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 Tim Chizmar (Fangoria, co-chair of the Horror Writers Association), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Jason LiVecchi (NBC, CW, KUSI News), Grant Offenberger (Grant Me Peace), Alex Raymond (Monstar, Hollywood Gone Geek), Francis Sky (First Comics News), and Josh Waldrop (Ultima Digital Media). Find out what it takes to self-promote your work and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comics project.
Friday March 24, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
With spiritual themes continuing to be an essential component in comics, television, and movies such as Thor: Love and Thunder and Wakanda Forever and series such as House of the Dragon, this panel examines how these themes have influenced the entertainment industry and the culture at large. Panelists include B Dave Walters (actor, writer), Ameen Beydoun (Habibti Pada), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), Christina Todd (Geeky Guys & Gals for God), Alexander James (church speaker), and Kyle Keene (moderator).
Friday March 24, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
An annual event since 1970, the San Diego Comic-Con is a big part of our lives. Presenting and discussing their love of pop culture are Greg Koudoulian (early SDCC film program contributor; manager of the Shel Dorf Archives), Sasha Achrem (George Clayton Johnson’s last apprentice), Anthony Keith (former SDCC committee member and El Cortez alumnus), Terry Stroud (dealer at every Comic-Con and co-founder of American Comic Book Company), and John Morrow (TwoMorrows Publishing and author).
Friday March 24, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Tabletop games are having a golden age with new releases coming out every month. Learn about the board game design process, including prototyping, playtesting, and more tips and tricks of the trade from industry experts. Bring your questions and participate in an open forum fireside chat. Moderated by Chris Castagnetto.
Friday March 24, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Andres Useche (award-winning writer/director and composer), Maytha Alhassen (Hulu's Ramy), Daniela Munoz-Useche (cinematographer), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy) dig into how everyone can use filmmaking, comics, and transmedia to give voice to underrepresented folks, to honor real-life heroes, and to help seek greater justice, empathy, and equality. This presentation includes short screenings, an international premiere, and a guided tour of Useche's local and international collaborations with activists, artists, and world leaders.
Friday March 24, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Copyright and Trademark protections are almost as important to comics as a Punchline™. Technology combined with an ever-increasing appetite for content means that it’s easier than ever for creators to get their works in front of an audience; but at the same time, this has also made the copying of content, ideas, and now even artistic styles easier than ever. The economics are always tricky, even with the rise of crowdfunding, digital publishing and print-on-demand services, so more than ever, knowledge is key to navigating the ever-shifting landscape. And although with great power there must also come great responsibility, today’s creators are finding that with great technological power comes great (potential) reward and also greater risk, with thieves gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools to fleece the unwary. End result: it’s vital to know what your rights are in order to best defend your valuable IP. Luckily, Matthew Murdock, Mallory Book, and Wolff and Byrd aren’t the only lawyers available to the superhero set, as WonderCon once again brings back noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) to discuss the truths (and debunk some urban legends) about protecting your creative capital. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion led by Lovitz concerning the basic rights provided under the U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws, including the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, a brief overview of copyright and trademark rights and their application to works of authorship, characters, and names, as well as an overview of the registration process for each, and (time permitting) a brief discussion on how loose lips can sometimes sink ships, why written agreement are good, and why not all lawyers are villains. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property 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.].
Friday March 24, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
Brock Smith (ZRock Comics co-founder and writer The Ferryman) and his team— Zen Snowden (co-founder and artist), Kathleen Lewis (editor/media), Maile Eusebio (media/shorts),and Christian Pedersen (operations coordinator)—share their experiences in learning to overcome the challenges of balancing their creative lives and everyday lives to help inspire other future creatives.
Friday March 24, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Robotech burst onto the scene in 1985 and helped usher in the age of modern anime fandom in North America. Since then a lot has changed and fans have questions. Join Harmony Gold for this presentation addressing the series in HD, the impacts of Sony's acquisition of Crunchyroll, and the Macross sequels.
