WonderCon 2023: Full Schedule

2:30pm PDT

Spotlight on James Rollins

James Rollins (The Cradle of Ice) is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of international thrillers, as well as the new Epic Fantasy Moonfall Saga. His books are always compulsively readable, and he's covered everything from telepathic underground marsupials to a group of human disasters setting out to fight the actual moon, so it's safe to say that there's no shortage of action, adventure, or imagination in his work. Join James for a session about his writing, inspirations, and more.

Speakers

James Rollins

WonderCon Special Guest

James Rollins is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Sigma Force series: Sandstorm, Map of Bones, Black Order, The Judas Strain, The Last Oracle, The Doomsday Key, The Devil Colony, Bloodline, The Eye of God, The 6th Extinction, The Seventh Plague, The Demon Crown, Cruciblek... Read More →

Friday March 24, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Alane Adams

Alane Adams is the author of the Legends of Orkney and the Legends of Olympus series for middle-grade readers, as well as four historical picture books set in the 1920s. She has also launched a prequel series, The Witches of Orkney, featuring the fifth and final installment, The Sorceress. Alane founded the Rise Up Foundation in 2009, which has supported thousands of teachers with classroom needs and books.

Speakers

Alane Adams

WonderCon Special Guest

Alane Adams is a Webby-award winning creator of media content designed to get kids excited about reading and is the author of the Legends of Orkney and the Legends of Olympus series for middle-grade readers, as well as four historical picture books set in the 1920s. Alane founded... Read More →

Friday March 24, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30pm PDT

Here, Now, There, Then: When Fact Meets Fiction

WonderCon special guests Annalee Newitz (The Terraformers) and Gary Phillips (One-Shot Harry), along with Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities), and Dan Santat (A First Time for Everything), share their experiences, tips, and tricks for setting the perfect stage to tell their stories, whether set in a nonfictional now or a fictional future. Moderated by Dr. Jeanelle Horcasitas (educator, technical writer, and speculative futurist).

Speakers

Annalee Newitz

WonderCon Special Guest

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 →

Gary Phillips

WonderCon Special Guest

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 →

Friday March 24, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

Publishing Graphic Novels and Highly Illustrated Stories for Kids: A Journey

From launching or continuing a series to adapting picture books and old classics for different age ranges, publishing books in the graphic novel space is different for every creator. Yarrow and Carrie Cheney (Superworld: Save Noah) and Julie Buxbaum (Area 51 Files) discuss their journeys to becoming published and how the publishing process for highly illustrated works differs from other mediums. Moderated by Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities).

Friday March 24, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

Engineering Superhero Technology

Chris Garcia (STEAM professor and middle-school administrator) discussese the power of the engineering design process and how it has been used by superheroes like Tony Stark to create groundbreaking technology that saves lives. He'll explore the steps of the design process and see how they apply to real-world scenarios. By the end of the session, you'll have a new appreciation for the critical role engineering plays in creating our modern world and its potential for solving some of our most significant challenges.

Friday March 24, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Education, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM

7:30pm PDT

Splattergore: The History of ’90s Horror Comics

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

1: Programs, Comics, Historical, Horror and Suspense

10:30am PDT

Women's Color Code

Women's Color Code is a group of women of color in video games who are excited to talk to you and answer your questions about the game industry. They will share their experiences working on titles big and small, from DreamWorks’ Trollhunters: Defenders of Arcadia and The Arcslinger, to Marvel's Avengers and My Little Pony: A Maretime Bay Adventure. Senior game designer Alissa Smith (Survios), licensing producer Cheyenne Shotton (Walt Disney Games), and professional intern for production Karina Veikos (Walt Disney Games) hope to inspire game lovers, women, and people of color to pursue their dreams of creating video games.

Saturday March 25, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, BIPOC, Games, Seminars & Workshops, Video Games

11:30am PDT

@SuperheroIRL: The Role of Comics in Mental Health Wellness

Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), Dr. J. Scott Jordan (Dark Loops Productions), Marcus H. Roberts (Second Sight Publishing), Dale Deforest (Hero Twins), Sara Roldan (Our Oasis), and moderator Lorran Garrison (Little Brainstorm) discuss how comic books have long been a source of entertainment and inspiration for many, but did you know that they can also play a role in promoting mental health wellness? Explore how comics and graphic novels can help individuals cope with mental health challenges and inspire many to become "superheroes" in their own lives. Panelists will discuss how the themes and messages in comics, such as overcoming adversity and standing up for oneself, can be applied to real-life situations. They will also discuss the importance of representation in comics and how seeing oneself represented in the stories can be empowering for individuals struggling with mental health issues. Learn about the potential benefits of incorporating comics into your self-care routine! There will be giveaways!

