Programming – Comic-Con Geek (2025)

Friday, March 29

35th Anniversary: Battlestar
Host Richard Hatch (Capt. Apollo, Tom Zarek), Kevin Grazier (science advisor, Battlestar, Caprica, Defiance), Michael Taylor (writer/producer, Battlestar, Defiance, Caprica), and special surprise guests discuss the 35-year history of Battlestar Galactica. Includes Q&A and special 35th BSG trailer presentation screening.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 300DE

Avatar: The Search for Zuko’s Mom
Dark Horse’s growing line of books following up on the original Nickelodeon hit animated series Avatar: The Last Airbender have been a bona fide hit! Working directly with the show’s creators, Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints) stepped in to pen the first three-book series, The Promise, to universal acclaim. Now, Yang tackles the events directly following Avatar: The Last Airbender book three in The Search. Dark Horse PR director Jeremy Atkins joins writer Gene Yang for an exclusive look at what’s to come in what is sure to be one of the year’s most talked about series!
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 208

Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Comics in Higher Education: Teaching, Publishing, and Staying Relevant
Hannah Means-Shannon (Georgian Court University), Robert Weiner (Texas Tech University), and Christina Angel (Metropolitan State University of Denver) examine the teaching of comic books in the classroom and the variety of opportunities for publishing in comics studies, including journals, forums, blogs, and social media. The group contemplates the future of comic studies for educators, librarians, and scholars of many kinds.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 210BCD

Spotlight on Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell
Where do ideas come from? Special guests and legendary fantasy illustrators Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell offer a look at their sources of inspiration and the way they develop their ideas.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 203

The Latino Comics Roundtable
Featuring cartoonists Jose Cabrera (Crying Macho Man), Javier Hernandez (El Muerto), Rafael Navarro (Sonambulo), and Grasiela Rodriguez (Lunatic Fringe). Influenced in part from their Latino heritage as well as other significant sources, this group of independent artists share their perspectives on making comics in a multicultural society. Moderated by Ricardo Padilla (co-founder of the Latino Comics Expo).
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 213

DC Entertainment: All Access
A lot can happen in a year! Come by for unfiltered access to DC creators as they talk all things DCE! Find out what they have to share from behind the scenes at your favorite and most talked about comic publisher! Joining the All-Access party will be some of the industry’s top talents.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 300AB

Warner Archives Collection Presents Pulp Heroes of Film and TV: Tarzan, Doc Savage, Bomba, and More
Many timeless, larger-than-life heroes can be traced to the brittle pages of pulp magazines. Some swung from jungle vines, others created lonely fortresses in the polar ice, and still others performed unmatched feats of physical prowess and mental agility. Many of these heroes have leaped from the page to screens both large and small to invade our dreams and inspire our lives. Join Ron Ely (Tarzan, Doc Savage: Man of Bronze) the Warner Archive Collection team along with special guests to learn about the stories behind the stories of rare pulp-inspired television and film releases, including Tarzan, Doc Savage, Bomba, and more.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 207

Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Comics & Journalism
Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) explores the history of journalist characters in comic book stories and why so many news folk date, harangue, or are themselves superheroes. Dr. Sarah Boslaugh (Kennesaw State University) describes a history of comics journalism in the real world and offers a prediction for its future. Joining them are comics journalists Alan Kistler (Comic Book Resources), Tony B. Kim (Babble On 5), Molly Mahan (Geekscape.net), and Michael Worthan (Comic Book Therapy) to set these professors straight on the reality of it all.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 210BCD

Geek & Sundry Panel of Awesome
Geek & Sundry executive producers Felicia Day (The Guild, Supernatural, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog) and Sheri Bryant (TableTop, Rock Jocks, Labou) invite you to celebrate the best thing that’s happened to the Internet since ever, your favorite YouTube channel, Geek & Sundry. If you’re a fan of The Guild, TableTop, Written by a Kid, or any of the other awesome shows on G&S, bring your friends and share your love for all things geek and sundry.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 300DE

Insights into Indie Publishing
Despite the comics industry’s ever-changing media, two constants remain: telling a good story and doing so in a fresh way. The Antidote Trust, America’s #1 indie collective, is on hand to share creative, production, and marketing tips. This year’s panelists are Geoff Thorne (writer, Leverage, Ben 10, and DHP’s Journeymen), published novelist Melissa Jarvis (Book Strand), BuyIndieComics.com and DWAP Productions creator Dale Wilson, Casey Kehoe (Crack Dog comics creator and short film director), Dani Dixon (entrepreneur/creator of Tumble Creek Press), and comics creator and winner of the inaugural “Glyph” Rising Star Award Robert Roach.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 203

Spotlight on Marjorie Liu
Novelist, attorney, and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Marjorie Liu has established herself as a cross-genre writer – from paranormal romance, to urban fantasy, to comic books – including her latest run on Astonishing X-Men for Marvel Comics. Join her for a rare Q&A session!
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 208

The 14th Annual Animation Show of Shows
Ron Diamond (Program curator, President of Acme Filmworks and AWN.com) presents the best and newest in international animation. Included is Disney’s Oscar winning Paperman along with 10 animated shorts culled from the most notable festivals from around the world. Shows annually at Pixar, Dreamworks, Disney, ILM, Blue Sky, Sony, EA, UCLA, SVA, USC, SCAD, NYU, RISD, Harvard and CalArts.
1:30pm – 3:00pm — Arena

The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars
Boldly go where no one has gone before and explore a galaxy far, far away! Psychologists Dr. Andrea Letamendi (UCLA) and Dr. Ali Mattu (NYU) are joined by writers Hugh Sterbakov (Robot Chicken, City Under the Moon) and Larry “Dr. Trek” Nemecek (The Con of Wrath, Trekland: On Speaker) for an epic sci-fi battle as they throw down the science behind the heroes, villains, galactic governments, and even the fandom of Star Trek and Star Wars. Join a side and cast your vote as we crown one the winner of WonderCon Anaheim! Refereed by Brian Ward (Shout! Factory).
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 213

Quick Draw!
It’s another duel-to-the-drawing-boards competition as three of the fastest, funniest cartoonists working today vie for the nonexistent crown. They are Scott Shaw! (The Simpsons), Jeff Smith (Bone), and Bobby London (Dirty Duck), with some surprise participants as well. Ring-leading it all as always is the Quizzzzmaster of Quick Draw!, Mark Evanier. No wagering.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 300AB

The Disney/ABC’s of TV Writing: Through the Looking Glass of the TV Writers Room
What actually happens in the TV writers room is shrouded in secrecy, but Disney/ABC’s Writing Program will demystify what goes on behind the doors of your favorite TV shows. The program’s Frank Bennett Gonzalez and Ollie Ashtari-Larki will share exclusive details on how they groom writers to be part of that world. Declassifying what goes on in the writers room are alumni Jane Espenson (ABC’s Once Upon a Time, Battlestar Galactica, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Samantha Humphrey (ABC’s Body of Proof), and Silvia Cardenas Olivas (Disney Channel’s Jesse) and current program participants Severiano Canales (Private Practice) and Kristine Huntley (Legend of the Seeker). Essential creative and business presentation tips abound. Sorcerer’s hat and pixie dust not necessary. Moderated by Ken Choy (Hyphen magazine).
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 207

Comics Arts Conference Session #3: Truth, Reality, and Empathy in Comics
Can comic books and graphic novels help us understand the world in richer and more complete ways? Sarah Boslaugh (Kennesaw State University) discusses the roots and development of comics journalism, focusing on how this graphic medium complements both reporting and the growth of Internet journalism. Nicole Rehnberg (California State University, Fullerton) focuses on how the graphic memoirs Persepolis and Maus provide new viewpoints for understanding conflict in the Middle East and the horror of the Holocaust. Molly Hall (University of New Hampshire) shows how graphic novels can be serious literature and points out the potential benefits of using them in a humane literary studies curriculum.
2:30pm – 4:00pm — Room 210BCD

I Can’t Write, I Can’t Draw, But I Love Comics!
SDCC’s annual jobs panel returns to WonderCon Anaheim. Just because you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Panelists include animation/motion capture supervisor Derron Ross (Blur Studio), Nerdist Industries co-founder Peter Levin, voice-over actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama), and previs wiz Chris Edwards (The Third Floor). They’ll discuss their gigs and ways into the biz you many not have even considered. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company).
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 208

Star Trek: Into High Definition
Brannon Braga (Star Trek: Enterprise creator and executive producer), Mike and Denise Okuda (project consultants), and Roger Lay, Jr. (producer/director, Blu-ray) follow up on their standing-room-only Comic-Con International 2012 panel by sharing insider information, offering special previews, and answering any and all questions about Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Enterprise on Blu-ray in 2013. As March marks the Blu-ray debut of the first season of Star Trek: Enterprise, and April will see both Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s breakthrough third season and The Best of Both Worlds movie event in high definition, Star Trek on home video has never been more exciting! Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett (director of Free Enterprise and producer of Star Trek Blu-ray special features).
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 300DE

The Creator’s Role in the Future of Comics Publishing
Jimmy Palmiotti (writer, All Star Western, Painkiller Jane), Kraig Rasmussen (creator, monkeygong.com), moderator Chris Brandt (director/producer, The Independents), and other panelists discuss the fast-changing landscape of publishing, focusing on the increasing resources, visibility, and power of the individual creator.
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 213

The Most Dangerous Women at WonderCon Anaheim!
Actresses, stuntwomen, storytellers, outspoken bloggers, creative cosplayers — which women are the movers and shakers on the convention scene? Who are the innovators and game changers breaking barriers in the world of fandom? Is the convention experience really different for women? To discuss these issues, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (Fanhattan, MTV Geek) brings together some women dangerous in their own right: Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan), Emma Caulfield (Essnemma on My Damn Channel), Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (Batgirl’s therapist), Jessica Merizan (BioWare), Luci Romberg (Ninja Warrior), Dana Braziel-Solovy (Adventures of a Comic Con Girl), and America Young (Stan Lee’s World of Heroes).
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 203

Exclusive Warner Bros. Television Screenings
For the fourth straight year, Warner Bros. Television kicks off WonderCon with preview screenings of fan-favorite series. For 2013, WBTV will unveil the world premiere of new, previously unaired episodes of the first-year hit dramas Revolution, from creator Eric Kripke (Supernatural) and J. J. Abrams’s Bad Robot Productions (Fringe, Lost); Arrow, from executive producers Greg Berlanti (Golden Boy), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe); and The Following, from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) and executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries); in addition to the never-before-seen series premiere episode of Warner Bros. Animation’s new Teen Titans Go!

• Revolution — In this epic adventure from J. J. Abrams’s Bad Robot Productions and Supernatural‘s Eric Kripke, a family struggles in an American landscape where every piece of technology-computers, planes, cars, phones, even lights-has mysteriously blacked out forever. A drama with sweeping scope and intimate focus, Revolution is a swashbuckling journey of hope and rebirth seen through the eyes of one strong-willed young woman, Charlie Matheson (Being Human‘s Tracy Spiridakos) and her brother, Danny (Graham Rogers). When Danny is kidnapped by militia leaders for a darker purpose, Charlie reconnects with her estranged uncle, Miles (Twilight‘s Billy Burke), a former U.S. Marine living a reclusive life. Together with a rogue band of survivors, they set out to rescue Danny, overthrow the militia, and ultimately reestablish the United States of America. All the while, they explore the enduring mystery of why the power failed and if-or how-it will ever return. The series also stars Giancarlo Esposito, Zak Orth, David Lyons, Daniella Alonso, JD Pardo, Tim Guinee, and Elizabeth Mitchell. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises, and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
• Arrow — The CW’s most-watched series premiere since The Vampire Diaries in 2009, Arrow stars Stephen Amell as billionaire Oliver Queen, who, after being marooned for five years on a remote island, returns home with a mysterious agenda and lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. Reinventing the DC Comics character for a modern-day audience, the Arrow is not a superhero…but a hero, every bit as dangerous as the criminals he’s hunting. This hard-hitting action series also stars Katie Cassidy, Colin Donnell, David Ramsey, and Willa Holland, with Susanna Thompson and Paul Blackthorne. Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, and Andrew Kreisberg are executive producers of the series, based on characters appearing in comic books and graphic novels published by DC Comics. Arrow is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television and airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
• The Following — Golden Globe winner and Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon stars in this terrifying new psychological thriller from creator/executive producer Kevin Williamson (Scream) and executive producer Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries). In The Following, Bacon plays psychologically scarred ex-FBI agent Ryan Hardy, who’s drawn back into an ever-growing web of murder and madness masterminded by serial killer Joe Carroll (James Purefoy, Rome), who brought an end to Hardy’s career years before. In addition to Bacon and Purefoy, The Following also stars Natalie Zea, Annie Parisse, Shawn Ashmore, Valorie Curry, Adan Canto, Nico Tortorella, and Kyle Catlett. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The Following airs Mondays at 9/8c on FOX.
• Teen Titans Go! — The Teen Titans are returning to Cartoon Network with all-new comedic adventures, and this time they’re giving viewers a look at what life is really like as a teen super hero…once the cape comes off. Inspired by the original Teen Titans series from Warner Bros. Animation that ran for five seasons, the character-driven comedy focuses on the funny that happens in between saving the world and living together as teenagers without adult supervision. The comedic mayhem of the animated series is punctuated by pranks and the occasional need to fight crime, but it will also deal with the everyday issues of adolescence. With epic staring contests to decide who does the laundry, a series of quests and battles to construct the perfect sandwich or fighting crime in Jump City, one thing is for sure: These Titans will always be ready for an adventure — inside the house and out. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! features the principal voice cast from the original series — Greg Cipes, Scott Menville, Tara Strong, Hynden Walch and Khary Payton — with Sam Register (MAD, Teen Titans, Batman: The Brave and The Bold) serving as executive producer and Michael Jelenic (ThunderCats) and Aaron Horvath (MAD) serving as producers. Teen Titans Go! will premiere on Cartoon Network in April.

3:00pm – 6:00pm — Arena

Iconic Characters: Keeping True to Origins While Creating New Stories
We all have our favorite characters, and while we love their rich history, we also love the new storylines that keep us coming back for more! Learn from those who do it best how they keep iconic characters rooted in the past but always heading towards the future. Panelists Ann Nocenti (Catwoman, Daredevil), Frank Cho (The Hulk, Savage Wolverine), J. M. De Matteis (Spider-Man, Captain America), Doug Mahnke (Green Lantern, JLA), and Dan Slott (Superior Spider-Man, Mighty Avengers) are moderated by Mark Waid (Thrillbent).
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 300AB

Tales of Xillia
Hideo Baba (producer for Tales of series, Namco Bandai Studios) discusses the 15th anniversary of the Tales of series, including the upcoming Western release of Tales of Xillia. Join Baba-san as he talks about all things Tales of in a fun and interactive hour with plenty of surprises.
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 207

Breaking into Comics
Are you an aspiring comic book writer or artist? Then we’ve got the panel for you! Join BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and other comic book professionals as they give you practical advice on how to make your comic book dreams come true.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 203

Comic Pitch Review
For attendees (writers or artists) of the Comic Creator Connection… Before you give your pitch to twenty strangers, use this opportunity to practice your presentation and get some free coaching from a pro. Sit one-on-one with Douglas Neff (host of the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types) for a personalized crash course in pitching your work. Note that all reviews will occur on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be accommodated as time allows.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 206B

How to Get News Coverage
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 just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for in your submission. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Albert Ching (Newsarama), Alan Kistler (Comic Mix, CBR), Blair Marnell (CraveOnline), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), Kiel Phegley (CBR), and Tanya Tate (First Comics News). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic project.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 213

James Robinson
Join James Robinson, writer of Starman and current DC hit comic Earth 2, for an informal Q&A on his life and career in comics and films. Ask him whatever you want, and he’ll answer it if he can. He promises to not take himself too seriously, so come and have some fun with the guy; he genuinely looks forward to seeing you there.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 208

MTV Geek
Get the latest from MTV Comics/Geek.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 300DE

Art Masters: Drawing DC
What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Join DC Comics artists for a unique peek into their visual approach in shaping DC Comics!
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 210BCD

GEEK Magazine Star Trek Summit LIVE
Get ready to boldly go as our panel of ultimate Treksperts discuss the past, present, and future of the Star Trek franchise as it goes Into Darkness, live and in person, based on the bestselling cover story in GEEK magazine. Featuring writer/producer Brannon Braga (Star Trek: First Contact, Star Trek: Enterprise, Terra Nova), Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry, Jr. (Roddenberry.com, son of legendary Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry), Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood chief film critic), Jeff Bond (executive editor, GEEK, The Music of Star Trek), and Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales).
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 207

A Story Is a Story: Storytelling Across Diverse Formats
Storytellers Jane Espenson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Once Upon a Time), Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars), Amber Benson (The Golden Age of Death), and Ashley Edward Miller (Colin Fischer) discuss storytelling from the oral tradition to novels to screenwriting to comics with moderator LeAnna Herrera of Mysterious Galaxy bookstore.
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 300DE

How to Build Your Own R2
Do you want to know what it takes to build your own Star Wars droid? Southern California R2 builders Chris Romines, Michael McMaster, and William Miyamoto, builder Godfather Mike Senna, and builder/moderator Victor Franco discuss how their robots were built and how they work. Topics include materials, blueprints, building techniques, tools, and the electronics used to bring R2 to life. Special guest Don Post is scheduled to join the group for part of the panel discussion. Hear Don talk about his involvement in producing the licensed replica R2-D2, along with other props and costume pieces.
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 213

Spotlight on Brent Anderson
He’s been one of the brightest lights in comic art since he burst on the scene with Ka-Zar the Savage, Somerset Holmes, Strikeforce: Morituri, and the X-Men graphic novel God Loves, Man Kills. More recently you know him from Kurt Busiek’s Astro City and other popular comics. He’s WonderCon Anaheim special guest Brent Anderson, and here’s your chance to hear him interviewed about his life and career by Mark Evanier.
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 203

Terry Moore
Join fan favorite Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo, Rachel Rising) as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of Strangers in Paradise! Learn where Rachel Rising is heading this year and what Terry has up his sleeve for the future. Bring those burning questions you’ve never been able to ask and finally get your answers!
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 208

Batman: Zero Year with Scott Snyder
Join us for an in-depth look at the upcoming Batman: Zero Year from fan favorite Scott Snyder!
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 207

Comic Creator Connection #1
WonderCon Anaheim’s Comic Creator Connection is an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here’s how it works: in two 2-hour sessions — on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM — writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. (Please note: Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC took place online before WonderCon Anaheim. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 206B on the second level between 4:30 and 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.)
5:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 206B

Let’s Make Comics!
Javier Hernandez (Los Comex) presents his popular comic book workshop for kids. Participants will create a one-page comic, using an interactive storytelling exercise where everyone can join in the creation of the story. You don’t have to be a great artist to make comics, just have a desire to tell stories with words and pictures! Paper and pencils will be provided.
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 210BCD

Regular Show
Check out the not-so-regular Regular Show panel at WonderCon Anaheim! Join the always-entertaining Regular Show crew and celebrate 100 episodes of the Emmy Award-winning Cartoon Network series! Also, get the scoop on the panelists’ favorite episodes, and check out a special sneak peek of Regular Show‘s April Fool’s Day episode. So get a move on and find out what’s up with everyone’s favorite slackers, Mordecai and Rigby!
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 300AB

How to Get a Job in the Video Game Industry
Francis Mao (Capcom senior director, creative services) leads a panel of insiders from a variety of game companies and industry outlets to share with you how they got to “play video games for a living,” and the wide assortment of career paths that are available. You don’t have to be a programming whiz or a stellar digital artist to have a fun career in the video game industry. Hear about job opportunities available in areas such as marketing, public relations, retail, design, publishing, editorial, and more! There will be a Q&A session plus an opportunity to speak and network one-on-one with the panelists after the session.
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 300DE

IDW: Spotlight on Artist’s Editions!
The IDW Artist’s Edition Panel this year will include several announcements of upcoming books, including one with a surprise guest star in attendance! Senior editor Scott Dunbier will be on hand to talk about all things Artist’s Edition-related and will have several cool prizes for lucky attendees-Hoo hah!
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 208

Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101
Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about doing PR? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for your comics. ComiXology marketing and PR maven Chip Mosher is joined by Dark Horse’s director of PR Jeremy Atkins, IDW Publishing’s VP of marketing Dirk Wood, and Archaia’s marketing manager Mel Caylo for a wide-ranging discussion you will not want to miss!
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 203

Science in Science Fiction
Kyle Kurpinski and Terry Johnson (How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution) discuss the scientific breakthroughs that inspire science fiction and the ways that science is depicted in popular media, books, movies, and more. After a brief presentation, these bioengineers will be available to answer your questions in a Q&A session.
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 213

Acting/Role-Playing
Richard Hatch (actor, writer, teacher) will share cutting-edge acting and role-playing techniques that will take your game, performance, and art to the next level. Includes a lecture, exercises, and practical acting and role-playing applications. For actors, role-players, or anyone interested in learning the art and craft of powerful acting and dynamic and entertaining character development.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 210BCD

Awfully Big Adventures: Storytellers Who Find One Medium Too Small
Movies are based on comics, comics are based on TV shows, TV shows are based on movies. These days the lines between genres are blurring, and sci-fi and fantasy weaves throughout multiple formats. Panelists Amanda Conner (Power Girl, Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Ann Nocenti (Catwoman, Katana), Gale Ann Hurd (Terminator, Aliens), Jane Espenson (Firefly, Once Upon a Time), and Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men, Hunter Kiss series) discuss with moderator Geoff Boucher (Cape Town) how they work across formats, gain inspiration from everywhere, and still manage to tell fresh and exciting stories.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 207

Femme Fatales: The Hit TV Show Comes Home
Behind the scenes of the hit TV series that Beyond Online calls “a truly enjoyable show” and Entertainment Weekly hails as “a badass chick anthology series” inspired by pulp fiction, film noir, and graphic novels. Celebrating the bestselling release of the first season on DVD from eOne Home Video with some special giveaways, upcoming previews and behind the scenes footage are first season favorites Dean Haglund (The X-Files), Reggie Hayes (Girlfriends), and stunning femmes fatales Nikki Griffin (Dukes of Hazzard, Fast & The Furious III), Madison Dylan (Robot Chicken), Catherine Annette, and Tiffany Brouwer, joined by series creators Mark A. Altman (Castle, DOA: Dead or Alive) and Steve Kriozere (NCIS, V.I.P.).
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 300AB

World Premiere of Superman: Unbound
A destructive force is devastating planets across the galaxy-with Earth next in its sights-and even Superman may not be capable of halting the destruction alone in Superman: Unbound. Based on the Geoff Johns/Gary Frank 2008 release Superman: Brainiac, the film’s stellar voice cast is led by Matt Bomer (White Collar) as Superman, John Noble (Fringe, The Lord of the Rings films) as Brainiac, Stana Katic (Castle) as Lois Lane, and Molly Quinn (Castle) as Supergirl. Supervising producer James Tucker (Justice League, Batman: The Brave and the Bold) also directs the film from a script by Bob Goodman (Warehouse 13, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) is dialogue director. Witness the world premiere of the latest DC Universe Animated Original Movie, and stay for a lively panel discussion featuring filmmakers and voice talent alike…as well as exclusive prizes and some potential glimpses into future DCU animated films by moderator Gary Miereanu. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Superman: Unbound will be released on Blu-ray, DVD, OnDemand, and For Download on May 7.
6:00pm – 8:00pm — Arena

30 Years of Jayson
Jayson cartoons have entertained generations of readers by taking a lighthearted look at gay life in the big city. Title character Jayson Callowhill doesn’t want much-just a job and a man worth having. That’s what he left Farmville and moved to Philadelphia to find. But like many of us, he’s still searching. On Christmas Day in 1982, Jeff Krell created Jayson, which has graced the pages of the Philadelphia Gay News, Gay Comix, Meatmen, and a series of graphic novels, including Jayson Goes to Hollywood (2008) and Jayson Gets a Job (2012). Jayson has even starred in an off-Broadway musical (1998) and in an upcoming animated short that will be previewed at WonderCon Anaheim. Celebrate 30 years of Jayson with creator Jeff Krell moderating a talented panel that includes the voice of Jayson, Matt Crabtree (Failing Upwards), voice of Robyn, Dino Andrade (Arkham Asylum), and lead animator Andrew Guiyangco. Presented in collaboration with Prism Comics. Coupons for free copies of Jayson graphic novels will be given out at panel (while supplies last).
6:30pm – 7:30pm — Room 203

Netflix’s Hemlock Grove
From executive producer Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) and based on Brian McGreevy‘s novel of the same name, Netflix’s Hemlock Grove is a riveting one-hour murder mystery series that revolves around the residents of a former Pennsylvania steel town. When 17-year-old Brooke Bluebell is brutally murdered, any of Hemlock’s peculiar inhabitants-or killer creatures-could be suspects. Through the investigation, the town’s seamier side is exposed, revealing nothing is what it seems. Beautiful, terrifying, and graphic, Hemlock Grove is unlike anything else in its genre. Appearing are executive producers Roth, McGreevy, and Lee Shipman and cast members Famke Janssen (X-Men), Dougray Scott (Mission Impossible II), Bill Skarsgård (Anna Karenina), Landon Liboiron (Terra Nova), Penelope Mitchell, Freya Tingley, Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica), and Kandyse McClure (Battlestar Galactica).
6:30pm – 7:30pm — Room 300DE

Not Guilty by Reason of Zombification? Law and Forensic Psychiatry After the Zombie Apocalypse
During a “zombie apocalypse,” humans play by a new set of rules — or no rules at all. Zombies kill humans, humans hunt zombies, and humans murder other humans — with no legal repercussions. But suppose the zombie apocalypse ended after eradication of the zombies or the discovery of a cure that rejoined the dead with the living. When society’s laws are restored, what would happen if humans, zombies, and former zombies alike stood trial for their actions? Would any of them be found guilty, or would the circumstances of the apocalypse excuse crimes like theft, breaking and entering, misuse of a corpse, murder, and cannibalism? What legal defenses might apply? Join the forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., and the lawyers of Law and the Multiverse, James Daily, J.D. and Ryan Davidson, J.D. (The Law of Superheroes) as they examine the legal issues faced by a post-zombie-apocalyptic world. In a mock trial, the lawyers will be the prosecution and defense, the doctors will be the expert witnesses, and you will be the jury. Will the walking dead be found guilty, or will they walk free?
6:30pm – 8:00pm — Room 213

Star Trek Enterprise Bridge Restoration and Sci-Fi Museum
Join Huston Huddleston, Brian Uiga, and the original designers from Star Trek TNG, DS9 and Voyager, as they discuss the rescue and restoration of the Enterprise Bridge set from Star Trek: The Next Generation, and how they rescued it from destruction. Rare videos, photos, Q&A, and updates on their creation of the world’s first Interactive, Educational Sci-Fi Museum!
6:30pm – 7:30pm — Room 208

BBC America’s Doctor Who and Orphan Black Screening
Join BBC America for an exclusive Supernatural Saturday screening of Doctor Who and Orphan Black. BBC America’s new Supernatural Saturday lineup launches Saturday, March 30 with Doctor Who at 8/7c, Orphan Black at 9/8c, and The Nerdist at 10/9c. Doctor Who will kick off the screening with Steven Moffat’s new episode “The Bells of St. John,” the first of eight epic new episodes starring Matt Smith and his new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman. Then, catch the premiere episode of BBC America’s new original series Orphan Black. Tatiana Maslany portrays Sarah, an orphan and outsider whose life changes dramatically after witnessing the suicide of a woman who looks just like her. She takes her identity, her boyfriend, and her bank account. But instead of solving her problems, the street-smart chameleon is thrust headlong into a deadly conspiracy. Please note: Doctor Who is TV-PG and Orphan Black is TV-MA.
7:00pm – 9:00pm — Room 300AB

Mark Waid’s Thrillbent Comics
In 2012, Thrillbent.com brought you a new way to read digital comics with Insufferable — and now WonderCon Anaheim plays host to the official launch of Thrillbent 2.0! See what’s in store from Eisner and Harvey Award-winning writer Mark Waid as he and his collaborators John Rogers (Leverage), Nate Watson, and others premiere several all-new digital series!
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 210BCD

Saturday, March 30

Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Comics, Queerness, and Identity
From a performance studies perspective, Maria Patrice Amon (University of California, Irvine) argues that cosplaying is the ultimate embodiment of Scott McCloud’s assertion of universal identification with characters through the simplification of the cartoon image. Rooted in contemporary comic and Foucauldian theory, Cameron McKee (University of California, Berkeley) argues that Tom of Finland’s comics were seminal to the emergence of a radical gay identity pre-Stonewall through the AIDS crisis. Christine Ferguson argues that Batman illustrates the superpower of S&M and, in the process of exploring the submissive side of Batman, demonstrates the importance of aftercare, bonding, and how not to call the Commissioner down.
10:30am – 12:00pm — Room 210BCD

Despair with Layman!
A scintillating conversation and Q&A with WonderCon Anaheim special guest John Layman (Chew), where the much-reviled writer, letterer, and ex-editor will discuss his work on Chew, Detective Comics, Mars Attacks, and so very, very much more.
10:30am – 11:30am — Room 213

From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types
Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, professional or fan? And what’s keeping you from getting there? If you’ve been inspired to create something but you’re having trouble bringing it into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the WonderCon Anaheim crowd and back for its seventh year in a row. Douglas Neff (the “Tony Robbins of Geeks”) will give you simple and proven tips for achieving what’s most important to you. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’ll walk away from this workshop with new ideas and useful tools to help you reach your dream.
10:30am – 11:30am — Room 203

Living the Vikings
Join members of the Vikings cast for an inside look at creating the characters for HISTORY’s new scripted series. Catch up with a series recap and get to know the cast during a Q&A session before an exclusive sneak peek at Episode 6.
10:30am – 11:30am — Room 300DE

The Music That Makes You Scream
Ever question why your spine tingles when watching a scary scene? Join film and television composers as they discuss the art of composing for one of the most demanding genres-horror! Tyler Bates (Day of the Dead, Halloween II), Anton Sanko (The Possession, Nurse 3-D), Frederik Wiedmann (Mirrors 2, Hostel III), and Dino Meneghin (Teen Wolf) discuss the process of scoring for screams and how they manage to sleep at night. Moderating are Anne Cecere (BMI’s director of film & TV relations) and White Bear PR founder Chandler Poling. Q&A to follow with special giveaways to attendees.
10:30am – 11:30am — Room 208

Creating Kids’ Comics
Want to know what it takes to make super awesome comics for kids? Come hang out with the guys and girls who are making it happen every day. Panelists include Neo Edmund (Windy Hollows, Jurassic Strike Force 5), Joe LeFavi (Fraggle Rock, editorial director for Jim Henson Co.), Tim Beedle (Muppet Robin Hood, Fraggle Rock), Paul Morrissey (The Incredibles, Mouse Guard), Heather Nuhfer (Fraggle Rock, Strawberry Shortcake), and Barbara Kesel (Night Turtles, My Little Pony).
11:00am – 12:00pm — Room 210A

ShiftyLook: Bravoman
Namco Bandai Games’s ShiftyLook producer and editor-in-chief Rob Pereyda gives an inside look into the world of Bravoman. Find out what’s next for everyone’s favorite stretchy hero and watch an unreleased episode of Bravoman: Super-Unequaled Hero of Excellence! with show stars Rob Paulsen (Animaniacs), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), and Romi Dames (Winx Club); animation director Murray Bain (Artopia); writer Matt Moylan (Lilformers); character designer Dax Gordine (JoGeeTV); theme song composer Randy Rogel (Animaniacs); and score composer Tommy Pedrini (Adventure Time: “Hey Ice King! Why’d You Steal Our Garbage?!”). Afterward, stick around for a zany Q&A-there just might be some big Bravoman announcements, too!
11:00am – 12:00pm — Room 207

The World of Capcom
Capcom returns to WonderCon Anaheim with another stellar lineup of the hottest new video game titles in the coming year! Moderator Francis Mao leads a panel of Capcom’s producers and product managers to share trailers and sneak peeks of all the hot, new upcoming Capcom games featuring Remember Me, Lost Planet 3, Resident Evil: Revelations, Dragons Dogma Dark Arisen, Capcom Arcade Cabinet, Darkstalkers Resurrection, Monster Hunter Ultimate 3, Capcom Arcade Cabinet, and more.
11:00am – 12:00pm — Room 300AB

Archaia Presents: Writing for Comics
Writing a script for a comic book or graphic novel is not unlike writing one for a film or TV show, but there are marked differences. Telling an artist to “go crazy” on a panel isn’t always the best option. What are some of the things aspiring comic book writers should know, and what are some resources they have available to them? Join a lively discussion with Archaia graphic novelists R. J. Ryan (Syndrome, The Joyners in 3D), Chris Northrop (The Reason for Dragons), Saurav Mohapatra (Mumbai Confidential, Devi), Mike Kennedy (Bleedout, Star Wars), and Tom Pinchuk (Hybrid Bastards!) as they talk about their experiences and give their advice on how you can write a really great comic script!
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 208

Inspector Spacetime: The Panel
Travis Richey (Community’s Inspector Spacetime), is joined by the cast and crew of the completely and totally unrelated web series (Untitled Web Series About A Space Traveler Who Can Also Travel Through Time) to discuss the process of bringing the fan-created universe to life. They’ll talk about the making of Season 1 of the web series USA Today called “the Best TV on the Web for 2012”, as well as what’s coming up for The Inspector, including exclusive video. Meet Eric Loya (co-writer, Boyish the Extraordinary), Carrie Keranen (Piper Tate), Brian Giovanni (series composer), and Chaz Maas (associate producer).
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 213

Spotlight on Jim Lee
Join DC Comics co-publisher and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Jim Lee as he discusses his work as an artist on such titles as Justice League and the upcoming new series, Superman Unchained, written by Scott Snyder.
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 300DE

That ’70s Panel
A look at comics in what some call the Bronze Age…a time of massive change within in the industry. What made that era unique from comics that came before and after? Perhaps we’ll learn as Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer) chats with Marv Wolfman (Tomb of Dracula), J. M. DeMatteis (Justice League), Len Wein (Swamp Thing), and Brent Anderson (Astro City).
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 203

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures
Pacific Rim with director Guillermo del Toro and New Line Cinema’s The Conjuring with director James Wan.
11:30am – 12:30pm — Arena

Adventure Time
What could make WonderCon Anaheim 2013 even more wonderful? How about a totally mathematical Adventure Time panel with some behind-the-scenes superstars? Find out what’s in store for our heroes Finn and Jake this season with a peek at how the show comes to life, exclusive clips, and a Q&A with the audience. So come on, grab your friends!
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Room 300AB

Comics Arts Conference Session #5: Comics and Form
Karma Waltonen (University of California, Davis) argues that the form and content of David Mazzucchelli’s masterwork Asterios Polyp are wedded in such a medium-specific way that it resists adaptation completely, and, through the relationship between form and content, it serves as a unique example of the medium. John Rodzvilla (Emerson College) discusses how Wallace Wood’s unpublished handout of “22 panels that always work” has influenced the pacing and layout of comics over the last 30 years in everything from superhero stories to independent graphic novels. Michael J. Muniz (Liberty University) presents a philosophical introspection on the fourth wall as a device to manifest narrative worlds that, when broken, becomes more transparent and even metaphysically malleable to the reader.
12:00pm – 1:30pm — Room 210BCD

Geeking Out with the League of Extraordinary Ladies
Formed by a small but fierce group of girl geek friends, the LxL has grown to be a worldwide community that has fostered countless friendships, created a safe space online, and spawned a thousand geeky discussions. Find out more about the League, meet the founders, and hear great tips on how to connect with fellow geeks in your area. The League of Extraordinary Ladies is dedicated to keeping the Con spirit alive all year round, wherever you are. Hear from representatives (and co-founders) Autumn Massey, Dina Kampmeyer, Emily Heyer, Geek Girl Diva, Jenn Fujikawa, Sarah Kuhn, Stephanie Thorpe and Theresa Wollenstein.
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Room 210A

Kotobukiya Spring Preview 2013
Get an inside look at some of the newest product updates and announcements from Kotobukiya! Have a question? Join in on the Q&A session. Plenty of surprises are in store, including a Lucky Draw prize giveaway.
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Room 207

CBLDF Live Art Jam
Witness amazing live art created before your eyes by the industry’s greatest superstars! WonderCon Anaheim special guest Jim Lee leads an all-star panel of special surprise guests who will make original art on the big screen, giving you a one-of-a-kind glimpse into their creative process, and then have a chance to bid to take their work home. The proceeds from this auction benefit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, which protects the industry’s First Amendment rights. Stop by the CBLDF booth (#909) for your bidder number, then come watch great art happen before your eyes at the CBLDF Live Art Jam!
12:30pm – 2:00pm — Room 203

Digital First Comics
“Digital First” comic releases have electrified fans by breaking print publishing conventions and pushing the boundaries of comic storytelling. Now you can join the major players in the “Digital First” movement — DC’s Hank Kanalz, Thrillbent’s Mark Waid, MonkeyBrain Comics’s Masks and Mobsters writer Joshua Williamson, and ComiXology’s Chip Mosher — to hear all about the future of the medium!
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 213

Falling Skies
The wait is nearly over as TNT’s epic drama Falling Skies returns to continue its extraordinary story about life and survival in the wake of a catastrophic alien invasion. Noah Wyle stars as a college professor who becomes an unlikely resistance leader in this gripping series from DreamWorks Television and executive producer Steven Spielberg. Stars Drew Roy (Secretariat), Sarah Carter (Shark), and Seychelle Gabriel (Weeds) will join executive producer Remi Aubuchon for a Q&A panel. The session will include a never-before-seen sneak peek from the upcoming Season 3 premiere.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 300DE

IDW: The Big Panel
Chief creative officer and editor-in-chief Chris Ryall and VP of marketing Dirk Wood host a cavalcade of IDW creators, past, present, and future! Expect announcements, prizes, Q&A, semi-professional wrestling, and more!
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 208

Trailer Park
See the latest and greatest trailers for upcoming movies.
12:45pm – 1:00pm — Arena

Mainstream Monsters
Join moderator Mark Waid (Thrillbent) as he finds out what enables us as readers to root for “the bad guy.” Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Jane Espenson (Once Upon A Time), Brent Anderson (The Phantom Stranger), Jimmy Palmiotti (All Star Western), and Dan Slott (Superior Spider-Man) share with us their tips and tricks for making us pledge our allegiance to characters that may not always play the role of the hero.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 300AB

The Jedi Path: How to Create a Quality Jedi Costume
Join rebel legion members Alex Bagosy, Jen Bagosy, Lisa Curtis, Christina Amato, Kristin Laughtin, Sam Tilden, and Mike Moland discuss costuming with the Rebel Legion, the “Good Guys” of the Star Wars Costuming universe, hosted by the Jedi Temple of the Silent Sands of Sunrider Base. Members will discuss Rebel costuming, give basic tutorials and hold a Q&A session. The panel will focus on Jedi costuming, but will also briefly discuss other iconic costumes such as Rebel Fleet Troopers, Rebel Pilots and Princess Leia from A New Hope. Come and learn how to costume in the Star Wars Galaxy!
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 210A

TV Writing Room Secrets Revealed: Inside Writing & Producing For Television
Meet the over-caffeinated and over-worked writers and producers who make genre entertainment what it is today and get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of TV’s hottest shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets to getting TV shows made and how to break-in and break-out in a highly competitive broadcast environment, the deep dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writer’s room — and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards! No canned speeches and press releases here, get the straight scoop from television’s most talented writers and producers including Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost), Jesse Alexander (Heroes, Alias, Hannibal), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, Moonlight, Arrow), Ashley E. Miller (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, X-Men: First Class, Fringe), Jose Molina (The Vampire Diaries, Firefly), Steve Kriozere (Femme Fatales, NCIS), Amy Berg (Eureka, Leverage), Steve Melching (The Clone Wars, Transformers: Prime), David Simkins (Grimm, Warehouse 13), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Necessary Roughness). Presented by GEEK Magazine.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 207

Revolution Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Hot on the heels of the hit show’s eagerly anticipated spring return, this panel session featuring stars Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Tracy Spiridakos (Being Human), Zak Orth (Wet Hot American Summer), David Lyons (The Cape), Daniella Alonso (Friday Night Lights) and Tim Guinee (Iron Man movies), as well as co-executive producer David Rambo (V), will tackle burning questions such as Bass’s plans for the expansion of the Monroe Republic, the long-awaited Matheson family reunion and theories on what really happened to cause the blackout. Join these “revolutionaries” as they reveal exclusive information about the remaining episodes of the first season. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution airs Mondays at 10/9c on NBC.
1:15pm – 2:15pm — Arena

Comics Arts Conference Session #6: Focus on Matt Kindt
Harvey Award-winning independent voice and CAC special guest Matt Kindt (Mind Mgmt) discusses his approach to making comics with CAC co-chair Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight). They will discuss Kindt’s use of sequential artistry in his works and the creative process in formulating elements like character and plot as well as the way he draws on his background in book production to design the physical books.
1:30pm – 3:00pm — Room 210BCD

Oddball Comics Live: Sex, Drugs, and Rock ‘n Roll!
Award-winning cartoonist Scott Shaw! (Annoying Orange, Simpsons Comics, Sonic The Hedgehog, Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!, The Flintstones) invades WonderCon Anaheim with an extra-lurid, extra-funny new edition of his popular show featuring “the craziest comic books ever published” — including those notorious “crotch-centric” covers from issues of Superman’s Girlfriend, Lois Lane! Even if you’ve seen some of these comic book covers many times before, when you see them blown up to the size of the side of a barn, you’ll be amazed and delighted at the unbelievably hilarious hidden-in-plain-sight imagery that’s revealed! See why Stan Lee says, “Wow, True Believers, I thought I’d seen it all, but Scott Shaw!’s hysterically hilarious Oddball Comics Live 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!”
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 213

Spotlight on Dean Koontz
#1 New York Times bestselling author and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Dean Koontz (Deeply Odd, on-sale 5/28, and Odd Thomas) shares stories from his life and his work, and takes questions from fans.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 300DE

We Are BOOM!
Founder & CEO Ross Richie, editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, and vice president of publishing & marketing Filip Sablik reintroduce BOOM! Studios to the world of comics. This won’t be your average publisher panel droning on and on through a series of press releases and stale cover images. Find out what makes BOOM! Studios different than every other comic publisher in the market and why 2013 will be a transformative year for us. Come innovate with us.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 208

All Shapes and Sizes Welcome
Join Leah Cevoli (Robot Chicken), Miracle Laurie (Dollhouse), Adrianne Curry (Adrianne Curry’s SuperFans), Helenna Santos Levy (founder, MsInTheBiz.com), Amber Krzys (founder, BodyHeart.com), and Lynn Chen (founder, http://www.theActorsDiet.com) as these outspoken actresses, models, writers, and entrepreneurs will share openly their own journey with body image, eating disorders, and the road to recovery and self-love. The panel will discuss healthy lifestyles and acceptance for women of all shapes and sizes in the entertainment industry, while inspiring others to get out there and live their best life. Moderated by Leah Cevoli.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 210A

Spotlight on Steranko
Wonder-Con Anaheim special guest, Steranko, the Hall of Fame writer/illustrator/filmmaker/escape artist, presents a provocative forum featuring his work on Captain America, X-Men, S.H.I.E.L.D., The Shadow, Indiana Jones and more, including a new series of Batman covers and his groundbreaking graphic novel Red Tide, Acclaimed author and agent of Steranko, J. David Spurlock moderates and promises to reveal a new storm of secrets from the Steranko bag of tricks.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 203

The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys
From Comics to Music and Back Again!-Without a doubt, one of the most anticipated comics of the year is The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys from Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, and Becky Cloonan. Originally announced in 2009, this comic series became the inspiration for My Chemical Romance’s album of the same name. Now, the three conclude the storyline of Battery City’s Killjoys in an all-new six issue series, launching in June! Join Dark Horse PR director Jeremy Atkins and Gerard Way himself for a rare glimpse at the upcoming series!
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 300AB

Writing Animation 101
Learn the ins and outs and secrets of writing animation for today’s television and Internet market. Craig Miller (Beast Wars, Curious George) will lead a group of other working writers and producers including Nicole Dubuc (Young Justice, Transformers: Rescue Bots), Cort Lane (VP, animation development & production, Marvel), Steve Melching (Transformers Prime, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), and Matt Wayne (Justice League Unlimited, Ben 10: Omniverse) in a discussion to tell you what you need to know to write and sell scripts.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 207

Bongo Comics Turns 20
Creative director Nathan Kane, managing editor Terry Delegeane, and art director Jason Ho give you the lowdown on Bongo Comics Group and twenty years of making the best humor comic books in the business. Find out what’s in store for the next twenty years and what’s in stores in the coming months!
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 208

Cartoon Voices
Once again, cartoon voice director Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show) gathers together six of the top professionals who speak for animated cartoons. Hear a demonstration of their craft starring Laraine Newman (The Fairly OddParents), Gregg Berger (G.I. JOE), Laura Summer (The Real Ghostbusters), Jason Marsden (Young Justice), Saratoga Ballantine (Guild Wars 2), and Neil Kaplan (Starcraft II).
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 300DE

Roddenberry Presents
Rod Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Entertainment), Trevor Roth (head of development, Days Missing) and Tory Mell (writer/producer, White Room: 02B3) are taking the name that created Star Trek and bringing it to levels not seen since the original days of the genre changing television show. Join us for some sneak peeks, discussions, and some awesome giveaways!
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 213

Sony Pictures: Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, Evil Dead, and This Is The End

• Mortal Instruments: City of Bones — Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series. Please join the book’s author, Cassandra Clare, along with director Harald Zwart and stars Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower for an exclusive preview and discussion of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.

• Evil Dead — Producers Sam Raimi, Rob Tapert and Bruce Campbell have teamed up with director Fede Alvarez to bring you the much-anticipated remake of the 1981 cult-hit horror film, The Evil Dead. When five twenty-something friends become holed up in a remote cabin, they discover a Book of the Dead, which unwittingly summons up dormant demons living in the nearby woods. The youngsters become possessed in succession until only one is left intact to fight for survival. Please join producer Bruce Campbell and director Fede Alvarez, along with stars Jane Levy (Suburgatory) and Jessica Lucas (Cult) for questions and exclusive clips.

• This Is The End — The Mayans predicted that the world was supposed to end last December, but we’re still here. So join Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Danny McBride, and Craig Robinson as they stop by to show the new trailer for This Is The End, which hits theaters June 14. The comedy This Is The End follows six friends trapped in a house after a series of strange and catastrophic events devastate Los Angeles. As the world unravels outside, dwindling supplies and cabin fever threaten to tear apart the friendships inside. Eventually, they are forced to leave the house, facing their fate and the true meaning of friendship and redemption.