Friday March 24, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 207
Like most toy collectors out there, you probably like to customize your figures to make them just right for you. With 3D printing now you can do just that. Learn from the best digital designers, customizers, and printers from around the world. They will cover how to start designing, where to get predesigned files, what printers and paints to buy, and what it takes to make these collectibles your own.
Friday March 24, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210
Can dreams truly empower us? Allow us to shape the world? Even reconnect with loved ones? Grab your Helmet of Dreams and join a dream team of psych geeks including Benjamin Taitz, MA (Mental Health Quest Podcast), Justine Mastin, LMFT (Starship Therapise), Shelly Clevenger (Sam Houston State University), Brittani Oliver Sillas-Navarro, MA, AMFT (Alliant International University), Elizabeth 방실 Han, Psy.D. (MiraCare Neurobehavioral Health), Dr. J Scott Jordan (Dark Loops Productions), and Dr. Travis Langley (Stranger Things Psychology: Life Upside Down) discuss the psychology of the Sandman and the true power of dreams in our waking lives. Moderated by Dr. Isaac Taitz (All Mind Health).
Friday March 24, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Frank Forte (Asylum Press, Heavy Metal, Cry for Dawn) discusses the history of ’90s horror comics, including the late ’80s indie scene that led to the ’90s black-and-white boom. Frank talks about Northstar Publications, Grips, Cry for Dawn, Faust, Lady Death, Verotik, Boneyard Press, From Beyonde, Taboo, Slow Death, Razor, Vamperotica, Tarot Witch of the Black Rose, NightCry, Marvel's Hellraiser, and more. These comics had an effect on the industry as a whole because they were doing huge print runs and there was a rabid fanbase for the genre. Some companies went too far and comics were banned; some stories led to police investigations and charges filed. A slideshow will accompany the talk.
Friday March 24, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
Music creatives join together to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating the scores and sounds to some of today's most popular TV series and films. Featuring panelists Jeff Russo (Star Trek: Picard), Amanda Krieg Thomas (American Horror Story), Joseph Shirley (The Mandalorian), Joanne Higginbottom (Primal), Will Bates (Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches), and Gavin Brivik (How to Blow Up a Pipeline). Surprise moderator TBA.
Saturday March 25, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207
Featuring creatives from The Last of Us, Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham, Ms. Marvel, Dahmer–Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and more. “It’s Alive!” is back at WonderCon with another look behind some of your favorite sci-fi, horror, and comic book–based films and television shows. Production designers, cinematographers, editors, and other entertainment creatives share their insights on bringing these thrilling and often chilling worlds to life. Featuring production designer John Paino (The Last of Us), cinematographer Jules O’Loughlin, ASC ACS (Ms. Marvel Episodes 4 and 5), editor Tayor Joy Mason (Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story), executive producer/ co-creator Elle León Nostas (Mark of Death), composer Stefan L. Smith (Batman: The Doom That Came to Gotham), and producer Christopher Kaminski (Cobalt Knight). Moderated by voiceover artist and actor Queen Noveen (Redfall). Part 2 of Impact24 PR’s Panel Superblock.
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
About Comics published its first comic in 1998 and in the 25 years since has published a bizarrely wide range of comics-related material, from new hero books to how-to books to reprints of classic strips, Catholic cartoons, Black cartoons, old coloring books, whatever. Along the way this one-man company launched careers and founded 24 Hour Comics Day. About Comics sole honcho Nat Gertler and some cohorts share the more interesting parts of that history, as well as look at what's coming up.
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
For artists and writers who get “stuck," neteran writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (Hawk & Dove, Avengers: Marvels Snapshots) slings rapid-fire tips, tricks, and strategies for vanquishing those blocked brain cells and deadline demons! Part information, part motivation, all entertaining!