Saturday March 25, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

12:30pm PDT

The Science of Spider-Man

TJ Shevlin (2023 Eisner judge, comics enthusiast) and Alonso Nuñez (executive director, Little Fish Comic Book Studio) join scientists Ronald Coleman, Ph.D. (Regenerative Medicine) and Chelsea Ballinger (physicist) to focus on the biology and physics of Spider-Man. Starting with the mutations induced by the radioactive spider that bit him, through the genius of his webslingers, the scientists and Spider-Man lore experts will explore the things that are possible, the things that are impossible, and the things we just can't know. Moderated by Jonathan Bacon-Liu (host of All the Time We Have podcast).

Saturday March 25, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

1:30pm PDT

Engaging Students with Comics in the Classroom

Super teachers Jaime Chavez (intervention counselor, San Diego Unified), Mick Rabin (resource teacher, Youth Advocacy Dept., San Diego Unified), and Ella "Dizzy" Rogosin (teacher, Sweetwater UHSD) describe how incorporating comics into the curriculum increases engagement and access for all students while developing a love for learning (and secretly powering up literacy skills) and how the Comic-Con Educator Book Club brings together teachers from across the region in pursuit of great reads, community, and strategies for the classroom. Moderated by Jewyl Alderson (San Diego County Office of Education). You too can become a super teacher! Panelists will share resources, tips, and tools you can add to your utility belt.

Saturday March 25, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

2:30pm PDT

Defining “Syzygy”: What’s Coming Up for the Image Imprint in 2023 Beyond

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

1: Programs, Books, Comics, Writers & Writing

3:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Mingjue Helen Chen

Mingjue Helen Chen discusses balancing working full-time as a visual development artist and production designer in animation with publishing work in the comic book and children’s book fields, comparing the different skill sets required for both.

Speakers

Mingjue Helen Chen

WonderCon Special Guest

Mingjue Helen Chen is an LA-based illustrator who works in animation as well as publishing. She's worked for Disney Publishing, BOOM!, DC Comics, and Marvel and contributed to such titles as Jungle Book, Gotham Academy, and Silk, along with doing various comic book cover work... Read More →

Saturday March 25, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Gene Luen Yang

Gene Luen Yang writes, and sometimes draws, comic books and graphic novels. American Born Chinese, his first graphic novel from First Second Books, was a National Book Award finalist, as well as the winner of the Printz Award and an Eisner Award. It’s recently been greenlit as a TV show for Disney+. His two-volume graphic novel Boxers & Saints won the L.A. Times Book Prize and was a National Book Award Finalist. His most recent books are the Eisner-winning Dragon Hoops from First Second Books and Superman Smashes the Klan from DC Comics.

Speakers

Gene Luen Yang

WonderCon Special Guest

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 →

Saturday March 25, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:30pm PDT

MENA Voices in the Arts

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

1: Programs, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

Diversity in Film, TV, Games, Comics: How You Can Help

Speakers will share their inspirational career paths into the entertainment industry and discuss issues of diversity and representation for women, ethnicities, LGBTQ+, and more, and brainstorm key things you can do to help increase diversity in movies, TV, games, and comics. Panelists include Colton Tran (HBO Max, Sex Lives of College Girls; Lionsgate, Snow Falls), Josh Trujillo (DC, Blue Beetle: Graduation Day; Marvel, Hulkling & Wiccan), Ashleigh Crystal Hairston (Nickelodeon, Avengers Assemble, Craig of the Creek, Tiny Toons), Tim O'Leary (Demonhuntr creator), George Shaw (composer, DreamWorks' Abominable and the Invisible City, Star Wars Musical), Henry Barajas (Batman: Urban Legends), and Joy Ngiaw (composer: Apple TV+ Blush). Moderated by Kevin Winston (Digital LA).