2:30pm – 4:00pm — Arena

Comic Book Law School ‘ABC’ – Always Be Creating (and Avoid Being Careless)
It’s no surprise that if your job is to be creative, that’s going to be your focus, but losing sight of important business issues has been the downfall of more than one artist in the past. Luckily, the popular Comic Book Law School® will help by supplying the “ABCs” of legal protections for creators, and maybe help you discover how to make protecting yourself an every-day part of the creative process. Join noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, as he sets down a solid foundation on intellectual property for attendees of this informative seminar. Starting with the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, an understanding of copyright and trademark rights, including for works of authorship, characters, and names, this seminar will help guide you from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as the registration process for each (and time permitting, how recent court decisions and changes in the law could affect those rights). Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.]
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 210BCD

DC Comics: The New 52
DC Comics-The New 52 is one of the most exciting events in the industry’s history! And we’re not done making news by a long shot! Come by and be a part of history as we discuss what’s coming next in this exciting time for DC Entertainment!
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 300AB

Disney Pins: A Collector’s Dream
Anthony Medina (president of PinPics.com), Matthew J. Fox (The Fab Five: A History in Pins, Pinhead Comics), Austin Badgett (Disney Pins’ Most Magical Moments), and Matt Jackson (The Ultimate Guide to Pin Trading and Buying at The Disneyland Resort) discuss some of the reasons behind the rise of Disney pins as a serious collectible. Whether a seasoned trader or oblivious as a newborn, you’ll discover some fascinating insights into collecting’s best kept secret.
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 210A

Spotlight on Frank Cho
Emmy Award-winning artist-writer and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Frank Cho will showcase some of the art and comics that made him a favorite with critics and fans alike, including a quick drawing demonstration. He will also give an advance preview of his upcoming comic projects, How To Draw Women art book and his first horror movie – Zombie King!
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 207

VIZ Media
Get the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime! You’ll also get the scoop on new acquisitions and upcoming releases and projects from VIZ Manga, Weekly Shonen Jump, kids publishing, Neon Alley channel, and more! Plus, be the first to hear about an exclusive collector’s item, available only during WonderCon Anaheim!
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 203

Ask An Agent!
Join literary agents Holly Root (Waxman-Leavell Literary Agency) and Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management) for a Q&A session about the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication process, and more! No pitches, please.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 213

Capcom: Remember Me
Be the first to find out everything there is to know about Capcom’s latest and greatest franchise, Remember Me-an exciting, science-fiction, action-adventure game set in the near future of Neo-Paris where memories are remixed and erased. Hear about the development of the game from the creative team featuring Alexis Briclot, Jean-Maxime Moris, and Matthew Hart, and see the latest gameplay footage for this 2013 game release. Followed by a Q&A session.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 300DE

Ten Years of Aspen Comics
Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Zoo Hunters), Vince Hernandez (Charismagic), Mark Roslan (BubbleGun), J.T. Krul (Jirni), David Wohl (Legend of the Shadow Clan), Beth Sotelo (Fathom), Jonathan Marks (Shrugged), and more special guests discuss Aspen’s huge “10 for 10” initiative and highlight the company’s ten years in the industry and what’s in store for the next ten years. All fans in attendance will receive a free Aspen gift courtesy of the publisher.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 208

Cartoon Design for Kids
Hey kids! Kristian Andrew Sather (Jetsons, kristiansather.blogspot.com) returns to WonderCon Anaheim with his popular cartooning workshop. Kristian will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing funny cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes and more. Join Kristian for this unique & exciting session!
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 210BCD

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3
Hiroshi Matsuyama (CEO & president, CyberConnect2) discusses CyberConnect2’s development of Namco Bandai Games’ recently released hit, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 3. Join Matsuyama-san in a Q&A session with fans as he talks about the success of the Ultimate Ninja Storm series and takes on challengers to battle against him live on stage!
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 207

Spotlight on Ann Nocenti
Celebrating her return to comics with Catwoman and Katana, Ann Nocenti has written comics for both DC and Marvel over the years and has also traveled the world as a teacher. Come and listen to her thoughts on all things comics, moderated by Jim Lee.
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 203

Teen Titans Go! Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Join producers Michael Jelenic and Aaron Horvath as well as voice actors Greg Cipes (Beast Boy) and Khary Payton (Cyborg) from the new half-hour action-comedy series for a Q&A moderated by Warner Bros. Animation’s Sam Register as well as an exclusive sneak peek of the show’s premiere episode-coming to Cartoon Network in April (and as part of the DC Nation programming block). Inspired by Warner Bros. Animation’s original fan-favorite series, Teen Titans Go! highlights the humorous side of being a burgeoning superhero. Featuring the return of Robin, Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy, and Cyborg, this hilarious new series focuses on the funny business that happens to teenage super heroes between saving the world and doing the laundry. DC Nation airs Saturdays from 10:00-11:00 a.m. ET/PT on Cartoon Network.
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 300AB

Where Do Ideas Come From?
For artists and writers who get “stuck,” veteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (TMNT: April, Meridian, Hawk & Dove) brings proven tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those blocked brain cells and deadline demons! Part information, part motivation, all entertaining!
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 210A

LGBTQ Subtext in Comics, Sci-Fi and Fantasy
LGBTQ subtext has almost always existed in comics, films and TV shows-from Dr. Wertham’s writings on Batman and Robin to audiences’ musings on Star Wars, Xena, Buffy, Doctor Who and the current Once Upon A Time TV show. “Wink-wink, nudge-nudge” asides, glances and dialogue still get fans talking and slash fictioners “slashing.” Subtext is a legitimate literary and artistic device. But now with the greater prominence and acceptance of LGBTQ characters in media, subtext has even more opportunity to become “maintext.” Will subtext ever come out of the closet? Will the prince ever get the prince-or the princess her princess? How often is subtext in the mind of the beholder? Join Prism Comics and Marc Andreyko (Black Lightning and Blue Devil, Manhunter), Brad Bell (Husbands), Jane Espenson (Buffy, Once Upon A Time, Husbands), Wendy Pini (Elfquest, Masque of the Red Death), and moderator Jody Wheeler (DoorQ, Bent-Con), as they explore how creators and audiences balance queer subtext.
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 213

TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorite Showrunners
TV Guide Magazine celebrates its 60th anniversary with an all-star panel of TV’s hottest showrunners. Moderated by Los Angeles bureau chief Michael Schneider, the panel brings together top showrunners and producers of current and classic hits for a lively discussion of sci-fi and fantasy television. Panelists include Remi Aubuchon (Falling Skies), Jeff Davis (Teen Wolf), Glen Mazarra (The Walking Dead), Steven Molaro (The Big Bang Theory), and Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries).
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 300DE

Valiant 2013: Harbinger Wars and Beyond
Everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2013 will be revealed right here! With the opening shot of Harbinger Wars just around the corner, what surprises lay in wait for the brutal first collision of Bloodshot and Harbinger? Can X-O Manowar conquer the forces of Planet Death? Where-and when-are Archer & Armstrong headed next? And what surprise heroes will Shadowman draft into his battle against the Deadside? Join New York Times best-selling writer Joshua Dysart (Harbinger Wars, Harbinger), Valiant CCO Dinesh Shamdasani, and a slew of surprise guests to find out the answers to what the future holds. Plus no fan will want to miss an exclusive round of announcements that will rock 2013! The future of the Valiant Universe starts right here at WonderCon Anaheim!
4:30pm – 5:30pm — Room 208

Comic Creator Connection #2
WonderCon Anaheim’s Comic Creator Connection is an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here’s how it works: in two 2-hour sessions — on Friday and Saturday from 5:00 to 7:00 PM — writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. (Please note: Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC took place online before WonderCon Anaheim. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 206B on the second level between 4:30 and 5:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.)
5:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 206B

Creature Features, Artist’s Dreams
A conversation with Tony McVey, covering a career in visual effects-related design spanning almost 40 years. Tony has worked as a character designer, sculptor, and puppet, costume, and prop maker on productions such as Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger, Superman, The Dark Crystal, Return of the Jedi, Star Trek 3, Howard the Duck, Gremlins, Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones, and more, plus various TV ads, music videos, shorts, and most recently, his own stop-motion animated web series. Moderated by Sean Murphy.
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 210A

Criminally Entertaining: Mystery, Suspense, and Crime Fiction
Authors Stephen Blackmoore (Dead Things), Dana Cameron (Seven Kinds of Hell), Brian D’Amato (Beauty), K. Bennett (Mallory Caine, Zombie at Law series), and Gary Phillips (The Warlord of Willow Ridge) discuss the eternal fascination of the mystery story structure across subgenres with moderator LeAnna Herrera of Mysterious Galaxy bookstore.
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 207

DC Comics 101
New to DC Comics? Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Come by for an all-ages tutorial on the essentials of what make DC Comics one of the leading comic book publishers!
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 300AB

Spotlight on Jeff Smith
Get a first look at this fall’s RASL Hardcover release, WonderCon special guest Jeff Smith‘s sci-fi/noir masterpiece in full color when the artist does a reading of the first two chapters. Followed by a moderated Q&A session, and a sneak peek at Jeff’s next project.
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 203

Writing Workshop with Marv Wolfman
Writing 101: How to start. How to think. How to get past that pesky middle section. And plenty of time for you to ask personal questions.
5:00pm – 6:00pm — Room 210BCD

Animation Domination High-Def (‘ADHD’)
Nick Weidenfeld, head of FOX’s all-new Saturday late-night programming block, Animation Domination High-Def, will preview an exclusive first look at these exciting new alternative animated series including Axe Cop and High School USA! Joining the panel Q&A will be ADHD creative director Ben Jones, Ethan Nicolle, co-creator of the hit Axe Cop graphic novel and Axe Cop executive producers Matt Silverstein and Dave Jeser (Drawn Together).
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 300DE

Hollywood and Comics
With its combination of words and visuals in one attractive package, a comic book is a great sales tool when pitching your project to movie studios. To sell the movie rights to your comic you need to know how Hollywood deal-making really works. Join comic creators who have successfully navigated the movie business in this discussion of best practices. Panelists include Martin Shapiro (Chopper), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Jesse Berger (Oblivion), Derek Hoffman (X-Men: First Class), and Duncan Rouleau (The Great Unknown).
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 208

Spotlight on Jason Palmer
Join WonderCon special guest Jason Palmer, the illustrator behind Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Warfare, for a slide show of his work, followed by a Q&A session.
5:30pm – 6:30pm — Room 213

25 Years of Graphite and Paper with Doug Mahnke
Doug Mahnke (Green Lantern, Final Crisis) is celebrating a quarter century of drawing comics. With a career beginning with Dark Horse’s The Mask, then running a gauntlet of DCU characters culminating in a four-year run on DC’s Green Lantern with writer Geoff Johns, Doug has nearly drawn it all. Join Doug Mahnke for Q&A, a walk through his comics career, and whatever else we can think of.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 203

Buffy Season 9: The Final Arc!
Dark Horse’s continuation of Joss Whedon’s cult favorite remains one of the most talked-about comics in today’s market. As we head toward the Season 9 finale, Dark Horse and WonderCon Anaheim are giving you an exclusive chance to hear all there is to tell about the final arcs of both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel & Faith from the creative teams themselves! Join Dark Horse PR director Jeremy Atkins, along with longtime Buffy writer Jane Espenson, Season 9 writer Andrew Chambliss and artist Georges Jeanty, Angel & Faith writer Christos Gage, and maybe a few surprise guests for what is guaranteed to be one panel you don’t wanna miss!
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 207

MTV’s Teen Wolf
Series stars Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien along with executive producer Jeff Davis preview what’s in store for season 3 of the hit series, with a Q&A moderated by The TV Fanatic and AfterElton.com’s Jim Halterman.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 300A

Textures: A Coloring Workshop with Alex Sinclair
DC Comics colorist Alex Sinclair will show you how he uses textures to enhance his work on comic book panels, pages, and covers. He will share tips on how to use the Adobe Photoshop brush tool to its full potential and to help you create different textures. Alex will do various demos and answer questions about his techniques.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 210BCD

The New Face of Self-Publishing
One of comics’ greatest traditions, self-publishing, is making a comeback thanks to the proliferation of digital comics and a network of indie-friendly comic shops coast to coast. But launching your own series successfully isn’t a task for the weak of heart. Indie comics icons Sam Humphries (Sacrifice, Uncanny X-Force) and Ian Brill (Dracula World Order, Darkwing Duck) are joined by new faces such as Joshua Henaman (Bigfoot: Sword of the Earthman) for a frank discussion on making your comic stand out, networking with retailers and fans, and keeping the spirit of self-publishing alive. Moderated by Comic Book Resources news editor Kiel Phegley.
6:00pm – 7:00pm — Room 210A

ElfQuest 35th Anniversary
Join Wendy Pini (the “Elf Mom” herself), and Stephanie Thorpe and Paula Rhodes (the producers who recently acquired the film/TV rights to this epic fantasy series) for this panel celebrating 35 years of this legendary comic. They’ll engage in a lively discussion of ElfQuest‘s generation-spanning past and present, with some exciting hints of what’s to come. EQ cosplay encouraged; you never know what you could win! 😉
6:30pm – 7:30pm — Room 213

Geeks Get Published – and Paid!
Trouble finding a book publisher? How about a literary agent? Do you really need your own publicist? Is getting into print different when your book’s topic is particularly geeky? Hear how these bookworms got their works into print, how they made money at it, and how you might, too: S. G. Browne (Breathers: A Zombie’s Lament), Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak), Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History), Alex Langley (The Geek Handbook), and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight). Moderated by Jenna Busch (Fanhattan).
6:30pm – 7:30pm — Room 208

Hip Hop & Comics: Cultures Combining
Since its earliest days in the South Bronx, Hip Hop culture has been linked to comic books-graffiti and album covers utilize superhero imagery, rappers adopt secret identities and grandiose aliases, producers incorporate sensibilities and samples into their music, all using the vocabulary of comics to help forge a new urban culture. Comics creators have responded by using the elements of Hip Hop in street-level storytelling, incorporating graffiti techniques into logo design and art styles, and using rap lyrics for context and content. Here, Patrick A. Reed (Depth of Field magazine) brings together James Reitano (Nineteen Eighty-Five), Kenny Keil (Rhyme Travelers), Ronald Wimberly (Prince of Cats), Chali 2na (Jurassic 5), Dan The Automator (Deltron 3030), Toni Isabella (Bulk Recordings), Kutmaster Kurt (Threshold Recordings), and other panelists to talk about the worlds of Hip Hop and comics, how the forms have intersected over the last four decades, and current and upcoming projects.
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 210A

Larry Nemeck’s Trekland: Between The Cracks 2013
Author/historian/producer Larry “Dr. Trek” Nemeck (Trekland: On Speaker, TNG Companion) shares his archives while we party for the 25th anniversary of The Next Generation and the 20th for DS9. He’ll give you behind the scenes, humor, the what-ifs, the bizarre-and some all-new blooper stills to boot. And there’s that flick still coming: The Con of Wrath, of course — Larry’s documentary. Oh, yes — and then that OTHER movie, too, in May.
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 210BCD

Steampunk 101
Trendwatchers predict that 2013 will be the year of steampunk, but what exactly is steampunk? Fashion trend? Literary genre? Anything involving corsets and goggles? Experts in the field delve into the origins of the movement, the active community that has formed around it, and what we can learn about the future by looking to the past. Panelists include Andrew Fogel (League of S.T.E.A.M.), Brian Kesinger (creator of Otto and Victoria), Donna Ricci (Clockwork Couture), Nick Baumann (creative director, League of S.T.E.A.M.), Robin Blackburn (League of S.T.E.A.M.), and moderator Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam).
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 207

The Writer’s Journey: Breaking into Comic Book and Hollywood Scriptwriting
Every aspiring writer wants to know one thing: “How do I break into the business?” If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don’t know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (ThunderCats [2011], Transformers: Rescue Bots), Geoffrey Thorne (TNT’s Leverage, Ben 10), and Jonathan Callan (Ben 10, Generator Rex) plus actor/writer Anthony Montgomery (Star Trek: Enterprise, VH1’s Single Ladies, Miles Away) share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 203

Under the Dome Sneak Peek and Q&A
Get a first look inside the Dome from the stars and creative minds of CBS’s highly anticipated summer series at a special WonderCon Anaheim appearance. Stars Dean Norris (Breaking Bad) and Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight) along with executive producers Neal Baer (Law & Order: SVU), Brian K. Vaughan (Lost), and Jack Bender (Lost), discuss the new series based on Stephen King’s bestselling novel Under The Dome. The series, produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television, is the story of a small town that is suddenly and inexplicably sealed off from the rest of the world by an enormous transparent dome. The town’s inhabitants must deal with surviving the post-apocalyptic conditions while searching for answers to what this barrier is, where it came from and if and when it will go away. Join us as the cast and executive producers share exclusive footage followed by a panel discussion.
7:00pm – 8:00pm — Room 300AB

Comics on Comics Live!
The Sideshow Network, Juan-Manuel Rocha, and Vito Lapiccola present Comics on Comics, the talk show that pits comedians against comic book creators in nerd debates, in its triumphant return to WonderCon Anaheim! Host Vito Lapiccola welcomes superstar comic creator Scott Lobdell (Superman, Red Hood and The Outlaws) and the world’s funniest geek comedians as they rip through the latest developments in comics, movies, video games, and pop culture.
7:30pm – 8:30pm — Room 208

PodCRASH with That Chris Gore
It’s nerdy girls meet geeky guys in this very special live edition of PodCRASH with That Chris Gore (Attack of the Show). Join cosplay goddess Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model) and a surprise special guest for a nerdtacular time. Plus: improv comedians from IO West’s Comic Book Live (Patrick Ian Moore, Tommy Bechtold) perform their brand of cosplay comedy.
7:30pm – 8:30pm — Room 213

Exclusive Hannibal Screening
From acclaimed executive producer Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies), this is the only public screening of the first two episodes of NBC’s new drama series Hannibal, starring Hugh Dancy (The Big C), Mads Mikkelsen (Casino Royale), and Laurence Fishburne (The Matrix). Hannibal premieres on NBC on Thursday, April 4 at 10:00 PM ET/PT.
8:30pm – 10:00pm — Room 213

The 9th Annual WonderCon Anaheim Masquerade
See the Masquerade page for full details.
8:30pm – 10:30pm — Arena

Sunday, March 31

Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare’s classic comedy is given a contemporary spin in Joss Whedon’s film Much Ado About Nothing. Shot in just 12 days (and using the original text), the story of sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick offers a dark, sexy, and occasionally absurd view of the intricate game that is love. Please join us for an exclusive panel with very special guest(s).
11:00am – 12:00pm — Room 300AB

Comics Arts Conference Session #7: The Filter of Fiction: Batman, Spider-Man, and Real-Life Trauma
What’s the point in examining fictional characters, especially fantastic superheroes unlike any people we encounter in real life? Psychologist Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) and Andrea Letamendi (Barbara Gordon’s therapist in Batgirl #16), comics scholar Kathleen McClancy (Wake Forest University), and comic book writers Marv Wolfman (Batman: Year Three) and Bryan Q. Miller (Batgirl) explore how the filter of fiction can allow people to face some of the worst events that happen in real life without turning away and how that, in turn, helps us learn more about the way actual crises affect living human beings.
11:30am – 1:00pm — Room 210BCD

Inside Tabletop and #TableTopDay
Geek & Sundry producer Boyan Radakovich (TableTop) gives you an inside look at your favorite gaming show, TableTop. Share your passion for board games, get the inside scoop on TableTop season 2, and discuss the worldwide celebration of tabletop gaming goodness called #TableTopDay. Come to the panel and watch a sneak peek episode from Season 2!
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 300DE

Spotlight on J. M. DeMatteis
Writer and WonderCon Anaheim special guest J. M. DeMatteis (Phantom Stranger, Adventures of Augusta Wind) is on hand for a journey through his more than 30-year career. JMD will be interviewed by his son, Cody DeMatteis (Adult Swim).
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 208

The Secret Origin of Good Readers
Using comics as an educational tool is fun and practical. All-star panelists Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars and Hatter M series), Tom Carr (Talking to Yourself in the Dark, host of Residual Hauntings Revived), Marjorie M. Liu (Astonishing X-Men, Black Widow, Dirk & Steele), Dave Elliot (Weirding Willows), and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City) discuss how educators, librarians, retailers, creators, and publishers work together to put comics into the classroom as an innovative tool to promote reading and literacy. This multimedia presentation with personal remarks and a Q&A session highlight ways to use the graphic medium as a learning tool. The 70-page resource book The Secret Origin of Good Readers is available for free download at http://www.night-flight.com/secretorigin/index.html courtesy of XMission.com.
11:30am – 1:00pm — Room 203

Warner Archives Collection Presents the Saturday Morning Extravaganza
Most children of the pre-Internet TV-era carry the rituals surrounding Saturday Morning TV close to their hearts. Animation expert Jerry Beck and the Warner Archive Collection offer a presentation of rare and wonderful animated and live-action releases culled from the Hanna-Barbera, Rankin-Bass, and Warner Bros. library of Saturday morning classics. Pre-discussion cold cereal will not be provided, but amazement will be in abundance. Comfortable sleepwear is strongly encouraged.
11:30am – 12:30pm — Room 213

Nerdist Industries
Join Chris Hardwick (host of BBC America’s The Nerdist and AMC’s Talking Dead) and some very relevant-to-your-interests talent from across the many-headed beast that is Nerdist Industries. Chris and friends will engage in lively conversation about the big things to come for Nerdist in the near future. Surprises, big announcements and, of course, quemments await!
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Arena

TheOneRing.net’s Unauthorized Sneak Peek: The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug
Staffers Cliff “Quickbeam” Broadway and Larry “MrCere” Curtis, fresh from set visits in New Zealand, discuss, in a multimedia extravaganza format, the next billion-dollar installment of The Hobbit. They will preview new characters, Tolkien’s non-Hobbit lore in the film adaptation, dragons, hints, clues, and potential spoilers, as well as the latest breaking info along with glimpses into what might be on the first Hobbit film’s Extended Edition Blu-ray. Plus, unmentionable surprises from the biggest and best Tolkien news source in the world.
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Room 207

What Makes a Good Costume
What a hero looks like tells us so much about who they are and what they can achieve. With every incarnation, a costume shows the reader where a character is going and where he or she has been. Frank Cho (Savage Wolverine), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Doug Mahnke (Green Lantern), and Dan Slott (Superior Spider-Man) discuss with moderator Mark Waid (Thrillbent) what they believe makes a good costume.
12:00pm – 1:00pm — Room 300AB

Jeff Smith and Terry Moore
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how two of the industry’s leading self publishers have been successful for more than 20 years. Jeff Smith (Bone, RASL, Shazam) and Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo, Rachel Rising) will discuss their publishing process and how they have been able to remain independent throughout their careers.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 208

Redefining All-Ages Comics with KaBOOM!
As the leader in all-ages publishing, KaBOOM! Studios has been at the forefront of redefining how to do comics that appeal to the young, the old, and everyone in between! Now, exclusively for WonderCon Anaheim audiences, KaBOOM! unveils the Regular Show comic, based on the hit Cartoon Network animated show created by JG Quintel! Join KaBOOM! editor Shannon Watters along with Quintel and Regular Show comic writer KC Green for a lively discussion about this new series and the future of all-ages comic publishing.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 213

Writing For Animation
Interested in writing cartoons? Or just curious how it’s done? Mark Evanier has written hundreds of scripts for such programs as The Garfield Show, Garfield and Friends, Dungeons ‘n’ Dragons, Scooby Doo, Richie Rich, ABC Weekend Special, CBS Storybreak, Thundarr the Barbarian, and more. He’ll tell you how it all happens and answer any questions you may have.
12:30pm – 1:30pm — Room 300DE

Arrow Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Join series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Willa Holland (The O.C.), and Paul Blackthorne (The River) and executive producers Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe) of the hit DC Comics adaptation Arrow for some exclusive video footage and a Q&A panel that goes beneath the hood! From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Arena

Comics Arts Conference Session #8: The Dark Side of Comics
James Medina (University of Dundee) compares the politics, style, and purpose of postapocalyptic narratives from different countries. Lindsay Kerstetter (California State University, Fullerton) applies trauma theory to explore the motivations of The Walking Dead characters, who are forced to exist in a world where trauma has become a part of everyday life. Rachelanne Smith (California State University, Sacramento) explains how satirizing the dark, gritty attitudes of contemporary comic book film adaptations actually makes the case that the traditional, altruistic hero is the one society needs.
1:00pm – 2:30pm — Room 210BCD

DC Entertainment: All Access
If you missed Friday’s panel, come by for a brand new All Access with your favorite comics publisher! DC Comics editors and all-star talent share all things DC with a behind-the-scenes look at DC Entertainment!
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 300AB

Spotlight on Jane Espenson with Brad Bell
Executive producer Brad Bell (Husbands) talks with veteran TV writer/producer Jane Espenson about their shared work on the hit online sitcom Husbands, the Husbands comic book, and Jane’s history of work on such shows as Torchwood, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, The O.C., Gilmore Girls, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thrones, Dollhouse, Dinosaurs, Ellen, Once Upon a Time and others. Join Jane and Brad for this one-on-one interview, Q&A session and screening!
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 207

Spotlight on Jeff Parker
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Jeff Parker and guest artist Gabriel Hardman discuss how they approach the visual storytelling of comics and walk the audience through a Batman short story they completed recently. There will also be a chance to ask questions. Moderated by cartoonist/podcaster Pat Loika.
1:00pm – 2:00pm — Room 203

CBLDF: The Story of Comics Censorship
With moral panic on the rise, the history of how comics have been censored is more important than ever! Comic Book Legal Defense Fund executive director Charles Brownstein tells the shocking tale, from the public book burnings and Senate hearings that led to the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s through the attacks on retailers in the 1980s, artists in the 1990s, and readers today. This panel also marks the convention premiere of a new documentary about the Ryan Matheson case, in which Canada Customs prosecuted a comics reader for the comics on his computer. Don’t miss this important panel about your rights and how to defend them!
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 208

The Art of Capcom
Francis Mao (Capcom senior director, creative services) leads a panel of Capcom’s graphic designers, artists, and creative partners in a panel pulling back the curtain on how the company’s incredible video game artwork is created, from concept to finish. Panelists will explain the creative process and thinking involved in each creative step, as well as go in depth on the tools and applications used to create the awesome works of art that grace Capcom video games and collateral. Followed by a Q&A session.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 300DE

The Red Star Rises: Geek Q&A with Chris Gossett
Legendary comic book creator Chris Gossett is live on stage in conversation with GEEK magazine editor David E. Williams, discussing his pioneering award-winning comic book series The Red Star, soon to be a major motion picture from Chronicle director Josh Trank for Warner Bros. Gossett will also talk about his work on such films as The Lord of the Rings and Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland as well as inventing the famous two-sided light saber for Tales of the Jedi. He’ll also share some exciting news about the future of The Red Star as it makes its eagerly awaited return to comics later this year, exclusively in the pages of the new GEEK magazine.
1:30pm – 2:30pm — Room 213

BBC America’s Doctor Who Encore Screening
We know you stayed at WonderCon Anaheim late last night to enjoy all the convention has to offer, so here’s your chance to see the first of eight epic new episodes of Doctor Who, starring Matt Smith and his new companion Jenna-Louise Coleman. What better way to watch Steven Moffat’s new episode “The Bells of St. John” than with all your fellow Doctor Who fans in one big room? BBC America’s new Supernatural Saturday lineup includes Doctor Who at 8/7c, Orphan Black at 9/8c, and The Nerdist at 10/9c.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Arena

LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite
The ultimate blend of action and humor guaranteed to entertain fanboys of all ages, LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite finds Lex Luthor taking jealousy to new heights when fellow billionaire Bruce Wayne wins the Man of the Year Award. To top Wayne’s accomplishment, Lex begins a campaign for President; and to create the atmosphere for his type of fear-based politics, he recruits the Joker to perfect a Black LEGO Destructor Ray. While wreaking havoc on Gotham, Lex successfully destroys Batman’s technology, forcing the Caped Crusader to reluctantly turn to Superman for help. WonderCon Anaheim presents the West Coast premiere of LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite, followed by a star-studded panel featuring the preeminent voice of Lex Luthor, Clancy Brown (The Shawshank Redemption, SpongeBob SquarePants) and TT Animation’s award-winning director/producer Jon Burton, as well as renowned videogame/animation actors Troy Baker (Bioshock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City) as Batman, Travis Willingham (Avengers Assemble, The Super Hero Squad Show) as Superman, Christopher Smith (Mortal Combat vs. DC Universe) as the Joker, and Charlie Schlatter (Diagnosis Murder) as Robin. Special prizes for special audience questions from moderator Gary Miereanu. From TT Animation, creators of the bestselling video game on which the film is based, LEGO Batman: The Movie-DC Superheroes Unite will be released May 21 via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray and DVD.
2:00pm – 3:30pm — Room 300AB

Spotlight on Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Spend some time with award-winning artist Amanda Conner and writer Jimmy Palmiotti as they discuss their past, present, and especially future projects together, including their upcoming creator-owned properties. They will give the lowdown on what it’s like ot only working for n comic companies but having a hand in creating video games, working on television shows and in film, and being part of a bigger picture in creating new characters for multimedia platforms. Expect to learn something, be entertained, and enjoy some real one-on-one time with these creators.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 203

Star Wars Comics in 2013!
January saw the publication of Brian Wood’s Star Wars, one of the biggest launches in Dark Horse’s 21 years of publishing Star Wars comics. The excitement continues in March with the return of Star Wars: Legacy! When it originally launched in 2006, Legacy shook up the Star Wars galaxy by pushing the “expanded universe” timeline-and Skywalker history-farther than it had ever gone before: over 100 years after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy of films. Now Legacy is back in a new iteration featuring an heir to the Solo line, written by Corinna Bechko and Gabriel Hardman. Join Bechko and Hardman as they talk about the new Legacy and take a peek at more surprises coming in 2013 for Star Wars comics at Dark Horse.
2:00pm – 3:00pm — Room 207

Capacity for the Fantastic: Writing for Teens and Tweens
Given their flexibility and ability to embrace the fantastic and wondrous, what can’t one write about for middle graders and up? LeAnna Herrera of Mysterious Galaxy bookstore queries the limits with authors Jenn Reese (Above World, Mirage), Jessica Brody (Unremembered), James Morris (Skybound), Nancy Holder (Wolf Spring Chronicles), Cecil Castellucci (The Year of the Beasts), and Greg Van Eekhout (The Boy at the End of the World).
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 213

Comics Arts Conference Session #9: Comics, Culture and Change
Kamila Tuszyńska (University of Warsaw) examines how Enki Bilal’s Julia & Roem plays with conventions drawn from the classical cultural heritage to focus attention on contemporary issues. Hannah Diaz (California State University, Fullerton) explains how the female cosplay world has responded to the limited variety of body types and outfits from which to choose by modifying designs to reflect a female character with a wider variety of qualities than those found in mainstream comic books.
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 210BCD

IDW: Behind the Hasbro Titles
Join editor John Barber along with a veritable who’s who of creators on all your favorite Hasbro books! Mike Costa of G.I. JOE fame! Mairghread Scott, Livio Ramondelli, Chris Metzen, and Flint Dille from Transformers! Amy Mebberson and Heather Nuhfer from My Little Pony! Announcements and inside info you won’t believe!
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 208

Spotlight on Dan Slott
He’s currently the writer of Marvel’s Spider-Man…but did you know WonderCon Anaheim special guest Dan Slott also wrote for Batman, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and Ren & Stimpy? He’s put in 20-plus years of weird assignments, from She-Hulk to Scooby Doo. Everything’s on the table in this Q&A session.
2:30pm – 3:30pm — Room 300DE

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog
WonderCon Anaheim is going out on a high note! FandomCharities.org and Whedonopolis.com, the folks who bring you the Buffy musical Once More With Feeling, to close out San Diego Comic-Con, present a screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog! This will be an event to remember, so come to the show and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer-or whatever-for “Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool”! Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. Audience participation: it isn’t just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore.
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Arena

Self-Publishing Digital
Self-publishing isn’t about stapling parties anymore. With ComiXology opening up their platform to creators worldwide with “ComiXology Submit” and creators like Mark Waid taking the self-publishing route with his new company Thrillbent, there’s never been a better time to publish your own work. Join legendary creator Mark Waid and ComiXology’s Chip Mosher in a wide-ranging discussion on the ins and outs of self-publishing digital.
3:00pm – 4:00pm — Room 203

Starship Smackdown Presents: Alien Armageddon
The must-see panel of Comic-Con and WonderCon Anaheim returns for another action-packed year after last year’s legendary Comic-Con bout, only this time it’s not spaceships but aliens that will duke it out for the highly coveted Smackdown spin-off title. Can Spock put the Vulcan Death Grip on Boba Fett? Will an Alien Xenomorph defeat the Imperial Leader? And will the Martian Marauder spell doom for the Daleks? Join the panel of alien-ated experts as they outwit, outplay, and outphaser, starring Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Special Edition, Real Steel), Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Ashley E. Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: Prime), Robert Meyer Burnett (ST: TNG Blu-Ray, The Hills Run Red), Jeff Bond (GEEK magazine executive editor), and the Richard Dawson of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Free Enterprise), along with some special surprise guests which are unlikely to include Dr. Neil DeGrasse-Tyson, but you just never know. End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown. Presented by GEEK magazine.
3:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 207

Full-Time Creative Work on a Part-Time Schedule
Learn the secrets to using part-time collaboration to achieve full-time results! No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation, costuming/cosplay), “breaking in” has never been more apt a term than in today’s media, and it is a full-time job, especially if you have only part-time hours to accomplish it. Hear Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear.com and co-creator/co-producer, We’re Always Like This), Sean Glumace (digital arts instructor at Golden West College and WordPress expert), Kevin Flessing (co-writer, We’re Always Like This), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV.net), Renah Wolzinger (department chair, Digital Media, Digital Arts and Design, Golden West College), Heather Joseph-Witham Ph.D. (Mythbusters and various TV shows), Ron Coleman (molecular geneticist and writer), and moderator Cat Smith (voice actress) talk about how they successfully juggle time between the creative and business sides while being involved in goal-oriented groups. They’ll discuss the process, pitfalls, and potential of part-time collaboration from their experiences in illustration, writing, design, animation, and live-action filming, from a variety of levels of experience in administration and sizes of organizations. Content will be a mix of speaking, questions, and short interactive applications in which the audience can directly apply the topics covered. Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to go pro, if you struggle with deadlines, need help finding collaborators, want to know how to work with a team without mortally wounding each other, or simply want to know how to get your foot in the door, this panel is for you.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 208

Gaia Online
Chris Castagnetto (DJ Helsing) is proud to be hosting the Official Gaia Online panel. This is your chance to meet the Gaia staff, get your burning questions answered, and take a sneak peek at some of the great stuff Gaia has planned for 2013. Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 300DE

Heroes vs. Villains
The hero (protagonist) and the villain (antagonist) are the two most important characters in stories. They have opposing goals and are bound through conflict. Young adult author Cecil Castellucci (Year of the Beasts) will teach you how to develop compelling heroes and villains for your own fantastic stories in this workshop for teens.
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 210BCD

The Business and Hobby of Collecting Comics
From personal collections, working with museums and art galleries and even a little bit of hoarding, George Clayton Johnson, Barry Short, John Ellis, Eric Hoffman, Michael Hamersky, Alan Williams, and Dave Arshawsky are all fans and collectors of most things related to science fiction and comics. Collecting is a major industry these days; just watch the cable shows dedicated to it! Join moderator Greg Koudoulian to discuss how we can make sure that our histories and legacies are preserved for future generations, in both museums and art galleries and your own home!
3:30pm – 4:30pm — Room 213

How to Create Your Own Novel: From the First Idea to Publishing
America’s youngest multiple award-winning authors, the Winner Twins, will teach you how to create your own novel step by step. The twins, now in high school, are national bestselling authors who have written four science fiction novels. Drawing from their own experience, they will discuss the process, from creating your idea to getting it published. They have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across the country.
4:00pm – 5:00pm — Room 203

WonderCon Anaheim Talk Back
How was the show’s second year at the Anaheim Convention Center? The WonderCon Anaheim management team wants to hear from you! Here’s your chance to tell us what you thought didn’t work-and hopefully, what exceeded your expectations about WonderCon Anaheim 2013!
4:30pm – 5:00pm — Room 208

via Comic-Con International

Hunger Games Costume Tour Exhibit
10:00 am – 7:00 pm — Booth #1209
You don’t have to volunteer as tribute this year to get close to the Hunger Games. Get a glimpse at the garb from District 12 and the extravagance hailing from The Capital in the Hunger Games Costumes Exhibit! The exhibition tour will be making its rounds through the nation’s districts with a special stop at C2E2. Fans will have the opportunity to see original movie costumes worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and more! The exhibit will be located in Booth #1209 and is brought to you by Blacksparrow Productions. Don’t miss your chance to see a piece of Hollywood magic and “may the odds be ever in your favor”!

Creating Your Own Library Mini-Con
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W476
Conventions have become an important part of the comics experience, allowing fans to gather together and immerse themselves in their passions. Libraries looking for programming can tap into this excitement and utilize their graphic novel collections by creating their own mini-cons. Diamond BookShelf editor Mark Banaszak leads a panel offering tips for librarians looking to create an comic book or anime-themed event, offering tips and advice from previous successful mini-cons, as well as resources for finding guests, exhibitors, and attendees.

Into the Wild: The Adult Reading Round Table Tackles Comics
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W474
The Adult Reading Round Table is an organization of readers’ advisory and collection development
librarians from all across Chicagoland. For their annual genre study this year, they chose to examine graphic novels – a format many in the group had never spent time with before. Come hear about the genre study and learn new strategies for supporting graphic novels library-wide.

Making Comics Work in the Classroom
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W470b
Two great organizations that work great together! Reading with Pictures (RWP) joins forces with the Comics Association of Professionals & Educators (CAPE) to provide hands-on teacher training and materials for comics classroom applications. Learn how to benefit from and contribute to our national database of research papers and lesson plans as well as how to earn credits toward Professional Development Continuing Education certification and . Presented by Josh Elder (iVerse Media), Dr. David Rapp (Northwestern University), Christina Blanch, MA (Ball State University), and Jeff Barbanell, MEd (Arizona State University).

Puppet Meltdown
1:30 am – 12:30 pm — Variant Stage
FRIDAY! FRIDAY!! FRIDAY!!! Puppets of all shapes and sizes are ready to crush your jalopy with 8,000 pounds of awesome. Bring you brother, bring your mother, bring that dog! Join us for a collection of short works, geared toward adults, showcasing puppet films and live performances from innovative artists, both local and from across the country. Curated by the talented folks at Sea Beast Puppet Company this show will aim to prove that puppets aren’t just for kids anymore!

U Cre-8 Comics: United Superheroes of America
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Complete the research information page and create a hero from the state’s characteristics (song, bird, flower, motto, etc.) to join the ranks of a national hero initiative!

ComicsPRO Retailer Programming: New Product Lines
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W470a
Comics book retailers: are you looking to diversify your product selection? ComicsPRO is a trade association of retailers from around the world. Join us as we discuss new product lines to enhance your store. Get contact lists for vendors and distributors you may not be working with yet!

Showing vs. Telling: It’s All About Visual Literacy, Graphic Novels and the Stories their Images Tell – Learn How Its Done.
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W476
Janet Lee (Return of the Dapper Men) and Meryl Jaffe, PhD (Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning) discuss how graphic novels can be used to teach visual literacy and promote communication while inspiring students and budding graphic artists. What feelings and associations does RED or GREEN evoke? Why are some panels organized neatly on one page and are totally outrageous on others? How do evoke the image of “dream”? With growing internet use and technology, scholars believe we’re witnessing a great communication revolution (Kist, 2004, 2010; Dress, 2003; Jaffe & Monnin, 2012). Sales and consumption of graphic novels continues to grow, and newspapers, websites, educators, retailers, and bloggers all rely heavily on graphics and images to communicate, convince, inform, and teach. Visual literacy is integral to our lives and is required content for Common Core Curricula across the country as Governors mandate teaching students to create, read, and comprehend visual images along with classic and non-fiction texts. Creators and consumers of messages must understand how color, font, and images relay information, and how to compose and comprehend visual messages. Graphic novels offer a perfectmotivating format for teaching visual literacy and effective communication. Panelists give an interactive presentation relating how artists, teachers, and learners of all ages can use color, fonts, page/panel formatting, and image to create powerful messages and stories. We relay how graphic novels are outstanding educational tools, and what constitutes ‘bloc-buster’ graphics and graphic novels. There will be time for audience questions, give-aways, and handouts.

Bam! Pow! Drawing Superheroes 101
2:45 pm – 1:45 pm — Family Room W375a
Should my superhero have a cape? Should my superhero breathe fire? Should my superhero have more than one power? Creating superheroes can be hard work! But the best way to learn to create one is to learn some tips and tricks from a superhero expert! Learn to Draw Superheroes the Agnes Garbowska (MyMisiu Gazette, Girl Comics) way. Join in on this fun superhero drawing lesson and be off drawing cute superheroes in no time!

Integrating Comics into the Common Core
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W470b
Reading With Pictures presents a practical guide for integrating comics and graphic novels into the Common Core and McREL standards. Our panel of experts – including Prof. David Rapp of Northwestern University, Asst. Prof. Carol Tilley of the University of Illinois and veteran high school teacher and comic creator Jim McClain – will share tips and resources on how to get the most from comics in your classroom as well provide rationales to help convince the naysaying administrators, colleagues and parents.

Pineapple-Shaped Lamps
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — Variant Stage
The Pineapple-Shaped Lamps comedy troupe will be performing a live shadowcast of Joss Whedon’s hit musical episode of Buffy The Vampire Slayer, “Once More With Feeling!” Enjoy this spectacular moment in pre-Glee television history in all it’s Whedon-y glory! The viewing of the episode will be accompanied by live reenactments, singing, and dancing! So come join in on all the vampy, undead action and slay the night away with Pineapple-Shaped Lamps! Grrr! Argh!

The Silver Age of Comics in Libraries: Programming, Best Practices, And More
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W474
The shelves are just the beginning when you’re dealing with comics in libraries. From cosplay to author events, from art exhibitions to software demonstrations, there’s a whole world of programming opportunities geared toward pop-culture fans. Librarians Lisa Rabey (academic library), Kristin LaLonde (public library), and Andrew McBride (special library) will present on the type of comics and graphic novels they collect, why they collect for their libraries, how their library collections differ, and how they use programming to expand their audiences.

Adding Character to your Character
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Do you find it difficult to “Role Play” in your Role Playing Games? Do you struggle with creating believable and interesting characters in your games, stories, and other creations? Do you want to add more “Play” to your COSPLAY? Explore the basics of character development with hands-on exercises and improvisational games. Taught by Shane Hill, author and developer of the interactive aming performance: RenQuest™. RenQuest™ currently runs at the Bristol Renaissance Faire, the Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Los Angeles and the New York Renaissance Faire.

Art as Business Online: Branding & Marketing for Webcomics, Etsy Crafters & More
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W476
A panel of professional marketers, indie crafters, & web comic artists and writers provide helpful tips on creating an online brand for your art. This panel is intended to provide artists of various skill levels and mediums an overview of the principles of protecting and promoting your art online. The panel will examine how to get your small business started online, how to grow your audience, legal considerations for your business, and how to market yourself in the digital space. Social media platforms (including Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter), eCommerce options (including Etsy, BigCommerce), SEO and paid advertising will be involved in this hour-long discussion.

CSC-1: Kickstarting Your Comics
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W473
Sun Bros. Studio and Brothers Wesley and Brad Sun (Sun Bros. Studio) and political scientist Chris Deis (DePaul University) discuss their Kickstarter success with Chinatown and Apocalypse Man.

DC COMICS 101
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W471
New to DC Comics? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Come by for a tutorial on the essentials of what make DC Comics one of the leading comic book publishers!

So You Wanna be a Comic Book Retailer, Now What?
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W470a
Whether you want to open a comic book store, you’re just starting out in retail, or you just have questions, we’re here to help! Meet with members of ComicsPRO, a retail trade organization for comic book retailers, to talk about your upcoming plans.

Thunderfeet Reading
2:00 pm – 2:45 pm — Family Room W375a
Imagination is the GREATEST superpower! Join children’s author DJ Corchin and nationally syndicated Chicago radio personality Special K from 103.5 Kiss FM for a reading of DJ’s newest book THUNDERFEET! Come join the fun as they read the digital version which includes what every superhero needs, superhero intro music! Afterwards, stop by Artist Alley to pick up a print version signed by both DJ and Illustrator Dan Dougherty.

Silver Age Trivia Challenge!
:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Variant Stage
Writer and Trivia Geek Mark Waid takes on a team of Fans to see who knows more useless information about Marvel and DC Silver Age comics. Join moderator Craig Shutt, writer of the Ask Mr. Silver Age column for the late, lamented Comics Buyer’s Guide, to match your own brain cells against some of the fastest and knowledgeable trivia geeks in fandom!

Wikia Qwizards
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W470b
What is the top speed of the Millenium Falcon? Who was the final boss of the original Mega Man? What space opera game did Mark Hamill appear in? If you’re the type of person who has the answers to these kinds of questions, you’ll love Wikia Qwizards — a geek culture quiz show where the contestants write questions for each other. This year at C2E2, Wikia will be staging a live-action version of Qwizards and pulling aspiring geek alpha dogs straight from the show floor. The theme for the quiz is science fiction, encompassing games, movies, TV shows, and (of course) books. Prepare yourself for two days (a semi-final and final round) of game show action!

Speed Dating
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm — W183a
Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Back again by popular demand is C2E2 Speed Dating, brought to you by our friends at Sci-Fi Speed Dating. Come join us for a round filled with good music, great company and the thrilling potential to meet your own super hero or shinobi! Speed Dating’s blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you’re set for a lifetime of live. Five sessions will be held at C2E2 and they’re all free for C2E2 fans. Visit room W183a to register onsite. Note this event is only for C2E2 Fans 18 and older.

Superhero Fitness Hula Hooping Challenge
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
The Superhero Fitness Hula Hoop Challenge is here to show you that fitness can be FUN! Cynthia Narcisi, Sketch Card Artist and certified Hoopnotica Fit instructor, will lead you through a fun and engaging class teaching you how to use a hula hoop to get an excellent workout. Hoops are provided. No experience necessary. Ages 15 and up.

CSC-2: The Future of Comic Publication and the Academy
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W473
Stanford Carpenter (Institute for Comics Studies) moderates a discussion on how the funding, production, and distribution of comics is changing with John Jennings (University of Buffalo) on exhibiting comics, Rising Star Award winner Spike Trotman (Templar, Arizona)on Kickstarter, Jiba Anderson (Illinois Institute of Art) on print on demand technology.

New Frontiers in Digital Comics
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W476
iVerse and ComicsPlus host an engaging and entertaining dialogue on what the future holds for digital comics, especially as it relates to creators, publishers, retailers, librarians, and, most of all, readers. Comics legend and digital impresario Mark Waid joins iVerse CEO Michael Murphey, independent comic creator Michael Moreci (Hoax Hunters), webcomics superstar Jen Brazas (Mystic Revolution) and school/library expert Josh Elder (Reading with Pictures) to discuss and debate what’s just over the digital horizon…and the opportunities for everyone who has a stake in the industry. Moderated by iVerse director of business development Steve May.

The Cyanide & Happiness panel
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W470a
Kris Wilson and Dave McElfatrick of hit webcomic (and animation show) Cyanide & Happiness will be answering any and all of your questions, from anything about their upcoming projects to how they keep their hair so nice.

The Making of Defiance, a Living Transmedia World
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W471
In April of 2013, the largest, most ambitious transmedia project in history comes to life when Defiance debuts on television and launches its online game component. In Defiance, what happens in the online game affects the show on Syfy channel, and vice versa on a future-Earth where once-recognizable iconic American cities have been drastically transformed after a long alien and human war. Humans and aliens are now desperately trying to co-exist and rebuild a civilization together as the show and game depict dramatic events in both St. Louis and San Francisco. Five years in the making, this will be one of television and interactive gaming’s greatest events.

Kill Shakespeare: Dramatic Stage Reading
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — Variant Stage
A comic book comes to life in this unique theatre production of the acclaimed IDW series Kill Shakespeare. The stage show tells the story of this mash-up adventure using projections of the images from the comic combined with actors reading out the dialogue, creating sound effects and the music live. Now touring worldwide to packed crowds, this show is being presented by Chicago’s award-winning Strawdog Theatre Company.