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E
You’d like to adapt your book or comic series into a successful movie or television pilot, but where do you begin and who do you talk to about it? It’s time for a frank, honest discussion about the dos and don't from those industry pros who have done it before. Award-winning and bestselling writer/filmmaker Tim Chizmar (founder, Horror Writers Association Las Vegas; president, SpookyNinjaKitty Comics; VP at FUNI MEDIA) moderates this panel of industry professionals who will tell you the truth about adapting your words, from a piece of literature or comic series into a successful visual medium. Panelists include industry pros Stephen Stern (creator of Zen Intergalactic Ninja), Amber Hassler (VP of writing integrity, SpookyNinjaKitty publishing), Mark Savage (director of films Hells Coming for You, Pain Killer, etc.), Rik Offenberger (Archie Comics, editor at First Comics News), and Melody Munson (cartoon illustrator and actress, The Nudels of Nudeland).
Saturday March 25, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Go behind the scenes of popular movies and television shows to see what it takes to bring characters and worlds to life. Costume, makeup, hair, and production designers in entertainment dive into the incredible skill and creativity that goes into making movie and TV magic. Featuring makeup department head Rebecca Wachtel (Daisy Jones & the Six), hair stylist/ wig maker Justi Embree (Missing), costume designer Jennifer May Nickel (Gotham Knights), costume designer Carrie Grace (Doom Patrol, The Boys Episodes 1 and 2), costume designer Dominique Dawson (Swarm), and production designer James Bolenaugh (Kevin Can Go F**k Himself). Moderated by voiceover artist and actor Queen Noveen (Redfall). Part 3 of Impact24 PR’s Panel Superblock.
Saturday March 25, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Joining Disney in their centennial celebration, Leslie Kay (author of Disney Publishing’s DisneyBound: Dress Disney and Make It Fashion and the viral blog The Disneybound) and a panel of Disneybound pros examine how Disneybound fashion has evolved and grown over the last 13 years and how 100 years of Disney film and fashion history have influenced the community and their creativity. Panelists include Disneybound experts Tiffany Sutton, Erika Kurzawa, Domonique Brown, Pernell Langhorne III, Logan Allison, Lauren, and Kelsey Walmer.
Saturday March 25, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
A fast, loose, and fun technique to ink with, inspired by the ancient art of Sumi inking. Anyone can practice it with a little introduction, and even advanced masters will enjoy the wide range of potential this technique holds. It has no limit, and the more one lets the ink do what it wants, the more wonder it brings. Hays will do a demo and answer any questions - maybe even take requests.
Eisner Award–winning writer Tom King had an extensive run on Batman, giving us a story to truly remember. His other credits include Batman/Catwoman, Grayson, Heroes in Crisis, Mister Miracle, The Omega Men, Rorschach, Strange Adventures, and The Sheriff of Babylon for DC and The... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
Annalee Newitz (The Terraformers), Tara Madison Avery (Prism Comics), Sonya Saturday (A Ninja Dinosaur Christmas!!!), Knave Murdock (Transcat), Liam Coballes (Aggretsuko), Zhen (Hello We Are Rats), and moderator Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm) spotlight the talent and creativity of trans creators in comics and pop culture. From comics, film, and television to music and literature, trans individuals have been making a huge impact in shaping our cultural landscape. This panel will feature trans artists, writers, and producers discussing their work and the challenges they have faced in the industry. They will also explore ways in which trans creators can be supported and ensure that their voices are heard and acknowledged. There will be giveaways.
Annalee Newitz is an American journalist, editor, and author of fiction and nonfiction. They are the recipient of a Knight Science Journalism Fellowship from MIT and have written for Popular Science, The New Yorker, and the Washington Post. They founded the science fiction website... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
Comics are a powerful force: Fun fandoms, book sale profits, creative career opportunities, and drivers of popular culture. What if all of this awesome power can be harnessed to do even more good? Find out how some of your favorite industry insiders and creators use their substantial influence to positively impact their communities. Panelists include Alex Antone (editorial director, Skybound Entertainment), Moni Barrette (Creators, Assemble co-founder; 2023 Eisner judge), and comics creators Mairghread Scott (Sea Serpent's Heir), Geoff Johns (Junkyard Joe) and Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian).