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

7:30pm PDT

The 70th Anniversary of the 3-D Craze of 1953

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

1: Programs, Animation, Anniversaries, Comics, Education, Historical, Movies

10:30am PDT

Spotlight on Annalee Newitz

Annalee Newitz is an American journalist, editor, and author of fiction and nonfiction. They founded the science fiction website io9 and served as editor-in-chief from 2008 to 2015, then became editor-in-chief at Gizmodo and tech culture editor at Ars Technica. Their book Scatter, Adapt, and Remember: How Humans Will Survive a Mass Extinction was nominated for the LA Times Book Prize in science. Their first novel, Autonomous, won a Lambda award.

Speakers

Annalee Newitz

WonderCon Special Guest

Sunday March 26, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30am PDT

Spotlight on Jenny Frison

Jenny Frison (Harley Quinn, Catwoman) is joined by fellow WonderCon Special Guest Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman: Historia) to discuss cover design, art, creativity, working in the industry, Jenny's entire life story, and more.

Speakers

Jenny Frison

WonderCon Special Guest

Jenny Frison is an illustrator and comic book cover artist known for her evocative and painterly illustrations. Focusing on moody portraits, her body of work is emotionally motivated and character driven. While Jenny made a name for herself in comics creating covers for titles like... Read More →

Phil Jimenez

WonderCon Special Guest

Phil Jimenez is an Eisner, Inkpot, Diamond, and Wizard award–winning writer and artist who has worked for DC, Marvel, and a host of other comic book companies for nearly 30 years. He is best known for his work on Tempest, The Invisibles, JLA/Titans, New-X-Men, Wonder Woman, Infinite... Read More →

Sunday March 26, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Joe Quinones

Joe Quinones is an American comic book artist and illustrator. Known for his expressive faces and fluid linework, Joe has worked on several high-profile books over the last 15 years, including Dial H for Hero, Howard the Duck, America, Spider-Man and more. Most recently, Joe helped usher in the return of Tim Burton’s Batman, realizing a comic book sequel to his two films, titled Batman ’89. Joe illustrated and helped conceive of the book alongside the film’s original screenwriter, Sam Hamm.

Speakers

Joe Quinones

WonderCon Special Guest

Joe Quinones is an American comic book artist and illustrator. Known for his expressive faces and fluid linework, Joe has worked on several high-profile books over the last 15 years, including Dial H for Hero, Howard the Duck, America, Spider-Man, and more. Most recently, Joe helped... Read More →

Sunday March 26, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30pm PDT

IDW’s Artist’s Editions: A Library of Comic Book Legends at Your Fingertips

IDW Publishing and Scott Dunbier (director of special projects) set the industry standard for high-end archival collectibles when they launched the Artist's Editions line, giving comic lovers everywhere the most authentic original comic art experience possible, from such greats as John Buscema, Dave Stevens, and Todd McFarlane (to name a few)! You'll marvel as Scott relates personal stories of how Artist's Editions are made . . . and what's coming next!

Sunday March 26, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs

2:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Mitch Gerads and Tom King

Artist Mitch Gerads has brought his realistic style to the superhuman and unreal in books like Mister Miracle, Batman, and Strange Adventures. Mitch and Eisner Award–winning writer Tom King (Mister Miracle, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Human Target) partake in a one-on-one interview, Q&A session, and often hilarious insanity.

Speakers

Mitch Gerads

WonderCon Special Guest

Mitch Gerads is a comics artist who has made a career out of bringing humanity and realism to the superhuman and unreal. Best known for his much-lauded work at DC Comics with writer Tom King on Mister Miracle, Batman, Strange Adventures, and The Sheriff of Babylon, he lives and... Read More →

Tom King

WonderCon Special Guest

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 →

Sunday March 26, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30pm PDT

Six Essentials Aspiring Creators Must Know (Geekview Tavern Live!)

It ain't easy making comics! Get the inside scoop no one shares on websites or social media. Comics industry veterans share the secrets behind creating, selling, and living life as comic book professionals. This live version of the YouTube show Geekview Tavern features host Dave Olbrich (Malibu Comics), Scott Koblish (artist Deadpool, Avengers), Larry Houston (director, animator), Chris Ulm (Ultraverse editor-in-chief), Emmy Award winner Tom Mason (Dinosaurs for Hire, Prototype), Nicholas Doan (Monster Elementary, The Kid & The Ripper), and Vince Hernandez (Aspen editor-in-chief). What you don't know can hurt you!

Sunday March 26, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs