WonderCon 2023: Full Schedule

2:30pm PDT

New Rockstars

Erik Voss, Tommy Bechtold, Jessica Clemons, and Zach Huddleston (New Rockstars and Deep Dive YouTube channels) discuss big Marvel, DC, and Star Wars news, interact with the audience, and bring the fun of the New Rockstars YouTube channel to WonderCon.

Friday March 24, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television, Web

3:30pm PDT

Tabletop Game Design Roundtable

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

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Historical, Superheroes

4:30pm PDT

How to Write for Animation

Did you ever dream of writing cartoon shows? Well, here’s your chance to find out how to do it from three guys who have written hundreds and hundreds of them. The secrets of animation writing will be divulged by WonderCon special guests Tom Ruegger (Pinky and the Brain, Disney’s The 7D), Paul Rugg (Animaniacs, Freakazoid!), and moderator Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show, Dungeons & Dragons).

Speakers

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest

Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animated... Read More →

Tom Ruegger

WonderCon Special Guest

Tom Ruegger is the 14-time Emmy winning creator/producer/writer/showrunner of many beloved animated TV series, including Animaniacs, Pinky and the Brain, Tiny Toon Adventures, Road Rover, and Histeria! As the creator of Animaniacs, Tom served as senior producer, showrunner, story... Read More →

Paul Rugg

WonderCon Special Guest

Paul Rugg co-developed and was the voice of Freakazoid in Steven Spielberg Presents: Freakazoid. Paul was one of the original writers of Animaniacs and helped develop the characters of Yakko, Wakko and Dot, writing over 40 episodes. Paul also provided the voice of Mr. Director... Read More →

Friday March 24, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:30pm PDT

Creating Tales of Horror and Suspense with Storm King Comics

For a decade and counting, The Queen of Horror Sandy King Carpenter has taken the world of comics by storm with her publishing imprint Storm King Comics, co-founded with the legendary John Carpenter. This panel of horror and sci-fi writers will discuss what it takes to craft a compelling tale of horror and suspense for the comic book medium. Panelists include Sandy King (writer/editor, Tales for a HalloweeNight; CEO of Storm King Productions & Comics), WonderCon Special Guest Marv Wolfman (Tomb of Dracula, Teen Titans, former editor at DC Comics), Neo Edmund (Tales for a HalloweeNight, Grimms Town Terror Tales, Power Rangers), and Sean Sobczak (writer, Tales for a HalloweeNight; managing editor at Storm King Comics).

Friday March 24, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

Finding the Balance: PreZented by ZRock Comics

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

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

7:30pm PDT

Exclusive Preview: Among the Others

Experience the first-ever sneak peek of the world-bending science fantasy adventure Among the Others. Ebrahim A. Ebrahim (Among the Others creator), Matthew Mercer (Legend of Zelda, Attack on Titan), Taliesin Jaffe (Legend of Vox Machina, Horizon Forbidden West), Dawn M. Bennett (My Hero Academia, Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes), and members of the Among the Others crew discuss the making of their new franchise release, along with the wild world of animation: how to get an indie film off the ground, ways to grow your team, and how to transition from passion project to an indie company.

Friday March 24, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

10:30am PDT

That ’90s Panel: The Decade That Changed It All

Riding a wave of fan enthusiasm, comics exploded in the 1990s. From X-men selling over 8 million copies in 1991 to the launch of Image Comics to Marvel's bankruptcy to DC buying WildStorm in 1999, the decade was historically pivotal. Malibu Comics' Dave Olbrich, Chris Ulm, and Tom Mason (from Geekview Tavern) plus panelists Kevin VanHook (Visi8, Valiant Comics), Hank Kanalz (Immortal Studios, Clover Press), Mark L. Haynes (writer, Diamond Comic Distributors) and Larry Marder (Image Comics, Beanworld) discuss this pivotal point in comics history.

Saturday March 25, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

11:30am PDT

Women in Entertainment: Blazing Your Own Path

Breaking out in media and entertainment is a winding road. So how do you chart a course without a map? Actress and content creator Gwen Carole (Welcome to Chippendales) hosts a panel featuring Malynda Hale (#WeNeedToTalk Podcast host and owner of JMV Entertainment), Amy DePaola (2023 Blackmagic Collective Future Women of TV Directing Fellow and founder of Pink Among Men Productions Inc.), Lauren Chavez-Myers (scripted TV development coordinator at Entertainment One and owner of Room of Req Productions), Danielle Beckmann (co-founder, actress, and executive producer at Brooklyn Quarter), and Rachel Walker (film programmer and advisory board member of Vidiots & Overlook Film Festival), who have all blazed their own path in film, television, and entertainment.