Saturday March 25, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 207
Syzygy Publishing, the imprint run by Chris Ryall and Ashley Wood, launched in 2022 with Joe Hill’s Rain and an array of other titles. Chris Ryall,David M. Booher (Rain writer) , Ethan Sacks, Jordan Hart, and Arka Ray discuss what was, what is, and what will be for the avant-garde imprint, featuring a wide array of artwork, along with plenty of announcements. Come for the Tales of Syz and stay for, well, an explanation of just what “Tales of Syz” means!
Saturday March 25, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
Explore the city settings—including locations in our reality, those crafted entirely from the creator's imagination, and those somewhere in between—of works by Tananarive Due (The Wishing Pool and Other Stories), Steven Barnes & Marco Finnegan (The Keeper), WonderCon special guest Gary Phillips (One-Shot Harry, South Central Noir), Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything), and WonderCon special guest Greg van Eekhout (Fenris & Mott), guided by Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Creating Conversations).
Gary Phillips has published several novels and short stories and written comics for the likes of DC, BOOM! Dark Horse, and Moonstone, where he penned new adventures of Kolchak, the Night Stalker and pulp favorite The Spider. He’s been a staff writer on Snowfall, a show streaming... Read More →
Greg van Eekhout is the author of four fantasy novels for adults and six fantasy and science fiction novels for middle-grade readers, as well as dozens of short stories. His novel Weird Kid won the California Independent Booksellers Alliance's Golden Poppy Award. Others of his works... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Special guests Walter Jones (Black Ranger from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Scott Zillner (Official Power Rangers Convention: Power MorphiCon, Pop Culture TV Personality - Netflix's The Toys That Made Us), Dan Southworth (Quantum Ranger from Power Rangers Time Force, Power Rangers: Wild Force), Selwyn Ward (Red Ranger from Power Rangers Turbo, Blue Rangerfrom Power Rangers in Space), Andrew Gray (Red Ranger from Power Rangers Megaforce and Super Megaforce), and Kevin Thompson (Quagmire from Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Season 1's "Island of Illusion") will discuss with Jessica Tseang (pop culture historian, The History Channel: The Toys that Built America, AMC/Robert Kirkman’s The Secret History of Comics) the long-lasting legacy of this renowned franchise.
Saturday March 25, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
North 200A
Brian Crosby (director, Marvel Themed Entertainment and host of Marvel DRAW!) walks aspiring artists of all levels step-by-step through drawing the Invincible Iron Man. So sharpen those pencils and come learn from one of Marvel’s own how you can bring your drawings to life!
Saturday March 25, 2023 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 210
For years, storytelling in television, film, and comics has followed a template that’s been laid down by men. As more women get the opportunity to tell their own stories, a new template is being forged: a female lens. What will it look like? How will it change the stories we tell? Trina Robbins (Wonder Woman, Wimmen's Comix), Meaghan Fitzmartin (Justice League vs RWBY), Barbara Kessel (Wonder Woman), Ahbra Perry (Giant Pictures, Drafthouse Films), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Super-Women), Hanah Lee Cook (Muppet Babies), and Natasha Halevi (Give Me an A) discuss how the entertainment industry is changing and what the future holds for female storytellers. Moderated by John Marcotte (Heroic Girls).
Retired underground cartoonist and current comics herstorian Trina Robbins has been writing graphic novels, comics, and books for about half a century. Her subjects have ranged from Wonder Woman and the Powerpuff Girls and her own teenage superheroine, GoGirl!, to women cartoonists... Read More →
Saturday March 25, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge Productions), Arabian Prince (NWA), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Andrew Cosby (co-founder BOOM! Studios), and Andy Suriano (creator, Rise of the TMNT) discuss what it takes to create and navigate creations across the multiple media worlds of publishing, animation, films, toys, games, and more.
Saturday March 25, 2023 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
Welcome to a discussion that celebrates Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) Americans working in arts and entertainment today. Kristina Giblin (animator), Yas Modares Ghasiri (actor/writer), Esraa Darwish (assistant director), and Sarah Fatemi (comedian) share the highlights and challenges of working in their respective fields and why MENA representation also matters. Moderated by Paul Zecharia (actor/filmmaker). Q&A to follow.
Saturday March 25, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
Your Movie Guy Juju Green a.k.a. Straw Hat Goofy and Megan Cruz a.k.a. JStoobs kick off a new season of their pop culture podcast Geeks of the Week Live! from WonderCon 2023!.Special guests to be announced.
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 211
Writer/executive producer A.C. Bradley (What If?, Ms. Marvel), production coordinator Steven Edwards (Spider-Man Into the Spiderverse, Across the Spiderverse), and illustrator Lee Kohse (Star Wars, Kindergoth) tell stories and discuss how they broke into the entertainment industry working on films, television, and comics. Find out how to be ready when your lucky break comes. Is it really all about who you know? Find out how to promote yourself and network. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski (Roddenberry Productions, Hi Everybody: A Bad Medicine Podcast).
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
What makes a villain? Consider The Joker, who in all his chaos can wrangle the Rogues of Gotham against Batman; or Loki, who can command a room or army. Some origin stories, like that of Darth Vader, are filled with trauma and emotional heartbreak. Other villains, like Freddy Krueger, use emotion and emotional intelligence (EQ) to manipulate others. What is at the heart of a villain? Authors April Fugett, Ph.D. (interim executive director, center for teaching and learning; professor, Marshall University), Britani Black, Psy.D. (assistant professor, Marshall University School of Medicine), Keith Beard, Psy.D. (professor, Marshall University), and Morgan Kinsey (Marshall University), examined measures of EQ and empathy about preference for (or against) some of pop culture’s most notorious baddies. The research results will be discussed to better understand why we may connect with some less-than-heroic characters over others.
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Do you have an idea for a script? How about that book you wanted to write? Do you have it all written down but don’t know what to do with it? You are not alone. Content creation, publication, and marketing can be daunting. CEO April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome; actor, winner of Search for the Next Elvira) hosts David Yarovesky (director and creator, Brightburn, Nightbooks), Jessica Maison (author and comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press, Plastic Girl Trilogy, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Tessa McFionn (novelist, A Curse of Forever, A Divine's Retribution), Heath Harper (actor, Princess Lucinda; editor, Pandora Syndrome), and The Boxleitner Brothers Lee Boxleitner and Sam Boxleitner (screenwriters, Downstairs, Rupert).
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 210
Whether self-publishing or working for an independent publisher, writing indie comics presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to share your creative vision. Learn the tricks and tips of the trade from writers David Avallone (Elvira), Charlie Stickney (White Ash), Russell Nohelty (Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter), Clinton Wolf (Zombie Ranch), and Daniel Gastelum (CHSR). Hosted by David Lucarelli (Tinseltown). Free comics for everyone who asks a question!
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300E
After 15 years, we will soon learn what Indiana Jones has been up to. This panel will discuss the fifth movie of this popular franchise as well as what may be in store for the franchise under Disney, including a pending video game, additional films or television series, and other media. Featuring Gareth Von Kallenbach (creator/editor of Skewed and Reviewed), with Michael Newman and Victor and Juliette Calderon of Skewed and Reviewed.
Saturday March 25, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Amanda Meadows (senior editor, Oni Press/Lion Forge, she/her), illustrator and Annie and Emmy Award–winning animator Sandra Equihua (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera, Maya and the Three, she/her), and Emmy and Peabody Award–winning animator Elizabeth Ito (City of Ghosts, Adventure Time, she/her) discuss how they've navigated their creative industries to produce stories that excite them, and how industry practices should change to give fans more stories that reflect a wider range of characters and experiences. Moderated by Christine Pasalo Norland (writer/founder/president of Hello Barkada, she/her).
