, and where collectors are going to put this avalanche of awesome new stuff! Panelists include Steven Anne (category manager, toys/licensing at Walgreens), Kevin Kiniry (vice president, creative services at DC Entertainment), Scott Neitlich (VP of marketing, Jada Toys), and Andy Otchiltree (senior manager, Global Brand Marketing, Star Wars at Hasbro).
Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling a "comic book come to life." That is not far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan, antiheroes such as "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and villains like Ric Flair, panelists from both worlds will explore the parallels that exist in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms of popular art. Featuring Rik Offenberger (First Comics News), Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins), Scott Lost (The 2nd Shift), Eburonson (The 2nd Shift), Michael Kingston (Headlocked), Jonathan Bowles (WrassleRoos), and Flobo Boyce (Silver Streek). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (Red Guerrilla Media)
The Winner Twins, Brittany and Brianna, multiple award-winning and national bestselling science fiction authors, as well as award-winning writing teachers, are best known for their popular Strand series and The Write Path series. They will teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer's block to the different paths to publishing. The twins have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. They will be joined by Graeme Manson (co-creator, executive producer, and showrunner of Orphan Black), Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo/Tom Zarek of Battlestar Galactica, author of the bestselling Battlestar Galactica book series), and Stephen Glickman (comedy writer, producer, star of Big Time Rush, Workaholics) and special guests to share their war stories, answer your questions, and teach you how to craft your story idea into a marketable novel, television series, or film franchise.
Add some "color" to your Comic-Con! Coloring books are all the rage right now, but why? The talented creators of some of the best new adult coloring and activity booksdiscuss the popularity of the form, their pop culture influences, and how to color in and outside the lines. Panelists include Camilla d'Errico (Pop Manga Coloring Book), Brandon Bird (Brandon Bird's Astonishing World of Art), Jamie Loftus (Adult Coloring Book of Adulthood), and Kenny Keil (Stay at Home Scarface, MAD Magazine).Moderated by Amanda Meadows (The Devastator). Everyone who attends gets free coloring pages!
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Capcom's Dead Rising franchise with a discussion about the recent release of Dead Rising: Endgame from Crackle and Legendary Digital Media. Stars Jesse Metcalfe, Marie Avgeropoulos, Jessica Harmon, and Keegan Connor Tracy will join in a panel discussion, along with director Pat Williams, co-writer and producer Tim Carter, and executive producer Tomas Harlan.Got Zombrex?
The creators of the popular Disney Kingdoms imprint by Marvel discuss what makes this collaborative relationship of theme park storytelling in comic books so much fun. Expect anecdotes on the development of previous titles as well as a glimpse at what is next to come.
Saturday night's impressive costuming event is reviewed by the Masquerade crew, audience questions are answered, and a big-screen video of all the costume entries is presented for those who missed the show, those who were in it, and those who simply want a second look at this year's fun fan event. Entrants can also pick up any of their materials left over from the show. Featuring Martin Jaquish (Comic-Con/WonderCon Masquerade coordinator), John Ruff (Masquerade assistant coordinator), Ian Branson (Masquerade technical assistant).