MARVEL: House of Ideas
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W474
Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you fans what you’ve come to love? Well this panel is for you True Believer! Get exciting news about Marvel’s Infinite Comics, as well as what’s anel is for you True Believer! Get exciting news about Marvel’s Infinite Comics, as well as what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited and more in this can’t-miss panel hosted by Arune Singh, Ryan Penagos, and other Mighty Marvel Guests!

Playing a Hero in MMO’s
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W470b
Matt Miller, former lead designer for City of Heroes, aka “Positron” will present a panel discussing what it means to play a hero in MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and Star Wars: The Old Republic. Matt will give tips on how to make your gameplay more engaging and what games cater better towards role-playing and evoking your inner hero. Citing examples used in City of Heroes, Matt will explain how game designers attempt to elevate the player to “hero status” in a genre where every character is expected to do the same quests and missions. Matt will take questions at the end of the panel, answering what he can about designing MMOs.

U Cre-8 Comics: United Superheroes of America
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Complete the research information page and create a hero from the state’s characteristics (song, bird, flower, motto, etc.) to join the ranks of a national hero initiative!

CSC-3: White Scripts, Black Supermen: Comics and Identity
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W473
Director Jonathan Gayles (Georgia State University) shows excerpts from his documentary White Scripts, Black Supermen and with commentators featured in the film–Stanford Carpenter (Institute for Comics Studies) and John Jennings (University of Buffalo) discusses the the degree to which early Black superheroes generally adhered to common stereotypes about Black men as well as other issues of identity in comics.

Graphic Novel Ideation with Brian Haberlin & Renee Witterstaetter: From Start to Finish
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W470a
Join industry veterans, Renee Witterstaetter and Brian Haberlin, as they explain the real world, “brass tacks” considerations and workflows of bringing the idea in your mind to a finished, published book. Includes case studies that also cover recent technological innovations (e.g. augmented reality) in the medium.

Making Comics the Avatar Way
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W471
Join creator Mike Wolfer (Lady Death, Stitched, Crossed) and Vice President of Publishing, Jim Kuhoric, in a discussion on Avatar Press newest announcements! What new project is Mike Wolfer working on? What favorite industry creators are bringing their personal projects to Avatar Press? orking on? What favorite industry creators are bringing their personal projects to Avatar Press? These questions and more will be answered at the Avatar Press / Boundless C2E2 Panel, where die-hard Avatar Press and Boundless fans will hear first!

The Cliff Dwellers and Palette & Chisel
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W476
Join Artist/Designer/Animator and die-hard Chicagoan J.J. Sedelmaier as he moderates a presentation on two of Chicago’s historic artists’ organizations, The Cliff Dwellers and the Palette & Chisel Academy. Joining Sedelmaier will be archivists Stuart Fullerton of the Palette & Chisel and Leslie Recht of The Cliff Dwellers. The presentation will consist of Powerpoint presentation, discussion and Q&A.

Building Your First Video Game
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — W470b
Have you ever wanted to build your own video game? Have you ever wanted to leanr what the first steps are? C2E2 is happy to get together some of the top game designers in Chicago to talk about what it takes to build a game from the ground up. Whether you are looking an independent or major game developer this panel will give you the tools to really know where to begin. We will be taking questions from the audience on game design, concept, and developing for the mobile market.

DC Entertainment – ALL ACCESS
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — W474
A lot can happen in a year! Come by for unfiltered access to DC Comics as we talk all things DC! Find out what we have to share from behind-the-scenes at your favorite and most talked about comic Publisher! Joining the All-Access party will be some of the industry’s top talents!

Stand Up Stand Up
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — Variant Stage
Stand Up Stand Up is a unique, hip weekly comedy showcase featuring both local and national stand up comedians and musical acts. Our goal is to provide quality, intelligent, creative, artistic, and diverse entertainment to Chicago’s nightlife scene. We are located in the Wicker Park neighborhood at The Crocodile (1540 N Milwaukee Ave), and you can see us every Thursday night at 9pm. 21+. Come to laugh. http://fb.com/STANDUPStandUp

Fight like a hero (OR VILLAIN!)
4:30 pm – 6:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Tae Kwon Do, Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido,Judo, Muay Thai, Silat, Eskrima, Bu Kyuku Ryu, Karate, Wing Chun, any many more styles will be taught here! Ever wonder just how Batman can take on so many guys at once? Or how Black Widow takes down men twice her weight class? Here’s your chance to uys at once? Or how Black Widow takes down men twice her weight class? Here’s your chance to learn their moves! Any questions about the history of any of the aforementioned styles will also be addressed. Stick around for the debate between who are the best fighters between comic heroes and villains!

Speed Dating
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm — W183a
Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Back again by popular demand is C2E2 Speed Dating, brought to you by our friends at Sci-Fi Speed Dating. Come join us for a round filled with good music, great company and the thrilling potential to meet your own super hero or shinobi! Speed Dating’s blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you’re set for a lifetime of live. Five sessions will be held at C2E2 and they’re all free for C2E2 fans.

Let’s Make a Character
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W476
Join Comfort Love and Adam Withers, the three-time Harvey Award nominated creators of the upcoming How-To book, The Complete DIY Guide for Comics Self-Publishing, who will not only talk about how to make a great character, but will create a new character on the spot with the audience’s help. The seminar will be broken into two halves: first, Comfort and Adam will take you through the concepts of what it takes to make an awesome character. In the second, they will invite audience participation in creating a new character which will be concepted and drawn on the spot.

MARVEL: Breaking In
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W471
Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking “I could do that…if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join superstar writers and artists inculding Ryan Stegman (Superior Spider-Man), Shawn Crystal (Deadpool), Declan Shalvey (Venom), Jordie Bellaire (Journey into Mystery), and Ramón Pérez (Wolverine & the X-Men), as well as Marvel’s talent scout C.B. Cebulski to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door and make your job MARVEL!

Raven Girl: Audrey Niffenegger on Her New Illustrated Novella
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W470a
Audrey Niffenegger, internationally best selling author of The Time Traveler’s Wife, discusses her forthcoming illustrated novella, Raven Girl. Niffenegger’s third illustrated novel is a dark modern fairy tail about an extraordinary raven girl trapped in a human body. The raven girl feels imprisoned by her arms and legs and covets wings and the ability to fly. She reluctantly grows into a young woman, until one day she meets an unorthodox doctor who is willing to change her. Complete with Audrey Niffenegger’s bewitching etchings, Raven Girl explores the bounds of transformation and possibility. Niffenegger will discuss her new book and the creative journey that led her to create Raven Girl, including the book’s connection with a new ballet of the same name, debuting at the oyal Ballet in London in spring of 2013.

The Rose of Versailles Screening
5:15 pm – 6:30 pm — W473
General Jarjayes – so desperate for a son to preserve the family name and noble standing – names his newborn daughter “Oscar” and chooses to raise her as a boy. Fourteen years later, Oscar is a masterful duelist, marksman, and the newly appointed Commander of the French Royal Guards. Her first task: to protect Marie Antoinette, who is engaged to the French prince and future king, Louis-Auguste. But even though the planned marriage should provide both countries with some much needed peace and prosperity, the French court is a dangerous place – and Marie’s youthful naïveté makes her an easy target for those who wish to see the monarchy overthrown. Oscar soon finds herself both defending Marie’s reputation from those that seek to discredit her and protecting her life from those that wish to kill her.

Costume Contest
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — Variant Stage
C2E2 is presenting three costume contests for fans to get up on stage, show off, and maybe take home a prize or two. NEW THIS YEAR: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED! We will be providing more information on registration soon.

How do I get my Comic Book Character into a Video Game?
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — W470b
Bringing together the best in Comic Books and Video Games this year at C2E2 we wanted to host a panel about getting your comic book characters into a video game. From design ideas, to buidlign games, to ways to talk with developers and publisher, this panel hopes to offer some guidance for game designers and comic book developers alike. The panelists are proven veterans from the game market who have worked on titles about superheores. We hope you walk away with some great ideas for games as well as new directions for your comic book characters!

JMS New Series Panel
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — W474
J. Michael Straczynski speaks! (Despite our requests to the contrary.) HEAR the latest news from Studio JMS in comics, TV and film! SEE terrifying glimpses of projects yet to come! EXPERIENCE the awe and wonder of…of…okay, fine, look, he’s gonna talk about stuff you might be interested in, so swing on by, it’ll be fun. Would we like about a thing like that?

SUPERHERO FITNESS
6:15 pm – 7:15 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Hey Superfans, do you have the body of a Brainiac but would rather have the physique of a Superman? Do you feel more like the Blob than the Hulk? Then this is the ONE panel you won’t want to miss! Morph Personal Training will give you tips to make you look and feel like the Superhero of your dreams! Morph Personal Training is comprised of THE premiere health and fitness gurus–2002 Mr. Natural Australia, Marcus Warren and Fitness Model and Competitor, Joey Thurman creators of the revolutionary ProCycle12 fitness program. Their esteemed clientele will share their real life success stories.. 2012 “Geek Fitness Challenge” Winner Garrett Gray will share how a comic book geek got from fat to fit with Marcus and Joey’s guidance and lost 52 pounds in 4 months. Mr. Brent Berger will reveal the benefits of his “can’t miss” workouts with Morph Personal Training that has him in the best shape of his life. Nicole Paprosky will disclose how a girl who LOVES to eat would otherwise be in “BIG” trouble without the excellent shape obtained from her workouts with Marcus and Joey. No super powers are needed to transform this panel’s expert advice into your physical reality. Beautiful “Super” Model Maria Thurman will emcee this fun “must see” event. Panelists will dress up as their favorite Superheroes to show off their Superhero shape! Free giveaways are in store! The power is in your hands! Attend this fun panel and start your super fit journey today!

Beer & Comics
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W470a
Join representatives from Revolution, 3 Floyds, Aracde, Goose Island Breweries, and the Comic Industries as they discuss the simulatries of making some of the world’s best beer and world’s best comics.

Digital First Comics: The new trend
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W476
Digital first comic releases have electrified fans by breaking print publishing conventions and pushing the boundaries of comic storytelling. Now you can join the major players in the Digital First movement – Thrillbent’s Mark Waid, and comiXology co-founder John D. Roberts to hear all about the future of the medium. Special surprise guest too!

Felicia Day Q&A
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W471
The 6th season of The Guild has ended, but we have plenty more to share! Join the show’s creator, writer and star Felicia Day in this Q&A.

Revolutionary Girl Utena Screening
6:45 pm – 8:00 pm — W473
“Never lose that strength or nobility, even when you grow up.” When Utena was just a child and in the depths of sorrow, she found salvation in those words. They were the words of a prince, who wrapped her in his rose-scented embrace and bestowed upon her both a ring and the promise that it would lead her to him again. She never forgot the encounter. In fact, she was so impressed that she aspired to be like the prince and also help those in need. Now a spirited teenager, Utena attends the prestigious Ohtori Academy. However, her strong sense of chivalry soon places her at odds with the school’s student council and thrusts her into a series of mysterious and dangerous duels against its members.

Costuming in the Star Wars Galaxy
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm — W475b
Join members of the 501st Legion and the Rebel Legion for a forum discussion on costume construction and the two largest Star Wars costuming organizations on the planet! Get expert knowledge on what it takes to recreate film-accurate uniforms from some of the world’s most respected costumers, and learn about the exciting lives they lead and charitable missions they undertake! Join us… Together, we can rule the costuming galaxy!

Future of Gaming from Consoles to Online
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm — W470b
C2E2 is bringing some of the top professionals in games to talk about the ever changing game market. From the switch to new consoles, to the rise in mobile gaming, these experts will outline what we will all be playing in the next decade. Also, the panel will focus on buying game vs. free to play and other changes coming to the market.

Spotlight on Nick Spencer
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm — W474
From Image Comics mind-bending best-seller “Morning Glories” to Marvel Comics latest launch of “Secret Avengers,” writer Nick Spencer is one of the brightest young talents in comic books. Come see him discuss his work including his latest creator-owned hit “Bedlam,” fan favorite runs on “T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents” and “Cloak an Dagger” and more of his cutting-edge comics as moderated by Comic Book Resources News Editor Kiel Phegley.

DREDD and beyond: the whole wide world of 2000 AD’
7:45 pm – 8:45 pm — W471

HEAD SMASH reveals a new cover design by Tim Bradstreet
7:45 pm – 8:45 pm — W476
Join Vlad Yudin, creator of HEAD SMASH as he unveils the incredible new cover art by Tim Bradstreet. Tim Bradstreet’s work can be found in the pages of Marvel’s Punisher and Blade series, as well as Clive Barker’s Age of Desire and Dark Horse’s Hard Looks and Another Chance to Get It Right. Tim Bradstreet himself may even make an appearance to talk about working on the project with Vlad Yudin and his take on the lead character, SMASH! Vlad will also lead a talk and take questions on the upcoming release of his graphic novel, HEAD SMASH

Hunger Games Costume Tour Exhibit
10:00 am – 7:00 pm — Booth #1209
You don’t have to volunteer as tribute this year to get close to the Hunger Games. Get a glimpse at the garb from District 12 and the extravagance hailing from The Capital in the Hunger Games Costumes Exhibit! The exhibition tour will be making its rounds through the nation’s districts with a special stop at C2E2. Fans will have the opportunity to see original movie costumes worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and more! The exhibit will be located in Booth #1209 and is brought to you by Blacksparrow Productions. Don’t miss your chance to see a piece of Hollywood magic and “may the odds be ever in your favor”!

Comix Chix with Kate Kotler – LIVE
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W473
A live version of the weekly podcast hosted on GeekNation, Kate Kotler gathers some of the most awesome female comic creators, journalists and uber-fans to discuss events, past and present that shape women’s experiences in the comics industry.

Grimm Fairy Tales Animated
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W476
Come check out the horrific re-imagining of the Grimm Fairy Tales from Zenescope Entertainment and Titmouse Inc. The full pilot episode will be shown to the public for the first time ever in the U.S.!!! The gory and sexy style that is synonymous with the Zenescope brand will be on display. Find out how the project came to fruition, and what big names have gotten involved in the project.

How to Play Quidditch 101
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Have you ever wished YOU could play quidditch? Now you can! Join the International Quidditch Association at C2E2 on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 for some excitement and fun! The IQA will be leading demonstration matches between two official Quidditch teams on both days. After each demo match, the IQA will open up the pitch for pick-up games! Fans can join in and play with each other for a one hour period. This is something you don’t want to miss! Come see quidditch in full-action and find out why it’s the sport everyone’s talking about!

MARVEL: Age of Ultron
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W471
Witness the dawning of the Age of Ultron! Ultron has defeated the heroes of the Marvel Universe and conquered the world! You’ve got questions & these people have answers! Creators Rick and conquered the world! You’ve got questions & these people have answers! Creators Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers), Brandon Peterson (Age of Ultron) and more are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle between Ultron and Marvel’s mightiest heroes!

Writing for Television
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W470a
TV writer-producer and Chicago native Steve Kriozere will present an overview and discussion of working in the field of scripted television. Kriozere is an Executive Producer, co-creator and director of Femme Fatales, the Cinemax television series which Entertainment Weekly hailed as a “badass chick anthology.” His other credits as writer-producer include USA Network’s Necessary Roughness, N.C.I.S, Castle, V.I.P., Sliders, MTV’s Animated Spider-Man and the SyFy Channel original movie “Dead and Deader.” Kriozere also dipped his toe in the world of comic books, writing the original graphic novel “Elvis Van Helsing,” published by AiT/PlanetLar, and contributed stories to the upcoming “New Adventures of the Human Fly” graphic novel.

Speed Dating (GLBT Session Only)
11:00 am – 1:00 pm — W183a
Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Back again by popular demand is C2E2 Speed Dating, brought to you by our friends at Sci-Fi Speed Dating. Come join us for a round filled with good music, great company and the thrilling potential to meet your own super hero or shinobi! Speed Dating’s blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you’re set for a lifetime of live. Five sessions will be held at C2E2 and they’re all free for C2E2 fans. GLBT Session Only!

Alphabet City Live Reading
11:30 am – 12:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Enter Thomas Finley’s world of Alphapet City! Thomas will unleash 26 amazing animals and read out loud. These colorful characters entertain creatures of all ages!

Creating Comics The ComiXology Way
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W475b
Everyone is talking about the digital only Atomic Robo comic made exclusive with and for comiXology! From early experiments like Box 13 and Valentine to more recent efforts like Power Play and Marvel’s Infinite Comics, comiXology’s Guided View has ushered in a new era in comic book creation! Now, you can find out what it takes to create amazing Guided View comics straight from comiXology co-founder John D. Roberts and comiXology’s PR and marketing maven Chip Mosher. Also both will field questions about comiXology’s new self-publishing portal, comiXology Submit.

ItsJustSomeRandomGuy
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — Variant Stage
The YouTube sensation (and creator of the “Hi, I’m a Marvel…and I’m a DC” Mac/PC parody videos) is back at New York Comic Con! In previous years, RandomGuy has premiered new episodes of the parody series “Marvel/DC: Happy Hour” and “Marvel/DC: Zero Hour.” What new videos will he premiere this time? Come find out! Plus Q&A and more!

The Future of Graphic Novels and Motion Comics: A look at the not-so-distant-future of interactive graphic storytelling
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W470b
Storytelling is a human activity that dates back to our earliest ancestors. It is in our nature to tell stories, share experiences and express what goes on in our imaginations to others. Over time, imaginative storytelling has evolved on a massive scale. What was once spread through word-of-mouth stories, paperback novels and black and white comic books can now be found in breathtaking graphic novels and motion comics that come to life on your screen. Comics and graphic novels have their own unique form of story telling. From X-Men and Spiderman to The Walking Dead and Sin City, there has been a clear evolution in the comic industry from simple narratives to complex sagas. From paper comics to a touchscreen interactive experience, the next step in the comic industry is on the horizon. Comic creation tools are improving, providing an increasing quality of paper comics and the ability to directly interact with the product of your imagination is spreading among popular devices. Join comic industry experts from a variety of backgrounds and industry levels as they discuss what’s next in the evolution of comics, the technology behind it and what it means for the future of the industry.

Travel Channel’s “Toy Hunter” – This is not your ordinary child’s play!
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W474
This is not your ordinary child’s play! Travel Channel reveals the big business of buying and selling toys and collectibles in the original series “Toy Hunter.” This series follows acclaimed toy dealer and expert Jordan Hembrough, owner of Hollywood Heroes, a New Jersey-based vintage and modern collectibles company, as he travels across the country hunting for the most sought-after pieces. The second season of “Toy Hunter,” scheduled to premiere in 2013, follows Hembrough as he continues his quest to convince reluctant sellers, stay under budget, and avoid the unforeseen roadblocks as he tracks down the holy grail of vintage toys and collectibles. For this toy hunter, poking through cramped attics and rummaging around dirty garages to score vintage items is all in a day’s work! Come listen to “Toy Hunter” host Jordan Hembrough and Travel Channel executives speak about the network’s popular series, and get insight on how these vintages toys are found and the stories behind them!

Caricature Drawings!
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Thomas Finley will draw free caricatures, sure to energize everyone’s inner hero!

Spotlight on Brian Wood
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W471
Creator Brian Wood has established himself as a writer who can both build worlds and destroy them, without the confines of genre. With books ranging from the politically conscious (DMZ, The Massive) to the fantastical (Northlanders, Conan the Barbarian), his voice is truly unique and cuts through the noise every time. Join us as we discuss past, present and future projects, including the smash hit series, Star Wars. from Dark Horse.

Ten Years of Marvel Minimates! 50 Series of Awesomeness!
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W470a
Celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Marvel Minimates line, some of the team behind the popular mini-figure brand are here to talk about their plans for Iron Man 3, The Wolverine, Thor: The Dark World and the fan-choice Series 50! Diamond Select Toys Director Chuck Terceira and Marketing Supervisor Zach Oat will also share info about the other Minimates lines, including Tomb Raider, The Walking Dead and Battle Beasts, as well as submit to a Q&A session and debut the next stop-motion animated Battle Beasts episode! Plus, there’ll be a Minimates prize drawing at the end of the panel!

WildClaw Presents: Deathscribe! Writing and Producing Horror Radio Plays
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W473
WildClaw Theatre, Chicago’s Horror Theatre Company, brings you a small taste of its Annual Deathscribe Horror Radio Play Festival! Our panel of Chicago actors, playwrights, foley artists, and artists will discuss the challenges of writing and producing audio dramas with a focus on creation, execution, foley work, voice acting, and finding your audience. Then watch and listen as we perform a spooky radio play complete with foley work!

Star Wars Academy
12:15 pm – 2:15 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Put on a helmet, take up a blaster, and enlist in the Star Wars Academy! Join members of the 501st Legion’s Midwest Garrison and the Rebel Legion’s Nar Shaddaa Base in this interactive experience that lets kids play the role of Stormtrooper cadets! Get trained in marksmanship, navigate an obstacle course, recover the stolen Death Star plans, and engage in a laser shoot-out to the finish! For ages 6 to 12 only. Starting every 5 minutes in this time slot. Nerf blasters provided. Donations to charity are gladly accepted!

Behind the Graphics: A Video Game Industry Round Table
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W470b
Join members of Chicago’s Game Development community as they take you behind the scenes of the video game industry for a moderated panel discussion and Q&A session.

DC COMICS – THE NEW 52
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W474
DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 is one of the most exciting events in the industry’s history! And we’re not done making news by a long shot! Come by and be a part of history as we discuss what’s coming next in this exciting time for DC Entertainment!

Imaginative Sci-Fi Authors of C2E2!
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W475b
Join authors E.B. Hudspeth (The Ressurectionist, Quirk), Jeffrey Brown (Vador and Son, Top Shelf) and more as they talk about their imaginative Sci-Fi and Fantasy novels (and selves!)

Nerd Trivia
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — Variant Stage
A trivia challange based on some of your favorite nerd themes! Project 891 Theatre Co’s Nerd Trivia takes your favorite nerd subjects (such as Doctor Who, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Battlestar Galactica, Harry Potter, Buffy and many more) and presents trivia challanges that are 3 rounds of 10 questions each on each theme. Nerd-tastic prizes for the winning team!

Chicago Ghosts presented by Ghostbusters: Chicago Division
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W473
Presented by Ghostbusters: Chicago Division, your troop outside da loop, this panel will cover some of the best stories of this haunted city. Wondered about the Iroquois Theatre Fire? Puzzled about which mummy at the Field likes to walk? Come listen to these tales and more! Visit our website at http://ghostbusterschicago.com to learn more about our team!

IDW Publishing Presents: The Greatest Panel In History
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W470a
IDW Publishing Presents: The Greatest Panel In History New creator-owned books? Ever-larger licensed titles? All-new creators, and even some major crossover events? How about prizes just for attending? Yep, we’ve got all that and more, in THE GREATEST PANEL IN HISTORY. Join IDW CEO & Publisher Ted Adams, VP of Marketing Dirk Wood, and Doctor Who writer Andy Diggle, along with a host of other great guests, as we blow the door open on upcoming projects for 2013. Be there! Room 470A

Injustice: Gods Among Us
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W471
Get the inside scoop on the highly-anticipated video game Injustice: Gods Among Us, from NetherRealm Studios, creators of the definitive fighting game Mortal Kombat. Get a behind-the-scenes look from Ed Boon, creative director at NetherRealm Studios and co-creator of Mortal Kombat. He will be joined by other members from the development team to discuss the story, characters and art direction of this bold new videogame franchise.

The State of Play in Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W476
From bold indie sensations like FIASCO and HILLFOLK to the rumblings of D&D NEXT (5th Edition), this panel brings you up to speed on the ever-wider world of tabletop roleplaying games. A panel of professional RPG designers (Matt Forbeck, Ken Hite, and Will Hindmarch) discusses the state of RPG play, design, and the industry, and looks as far into the future as they can. They’ll spotlight great games you might have missed and highlight designers to watch.

POW! Kids Storytelling
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Performing teacher Anya Clingman turns audience
Captain Anya. Best for ages 3 to 8.

Batman Q&A
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — IGN Theater
Come join Burt Ward, Adam West and Julie Newmar, a trifecta of Batman alum, for a special Q&A!

CBLDF presents A HISTORY OF CENSORSHIP IN COMICS
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W475b

FANTASTICAL WORLDS: Magical & Mythological Delights
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W470b
From swords and sorcery to magic and monsters, these authors interweave fantastical elements and mythology into their books to create genre-bending page-turners. Authors discuss the fantasy elements in each of their adventures. Find out what draws readers into the fascinating worlds they’ve created!

MARVEL: Superior Spider-Man
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W474
Doctor Octopus has taken over Spider-Man’s body and vowed to become a SUPERIOR Spider-Man! But what lies in store for the web-slinger? Find out the details right here! That’s right, True Believers! Creators Josh Fialkov (Alpha), Ryan Stegman (Superior Spider-Man), Chris Samnee (Daredevil) Declan Shalvey (Venom), and more will be taking any and all questions from YOU the fans! This is one panel that no Spidey fan can miss!

PoP! Double Dare – Presented by PanelsOnPages.com
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Variant Stage
On your mark. Get set. GO! The most ridiculous game show from your childhood comes to C2E2 with a distinctively nerdy flair brought to you by the crew from PanelsOnPages.com. There’s trivia, physical challenges, plenty of surprises and even an obstacle course specially catered to the PoP!ulation at C2E2. Come sign up at the PoP! booth or email popcast@panelsonpages.com for your chance to win sweet prizes and fifteen minutes (or about an hour) of fame.

Speed Dating
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm — W183a
Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Back again by popular demand is C2E2 Speed Dating, brought to you by our friends at Sci-Fi Speed Dating. Come join us for a round filled with good music, great company and the thrilling potential to meet your own super hero or shinobi! Speed Dating’s blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you’re set for a lifetime of live. Five sessions will be held at C2E2 and they’re all free for C2E2 fans.

POW! Kids SuperHero Training Drills
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Superheroes never know where their superwork will take them, so they must be physically prepared for any number of challenges and terrains. Join us as we direct your energetic, hero-to-be through key SUPER activities to enhance their coordination and fitness level. POW!Kids will assist their new recruits in performing a myriad of physical challenges. Best for ages 5 to 9.

How to Play Quidditch 101
2:30 pm – 4:30 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Have you ever wished YOU could play quidditch? Now you can! Join the International Quidditch Association at C2E2 on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 for some excitement and fun! The IQA will be leading demonstration matches between two official Quidditch teams on both days. After each demo match, the IQA will open up the pitch for pick-up games! Fans can join in and play with each other for a one hour period. This is something you don’t want to miss! Come see quidditch in full-action and find out why it’s the sport everyone’s talking about!

DC Comics: Superman 101
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — 2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W471
The Last Son of Krypton is one of the most recognized pop culture icons of all time, and this year, Superman is set to soar to new heights! Come by for a panel on what makes The Man of Steel the hero that he is with the talent that bring him to life!

I have no sewing machine, but I must Cosplay!
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W473
Be it helping internet new sites get hits or upsetting the internet at large, Cosplay has grown in popularity over the years and you probably want in on the action by now. But not everyone can sew, so what do you newbie, WHAT DO YOU DO? Join our panelists as they throw out several vague suggestion at you at the hopes that sound good! Marvel as they point out how who not to throw your money at on the internet! Shrug as they suggest what soon-to-be irrelevant social media platform to use to show off your “work”. Laugh because you feel bad for them and their frail egos need the attention. Warning- may contain humor, and a less than serious look at some aspects of the hobby.

Mystery Authors of C2E2
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W476
Join authors Gregory Lamberson (Medallion), Ben H. Winters (The Last Polieceman, Quirk), Brandon Easton (Lion Forge), Joelle Sellneras (Lion Forge) and more as they talk about their different writing experiences and novels within the Mystery Genre!

Comics And Pop Music
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W475b
Comic Books and pop music started out as disposable forms delivered in small doses. Both forms became emblematic of youth culture and rebellion in the mid 20th century, faced endless censorship attempts, and have suffered critical reception from dismissive to derisive. Here, Patrick Reed (editor of Depth Of Field magazine) brings together a panel of artists and publishers to discuss the ties between music and graphic storytelling, their common inspirations, the creative and commercial potential in combining the two media, and the history of pop comics– from the Beatlemania tie-ins of the 60s to today’s fan-favorite titles.

JMS Spotlight
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W474
Joe’s Comics, the imprint that brought you Midnight Nation and Rising Stars, is pleased to debut its first new offering here at C2E2: Ten Grand, written by JMS and drawn by Ben Templesmith. A special C2E2 convention-only variant cover will be distributed at the panel, which will also discuss some of the other titles coming your way from Joe’s Comics, by way of Image.

The Big Quiz Thing
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — Variant Stage
Hey, you, comics geek…want a real challenge? The ultimate trivia spectacular is coming to C2E2, and it wants to see how smart you really are. The Big Quiz Thing, Chicago’s favorite live quiz show, presents four rounds of the world’s greatest multimedia team trivia, on comics, movies, sci fi, TV and all that other stuff you know so well, for big prizes and big glory. Hosted by quizmaster Noah Tarnow. For more on the Big Quiz Thing, visit bigquizthing.com.

Q&A with Chandler Riggs
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm — IGN Theater
Actor Chandler Riggs, most commonly known for his role as the pint-sized zombie killer Carl Grimes on AMC’s The Walking Dead, comes to C2E2! Join him for a Q&A on his previous, current and upcoming work.

Legal Cos Play
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W473
This panel will be an unscripted conversation between the attorneys at Saper Law Offices, LLC, a Chicago-based intellectual property firm, and members of the audience. We will rely on audience participation to raise intellectual property, rights of publicity, and corporate issues as they relate to the comic book industry. Other attendees will learn through this hour-long dialogue. Preference will be given to audience members dressed in costume!

Star Wars Origami
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W476
Master folder Chris Alexander, author of STAR WARS ORIGAMI, will demonstrate and teach the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive model along with art from the movies. Materials included!

The CHEW Panel
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W470a
John Layman and Rob Guillory, the creators of the multi-Eisner and Harvey Award-winning, New York Times Best-selling and much-beloved CHEW sit down for an all-encompassing panel that will no doubt run off the rails and degrade into fart jokes. Learn the origins of this strange comic and what lies ahead! Marvel at Layman’s utter cynicism! Behold Rob’s unnatural love of pie! YOU WILL LOVE IT

VALIANT 2013: HARBINGER WARS AND BEYOND
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W471
Everything you need to know about the Valiant Universe in 2013 will be revealed right here! With HARBINGER WARS just getting started, what surprises lay in wait for the brutal first collision of BLOODSHOT and HARBINGER? Can X-O MANOWAR conquer the forces of PLANET DEATH? Where — and when — are ARCHER & ARMSTRONG headed next? And what surprise heroes will SHADOWMAN draft into his battle against the Deadside? Join Valiant CCO Dinesh Shamdasani, Executive Editor Warren Simons, and a slew of surprise to guests to find out the answers to what the future holds. Plus no fan will want to miss an exclusive round of announcements that will rock 2013! The future of the Valiant Universe starts right here, only at C2E2!

Crafts & Coloring with Wooby & Peep
4:15 pm – 5:15 pm — Family Room W375a
Meet the characters of the new children’s picture book WOOBY & PEEP through fun crafts and coloring activities. Work out your creative passions through crayons, glue-stick your way to giddiness, and construct a character to take home. Plus fun giveaways, autographed by the author herself.

FUTURTISTIC FRIGHT: Science-Fiction Novelists Imagine Far-Future Worlds
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — W475b
Get your fill of Telepaths, Tech Wars, space odysseys and alien forces on this science fiction panel. What happens when technology takes over, aliens invade, and civilizations are on the brink of destruction? Authors discuss the technological catastrophes, supernatural occurrences, and galaxy quests in the pages of their science-fiction.

J Scott Campbell Q&A
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — W470b
Best known for the co-creation of the comic book series Gen, Danger Girl, and Wildsiderz, along with his work as an artist on the Spider-Man series, J Scott Campbell is here to discuss his impressive career within the comic book industry.

The Nerdologues
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm — Variant Stage
The Nerdologues is a comedy show created by a group of comedians from Chicago. The Nerdologues explore and lampoon Nerd and pop culture through hilarious sketches, viral videos (on the internet!) and personal stories. The Nerdologues have performed at San Fran Sketchfest, Chicago Sketchfest, Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Second City’s Donny’s Skybox, iO Chicago, C2E2, and the New York City Comic Con. They ask the important questions, like: “Why don’t the doors on the Death Star fail open?” That’s an egregious engineering error. nerdologues.com ; @nerdologues

Comedy Mutant with Brian Posehn, Myq Kaplan and Mike Drucker
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm — IGN Theater
C2E2 is bringing you a side-splittingly funny FREE comedy event! C2E2’s Comedy Show will feature Comedy Mutant comedians Brian Poshen (The WB’s Mission Hill, Comedy Central’s The Sarah Silverman Program), Myq Kaplan (Last Comic Standing) and Mike Drucker (Saturday Night Live). Don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy this knee-slapping stand-up performance!

Modern Swordplay Demo
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
See what medieval swordsman ship really looked like! The Chicago Swordplay Guild is going to demonstrate their skill and shed some light on what the martial arts of the medieval world looked like. Movies and myths imply that that swordsman ship in Europe was crude, thuggish, and untrained. We’ll show you that is was fast, elegant, and mercilessly efficient with entertaining displays with the long sword, rapier and dagger, sword and buckler, and combat in full medieval armor. There will be time for Q&A, and show and tell of actual swords, armor and training gear. If you ever wanted to see the real thing up close, here’s your chance!

Speed Dating
5:00 pm – 7:00 pm — W183a
Looking for love in all the wrong Cantinas? Back again by popular demand is C2E2 Speed Dating, brought to you by our friends at Sci-Fi Speed Dating. Come join us for a round filled with good music, great company and the thrilling potential to meet your own super hero or shinobi! Speed Dating’s blind dates last three minutes, but if sparks fly, you’re set for a lifetime of live. Five sessions will be held at C2E2 and they’re all free for C2E2 fans.

Advanced Digital Inking Techniques with Brian Haberlin
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W476
Learn how to digitally ink and take all your black-and-white artwork to the next level. Comics artist Brian Haberlin will delve into Photoshop’s treasure trove of features old and new, that not only enhance comic applications but make possible countless creative pen and ink opportunities rarely seen before. If you’re serious about your black-and-white artwork, this session is a must.

Dark Horse Spring Fever!
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W471
Join Dark Horse Comics director of public relations, Jeremy Atkins, and editor-in-chief Scott Allie for exclusive announcements, information on upcoming titles, and even a surprise guest or two! Whether you’re daydreaming of a galaxy far far away, spending your nights fighting vampires, or trying to unlock the secrets of an organization bent on controlling people’s minds, this is one panel you won’t wanna miss!

VIZ Media Panel
5:15 pm – 6:15 pm — W470a
Get the latest updates & exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime! You’ll also get the scoop on upcoming releases & projects from VIZ Manga, WEEKLY SHONEN JUMP, kids publishing, Neon Alley channel, and more! Plus, be the first to hear about an exclusive collector’s item, available only during C2E2!

American Ghost Hunter Film Screening
5:15 pm – 7:00 pm — W473
Executive-produced by Ryan Buell (star of A&E’s “Paranormal State”) and Chad Calek (also from “State”), “American Ghost Hunter” is a no-holds-barred documentary film about an Iowa family torn apart by alleged paranormal activity. Legendary writer/director Frank Miller (director of “Sin City” and creator of “300”) praised the documentary, calling it a “convincing” film. The film is slated to be released in the fall, but attendees of C2E2 will be one of the first audiences to see this “fantastic, sad and beautiful film” (author Stefan Petrucha, “The X-Files”).

Marvel Heroes: Get Ready for Action
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — W470b
The Marvel MMO you’ve been waiting for is almost here! Get the inside scoop on the next big thing in Marvel gaming from Gazillion Entertainment. Find out new details about this groundbreaking action RPG MMO, including a first sneak peek at future post-launch content! Pick up a unique giveaway, exclusive to C2E2 and only at this panel!

Supernatural Fan Panel
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — W475b
Join the coordinators of the Chicago-based Supernatural fan convention WinchestMidwest for an open discussion on the hit CW show, “Supernatural”. Filled with video clips from all 8 seasons, this panel will entertain and inform both new and old fans. So gas up the 1967 Impala and take a ride with us into the world of Sam and Dean Winchester for an hour of Supernatural spoilers and speculation! There will also be a display of art department props from the last eight seasons in the room. And as a special treat, the first 100 panel attendees will receive a goodie bag filled with C2E2 Exclusive Supernatural swag.

Vertigo: A View from the Cutting Edge of Comics
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — W474
Join the writers and artists behind the acclaimed and award-winning brand for a panel about the weird, the wild and the always unexpected with all-star talent!

Wikia Cosplay Contest
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm — Variant Stage
Wikia’s Lifestyle vertical matches its user’s passion for pop culture topics like comic books, video games, movies, and TV shows with the lifestyle motifs that are a large part of those worlds. So when it came to planning a Lifestyle track for Wikia’s C2E2 participation, we thought the best way to extend that mission would be through fashion and pop culture. Translation: cosplay! Specifically, Wikia will be working with C2E2 to sponsor a cosplay contest focusing on the theme of “heroes” and “villains.” Come to the event as your favorite from any existing media (comics, anime, film, television, etc.) or create a good guy/bad guy of your own. The choice is yours! You’ll just have to impress our panel of expert judges (distinguished members of the Wikia community) for the chance to win big prizes!

Taste of Medieval Swordplay
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Learn From the Midwest’s finest Western Martial Arts instructors. a one hour session on the basics of the Medieval Long Sword, or the elegant Rapier of the Italian renascence. Either way, you will get lesson on how to use it and basic theory that drives medieval fighting schools. If have ever wanted to fight like a knight, or a duelist, this is your chance to try it for free! Don’t miss this opportunity! All needed gear will be provided, just bring your self. Spectators welcome.

Bruce Boxleitner’s LANTERN CITY
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W471
LANTERN CITY is a new steampunk inspired television series in development by Executive Producers and Co-Creators, Bruce Boxleitner (TRON, BABYLON 5) and Trevor Crafts. LANTERN CITY will provide a rich world for both fans of steampunk and epic series television enthusiasts and ask the viewer the pivotal questions: “How far would you go to be with the person you love?”, and “What lengths would you go to in order to survive?”. Bruce, Trevor and series writer Matthew Daley will be at C2E2 to providing information and answer questions on the series, and show the current trailer and series concept art. Additionally as a C2E2 exclusive, cast member Mira Furlan (BABYLON 5, LOST) will be joining the panel to discuss her role as Martha Ellen Gray. Definitely not a panel to miss! For more information on this exciting steampunk series and the producers, and cast, please check out the Lantern City website at http://www.lanterncitytv.com, FB: Facebook/lanterncitytv.com, and Twitter: #lanterncitytv.

Comicpreneurs: Secrets of Successful Pop Culture Start-ups
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W476
Get a rare look behind the scenes as leading pop culture entrepreneurs share their secrets of building successful pop culture businesses! Join author and futurist Rob Salkowitz (Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture), comiXology co-founder John Roberts, Ted Adams of IDW Publishing and Dinesh Shamdasani of Valiant for a unique view of the business side of pop culture.

Nerd City
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm — W470a
The boys are back. Hosting their FOURTH C2e2 panel, Nerd City brings their signature dose of mayhem to the con festivities yet again. Infamous for troublemaking and their twisted sense of humor, this year’s panel, as always, features special guests, booze-fueled insanity, and prizes! Prizes, I say! Be there or regret it for the rest of your Nerdy life.

Chicago Comics From The Chicago Scene
7:00 pm – 8:00 pm — W470b
Ever wonder how Chicago’s best-known comic creators teamed up to make the Windy City’s scene soar? Learn all about Chi-Town’s four-color community in a special panel featuring “Hack/Slash” and “Revival” creator Tim Seeley and his Four Star Studio mates, indie icons like “Incredible Change-Bots” artist Jeffrey Brown, “Cry Yourself To Sleep” cartoonist Jeremy Tinder, “Life With Mr. Dangerous” cartoonist Paul Hornschemeier and many more local artists. Moderated by Comic Book Resources News Editor Kiel Phegley.

Peter Davison Q&A and Doctor Who Screening
7:00 pm – 9:00 pm — W474
The Doctor time travels to C2E2! Join the discussion with the actor who played the lead role in Doctor Who as he discusses his high-profile career. After the Q&A there will be a special screening of the last episode starring Peter Davison, “Doctor Who: The Caves of Androzani”, brought to C2E2 by THE ULTIMATE-TV.

ZETMAN Screening
7:15 pm – 8:15 pm — W473
Don’t miss this intense dark action anime, presented by VIZ Media, with characters designed by creator Masakazu Katsura (VIDEO GIRL AI, TIGER & BUNNY and more)! “ZET,” the one who is entrusted with the future of mankind. “ALPHAS,” the one who is searching for the meaning of true justice. They will be the ones who will change the world. Is it coincidence or fate that brings these two heroes together? Soon, the two will learn what fate has in mind for them…

C2E2 Charity Auction
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm — W475b
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please join us for the 2nd Annual Charity Art Auction at C2E2! Come on down and bid with other art enthusiasts for the chance to own a piece of original art from some of your favorite creators including Olivier Coipel, Geof Darrow, Ethan Van Sciver, Katie Cook, Joe Prado, Chris Samnee, Tim Seeley, Agnes Garbowska, Chris Giarrusso, David Petersen, Mico Suayan & Joe Staton. All proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and your participation in this event will help support lifesaving research and treatment for the children of St. Jude. HAVE FUN. GET ART. SAVE LIVES.

An Evening with Kevin Smith
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm — IGN Theater
SOLD OUT. Fans must have previously purchased a ticket to this event. Both a C2E2 Badge and “An Evening with Kevin Smith” ticket are required to enter this event. Join us for “An Evening with Kevin Smith” in the Main Events Hall at C2E2. Spend some time with the legendary filmmaker, actor and writer Kevin Smith! Most known for the world he created in Clerks, and since expanded in Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and Clerks II, has also written, directed, and produced projects including Cop Out and Red State. In the comics world, he’s penned stories for heroes including Spider-Man, Daredevil, Green Arrow, Batman, and Green Hornet. Online, he is behind the SModcast podcast and SModcast Internet Radio channel featuring regular weekly podcasts from Smith and over 20 of his contemporaries and collaborators. On television, he stars in his own reality television series, Comic Book Men on AMC. *Please note: this is a separate ticketed event and is currently sold out. Check back for ticket pick-up instructions.

Husbands: Television and Beyond
7:45 pm – 8:45 pm — W471
Brad Bell and Jane Espenson created Husbands, a marriage equality sitcom with the simple hope of giving life to a show they believed in. Two years later, the show is a critical smash, a popular success, and now a comic book hard cover collection. With moderator Mathew Aaron, Bell and Espenson discuss the future of Husbands and the studio-free creative process. Includes a screening.

Keep Your Pants On 2: Electric Boogalloo
7:45 pm – 8:45 pm — W476
The smash-hit geek dating panel from C2E2 2011 is back! Join BleedingCool.com dating columnists Kate Kotle & Elliott Serrano, along with some surprise, for an evening of fun and hijinx as they talk about “dating for geeks, nerds and the like.”

My Journey Into The Unknown: “Paranormal State’s” Ryan Buell Panel Lecture/Discussion
7:45 pm – 8:45 pm — W470a
Ryan Buell, star of the hit TV series “Paranormal State” will share some of his most terrifying encounters at C2E2, including his time working with the Catholic Church to assess cases of demonic possession, alien encounters and spirits from beyond. Buell will also unveil details about his upcoming book and new TV show project.

Wikia Expert Showcase
8:15 pm – 9:15 pm — W470b
The Wikia Expert Showcase is an ongoing video series where members from Wikia.com’s most active and robust communities join in a rapid-fire, moderated discussion on fun pop culture topics. Entire episodes are dedicated to the likes of “Star Wars v2.0,” “The ongoing depiction of Iron Man on the big screen,” “The *new* Final Frontier and where Paramount plans to Trek in it,” etc. Wikia will be hosting a “live” version of the series at C2E2, focusing on the convention’s largest studio panel. Join us as key members of the Wikia community (as well as a surprise celebrity guest or two) dissect C2E2’s most popular presentation — lending an “expert” voice to the true fans. Program specifics and panel guests will be announced soon!

BERSERK THE GOLDEN AGE ARC I – THE EGG OF THE KING Screening
8:30 pm – 10:00 pm — W473
VIZ Media brings the arms and armor action of BERSERK to C2E2! Produced by the acclaimed Studio 4C, the first installment in the movie trilogy follows Guts, a lone mercenary, as he travels a land where a hundred-year-old war is taking place. His ferocity and ability to kill enemies attracts the attention of Griffith, leader of the mercenary group “The Band of the Hawk,” and Guts is recruited to the unit. Thanks to their continued victories on the battlefield, the bond between Guts and Griffith deepens, but despite all their success, Guts begins to question his reasons for fighting for Griffith’s dream. Unknown to Guts, this unyielding dream is about to bestow a horrible fate on them both!

Hunger Games Costume Tour Exhibit
10:00 am – 5:00 pm — Booth #1209
You don’t have to volunteer as tribute this year to get close to the Hunger Games. Get a glimpse at the garb from District 12 and the extravagance hailing from The Capital in the Hunger Games Costumes Exhibit! The exhibition tour will be making its rounds through the nation’s districts with a special stop at C2E2. Fans will have the opportunity to see original movie costumes worn by Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson, Liam Hemsworth, Elizabeth Banks, Woody Harrelson, Stanley Tucci, Wes Bentley, Lenny Kravitz, Donald Sutherland and more! The exhibit will be located in Booth #1209 and is brought to you by Blacksparrow Productions. Don’t miss your chance to see a piece of Hollywood magic and “may the odds be ever in your favor”!

Ben’s Bubble Show
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — Variant Stage
Ben’s bubble Show is a unique form of entertainment that combines art and science with a touch of magic. Ben uses his bare hands and a few simple tools to create beautiful, humorous, and mind boggling soap bubble sculptures. He even puts people inside bubbles! Outdoors, he creates giant bubbles-some as big as a car. He also makes bubble blizzards… hundreds of softball sized bubbles in just a few seconds. Add some humor and audience participation and you get one of a kind entertainment that’s sure to please young and old alike.

Crowdsourcing: Kickstarting Your Way to Success
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W470a
The emergence of Kickstarter and other crowdsourcing services has revolutionized and reinvigorated the marketplace for creator-owned projects. Creators are finding an entirely new audience for their works, and crowdsourcing is breaking down the barriers in comics, prose, gaming, technology and design. Join us as Jason Wood – co-host of the 11 O’Clock Comics podcast and backer of several dozen Kickstarter campaigns, moderates an all-star panel (Stegman, Browne, Forbeck, Hite & WIndmarch) of creators who have successfully funded projects that have far exceeded their goals. Learn the Dos and Don’ts of a successful project, from inception to delivery, from people that have done it many times over.

Derf Backderf on My Friend Dahmer
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — W473
Derf Backderf is the author of critically acclaimed, original graphic novel, My Friend Dahmer. Backderf, a high school classmate Jeffery Dahmer’s, gives a unique perspective on the notorious serial killer. To the public, Dahmer was a monster who committed unthinkable atrocities. To Backderf, he was “Jeff,” a high school friend with whom he had shared classrooms, hallways and car rides. Using a combination of his own memories and journals, conversations with old friends, and Dahmer’s interviews and transcripts, writer-artist Backderf unveils a surprisingly sympathetic portrait of a disturbed young man–a shy kid, a teenage alcoholic, and a misfit who never quite fit in with his classmates–struggling against the morbid urges emanating from the deep recesses of his psyche.

Superhero Obstacle Course
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Little Beans Cafe is an imaginative playspace and cafe geared towards children ages 6 months-6 years . Join us and let your little superhero’s imaginations run wild as they blast through our mini obstacle course.

U Cre-8 Comics Presents: Character Crafters
11:00 am – 12:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Are you the next GREAT comic creator?! Take the Raconteur’s challenge and design your own character from start to finish! Establish powers, design costume ideas, create an origin story and more with U Cre-8 Comics — the PERFECT jumpstart to YOUR comic universe!

Kidditch – Quidditch Training for Kids
11:00 am – 1:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Are you a Harry Potter fan? Or do you like to run around and have fun? Join the International Quidditch Association and play “Kidditch” (Kids Quidditch)! We’ll be introducing this sport to kids of all ages by explaining the rules and teaching them how to play. Kids will be able to run around with brooms, toss around the quaffle, throw bludgers or chase the snitch in a designated “training” area. They will also participate in mini games to give quidditch a try. Most importantly, we want everyone to make friends and have a great time! Brooms up!

Vintage Toys & Pop Culture Auction
11:00 am – 3:00 pm — W476
Presented by Blacksparrow Auctions, the Vintage Toys & Pop Culture Auction features one of the largest collection of original Kenner Star Wars action figures, each graded by AFA. The auction also includes original artwork used for vintage coloring books and jigsaw puzzles that showcase the Pink Panther, Bugs Bunny, Jonny Quest, The Flintstones, Masters of the Universe, Popeye, and much more. Original mint in box Star Trek action figures from the 1960s will be in this auction, as well as Silver Age CGC-graded comics, such as Amazing Spider-Man #1 and Fantastic Four #1. The highlight item is an exceptional rare 1978 Kenner hand-painted hardcopy prototype 15″ scale figure of Darth Vader. This is the ultimate Star Wars collectible. Blacksparrow Auctions is honored to work with ReedPop to bring this live auction to C2E2.

Creative Dramatics
11:30 am – 12:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Join Lil Buds Theater for a basic introduction to the dramatic arts, concentrating on imagination and collaborative work. They will be using children’s literature as a basis for dramatic creations. Best for ages 3 to 6.

Getting Ready for Action – Captain Action in 2013
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W475b
Captain Action, the original superhero action figure, returned to toy shelves last year to overwhelming collector enthusiasm. But the world’s “Original Action Figure” is only getting started. Join toy company Round 2, Animation House G7 and Dynamite Comics for a peek behind-the-curtain look at the exciting 2013 Action Plans. Panelists include Mike Murphy (Chief Designer, Round 2 Toys), Nick Barrucci (Publisher, Dynamite Comics), Tom Tataronowicz (G7 Animation), J. C. Vaughn (Publisher, Gemstone). Moderated by Ed Catto (Retropreneur, Captain Action).

The Business of Making Comics with Michael Golden
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W470b
Long considered one of the best storytellers in sequential art, come to this one on one session with the legendary artist of “The ‘Nam,” “G.I. Joe,” “Dr. Strange,” “The Micronauts,” “Batman Family,” and much, much more! Plenty in insider tips from Michael on the business, notes on storytellling and a chance to have your questions answered by the renowned illustrator and storyteller.

VALIANT 2013: THE CRAFT OF COMICS WITH WARREN SIMONS
11:30 am – 12:30 pm — W474
Ever wonder how your favorite Valiant comics are made? Now’s your chance to find out as Valiant Executive Editor and Marvel veteran Warren Simons goes behind the scenes of his favorite titles past and present. In this candid discussion between Simons and some of the industry’s top talent, find out what it takes to put together a compelling story from start to finish, how to make your series stand apart, and just how the editorial process functions at the highest levels. Plus, watch and wait for a few Valiant secrets that might just come spilling through the cracks.

Talk Like a Pirate (& Leave with Treasure!)
12:00 pm – 12:30 pm — Family Room W375a
So you want to sail the seven seas and hunt for treasure? Learn the super-secret pirate salute, help the captain aboard the ship and take home the lost treasure of Misty Island! Brought to you by the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

Kids Costume Parade
12:00 pm – 12:45 pm — Variant Stage
Come join us at high noon for a kids only costume showdown! Open to attendees 12 and under, C2E2 will be hosting this special contest just for our future costumers and cosplayers. NEW THIS YEAR: PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED. More information to come soon on registration.

Theater Games
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm — Family Room W375a
Through acting games and exercises, students will hone basic acting and theatre skills such as vocal production and character creation, and will master the art of creative collaboration. Brought to you by Lil Buds Theater. Best for ages 7+.

Exorcising the Spectre of the Fake Geek Girl: Discussing geek culture, gate-keeping and sexism
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W473
This moderated panel will demystify the spectre of the “fake geek girl” that’s been haunting geek culture. Do “fake geek girls” really exist? If so, does it even really matter? Why is there the perception that they are invading geek spaces? Is it really about keeping geek culture “authentic” or about keeping certain people out? And who gets to define what makes one a “real geek” anyway? Six diverse and very opinionated Chicago panelists will tackle these questions and more by discussing some of the blog posts and videos that sparked debate over this topic last year, and sharing their experience of what it’s really like to be geeky women navigating their way through the gates of geek culture. A Q&A session will follow discussion with the panelists. The panel is sponsored in part by the Chicago Nerd Social Club.

FUNimation Channel – The C2E2 Channel Panel
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W470a
FUNimation Channel, the only channel in the United States airing anime programming 24/7 on TV in HD, is hosting its debut panel at C2E2. Find out what’s hot, what’s new and what’s coming to the channel.

We Are BOOM!
12:15 pm – 1:15 pm — W471
BOOM! Vice President of Publishing & Marketing Filip Sablik and Editor Shannon Watters reintroduce BOOM! Studios to the world of comics. This won’t be your average publisher panel droning on and on through a series of press releases and stale cover images. Find out what makes BOOM! Studios different than every other comic publisher in the market and why 2013 will be a transformative year for us. Come Innovate With Us.

Become a Knight
12:30 pm – 1:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Queen Elizabeth I is looking for new knights and ladies for her court. Test your mettle and might against the Code of Chivalry and you could be knighted! Brought to you by the Bristol Renaissance Faire.

POW! Gadget Making
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Superheroes often build machines that make their jobs easier, whether it be a supercomputer, a walkie-talkie, or a honing device. In honor of Earth Day, POW!Kids will use recycled materials to construct their very own gadgets to aid them in the search and capture of evil doers in Chicago and abroad. Best for ages 3 to 9.

Aw Yeah Comics Drawing Competition and Hullabaloo with Art Baltazar & Franco
12:45 pm – 1:15 pm — Variant Stage
Art Baltazar and Franco, the fan-favorite creators behind Tiny Titans and Superman Family Adventures, take the stage for an old fashioned showdown! Learn from the pros as they sketch your favorite comic book characters in a contest against the audience and each other! Who will win this challenge of the super friends? Come on down to find out!

Hobbit Headlines from The OneRing.net
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W475b
The Hobbit is here! For more than a decade TheOneRing.net (TORn) has brought fans world-wide the latest happenings on the world of J.R.R. Tolkien in books, live events and film. After a great start, Tolkien fans are eagerly awaiting the next two installments of The Hobbit, and TORn is in the middle of the action! Peter Jackson, a long-time friend to TORn, is back in the director’s chair and TORn’s reporters have been working overtime to find out the latest news and scoops. Expect to be informed, surprised and thrilled about the rumors and developments for the next two movies during this one hour panel.

MARVEL: X-Men
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W474
As new mutants emerge around the world, the mutant race may just be able to bounce back! Or at least it COULD, without the looming threats of Apocalypse, the Sentinels, and Cyclops himself! Join us for an all-star panel featuring Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers), Brian Wood (X-Men), Ramón Pérez (Wolverine & the X-Men), and more to get all the details about what’s coming next for Marvel’s mutant heroes!

Writing for Comics
12:45 pm – 1:45 pm — W470b
Join top comic writers Justin Jordan (Strange Talent of Luther Strode, Deathstroke), Josh Fialkov (I, Vampire, Echoes) and Andy Schmidtfor a discussion and instructive tips on the art of writing for comics. Writers and editors speak about the process of writing and how the game is played. Want to know how stories come about and learn how to do it yourself—this is the place to start! Presented by Comics Experience’s Andy Schmidt.

Danger Dolphin & Entertaining Elephant Live Reading
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Dive into danger and embrace excitement as Thomas Finley orates the adventures of Danger Dolphin and Entertaining Elephant!

Reading with Pictures – Live Reading
1:15 pm – 2:15 pm — Variant Stage
Come learn about how getting comics in the classroom can be fun and educational. There will be live read-alongs of our favorite stories from the Harvey-Award nominated anthology, and the latest news about how you can help get comics into schools and libraries near you! Hosted by Reading with Pictures Marketing Director Trevor Mueller. Come join us for this engaging panel that’s fun for all ages!

POW! Story Telling
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Family Room W375a
Performing teacher Anya Clingman turns audience suggestions into one-of-a-kind superhero stories inspired by the classics tales of the DC and Marvel universes. All POW!Kids are invited to blast off to a world of singing, dancing, and imagination with Captain Anya. Best for ages 3 to 8.

Archaia Entertainment Presents: Comics Storytelling and the Lost Art of 3D
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W471
Join creators with a special perspective on 3D storytelling in comics for an uncensored discussion of the medium’s benefits and drawbacks, as well as a wide-ranging survey of the highs and lows of 60 years of 3D comics, only at C2E2 2013! Pioneered by a cabal of industrious creators in the early 1950s, anaglyph 3D comics experienced a boom at roughly the same mid-century moment as 3D movies first appeared in cinemas nationwide. 60 years later, 2012 saw the passing of two of the field’s pioneers: comics legend Joe Kubert, one of the format’s credited inventors, and Ray Zone, the famed conversion artist on the most notable 3D comics of the last 30 years. To pay tribute to these lost giants and celebrate the 2013 release of their ambitious, all-3D graphic novel THE JOYNERS IN 3D from Archaia, writer R.J. Ryan (Syndrome) and New York Times Bestselling illustrator David Marquez (All-New X-Men, Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) have invited a panel of creatives from across comics to dig deep into the medium’s checkered history of using 3D as a storytelling tool. The multimedia presentation will include big-screen glimpses of comics’ most famous—and most forgettable—3D projects, as well as a brief, exclusive sneak peek at Ryan & Marquez’s epic 3D melodrama, THE JOYNERS IN 3D. Moderated by Word Balloon podcast host John Siuntres.

Face Painting
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Unlock your animal spirit or super hero with Thomas Finley’s free face painting!

FOES, FANGS & FUR: A Look Inside Urban Fantasy Novels:
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm — W470a
Vampires have staked their claim on readers and werewolves have certainly taken a bite out of pop-fiction. But these paranormal creatures aren’t the only ones that run havoc in the pages of urban fantasy novels. Authors discuss the villains, vixens, magic, and mayhem in their novels —from witches to gargoyles to zombies and beyond!

Misfit Heights Screening
1:30 pm – 2:45 pm — W473
A zombie puppet musical! Misfit Heights is a film about an apartment building populated by puppets. When a mad scientist’s plan to rule the world with an army of undead goes wrong, it’s up to the last few survivors to fight their way into his secret lab. They try to put an end to his evil plan before they become zombies, or the buildings superintendent returns from vacation and evicts them

Star Wars Academy
1:30 pm – 3:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Put on a helmet, take up a blaster, and enlist in the Star Wars Academy! Join members of the 501st Legion’s Midwest Garrison and the Rebel Legion’s Nar Shaddaa Base in this interactive experience that lets kids play the role of stormtrooper cadets! Get trained in marksmanship, navigate an obstacle course, recover the stolen Death Star plans, and engage in a laser shoot-out to the finish! For ages 6 to 12 only. Starting every 5 minutes in this time slot. Nerf blasters provided. Donations to charity are gladly accepted!

ART MASTERS: DRAWING DC
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W474
What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Join DC Comics artists for a unique peek into their visual approach in shaping DC Comics!

FIRST COMICS
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W475b
Chicago’s own FIRST COMICS continues its re-launch roll-out with exclusive sneak previews of the FIRST wave of titles, and a special limited edition ashcan for all panel attendees! Panel guests include: Matt Sturges (Jack of Fables), The Fillbach Bros. (Clone Wars), Steve Stern (Frickin’ Butt Kickin’ Zombie Ants), Dan Cote (Zen), Joe Staton (E-Man), Dave Justus (Public Relations), and Omaha Perez (Holmes). Special Guests Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Connor and “The Terror Twins” Directors Sylvia and Jen Soska also join! With First Comics Art Director Alex Wald and Publisher Ken F. Levin.

Meet R.L. Stine who has been Giving Us Goosebumps for 20 Years!
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — W470b
In July 1992, Scholastic introduced a monthly book series by R.L. Stine called Goosebumps: Welcome to the Dead House. Twenty years later, Goosebumps is now one of the best-selling children’s series of all-time—with more than 300 million books sold in 32 languages. The Goosebumps series made R.L. Stine a worldwide publishing celebrity (and Jeopardy answer), and Goosebumps was named the world’s bestselling book series of all time in the 2003 Guinness Book of World Records. Aimed at kids ages 8–12, Goosebumps was a phenomenon. Goosebumps Most Wanted is the latest line of Goosebumps books by author R.L. Stine, described as “a brand new take on terror” features the return of several of the series’ most infamous villains! Attend this Q&A author session for a fun, bone-chilling interview with the man behind the scare. If you dare! Book signing to follow program.

POW! Kids Interactive Mission
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Hey Super-Kids! The Joker has stolen the Crystals of Atlantis and is planning to use them to tear the world apart. On this mission, POW!Kids will create a plan and work as a team using their chosen superpowers to stop The Joker from carrying out his plot of destruction. Since The Joker’s keen skills are calibrated to humans over 18 years old, it will require the youthful, energetic minds of kids to out-do, out-smart and out-think, this green haired villain. Best for ages 4 to 8.

Dinosaurs Alive! by Brookfield Zoo
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm — Variant Stage
Journey back millions of years with Brookfield Zoo as they take you on a unique pre-historic experience. Learn how dinosaurs are still the coolest extinct animals that continue to influence pop culture. There will be some dinosaur trivia, games and prizes. Then head over to the Family Room for a sneak peek of Brookfield Zoo’s new exhibit “Dinosaurs Alive!” which is opening April 6.

Star Wars Origami for Kids
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Master folder Chris Alexander, author of STAR WARS ORIGAMI, will demonstrate and teach the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive model along with art from the movies. Materials included!

Story Time Adventures
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm — Family Room W375a
Take a break from all the crowds and chaos of the convention floor for a moment of whimsy and fun. Join Agnes Garbowska (MyMisiu Gazette, Girl Comics) as she reads out loud her exciting all-ages fantasy adventure story, “Boo Bear and Flo”, illustrated by herself and written by Jack Briglio (Growing Up Enchanted, Scooby Doo)! She’ll need your help as the characters in her stories need voices of their own! Children and adults are encouraged to join in on this story time since it’s bound to get the room bouncing!

MARVEL: Next Big Thing
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W471
From New York City to the edge of the Milky Way and everywhere in between, we’ve got the top talent on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Panelists include Kieron Gillen (Iron Man), Tony Moore (Deadpool), and more as they take on all questions!

Super-Fly Podcast: Live at C2E2
2:45 pm – 3:45 pm — W470a
For two years and 130+ shows, The “gentlemen” that run Super-Fly Comics and Games have been podcasting about all aspects of the comic business, giving their fractured and hilarious take on the podcasting about all aspects of the comic business, giving their fractured and hilarious take on the goings on of the funny little thing called comics. In that short time, the hosts of the Super-Fly Podcast (on the PanelsOnPages.com PoP!Cast Network) have lent their years of experience in comic retailing to the show and are bringing the funny to Chicago. A Q+A will make sure that you can hold your favorite Super-Fly host accountable for the things they’ve said over the years. Look for possible special guests and a great time. Viva la Moon!

*Captain Cornelius Cartoon’s Cartoon Lagoon Screening
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm — W473
This brand new animated/puppet show adventure, available now on DVD, plumbs the depths of Cartoon Lagoon in search of the best and the worst cartoons ever made. (“I didn’t expect to laugh as much as I did. In short, Cartoon Lagoon is a laugh riot.” – TheOtherView.com) Join Wet Willy Jones and Axel Rodd McGee on their undersea quest aboard the MANTA RAY, a cartoon-retrieving vessel commanded by Captain Cornelius Cartoon.

Comic Art–How to make a living doing it!
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W470b
Join artists Robert Atkins and Rob Anderson for a discussion with former Marvel and IDW Comics editor Andy Schmidt on how to make a living as an artist. From how to get work, how to interview and network, all the way up to how to just draw some kick ass material that will get you noticed! Presented by Comics Experience!

It’s Super Effective – a Pokémon Panel
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W475b
It’s Super Effective is the most popular Pokémon Podcast on the web. With over 250 5-Star reviews on iTunes, and the winner of two Shorty-Awards for “Best Podcast on Twitter”, PKMNcast knows how to move a crowd! With that being said, we are happy to keep you entertained with all the Pokémon needs you have in your life. If your a serious Pokémon Trainer, you don’t want to miss this show! From Pokémon news to video games, from TCG to Anime, and from the movie to the toys… PKMNcast is not shy to cover it all.

Wikia Qwizards
3:15 pm – 4:15 pm — W474
What is the top speed of the Millenium Falcon? Who was the final boss of the original Mega Man? What space opera game did Mark Hamill appear in? If you’re the type of person who has the answers to these kinds of questions, you’ll love Wikia Qwizards — a geek culture quiz show where the contestants write questions for each other. This year at C2E2, Wikia will be staging a live-action version of Qwizards and pulling aspiring geek alpha dogs straight from the show floor. The theme for the quiz is science fiction, encompassing games, movies, TV shows, and (of course) books. Prepare yourself for two days (a semi-final and final round) of game show action!

Brookfield Zoo Crafts & Activities
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm — Family Room W375a

How to Play Quidditch 101
3:30 pm – 5:00 pm — Interactive Room W375b
Have you ever wished YOU could play quidditch? Now you can! Join the International Quidditch Association at C2E2 on Saturday, April 27 and Sunday, April 28 for some excitement and fun! The IQA will be leading demonstration matches between two official Quidditch teams on both days. After each demo match, the IQA will open up the pitch for pick-up games! Fans can join in and play with each other for a one hour period. This is something you don’t want to miss! Come see quidditch in full-action and find out why it’s the sport everyone’s talking about!

Songs of Dragons and the Dungeons in Which They Dwell
3:45 pm – 4:15 pm — Variant Stage
Spend time with Dan the Bard and his own compositions about rangers and wizards, bards and barbarians, manticores…and owlbears! The music of Dan the Bard is a combination of original and period pieces, heavily influenced by folk music and the humor of filk music. Dan is the music director at the Bristol Renaissance Faire and has been performing since 1995. He has also performed at GENCON in Indiana, CODCON in Glen Ellyn, and GARYCON in Lake Geneva. Hear what happened this one time… at Bard Camp…

C2E2 Team Panel Q&A
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W473
We hope you had the best time at C2E2 and that your experience was epic. The C2E2 Team will be sitting down with Fans to hear what you thought of the show, what you’d like to see more of and let you help build C2E2 2014!

Wooby and Peep Stage Reading
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — Family Room W375a
Bring the kiddos to an engaging reading from the picture book WOOBY AND PEEP and see what happens when an unlikely friendship forms between a pensive bear who has a passion for petunias and a peppy bird who has a knack for creating disasters with just a touch of her wingtip.

Writing for Video Games
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm — W470a
David Rodriguez, Narrative Designer on the upcoming Skylanders: SWAP Force game, will give an overview of what it means to be a Designer and Writer within the game industry. We will review the sorts of specialties that exist within the discipline and then delve into the process of game creation within a corporate structure, focusing on the different levels of collaboration required to create a successful product. Lastly, we will talk about what you can do if you are looking for a career in the industry and then move into Q & A.

Storytime with the Ghost Busters: Chicago Division
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm — Variant Stage

via C2E2

6:00-9:45 Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings— Comic-Con and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Night tradition, with exclusive world premiere screenings of the pilot episodes of five of the most highly anticipated TV series pilots of the 2012–13 television season: 666 Park Avenue, Arrow, The Following, Revolution and Cult.

• 666 Park Avenue — At 666 Park Avenue, anything you desire can be yours…for a price. Lost‘s Terry O’Quinn and Desperate Housewives‘ Vanessa Williams headline this scary, seductive drama from Alloy Entertainment as the owners of a Manhattan apartment building who recruit an idealistic young couple to manage the historic site with a dark history. The series also stars Rachael Taylor (Charlie’s Angels), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Mercedes Masohn (The Finder), Helena Mattsson (Iron Man 2), and Samantha Logan (Law & Order: SVU). Matthew Miller (Chuck), David Wilcox (Fringe), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle), and Alex Graves (Fringe) are the executive producers. Based on the book series by Gabriella Pierce and from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, 666 Park Avenue will air Sundays at 10/9c on ABC this fall.

• Arrow — From executive producers Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), and David Nutter (Smallville), hard-hitting action series Arrow reinvents the DC hero. After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal new set of skills that he uses in a war on crime. The series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), David Ramsey (Dexter), and Willa Holland (The O.C.), with Susanna Thompson (Dragonfly) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall.

• The Following — Golden Globe winner/Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon (Mystic River) and Rome‘s James Purefoy star in The Following, a cat-and-mouse thriller from Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries), about a diabolical serial killer (Purefoy) and the psychologically scarred ex-FBI agent (Bacon) called in to stop him. The Following also stars Natalie Zea (Justified), Jeananne Goossen (Alcatraz), Shawn Ashmore (X-Men films), Valorie Curry (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), Nico Tortorella (Scream 4), Adan Canto (Amar No Es Querer), and Kyle Catlett (Unforgettable), with Maggie Grace (Lost) recurring. Executive produced by Williamson and Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries), The Following is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television and will air on Mondays midseason on FOX.

• Revolution — What would you do without it all? In Revolution, an epic adventure thriller from Supernatural‘s Eric Kripke, J. J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, and Iron Man‘s Jon Favreau, a family struggles to reunite in a post-apocalyptic landscape of empty cities, local militias, and heroic freedom fighters where every piece of technology-phones, computers, cars, even lights-has mysteriously blacked out…forever. Revolution stars Billy Burke (Twilight films), Tracy Spiridakos (Being Human), Anna Lise Phillips (Animal Kingdom), Zak Orth (Wet Hot American Summer), Graham Rogers (Memphis Beat), J. D. Pardo (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), David Lyons (The Cape), Maria Howell (The Vampire Diaries), and Tim Guinee (Iron Man films) and is executive produced by Kripke, Abrams, and Bryan Burk (Fringe). Favreau directed the pilot and will serve as co-executive producer of the series, with Kathy Lingg (Fringe). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises. and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution will air Mondays at 10/9c on NBC this fall.

• Cult — There is television…and there is the world we live in. In the shadows where they meet, there is Cult. In this visceral thriller from the creator of Farscape and the producers of Chuck, a bright and driven reporter teams up with an inquisitive television researcher to investigate a series of disturbing disappearances all tied to a wildly popular new television show called…Cult. With everyone a suspect and no one to trust but each other, the two follow an obscure trail of tantalizing clues in an effort to find the reporter’s missing brother, a rabid fan of the show who unlocked the secret at the heart of the series-and seemingly paid the price. Moving from the real world into the labyrinthine world of the series and its two characters-a detective and a charismatic cult leader-events inside the show begin to bleed into the outside world and vice versa as the certainty of what’s real and what’s illusion crumbles into dust. Cult stars Matt Davis (The Vampire Diaries), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield), Alona Tal (Supernatural), and Robert Knepper (Prison Break) and is executive produced by Rockne S. O’Bannon (Farscape), Josh Schwartz (Chuck), Stephanie Savage (Gossip Girl), Len Goldstein (Hart of Dixie), and Jason Ensler (Chuck). From Fake Empire and Rockne S. O’Bannon Television in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, Cult will air midseason on The CW.

Ballroom20

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con How-To: Building the Foundation to a Page-Turning Story— Before you start writing your story, you need a clear idea of where your story is going. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you insight into how to create a structure that will become the foundation for your story, as well as provide you with several tools to help you stay organized. From plotting in reverse to a three-act play, this seminar will help you understand how to set the “beats” of your story and how to insure that you hit them, leaving your readers hungry for more. Room2

10:00-11:00 The Witty Women of Steampunk— The Victorian era was one marked by constraints on behavior, morals and bosoms. When you add a bit of sci-fi to the mix, however, those corset laces begin to loosen. The steampunk genre has allowed a new wave of female creators and personalities to explore how liberating, sexy, and adventurous the age of steam can be. Robin Blackburn (The League of S.T.E.A.M.), Anina Bennett (Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel), Gail Carriger (The Parasol Protectorate Series), Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), Robin Thorsen (The Guild), and moderator Dina “Lady Steam” Kampmeyer (Steampunk LA) discuss literature, fashion, romance, adventure, and more. Room5AB

10:00-11:00 Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way— You have the talent. You have the imagination. You have the “Go get ’em, Tiger” determination that would make the Bullpen proud. But where do you go from there? Discover the next step in your budding comics career with world-renowned talent scout C. B. Cebulski, artist David Marquez (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man), writer Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), and others as they give you all the right pointers toward getting a foot in the door at Marvel Comics. Discussing all entry points across every department, this panel is a must for all Marvel hopefuls! Room7AB

10:00-11:00 Racebending.com: Creating Spaces for Diverse Characters and Representations— Creators and artists are developing engrossing characters from underrepresented groups. Panelists from different mediums will discuss their creative processes and how can fans support their diversity efforts. Featuring novelist and comic book writer Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), video game writer David Gaider (Dragon Age), comic book writer Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), showrunner and screenwriter Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman), writer Sarah Kuhn (One Con Glory), and Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms); moderated by Racebending.com. Room23ABC

10:00-11:00 From Fan to Creator: Goal Setting for Creative Types— Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, professional or fan? And what’s keeping you from getting there? If you’ve been inspired to create something but you’re having trouble bringing it into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd. Douglas Neff (the “Tony Robbins of Geeks”) will give you simple and proven tips for achieving what’s most important to you. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’ll walk away from this workshop with new ideas and useful tools to help you reach your dream. Room25ABC

10:00-11:00 Flesk: Celebrating a Decade of Publishing— Visit with the Flesk team and a quartet of legendary artists for a personal and entertaining hour. Publisher John Fleskes, artists Terry Dodson (Defenders, Uncanny X-Men), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic), Jim Silke (Jungle Girls, Jim Silke Sketchbook), and William Stout (Hallucinations, Inspirations), and moderator Jonathan Leveck (Flesk’s director of operations) look back on 10 years of Flesk’s line of quality books promoting comics and graphic novels, fantasy, illustration, pinup art, and fine arts. In addition, Flesk will announce its exciting line of new titles coming out in the fall and provide a glimpse into their 2013 schedule. Room32AB

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 101: Preproduction and Screenwriting— Comic-Con Film School is back for another four-day, nuts-and-bolts class on how to make a movie for very little money, using available video technology and desktop post-production software. Whether you’re shooting your first zombie short or that story about the leather-clad girl who pilots a steampunk dirigible, this course will take you from script to final product so that you, too, can enter your own movie into the CCI: IFF. This first class covers the specifics of pre-production on the cheap, including screenwriting, casting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing-up, and getting equipment for nothing. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer/star, Paula Peril-Midnight Whistle), Nick Murphy (writer/director, Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (writer/producer, Fear News), Vera Vanguard (producer/star, GothGirl), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica). MarriottHall2,MarriottMarquis&Marina

10:15-11:15 TheOneRing.net: The Truth About The Hobbit— The Hobbit movie is imminent just at the book turns 75. With on-set visits, intrepid reporting, and the pulse of fans worldwide, the TORn staff shred rumors, answer questions, share New Zealand images-but not as part of the official publicity machine. Also featuring a special visual presentation from Weta Workshop and an account of Fandalf traveling the world and (all that is the tip of the iceberg!). Featuring Cliff Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) and Larry D. Curtis (Hobbit embedded reporter) and additional staff and guests. Room6DE

10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search Orientation Session 1— DCE’s VP for art direction and design Mark Chiarello presents an informative orientation session to explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo, and MAD magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the program for you! To have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room4

10:30-11:30 Battlestar: So Say We All— Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo) hosts a 35th anniversary preview panel and fan discussion of the Battlestar universe, politics, philosophy, and 35 year history. Joining Hatch for this exciting BG celebration, roundtable, and Q&A session are Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar and Caprica), Lili Bordan (actress, Blood and Chrome), Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Blood and Chrome), Toni Graphia (Battlestar producer/writer), and Dr Kevin Grazier (science consultant for BSG and Defiance), plus surprise guests. Room6BCF

10:30-11:30 How to Get News Coverage— Small press comic 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 just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for. Panelist include Alan Kistler (Comic Mix, Newsarama), Chris Thompson (First Comics News), Bryan Young (Huffington Post, Big Shiny Robot), Dan Manser (Diamond), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), J. C. Vaughn (The Scoop), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), Matt Moore (Associated Press), and Heidi MacDonald (The Beat). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic project. Room8

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 101: ABCs for a Savvy and Smart Start (Up)— The business world is overrun with stories of “If only…,” too often of the negative variety. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan, creator, publisher, distributor, or retailer or operate a business outside of the comic book industry-nearly every business deals with some element of intellectual property on a daily basis. And if you’re ready to start a new venture (or you’ve already started one), you don’t want to be caught with your legal pants down. Rushing a new property out the door without the proper IP protections in place invariably proves to be more costly down the road. But don’t fret-like a certain Saturday morning cartoon web spinner, the popular Comic Book Law School has arrived just in time, ready to help you by supplying the “ABCs” of legal protections needed for businesses and creators to identify and protect some of their most important assets: intellectual property. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers this informative program designed to provide a basic legal foundation in intellectual property and related areas, including securing and enforcing your rights, contracts and licensing, fair use, social media, and much more. Up first: the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, inventions, works of authorship, characters, brands, and names, from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. And along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.) Room11AB

10:30-11:30 Books and Hollywood: Literary Franchises in Television and Film— Authors discuss their work transitioning across various mediums, from screenwriters to novelists turning popular books into hit TV series and Hollywood films. How does the creative process differ when writing a screenplay as compared to a novel? Authors describing the process of adapting novels for the big screen include Rebecca Serle (When You Were Mine), Margaret Stohl (co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series), Scott Speer (Immortal City), Tony DiTerlizzi (The Search for WondLa series), Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz (Colin Fischer), Mike Richardson (president of Dark Horse), and Mark Frost (The Paladin Prophecy). Moderated by Geoff Boucher (Los Angeles Times). Room24ABC

10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Subaltern Counterculture and the Strengths of the Underdog— Antonio Chavarria (Museum of Indian Arts & Culture) and painter Mateo Romero, looking specifically at the “Comic Art Indigene” museum exhibition, discuss the appeal of the “marginal” art of comics to oft-marginalized indigenous people, arguing that, deposited in ethnic or cultural categories, comic and Native art are ethnographic texts, social commentary, commercial enterprise, and ultimately, “fine” art. Sam Cannon (University of Texas at Austin) looks at Daniel Muñoz’s detective series El Pantera, analyzing the textual and visual aspects of how Mexico City informs the actions of its own subaltern hero to show that the medium of the comic can uniquely portray the relationship between urban spaces, subaltern subjects, and heroes. Ayanna Dozier (Chapman University) examines the physical and racial identity of the X-Men’s Storm, arguing that Storm’s personification and physical appearances manage to be a cultural signifier throughout her near 40-year history and emphasizing the importance of what we can learn about our society’s cultural practices and traditions through the “body” of Storm. Kane Anderson (University of California, Santa Barbara) uses cyborg theory and questions of the posthuman to ask how cybernetics mediate race in superhero comic book stories. If comics rely heavily on the visual to communicate to the reader, then to what degree can a character half-black/half-chrome be considered black? Room26AB

10:45-11:45 Epic Games: Fortnite Revealed— Host Jessica Chobot (G4TV’s X-Play, Attack of the Show) joins legendary developer Epic Games (Gears of War series) as they lift the veil on the new game Fortnite. Teased late last year, attendees will be the very first people in the world to see Fortnite in action. Get inside the minds of Epic Games’ design director Cliff Bleszinski and producer Tanya Jessen as they reveal inspirations, gameplay details, and why Fortnite is taking Epic Games in both a classic and all-new direction. Room6A

11:00-12:00 Comic-Con How-To: Creating a Character-Driven Story— All great stories need both a hero and a villain. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you the tools you need to create both sides of this opposing force. You will learn to create each in a dynamic way that will capture the hearts of your readers, making them cheer for their triumphs and commiserate with their losses. Room2

11:00-12:00 Twisted Twins: American Mary— Jen and Sylvia Soska (of Twisted Twins Productions and the makers of Dead Hooker in a Trunk) and Todd Masters (of MASTERSFX and make-up effects producer on True Blood) will discuss the use of prosthetics in horror. The Soskas will also address the challenges of working in a male-dominated genre. They will unveil a sizzle reel from their new film American Mary. Paula Lindberg (Ruby in American Mary) will also be on the panel, which is moderated by Beth Accomando (author of the KPBS blog Cinema Junkie). Room5AB

11:00-12:00 Nickelodeon: Butt Biting & Magical Mischief!— Meet series creator/executive producer Butch Hartman along with the casts from both The Fairly OddParents and T.U.F.F. Puppy, including Nick talent Jerry Trainor (iCarly) as Dudley Puppy. This year’s panel is totally interactive, with the fans interviewing the cast directly, plus a sneak peek from the Nickelodeon live-action movie A Fairly Odd Christmas, along with a chance to win prizes. On hand: Jerry Trainor (voice of Dudley), Tara Strong (voice of Timmy and Poof), Grey DeLisle (voice of Kitty and Vicky), Daran Norris (voice of Chief, Cosmo and Dad), Matt Taylor (voice of Snaptrap), Susanne Blakeslee (voice of Wanda and Mom), and Carlos Alazraqui (voice of Crocker). Moderated by Dana Cluverius, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room7AB

11:00-12:00 Bongo Comics/United Plankton Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics and United Plankton Pictures offer a tantalizing preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons, Futurama, SpongeBob SquarePants, and a few other surprises. Bongo’s creative director Nathan Kane, managing editor Terry Delegeane, and art director Jason Ho are joined by intern/fan favorite Louis Lane and Simpsons/Futurama-ologist Bill Morrison for a fun and informative free-for-all. Find out what’s in the future for Futurama Comics, what to surmise about Simpsons Comics, and what’s next for Bongo in the print world and beyond. Also, Chris Duffy, managing editor of United Plankton Pictures, will dish up some Krabby Patty–infused morsels of what’s to come in SpongeBob Comics. Room9

11:00-12:00 Filmation and Lou Scheimer: Celebrating a Generation of Animation and TV Heroes— One of the most successful and groundbreaking television animation studios was Filmation, whose productions shaped Saturday mornings and daytime syndication from the 1960s to the 1980s. From Superman, Batman, and Aquaman to The Archies, from Fat Albert and the Groovie Goolies to the live-action Shazam! and Isis series, up to the groundbreaking He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Ghostbusters, and Bravestarr, Filmation created the shows that entertained and educated a generation. Making his final convention appearance is Filmation founder Lou Scheimer, who will reminisce about nearly 30 years of animation magic. Appearing with him are author/animator Darrell McNeil (Hero High, Shazam, Tarzan and the Super 7) director/writer/animator Tom Tataranowicz (He-Man, She-Ra, Bravestarr), and other guests. Bestselling author and documentary director Andy Mangels moderates this celebration of the studio that saved American animation in the 1970s and 1980s and show exclusive clips of never-before-seen Filmation footage. Plus, you can get a sneak peek at the September 2012 book release from TwoMorrows, Lou Scheimer: Creating the Filmation Generation, co-written by Scheimer and Mangels. Room23ABC

11:00-12:00 X-Play— G4’s X-Play is TV’s longest running and most watched video game show in the galaxy.* Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, live demos of the biggest games, and of course intern humiliation. Hosts Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, and Kristin Adams and executive producer Wade Beckett make their triumphant return to Comic-Con and promise a no-holds-barred live panel. They’ll take questions from the audience, debut a new comedy short, and give out prizes to a chosen few. This hour of reflection and finger pointing is guaranteed to be a life changing experience.** (*We think. **Probably.) Room25ABC

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan— Comic-Con special guest Becky Cloonan, one of the most versatile artists in comics today, talks to Jimmy Aquino (Comics News Insider podcast host) about her career in comics and illustration, collaborating with writers, artists, and musicians, and the dark secrets she learned through 15 years of self-publishing. Room32AB

11:15-12:00 DreamWorks Animation— DreamWorks Animation’s chief creative officer Bill Damaschke anchors a diverse group of filmmakers to demo and discuss the artistic ambition and technical innovation that goes into moviemaking at DreamWorks Animation. Moderated by Anthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly. IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Karl Kerschl (Live-Drawing The Abominable Charles Christopher)— Comic-Con special guest Karl Kerschl (The Abominable Charles Christopher, Teen Titans: Year One, Assassin’s Creed) creates a new episode of his Eisner Award-winning webcomic The Abominable Charles Christopher live on stage, with help from the audience. Room4

11:30-12:30 DC Comics: Tales from The Dark and The Edge— They’re some of the hardest hitting-and strangest-comics anywhere, and this is your chance to find out what’s coming up in these DC Comics-The New 52 titles, with editor Pat McCallum and creators Jeff Lemire (Justice League Dark), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter), and Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western). Room6DE

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Geof Darrow— Comic-Con special guest Geof Darrow is known for his wildly imaginative and intricately detailed artwork. Geof talks about his comics career, including his current work for Dark Horse, Shaolin Cowboy, in this special spotlight presentaton. Room8

11:30-12:30 Mattel and WWE: Get in the Ring!— If you want to talk about Mattel’s WWE action figures with some of the top WWE superstars, don’t miss a minute of this exciting panel! Be the first to get a sneak peek at upcoming products and hear exciting announcements about the 2013 line. Join your favorite WWE superstars, along with Mattel toy designers Bill Miekina and Derek Handy, and Mattel’s director of marketing Enrique Ruvalcaba for an action-packed Q&A. Room24ABC

11:45-12:45 Stan Lee’s World of Heroes— The legendary Stan Lee introduces his new YouTube channel that tells the stories of heroes, villains, and the fans who love them. In this epic panel, Stan, Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), Peter David (The Hulk), Jace Hall (The Jace Hall Show), and Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft book) talk about their new shows, debut new episodes and trailers, answer questions from fans, and provide a few Stan Lee surprises. Room6BCF

12:00-1:00 Comic-Con How-To: How to Better Understand the Sociology Behind Cosplay— Veteran costume designer and cosplayer Yaya Han leads a stimulating discussion about the many social aspects of cosplay, such as: Why do we cosplay? What does cosplay mean to each of us? Why is there cosplay drama? How has cosplay progressed in the last 10, years and what are the positive and negative aspects? What is the proper etiquette when cosplaying, photographing cosplayers, and socializing with regular attendees? All of these questions will be answered, and more. Room2

12:00-1:00 The Pitching Hour— Jermaine Turner (director, Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group), Ted Biaselli (VP, The Hub Network), Jill Sanford (director, Disney original series TV animation), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Valerie Alexander (screenwriter), Carina Schulze (Chatrone), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (game producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (VP, Miller PR), and your moderator Dan Evans III (freelance development exec, Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters) will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adopt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand is Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood. Room5AB

12:00-1:00 Cartoon Network and Dreamworks Animation: DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk— Picking up where the critically acclaimed feature film How to Train Your Dragon left off, this weekly animated series follows the continuing adventures of master dragon trainer Hiccup, his faithful dragon Toothless, and his friends on Berk. Dragon training reaches new heights as our heroes unlock secrets about their dragons, explore wild frontiers, and discover new dragon species, all while battling fierce enemies they never dreamed existed. Come get a first look at the series, which premieres this fall on Cartoon Network, and hear from some of the talented dragon trainers who helped bring it to life. Room6A

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on N.K. Jemisin— Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin is the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-nominated author of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, The Broken Kingdoms, and The Kingdom Of Gods (The Inheritance Trilogy). She’s also a counseling psychologist, a biker, and a feminist/anti-racist blogger, and she’ll talk about all those things along with her work in this spotlight panel. Room7AB

12:00-1:00 Editing Comics the BOOM! Studios Way— Top creators Sam Humphries (Ultimates, Higher Earth), Grace Randolph (Supurbia, Marvel HER-oes), Caleb Monroe (Ice Age, Steed & Mrs. Peel), and Michael Alan Nelson (Valen the Outcast, 28 Days Later) join BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban to talk about the ins and outs of creating comics at BOOM! Studios. 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. Room9

12:00-1:00 Censorship and the Female Artist— Attacks on women’s speech are on the rise in the current cultural climate in realms including politics and pop culture. This panel examines how censorship affects women artists, in realms including library challenges, community dialogue, and the larger cultural conversation. Moderator AdaPia d’Errico is joined by panelists Anina Bennett, Camilla d’Errico, and Olivia for a freewheeling discussion of their experiences with censorship and observations on how women’s speech is treated in the cultural conversation. Room11AB

12:00-1:00 Avatar Press: News and Q&A— Editor-in-chief William Christensen presents all the fresh news from Avatar Press, the industry’s most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher. Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as David Lapham, Garth Ennis, and Alan Moore? Can’t get enough Ferals, Stitched, or Crossed? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered. Room23ABC

12:00-1:00 Beyond: Two Souls: A New Breed of Interactive Storytelling from Writer/Director David Cage of Quantic Dream— David Cage, the co-CEO of Quantic Dream and writer/director of the 2010 hit Heavy Rain, discusses his latest project, Beyond: Two Souls. David will focus on the concept of creating innovative game play experiences that are woven together with emotion and story. Beyond: Two Souls is prepared to deliver an immersive interactive and cinematic experience based on emotional involvement and interactive storytelling. In developing a unique “interactive drama” to engross the audience, David and his team have introduced the concept of Virtual Performance Capture to videogames, where actors play the entire role in development of the game (from motion capture to dialogue). The session will cover techniques used to create an emotional and compelling experience, focusing on the company’s award-winning titles as well as providing a deeper look into their Beyond: Two Souls. IGN.com’s Greg Miller moderates with Cage and Academy Award nominee Ellen Page as they explore the “uncanny valley” of bringing realism and emotion to this current project. Room25ABC

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Once More, with Comics: How the Whedon Universes Continue in Comic Book Form— Authors Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak, GeekNation.com), Jennifer K. Stuller (Ink-StainedAmazon, GeekGirlCon), and Traci Cohen (CSU-Sacramento) examine how comic books and graphic novels provide a new form of media adaptation in which the graphic novel form furthers the canon or official continuity of television series as sequels to the original material. Creator Joss Whedon’s television universes enjoy new life in print (e.g. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9). Sharing their own thoughts on these Whedon comic book follow-ups are comic book writer/actress Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow and Tara), editors Scott Allie (Dark House) and Mariah Huehner (IDW), and actors Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On) and Tom Lenk (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cabin in the Woods). Room26AB

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Amend— Comic-Con special guest and FoxTrot cartoonist Bill Amend reports on his mission to inject as much geekiness as possible into the nation’s comics pages. He’ll share examples and stories from his 24-year career, discuss how he’s adapting to a more digital world, and answer as many audience questions as possible. Room32AB

12:00-1:00 Machinima: The Future of Entertainment— Machinima has become one of the most talked about entertainment destinations in the world. Serving over 1.6 billion video views a month, the network has established itself with quality content and passionate viewership and is now considered the leading brand for the gaming generation. Don’t miss out on this panel with exclusive footage from Machinima’s new channel, Machinima Prime, which focuses on thrilling episodic content, including the much anticipated tentpole series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. Be a part of mind-blowing discussions on the next wave of content creation and the new development paradigm. Catch guests from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, the Machinima Prime Channel, and the Machinima Network. IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Mark Schultz’s Unlikely Career— Comic-Con special guest Mark Schultz (Xenozoic, Various Drawings, Prince Valiant) ventures on a journey over the rugged terrain of his career as a visual storyteller. Ably assisted by John Fleskes (Flesk Publications), Mark will focus on his creative process, his inspirations and influences, and commercial realities. Also featured will be views of upcoming Storms at Sea and Xenozoic projects. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Room4

12:30-1:30 iVerse Media: New Frontiers in Digital Comics— iVerse and ComicsPlus host an entertaining and engaging dialogue on what the future holds for digital comics, especially as it relates to creators, publishers, retailers, librarians, and, not the least of all, readers. Special guest Mark Waid (Thrillbent, Daredevil) joins Michael Murphey (iVerse, ComicsPlus), Mike Pellerito (Archie Comics, Red Circle), Filip Sablik (Top Cow Productions, Witchblade), and Josh Elder (Reading with Pictures), along with other industry thought leaders and professionals to discuss and debate what’s just over the digital horizon…and the opportunities for everyone who has a stake in the industry. Moderated by iVerse director of business development Steve May. Room24ABC

12:45-1:45 MAD Screening and Q&A— It’s a MAD world, we just laugh in it. The magazine you tried to hide from your parents is an animated series on Cartoon Network. Now in its third season, this series from Warner Bros. Animation is inspired by the country’s bestselling humor magazine, MAD, and features animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos, and classic gags. Take a peek behind the MAD curtain and learn what goes into bringing the funny to your television every week. Back to bring more laughs this year are series producers Kevin Shinick (Crank Yankers) and Mark Marek (Robot Chicken), along with Peter Girardi, senior vice president of series and alternative animation at Warner Bros. Animation. Join this hilarious panel for a sizzle reel recapping all the laughs from season two as well as a sneak peek at what’s in store for the show this season. MAD airs Mondays at 8:45/7:45c on Cartoon Network. Room6DE

12:45-1:45 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated conclusion of The Twilight Saga films. This is a must-see for fans interested in the story’s final chapter. You will be shown exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 and be treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session providing details on the epic finale. HallH

1:00-2:30 Comic-Con How-To: Advanced 3D/CG Comic Art— Comic book creator/editor/writer/penciler/inker/colorist Brian Haberlin demonstrates advanced 3D and computer graphics comic art techniques that will speed up and improve your storytelling. Digital pioneer and guru to much of the graphic arts/comics community, Haberlin is also the tutorial creator for international magazines such as 3DWorld, Imagine FX, and Photoshop User and is owner of Digitalarttutorials.com. Room2

1:00-2:00 DC Collectibles— Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures . . . DC Collectibles has them all-and more. The DC Collectibles crew, including DCE chief creative officer Geoff Johns, executive director for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director of creative services Jim Fletcher, DCE co-publisher Jim Lee, artist Amanda Conner, and sculptors Jean St. Jean and Phil Ramirez explain how they come up with so many great products and what’s coming up from comics’ top makers of awesome collectibles. Room5AB

1:00-2:00 Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Celebration— It’s hard to believe that the world’s greatest fighting game franchise is 25 years old. Find out about the worldwide Street Fighter 25th Anniversary plans which include the ultimate Street Fighter tournament series, the feature-packed Collector’s Set, and more. Experience the exclusive features in the PS Vita and iOS versions of Street Fighter X Tekken and battle on the go. A few lucky fans will be selected to take part in the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Trivia Contest hosted by Tomoaki Ayano (Street Fighter X Tekken producer) and Yoshinori Ono (Street Fighter Series executive producer) to win awesome prizes or face incredible shame before all of Street Fighter fandom. Plus, some surprises! Room6BCF