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E
The Welcome Party cordially invites you to a Pop Culture Fantasy Draft, where panelists build the best team for surprise scenarios and suggestions from the audience. Joined by some Felted Friends (Danny Montooth, puppeteer for Cucumber; Art Vega, puppeteer for Chunk), Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and JPG will be choosing characters across pop culture to brave haunted houses, medal in Olympic events, and run social media accounts. Once the characters and scenarios are chosen, it’s up to the panelists to convince the voting audience that their picks are the right people for the job!
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A
1953 was a landmark year for 3-D movies and comic books. That year saw many major Hollywood feature films, shorts, and theatrical animated cartoons produced in 3-D, and most major comics companies published 3-D comic books, all to great popularity. But the fad burned out quickly—by the end of the year, there were no more 3-D comics, and only a few movies were still released in 3-D the following year. Eric Kurland (founder, 3-D SPACE), Lawrence Kaufman (historian, National Stereoscopic Association), and Mike Ballew (Close Enough to Touch: 3-D Comes to Hollywood) take a look at how the 3-D craze started, some if it's highlights, and why it fizzled out. 3-D glasses will be provided to attendees.
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
As The Flash TV series races to its finish line, revisit the Arrowverse from its beginning in Arrow through Black Lightning,Stargirl, and more with an exploration of the science, science fiction, and fantasy behind these great stories. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Stranger Things Psychology) asks a panel of experts how—and if—any of it might work: Deric A. Hughes (Arrow, Quantum Leap), Kristi Korzec (Superman & Lois), Ray Utarnachitt (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Dark Agents), and maybe a surprise guest or two.
Saturday March 25, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 300C
The Cereal Killer Duo Anastasia Washington and Maria Spiridigliozzi are joined by Samantha Hale (Horror Nerd), David Crownson (Kingwood Comics), Ed Greer (The Greatest Pod), and Sean Owens (Icons of Darkness) to discuss true crime in comics. An interactive panel with trivia prizes and yes . . . cereal.
Saturday March 25, 2023 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
When Casper the Friendly Ghost's artist visited the Marvel Bullpen, Marie Severin remarked "They don't know it, but this is the best artist that ever walked through these doors." Was she right? Jim Thompson (A People's History of Comics, 2021 Eisner Awards judge), Alonso Nuñez (executive director, Little Fish Comic Book Studio, 2021 Eisner Awards judge), Mark Badger (artist, DC/Marvel, creator of Badgetoons), Jerry Beck (author and animation historian), and Isidro Valdez Palmer (artist) examine Kremer's Casper,Wendy the Good Little Witch,Hot Stuff,Little Dot,Little Lotta, Stumbo the Giant, and Richie Rich covers in a master class on color, brushstrokes, design, direction, character expression and the art of the gag.
Saturday March 25, 2023 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E
CovrPrice.com is a collection management system and comic book price guide all rolled into one. Know what everything in your collection is worth based only on REAL sales for graded and ungraded comics, see what's trending in your collection, and track your profits daily. The founders of CovrPrice.com John Sulaitis and Matt Devoe walk through their service, recognize profit opportunities, and share tips on how to make the system work best for you.
Sunday March 26, 2023 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 300E
John Wells III (The Kalib Andrews Chronicles), Paul S. Levine (literary agent, The Black Panther), Amanda Ross (The Witchkind Series, In the House of Transcendence), Jonathan Yanez (International and USA Today bestselling author), Alexandra Walker (Spider-verse Unlimited) discuss diversity in fantasy and what diverse authors owe their own cultures when writing diverse characters. The panelist of esteemed authors will partake in a Q&A session moderated by Tiffie Starchild (content creator).
Sunday March 26, 2023 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 211
Where do comics go from here? As publishing recovers from the massive impact of COVID, titanic shifts are happening in the comics landscape. David Avallone and Rylend Grant, co-hosts of the award-winning Writers Block podcast, interview a panel of seasoned comics professionals about the current state of the industry. They’ll discuss the scandals, the controversies, the challenges, and possible solutions. Joining them are Charlie Stickney (White Ash), David Booher (Canto), Ray Anthony Height (Star Wars: Doctor Aphra), and Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press).
Sunday March 26, 2023 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
How effective has the Christian church been in its outreach to the comic book/animation/gaming culture? Where has the church been successful, and where it has failed? Panelists will discuss concrete and tested strategies to reach the pop culture community. Discussion will be followed by a short sermonette. Panelists include Alexander James (church speaker), Joe Queen (Geeky Guys 4 God), Karyn Keene (youth leader), Bryan Mero (Christian Comic Arts Society), Janae Stark (Christian Comic Arts Society), and Ralph Miley (moderator).
Sunday March 26, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
Zombie stories in popular culture can help us critically examine social institutions (family, economics, education, law) and explore ways inequality is reproduced. Dr. Sheri-Lynn Kurisu (assistant professor of criminology and justice studies, CSUSM), Dr. Matthew Atherton (associate professor of social sciences, CSUSM), Dr. Zachary Hays (associate professor of criminal justice, CSUB), and Shawn Kittelsen (narrative director, Skybound Entertainment) will challenge audience members to survive scenarios in the zombie apocalypse. They will discuss the choices of the audience and examples from popular culture and how these choices reflect society. Moderated by Allison Carr (academic transitions librarian, CSUSM).
Sunday March 26, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300E
UFOs are in the skies and on everyone’s minds these days and they have been in comic books, movies, and television for decades. This panel of researcher-author enthusiasts, well-known in the UFO community, come together to present an entertaining and informative depiction of strange objects in the skies through the years. Walter Bosley (Ancient Aliens), Clydene Nee, Earl G Anderson (MUFON), Tessa Dick (Philip K. Dick: Remembering Firebright), and Greg Bishop (Project Beta) offer a fascinating and fun retrospective.
Sunday March 26, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
North 200A
Led by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press), this panel will provide a thoughtful conversation that goes far beyond the fact that representation is necessary. Featuring David M. Booher (writer, Killer Queens), Ashley V. Robinson (co-writer, Jupiter Jet), Tilly Bridges (writer, Trans Tuesdays), and Kayden Phoenix (writer, A La Brava), the conversation will include how each panelist defines "healthy" queer representation, whether it's necessary to only tackle the positive stories and aspects of life, and much more.
Sunday March 26, 2023 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
The Winner Twins, Brittany and Brianna (National best-selling authors, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: I Love Rock N Roll, Halestorm: Hyde Manor, The Strand Series) explain how to create your own novel step by step. They will be joined by Todd McCaffrey (New York Times best-selling author, Dragonriders of Pern, The Canaris Rift Series, LA Witch Series) and Rantz Hoseley (Eisner and Harvey award-winning author and artist, Tori Amos: Comic Book Tattoo, Judas Priest: Screaming for Vengeance, The Heroin Diaries), and more guests to be announced. From developing a writing routine to an in-depth look at different publishing paths, they explore what it means and what it takes to be an author professionally and to achieve success. They will share their war stories, secrets, and paths to help you tell your stories to the world.
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
Dale Deforest (Hero Twins), Mark Nazal (Diwata Komiks), Chag Lowry (Soldiers Unknown), Johnny Bear Contreras (artist), Sara Roldan (Our Oasis), and moderator Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm) explore the role of indigenous storytelling in comics and pop culture through their experiences of indigenous creators. The discussion will include the importance of cultural authenticity in their work and how they use traditional storytelling techniques in their comics. They will also delve into the challenges of depicting indigenous culture in a medium that is not necessarily rooted in it, and the ways in which they navigate those challenges. Also covered will be the impact of their work on indigenous youth and how comics and pop culture can be used as a tool for education and empowerment. There will be giveaways.