1:00-2:00 Marvel: House of Ideas— Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you’ve come to love? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from chief creative officer Joe Quesada on what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Dot Com, and Marvel’s vast social media presence in this don’t-miss panel. Room7AB

1:00-2:00 100th Anniversary of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars— He wrestled lions, poachers and ran through fire barefoot without a stunt-double or CGI. Actor Ron Ely will discuss filming Tarzan in the jungles of Latin America with writer Mark Evanier and Burroughs illustrator Tom Yeates. Also featuring David Lemmo, co-author of the new book, Tarzan: His First 100 Years. How Ancient Literature Became Modern Mythology and Created an Ape-Man Mecca in Southern California, coming from Angel City Press in 2013. Plus a 100-years of Tarzan and John Carter slide show included. Room8

1:00-2:00 New Crusaders: Welcome to Red Circle— The future of superhero comics has arrived in San Diego! The New Crusaders have blazed a new trail for comics-digital and print-and this is your chance to learn what’s next for the most compelling comic heroes in decades. Join the Red Circle Comics brain trust of Paul Kaminski (executive director of editorial), Mike Pellerito (president), Alex Segura (executive director of publicity and marketing), and incoming New Crusaders artist Alitha Martinez as they discuss the formation of the digital-first New Crusaders series, upcoming print initiatives and storylines, and a few jarring surprises. Panel attendees will receive an exclusive New Crusaders limited-edition sketch cover signed by the panelists. Room9

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Gilbert Shelton— With his creations The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fat Freddy’s Cat, and Wonder Warthog among others, Comic-Con special guest Gilbert Shelton is a master of establishing iconic characters and presenting them in scenarios that underscore his expressive cartooning abilities. Get a rare glimpse into the drawing process of this master of the Underground Comix movement, hosted by Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter. The pieces created in this Master Session will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction on Saturday night. Room11AB

1:00-2:00 Dark Horse: Powered by Creators-An In-Depth Look at the Best in Creator-Owned Comics— Just over 25 years ago, Dark Horse arrived with a different agenda than any other publisher in comics. The young company was founded on the belief that comics creators should have the option to retain the rights to their own work, and today it continues to be a highly fertile breeding ground for new characters and concepts. Self-publishing sensation Sam Humphries introduces Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, along with a cast of top talent from around the industry. Expect exclusive announcements, and much, much more! Room23ABC

1:00-2:00 Trailblazers of Comics— Comic-Con special guests Lynn Johnston and Kate Beaton represent the best of contemporary cartooning. With beginnings outside of the traditional mainstream or indie comic industry, each built a loyal following of fans with serialized comics on their own terms. The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald addresses the origins of each artist’s career, the financial reality of doing comics for a living, and the craft of producing a serialized comic. Room25ABC

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #3: Teaching with Comics— Lisa Vizcarra (Carquinez Middle School) argues that, after years of teaching using comics and graphic novels, students’ interest in comics is waning. Teachers interested in comics may have to incorporate gaming and other technologies to keep comics in the classroom. Jeff Brain (San Francisco State University, Del Mar Middle School) presents one possible approach to this blend, describing a classroom unit, tailored to the Childhood Internet Protection Act (CIPA), that channels current technology news stories into stories pitting student-created superheroes against teacher-created supervillains, with consistent instruction in using digital imaging, reference photos, comic book lexicon and conventions combined with character development and storytelling structure. Rob Weiner (Texas Tech University) and Carrye Smya (Texas Tech University) discuss their multimedia creation of short “text-to-movie” movies as supplements to their Introduction to Library Research class, as well as a mini-textbook in graphic novel format with some of the concepts conveyed as sequential, using both animation and comics to provide an engaging learning environment for students. Room26AB

1:00-2:00 Progressive Politics in Comics— Can comics still inspire real-world change? Susie Cagle (AlterNet), Cecil Castellucci (The Year of the Beasts), Shannon Watters (Adventure Time), Stan Mack (Road to Revolution), and a surprise guest or two discuss the history and future of politically progressive comics with moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room32AB

1:00-2:00 Voltron: Form Blazing Fans!— The classic animated TV series and toys that introduced the world to wild robot lions and a giant combining hero returns to SDCC. Celebrate Voltron memories with some of the Defender’s biggest fans, including Alex Albrecht (Diggnation, Project Lore podcast), Rob Bricken (ToplessRobot.com), Clare Grant with Team Unicorn (Geek and Gamer Girls), and other secret celeb guests. Plus an update on the live-action movie produced by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Rises); exclusive comic book reveals and announcements from VIZ Media with Traci Todd (senior editor, VIZ Media), Brandon Thomas (writer, Voltron, Dynamite Entertainment); and Voltron Classics toy info from Mattel’s Scott Neitlich (marketing manager, MattyCollector.com). Win big Voltron prizes, and “Form the Head” with Voltron and be ready to share your own Voltron story. IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

1:15-2:15 Not with a Bang, with a Bite— Great prophets, religious scriptures, and scientific evidence points to an apocalypse in 2012…but these authors envision the end of the world in the form of a zombie pandemic. With their decaying, disintegrating, and sometimes flesh-eating tendencies, zombies have lurched their way into science fiction and fantasy novels and are here to stay. Doomsday takes on a whole new meaning when losing limbs and lumbering across the earth are involved. Learn how to survive everything from zombie invasions to viral zombie infections from panelists Jeyn Roberts (Dark Inside), Michael Spradlin (Blood Riders), Mira Grant (Blackout), Diana Rowland (Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues), Stephen Blackmoore (City of the Lost), Dana Fredsti (Plague Town), Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly), and Max Brooks (World War Z), led by John Hornor Jacobs (This Dark Earth). Room6A

1:30-2:30 Self-Publishing: Exploring the E-Frontier— The best time in the history of the world to be a writer is today. Mark O’Bannon (author of The Dream Crystal), E. C. “Feo Amante” McMullen Jr. (author of the science fiction collection Perpetual Bullet), Jimmy Diggs (freelance writer for Star Trek DS9 and Voyager), and Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG and DS9, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion) show you what it takes to self-publish your book or film. Join them and discover a new golden age for writers and filmmakers. Moderated by O’Bannon. Room4

1:30-2:30 Hasbro: Transformers Brand— Aaron Archer (vice president, Hasbro Design) and Jerry Jivoin (director, Global Transformers Brand) discuss the hottest Transformers topics including the Transformers Prime and Transformers Rescue Bots TV series, action figures, video games, comics, theme park rides and more. Attendees will also get sneak peeks at upcoming action figures and brand news. Jerry and Aaron will also host some Q&A for your burning Transformers questions. Roll out! Room24ABC

2:00-3:00 Inside the Shadow Show: Ray Bradbury’s Lasting Impact on Literature, Comics, Film, and Beyond— Literary legend Margaret Atwood (The Handmaiden’s Tale) and acclaimed horror and fantasy writer Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box) are joined by Sam Weller (The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury) and internationally acclaimed horror writer Mort Castle (The Strangers), the co-editors of Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradburyl to reflect on the deep and lasting impact of Bradbury on their work, literature, comics, cinema, and beyond. Moderated by Chris Ryall, CEO and editor-in-chief of IDW Comics. Room5AB

2:00-3:00 DC Comics: Batman: Beyond the Night of Owls— Gotham City’s Night of the Owls may be over-but the fallout will affect Batman’s hometown for years to come! Find out what’s on the horizon for the Dark Knight and his crimefighting cohorts in this panel featuring Batman group editor Mike Marts, with Chris Burnham (Batman, Incorporated), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Gregg Hurwitz (Batman: The Dark Knight), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Scott Snyder (Batman), J. H. Williams III (Batwoman), and others. Room6DE

2:00-3:00 Before and After: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s Journey into High Definition— Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are finally getting their wish, with all seven seasons of the beloved series being retransferred into high-definition. Star Trek: The Next Generation-The First Season will be released on July 24, and the team behind the project will give fans an insider’s look at how the original film elements were transferred into high-definition and how the visual effects were painstakingly re-created from the source material to look better than ever before. Robert Meyer Burnett moderates the panel, which includes Roger Lay, Jr. (producer/director, Blu-ray), Mike and Denise Okuda (project consultants), David S. Grant (vice president, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Ryan Adams (director, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Craig Weiss (creative director, CBS Digital), Eric Bruno (lead compositor), and Wade Felker (film transfer technician). Room7AB

2:00-3:00 The Sergio and Mark Show— An annual Comic-Con tradition! The folks who give you Groo the Wanderer on occasion will tell what’s up with Groo and their other projects and will entertain you with glorious anecdotes and silly stories. Those folks are celebrated cartoonist Sergio Aragonés, his co-conspirator Mark Evanier, Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, and the hardest-working man in comics, Tom Luth. Room8

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Jim Silke— With a career that spans comics, movies, design, and fine art, Comic-Con special guest Jim Silke has done it all. Silke talks about his past, present, and future work in this Spotlight event. Room9

2:00-3:00 Creating Comics the comiXology Way— omiXology has not only transformed the industry in making digital comics available everywhere, but they have also created the foundation for comic storytelling to be expressed in new ways. Originally created to artfully display comics on small screens, comiXology’s revolutionary Guided View reading technology has evolved to dramatically change how comic stories are being told. From early experiments like Box 13, Valentine, and Power Play to more recent efforts like Marvel’s Infinite Comics, comiXology’s Guided View has ushered in a new era in comic book creation. Join comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts and Power Play artist Riley Brown as they show you the ins and outs of creating comics using the Guided View tools and discuss comiXology’s plans for these tools. Room11AB

2:00-3:00 Image Comics Presents— Some of Image Comics’ most exciting new creators assemble to talk about their work and life as independent comics creators. Join these rising star creators for a lively conversation, and discover your favorite new creators and titles. Panelists include Tim Daniel (Enormous), Jim McCann (Mind the Gap), Sina Grace (Li’l Depressed Boy, Not My Bag), Ales Kot (Wild Children), Michael Moreci (Hoax Hunters), and Kurtis Wiebe (Green Wake, Peter Panzerfaust, Debris), with moderator Sarah deLaine. Room23ABC

2:00-3:00 Make Toons That Sell without Selling Out— Meet Bill Plympton, “The King of Indie Animation,” and learn about his new “how to” Focal Press book, Make Toons That Sell Without Selling Out. Learn the secrets behind cartoon production as Bill breaks down how to make a career outside the world of corporate animation. Also, Bill will screen some of his recent work, including Tiffany the Whale, his re-imagining of Winsor McCay’s classic short The Flying House, and clips from his upcoming feature, Cheatin’. And everyone who attends will receive a free Bill Plympton drawing! Room25ABC

2:00-3:00 Malibu Comics Retrospective— This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ultraverse, just one legacy of Malibu Comics, the groundbreaking independent publisher that also brought us Image Comics, Men in Black, and hundreds of original, creator-owned properties. Malibu founders Scott Rosenberg (president, Malibu Comics), Dave Olbrich (publisher), Tom Mason (VP, Marketing), and Chris Ulm (editor-in-chief) offer a lively discussion hosted by comics blogger Paul O’Connor (www.longboxgraveyard.com). Learn about Malibu’s place in comics history and their forward-looking attitude toward creator’s rights. Hear the war stories, ask your questions, and see rarities from the Malibu vaults. Room32AB

2:00-3:00 Power Rangers: 20 Years and Beyond— Saban Brands and Shout! Factory officially kick off the 20th anniversary celebration of Power Rangers with a discussion featuring Elie Dekel (president, Saban Brands), Paul Schrier (“Bulk”), and other on-screen talent and members of the creative team. Moderated by Brian Ward (DVD producer of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series), the panel will dive into the origin and evolution of the Power Rangers franchise, including the long-awaited debut of the series on DVD and the show’s resurgence on Nickelodeon with Power Rangers Super Samurai and much more! IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-it Ralph— Walt Disney Studios hosts a Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland); a special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy); and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), and director Rich Moore (Futurama). HallH

2:15-3:15 Blizzard Entertainment Product Showcase— Love Diablo, World of Warcraft and StarCraft? Join Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment SVP, story and franchise development) and a team of esteemed guests as we reveal never-before-seen licensed products and plans for 2012/2013. Talk to the designers, writers and artists themselves as we dig into Mega Bloks, novels, comics, statues and more. Panel and Q&A session moderated by Kat Hunter (host of Blizzcon coverage on DIRECTV). Room6BCF

2:15-3:15 USA Network’s Psych— Psych returns to Comic-Con for a fourth consecutive year, with a fan-focused event that will invite the audience to be not just viewers, but active participants. Psych-O fans can look forward to a hilarious and uncensored experience with the creative team behind the hottest fake psychic detective agency on TV. Psych stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton “Gus” Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O’Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), along with Psych producers Steve Franks (creator/executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer) will dedicate the afternoon to answering fan questions and interacting with the audience, sharing secrets & stories from the set in this “chat” with 4,250 of their closest fans. Attendees will see video clips produced exclusively for Comic-Con, a never-before-seen “first look” at the Season 7 episodes currently in production, and a taste of Psych’s milestone 100th episode, “100 CLUEs”. Ballroom20

2:30-3:30 ComicBase User Group Meeting— Peter Bickford and other key folks from the ComicBase team showcase the latest features and additions to ComicBase, the world’s premiere software for comic book collectors. The panelists will allow lots of time for you to ask questions about the program and its sister site, Atomic Avenue, and best of all, lots of giveaways in return to answers on comic book trivia questions. Room4

2:30-3:30 MTV’s Teen Wolf— Cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden and Colton Haynes, along with executive producer Jeff Davis, present an exclusive first-look at a new episode, followed by a Q&A session. Stay for the don’t-miss world premiere trailer of MTV’s upcoming scripted comedy series The Inbetweeners. Room6A

2:30-3:30 Captain Action Returns— The original superhero action figure returns with an all-new toy line. Joe Jusko (Comic-Con special guest), Steven E. Gordon (Wolverine & the X-Men), Tom Tatarnowicz (Biker Mice from Mars), Nick Barrucci (publisher, Dynamite Comics). J. C. Vaughn (publisher, Overstreet Comics Book Price Guide), Mike Murphy (Round 2 Toys), Joe Ahearn (Captain Action), and Julius Marx (Action Figure Insider) discuss the upcoming toys, offer sneak peeks at upcoming releases, and announce surprising new initiatives. Moderated by Ed Catto (Captain Action). Room24ABC

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: The Dark Knight Rises: Is Batman Broken?— He’s strong, smart, and heroic. He’s the Dark Knight we want on our side, but is Batman also out of his mind? Caught between Catwoman and Bane as Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie trilogy comes to its end, will Batman break? Psychologists Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) and Robin Rosenberg (The Psychology of Superheroes, What’s the Matter with Batman?) discuss Bruce Wayne’s relationships, strengths, weaknesses, and potential diagnoses and ask executive producer Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight Rises), comic book writers Len Wein (Batman) and Steve Englehart (Detective Comics), and Catwoman herself, actress Lee Meriwether (Batman: The Movie), exactly how healthy it is for an orphaned billionaire to spend his nights fighting crime while dressed like a bat. Does the Dark Knight have bats in his belfry? Room26AB

3:00-4:00 Comic-Con How-To: Living and Creating in the DeviantART World with Yuumei— With the rise of the digital age and social networking, sharing your art is like never before. Artists are no longer tied to the will of a publisher or gallery to get their work seen. However, finding your way in this brave new world can be a daunting task. But fear not! This panel will show you how easy it is to get started, find inspiration, make new discoveries, and establish yourself in the world of DeviantART. Room2

3:00-4:00 1982: It was 30 Years Ago Today-Greatest Geek Year Ever!— It’s time to stand up and cheer the greatest geek year ever-three decades later-and the editors of Geek Magazine and guests are here to tell you all about it on this nostalgic trip down memory lane in which they go back to the future. Geek editors Jeff Bond and David E. Williams are joined by screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writer Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Steve Kriozere (V.I.P., Elvis Van Helsing), Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan and Dr. Adam Jahnke (The Digital Bits, Geek), and Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales, Castle) to discuss the year that gave us Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, E.T., Tron, Poltergeist, Conan: The Barbarian, The Road Warrior, The Thing, Liquid Sky (Liquid Sky? Really?!?), The Sword and the Sorcerer, Diner, 48 Hours, Dexy’s Midnight Runner’s “Come On Eileen” and many more. What’s your favorite? And can 2012 possibly compare? You be the judge. On second thought, they’ll be the judge. Moderated by Geek Magazine (geekexchange.com). Room5AB

3:00-4:00 VIZ Media Panel— Get the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime. You’ll also get the scoop on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and projects VIZ has yet to announce. Get in line early and get a chance to win prizes! Room7AB

3:00-4:00 The Two Editors Panel— Sid Jacobsen was the editor at Harvey Comics starting in the early 1950s, overseeing their successful line including the many titles featuring Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich. Victor Gorelick has worked for Archie Comics for over 50 years in a variety of roles, including art director and editor-in-chief, supervising Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the whole Riverdale mob. What does it take to get all those books to press every week for decades and decades? Find out when moderator Mark Evanier grills these two men who between them have probably edited more comic books than you’ll ever read. Room8

3:00-4:00 IDW’s Artist’s Editions: What’s Next?— Editor Scott Dunbier answers questions about the Eisner Award-winning series from IDW. If you are a fan of original art, this is the panel for you: one hour of talking about what you want to see as an Artist’s Edition, and just gabbing about great art in general. Plus there will be a few fantastic announcements of forthcoming books. Room9

3:00-4:00 Comics: Digital Color for Comics— Every month your favorite comic books must be colored before going to press, but just how are they colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi’s Brian Miller (World’s Finest) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob SquarePants) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. Q&A session. Room11AB

3:00-4:00 Graphic Novels: The Bookstore Crowd— The comics world looks at “mainstream comics” as the superhero crowd, the ones available in comic book stores every Wednesday. But the real mainstream comics and graphic novels are in bookstores and created by a whole different crowd, one that lacks, for the most part, capes, powers, and spandex. Comics journalist Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) talks to Comic-Con special guests Kate Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant!), Alison Bechdel (Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama), Brecht Evens (The Making of), Jennifer and Matthew Holm (Babymouse series), Nate Powell (Any Empire), and Jason Shiga (Empire State) about their popular graphic novels that appeal to a more diverse audience in bookstores all over the world. Room23ABC

3:00-4:00 Hungry for Dystopia— With the skyrocketing popularity of The Hunger Games, dystopian literature has been creating major waves in the media. What attracts these authors to explore the concept of a totalitarian future that possibly awaits us all? Anna North (America Pacifica) leads the discussion with panelists Neal Shusterman (Unwind trilogy), Lissa Price (Starters), Paolo Bacigalupi (The Drowned Cities), Michael Grant (BZRK), Daniel H. Wilson (Amped), Gennifer Albin (Crewel), and Marie Lu (Legend trilogy). Room25ABC

3:00-4:00 I Can’t Write, I Can’t Draw, But I Love Comics!— Just because you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Companies still need managers, publishers, producers, directors, mo-cap and voice-over actors, game masters, and programmers. Panelists Scott Agostoni (manager of comic creators and comics expert), animation/motion capture supervisor Derron Ross (Blur Studio), gaming CEO Mike Fischer (Square Enix), composer Jeremy Zuckerman (Legend of Korra), sound designer Benjamin Wynn (Avatar the Last Airbender), and film/mo-cap actor Joe Gatt (J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek 2), will alert you to some of these careers and tell you how to find your niche. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company). Room32AB

3:00-4:00 Hotel Transylvania— Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends-Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more-to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all these legendary monsters is no problem-but everything could change for the overprotective dad when one ordinary guy stumbles upon the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis. Animation superstar Genndy Tartakovsky, who previously created Dexter’s Laboratory and Star Wars: Clone Wars, among other projects, takes the helm of this project for his first feature film, and takes the stage to tell you all about it. IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

3:15-4:15 DC Entertainment-All Access: DC NOW!— At DC Entertainment, there’s never been a better time to be a comics fan. Come to this all-access panel and find out what some of DC’s top talent is looking forward to, with Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern, Aquaman), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter, Savage Hawkman), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws), Francis Manapul (Flash), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and others. Room6DE

3:15-4:15 Low Budget/Big Genre: Making it Fun— Script developers, producers, writers,and actors discuss lower-budget genre moviesand some of the toolsthey use to make themso much fun that people keep coming back for more. Panelists includewriter/director Eric Forsberg (Syfy, The Asylum, Active Entertainment), Micho Rutare (development executive, The Asylum), actress Gabriel Womack (Triassic Attack, Copperhead), Mark Beltzman (Re-Animator, the Musical), Karen GoodmanForsberg (producer and co-founder, Big Bear Horror Film Festival), and Bill Lundy (writer, Silent Warning, Alien Siege on SyFy; head of Scriptwriters Network). MarriottHall2,MarriottMarquis&Marina

3:25-4:25 CZ12— Jackie Chan & JJ Productions Limited are happy to bring you Jackie Chan’s upcoming classical full-action feature movie CZ12, which is produced and directed by Jackie Chan. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Kwone Sang Woo and with a special guest appearance by Oliver Platt. It is filmed in multi-territories including China, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vanuatu, Australia, and Latvia. Trailers will be presented and a Q&A will be held for the film. HallH

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Tim Bradstreet: 25 Years on the Edge of Fantastic Illustration— Comic-Con special guest Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher Max, Hellblazer, Vampire: The Masquerade) discusses his career in RPGs, comics, and film. Join Tim for this onstage interview and Q&A session moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio). Room4

3:30-4:30 Assassin’s Creed III: Live Stage Demo— Meet Connor, the newest Assassin in the legendary franchise and the spark that will ignite the American Revolution into a full blaze. See for the first time a live demo of Boston, a bustling port city on the brink of revolution, presented by Alex Hutchinson (creative director). Experience the epic scale and scope of Assassin’s Creed III with footage of the frontier, colonial cities, and naval battles on the open seas. Witness Connor unleash lethal new skills and weapons in a stunningly realistic open world made possible by the Ubisoft-AnvilNext gaming engine. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the famous Assassin’s Creed III Steelbook made by one of the world’s preeminent and well-respected comic book artists, Alex Ross, and get a peek inside the mind of creative director Alex Hutchinson in a Q&A featuring a guest host. Room6BCF

3:30-4:35 Beauty and the Beast— Stars Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) and Jay Ryan (Terra Nova), along with executive producers Jennifer Levin (Without a Trace) and Sherri Cooper (Brothers and Sisters), discuss the new CW fall show: a modern adaptation of the beloved fairy tale. The series centers on Catherine Chandler (Kreuk), a tough-minded NYPD homicide detective, who is haunted by witnessing her mother’s murder nine years before and the murderer’s quick demise at what she perceived to be the hands of a beast. After years of searching, Catherine finally discovers the beast is Vincent Keller (Ryan), a survivor of a military experiment that went disastrously wrong and left him in hiding to lead a secret life. Join the cast and producers for an exclusive viewing of the first episode, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dalton Ross (assistant managing editor, Entertainment Weekly). Ballroom20

3:30-4:30 FUNimation Sneak Peek: Mass Effect: Paragon Lost and Coming Soon— A very special look at Mass Effect: Paragon Lost, a new animated feature based on the world of EA and BioWare’s Mass Effect games, in addition to some exclusive looks at new series coming soon from FUNimation, one of the North American leaders in anime. Room24ABC

3:30-4:30 The Future of Superhero Studies— Superhero scholarship has exploded over the past few years. Professors Ben Saunders (CCI 2012 special guest and author of Do the Gods Wear Capes?) and Charles Hatfield (author of the Eisner Award-nominated Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby) invite you to join them for a frank, free-spirited discussion of superhero studies: its history, challenges, and possibilities. What has been done in the field, what can be done, and where do we go from here? Room26AB

3:45-4:45 Image: The Walking Dead— The bestselling, award-winning comic The Walking Dead has been a critical and commercial success-and its TV adaptation on AMC holds its own weight as a record-setting juggernaut. Join creator/writer Robert Kirkman and series artist Charlie Adlard for a rare sit-down, where they will discuss the past, present, and future of the decade’s most talked about zombie phenomenon. A Q&A will follow the conversation between the visionary collaborators. Moderated by Sina Grace. Room6A

4:00-5:00 Comic-Con How-To: Don’t Break In, Break Out! with Dave Elliot and Bob Self— DeviantART offers the world a different publishing perspective for content creators, one that may open your eyes to the prospects of the creator’s potential in a larger world. Bob Self and Dave Elliott discuss the future for creators with Techgnotic. Room2

4:00-5:00 Time Travel: Science Fact or Science Fiction? Stuff You Should Know With Josh and Chuck— Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, hosts of the Top 10 iTunes podcast Stuff You Should Know, lead a discussion about time travel with some very special celebrity guests for a live-from-Comic-Con taping of their podcast. Josh and Chuck will present an exclusive sneak peek at the pilot for their new Science Channel series Stuff You Should Know, based on the wildly popular podcast that generates more than one million downloads per month, as well as limited edition Comic-Con exclusive giveaways from Science Channel. Room5AB

4:00-5:00 Character Design in Entertainment: From Script to Sculp— When it comes to behind-the-scenes special features and “The Art of Making…” reference books for movies, gaming, and entertainment, oftentimes we only get a brief glimpse of what went into the design of a production. Leading creature and concept designer Neville Page (Avatar, Star Trek, Tron, Super 8, and most recently Prometheus) goes in-depth about the specificity of character development, from script interpretation to full design execution, referencing select work from some of the spectacular films he has worked on. You will not only see the final resolve, but the roughest of sketches. A thorough Q&A will be a big part of the presentation. Room7AB

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Andy Mangels— Bestselling author and Comic-Con special guest Andy Mangels has been extraordinarily active in the entertainment field for 28 years: as a pop culture journalist, as a comic book writer and editor, as the author of over 20 books, as an award-winning special features producer and documentary director/writer, as the man behind raising over $136,000 for domestic violence shelters with his Women of Wonder Day charity events, and as a respected panelist at Comic-Con for 25 years! Now, Andy sits down with interviewer Roger Klorese for a look at his career and discusses writing for almost every major licensing company, his renowned social and humanitarian activism, and having the most famous moustache in comicdom. Plus, find out about his book from TwoMorrows, Lou Scheimer: Creating the Filmation Generation, and what’s next for Andy! Questions from audience members will be welcome. Room8

4:00-5:00 Abrams ComicArts— For over 60 years Abrams has been the premiere art book publisher. With the launch of Abrams ComicArts in 2009, the tradition of excellence continues with award-winning original graphic works by Derf Backderf, Brian Fies, Jason Shiga, and Kazu Kibuishi, as well as monographs on such seminal creators as Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, and Jaime Hernandez. Charles Kochman (editorial director) and Sheila Keenan (senior editor) talk about current ComicArts titles; the exciting fall list, including Economix by Michael Goodwin and Dan Burr, The Carter Family: Don’t Forget This Song by Frank M. Young and David Lasky, and Mars Attacks; and give sneak peeks at upcoming titles such as Out of Line: The Art of Jules Feiffer, Barry Deutsch’s Hereville Book 2: How Mirka Met a Meteorite, Bazooka Joe from Topps, William Stout’s Legends of the Blues, Good Riddance: A Graphic Memoir of Divorce by Cynthia Copeland, and Darryl Cunningham’s What the Frack? Lies, Hoaxes, Scams, and Other Science Tales; as well as news about what’s coming next from Dave McKean, Frank Cammuso, Laura Lee Gulledge, Kazu Kibuishi, and others. Room9

4:00-5:00 Perspective for Illustration: Inventing Backgrounds and Harmonizing the Figures to the Environment— Have you ever struggled to get your characters to line up with the environment? Do you rely entirely on photos to help you draw a background? This workshop focuses on the perspective or deep space design of the illustrated moment and how to design rich, meaningful backdrops to the story you are telling. There will be a plethora of professional tips and shortcuts to getting around the intricate work involved in setting up a complex perspective grid, including scaling, detailing, and the illusion of depth both in black and white or sketch media and full color. In addition there will be a lecture on the perspective of the figure, how to keep it harmonized with the environment it is drawn into as well as how to keep it lens correct in the composition. Bring your pads and draw along, take notes and elevate your art skills. Room11AB

4:00-5:00 Abstract Studio: Terry Moore— Don’t miss fan favorite Terry Moore as he discusses his new hit horror series Rachel Rising, his acclaimed sci-fi series Echo, and exciting plans for the 20th anniversary celebration of his epic series Strangers in Paradise! Terry will fill you in on all the latest news and then open the floor for the ever-popular Q&A. Room23ABC

4:00-5:00 Womanthology— One woman’s (Renae De Liz) question on Twitter became a fully realized all-female graphic novel anthology in under a year. A legion of supporters helped fund Womanthology: Heroic through a considerably successful Kickstarter campaign, and recently IDW announced the continuation of Womanthology as an ongoing series, starting with Womanthology: Space. Meet some of the more than 170 creators who made the book happen: Trina Robbins (The Brinkley Girls), Kelly Turnbull (Ugly Americans Season 1), Jean Kang (In Every Heart a Masterwork), Bonnie Burton (You Can Draw Star Wars), Ma’at Crook (Womanthology), Cassandra James (The Gathering), Jolene Houser (Dusk Vol. 2), Jody Houser (Everwell), and editor Mariah Huehner (Womanthology). Moderated by Womanthology contributor Barbara Kesel (TokyoPop’s Legends of the Dark Crystal). Room25ABC

4:00-5:00 Archaia: How to Effectively Pitch a Story— In this interactive panel, Archaia editors and creators will offer their advice to aspiring comic book creators on how to better pitch their story. First, the audience will be asked to suggest an occupation, a setting, and a character motivation (e.g., a dead zoologist in Hell trying to get out), then nine volunteers will be chosen and broken up into three teams of three. An Archaia editor or creator will be assigned to each team, and the team will go outside the room to come up with a quick pitch for a story. Meanwhile, a fourth Archaia editor will put on a presentation outlining the dos and don’t’s of pitching for the rest of the audience. After 15 minutes, each team will make their presentation, “pitching” it to the audience, who will ultimately vote to choose the one they like the best. The winning team will get a prize pack of Archaia hardcover books. With Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy, chief creative officer Mark Smylie, publisher Mike Kennedy, and writer Josh Ryan (Syndrome). Room32AB

4:00-5:00 Wilfred: Screening and Q&A— Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) stars as Ryan, a young man struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with Wilfred, his neighbor’s canine pet, played by Jason Gann (The Wedge), who co-created and starred in the Australian version of Wilfred in 2007. While everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, Ryan sees a crude and surly man in cheap dog suit. Elijah and Jason join Wilfred co-stars Fiona Gubelmann (Don’t Trust the B** in Apt 23), and Dorian Brown (Roommates) as well as showrunner/executive producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy) and executive producer/director Randall Einhorn (The Office) to discuss bringing this unique live-action comedy to life. IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Mike Carey— DC Vertigo editor Shelly Bond interviews Comic-Con special guest Mike Carey (The Unwritten, X-Men Legacy) about his career in comics, his other writings, and the future projects he’s got lined up for 2013 and beyond. With Q&A. Room4

4:30-5:30 Marvel: Next Big Thing— The Marvel Universe is where the biggest comic stories happen-so wouldn’t you like to be the first to know what Marvel has planned? Get the latest news on Marvel’s plan for their biggest heroes and villains, with some surprises along the way! Editor Sana Amanat, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, Marvel talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and others answer all your burning questions while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel. Room6DE

4:30-5:30 Masters of the Web— The annual gathering of some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Moderated by star of the new Lionsgate film Dredd, Karl Urban (Star Trek, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), with special surprise cast members from the film. Panelists include Mike Sampson (ScreenCrush.com), Jen Yamato (MovieLine.com), Mali Elfman (ScreenCrave.com), Erik Davis (Movies.com), Steve “Frosty” Weintraub (Colider.com), Grae Drake (Fandango.com), Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan Lee), and Edward Douglas (ComingSoon.net), and hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). AMC is generously providing free movies passes to all attendees of the panel this year! Room24ABC

4:30-5:30 Bringing Comics to Life in the Library— Five super-librarians discuss how they have reached readers of all ages through comics-based library programming. Hear about developing shared collections, get valuable resources and craft ideas, learn to schedule author visits, and more. They’ll cover all the nitty-gritty of programming in school and public libraries from the inside out. Featuring Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights), Jessica Lee (Willard Middle School), Scott Robbins (Toronto Public Library, author of A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics), Susan Rodgers (Palo Alto Public Library), and Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights). Room26AB

4:40-5:45 Cracking the Case with Sherlock Holmes and Watson: A Behind-the-scenes Look at CBS’s New Series Elementary— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson over 120 years ago. This fall on CBS, the dynamic duo gets a modern-day makeover cracking cases in contemporary New York City. Brilliant investigator Sherlock, played by Jonny Lee Miller (Dexter), is a recent rehab graduate paired with his worst nightmare: sober coach Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels). Together, Sherlock’s unique detective skills and Watson’s medical expertise make a formidable force capable of solving the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek at the new television series, followed by a panel discussion with series stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu and executive producers Robert Doherty and Carl Beverly, moderated by Entertainment Weekly assistant managing editor Dalton Ross. Ballroom20

4:45-5:45 The Fiction of Halo 4— Halo 4 heralds the return of one of gaming’s most iconic heroes, the Master Chief, in a new, epic sci-fi saga. Expanding and enriching the narrative, 343 Industries, with very special panelists, share how the development of stories across the Greg Bear Forerunner saga, the Karen Traviss Kilo-Five trilogy, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Halo 4 Campaign and Halo Infinity Multiplayer have become connective tissue for Halo 4. Don’t miss the exciting premiere of the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn trailer as well as Q&A with special guests. Panelists include Brian Reed, franchise writer; Armando Troisi, narrative director, 343 Industries; Brien Goodrich, cinematic director; Stewart Hendler, director (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Whisper, H+); Todd Helbing, writer (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Spartacus, Smallville); and Aaron Helbing, writer (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Spartacus, Smallville). Moderated by Frank O’Connor, franchise development director, 343 Industries. Room6BCF

4:45-5:45 The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes— Sylvester Stallone and the legendary cast of the sequel to 2010’s smash hit film preview the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will join the panel discussion. HallH

5:00-7:00 Comic-Con How-To: Use Guerilla Art Tactics to Share Your Vision with the World— Artist Lori Gordon addresses what it means to make art when you don’t necessarily consider yourself an artist. She will review making art without interest in the outcome and making something that has nothing to do with earning money as the end goal. After reviewing artworks made by Lori and others, participants will make their own project. Room2

5:00-6:00 Blu-ray Producers 2012— Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan, and Dr. Adam Jahnke of The Digital Bits.com and Geek Monthly discuss the process of making great Blu-ray special editions with producers Charles de Lauzirika (Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man), Cliff Stephenson (The Hunger Games, The Expendables 2), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Star Trek: The Next Generation-Seasons One and Two), as well as Warner Home Video’s senior VP of theatrical catalog marketing George Feltenstein. Audience participation is encouraged. Room5AB

5:00-6:00 Legendary Comics— Legendary Comics presents a behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming slate of must-read projects. Get first-look access to new content, grab limited-edition giveaways, and ask questions of your favorite creators. The panel is hosted by the nerdist himself, Chris Hardwick. Panelists include The Tower Chronicles creators Matt Wagner (Grendel, Mage) and Simon Bisley (Lobo, 2000 AD), Shadow Walk creators Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide, G.I. Joe: Hearts & Minds), Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, The Flash), and Shane Davis (Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns, Superman: Earth One). Joining this all-star cast are co-creator of The Tower Chronicles and Shadow Walk, Thomas Tull (founder and CEO of Legendary Entertainment) and editor-in-chief Bob Schreck (All-Star Superman). Don’t miss breaking news regarding our next project from an elite creator in the comics industry who will be making a surprise appearance. Room6A

5:00-6:00 The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con— Actresses, stuntwomen, creative cosplayers, outspoken bloggers, and groundbreaking comic book creators-which women are the movers and shakers on the convention scene? Who are the innovators breaking barriers in the world of fandom? To discuss these game changers, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (GeekNation, MTV Geek) has assembled a team of women dangerous in their own right: Leah Cevoli (Robot Chicken), Holly Conrad (Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope), Adrianne Curry (Stan Lee’s World of Heroes), Abbie Heppe (Respawn Entertainment), Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Kristen Nedopak (Skyrim: To Lydia with Love), Milynn Sarley (GeekNation’s Lairs), Stephanie Thorpe (ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining), and Patricia Tallman (Night of the Living Dead, Babylon 5). With moderator Bonnie Burton (SFX Magazine). Room7AB

5:00-6:00 Luann-alysis: A Stripper Revealed— Comic-Con special guest Greg Evans opens his personal scrapbook and shows childhood cartoons, pre-Luann strips, weird art, and embarrassing goofs from 27 years of Luann. Q&A follows. Moderated by Fred Bronson (writer, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: The Animated Series). Room8

5:00-6:00 Uncle Creepy Presents— A stellar panel of ghoulish creators discuss Warren’s Creepy and Eerie, which have been relaunched at Dark Horse in hardcover archival editions, new comic books, and artist compilation formats. Discover all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe. Moderated by Overstreet’s J. C. Vaughn and featuring New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (Button Man) and super special guest MAD and Creepy artist Angelo Torres (Mad), plus writer Christopher A. Taylor and some very special unannounced guests. Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with tons of giveaways, swag and prizes. Room9

5:00-6:00 Figure Drawing for Popular Media— Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (Draw the Line, Figure It Out, John Buscema: A Life in Sketches) and Rudy Nebres (Conan, Dr. Strange, John Carter [Marvel]) present a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. Emilio and Rudy will lecture and demonstrate on figure drawing. Come ready to take notes and to draw. Room11AB

5:00-6:00 First Comics: 30th Anniversary Extravaganza!— Legendary ’80s independent publishing powerhouse First Comics is rocking into San Diego with the assembled might of extraordinary comics creators Bill Willingham, Max Allan Collins, The Fillbach Brothers, Steve Stern, Dan Cote, and Larry Young. With giveaways, surprise guests, elephants, circus clowns, and more as befitting a 30th Anniversary-come celebrate with First! Moderated by Ken F. Levin. Room23ABC

5:00-6:00 MTV Geek: Creator Pitch LIVE!— MTV Comics executive editor Tom Akel hosts a live pitch competition between three of the top creators in the business. Just three weeks prior to Comic-Con, creators were each given the same topic, something that’s been a hot button issue in the industry in the past year, from which they will draw their inspiration to develop a new comic series. Creators have 10 minutes to present their pitch to the fans. They’re be some time for questions, and then the pitches will be put it to a vote that’s determined by you! Room25ABC

5:00-6:00 Northwest Press— How does a small comic book publisher succeed in today’s market? Northwest Press opened their doors in 2010, braving a recession, the rise of digital media, and the disappearance of specialty shops and bookstores to create a publishing company specializing in a niche market: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender comics. Two years later, Northwest is still growing. Join in a lively discussion about how to operate on a shoestring while looking like a pro, how to leverage social media and connections, and how to succeed as a small press. Moderated by Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) and featuring the owner of Northwest Press, Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Mark of Aeacus, The Power Within), as well as three of the creators he’s published: Justin Hall (Glamazonia: the Uncanny Super Tranny, No Straight Lines), Jon Macy (Teleny and Camille, Fearful Hunter), and Leia Weathington (The Legend of Bold Riley). Room32AB

5:00-6:00 Archer: Screening and Q&A— This animated half-hour comedy revolves around the spy agency known as the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) and the lives of its self-involved employees. Series creator Adam Reed (Sealab 2021) and the show’s voice actors discuss their daunting and enigmatic work of espionage, reconnaissance missions, wiretapping, and undercover surveillances-which are all actually unmitigated occasions for the ISIS staff to undermine, sabotage, and betray each other for personal gain. Panelists include H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers) as the highly skilled yet incredibly vain master spy “Sterling Archer,” Aisha Tyler (The Talk) as Archer’s fellow agent and ex-girlfriend “Lana Kane,” Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live) as the easily intimidated comptroller-turned-ISIS-agent “Cyril Figgis,” Judy Greer (Arrested Development) as the loquacious secretary “Cheryl Tunt,” and Amber Nash (Frisky Dingo) as the discordant director of human resources for ISIS “Pam Poovey.” IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

5:30-6:30 Kodansha Comics— The staff of Kodansha Comics talk about all their exciting plans for 2012 and beyond. Learn about all the new titles coming out in the coming months, with special coverage of Sailor Moon, Battle Angel Alita, and many other hit manga series. Kumi Shimizu (Kodansha USA Publishing) and Dallas Middaugh (Random House) will tell tall tales and answer all of your burning questions. Room4

5:30-6:30 Klasky Csupo: We’re Back!— The studio that brought you Rugrats, Aaah! Real Monsters, and Wild Thornberrys, to name a few, is back and at Comic-Con for the first time ever. Arlene Klasky (animation creator), Craig Singer (filmmaker, Dark Ride), Charlie Adler (Transformers), Greg Cipes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Tyler Malin (transmedia storyteller) discuss Klasky Csupo’s past and future projects, including a skateboarding zombie! Giveaways include a Comic-Con exclusive signed Issue 1 of Ollie Mongo, as well as an iPad raffle. Moderated by Phil Daniels (digital media attorney, Ginsburg Daniels LLP). Room24ABC

5:30-6:30 Batman’s Biggest Secret: The Bill Finger Story— Based on five years of research for the new book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, Marc Tyler Nobleman (Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman) reveals startling, never-published information about Bill Finger, uncredited co-creator of Batman-including the game-changing discovery of Finger’s lone heir. Michael Uslan, executive producer of The Dark Knight Rises, on the book: “Purposefully and meaningfully (and beautifully) written.” Room26AB

5:45-6:45 Vertigo: A View from the Cutting Edge of Comics— It’s a big year for Vertigo, with exciting new projects like Fairest, Punk Rock Jesus, and Saucer Country joining American Vampire, Fables, The Unwritten, and Sweet Tooth. Get the lowdown on all your Vertigo favorites-and some that will be-and catch the latest on new graphic novels like Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1 and others, with senior VP/executive editor Karen Berger, plus Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Mike Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Mike Carey (The Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus), Dustin Nguyen (American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares), Bill Willingham (Fables, Fairest), and others. Room6DE

6:00-7:00 The Character of Music— Composer and executive producer teams discuss the dynamics of music in film and television. Blake Neely and Greg Berlanti (Arrow), Chris Lennertz and Eric Kripke (Revolution, Supernatural), Joseph Trapanese and Charlie Bean (TRON: Uprising), and Nathan Johnson and Rian Johnson (Looper) discuss their working relationship, how music plays a character in their stories, and the intense process of scoring their projects. Moderated by Anne Cecere, director of film and TV relations of BMI, and Chandler Poling, founder of White Bear PR. Attendees will get a sneak peek into their work and receive fun giveaways. Room5AB

6:00-7:00 Nikita Q&A and Exclusive Video Presentation— Nikita stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3), Shane West (ER), and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass) and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) return to Comic-Con just days before they begin production on season 3. Find out what’s in store for our new powerful team of heroes consisting of Nikita, Michael, Alex, punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff, brilliant CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, the third season of Nikita debuts this October and will air Fridays at 9/8c on The CW. Nikita: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 2. Room6BCF

6:00-7:00 Masquerade 101— For costumers, future costumers, and those who simply enjoy watching masquerades from the audience, this overview of fan convention costume competitions covers original designs and re-creations, how contests differ from one type of convention to another, judging criteria and processes, and group versus solo costumes, and offers planning, fabrication, and stage presentation tips for taking a costume creation from idea to stage-ready showpiece. Presented by Comic-Con’s masquerade director for the past 20 years Martin Jaquish, Masquerade assistant John Ruff, award-winning fan costumer Allan Lavigne, and award-winning member of the HCC cosplay group Judy Grivich. Room7AB

6:00-7:00 Monsterverse Horror Comics: Bela Lugosi Demands Flesh and Blood!— Monsterverse Entertainment executives Kerry Gammill (Superman, Stargate, The Outer Limits) and Sam F. Park (Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave) discuss the horror transmedia company’s current and future projects in print, mobile apps, interactive games, and Hollywood, along with Henry Mayo (Ted, Tarzan, The Mummy). Creators Robert Tinnell and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood) will discuss future plans for their award-winning (Ghastly Award-Best Horror GN 2011) graphic novel series along with its cover artist Dan Brereton (Nocturnals, The Last Battle). Q&A session to follow. Room8

6:00-7:00 The 7th Annual Comics Podcasting All-Stars— The legacy of comics podcasting continues. The world of comics podcasts has changed since they began in 2005 and this is your chance to see the pioneers of comics podcasting discuss how the comics industry has evolved and how it’s affected podcasting. Always a panel full of passion and surprises, thanks to the podcasters appearing on the panel, who include Bob Bretall (The Comic Book Page), Brian “Pants” Christman (Comic Geek Speak), Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider), Josh Flanagan (iFanboy), John Siuntres (Word Balloon), Pat Loika (Loikamania!), and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy’s Comic Corner). Room9

6:00-7:00 Breaking In and Staying In— So you want to make comics? This panel is your first step toward actually doing it! Former Marvel and IDW editor and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Annihilation, G.I. Joe, 5 Days to Die) discusses in detail the ins and outs of the comic industry-specifically, what it takes to break into comics and how it’s done. This is the panel that no writer or artist dare miss. Hosted by Comics Experience. Room11AB

6:00-7:15 Showtime: Dexter— The gasps from last season’s finale can still be heard among Dexter fans as their worst fears were realized, Dexter got caught and by none other than Deb! What will he do? What will she do? What’s next for America’s Favorite Serial Killer? If the suspense is killing you, don’t miss this incredible panel, where you’ll be the first to see the Comic-Con exclusive first two minutes of the season premiere. Moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ Entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), and special guest star Yvonne Strahovski (Hanna). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Plus Dexter fans will be the first to see the world premiere trailer of one of the hottest series on television, Homeland, presented by executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The new season of Dexter premieres September 30, at 9pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom20

6:00-7:00 Insights to Indie Publishing: The Antidote Trust (TAT)— TAT returns to discuss all creativity in all media, featuring info on new projects. The panel’s members include Geoff Thorne, TV screenwriter and indie comics creator (Leverage, Ben 10: Omniverse, and indie comics by GENRE 19); Dale Wilson, founder and editor-in-chief at BuyIndieComics.com, online marketing guru, founding member of TAT and comics creator/publisher (DWAP Productions, makers of Caffeine Dreams, Magnificent Creatures, and other cutting-edge comics); Larry Welch, a “pro’s pro” at inking since 1992 (Eternity Comics, Malibu Comics, Image, DC, and Marvel); author and publicist Melissa Jarvis (Past Her Time, from BookStrand Romance, All Hollow’s Eve from Cobblestone Press [w/a Melissa L. Robert]); Justin Peniston, animation writer for Man of Action Studios (creators of Ben 10) and “Big 2” writer and indie/digital comics creator (Blue Beetle, Hunter Black); and Robert Roach, professional illustrator and storyteller for two decades in film and TV (Warner Detention, Thick as Thieves) and comics industries (Negative Burn, Crack Dog, and The Roach, winner of the inaugural Glyph Award for Indy Comics). Room23ABC

6:00-7:00 The Science of Science Fiction: Canon Fodder— Aliens, robots, wormholes, superheroes…there’s more than a little science in all of these, but how can that science be kept straight and consistent across multiple movies and seasons of TV shows? Panelists Jon Spaihts (writer, Prometheus), Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica), Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (writers, Thor, X-Men: First Class), Jaime Paglia (producer/writer, Eureka), and Dr. Kevin Grazier (science advisor, Battlestar Galactica, Defiance), talk about the ups and downs of respecting the science in ongoing science fiction TV and movie series. Moderated by Dr. Phil Plait (writer/host, Phil Plait’s Bad Universe, Discover magazine’s Bad Astronomy blog), and courtesy of The Science and Entertainment Exchange, a program of the National Academy of Sciences. Room25ABC

6:00-7:00 Rewriting the Rules of Queers in Comics— Depictions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender characters in comics are breaking from the purely positive “role model” portrayals that were common over the past decade. Some creators aren’t shying away from sex, stereotypes, and bad behavior in their pursuit of intriguing and well-rounded characters. As comics readers clamor for more explicit, more outrageous, and more extreme comics-and hail them as victories over timidity and political correctness-is it time to rewrite the rulebook on queer characters? Oliver Nome (Fathom: Kiani), James Robinson (Earth 2, Justice League), Nicola Scott (Earth 2, Secret Six), Gail Simone (Secret Six, Birds of Prey), Ivan Velez Jr. (Tales of the Closet, Milestone Comics), and moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Mark of Aeacus, The Power Within) engage in a lively, irreverent discussion about the wild frontier of queers in comics. Room32AB

6:00-7:00 RiffTrax Live— Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (RiffTrax.com, Mystery Science Theater 3000) return to Comic-Con to perform another live, hilarious riff to a classic short. Join the riffers for fun, laughs and the latest news about their upcoming “Manos” The Hands of Fate and Birdemic live shows, playing for only one night each in select movie theatres nationwide this August and October. RiffTrax.com is the site where MST3K-style humor meets mainstream movies, TV shows and vintage shorts. At RiffTrax they don’t make movies, they make them funny! IndigoBallroom,HiltonSanDiegoBayfront

6:15-7:15 How to Get a Job in the Video Gaming Industry— Moderator Francis Mao of Capcom leads a panel of industry insiders from a variety of game companies and industry outlets to share how they got to “play video games for a living,” and the wide assortment of career paths that are available. You don’t have to be a programming whiz or a stellar digital artist to have a fun career in the video game industry. Hear what job opportunities are available in areas such as public relations, marketing, retail, publishing, editorial, and more. Hear from actual SDCC fans from past years who are now in the industry. There will be a Q&A session plus an opportunity to speak with and network one-on-one with the panelists after the session. Room6A

6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In— Come with us again to those thrilling days of yesteryear where one of the few places you could see offbeat genre films was at your local drive-in, huddled safely in your car as the summer sky darkened around you. At least that was the germ of an idea that gave birth to this panel last year, and the reception by those fans who attended was so positive they’re doing it again. So, welcome to the second edition of the Virtual Drive-In, where you will preview three twisted tales by some talented filmmakers who will all be appearing on the panel to discuss their work and take your questions. Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett. The featured films are:

• Branded — A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive.One man’s quest to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with the hidden forces that really control our world. Appearing on stage is director Jamie Bradshaw.
• Crave — Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)-a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences. This visually arresting psychological noir begins its festival run with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival and continues on to other festivals around the world. Appearing on stage: Josh Lawson (House of Lies) and director Charles de Lauzirika, with other guests to be announced.
• Coldwater — “Make sure the past isn’t watching you.” Andre agrees to help out his friend Robert by taking over a housesitting job at an unusual house nestled in the heart of Coldwater Canyon. As the day turns into night, Andre experiences strange things that lead him to believe he is not alone and that someone or something is watching him. Appearing in person are writer/director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) and star Ivan Djurovic (24).

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6:30-7:30 Independent Toymaker Roundtable: Turning Characters into Toys— Indie toymakers spill their secrets on how to successfully create and market awesome plush and vinyl toys. Learn from toy world luminaries Nitin Bhargava (Kidrobot), Shawn Smith (Shawnimals), Dan Goodsell (Mr. Toast), Kerry Horvath and Darth Rimmer (Evil Ice Cream), Dov Kelemer (DKE Toys), Joshua Ben Longo (Longoland), and Kris Schantz (Happy Worker), moderated by Wendy Bryan (I Heart Guts). Turn your sketches into something you can hold. Room4

6:30-7:30 Comedy Central: Workaholics— Comedy Central’s hit series Workaholics features three friends, Adam, Blake, and Ders, who work together from 9 to 5, live together from 5 to 9, and party together 24/7. Whether they’re getting ready to rage at a Renaissance Faire or take the stage as their gangster rap alter egos “The Wizards,” the guys find trouble wherever they go. Stars, co-creators, writers, and executive producers Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck take fans behind the scenes and give a sneak peek into upcoming new episodes, including a few special guests that are guaranteed to be “Tight Butthole.” Fans will also be able to compete for a chance to have their name written into a future episode. S’Go! Room24ABC

6:30-8:00 Lost in Translation— As some manga companies such as TokyoPop, CMX, and Bandai Entertainment leave the picture, other manga venues such as JManga are coming onto the manga scene. With so much change, this is a turbulent time for manga freelancers. Find out how the industry is faring in a question-and-answer session with William Flanagan (Madoka Magica Manga), Jonathan Tarbox (Fist of the Northstar), Shaenon Garrity (Hunter X Hunter), Stephen Paul (One Piece), Nathan Collins (Metal Gear Solid: Guns of Patriots) and maybe even some surprise panelists. Room26AB

7:00-8:00 LIVE PodCRASH with That Chris Gore— Chris Gore (G4TV’s Attack of the Show, Film Threat founder) is also a comedian, is the creator of some exciting upcoming animated shows and is currently making waves with his podcast PodCRASH. Chris has been called a renaissance nerd and now he will present a very special live edition of his podcast at Comic Con. Expect the content to be rated #GSFW-Geeky, Sexy, Funny, and Weird. Expect some very special guests to crash this panel. Room5AB

7:00-8:00 Inside The Batmobile— No vehicle has ever captured fans’ imagination like the Batmobile. Be the first to see an exclusive Comic-Con, 22-minute sneak peek at the upcoming documentary The Batmobile, an in-depth examination of its many incarnations and impressive history. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring distinguished Batman experts George Barris, designer of the famed 1966 Batmobile; Andy Smith, builder of the modern-day Dark Knight “Tumbler”; respected producer/author Michael Uslan (The Boy Who Loved Batman); Ralph Cirella and Jon Hein, hosts of GEEKTIME! Sirius-XM Howard 101; and a few surprise guests. Stay to the end, when a drawing among all panel attendees will determine which lucky five fans can sit in a Batmobile-which is on display all weekend in the “Batcave” between Hall H and the Bayfront Hilton. Room6DE

7:00-8:00 History of the Modern Zombie— Zombie Research Society hosts a panel of leading zombie experts moderated by ZRS founder Matt Mogk (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies). Panelists include Max Brooks (Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z), Scott Kenemore (Zen of Zombie, Zombie, Ohio), Aaron Sagers (CNN Geek Out, entertainment writer, TV host), Steven Schlozman, M.D. (zombie autopsies, Harvard Medical School), and Bradley Voytek, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco). Join them for a spirited discussion about the evolution and impact of the modern zombie, and get all your pressing questions answered before it’s too late! Room7AB

7:00-8:00 Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101— Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about doing PR? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for your comics. comiXology marketing and PR maven Chip Mosher is joined by Dark Horse’s director of PR Jeremy Atkins, Image Comics’ PR and marketing director Jennifer de Guzman, IDW Publishing’s VP of marketing Dirk Wood, and comics writer David Gallaher (Box 13, the Harvey Award-winning High Moon, and Marvel’s Darkstar and The Winter Guard) for a wide-ranging discussion you will not want to miss! Room8

7:00-8:00 The Scoop at Simon & Schuster!— Get the inside word on Simon & Schuster’s upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes. Lucille Rettino (director of marketing), Carolyn Swerdloff (marketing manager), Chrissy Noh (senior marketing manager), Liesa Abrams (associate marketing manager), and Anna McKean (publicity manager) give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Cassandra Clare, Tonya Hurley, Tony DiTerlizzi, Orson Scott Card, and Brandon Mull. Hear what is going on with S&S’s hot properties — Star Trek and The Smurfs — and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush. Room9

7:00-8:00 Inside the Voice Actors’ Studio— Bang Zoom! Entertainment is excited to bring you this panel/workshop about voice acting that covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. This is a great opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic setting. You will learn directly from some of the best voice actors and directors in the world and also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like. Celebrity panelists include renowned video game VO director Chris Borders (Gears of War) and multitalented voice actor Fred Tatasciore (The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes). Room11AB

7:00-8:00 Bleeding Alliance of Beat Reporters— Andy Khouri of Comics Alliance, Rich Johnston of Bleeding Cool, Heidi MacDonald of The Beat, and Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter represent the four most influential and popular blogs in the comics industry. Join them for a one-time-only chat about the changing role of comics news, how they run their sites, what makes news, and what makes a rumor. It will be either a love fest or a slug fest. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room23ABC

7:00-8:00 Fan Favorite Projects Go Interactive— Meet the creative talents who have embraced the arduous task of adapting the music of top Sci-Fi and Fantasy projects to the most popular games on home consoles and smart phones. Learn how these franchises transitioned into this ever-growing multi-media realm from our special guests including composers Jim Dooley (Epic Mickey; Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two), Gordy Haab (Star Wars: The Old Republic; Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings), David Ari Leon (Contre Jour; Woody Woodpecker), Gerard Marino (God of War; The Amazing Spiderman), Kyle Newmaster (Kinect Star Wars), and Jeremy Soule (The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim; Harry Potter game series), and a special surprise guest moderator!A Q&A will follow the panel plus giveaways for attendees. Room25ABC

7:00-8:00 The Myth of Nostalgia: Collecting and Memory— Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Bob Foster (Animation Guild president), Grant Geissman (author, Foul Play! The Art and Artists of the Notorious 1950s E.C. Comics!), R. C. Harvey (cartoonist, critic and comic historian, Meanwhile…A Biography of Milton Caniff), Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), and Kirstie Shepherd (author, Gadabout Time Machine User’s Manual) have been collecting, creating, and selling nostalgia for over 40 years. Join them for a panel discussion on how collecting allows us to revisit memories from the past-even a past that they might have been too young to have seen or may never have existed at all. They’ll explore how nostalgia can be invented, whether it goes in and out of fashion, and what happens when the collector becomes the creator. Room32AB

7:15-8:15 A New Generation of Spike and Mike Animation— See the greatest short animations the world has to offer: one hour of award-winning, artistic, funny, and entertaining short animated films from around the world. See winners from the 2012 Annecy Animation Festival in France, such as Second Hand and Friendsheep. Meet Spike of the Spike and Mike Festival of Animation and Gary Sohmers, the “King of Pop Culture” and Antiques Roadshow celebrity. Free Spike and Mike DVDs handed out while supplies last. Room6BCF

7:30-8:30 Magic and Comics: The Deceptive Arts— The worlds of illusion and sequential art have much more in common then you think, from exploiting common psychological shortcuts to histories stacked with con men and criminals. This panel, hosted by the creators of IDW’s Smoke and Mirrors (Mike Costa, Jon Armstrong), features Costa (Cobra), award-winning magician Armstrong, Josh Fialkov (Echoes), and other panelists. It also boasts interactive elements, amazing art, and live demonstrations of close-up magic from award-winning magicians from the world-famous Magic Castle. You might even learn some magic you can do for your friends. Room4

7:30-10:30 Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza— Celebrate 15 years of the craziest, coolest, comical, and most cheer-worthy Asian action film fight scenes ever witnessed by human eyes! This time promises to be one of the most lunatic laugh-n-thrill fests yet, with the best (and worst) the East has to offer. As always, award-winning writer, consultant, professor, World Martial Art Hall of Famer, and Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie scripter Ric Meyers is your host, welcoming guest stars such as Comedy Film Nerd podcasters Graham Elwood and Chris Mancini, independent action film idol Eric Jacobus, and even the legendary actor, choreographer, stuntman, and movie icon James Lew (and maybe even more). 15th time’s the charm. Don’t miss this one! Room6A

7:30-8:30 Famous Monsters of Filmland: Stake of the Union 2012— The world’s first monster fan magazine invades Comic-Con again this year. Publisher Philip Kim and executive editor Ed Blair are on hand to discuss the future of the magazine, including covers, digital issues, film and TV projects, and more. Special panelists include Bela Lugosi Jr.; Jeff Moor, and Allen Steelgrave of ESP Guitars on their top-secret project with FM; Todd Masters (True Blood) on celebrating 25 years of makeup excellence with his company MastersFX; and many surprises. Room24ABC

8:00-9:30 Comics on Comics LIVE! with Jon Schnepp and Chris Gore— Producers Vito Lapiccola and Juan-Manuel Rocha and The Hollywood Improv host another amazing edition of Comics on Comics LIVE at Comic-Con. Host Jonathan London (Geekscape.net) welcomes the return of fan-favorite writer/producer/director Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse, The Venture Brothers), film guru Chris Gore (Attack of the Show, PodCRASH), and the always-controversial comics journalist Rich Johnston (BleedingCool.com) for another hilarious episode of the podcast where the greatest comic minds meet the greatest minds in comics! And if that wasn’t enough, Comics on Comics presents the world premiere of Schnepp’s Grimm Fairy Tales animated trailer, produced in association with Zenoscope Entertainment and funded via Kickstarter.com. Comics on Comics debuted in 2008 and quickly gained popularity and praise due to its high concept format and memorable guests (including Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof, Dark Knight Rises producer Michael Uslan, and DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns). Find out more at http://www.ComicsOnComics.com. Room5AB

8:00-9:30 Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves on Trial: The Forensic Psychiatry of the Dead, the Undead, and the Unlucky— Zombies, vampires, and werewolves are the most terrifying monsters to stalk the night. But what if these monsters existed in real life and actually stood trial for their murderous crimes? Would they be found guilty and put behind bars, or would they be found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric hospital? Would they even be competent to stand trial? Forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. evaluate whether the “conditions” that plague these bloodsuckers, flesh-eaters, and wild beasts might serve as the basis for an insanity defense. Hear Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., FBI Ret., supervisory special agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Killer Instinct), compare the behaviors of these characters to real-life bloodsucking and flesh-eating killers. See these iconic characters in a new light, and sink your teeth into them for a change! Room7AB

8:00-9:00 Artist As Brand, Rise of the Artist Entrepreneur— Greg Spalenka (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Books of Magic, The Ant Bully, The Golden Compass, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) moderates a panel discussion on art career sustainability. Learn strategies on how to create an income from your talent on your own terms. Panelists include Dave McKean (an icon of popular art culture, professional artist, photographer, graphic designer, director, musician, Arkham Asylum, The Sandman, MirrorMask), Craig Elliott (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Monsters Vs. Aliens, Mulan, Dark Horse Comics), Shiflett Brothers (sculptors extraordinaire of comic and original designs, “Oddworld: Abe’s Odysee,” Moore Creations), Miss Mindy (professional artist, curator, Baby Tattoo Books, Disney, Warner Brothers), and Daniel and Dawna Davis (husband and wife team of Steamcrow, publishers of monster books and toys). Room8

8:00-9:00 H. P. Lovecraft— “They all lay in stone houses in Their great city of R’lyeh, preserved by the spells of mighty Cthulhu for a glorious resurrection when the stars and the Earth might once more be ready for Them.” So wrote master weird tale and horror author H. P. Lovecraft in 1926, and the stars have aligned! Get a sanity-shattering peek into Lovecraft’s past and present influence in pop culture. Discover the unspeakable nameless horrors from beyond time and space that are rising in comics, games, movies, music, television and more. With Brian Callahan (Arkham Bazaar), Cody Goodfellow (Perilous Press), Mars Homeworld (CEO, Dead House Music), and Michael Alan Nelson (creator, Fall of Cthulhu). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival-Los Angeles). Room9

8:00-9:00 Mega64: Year One Panel— Join Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield (Mega64.com) as they bring their series of award-winning, critically acclaimed short films to a Comic-Con panel for the first time. There will be so many video game jokes that Garrett Hunter and Eric Baudour (Mega64.com) will have to attend too. There will be Q&A, but please don’t ask about previous arrests. Room23ABC

8:00-11:00 Hall H and Ballroom 20 Saturday Panel Playback— Didn’t get into either Hall H or Ballroom 20 today? We feel your pain! In this three-hour block, Comic-Con will rebroadcast some of the day’s popular panels from those two giant rooms. Best of all, those in attendance will get to vote on what they want to see. It’s democracy at its finest AND it’s a second chance to see these panels. (Please note: these playbacks will include only the panel discussions. None of the film clips or footage shown at the live events will be shown here.) Room25ABC

8:00-9:00 Kickstart Comics: Come Meet New Publisher Kickstart Comics!— An in-depth look at new and upcoming releases from Kickstart Comics, plus a discussion of the company’s TV and feature plans with sister company Kickstart Productions,as well as Q&A with Kickstart creators.Also get a sneak peek at the upcoming film Bounty Killer. Plus: giveaways of graphic novels. Room26AB

8:00-10:00 Early Fandom Meet-and-Greet— Were you a part of comics fandom in the 1960s or 1970s? Were you among the folks who organized or attended Comic-Con back in the days of the El Cortez Hotel or the old Convention Center? Or are you a bit younger but would love to hear about fandom’s and Comic-Con’s early years? Then you’ll want to mingle with your fellow fans to talk about the old days, share memorabilia (fanzines, photos, artifacts), and remember the folks we’ve lost. This event will include displays and presentations by the Shel Dorf Fan Club, Alfdom, and others. Room28E

8:00-9:00 The Image Revolution Documentary— Twenty years ago, the seven biggest artists in comics created a company that revolutionized comics. Now, director Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods) and producer Jordan Rennert (Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts) are telling the company’s story in a new documentary produced by Sequart and Respect Films. Get a first look at the film, and talk about the highs and lows of Image history with a couple of special guests. Moderated by F. J. De Santo (The Spirit). Room32AB

8:15-9:15 Robotech Industry Panel— Tommy Yune (Harmony Gold president of animation), Steve Yun (Harmony Gold VP of new media), Steve Galloway (New Video), Svea Stauch Macek (comic artist of Macross #1), Frank Catalono (voice of Robotech’s Rand), and Saralo MacGregor (Content Film), showcase all the latest Robotech projects. Room6DE

8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Sing-Along— Join the fun as the California Browncoats screen Internet sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog-coming back with call back sheets so you can play along during the screening. Enter our costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE. Room6BCF

8:30-10:30 Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope— San Diego Comic-Con premiere screening of the ultimate fanboy documentary from executive producers Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Harry Knowles, and Thomas Tull. Q&A to follow with director Morgan Spurlock (Warrior Poets) and special surprise guests. Ballroom20

8:30-9:30 Holliston: Inside the Humor, the Horror, and the Geekery of the New “Great American Sitcom”— Join the cast of FEARnet’s hit television sit-com Holliston as they preview their upcoming second season, show outtakes and clips, and discuss their journey to bringing their outrageous comedy for true horror, sci-fi, and pop culture fans to mainstream cable television. Featuring creator/star Adam Green (the Hatchet franchise), Joe Lynch (Knights of Badassdom), Oderus Urungus (alien lead singer of GWAR), Laura Ortiz (The Hills Have Eyes), Corri English (lead singer of Brokedown Cadillac), and a surprise celebrity moderator. This promises to be one of the most inspiring, laugh-filled, and entertaining panels you’ll catch this year at Comic-Con! Don’t let the late time slot deter you-this is the panel to see! Room24ABC

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Library
10:30AM – 11:30AM Location: N426a
What do you get when you mix adults, teenagers, children, babies, seniors, professionals, parents, teachers, students, homeschoolers, and the homeless? That very funniest of places, your local public library. In this hilarious whirlwind tour behind the reference desk you’ll meet the instantly recognizable staff and patrons of the fictional Mallville Public Library, and learn what really makes librarians tick. Find out why Jennifer Holm (Babymouse) says “Unshelved puts the Graphic in Libraries”. Gene Ambaum and Bill Barnes are co-creators of Unshelved, the world’s only daily comic strip set in a public library.

Reading With Pictures: The Future of Comics in the Classroom
10:45AM – 11:45AM Location: N426b
Find out how YOU can help get comics into schools and get schools into comics in this informational seminar hosted by some of the biggest names in the world of comics and education. Join Josh Elder of Reading With Pictures and several educational professionals as they unveil their plans for 2012 and beyond.

Learning Illustrated: How Comics Are Used In The Classroom
11:45AM – 12:45PM Location: N426a
All over the U.S., educators are using comics to teach their students. Whether students are learning history, science, or sentence structure, comics are engaging students in ways text alone cannot. Come to this session if you would like to learn more about how and why comics are being used at all levels of education.

ComicsPRO: a Retail Trade Association
12:00PM – 1:00PM Location: N426b
Do you own a comic book store? If so, there are many ways that ComicsPRO can help your business! Non-member retailers and ComicsPRO members are invited to an informal panel for updates on the association and free giveaways!

Wonder Twin Powers, Activate: The Library-Retailer Partnership
1:00PM – 2:00PM Location: N426a
Libraries and local comics shops share a common goal: leveraging their strong bodies of knowledge in order to cultivate a passionate local community. In this panel, members of the library and retail environments will share their strategies for building a mutually beneficial relationship.

DC Entertainment: Talent Search Orientation
1:00PM – 2:00PM Location: N426c
Join DCE’s VP – Art Direction and Design, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.)

Branching Out: Growing your Graphic Novel Collection Beyond the Core Titles
1:15PM – 2:15PM Location: N426b
Branching Out is aimed at teachers and librarians looking to grow their graphic novel and manga collection beyond traditional subject matter. It will look at the growth of non-traditional comic books and manga, specifically focusing on graphic novels for kids, graphic non-fiction, adaptations of classic literature, and the rise of comic books and manga that aren’t strictly focused on super-heroes or ninjas. We will discuss the complications that these books have in finding an audience, and the different methods of discovering and collecting non-traditional graphic novels.

Modern Dragon Lore: A Tribute to Anne McCaffrey
2:00PM – 3:00PM Location: N427bc
Dragons are powerful. They are exotic. They are unreachable. And they are one of the hottest trends in science fiction, fantasy, and now paranormal romance. And, in a special event just for C2E2, three celebrated authors join to discuss modern dragon lore, discussing these iconic beasts, their origin myths, evolution, and, most importantly, to come together and celebrate the memory of the late Anne McCaffrey, whose canon lays at the very heart of the modern literary dragon hoard. Featured authors: Yasmine Galenorn, Robin Hobb and Sophie Jordan.

Living the Dream: Making a Living as a Kickstarter and Freelancer
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: N426a
Learn how to make a living as a writer, both by writing for publishers and by self-publishing your own work with new funding models like Kickstarter. Join multi-industry veterans Matt Forbeck, Kenneth Hite, and Will Hindmarch for this nuts & bolts chat.

The Legal Aspects of Becoming Famous: How to Protect Yourself and Your Creations
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: N426c
You have created your own comic book hero, he or she can protect the world but only you can protect your rights. If you are an artist, author, software or mobile phone application creator, this panel will show you how to protect yourself and your creations. In this seminar, you’ll learn what you need to do to protect your intellectual property, how not to infringe upon other people’s work, and the legal nuances of landing a publishing deal or becoming famous. Topics will include: forming a corporation; website creation; work for hire agreements; an overview of copyrights, trademarks, and fair use; what to do if someone is improperly using your works; and how to avoid improperly using someone else’s works. Michael Lee, Esq. of the law firm Gibney, Anthony & Flaherty, LLP moderates this exciting and educational panel that is followed by a question and answer session.

DC Direct
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: S402ab
DC Direct is one of the most creative companies that produce the highest quality collectibles for the direct market. Come join creative services director Jim Fletcher and the amazing talent behind the figures as they discuss their line of current projects, and the future plans involving the DC Comics – The New 52!

Comics Experience: Comic Art and Storytelling
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: N426b
The greatest Comic book minds of our time divulge the greatest secrets of all time. Join us for the top tips for telling a clear and great story in comics. How, as an artist, do you approach great looking art and telling a story? How’s it different from illustration work? What is the process used by most working professionals? These insights are not to be missed. Presented by Comics Experience’s Andy Schmidt.

Archaia Presents: Coming Soon from Archaia Entertainment…
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: S401abc
The publisher behind Mouse Guard, The Killer, Return of the Dapper Men, Jim Henson’s Tale of Sand, and other great titles is gearing up for another spectacular year, and here’s where you get to hear all about it! Get the inside scoop on upcoming titles, new projects, and exclusive announcements as Archaia sets its sights on the rest of 2012 and beyond. Join Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy, David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Khang Le (Hawken), Andrew E. C. Gaska (Space: 1999), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Royden Lepp (Rust), Nate Cosby (Cow Boy), Sean Rubin (Bolivar), and other guests as they give you a sneak peek of what’s to come!

The Nerdologues
3:30PM – 4:30PM Location: Variant Stage
The Nerdologues is a sketch comedy show written and performed by a group of comedians from the iO and The Second City training programs who revel in all things nerdy. Through the use of sketch and solo material, the show weaves an entertaining experience that cannot be seen anywhere else. The focus of their show is centered around true stories from the Nerds’ lives. The show also features comedic sketches that focus on what it is like living as a nerd. Namely, a lot of comic book and gaming humor. The show was created by Nerds for Nerds. The Nerdologues combine true tales of geekery with nerd themed sketch comedy. They like to ask the important questions, like: “Why don’t the doors on the Death Star fail open?” Called “inspired” by the Chicago Tribune, they also called us “self aware, self-deprecating” and said the show “earns its title.” Well, yeah. The Nerdologues have performed at San Fran Sketchfest, Chicago Sketchfest, Milwaukee Comedy Festival, Second City’s Donny’s Skybox, iO Chicago, and New York Comic Con. Find them online at http://www.nerdologues.com. Tweet @nerdologues

Writing for Television
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: N426a
TV writer-producer and Chicago native Steve Kriozere will present an overview and discussion of working in the field of scripted television. Kriozere is the Executive Producer and co-creator of Femme Fatales, the surprise summer hit on Cinemax which Entertainment Weekly hailed as a “badass chick anthology.” He also worked as a writer-producer on the first season of USA Network’s Necessary Roughness. His past credits include N.C.I.S, Castle, V.I.P., Sliders, MTV’s Animated Spider-Man and the SyFy Channel original movie “Dead and Deader.” Kriozere also wrote the original graphic novel “Elvis Van Helsing” published by AiT/PlanetLar.

Comics Experience: Building Your Art Portfolio
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: N426c
The most useful panel you’ll ever attend as an artist. Let’s cut through everything else and get right to getting you work! How to prepare your portfolio: What to include, where to get good scripts to draw from, what NOT to include, and how to handle a portfolio review in a professional manner (in other words, how to turn a negative into a positive!).

Dark Horse Spring Fever!
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: N427bc
Join Dark Horse Director of Public Relations, Jeremy Atkins, for a look at all that the publisher has on tap for the coming year. Show up for exclusive news on all of the fresh spring titles like The Massive, B.P.R.D.- Hell On Earth, and Alabaster, as well as a sneak peek at the publisher’s hot new summer line!

Food and Comics
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: S402ab
Join Stephanie Izard, C.B. Cebulski, Jill Thompson, Brian Azzarello, Kevin Pang, and Ron Richards as they share the stage for an hour talking about the new horizons in foodie culture and comics culture and where they often and appetizingly interconnect.

Join the 2D Digital Revolution
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: N426b
Doug Hills (Dixon’s Notch, Manga Studio for Dummies), Lar DeSouza (Least I Could Do, Blind Ferret Entertainment), Reilly Brown (Cable/Deadpool, Amazing Spider-Man, Power Play), Joe Eisma (Morning Glories), Ray Frenden and Fahim Niaz (Smith Micro Software Productivity & Graphics Group) will discuss the tools and trends leading to the explosive growth in digital comics and manga creation. This all-star cast will offer tips and tricks available to any artist for getting and building a global fanbase by using digital technologies!

MARVEL: House of Ideas
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: S401abc
Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you fans what you’ve come to love? Well this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news on what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited and more in this can’t miss panel.

Nerdist Industries Live!
4:15PM – 5:15PM Location: IGN Theater
Chris Hardwick, host of AMC’s Talking Dead and BBC America’s The Nerdist, will host a lively discussion of Nerdist Industries’ newest venture: the all-new Nerdist Channel on YouTube. Other topics will include The Nerdist News daily email newsletter and the expanding network of podcasts. Special guests will include Bob Schreck, Editor-in-Chief of Legendary Comics, Nerdist Channel contributors like Alison Haislip and other podcasts celebrities. Join Chris and friends for some no-holds barred conversation and exciting announcements.

CSC-1: Comics and the Cold War: Constructions of Morality and Gender
4:15PM – 5:30PM Location: S401d
Samantha Doerge (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) looks at how Cold War questions about moral and civic duty from the 1960s contributed to the development of Marvel Comics and the Marvel antihero. Christina L. Blanch (Ball State University) examines how Mort Weisinger used Lois Lane as a vehicle to express his own often-disturbing personal anxieties and fears about women, love, and the budding feminist movement. Adriana Estrada (University of Houston) uses moral panic theory and labeling theory to investigate how the crusade against comic books of the 1940s and 1950s was a major setback for the progression of the medium—a set back that the medium is still recovering from today.

It’s Alive! Alive! The Monster Mash-up of Creativity and Collaboration in Chicago’s Vital Horror Community
4:45PM – 5:45PM Location: Variant Stage
Collaborative art forms like Comics, Theatre, and Film require many artists coming together to bring a beast to life. Once the monster lives, it needs an audience to feed on in order to thrive. WildClaw Theatre’s mission is to bring the world of Horror to the Chicago Stage. In our five years, we have made some wonderful friends who share our love for all the things that go bump in the night. Learn from our collective successes and mistakes as a panel of professionals from comics, retail, film, theatre, and journalism discuss the creative collaborative process, marketing, and that special something that makes the horror community of Chicago a killer force that just won’t die.

The State of Play in Tabletop Roleplaying Gaming
5:00PM – 6:00PM Location: N426a
From bold indie sensations like FIASCO and TECHNOIR to the rumblings of D&D 5th Edition, this panel brings you up to speed on the ever-wider world of tabletop roleplaying games. A panel of professional RPG designers discusses the state of RPG play, design, and the industry, and looks as far into the future as they can. They’ll spotlight great games you might have missed, and highlight designers to watch.

Silver Age Trivia Challenge
5:00PM – 6:00PM Location: N426c
Mark Waid takes on a panel of trivia geeks to see who knows more useless information about Marvel and DC comics from the Silver Age! Join moderator Craig Shutt, writer of the Ask Mr. Silver Age column for the Comics Buyer’s Guide and match your own brain cells against some of the fastest and knowledgeable trivia geeks in fandom!

Young Adult Paranormal Panel
5:00PM – 6:00PM Location: N427bc
As if being a teenager isn’t hard enough, these authors add vampires, shape-shifters, deadly assassins, and ruthless government agents into the mix! Rachel Caine’s protagonist, Claire Danvers, finds herself in the small college town of Morganville which is completely run by vampires. Veronica Wolff sends Drew to an island where girls fight to the death in order to survive, while Kelley Armstrong’s Maya lives in a small medical-research town with its share of skeletons in the closet. David Macinnis Gill pens the adventures of seventeen year old Durango, who has gone from being Mars’ most notorious mercenary to its most notorious outlaw. Kiera Cass pits the reluctant America Singer against 34 other girls in a competition of a lifetime to win Prince Maxon’s heart. On this panel, Young Adult authors explore teen drama with the added dimension of violent rebel attacks, vampire invasion, or snarky artificial intelligence implants in the brain.

DC All Access
5:00PM – 6:00PM Location: S402ab
A lot can happen in a year! Come by for unfiltered access to DC Comic’s top Editors as they talk all things DC! Find out what’s going on behind the scenes at DC Comics! Joining the All-Access party will be some of the industry’s top talent including David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kevin Maguire (Worlds’ Finest) and Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing), so don’t miss out!

ComiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital!
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: N426b
Digital comics are the hottest topic and fastest growing segment of the comic industry – with comic fans, retailers and publishers embracing this new distribution and retail model. From self–publishing to same day as print releases, Digital Retailer Storefronts, and more, comiXology is the undisputed leader in this the digital charge. Join CEO and co-founder of comiXology David Steinberger along with some special guests as we have an open discussion on…everything digital. All topics are game!

Jhonen Vasquez Q&A
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: S401abc
Meet Invader Zim and Johnny the Homicidal Maniac creator, Jhonen Vasquez, for a unique Q&A experience that will stimulate all the happy parts of your brain.

CSC-2: Constructions of Race, Gender, and Childhood
5:30PM – 6:45PM Location: S401d
Mark Heimermann (University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee) explores the post-apocalyptic construction of childhood at odds with more traditional, contemporary notions of children as innocent in The Walking Dead as a nostalgic notion that may need to be abandoned and in Sweet Tooth in which children may be sacrificed for the good of the adults. Chris Deis (Depaul University) focuses on how the well intended, racially inclusive and multicultural blockbusters X-Men: First Class and Captain America: The First Avenger ironically misrepresent history and reinforce a very pernicious and problematic type of colorblind racism. David John Mitchell (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) explores the archetype of the femme/butch duo in Love & Rockets, Strangers in Paradise, and Wapsi Square to break down what is appealing and compelling about the femme/butch archetype and why it consistently reappears in the rare female-led titles.

Costume Contest
6:00PM – 7:00PM Location: Variant Stage
C2E2 is presenting three costume contests for fans to get up on stage, show off, and maybe take home a prize or two. There’s no pre-registration necessary for C2E2’s Costume Contests. Instead, simply come by a half hour before each contest to register. We’ll be signing up fans first come, first served, with the first 30 fans taking the stage for each showcase.

Chicago Cartoons – The Windy City Animation Of J.J. Sedelmaier Productions
6:15PM – 7:15PM Location: N426a
For over two decades J.J. Sedelmaier has produced over 500 animated projects, and many of these have been for services and clients in his hometown of Chicago ! Sedelmaier has put together a select compilation of animated commercials and films especially for 2012 C2E2 ! Come see spots for Northern Trust, The Chicago Tribune, The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival, Alka-Seltzer, and many more ! J.J. Sedelmaier will be in attendance for a short Q&A session following the screening !

Cyanide & Happiness
6:15PM – 7:15PM Location: N426c
The creators of the hit comic Cyanide & Happiness show animated clips and shorts and take questions from the audience.

Tom Morello Q&A
6:15PM – 7:15PM Location: N427bc
Want to meet the lead guitarist for Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, Street Sweeper Social Club as well as the acoustic solo act The Nightwatchman? Well all-star guitarist Tom Morello will be having a Q&A session just for you!

Hollywood Treasure
6:15PM – 7:15PM Location: S402ab
Hollywood Treasure is a documentary-reality series that delves into the fascinating world of collecting showbiz and pop culture memorabilia, including science fiction and fantasy props and costumes. The series follows Joe Maddalena, owner of Profiles in History and the world’s largest auctioneer of original movie, television and pop culture collectibles. Each episode follows Joe and his crew as they travel the globe searching for the most compelling, rare, and sought-after Hollywood memorabilia. Sometimes combing through basements and attics to uncover lost Hollywood treasure, and other times meeting with celebrities to view their personal keepsakes, Joe tracks leads and does whatever it takes to seal the deal for a piece of Hollywood history. Each episode, Joe presides over world-class auctions, where the collectibles are sold to fans and collectors from around the world. Hollywood Treasure season two premieres on Tuesday, May 22 at 10PM on SyFy. Profiles in History next auction will be Captain America: The First Avenger on Saturday, April 14 at 6pm at the Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2).

Comics And Pop Music
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: N426b
Comic Books and pop music started out as disposable forms delivered in small doses. Both forms became emblematic of youth culture and rebellion in the mid 20th century, faced endless censorship attempts, and have suffered critical reception from dismissive to derisive. Here, Patrick Reed (editor of Depth Of Field magazine) brings together a panel of artists and publishers to discuss the ties between music and graphic storytelling, their common inspirations, the creative and commercial potential in combining the two media, and the history of pop comics– from the Beatlemania tie-ins of the 60s to today’s fan-favorite titles.

MARVEL: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: S401abc
Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking “I could do that…if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development, and a whole host of special guests to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door at every level in the creative process and how to make your job MARVEL.

CSC-3: Black Comix Lounge
6:45PM – 7:45PM Location: S401d
In recent years there has been an increase in awareness around diversity in the comics industry and medium. As a result, there have been a number of very well articulated depictions of “blackness” in diverse manifestations. Stanford Carpenter (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) John Jennings (University of Buffalo), Ytasha Womack (Post Black) will discuss some of the standout publications both mainstream and independent that have sought to redefine the comics medium through representation of the African American subject. During the weekend, Ytasha Womack is hosting the Sci-Fi Spacetastic Ball, a celebration of the intersection of comics, pop futurism, and Afro-futurism. Come to Black Comix Lounge to get the 411 on this party event.

Superheroes: The Four Origin Groups
7:30PM – 8:30PM Location: N426a
There is a hierarchy among superheroes, a four-tiered caste system of mythical beings. Superman led the first wave of supreme gods, followed by Sub-Mariner and Wonder Woman. Next are gods as powerful as those above them, but unable to claim divinity by birth: demi-gods such as Captain Marvel mentored by metaphysical masters; or, like Flash, created by super science. Humans like Batman, gifted with special athletic and mental abilities, but still mortal and vulnerable, occupy the lowest level. Hosts J.J. Sedelmaier and Michael Bonesteel, along with panelists Sal Abbinanti and Eric Thornton discuss historical and contemporary ramifications of this system.

ItsJustSomeRandomGuy
7:30PM – 8:30PM Location: N426c
The YouTube sensation (and creator of the “Hi, I’m a Marvel…and I’m a DC” Mac/PC parody videos), ItsJustSomeRandomGuy is back at C2E2! In previous years, RandomGuy has premiered new episodes of the parody series “Marvel/DC: Happy Hour” and “Marvel/DC: Zero Hour.” What new videos will he premiere this time? Come find out! Plus Q&A and more!

The Geek Girl and the Artist: Women’s Perspectives on Geek Culture, Gender Identity and Art/Media
7:30PM – 8:30PM Location: N427bc
This panel highlights the experiences of six diverse female Chicago-based artists and communicators, ranging from professionals to hobbyists, who share a love of all things geek. The panelists will discuss how geek culture and interests have influenced their development as artists and communicators, and shaped their understanding of gender identity. By examining the panelists’ professional and personal experiences, this panel will explore the ways in which geek culture and gender identity intersect with art and media on a larger scale. A Q&A session will follow discussion with the panelists. This panel will be sponsored by the Chicago Nerd Social Club.

Paranormal TV Talk and Q&A with Ryan Buell, star of A&E’s Paranormal State
7:30PM – 8:30PM Location: S402ab
The man behind the hit A&E TV series, bestselling book, and founder of The Paranormal Society – Ryan Buell – will take fans behind the scenes of the most intense cases on his show and reveal the never-before-told paranormal events that led to the founding of the Society. Fans will hear how Ryan and PRS have evolved, both from the beginning and through the advent of the show. A stone cold investigator of the supernatural and seeker of the unknown, Ryan Buell has dedicated his life to working beside countless amounts of families who seem to suffer from the effects of paranormal experiences. Ryan will recount intriguing mysteries surrounding each case and as he faces difficult decisions in the field and struggles with the role of faith (his or those he’s helping). Ryan Buell is the host and Co-Executive Producer of A&E’s hit show PARANORMAL STATE, which follows the paranormal investigation group he founded in 2001. He is also a freelance journalist and hikes with his dog, Xander. He lives in State College, PA.

It’s Super Effective: A Pokémon Panel
7:45PM – 8:45PM Location: N426b
It’s Super Effective is the most popular Pokémon Podcast on the web today. With over 200 five star reviews in iTunes, It’s Super Effective is funny, informative, and something you’ll want to come back to weekly. The team, also known as PKMNcast, was created by SBJ to fill the lack of people openly talking about their love of Pokémon. This panel will cover current Pokémon news, strategies, and end with a Q & A.

Mark Waid’s Digital Comics
7:45PM – 8:45PM Location: S401abc
Join comics writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Kingdom Come) and artist Peter Krause (Irredeemable) for a series of big announcements as Waid unveils his new Digital Comics site launching next month! Waid and Krause will debut their new, online-only series with exclusive art and giveaways and talk about their plans for a digital future!

CSC-4: Storytelling and the Artistic Process
7:45PM – 9:00PM Location: S401d
Through close formal analysis of the DC Comics all-star team books featuring the JSA and the JLA, Mark Minett (University of Wisconsin–Madison) develops an account of the core features of this subgenre both in terms of storytelling practice and industrial strategies. Doutorando Fabio Mourilhe (Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro) counterpoints the view of manga by Osamu Tezuka as popular and easily accessible art and the legitimating process of museums exhibitions, which confronts those who do not consider manga an artistic manifestation. Bradley Schauer (University of Arizona) uses a historical poetics approach examines the narrative complexity Jonathan Hickman’s work on Secret Warriors and The Fantastic Four as a kind of modernist formal play that creates an aesthetic distance between reader and author that is atypical in mainstream superhero comics.

DC Entertainment: Talent Search Orientation
10:00AM – 11:00AM Location: N426b
Join DCE’s VP – Art Direction and Design, Mark Chiarello, for an informative orientation session that will explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD Magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, then this is the panel for you! In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.)

+2 Comedy
10:30AM – 11:30AM Location: Variant Stage
Don’t you wish there was a group of stand-up comedians that way just for nerds. Comics that talk about Anime, Comics, Video Games, D&D and all things geek. Then, wouldn’t it be great if they also did a Q&A where they settled all nerd debates like who would win in a fight Boba Fett or Batman? Well you are wasting your time wishing because they exist! They are +2 Comedy and they are here at the con! Come see the “bad boys” of nerd comedy, Noah Houlihan, Will Liam and TJ Del Reno as they act funny for you! First 100 people get double EXP!

The Official Aspen Comics Panel 2012
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: N426a
Join Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro, Peter Steigerwald, Joe Benitez, J.T. Krul and more surprise guests as they announce new upcoming Aspen titles and projects and reveal never-before-seen artwork and more. Fans will also be able to ask their favorite Aspen creators questions directly in a Q&A session.

SMBC Comics and SMBC Theater
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: N426c
Please join Zach Weiner and James Ashby for a panel discussion. We will be talking about webcomics, new projects, doing a Q&A, and watching favorite videos.

The Ladies of Womanthology
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: N427bc
The ladies of this groundbreaking anthology will talk about their experiences working on the book.

MARVEL: Amazing Spider-Man
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: S402ab
The adventures of Spider-Man are taking readers to the Ends of The Earth! The Sinister Six, led by the vengeful Doctor Octopus, is back and they’re looking for revenge! Find out all the details right here! That’s right, True Believers, creators Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man) & Ryan Stegman (Scarlet Spider), along with Marvel’s Editor in Chief, Axel Alonso, will be taking any and all questions from YOU the fans! With earth-shattering announcements that will change the life of Peter Parker forever, this is one panel that no Spidey fan can miss!

Kubert School Spotlight and Art Demo with Joe Kubert
11:00AM – 12:30PM Location: S401abc
The Kubert School has been fostering the next generation of talent for the last 35 years. In this spotlight, Joe Kubert (Sgt. Rock, Hawkman), answers all of your questions about the school. During this session, Joe Kubert will also demonstrate his drawing techniques in a live demo where he will create a piece of art based off of an audience suggestion. The piece he creates in the demo will be auctioned off at the panel with the proceeds benefiting St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

L5
11:00PM – 11:30PM Location: S401d
The crew aboard the spaceship Argo has just awoken from hypersleep to a nightmare. Having spent the last twenty years searching for a new home to salvage humanity from a dying earth they return home and find something has gone terribly wrong. They have been mysteriously impelled 200 years into the future and find not a trace of any human life. The Argo’s Commander, Dr. Richard Adams is determined to find some answers and aided by the ship’s surgeon, Rod Lewis and A.I., Clarke, decides to explore the one clue to humanity’s disappearance: the massive floating O’Neill colony named L5. After an exploratory skiff goes missing inside the colony, Adams and Lewis venture inside themselves to find the answers they seek, though nothing can prepare them for what they are about to find. L5 is a completely crowed-funded production, through the generosity of donors from sites such as kickstarter and indiegogo, the creative team of L5 has spent a year bringing the story to life. They are happy to finally share their work and experience at C2E2.

The Future Of Superheroes
11:15AM – 12:15PM Location: N426b
A panel of A.V. Club critics discuss the future of superheroes: on the page, on the screen, and on television. It’s been 12 years since X-Men kicked off a new wave of superhero movies and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. But just because superheroes are bigger than ever, does that mean they’re better? We talk about the general health of superhero storytelling, whether on the big screen or comics page. Is the genre evolving or heading for a dead end?

John Barrowman Q&A
11:30AM – 12:30PM Location: IGN Theater
Captain Jack Harkness himself, John Barrowman, star of Doctor Who and Torchwood will be entertaining fans in a very special Q&A! Bring your sonic screwdriver!

Never-Ending Battle PBS Documentary Sneak Peek
11:45AM – 12:45PM Location: S401d
Be among the first to screen portions of the first episode of Superheroes! A Never-Ending Battle, a new documentary series on the history of comic book superheroes produced by the filmmakers behind the award-winning Make ‘Em Laugh and Broadway: The American Musical, scheduled nationally on PBS for the 2013 season. This insightful, entertaining documentary includes new interviews with legends such as Joe Simon, Stan Lee, Jim Steranko, Jerry Robinson, Michael Chabon, Jules Feiffer and many more, along with rare footage. Bonfire Agency’s Steve Rotterdam will introduce the episode and also lead a discussion with filmmaker Laurence Maslon and other guests.

Chicago Ghosts presented by the Ghostbusters: Chicago Division
11:45AM – 12:45PM Location: Variant Stage
Come join the Ghostbusters for some spooky tales! Chicagoland is full of ghost stories, and we’ll be sharing some of the best! From historic haunts to spooky cemeteries, be prepared to be scared! If you are interested in the real life inspiration behind the Ghostbusters movies, this is the panel for you!

Roman Dirge Q&A
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: N426a
Join artist, magician, and creator of the Lenore comic book series, Roman Dirge, in a special Q&A session.

Inside Avatar Press
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: N426c
Here’s your chance to peak inside the inner workings of Avatar Press, the industry’s most ground-breaking, risk-taking publisher! Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as David Lapham, Garth Ennis, and Alan Moore? Can’t get enough STITCHED, FERALS, or CROSSED: BADLANDS? Want to hear breaking news on upcoming projects? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered!

Nicholas Brendon Q&A
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: N427bc
Nicholas Brendon discusses his work as Xander Harris on the cult favorite “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and Kevin Lynch in the CBS drama “Criminal Minds.”

MARVEL: Avengers vs. X-Men
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: S402ab
Following It’s Coming — this April the War Is Here in Avengers vs. X-Men! All your favorite super heroes enter — and only one team will emerge victorious! You’ve got questions & these people have answers! Writers Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Rick Remender (Secret Avengers), Editor in Chief Axel Alonso and more are on hand to lay out what’s going on with the epic battle between The Avengers & The X-Men!

Captain Action Toy Line Returns
12:30PM – 1:30PM Location: N426b
Get ready for action with the return of the original super-hero action figure, CAPTAIN ACTION®! Join the retropreneurs of Captain Action Enterprises and the toy company Round 2 as they reveal the secrets of the new toy line and the Spider-Man, Capt. America, Thor and other Avengers costume sets. Don’t miss the special sneak peek of the return of the original Dr. Evil…and his diabolic improvements. And brace yourself for a special surprise announcement. LET JUSTICE BE DONE!

DC Comics – The New 52
12:45PM – 1:45PM Location: S401abc
DC COMICS – THE NEW 52 is the most talked about event of the last year, and we’re not done making news! Come by and be a part of history as DCE Editor-in-Chief Bob Harras and Executive Editor Eddie Berganza are joined by your favorite top-notch talent such as Chris Burnham (Batman, Incorporated), Patrick Gleason (Batman and Robin), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), and Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) to discuss the books that are shaping this new era!

Nikita Special Video Presentation and Q&A
1:00PM – 2:00PM Location: IGN Theater
Nikita makes its debut at C2E2 with series star Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3) and creator/executive producer Craig Silverstein sharing insider secrets about what to expect in the final action-packed episodes of season two! From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita airs Fridays at 8/7c on The CW. Become a fan of the show on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikita and follow The CW on Twitter @CW_network.

Bringing Video Games to Life: The Men Behind the Motion
1:00PM – 2:00PM Location: Variant Stage
Don Hyun K is a gold medalist for the US Chinese Martial Arts Team (World Games 2008), and formerly trained at the legendary Shaolin Temple in China. His abilities in martial arts has lead him into the entertainment field. He is the man behind the moves of several franchise video games. For example, he was part of the motion capture team for the latest installment of Mortal Kombat. In Hong Kong he was one of Donnie Yen’s Elite K-Stars. He will discuss gaming and martial arts, and give a short performance.

Going Cardboard: A Board Game Documentary
1:00PM – 2:30PM Location: S401d
Going Cardboard takes you into the world of “designer” board gaming, from the community of enthusiastic fans to the publishers and self-publishers, and of course, the designers. Witness the spectacle of the SPIEL show in Essen, Germany, where over 150,000 people from all over the world come together… for board games. http://www.boardgamemovie.com

How to Create and Market Your Indie Comic
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: N426a
This entertaining workshop will find Kill Shakespeare (IDW Publishing) co-creators and Harvey Award (Best New Series, 2011) nominees Anthony Del Col and Conor McCreery dissect the process of getting your indie comic off the ground. Using their own successes (and some mistakes, naturally…) as examples, they will discuss how to court publishers, get a publishing deal, raise financing, marketing your idea and get it into the hands of retailers and readers, allowing you to turn your creative idea into a creative business.

Art of Frank Cho
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: N426c
Frank Cho will demonstrate how to draw and master the human form, especially the female figure. He will highlight his talk with his famous covers and pin-ups from his past including recent ones. Due to the graphic nature of the art demo, parental guidance is recommended.

Minimates Turn 10: Small Toys, Big Plans!
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: N427bc
Some of the team behind the popular Minimates line are here to unveil new products and answer your questions about the 2-inch, fully articulated mini-figures! From Marvel’s Avengers to the Walking Dead to Battle Beasts, Diamond Select Toys Director Chuck Terceira and Marketing Supervisor Zach Oat will share insider info about all of their upcoming lines, as well as submit to a Q&A session and debut the next stop-motion animated Pirate Raiders movie! Plus, there’ll be a Minimates prize drawing at the end of the panel!

The Big IDW Panel
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: S402ab
Join Marketing Director Dirk Wood and some special guests for announcements, previews of upcoming IDW projects, prizes, and… magic?

The First Comics Panel ( 30 year Anniversary )
1:45PM – 2:45PM Location: N426b
Chicago’s own FIRST COMICS is back! See what is coming in 2012 from the first great independent comics company! With guests, surprises, and home-town giveaways! Legendary 80s independent publishing powerhouse First Comics is back with what it always brought you: great entertainment from great creators packed into the best looking books in the industry. Celebrate their 30th year anniversary and see what you missed the first time around or come re-live more of what you loved the first time!

DC All Access – Special Edition: Before Watchmen
2:00PM – 3:00PM Location: S401abc
It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning! Don’t miss this panel about the most talked about comic book series of 2012! Join DC Entertainment Co-Publisher Dan DiDio, VP – Art Direction and Design Mark Chiarello, Senior Editor Will Dennis, Brian Azzarello (Before Watchmen: Rorschach), Lee Bermejo (Before Watchmen: Rorschach), Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan), Len Wein (Before Watchmen: Ozymandias, Curse of the Crimson Corsair) and J. Michael Straczynski (Before Watchmen: Nite Owl, Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan and Superman: Earth One) as they talk about this game-changing event! Hurm!

The $100,000* PoP! Pyramid
2:15PM – 3:15PM Location: Variant Stage
You know how it works. Banshee, Nightcrawler, Jean Grey – Dead X-Men. Cable, Doctor Who, That guy from Quantum Leap – Time travelers! PoP!’s resident Dick, Dan Mahoney, hosts the classic game show with a geeky twist. Members of the audience compete with the crew from PanelsOnPages.com and the hosts of the PoP!-Cast for a chance to win fabulous prizes in this high-speed game of wits and trivia. To the victor go the spoils; to the loser, only shame… and a consolation prize. *Actual prize is valued at significantly less than $100,000

Anthony Daniels Q&A
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: IGN Theater
Q&A with the only actor to work on the set of all six Star Wars films.

Truth Is Stranger than Fiction
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: N426a
Global geological meltdown. Bio-engineered killer plants. Devices sent through the time/space continuum with the power to change the course of history. Unbelievable, fearsome beasts created through genetic engineering, meant to be used as weapons of mass destruction. Deadly viral strains that threaten to mutate the human race. The U.S. government tracking our every move via our very own handheld devices. This stuff can only happen in fiction, right? Wrong. Thriller authors who publish mega bestsellers know that truth is stranger than fiction…and they get their best ideas from reading newspapers, scientific journals, and intensive, in-the-field (Indiana Jones-style) research. It’s storytelling hour at its scariest best as four master authors tell tales so frightening, so unbelievable…so real! Featured authors: Jamie Freveletti, Patrick Lee, James Rollins, F. Paul Wilson.

Dynamite Entertainment
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: N426c
Join Editor Joe Rybandt along with special guests Phil (Bionic Man) Hester, Ande (Lone Ranger) Parks, Elliott (Army of Darkness) Serrano, Dennis (Kirbyverse) Calero, Johnny (Kirbyverse) D, Robert (Fall of Barsoom) Napton, and more for a lively hour of all things Dynamite!

Behind the Graphics: a Video Game Industry Round Table
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: N427bc
Join members of Chicago’s Game Development community as they take you behind the scenes of the video game industry for a moderated panel discussion and Q&A session.

Marvel Television Presents
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: S402ab
Go inside THE TV destination for your favorite Super Heroes, Marvel Universe on Disney XD, with Head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb! Get a sneak peek at never-before-seen episodes of Ultimate Spider-Man and The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes season 2. Plus, you’ll get the latest inside scoop on animated and live-action series in development, and more surprises from Marvel TV.

TRUE BLOODTHIRST
2:45PM – 4:15PM Location: S401d
Get a sneak peek at a work-in-progress Syfy Original Movie! Bucharest, Romania: the not-too-distant future, but an entirely different city. The human population is dwindling. The vampire population, meanwhile, is exploding. Having emerged from the shadows a decade earlier, vampires now walk openly amongst the human population, as a precarious peace exists between the two. A peace made possible by the introduction of a synthetic blood substitute, dispensed by the Romanian government, making traditional vampire feeding, and preying on humans, no longer necessary. But even so, it’s not a peace that everyone is entirely comfortable with… True Bloodthirst stars Andrew Lee Potts (Primeval; Alice), Neil Jackson (Upstairs Downstairs; Make It or Break It; FlashForward), Roark Critchlow (V; Pretty Little Liars; Days of Our Lives; Afterworld), Claudia Bassols, Ben Lambert, and Heida Reed. Directed by Todor Chapkanov (Monsterwolf; Miami Magma; Weather Wars). A production of UFO International. A Syfy Channel world premiere original movie. Airing on the Syfy Channel in Summer 2012.

Steampunk as a Culture
3:00PM – 4:00PM Location: N426b
Interested in if your city, town or region has a local steampunk scene? Interested in starting one? Want to know more about this vibrant sub-culture that merges music, fashion and lifestyle into a world of brass and gears? The members of Steampunk Chicago talk to and answer your questions about the burgeoning steampunk scene, and give their insight into everything from the philosophy and music to conventions and cosplay.

Puppet Meltdown
3:30PM – 4:30PM Location: Variant Stage
Hey! Do you like puppets? What’s that you say? You have one at home from when you were little! That is so cute. But leave it in your closet, ’cause our booze pounding, steroid pumping, puppy kicking maniacs are revved up and crave the taste of you happy childhood. Sea Beast Puppet Company is looking to take all your fluffy dreams of cuddly puppets and twist them into a new vision of what puppetry can be. That’s right, the puppets are taking off the kid gloves and cutting loose at “Puppet Meltdown”, a collection of puppet shorts for mature audiences. Ranging from the hilarious and satirical to the dramatic and poignant this show will feature performances by some of the countries top performing puppet artists and promises to prove that puppets aren’t just for kids anymore!

The Walking Dead’s Steven Yeun
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: IGN Theater
The second season of The Walking Dead is over, but C2E2 has more! Join The Walking Dead’s Glen, actor Steven Yeun in this Q&A.

Lagrange – The Flower of Rin-ne: Kinetic Action Comedy Series Created By Production I.G. Features An Arsenal Of Robots Designed By Nissan Eps 1-2
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: N426a
Madoka Kyono is the proud, and only, member of the Kamogawa Girls High School Jersey Club, always helping people in need. But Madoka’s life is turned upside-down when she is asked “Can you pilot a robot?” Rated TVMA for mature audiences only.

Webcomics Roundtable With Blind Ferret and Explosm!
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: N426c
Join the professional Internet picture makers from Least I Could Do, Looking For Group, The Gutters, HijiNKS ENSUE and Cyanide and Happiness for an hour long Q and A as they reveal their deepest, darkest webcomicing secrets. Thrill at their unbridled shenanigans! Fear their brutal honesty! Recoil in terror as they don’t really answer any of the questions and just make fun of each other onstage for an hour!

Occupy Comics
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: N427bc
Inspired by the Occupy Wall Street movement, Occupy Comics is a unique collaboration of more than 50 comics pros coming together to create a time capsule of the movement while simultaneously raising funds to support the protesters. The coalition includes a broad range of creators including Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Joshua Hale Fialkov (I, Vampire), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), J.M. DeMatteis (Justice League), Brea Grant (Suicide Girls), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Molly Crabapple (Dr. Sketchy’s), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Joe Keatinge (Glory), Ben Templesmith (Wormwood: Gentleman Corpse), and V For Vendetta’s David Lloyd and Alan Moore. Organized by Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller) the project earned nearly three times its funding goal on Kickstarter (with all money beyond hard costs being donated to protesters) and raised the bar for activism in comics.

Chad Michael Murray Q&A
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: S402ab
American dreamboat Chad Michael Murray, the star of numerous films and upcoming novelist who is best known as Lucas Scott on One Tree Hill will be having a public Q&A session!

Valiant Comics: Inside the New #1’s
4:15PM – 5:15PM Location: N426b
The most anticipated return of the decade is here. The Valiant Universe is back and it all starts right here, only at C2E2! Get a sneak peek at what the coming year holds for X-O Manowar, Harbinger, Bloodshot, Shadowman, Ninjak, and more at the new Valiant’s first-ever panel appearance! Join Valiant X-O Manowar writer Robert Venditti, Executive Editor Warren Simons, Publisher Fred Pierce and a slew of surprise guests to find out the behind-the-scenes story behind Valiant’s return and what the future looks like for the most requested universe in comics.

Vertigo: New Blood
4:30PM – 5:30PM Location: S401abc
They come from the cutting edge of comics … and Vertigo has never been edgier, with thought-provoking titles from some of comics’ most acclaimed creators. Join Senior Editor Will Dennis and all-star talents Sean Murphy (American Vampire) and Scott Snyder (American Vampire) on this must-see panel featuring the latest news on all your favorite Vertigo series plus details about the new, upcoming wave of Vertigo titles!

King of Chinatown
4:30PM – 6:00PM Location: S401d
King Of Chinatown takes an in-depth look at the culture of video games, an industry that has evolved into a worldwide, multi-billion dollar phenomenon. Filmmaker Calvin Theobald follows Justin Wong, a video-game prodigy sharpening his skills as he battles challengers in the cutthroat competitive world of Street Fighter IV. But as Justin fights his way through the ranks, he finds himself up against a formidable off-screen challenge — his allegiance to The Empire, a video-gaming collective run by the charismatic and potentially destructive leader Triforce. Culminating in an epic battle at EVO, the largest video-gaming competition in the world, King of Chinatown shows us the entertaining on-the-ground trials of a Street Fighter IV sensation.

The Wednesday Heroes
4:45PM – 5:45PM Location: Variant Stage
The Midwest’s premier comic book rock band is back with brand NEW SONGS. Wednesday Heroes plays music built to rock you to your geeky core. Whether playing a comic book convention or an outdoor festival, inciting a crowd to chant nerdy lyrics or crafting one of their famous Audio Sketches, when you listen to Wednesday Heroes, you are going to have a good time.

Expand – a – Brand
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: N426a
President of Zenescope Entertainment Joe Brusha, along with Marketing Manager Stephen Haberman discuss how comic book companies can find ways to expand their brand beyond publishing, and into new ventures, and new audiences. Joe will discuss what it took to get into movie talks, launching their toy line with CS Moore Studios, building partnerships with other companies, and re-engaging the fan base with new ideas.

Supernatural Fan Panel
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: N426c
Join the coordinators of the Chicago-based Supernatural fan convention WinchestMidwest for an hour of Supernatural Season Seven speculation, spoilers and surprises. This is an open discussion so come prepared to share your thoughts and theories! The room will also be set up with a display of art department props from the last seven seasons. And as a special treat, the first 100 panel attendees will receive a goodie bag filled with C2E2 Exclusive Supernatural swag.

WE’RE NO ANGELS: The Leading Ladies of Paranormal/Urban Fantasy
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: N427bc
Be they fanged, furred, infernal, seraphic, or fey…beware the women of paranormal fiction…and their kick-ass heroines. Danger just might be these girls’ middle names. But no amount of bad guys can keep these ladies from doing what’s right. Whether standing up for friends and family, or just plain kicking some ass, these girls don’t shy away from a fight. Featured authors: Karina Cooper, Jeaniene Frost, Charlaine Harris, Christina Henry, Chloe Neill, Pamela Palmer, Kerrelyn Sparks.

MARVEL: Cup O’ Joe
5:15PM – 6:15PM Location: S402ab
This is it, Mighty Marvel fans the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for, and it’s here! Marvel’s Chief Creative Officer Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about!

Keep Your Pants On: Dating Advice for Geeks, Nerds and the Like
5:30PM – 6:30PM Location: N426b
Join Kate Kotler and Elliott Serrano – co-authors of BleedingCool.com’s dating and relationship column “Keep Yours Pants On” – for an hour of fun and funny discussion on the perils of dating for geek & nerds. Whether you are a fanboy who struggles to speak with gals at your local comic shop, or a female cosplayer who can’t find a guy who can sew a decent cowl, Kate, Elliott and friends will be on hand to give advice and answer questions. Don’t miss this chance to experience “Keep Your Pants On” Live and In Person!

Josh Gates Q&A
5:45PM – 6:45PM Location: S401abc
Sit down with world adventurer Josh Gates from Syfy’s hit show Destination Truth and Ghost Hunters Live. From a quest for the Yeti in the high Himalayas, to a night alone in King Tut’s tomb, to the abandoned research stations of Antarctica – Josh has traveled to nearly 100 countries investigating the world’s strangest mysteries. He’ll discuss some of his most harrowing exploits as well as preview the upcoming 5th season of Destination Truth. Whether you’re thirsty for adventure or just want to make a list of the worst vacation destinations on earth (spoiler: Chernobyl), join Josh Gates for a globe-spanning and hilarious Q & A.

Costume Contest
6:00PM – 7:00PM Location: Variant Stage
C2E2 is presenting three costume contests for fans to get up on stage, show off, and maybe take home a prize or two. There’s no pre-registration necessary for C2E2’s Costume Contests. Instead, simply come by a half hour before each contest to register. We’ll be signing up fans first come, first served, with the first 30 fans taking the stage for each showcase.

AW YEAH PODCAST with Art and Franco
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: N426a
Come join Art Baltazar and Franco as they record one of their famous Aw Yeah Podcasts! Art and Franco will be talking about their farewell to Tiny Titans, the new Superman Family Adventures, and all of their adventures both in and out of the comic book industry! They will be taking questions from the audience, so come down and be part on the Aw Yeah podcast recorded LIVE at C2E2!

Booze, Idiocy, and Dumb Luck: Nerd City’s Guide to Becoming a Media Super Star
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: N426c
In an act of pure selflessness, the boys at Nerd City finally open up and reveal their secrets for total global domination. Featuring special guests, buffoonery and prizes, this panel is guaranteed to change your life (most likely for the worse). Become a Nerd Citizen today!

Val Kilmer Spotlight
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: N427bc
Join leading man Val Kilmer in this spotlight Q&A about his work and what’s next!

Top Cow: We Create… Rebirth
6:30PM – 7:30PM Location: S402ab
2012 is the best time EVER to jump into the Top Cow Universe with REBIRTH. Get the scoop on what’s changed, what remains the same, and where things are headed for the rest of the year from Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri, Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik, Tim Seeley (Witchblade), and Jeremy Haun (The Darkness). Get behind-the-scenes information on the making of The Darkness II video game and be the first to hear about what exciting new projects Top Cow has lined up for their 20th anniversary! Plus special surprise guests and an exclusive free giveaway for every attendee. Moo!

Video Game Characters Reborn! NAMCO BANDAI Games’ ShiftyLook
6:45PM – 7:45PM Location: N426b
NAMCO BANDAI Games is re-imagining gaming classics like Xevious, Sky Kid, and Bravoman through new multimedia project ShiftyLook. Join ShiftyLook Producer & Editor-in-Chief Rob Pereyda as he introduces some of the talent behind the project’s webcomics, including appearances by Alien Confidential: Black & White artist Andrew Pepoy (Monica Moon); Xevious writer Mike Costa (Transformers) and artist Mike Norton (Runaways); writer of upcoming ShiftyLook title Ben McCool (Choker); and a special appearance by Jimmy Palmiotti (21 Down) to personally announce a new title. ShiftyLook service updates and free swag await!

Jane Espenson and Brad Bell – Beyond Buffy and Battlestar
7:00PM – 8:00PM Location: S401abc
Jane Espenson discusses her 20-year television career and her recent foray into the world of web content with her groundbreaking series Husbands. She has written episodes for shows including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Dinosaurs, Ellen, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, The O.C., Gilmore Girls, Tru Calling, Andy Barker PI, Jake in Progress, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Game of Thrones, Torchwood: Miracle Day, and ABC’s Once Upon a Time. Joining Jane for part of the event will be Brad Bell, her co-writer, co-creator and star of Husbands.

C2E2 Charity Auction
7:15PM – 9:15PM Location: S401d
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! Please join us 1st Annual Charity Art Auction at C2E2! Come on down and bid with other art enthusiasts for the chance to own a piece of original art from some of your favorite creators including Joe Quesada, Tim Sale, Joe Kubert, Bill Sienkiewicz, Tony Moore, Olivier Coipel, Shane Davis, Gene Ha, Todd Nauck, Stephane Roux, Geof Darrow, Matteo Scalera, Art Baltazar, Franco, Mark Brooks, Eric Canete, Billy Tucci and Skottie Young. All proceeds go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and your participation in this event will help support lifesaving research and treatment for the children of St. Jude. HAVE FUN. GET ART. SAVE LIVES.

Love TV, Make TV: An Insider’s Guide to Independent Television Presented by the New York Television Festival
7:45PM – 8:45PM Location: N426c
Join NYTVF organizers for a lively discussion of the creation and development of independent television, outlets for creators, and exclusive New York Television Festival opportunities for showcasing, deal-making, networking and more. For fans and artists alike, this panel will bring together performers, executives, experts and producers to shed light on the television development process, provide advice for creators on a budget, and share insider tips on “tricks of the (production) trade” – as well as details on current Festival opportunities for sci-fi and comedy creators and guaranteed development deals from partners Syfy, IFC, MTV, FOX and many more!

StarKid
7:45PM – 8:45PM Location: N427bc
StarKid will do a panel on being a modern pop-culture entertainment company, focusing on themes such as adapting a work (good ideas and bad ideas), what to do with a fanbase, and creatively navigating through the waters of the do-it-yourself era.

Lagrange – The Flower of Rin-ne: Kinetic Action Comedy Series Created By Production I.G. Features An Arsenal Of Robots Designed By Nissan Eps. 1-5
7:45PM – 9:45PM Location: N426a
Madoka Kyono is the proud, and only, member of the Kamogawa Girls High School Jersey Club, always helping people in need. Madoka’s life is turned upside-down when the astonishing request to pilot a robot leads to something more, much more. Rated TVMA for mature audiences only.
Ben’s Bubble Show
10:15AM – 11:00AM Location: Variant Stage
Ben’s Bubble Show is a unique form of entertainment that blends art and science with a touch of magic. Ben Jimenez uses a few simple tools and his bare hands to create beautiful soap bubble sculptures. Bubbles inside bubbles, smoke bubbles, spinning belt bubbles, and bubble cubes are part of the show. He also creates giant sized bubbles, whose transient and delicate beauty invoke an awe inspiring sense of wonder. They have been called “silent fireworks.” Ben can even put a person inside a bubble! Throw in some humor and a little audience participation, and you get one of a kind entertainment that’s sure to please young and old alike. Words don’t fully describe it. You’ve gotta see the show!

Carl Macek’s Robotech Universe
10:30AM – 11:15AM Location: S401d
Directed and narrated by independent filmmaker Keith Maxwell, the documentary features interviews with the cast and crew involved with the groundbreaking Robotech franchise that debuted in 1985. A collection of private photos and stories portray the herculean effort by Carl Macek and his crew to create a dynamic anime series that influenced an entire industry that is still going strong today.

CBLDF: The History (and Future) of Comics Censorship
10:45AM – 11:45AM Location: N426a
Learn the shocking history of comics censorship and how even today comics and the people who make, sell and read them are still threatened. CBLDF Executive Director tells the sordid tale, from the public book burnings and Senate hearings that led to the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s through the attacks on retailers in the 1980s, artists in the 1990s, and readers today that the CBLDF is working to combat!

Ban ‘em, Burn ‘em, Steal ‘em! A Fan’s Guide to Graphic Novel Censorship
10:45AM – 11:45AM Location: N426c
Comics and graphic novels have long been targets of the censor. Come learn about the history of comics censorship, contemporary campaigns to keep graphic novels out of the hands of youth, and find out what you can do to fight comics censorship in your community.

Archaia Presents: How to Tell a Better Story Through World-Building
10:45AM – 11:45AM Location: N427bc
Are you an aspiring storyteller? Want to know the keys to world-building and telling a good story? David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), and Sean Rubin (Redwall, the upcoming Bolivar), three accomplished storytellers that have published or are publishing books through Archaia, present an informative, entertaining panel to see how world-building can help you write and/or draw a better story.

Neal Adams Q&A
10:45AM – 11:45AM Location: S402ab
Join legendary artist Neal Adams for a Q&A session for the ages, cataloging his successes in the industry and time spent creating some of the most iconic modern images of your favorite Marvel and DC characters!

Inking 101
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: N426b
Inking 101 will teach out how to initially set a page for inking and tools and tricks when it comes to traditional inking and digitial inking.

MARVEL: Ultimate Comics Universe
11:00AM – 12:00PM Location: S401abc
Peter Parker is dead, Reed Richards is the ultimate villain and the X-Men are in concentration camps! How can the Ultimate Universe get any worse? Find out here as the creators behind the Ultimate Comics Universe answer your questions and let you in on what happens next! Join writer Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), Editor in Chief Axel Alonso, and more as they shed some light on the future of the Ultimate Comics Universe!

Star Wars Imperial Academy
11:00AM – 12:30PM Location: Kids Room N427a
Put on a helmet, take up a blaster, and enlist in the Imperial Academy! Join members of the 501st Legion, the world’s largest Star Wars costuming organization, in this interactive experience that lets kids play the role of stormtrooper cadets! Get trained in marksmanship, navigate an obstacle course, recover the stolen Death Star plans, and engage in a laser shoot-out to the finish! Presented by the 501st Legion’s Midwest Garrison. For ages 6 to 12. Starting every 5 to 10 minutes in this time slot. Helmets and Nerf blasters provided. Donations accepted to benefit Autism Speaks.

Reading with Pictures – Live Reading
11:15AM – 11:45AM Location: Variant Stage
Come learn about how getting comics in the classroom can be fun and educational. There will be live read-alongs of our favorite stories from the Harvey-Award nominated anthology, sessions teaching kids how to draw their favorite characters, and much more! Hosted by Reading with Pictures Marketing Director Trevor Mueller, and Eisner-Award winning contributor Gabriel Bautisa. Come join us for this engaging panel that’s fun for all ages!

Hollywood and Hammer
11:30AM – 12:15PM Location: S401d
A short film about the God of Thunder in Los Angeles.

John Cusack Spotlight
11:30AM – 12:30PM Location: IGN Theater
John Cusack broke onto the scene as the ultimate teen heart throb and has since become one of the most dynamic actors in Hollywood! John’s upcoming movie, The Raven, will be premiering on April 27 where he portrays the infamous Edgar Allen Poe. He is a very versatile actor who never seems to disappoint audiences with his character choices. Join John as he hosts this Q&A just for C2E2 fans.

Chicks Dig Comics
12:00PM – 1:00PM Location: N426a
Girls and women have loved and read comics for as long as there have been comics. We’ve decided to throw a loud party to celebrate! Join us for the official launch panel of the next book of feminine squee from Mad Norwegian Press, featuring the editors (Hugo Award-winning Lynne M. Thomas and Sigrid Ellis) and multiple contributors (Hugo Award-winner Tara O’Shea, Eisner Award-winner Jill Thompson, Eisner Nominee Amanda Conner, Eisner Nominee Jennifer Van Meter and Fantastic Fangirls Jennifer Smith and Caroline Pruett). Join us to talk about the titles, writers, and artists that make us comics lovers.

WRITE OR WRONG — A Writer’s Guide to Creating Comics
12:00PM – 1:00PM Location: N426c
Dirk Manning, the writer of the inspirational/”how–to” column WRITE OR WRONG for http://www.Newsarama.com (whose writing credits also include NIGHTMARE WORLD and TALES OF MR. RHEE for Image Comics/Shadowline, FARSEEKER for ACT–I–VATE and an upcoming episode of the horror film series BLACKBOX TV) will be hosting a “live edition” of his long-running advice column in which he discusses tips for writers who have questions about meeting artists and/or the comic–creating process in general. If you’re a WRITER interested in the nuts and bolts of getting started in the comic, DON’T MISS THIS PANEL!

Voltron Force Secret C2E2 Sneak Peek!
12:00PM – 1:00PM Location: N427bc
Join the producers of the Nicktoons animated series Voltron Force as they share an exclusive full-length episode “Deceive and Conquer” before it hits TV screens plus special Voltron giveaways and prizes!

DC Comics for Kids!
12:00PM – 1:00PM Location: S402ab
They may be young – but they’re still heroes! Come join the Eisner Award winning team of Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans) as they bring their one-of-kind energy and humor to discuss the upcoming, action-packed, awesomeness that is Superman Family Adventures as well as other DC Comics for kids! Don’t miss this all-ages panel!

Kids Costume Contest
12:00PM – 12:30PM Location: Variant Stage
Come join us at high noon for a kids only costume showdown! Open to attendees 12 and under, C2E2 will be hosting this special contest just for our future costumers and cosplayers. The first 30 costumed kids will be accepted, and all will receive a certificate of participation.

Cosplay: What You Didn’t Want to Know and Didn’t Quite Ask
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: N426b
Cosplay is the art of dressing up as fictional characters from manga, anime and video games and taking up Hallspace with large poofy dresses and/or large wooden props, in addition to screaming meme and dancing like idiots This panel is an “in-dept” (insert laughter here) look at the hobby, discussing the rise of the hobby, and the type of people that take part of it. In addition, we’ll discuss the media’s relation with cosplay, and how it’s changed with the advent of the internet. Join award winning cosplayers Carrie Wink, Kenneth Pingad and Christopher Troy, as they poke some fun at a hobby that’s always “SERIOUS BIZ-NESS”!

J. Micheal Straczynski Spotlight
12:15PM – 1:15PM Location: S401abc
Join the discussion with writer and TV producer J. Michael Straczynski as he discusses his prolific career.

The Lost 1979 Comics Documentary
12:30PM – 1:30PM Location: S401d
In 1979 a Canadian television company produced an episode of the series Behind The Scene focusing on the Comic Book Business. Comedian Jonathan Winters narrated this inside look at the 2 big publishers DC and Marvel but also showed examples of comic book conventions and the fan base. You’ll see Stan Lee and Archie Goodwin discussing the creation of Marvel’s new hero The Human Fly , DC Comics editor Julie Schwartz, artist Neal Adams and writer Denny O’Neill brainstorming action scenes for the Superman vs Muhhamad Ali Comic, Jim Steranko talks about his original graphic novel Chandler-Red Tide , plus scenes from the 1979 Chicago Comic Con, including dealer tables and the Costume Contest. Word Balloon Podcast host John Siuntres will present this 20 minute film, and give more background details of the subjects covered with help from former DC and First Comics editor Mike Gold (who worked in DC’s Public Relations department when this film was shot) writer John Ostrander (Star Wars, Batman, Suicide Squad) and cover artist Douglas Klauba (The Phantom & Project Superpowers). This film is a great time capsule look at the comic book business and fandom during the Bronze Age.

Xtreme Bugs by Brookfield Zoo
12:45PM – 1:45PM Location: Variant Stage
Yes, bugs have superpowers! Our friends from Brookfield Zoo will show us the Xtreme abilities that these little creatures posses. Plus, receive coupons from Brookfield Zoo and see their new exhibit “Xtreme Bugs” which opens on May 19.

Learn to Play Kidditch (Kids Quidditch)
1:00PM – 2:30PM Location: Kids Room N427a
Join the International Quidditch Association and play “Kidditch” (Kids Quidditch)! We’ll be introducing this sport to kids of all ages by explaining the rules and teaching them how to play. Kids will be able to run around or toss around the Quaffle in a designated “training” area. They can also participate in mini games to give Quidditch a try. Most importantly, we want everyone to have fun! Brooms up!

So You Wanna be a Comic Book Retailer, Now What?
1:15PM – 2:15PM Location: N426a
Whether you want to open a comic book store, you’re just starting out in retail, or you just have questions, we’re here to help! Meet with members of ComicsPRO, a retail trade organization for comic book retailers, to talk about your upcoming plans.

Chicago Exists! The Games Industry in Chicago
1:15PM – 2:15PM Location: N426c
The Chicago games industry is a microcosm for the kind of changes taking place within the game industry across the world. With new business models transforming how companies operate, and independent game companies on the rise, Chicago is adapting by creating a community where information sharing and collaboration are central. Join Chicago developers Chip Sineni (Phosphor Games – Kinect Adventures, The Dark Meadow), Christian Arca (IGDA Chicago, Toy Studio – Squishy’s Revenge), Jay Margalus (IGDA Chicago, Lunar Giant – Delve Deeper), Phil Tibitoski (Young Horses – Octodad), Ryan Wiemeyer (The Hats – Organ Trail), George Hufnagl (My Escape – Da Num Nums), and Dave Lang (Iron Galaxy Studios – Scribblenauts Remix, Street Fighter III 3rd Strike Online) as they discuss the past, present, and future of the Chicago games industry… and how Chicago plans on changing the way games are made.

The Hobbit Headlines from TheOneRing.net
1:15PM – 2:15PM Location: N427bc
After years of waiting, hoping, speculating and reporting obstacles, the two-part film adaptation of “The Hobbit” is finally moving forward. For more than a decade TheOneRing.net has brought fans world-wide the latest happenings on the world of J.R.R. Tolkien in books, live events and film. Now the site takes a long look at all that is happening, and will happen, in New Zealand before the films hit theaters in 2012 and 2013. Peter Jackson, a long-time friend to TORn, is back in the director’s chair and TORn’s reporters have been working overtime to find out the latest. Expect to be informed, surprised and let your voice be heard on rumors and developments during this one hour panel.

Anne Rice Spotlight
1:15PM – 2:15PM Location: S402ab
Her books have sold millions of copies and she’s not done yet! Come find out what’s new and what’s next for this best-selling author.

Westwood College Presents: EPIC JOURNEY – Story Development for Comics and Games
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: N426b
A discussion on the monomyth story pattern and it’s potential for character development applied to comic books, film, and games. The presentation will follow a protagonist through the twelve stages of the journey and focus on character archetypes, relationships, and changes.

MARVEL: Next Big Thing
1:30PM – 2:30PM Location: S401abc
From the Marvel U to the Ultimate U and everything in between, we’ve got the top talent on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Panelists include Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force), Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), Dennis Hopeless (X-Men Season One), Kelly Sue Deconick (Castle: Storm Season), with Marvel Editor in Chief Axel Alonso and more as they take on all questions!

Superman Family Adventures/Tiny Titans Drawing Competition and Hullabaloo with Art & Franco
1:45PM – 2:15PM Location: Variant Stage
Comic creators Art Baltazar and Franco take the stage for an old fashioned showdown! Learn from the pros as they sketch your favorite DC Comics characters in a contest against the audience and each other! Who will win this challenge of the super friends? Come on down to find out!

The Open Age of Comics: A New Revolution in Comic Art Creation
1:45PM – 3:45PM Location: S401d
Seven years in private development, the world’s First “Open Age Magazine” Blueprint Saints Magazine is a new revolution in the comic Arts. The magazine has a primary focus of engaging talent in a free publication at 10,000 issues a month in one region. The members of Comic Creators Live comprise the largest team of comic creators in history that are working toward one singular goal -creating a print magazine unlike anything ever seen, and the tools necessary to free artists in a way that has never been accomplished. “The Open Age of Comics” is the single largest comic movement since the birth of the underground and is funded by The Comic Arts Partnership. Its goal it to help artists be seen in one region by 300,000 people in a physical magazine on the street and to replicate this possibility world-wide with tools called Open ComicWare. The Comic Arts Partnership is part of leading this magazine and vision forward with the Open Age of Comics providing the world’s first open source print environment for comic creators. Welcome to a revolution in comics. Welcome to “The Open Age of Comics”. Founders Benjamin Kuchera, Anthony Jones, Joe Lewis, Benjamin Rossi, Nicholas Floyd, Cheyenne Gordon and a slew of others (including the board of Blueprint Saints Magazine and the team leads of The Comic Arts Partnership) will be on hand to show proof of these concepts, prototypes, and materials that clarify that this it not a “one hit wonder”, a “too good to be true”, or a “fly-by-night” team. This team has championed artists rights in a digital world, and so far, come forward with the only solution print and sustaining the physical feel of comics in an increasingly digital world.

Voltron Force: How to Make a Giant Robot Cartoon!
2:15PM – 3:15PM Location: Variant Stage
Join Voltron Force producers Bob Koplar and Jeremy Corray as they give a live kid-friendly demonstration on the steps to creating a cartoon! From writing the story, to designing the Lions, to animating the show, Bob and Jeremy will take kids through the process using actual materials from the Voltron Force series on Nicktoons. Special Voltron prizes will be given out for audience participation!

The 501st Legion: Costuming in the Star Wars Galaxy
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: N426a
Loyal! Hard-working! Fully-expendable! The 501st Legion is the Galactic Empire’s most elite corps of soldiers, and also the world’s largest Star Wars costuming organization. Travel to a galaxy far, far away with the “bad guys who do good!” Meet members of the 501st Legion’s Midwest Garrison, and learn about the alternate lives they lead and missions they undertake as some of the world’s most respected costumers. Find out how to enlist the services of the Empire’s Finest, and get inside knowledge on what it takes to become a proud member of the group known as Vader’s Fist!

Disability in Comics
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: N426c
Iron Man, Daredevil, Hulk, and Popeye. What do they all have in common? They all are extraordinary characters with disabilities living amazing lives that we love to read about. What do 1 in 5 Americans have in common? Disability. Come to this inspiring 60-minute presentation celebrating the history of lead characters with disabilities in comics. Based on Chiappetta’s award-winning book, “The Back Pain Avenger,” come to a slideshow that exposes myths and stereotypes about comics characters with disabilities spanning over 200 years. Discover the intricate connection between comics and disability. Free comics will be given to select attendees. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Art Masters – Drawing DC
2:30PM – 3:30PM Location: S402ab
What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Join VP – Art Direction and Design Mark Chiarello and DC Comics top artists David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Patrick Gleason (Batman and Robin), and Kevin Maguire (Worlds’ Finest) for a unique peek into their visual approach in shaping DC Comics!

Dragon Age: Dawn of the Seeker Screening and Q&A
2:30PM – 5:00PM Location: N427bc
In a land where battles are fought with swords and magic, a young heroine rises to glory as Templars, mages, and dragons clash. Cassandra, a brash and beautiful warrior, must stop a conspiracy that threatens the realm’s most powerful religious order. Accused of treasonous crimes and hunted by friend and foe, Cassandra must clear her name and overcome her rage in order to save the day and take her place in legend. When the fantasy is over and the lights come on, you don’t have to leave. Stick around because voice actors Colleen Clinkenbeard, Mike McFarland, and Michael Tatum will be discussing the film and answering your questions! Screening Rating: TVMA for scenes of graphic violence.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood with David Newell
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: N426b
David Newell, best known for his portrayal of Mister McFeely on Mister Rogers Neighborhood shares his memories of life in the Neighborhood. David will share his stories of working with Fred Rogers, seldom seen clips and behind the scenes stories. Relive childhood memories in this first ever convention appearance by a children’s Television legend. When David Newell appears on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, he plays Mr.McFeely, the elderly Neighbor who runs a speedy delivery service. Even though Mr. McFeely’s busy schedule may include a delivery by kayak or returning a llama to the zoo, he always has time for his familiar “Speedy Delivery” greeting!

Chicago Creators’ Spotlight
2:45PM – 3:45PM Location: S401abc
THIS is the panel that puts the “C2″ in “C2E2″! The Windy City is home to some of the top talents in comics and the Chicago Creators’ Spotlight Panel is your chance to get acquainted with them. Come see Jill Thompson (Scary Godmother, Beasts of Burden), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash, Colt Noble), Mike Norton (Young Justice, Battlepug) and Jenny Frison (Angel, House of Night),as they discuss the challenges of working in the industry while living in the Midwest. Moderated by the Chicago Redeye’s Elliott Serrano (“Geek To Me”).

Superhero Training
3:00PM – 4:30PM Location: Kids Room N427a
We all know the trademarked heroes in capes that spring to mind at the mention of being Super. Many of us have donned a cape at one point in our life. POW! Kids ( POWKidsChicago.com) encourages kids to experience and explore Superhero Training. Normally this program is an 6-8 week curriculum that leads children from the ages of 3 to 10 through various stages of developing super athletic skills and a super kind character. This program will be tailored for the SUPER kids attending the C2E2 event. POW! Kids has created a series of fun exercises for your children. Join them for this exclusive event.

Tenderized Tales by Cutlass Cooking
3:30PM – 4:00PM Location: Variant Stage
What do you get when you take Goldilocks, some pigs, a dash of Rapunzel, three magic beans, a girl in a red cape, and some really angry birds? Everyone knows how the classic stories are told. Everyone, that is, except for the Hawser family. Join the Hawsers onstage while they set out to tell a story or two, often at the same time.

Getting the Most out of Graphic Novels in Your Classroom Library
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: N426a
Josh Elder, Founder and President of Reading With Pictures, leads a panel of experienced educators and librarians in presenting a series of best practices for getting the most out of the graphic novels in your classroom or library. The expert panel will be sharing their proven strategies and answering audience questions and concerns.

The Great Space Coaster – Get on Board!
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: N426c
Relive your childhood memories by watching this screening of one of the original The Great Space Coaster episodes from the 1980s with Jim Martin, the performer behind Gary Gnu, MT Promises, Edison the Elephant, and Baffel. Jim will share his story about the evolution of Gary Gnu’s character and unveil the facts about the show’s future.

C2E2 Team Q&A
3:45PM – 4:45PM Location: S402ab
We hope you had the best time at C2E2 and your experience was epic. The C2E2 Team will be sitting down with Fans to hear what you thought of the show, what you’d like to see more of and let you help build C2E2 2013!

Storytime with the Ghostbusters: Chicago Division
4:00PM – 4:30PM Location: Variant Stage
A Kid’s Day special – storytime with the members of the Ghostbusters: Chicago Division! Join us as we read some spooky tales to the younger set. These stories will be geared toward children ages 3 to 7, but children of all ages are welcome!

Hayfamzone.com Springs to Life!
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: N426b
The beloved Hayfamzone comicblog will jump from virtual reality to three dimensions for this C2E2 Special Presentation. Watch as Brian Hayes, both the caretaker and an inmate of the Hayfamzone, will delve more deeply into topics that have been broached over on http://www.hayfamzone.com . Can it be true that the Secret Origin of the Hayfamzone will be revealed at long last?

So Funny, It’s Scary: FEARnet TV’s HOLLISTON
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: S401abc
Join AIN’T IT COOL NEWS’ Steve Prokopy (“Capone”) as he hosts an in-depth look at FEARnet television’s first original series, the horror/comedy sit-com HOLLISTON with series creator and star Adam Green (HATCHET, FROZEN), co-star and executive producer Joe Lynch (WRONG TURN 2, KNIGHTS OF BADASSDOM), and series producer Sarah Elbert (HATCHET, HATCHET 2). The filmmakers will discuss the trials and tribulations of bringing this off-beat show to television and also show some hilarious clips including both footage from the actual show and behind the scenes clips from the casting process. This may be one of the funniest panels you’ll see all weekend, so don’t miss it!

InSpectres Test Screening and Q&A
4:00PM – 5:00PM Location: S401d
This is a test screening of the first 40 minutes of InSpectres feature length film directly followed by a Q&A with some of the cast and crew. If you fill out our survey on the first 40 minutes we will offer you a special thanks credit in the final film and post it IMDB!

U Cre-8 Comics
4:30PM – 5:00PM Location: Variant Stage
The U Cre-8 Comics line is an innovative approach to combining comics and the classroom. With a mix of both literary and visual arts instruction, the U Cre-8 line builds an appreciation for creative expression as well as an interest in reading. The Character Crafter Workbook has students use an application process to make their own comic creations from the ground up, much in the same characters are created in the comic book industry.

WonderCon offers an incredible variety of panel discussions, comics publisher presentations, movie and TV series events, and much more. On Friday and Saturday, the program schedule extends into the evening hours and includes special nighttime programs. On Friday, catch the exclusive world premiere of the new WB Animation and DC Universe movie Superman vs. The Elite, which screens in the giant Ballroom on the third level starting at 6:30. On Saturday evening, the WonderCon Masquerade returns for its eighth big year. As always, your WonderCon membership badge gets you into these events for free, while seating is available.

Important note about programs and events at WonderCon: All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if the venue has reached its capacity. Rooms are not cleared between events. Most autograph signings are limited – your badge does not guarantee autographs at any signing event.

This is the Programming Schedule for WonderCon 2012 as of press time. For last-minute additions and changes, please check the schedule signs posted in front of each room’s entrance. See the Anaheim Convention Center maps for room locations. This year’s programming rooms include the Ballroom (on the third level) for movie and TV programming on all three days. Rooms 203, 204, 207, 208, 210 (home of the Comics Arts Conference and workshop programs), 211 and 213, all on the second level of the Anaheim Convention Center, feature programs all three days, including all of the special guests’ programs. Room 202 is the home of the Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival, programming films for kids of all ages all weekend long. Room 205 showcases the best in Anime. Room 206B features Portfolio Reviews by individuals and companies including Bob Schreck, Aspen Comics, and BOOM! Studios. WonderCon’s Games are on the Exhibit Hall floor (click here for the complete schedule, including nighttime games at the Anaheim Hilton, our headquarters hotel right next door to the Convention Center). The Autograph Area is in the Exhibit Hall.

Once again, please note that all programs have limited seating and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Rooms are not cleared between programs. Names appearing in bold in these descriptions are scheduled to appear on stage. This schedule and people appearing on panels are subject to change.

Celebrity appearances and program schedule are subject to change. All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if the venue has reached its capacity. Rooms are not cleared between events. Most autograph signings are limited — your badge does not guarantee autographs at any signing event. Please…absolutely no recording of the video footage or images presented by the studios on the screens.