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Comics professionals talk about the world of crowdfunding. Hear some success stories, tips, and why crowdfunding is the best way to make and distribute your comics today. Bring your questions! With Vince Hernandez (VP/ EIC - Aspen Comics), Jordan Plosky (CEO - Zoop),and more special guests!
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
The hosts of The Arkham Sessions celebrate the 30th anniversary of the beloved animated film Batman: Mask of the Phantasm. Podcast hosts Brian Ward and Dr. Drea Letamendi (Fandom) will treat the audience to a conversation with the film's co-director, Eric Radomski (Batman: The Animated Series), as well as with Londyn Jackson (History of the Batman) and Ashley Victoria Robinson (Geek History Lesson) as they "unmask," explore, and pay tribute to the storytelling of Batman, the Joker, and of course, the Phantasm!
Sunday March 26, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Can imagined futures of drowned cities, drought, out-of-control wildfires, unprecedented weather events, and mass extinctions help us grasp the complexity of climate change? As world leaders attempt to scramble to face the coming decades, creators have as well, by telling stories focusing on the climate crisis to serve as both metaphor and call to action. Cecil Castellucci (Shifting Earth), JR Hughto (That Distant Fire), Mark Russell (Traveling to Mars), and Sherri L Smith (Avatar: The High Ground) are tackling seeding hope and visions for good futures in their stories while sounding the alarm about the high stakes of inaction when considering the state of our home, Planet Earth.
Mark Russell is an award-winning author and comic book writer best known for his work on The Flintstones, the GLAAD Award winning Exit Stage Left: The Snagglepuss Chronicles, Second Coming, Superman: Space Age, and the Eisner and Ringo Award winning Not All Robots. He is also the... Read More →
Sunday March 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Ariel Landrum (therapist), Stefanie Bautista (educator), Thien Pham (graphic novelist and teacher), Earl Baylon (actor), Jennifer N Linch (film director), Kristine Gerolaga (writer, director, and actor), and Danice Cabanela (actor) celebrate the profound impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander representation in recent films and animation. Panelist shares their personal stories from their work with students, with clients, and within the entertainment industry.
Sunday March 26, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Mark Chu-Lin (event coordinator and Avengers Initiative club president) hosts fellow Avengers Initiative members Jennifer Athey (California West Coast Avengers chapter leader), Alice Irvin (California West Coast Avengers executive officer), Daniel Trevizo (Los Angeles County fire captain and California West Coast Avengers member), and Alex Cherry (California West Coast Avengers member) to discuss using Marvel fandom for fundraising, charity work, and volunteerism. Natalie Chicas (Shriners Children’s Southern California certified child life specialist) will share how such volunteers serve a pediatric service organization. The Avengers Initiative is a not-for-profit fan club dedicated to celebrating the Marvel Universe through costuming. Come and learn how this all-volunteer organization was formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity of Marvel fandom and service. See how this group seeks to promote interest in Marvel through the building and wearing of quality costumes and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Marvel-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work.
Sunday March 26, 2023 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300A
A candid discussion with creators in the industry about the progression of Asian representation and where it stands today. Christie Shinn (creator, HoraTora Studios, president of CAPS), Bernard Chang (artist/designer, DC Monkey Prince, NYTimes bestselling illustrator), Gene Luen Yang (artist/writer, DC/Marvel, Monkey Prince, Shang-Chi, American Born Chinese), and Jessica Chen (editor, DC Comics, Monkey Prince, various Bat-family Books) will discuss what inspired them growing up and what they hope to see going forward. Moderated by Justin Otero (cosplayer).
Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. As the Library of Congress’s fifth National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature, he advocates for the importance of reading, especially reading diversely. American Born Chinese, his first graphic... Read More →
Sunday March 26, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Dr. Wei Xu (artist, mathematician, computer scientist, author) will talk about how to correctly and efficiently draw shapes with science. He has developed an Angle-Based Constructive (ABC) method to control shapes, rather than using length-measurement, for observational drawing. People at all drawing levels will benefit from this talk.
Sunday March 26, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 210