— Last updated: Mon, Feb 27, 10:06am —

12:30-1:30 IDW Presents: THE IDW Panel!— Chief creative officer Chris Ryall and sergeant of marketing Dirk Wood, give out prizes, make announcements, and evade questions! Featuring a host of creators, including Steve Niles, Ben McCool, Jason Ciaramella and more! All this, plus the Smoke & Mirrors boys, Mike Costa and Jon Armstrong, perform live magic! Yes, you read that right! Room203

12:30-1:30 TheOneRing.net Hobbit Movie Insider’s Preview— Ringers everywhere are eagerly awaiting Peter Jackson’s new Hobbit films during the 75th anniversary year of the book’s publication! Staff writers and scholars from TheOneRing.net web portal invite you to join this lively panel revealing film production surprises and a zealous shredding of rumors! Led by Clifford Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans), Josh Rubinstein (Star Trek: TNG Blu-ray), Cathy Udovch (Cruise to Middle-earth), and Mike Urban (The People’s Guide to J. R. R. Tolkien). Room207

12:30-1:30 Insight into Indy Publishing— The Antidote Trust, America’s #1 indy collective, returns with more insights on everything related to independent comics. Professional screenplay writers of Leverage, Ben 10, and other programs, published novelists (Book Strand), an online comics award nominee, and a winner of the inaugural Glyph award for Indy comics are among the half-dozen panelists who share their input and experiences on everything needed to create, produce, market, and distribute comics in multiple media. You’re invited to share your insights, too! Room208

12:30-1:30 CAC Session 1: Iron Man, Robopocalypse, and the Future of Humanity— In E. Paul Zehr‘s speculative nonfiction book Inventing Iron Man: The Possibility of a Human Machine, the real-life implications of linking humans to robotic technologies in the form of brain machine interface are explored. Daniel H. Wilson‘s novel Robopocalypse is set in a future where human biology and technology have become seamlessly integrated. Society has become increasingly reliant on automation and robotics and comes face to face with its own extinction when a sentient artificial intelligence is unleashed on the world. This panel contains a discussion on robotics and technological fusion now and in the future using concepts in Iron Man comics, neuroscience, biomedical engineering, robotics, and the dystopian novel Robopocalypse. Room210

12:30-1:30 Hollywood and Comics— With its combination of words and visuals in one attractive package, a comic book can be a great sales tool when pitching your project to studios. To sell the movie rights to your comic you need to know how Hollywood deal making really works. Join comic creators who have successfully navigated the movie business in this discussion of best practices. Panelists include Martin Shapiro (Chopper), Scott Mitchell Rosenberg (Cowboys and Aliens), Jesse Berger (untitled Tom Cruise sci-fi project), Andrew Cosby (Eureka), Derek Hoffman (X-Men: First Class), Chris Tongue (Dark Horse), and Benjamin Jackendoff (Zenescope). Room211

1:00-2:00 DC Comics: All Access— A lot can happen in a year! Come by for unfiltered access to DC editors as they talk all things DC! Find out what they have to share from behind the scenes at your favorite and most talked about comics publisher. Joining the All-Access party will be some of the industry’s top talents, so don’t miss out! Room204

1:00-2:00 Richard Hatch: So Say We All— Actor, author, and director Richard Hatch (Capt. Apollo, Tom Zarek, So Say We All) hosts a discussion and Q&A on the past, present, and future of Battlestar Galactica, including BG trailers, comic reels, and special surprise guests. Room213

1:30-2:30 Indy Toymaker Roundtable— Independent toymakers spill their secrets on how to successfully create and market awesome plush and vinyl toys. Learn from toy world luminaries Nitin Bhargava (Kidrobot), Dan Goodsell (Mr. Toast), Kerry Horvath and Darth Rimmer (Evil Ice Cream), Patrick Lam (Munky King), Kris Schantz (Happy Worker), and Doug Gauthier (Hey Soupface). Moderated by Wendy Bryan (I Heart Guts). Turn your sketches into something you can hold! Room203

1:30-2:30 Monsters Anonymous— Comics and prose authors discuss the pros and cons of world-building with monsters and whether or not to make them known to that world’s public. Panelists include WonderCon special guest Mike Mignola (Hellboy), with Amber Benson (How to Be Death) and Christopher Farnsworth (The President’s Vampire), in discussion with Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room207

1:30-2:30 Pitching Diversity— You made it through the iron gates to pitch your project. When do you bring up the diversity of your characters? Forcefully at the outset, scribbled on a well-hidden Post-It note, or in a closing utterance as you flee out the door? How do diverse actors pitch themselves for all roles? Widelantern.com delves into this topic as its writer Ken Choy moderates a roundtable discussion with Brandon Easton (Shadowlaw, Thundercats), Randall Park (Supah Ninjas), Teresa Huang (Knight Rider remake), Charles Howard (Producers Guild of America Diversity Committee), Adam Wolman (Widelantern co-founder; creative consultant), and Frank Gonzalez (director, talent development and diversity, Disney/ABC Television Group). Room208

1:30-2:30 CAC Session 2: All I Really Need to Know, I Learned from Batman and Bart, Man: Embiggening Brains Without Crayon Implants— Sure, they’re entertaining, but can comic book superheroes and cartoon characters teach us anything useful in the real world? A trio of professors discuss how they’re using fictional characters to introduce students to nonfictional subjects. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) and Dr. E. Paul Zehr (Becoming Batman, Inventing Iron Man) explore the psychology and biology of Gotham’s Dark Knight, his allies, and his many foes. Dr. Karma Waltonen (The Simpsons in the Classroom) explains how instructors can use comics as a jumping-off point to introduce concepts in literature, composition, linguistics, cultural studies, gender studies, and media appreciation. Room210

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Mark Waid— WonderCon special guest Mark Waid is the author of Daredevil, Kingdom Come, Irredeemable, and much, much more. Mark will discuss his 25-year career in comics, peppering the discussion with advice, inside stories, and talk of his vision of the medium’s future — where he will announce his biggest undertaking yet! Room211

2:00-3:00 Quick Draw!— It’s another battle to the death with Sharpies at twenty paces! Three of the fastest cartoonists alive draw and duel in what is always a standing-room-only event at Comic-Con in San Diego. This time, we have Scott Shaw! (The Simpsons), Disney legend Floyd Norman, and a player to be named later, all sketching like mad on the command of Mark Evanier. If you’ve never seen one of these, you need to experience it! Room204

2:00-3:00 Cartoon Network: Regular Show— Ooooohhhh! Come check out the most awesome Regular Show Q&A ever, featuring show creator and voice of Mordecai, J. G. Quintel. You wanna know who else is regular? (ok, we couldn’t resist). Seriously, come to the panel to hear what’s up with super slackers Mordecai and Rigby and more! Room213

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Ryan Sook— WonderCon special guest Ryan Sook, current DC The New 52 cover artist, participates in a Q&A session about his art and career. Find out about his process in creating covers for the Justice League Dark and DCU Presents. Learn who his favorite artists are and what comics he loves, and hear what he has to say about whatever other topics you want to bring to the discussion. Room203

2:30-3:30 MARVEL: House of Ideas— Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you fans what you’ve come to love? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news on what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited, and more in this can’t miss panel. Room207

2:30-3:30 Shonen Jump Fan Meet-Up— Listen to a thrilling pitch about the benefits of being an SJ Alpha member! Grill the Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha editors in a live Q&A session! Then hang out with them and a room full of Shonen Jump fans! Win prizes at the trivia contest! Join the live fan art jams! Celebrate all things SJ-related! Meet Urian Brown, lead hype-man of #TEAMJUMP, specializing in video games, anime, and wacky antics, and Misaki Kido, female leader of #TEAMJUMP, and challenge her manga knowledge or ask for advice about your own manga…if you dare! Room208

2:30-4:00 CAC Session 3: Comics and Form— Ever consider how comics work? This panel examines the structures that create the stories. Amber Bowyer (University of Southern California) explores the relationship among comics, semiotics, continuity, and history to better imagine the history of comics’ materiality, interactivity, and affect. Dr. Kathleen Dunley (Rio Salado College) looks at Seth’s The Great Northern Brotherhood of Canadian Cartoonists as a palimpsest, in which as the new text is written, the original text remains visible, creating a ghosting between past and present. She explores how Seth’s visual representation of the palimpsest relates to how the past is created and reconfigured across the narrative. Dr. Nhora Serrano (California State University, Long Beach) looks at Marjane Satrapi’s Persepolis, and in particular the veiled and unveiled narrator, arguing that this self-portrait is a representation of the concealment, exposure as well as erasure, that is inherent in comics. Room210

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Eric Powell— Special guest Eric Powell (The Goon) and his collaborator Tracy Marsh (Godzilla: Kingdom of Monsters) discuss things they don’t like over pastries and disillusionment. New projects might also be discussed. If this isn’t the most fun panel at WonderCon, it will without doubt be the worst episode of Intervention ever. Room211

3:00-4:00 It Was 30 Years Ago Today: Celebrating 1982 — Greatest Geek Year Ever!— It’s time to celebrate, it’s time to light the lights, it’s time to fete (not Boba, just fete) the greatest geek year ever; three decades later and we’re all here to tell about it. Geek Monthly editor Jeff Bond is joined by screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writer Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Special Edition), and Bill Hunt (The Digital Bits) along with guests as they discuss the year that gave us Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, E.T., Tron, Poltergeist, Conan: The Barbarian, The Road Warrior, The Thing, Liquid Sky (Liquid Sky? Really?!?), Battletruck, The Sword and the Sorcerer, and many more. Plus a look forward at the summer of 2012, including The Dark Knight Rises, The Avengers, The Amazing Spider-Man, Prometheus, Dark Shadows, and Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. Can it compare? You be the judge. On second thought, they’ll be the judge. Room204

3:00-4:00 Creating Animated Series— What does it take to create or develop an animated TV series? Do you have to be a writer? An artist or animator? Both? Neither? What do you have to have to pitch an idea, and what are the studios and networks looking for? Members of the Writers Guild of America’s Animation Writers Caucus who have created and developed series and network/studio executives who buy them talk about it and answer your questions. Featuring Craig Miller (Beast Wars, Curious George), Stan Berkowitz (The 99, Justice League), and Duane Capizzi (Transformers Prime, The Batman). Room213

3:30-4:30 comiXology Open Discussion: Everything Digital!— Digital comics are the hottest topic and fastest-growing segment of the comic industry — with comic fans, retailers, and publishers embracing this new distribution and retail model. From self-publishing to same-day-as-print sales, digital retailer storefronts, and more, comiXology is the undisputed leader in this, the digital charge. Join CEO and co-founder of comiXology David Steinberger along with guest panelists for an open discussion on everything digital. All topics are game! Room203

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski— Normally, special guest JMS does his spotlights all by himself. This year, the event is moderated by DC editor-in-chief Dan DiDio, who will attempt to get pertinent information by asking impertinent questions about the writer, his work, and his life. We expect this to end in a Tunguska-sized crater. Room207

3:30-4:30 Making Animation History with The Last Unicorn— The classic 1982 animated fantasy is literally being pulled apart and remade on a frame-by-frame basis, using groundbreaking techniques and technologies to upgrade the look and feel of the film. This new enhanced/extended version will premiere theatrically in both 2D and 3D in 2014. Learn what’s being done from creators Peter S. Beagle (novelist and screenwriter), Connor Cochran (director), and Terri Kempton and Suren M. Seron (co-producers). Room208

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Rebekah Isaacs— WonderCon special guest Rebekah Isaacs (artist of Angel & Faith) discusses her artistic process, breaking into the comics industry, and being a cat lover in a dog lovers’ world. Audience Q&A will follow. Room211

4:00-5:00 How to Get a Job in the Video Gaming Industry— Francis Mao (CAPCOM) leads a panel of industry insiders from a variety of game companies and industry outlets to share how they got to “play video games for a living,” and the wide assortment of career paths that are available. You don’t have to be a programming whiz or a stellar digital artist to have a fun career in the video game industry. Hear about jobs in the areas of public relations, marketing, retail, publishing, editorial, and more! Plus a Q&A session. Room204

4:00-5:00 Michael Golden Workshop— WonderCon special guest and famed comics artist Michael Golden talks about his art and design process in this workshop. Room210

4:00-5:00 MARVEL: Amazing Spider-Man— It’s Spider-Man’s 50th anniversary and Marvel is celebrating all year long! With Peter Parker about to go to “The Ends of the Earth” in a battle against Doctor Octopus, they’re only getting started! Join superstar artist Humberto Ramos (The Amazing Spider-Man) and others as they give you insight into what’s down the line for everyone’s favorite web-slinger. And with issue #700 just a few months away, there’s no telling what may happen before then! Room213

4:00-5:30 Exclusive Warner Bros. Television Screenings: Person of Interest and The Secret Circle— For the third straight year, Warner Bros. Television kicks off WonderCon with exclusive preview screenings of upcoming original episodes of fan-favorite series. For 2012, WBTV will screen episodes of the first-year hit dramas Person of Interest and The Secret Circle.

Person of Interest: Jim Caviezel (The Thin Red Line), Comic-Con favorite Michael Emerson (Lost) and Taraji P. Henson (Hustle & Flow) team up in this thought-provoking crime action-drama from The Dark Knight‘s Jonathan Nolan and J.J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions (Fringe, Lost, Alias). Set in New York City, with all of its multifaceted elements of justice (cops, criminals, corruption), Person of Interest centers on an ex-CIA agent, presumed dead, who partners with a mysterious billionaire to prevent violent crimes, and the detectives tracking them. Person of Interest makes its WonderCon debut with a screening of a complete episode to kick off WonderCon 2012. In addition to Caviezel, Emerson, and Henson, Kevin Chapman (Rescue Me) also stars in Person of Interest, which airs Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS. Jonathan Nolan, J.J. Abrams (Star Trek), Greg Plageman (Cold Case), and Bryan Burk (Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol) are the executive producers of the series, from Bonanza Productions in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television.

The Secret Circle: The ordinary becomes the extraordinary in The Secret Circle, a drama full of mystery, intrigue, and danger from executive producer Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries) and based on the book series by L. J. Smith (The Vampire Diaries). The series chronicles the story of a young girl who discovers not only that she is a witch and part of a secret coven but that she is the key that will unlock a centuries-old battle of good versus evil. WBTV has conjured up a WonderCon exclusive premiere screening of the “Cursed” episode, a full six days in advance of its on-air debut Thursday, March 22, at 9/8c on The CW. Britt Robertson (Scream 4), Thomas Dekker (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Gale Harold (Queer as Folk), Phoebe Tonkin (H20: Just Add Water), Shelley Hennig (Days of Our Lives), Jessica Parker Kennedy (50/50), Chris Zylka (upcoming The Amazing Spider-Man), and Natasha Henstridge (Species) star in the series, which is executive produced by Williamson, Andrew Miller (Nothing), Andrea Newman (Human Target), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), and Gina Girolamo (The Lying Game). From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Secret Circle airs Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW.
Ballroom,ThirdLevel

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Renae De Liz— Meet one of the rising stars of the industry! Acclaimed artist and WonderCon special guest Renae De Liz (The Last Unicorn) was building a rabid following even before she masterminded the Kickstarter runaway smash success project Womanthology! Room203

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Mike Mignola— Hellboy creator and WonderCon special guest Mike Mignola talks about his signature creation and the upcoming year in the Hellboy universe, when the big red horned guy visits…Hell! Room207

4:30-5:30 Triumph of the Small Screen— Angry Birds and Pocket God are just two entertainment brands that were born as smartphone apps before jumping to the worlds of comic books, animation, movies, plush toys, and more. Chris Ulm (former editor-in-chief, Malibu Comics), Farzad Varahramyan (designer, Aliens vs. Predator, Jumanji, Escape From Witch Mountain, The Thing), Emmanuel Valdez (game director, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, Darkwatch, Bourne Conspiracy), and Paul O’Connor (game designer, Oddworld: Abe’s Oddysee, author of the Longbox Graveyard comic book blog) will discuss the promise and special challenges of this exploding new art form. Room208

4:30-5:30 The Writer’s Journey: Breaking into Comic Book and Hollywood Scriptwriting— Every aspiring writer wants to know one thing: “How do I break into the business?” If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don’t know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (Warner Bros. Animation’s ThunderCats), Geoffrey Thorne (TNT’s Leverage), Keto Shimizu (Syfy’s Being Human), and Jonathan Callan (Generator Rex) share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier. Room211

5:00-6:00 The Visual Technology Behind Action, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Filmmaking— Action, sci-fi, and fantasy are all genres that depend heavily on visual effects to effectively portray the vast fictional worlds in which they take place. Join the film industry’s leading visual technology and previsualization experts to learn the latest and greatest technology trends and advances behind some of the biggest fan-favorite blockbusters such as Avatar and Cowboys & Aliens and upcoming films such as Battleship and The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part Two. This panel offers audience members a new behind-the-scenes perspective using the latest technology, revealing never-before-seen footage, and more! Daniel Gregoire, founder and CEO of Halon Entertainment has worked side by side with the most highly respected directors in the business, including Steven Spielberg (War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones 4) and Jon Favreau (Cowboys & Aliens); Brad Alexander, CG supervisor on James Cameron’s Avatar and exciting upcoming films; and Patrice Avery, a producer with over 20 years of experience in feature/TV animation, VFX and video game production, will lead a group of top VFX and technology artists in this panel. Room204

5:00-6:00 Marv Wolfman: Writing Q&A— For years WonderCon special guest Marv Wolfman (writer/editor in comics, animation, video games, and other media) has conducted writing seminars at Comic-Con International as well as many other conventions around the world. This time, rather than give a formal writing lecture, Marv wants to answer your questions (specific to material you’re working on or more general in nature) and discuss how to think about your writing even before you begin. Please come to the workshop with questions. Room210

5:00-6:00 Famous TV Theme Music— Composers of popular television theme songs discuss their writing process and their influences. Charles Fox (The New Adventures of Wonder Woman, Love Boat, Happy Days), Jeremy Zuckerman & Benjamin Wynn (Avatar the Last Airbender: The Legend of Korra), and additional panelists discuss their contributions to TV theme music. Moderated by Anne Cecere, director of Film & TV relations of BMI, and Chandler Poling, White Bear PR founder. Attendees will get see a select clip from the new series The Last Airbender: Legend of Korra. Room213

5:30-6:30 BOOM! Studios/KaBOOM! Panel— Join BOOM! Studios as they take over Room 203 at WonderCon for one full hour. Learn what is next from BOOM! as Ross Richie and Matt Gagnon run down the most exciting new projects from BOOM! Studios, KaBOOM!, And BOOM! Town. Room203

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: New Blood— They come from the cutting edge of comics…and Vertigo has never been edgier, with thought-provoking titles from some of comics’ most acclaimed creators. Senior editor Will Dennis, all-star writer and WonderCon special guest Scott Snyder (American Vampire), and others appear on this must-see panel featuring the latest news on all your favorite Vertigo titles, plus details about the new, upcoming wave of Vertigo titles! Room207

5:30-6:30 The Future of Tabletop Gaming— Tabletop games such as Dungeons and Dragons have been declining in popularity since the 1990s and are in danger of being replaced by both console games and MMORPGs. Will tabletop gaming survive the 21st century, will it be completely replaced by computer games. or will it survive as a new interactive role-playing experience? A panel of game designers discuss the future of role-playing games. Room208

5:30-6:30 CBLDF: History of Comic Censorship— Learn the shocking history of comics censorship and how even today comics and the people who make, sell, and read them are still threatened. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the sordid tale, from the public book burnings and Senate hearings that led to the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s through the attacks on retailers in the 1980s, artists in the 1990s, and readers today that the CBLDF is working to combat! Room211

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Wil Wheaton— Fan-favorite actor/writer and mega-fan himself Wil Wheaton comes to WonderCon as a special guest for the very first time! Wil talks about his mutli-hyphenate career as actor (Star Trek: TNG, The Big Bang Theory, The Guild), author, blogger, and pioneer Twitter tweeter! Ballroom,ThirdLevel

6:00-7:00 Comics on Comics LIVE!— ComicsOnComics.com, the innovative web series that matches comedians against comic book creators in geek debates, makes its first appearance at WonderCon. Host Jonathan London (Geekscape.net) and Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Middleman, Ramiel: Wrath of God) engage with the greatest comic minds and the greatest minds in comics! Room204

6:00-7:00 Animation Voice-Over— Everyone wants to do voices for animation, right? Hear what some animation veterans and awesome newcomers have to say regarding what this work is like, what it takes, and what the heck producers are looking for! Panelists include Katie Leigh (Gummi Bears, Darkwing Duck, Muppet Babies), Ben Bledsoe (Ronal the Barbarian, scratch artist for Disney feature animation, founder of Unireach Media), Lisa Biggs (Adventures of Toby and founder of http://www.voxyladies.com), Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain, Jimmy Neutron, Animaniacs), Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Simpsons) Mick Wingert (“Po” on Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness), and director/writer/performer Phil Lollar (Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi Show, The Mr. Men Show, Olivia!, The Little Angels, Adventures in Odyssey). Room210

6:00-7:30 The Write Stuff IV: Writing and Selling Genre Television & Beyond— Get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of today’s hottest genre shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets of getting TV shows made and how to break in and break out in today’s highly competitive broadcast environment, the deep dark secrets (and snacks) of the writer’s room, and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards. Panelists include Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Transformers: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Jesse Alexander (Lost, Heroes), Steve Kriozere (NCIS, Femme Fatales), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Gabrielle Stanton (The Vampire Chronicles, Haven), Dave Simkins (Blade, Human Target), Jose Molina (Firefly, Terra Nova), Amy Berg (Eureka, Leverage), Charles Murray (V, Castle), and Mark A. Altman (Necessary Roughness, Femme Fatales). Room213

6:30-7:30 TV Horror Hosts— John Stanley (Creature Features, 1971-1984), Mr. Lobo (Cinema Insomnia), Tom Wyrsch (writer/director), and Strephon Taylor (November Fire) will present a history of television horror hosting. Vampira, Zacherley, Ghoulardi, Svengoolie, Bob Wilkins, Elvira, and many more will be covered in a historical journey illuminating a genre of television that should never be forgotten. Introduced by John Stanley and Mr. Lobo. Video history by Tom Wyrsch and Strephon Taylor. Room203

6:30-8:00 Detecting Deviants in the Dark Knight: Profiling Gotham City’s Serial Killers— From the dark corners of Crime Alley to the bleak cell blocks of Blackgate Penitentiary, Gotham City has been plagued by murderous villains who stalk the night. Mr. Zsasz, Abbattoir, and even Commissioner Gordon’s son, James Jr., have preyed on Gothamites for reasons that seemingly defy logic. How should Batman, the world’s greatest detective, apprehend these and other notorious serial killers? With updated content, the forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., team up with Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., and FBI (retired) supervisory special agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Killer Instinct), to explore the dark world of Gotham City’s serial killers. Are serial killers psychotic, psychopathic, or neither? Do Gotham City’s serial killers have real-world counterparts? Are common traits shared among serial killers, and can “profiling” lead to their successful apprehension? Learn how real FBI agents profile and arrest serial murderers. With that knowledge, don the mantle of the Bat, profile the Dark Knight’s deadliest villains, and plan their capture. Bring your questions and your curiosity, and discover once again that real life is, in fact, stranger than fiction! Room207

6:30-7:30 The Science of Battlestar Galactica— Look past FTL travel and artificial gravity, and the science in Battlestar Galactica was very robust for television. Join Dr. Kevin Grazier (Battlestar Galactica), co-author of The Science of Battlestar Galactica, along with a guest star for this presentation, chapter reading, and Q&A session. Room208

6:30-7:30 Prism Comics: The Bad and The Bold: Pushing the Boundaries with LGBT Characters— There are more LGBT characters in mainstream comics, independents, Yaoi, and Yuri than ever before. Some comics push for truer portrayals of all people in the LGBT community and others push for shock and awe. How do you balance portrayals of LGBT characters in today’s comics market? Prism Comics (the nonprofit organization promoting awareness of LGBT comics, creators, and fans), Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter, Torso), Tara Madison Avery (Gooch), Agnes Czaja (Acrobats), Jim McCann (Mind the Gap, Return of the Dapper Men), Bob Schreck (Legendary Comics), and other creators explore what makes a strong, realistic depiction of an LGBT character, what makes or breaks an edgy depiction of an LGBT character, and what is going too far. Moderated by Charles “Zan” Christensen (publisher, Northwest Press, Mark of Aeacus). Room211

6:30-8:00 WonderCon Exclusive World Premiere: Superman vs. The Elite— Be among the first to see the latest release from the popular series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 Movies when Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation present the World Premiere of Superman vs. The Elite. In the film, Superman’s effectiveness as a superhero comes into question when a new group of super-powerful crusaders, known as “The Elite,” appear on the scene. As superheroes, the Elite know no bounds and are more than willing to kill, even on a massive scale, to stop villainy — putting them on a collision course with the ever-ethical, preferably nonlethal Man of Steel. The voice cast is led by George Newbern (Father of the Bride), reprising his Justice League/Justice League Unlimited role as Superman, NCIS star Pauley Perrette as Lois Lane, and versatile voice actor Robin Atkin Downes (Batman: Year One, Star Wars: The Clone Wars) as Manchester Black, the leader of The Elite. Award-winning comics writer Joe Kelly has adapted his original story from the heralded Action Comics #775 (“What’s So Funny About Truth, Justice & the American Way”) into a script directed by Michael Chang (Batman: Brave and the Bold) and executive produced by Bruce Timm (Batman: Year One). See the film, then stay for the panel, where members of the filmmaking team and voice cast will take questions from moderator Gary Miereanu and the audience. Prizes will be awarded, and new details about future DC Universe films will be revealed! Ballroom,ThirdLevel

7:00-8:00 IDW: Artist’s Editions— IDW senior editor Scott Dunbier presents an in-depth discussion of the publisher’s massively successful Artist’s Edition line! Launching in 2009 with Dave Stevens’ Rocketeer and continuing last year with Walter Simonson’s The Mighty Thor and this year with John Romita’s Amazing Spider-Man and a host of others, these brilliant tomes have turned the industry on its ear by having their pages scanned directly from the original art. Come hear exciting announcements about upcoming additions to the line, including one from a surprise guest you won’t believe! Room204

7:00-8:00 Gaia Online— Chris Castagnetto (DJ Helsing) moderates the official Gaia Online panel. This is your chance to meet the Gaia staff, get your burning questions answered, and take a sneak peek at some of the great stuff Gaia has planned for 2012. Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes. Room210

10:30-11:30 From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types— Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, professional or fan? And what’s keeping you from getting there? If you’ve been inspired to create something but you’re having trouble bringing it into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the WonderCon crowd and back for its sixth year in a row. Douglas Neff (the “Tony Robbins of Geeks”) will give you simple and proven tips for achieving what’s most important to you. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’ll walk away from this workshop with new ideas and useful tools to help you reach your dream. Room203

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Scott Snyder— WonderCon special guest, writer Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing, American Vampire, Severed), answers your questions in this open discussion on the craft and business of writing comics. Room207

10:30-11:30 How to Build Your Own R2— Do you want to know what it takes to build your own Star Wars droid? Southern California R2 builders Chris Romine, Michael McMaster, and William Miyamoto; builder Godfather Mike Senna; and builder/moderator Victor Franco discuss how their robots were built and how they work. Topics include materials, blueprints, building techniques, tools, and the electronics used to bring R2 to life. Room208

10:30-11:30 CAC Session 4: Focus on Bob Schreck— WonderCon special guest Bob Schreck (Legendary Comics) joins the Comics Arts Conference to discuss his life in the comics industry. Stanford Carpenter (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) talks with Bob about his time as an art director, writer, and editor at both Dark Horse and DC Comics, the founding of Oni Press, and his new venture at Legendary Comics — and last but not least, his impressions of the industry as both a creative and an editorial force. Room210

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Richard Starkings— Writer Joshua Fialkov (Tumor, Last of the Greats), talks to WonderCon special guest Richard Starkings about the success of his sleeper hit Image Comics series Elephantmen, progress on the movie, and all other aspects of Richard’s career in comics as a writer, publisher, colorist, cartoonist, editor, and digital lettering pioneer. Room211

11:00-12:00 Cartoon Network: Adventure Time— What could make WonderCon even more wonderful? How about a Totally Rhombus Adventure Time Q&A? Hear what executive producer and creator Pendleton Ward (voice of Lumpy Space Princess) and special guests have in store for our heroes Finn and Jake coming up in Season 4! Come on, grab your friends and join the fun! Room204

11:00-12:00 Womanthology— Get the story behind the hottest Kickstarter project of the year, a graphic novel produced entirely by the top women in the industry! Over 200 creators combined to create Womanthology, and all profits go to the charities of GlobalGiving.org! Project mastermind Renae De Liz and a host of surprise creators offer sneak peeks, inside tips on how to break into comics, and more! Room213

11:30-12:30 Comic Book Law School— “C” Is for creator (and Copyright!) and “P” is for preparation, the cornerstone of any creative enterprises. After all, rushing a new property out the door without the proper IP protections in place could be more costly down the road. Luckily, the popular Comic Book Law School ^® will help by supplying the “ABCs” of legal protections for creators. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, assists attendees in establishing a basic foundation for their copyright and trademark rights. Up first is the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, and names, from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as the registration process for each (and time permitting, how recent court decisions and changes in the law could affect those rights). Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.] Room203

11:30-12:30 Rewriting History: Past, Present, and Future— Whether writing alternate, near future, or far future history, how do authors make historical “facts” fit their fiction? Panelists include Naomi Novik (Crucible of Gold), Todd McCaffrey (Dragon’s Time), Rob Reid (Year Zero), and WonderCon special guest Ernest Cline (Ready Player One), in discussion with Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room207

11:30-12:30 Digital Comics Price Fight— Everyone is talking about what the “right” price is for digital comics. Should it be full price for same day as print? Or should every comic be 99 cents à la iTunes? The conversation online has been heated, and today it jumps into the physical realm! Legendary comics writer Mark Waid, comiXology’s David Steinberger (the CEO and co-founder of the leading digital comics retailer and platform), and ‪Marvel’s senior VP of sales David Gabriel present a lively discussion on the price of digital comics. “Refereeing” this panel will be publisher and writer of Our Love Is Real and Sacrifice, Sam Humphries, who was the driving force behind MySpace Comics. Room208

11:30-12:30 CAC Session 5: Batman vs. Iron Man: Can Biology Best Technology?— Batman and Iron Man belong to a very small group of accessible superheroes — that is, the group of superheroes who have a veneer of reality related to their powers and abilities. This reality makes them appealing and accessible to many and captivates the imagination in a way other heroes cannot. Both Iron Man and Batman are defined by the combination of their human frailty with extreme training and use of technological enhancements. E. Paul Zehr (Becoming Batman, Inventing Iron Man) compares these two heroes and their two approaches to transcending human limitation. The concept of Batman is one of extreme human performance — Bruce Wayne creates the Batman persona through extreme training. That of Iron Man is the story of Tony Stark, a genius scientist and engineer who amplifies human performance with technology in the form of the fantastic suit of armor. Considering the scientific realities behind these two icons presents a revealing look at how close we are to technological fusion between brain, biology, and technology. It also brings to mind a question truly grounded in popular culture. With these two superheroes in action, who beats whom? Answering this question involves a fascinating examination at the outer limits of human performance where neuroscience, kinesiology, brain-machine interface, and Kung-fu fighting converge. Room210

11:30-12:30 Ruby & Spears— Since the sixties, Joe Ruby and Ken Spears have been the most successful writing, creating, and producing team in Saturday morning television. Among the shows they brought you were Scooby-Doo, Wacky Racers, Jabberjaw, Dynomutt, Thundarr The Barbarian, Plastic Man, and dozens of others. Here they are in a rare convention appearance, interviewed by animation writer (and former Ruby-Spears writer) Mark Evanier. Room211

12:00-1:00 The World of CAPCOM!— Francis Mao leads a panel of Capcom product managers who will share trailers and sneak peeks at all the hot, new upcoming Capcom games, such as Dragon’s Dogma, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, the just-released Street Fighter X Tekken, Resident Evil 6, and more! A few lucky gamers will be called onstage to demonstrate their fighting skills in Street Fighter X Tekken to win exclusive Capcom prizes! Followed by a Q&A session. Room204

12:00-1:00 Marvel Television Presents— Be among the first to go inside the Marvel Universe on Disney XD with the head of Marvel Television, Jeph Loeb, as he presents the world premiere of the highly anticipated Ultimate Spider-Man animated series and a look at the premiere episode of the The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes Season 2. He’ll also reveal the inside scoop on animated and live-action series in development, and more surprises from Marvel TV. Room213

12:30-2:00 CBLDF Live Art Jam— Witness amazing live art created before your eyes by the industry’s greatest superstars! WonderCon special guests Jim Lee, Rebekah Isaacs, and Eric Powell plus special surprise guests will make original art on the big screen, giving you a one-of-a-kind glimpse of their creative process, and then a chance to bid to take their work home. The proceeds of this auction benefit Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, who protect the industry’s First Amendment rights. Stop by the CBLDF booth (417) for your bidder number, then come watch great art happen before your eyes at the CBLDF Live Art Jam! Room203

12:30-1:30 Fairy Dust: LGBT Disney Fandom— We’re lucky to be right next door to the “Happiest Place on Earth.” Disney characters, films, comics, media, and theme parks are popular around the world. But Disney is especially popular among the LGBT community. Young or old, LGBT folk identify with the stories, characters, fantasy, and imagination of Disney. Prism Comics (the nonprofit organization promoting awareness of LGBT comics, creators, and fans) joins Tommy Kovac (The Royal Historian of Oz; Wonderland, Skelebunnies), Worthie Meacham (Disney Gay Days, expert on Disney Parks and Disneyana), Dusty Sage (founder and CEO of MiceChat.com), and other fans and creators as they explore why the queer community loves all things Disney. Moderated by Ted Abenheim (Prism Comics board member). Room207

12:30-1:30 Where Do Ideas Come From?— For artists and writers who face the fear of the blank page, veteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (New Teen Titans, Meridian, Hawk & Dove) brings proven tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those dead brain and deadline demons! Room208

12:30-1:30 CAC Session 6: Lessons Learned from Batgirl about Female Superheroes and Trauma: Resilience, Recovery, and Relaunch— Is it healthy to be a female character in today’s comics? Do comic book superheroines still face different traumas from those faced by their male counterparts? Psychologists Andrea Letamendi (UCLA), Robin Rosenberg (The Psychology of Superheroes), and Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), with the help of writer Bryan Q. Miller (Batgirl, Smallville), explore how gender differences figure into storytelling issues and reflect on the dangers, support, and expectations encountered by women in real-world high-risk and life-threatening environments. Room210

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Michael Golden— WonderCon special guest, artist Michael Golden is known for his dynamic and beautifully designed cover work and his exciting storytelling in series such as Dr. Strange, Micronauts, and The ‘Nam. Michael talks about his career — past, present, and future — in this special spotlight panel. Room211

12:30-1:15 Fox Searchlight: The Sound of My Voice— Producer, writer, and actress Brit Marling is a rising talent and new voice in the genre world, creating independent films about everyday people finding themselves in fantastic circumstances. In her new film, The Sound of My Voice, Peter (Christopher Denham) and Lorna (Nicole Vicius), a couple and documentary filmmaking team, infiltrate a mysterious group led by an enigmatic young woman named Maggie (Brit Marling). Intent on exposing her as a charlatan and freeing the followers from her grip, Peter and Lorna start to question their objective and each other as they unravel the secrets of Maggie’s underworld. Appearing in person: star, producer, and co-writer Brit Marling (Another Earth), and the film’s director/co-writer Zal Batmanglij. Ballroom,ThirdLevel

1:00-2:00 DC Comics: The New 52— The New 52 is comics’ most talked about industry-shattering event of the last year. Although the landscape has changed, DC’s not done making news! Be a part of history as DC editor-in-chief Bob Harras, executive editor Eddie Berganza, and group editor Matt Idelson are joined by Brian Buccellato (Flash), Dustin Nguyen (Batman Beyond Unlimited), Scott Snyder (Batman), Ryan Sook (DC Universe Presents), and more of your favorite top-notch talent to discuss the books that are shaping the dawn of this new era! Room204

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Joe Hill— WonderCon special guest Joe Hill, Eisner Award-winning creator of Locke & Key, talks about the final chapters of the series, who will be the next person to wear The Cape, IDW’s Road Rage, his next novel (and accompanying comic series), and future projects. His discussion with editor Chris Ryall will be followed by a Q&A and pole-dancing demonstration. Room213

1:15-2:15 Twentieth Century Fox— Twentieth Century Fox (and some very special guests) presents an exclusive look at some of the most anticipated events of the summer. Ballroom,ThirdLevel

1:30-2:30 I Can’t Write, I Can’t Draw, But I Love Comics!— Comic-Con International’s annual jobs panel comes to WonderCon! Just ’cause you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Companies still need managers, publishers, producers, directors, mo-cap and voice-over actors, game masters, and programmers. Panelists Scott Agostoni (independent manager of comic creators and comics expert), Derron Ross (Blur Studio), actor Michael Rooker (The Walking Dead), writer/director James Gunn (Lollipop Chainsaw), and Mike Fischer (Square Enix) will alert you to some of these careers and tell you how to find your niche. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company). Room207

1:30-2:30 How to Get News Coverage— Small press publishers, what makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews and an item that 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 just what it takes to get coverage, with the comics journalist themselves telling you what they are looking for in your submission. Panelists include Alan Kistler (Comic Mix, Newsarama), Heidi McDonald (The Beat), Kiel Phegley (Comic Book Resources), and Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comics project. Room208

1:30-3:00 CAC Session 7: Females and Feminism— Christin Green (The George Washington University) looks at how Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerra’s series Y: The Last Man confronts stereotypes, breaks traditional formulas, steps out of comfort zones, and makes potentially bold statements about gender norms, masculinity, sexuality, and feminism, defining Y: The Last Man as a postfeminist narrative while drawing critical conclusions about its relative success in re-imagining contemporary popular discourses about feminism. Ayanna Dozier (Chapman University) examines the costumes of female superheroes, uncovering the meaning of such overtly sexual representations of female superheroes and their costumes, which themselves create a power struggle between the character and her costume. When are these designs sexist and when are they an expression of female liberation? Diana Martinez (University of Oregon) studies the many shifts in Wonder Woman’s body and costume design, arguing that Wonder Woman in particular has still not reached physical stability because she has no ideological stability. Wonder Woman’s body is important because she is not just a character, she is an encoding of ideology — an ideology reliant on her body and the way she is perceived. Room210

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Fiona Staples— WonderCon special guest Fiona Staples is known for her art on series such as Mystery Society (created with fellow special guest Steve Niles) and North 40 and her cover work on titles such as T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents. Now she embarks on a whole new phase of her career with the new Image Comics series Saga, co-created by Brian K. Vaughan. Fiona talks about her newest work and more in this special Spotlight panel. Room211

2:00-3:00 Bongo Comics Sneak Peek— Creative director Nathan Kane and managing editor Terry Delegeane showcase Bongo Comics Group’s brand-new look and preview upcoming projects and a few other surprises. Find out what’s in the future for Futurama Comics and what to surmise about Simpsons Comics. This is a “must-attend” panel for all fans of The Simpsons and Futurama and anyone looking for a place to sit down! Room203

2:00-3:00 Geek & Sundry— Felicia Day (The Guild), Wil Wheaton (Awesome), Veronica Belmont (Tekzilla), and Tom Merrit (Sword & Laser) present a sneak preview of Day’s new Geek & Sundry YouTube channel lineup. Room204

2:00-3:00 MARVEL: Avengers vs. X-Men— Are you ready for the biggest superhero war ever in Avengers vs. X-Men? Get the scoop on the groundbreaking event of 2012 as Earth’s Mightiest take on the Children of the Atom with the Marvel Universe at stake. One side believes the Phoenix Force will save their race, the other believes it will destroy the world! What do you believe? Find out everything you need to know as Marvel’s SVP of publishing/executive editor Tom Brevoort (Avengers vs. X-Men), superstar writer Jeph Loeb (Avengers: X-Sanction) and others give you the inside track, right here! Room213

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Richard Kadrey— Q&A time with WonderCon special guest Richard Kadrey, author of the Sandman Slim series. Bring your questions. Bring your accusations. Bring your mom. He doesn’t care. He’ll probably be lying most of the time. Room207

2:30-3:30 Video Game Characters Reborn! Namco Bandai Games’ ShiftyLook— Namco Bandai Games is re-imagining gaming classics like Xevious, Sky Kid, and Bravoman through new multimedia project ShiftyLook. Join producer, editor-in-chief, and head of ShiftyLook Rob Pereyda as he introduces some of the talent behind the project’s webcomics, including appearances by Sky Kid writer Jim Zub (Skullkickers); Alien Confidential: Black & White writer Sharon Scott (More Than Mortal) and artist Andrew Pepoy (Monica Moon); Bravoman writer Matt Moylan (LilFormers) and artist Dax Gordine (Mega Man Tribute); and Xevious writer Mike Costa (Transformers) and artist Mike Norton (Runaways). A live demo of the upcoming Rocket Fox game, an introduction of the talent behind the upcoming Rocket Fox webcomic, ShiftyLook service updates, and even free swag await! Room208

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Arthur Adams— WonderCon special guest Arthur Adams is known for his intricate and design-oriented covers and interior art, and his penchant for all things ape, including his own creation, Monkeyman and O’Brian. Arthur talks about his work and what’s coming up next for him in his career. Room211

2:30-3:15 Open Road Films: Lockout— Global exclusive! Be among the first in the world to see footage of the highly anticipated new film, Lockout. Starring Guy Pearce (Memento, The King’s Speech, upcoming Prometheus) and Maggie Grace (Taken, Taken 2, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn, Parts 1 & 2). Set in the near future, Lockout follows a falsely convicted ex-government agent (Pearce), whose one chance at obtaining freedom lies in the dangerous mission of rescuing the President’s daughter (Grace) from rioting convicts at an outer space maximum security prison. Lockout was directed by James Mather and Stephen Saint Leger from their script, co-written with Luc Besson, who is also a producer. Peter Stormare co-stars. Ballroom,ThirdLevel

3:00-4:00 The Official Aspen Comics Panel— Aspen creators Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Lady Mechanika), Vince Hernandez (Charismagic), Mark Roslan (Broken Pieces), Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika), Oliver Nome (Fathom: Kiani), Scott Lobdell (Fathom), J. T. Krul (Soulfire), Beth Sotelo (Fathom), David Wohl (Executive Assistant: Iris), David Schwartz (Idolized), and letterer Josh Reed discuss exciting new Aspen projects and reveal never-before-seen art. A special Q&A session with fans will take place, and every person in attendance will receive a gift courtesy of Aspen Comics! Room203

3:00-4:00 DC Comics: All Access Special Edition— Don’t miss this panel about the sure-to-be most talked about project of 2012! DC Comics co-publisher Dan DiDio, editor Will Dennis, and writers J. Michael Straczynski and Len Wein talk about this next game-changing event. No comics fan will want to miss this! Room204

3:00-4:00 Kids Can Draw Cartoons with Kristian Sather— Hey kids! Kristian Sather (Bonkers, Jetsons, kristiansather.blogspot.com) will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing funny cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes. Join Kristian for this fun & informative session! Room210

3:00-4:00 Cartoon Voices— It’s another one of those panels where folks who speak for animated characters demonstrate their craft. On the dais are Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show), Laraine Newman (The Fairly OddParents), Wally Wingert (The Avengers), Bill Farmer (Goofy), Alicyn Packard (The Mr. Men Show), Michael Bell (G.I. Joe), and maybe a few others, all put through their paces by voice director Mark Evanier. Room213

3:15-4:15 Universal Pictures: Battleship and Snow White and the Huntsman— Universal Pictures will present footage and special guests from two of its upcoming epic action-adventures: Battleship (May 18) and Snow White and the Huntsman (June 1). Battleship director/producer Peter Berg will be joined by two of the star’s from the film, Alexander Skarsgård and Brooklyn Decker, to discuss the project. Snow White and the Huntsman‘s director, Rupert Sanders, will answer questions about the new movie starring Kristen Stewart, Charlize Theron, Chris Hemsworth and Sam Claflin. Ballroom,ThirdLevel

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Ernest Cline— WonderCon special guest Ernest Cline is a New York Times bestselling novelist (Ready Player One) and a screenwriter (Fanboys). Join him for an hour-long Q&A session about his various book and film projects. Room207

3:30-4:30 Fallout: New Vegas DLCs: Games as a Graphic Novel— After Bethesda and Obsidian released Fallout: New Vegas, there came an opportunity to continue the story in the Mojave Wasteland through four narrative downloadable content packs (DLCs). What were the challenges and the rewards? Obsidian’s creative director Chris Avellone discusses the design methodology and narrative constraints for the DLCs that followed the hit video game. Room208

3:30-4:30 Comic Book Entrepreneurs— Self-publishing success Sam Humphries leads a discussion about building your business around comic books with some of the comic book industry’s leading entrepreneurs. CEO and co-founder David Steinberger of comiXology, Mike Richardson of Dark Horse Comics, Jonah Weiland of ComicBookResources.com, Peter Levin of Nerdist Industries, and Thomas Gaul of Beach Ball Comics describe how each built a business from the ground up around their love of the comic book medium. Don’t miss this rare look into the business side of comics. Room211

4:00-5:00 Kotobukiya Spring Preview— Representatives offer an exclusive look into what products are in development for 2012 and beyond, a Q&A session, and surprise giveaways! Room203

4:00-5:00 MARVEL: Talk to the Hat— This is it, Mighty Marvel fans — the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full-of-surprises panel you wait all year for! Tom Brevoort, Marvel’s SVP of publishing/executive editor, takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room204

4:00-5:00 Coloring with Alex Sinclair— Spend an hour talking with comic book colorist Alex Sinclair. He will show a video demonstration of how he takes a page from start to finish as well as answer any questions you may have about the process, special effects, breaking in, tips and tricks, and, of course…COLOR! Room210

4:00-5:00 MTV Comics with Tom Akel and J. Michael Straczynski— MTV Comics executive editor Tom Akel and creators J. Michael Straczynski ( The Adventures of Apocalypse Al ), Karl Altstaetter ( Me2 ), Heather Kenealy ( Stan Lee’s The Seekers ), and Joshua Hale Fialkov (PUNKS ) reveal and discuss art and information on their new MTV series! Room213

4:15-5:30 Sony Screen Gems: Resident Evil: Retribution Plus More Sony Films— We learn more about Alice’s mysterious past as she continues to hunt those at The Umbrella Corporation responsible for the T-virus outbreak, a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington, DC, and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. The countdown has begun. Resident Evil: Retribution stars Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Sienna Guillory, Kevin Durand, Shawn Roberts, and Boris Kodjoe. Appearing in person is Alice herself, Milla Jovovich, who along with writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson will host a preview and discussion of the wildly successful film franchise based on the popular video game series Resident Evil and this highly anticipated fifth installment, Resident Evil: Retribution in state-of-the art 3D. Additional info on other films to come! Ballroom,ThirdLevel

4:30-5:30 Geek Slant: How the East Meets West— From comics and film to television and new media, Asian Americans have been making their mark on pop culture. Racebending-Media Consumers for Entertainment Equality hosts this no-holds-barred conversation featuring Phil Yu (Angry Asian Man), Jen Wang and Diana Nguyen (Disgrasian), Freddie Wong (YouTube’s freddiew), and other mavens of their industry to discuss the state of Asian Pacific Americans in niche and mainstream media. Room207

4:30-5:30 Animation Writing for Television— For over 20 years, television has been filled with an amazing variety of shows based on comics, films, and original properties. Writer/story editor/UCLA faculty member Robert N. Skir (X-Men, Gargoyles) leads a discussion with Steven Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers Prime), Andrew Robinson (Young Justice, Generator Rex), Mitch Watson (Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated, Freakazoid!), David McDermott (Ben 10: Ultimate Alien, Transformers Prime), and Kurt Weldon (Kim Possible, The Penguins of Madagascar) as they relate tales — exhilarating, hilarious, and often horrifying — of writing for these groundbreaking shows. Room208

4:30-5:30 SLG Publishing and Going Digital First— Company president Dan Vado previews some of the digital only comics being published by SLG and discusses what the future for comics distribution might look like. Apocalyptic scenarios will be bandied about for sure! Room211

5:00-6:00 The Myth of Nostalgia: Collecting and Memory— Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), Kirstie Shepherd (Gadabout Time Machine User’s Manual), and James T. Walker (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) have been collecting, creating, and selling nostalgia for over 40 years. Join them for a panel discussion on how collecting allows us to revisit memories from the past — even a past that we might have been too young to have seen or may never have existed at all. They’ll explore how nostalgia can be invented, whether it goes in and out of fashion, and what happens when the collector becomes the creator. Room203

5:00-6:00 DC Nation Special Video Presentation and Q&A— From the pages of DC Comics to the television screens of fans across the country comes DC Nation, a new one-hour exclusive kids programming block from Cartoon Network, Warner Bros. Animation, and DC Entertainment. DC Nation stars some of the most beloved and legendary heroes of the DC Universe, brought to life by some of the most talented directors, writers, and producers working in animation today. Anchored by Green Lantern: The Animated Series and Young Justice, DC Nation airs Saturdays 10:00-11:00 AM ET/PT. Fans attending the WonderCon 2012 DC Nation panel will be treated to exclusive video content filled with plenty of sneak peeks from the DC Nation block. In addition, an all-star panel featuring Young Justice producers Brandon Vietti (Batman Under the Red Hood) and Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), Green Lantern: The Animated Series producers Jim Krieg (Ben 10: Alien Swarm) and Giancarlo Volpe (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), and DC animated shorts producers Lauren Faust (The Powerpuff Girls, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic) and Ben Jones (Batman: The Brave and The Bold) will take the stage for a moderated Q&A. Learn more about DC Nation at http://www.dcnation.com. Room204

5:00-6:00 Workshop with Ryan Sook— Join artist Ryan Sook for an informative discussion on the value of sketching, doodling, and drawing for illustration and comic art. Ryan will be doing a live projected sketching workshop and speak on the importance of keeping a sketchbook and working in it, as well as taking questions on the subject. If you are interested in drawing comics or doing illustration of any kind, this is a must attend workshop! Room210

5:00-6:00 East Meets West— Paul Power Publications talk about the sci-fi western comic East Meets West with Paul Power, Steve Leialoha, Tom Luth, Tim Burgard, Steve Oliff, Terry Wilson, and a mystery guest. Gift prizes of East Meets West will be handed out during a comics quiz. Fun tales of storyboarding films in Hollywood will be told, plus news on the graphic novel. Room213