Saturday March 25, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, BIPOC, Humor & Satire, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

Making Magic: From Script to Screen in 2023

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

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

CGC Grading Standards with Matt Nelson

CGC president Matt Nelson delves into the complexities and nuances of the CGC grading standards, the recently released CGC Grading Guide, and future plans for CGC in the certified market.

Saturday March 25, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

2:30pm PDT

What Is the Best Superpower?

If you had to pick just one superpower, what would it be? What determines the best power? Do you need to fight evil-doers, or do you just need more time to get the laundry done? Hear what the professionals have to say on the matter. WonderCon Special Guests Jason Aaron (Thor), Jenny Frison (Something Is Killing the Children), Mitch Gerads (Batman: One Bad Day: Riddler), and Mark Russell (Billionaire Island), along with Jackson Lanzing (Captain America), discuss with moderator Jazzlyn Stone what they would rank as the number one, all-time other-worldly ability.

Speakers

Jason Aaron

WonderCon Special Guest

Jason Aaron is an award-winning comic book writer best known for his work with Marvel Comics, including a landmark seven-year run on Thor. He’s also had celebrated stints writing Wolverine, Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Conan the Barbarian, and the 2015 relaunch of Star Wars. He... Read More →

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 →

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 →

Mark Russell

WonderCon Special Guest

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 →

Saturday March 25, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30pm PDT

IDW in Depth: Mind-Blowing Concepts, Characters, and Comics

IDW Publishing and comic book writers and artists take a deep dive into the biggest projects of 2023. Get the stories-behind-the-stories on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Dark Spaces, Star Trek, and Godzilla projects, plus the latest developments in Earthdivers, Dungeons & Dragons, My Little Pony, Cosmic Cadets, and more from guests Mimi Alves, David M. Booher, Ben Crane, Jackson Lanzing, Nick Marino, Amy Mebberson, and Tom Waltz.

Saturday March 25, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

4:30pm PDT

Drawing Super

What does it take to bring your favorite superheroes to life? How do you create those dynamic images that leap off the page? Some of the best in the business discuss just that with moderator Nick Ghanbarian (host, Thank the Maker podcast). Panelists include Comic-Con Special Guests Mingjue Helen Chen (Gotham Academy, and Silk), Adam Hughes (Invisible Woman), Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons), Daniel Warren Johnson (Wonder Woman: Dead Earth), and Jae Lee (Sacred Six Vol. 1: Numerology Collection), along with Alice “NerfAlice” Matthews (Moon Knight).

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 →

Adam Hughes

WonderCon Special Guest

While best known for his eye-catching covers on Black Widow, Wonder Woman, Catwoman, and Fairest, Adam Hughes has done much more to become a fan-favorite artist. His recent interior projects include the Eisner Award–winning Hellboy: Krampusnacht and Hellboy: Seven Wives Club, and... 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 →

Daniel Warren Johnson

WonderCon Special Guest

Daniel Warren Johnson is a Chicago-based comic book writer, artist, and illustrator with clients including Image, DC, Marvel, Wizards of the Coast, and many others. His creator-owned title Extremity was met with popular and critical acclaim, netting him an Eisner Award nomination... Read More →

Jae Lee

WonderCon Special Guest

Jae Lee is a Korean American comic book artist known for his dark style. In 1990, he became one of the youngest artists ever to work for a major publisher. He is an Eisner Award winner for his work on Marvel's The Inhumans. His art can also be seen in Stephen King's Dark Tower, Before... Read More →

Saturday March 25, 2023 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:30pm PDT

Indie Toy Makers Unite!

Have you ever been curious how to create, launch, and sell your own toys and action figures? Sit in on a candid conversation with the very people who are making independent toys happen! Attendees will hear directly from creators who are producing and marketing their own indie toys and making their mark on the collectible community. Panelists include Richard Mayerik (Netflix’s The Toys That Made Us), Mark Morse (Plastic Meatball) Doc Wyatt (Wandering Planet Toys), and Bill Murphy (Fresh Monkey Fiction). Moderated by Jordan Q. Hammer (Instagram and Youtube’s Toyshiz) and Gavin Hignight (Wandering Planet Toys).

Saturday March 25, 2023 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

The VFX of Dr. Who: You Can Do This!

Dr. Who has been an icon of science fiction for 60 years! In all that time, the wizards in their visual effects department have shown us the impossible on microscopic budgets. Geoffrey Mark (CG supervisor on Raised By Wolves and The Orville) moderates a panel made up of effects luminaries Jim Davidson, Ian Hunter, Tom Griep, and Chris Simmons. They will be shown a clip from classic Dr. Who episodes and challenged to re-create those effects with household materials. Learn how to re-create those effects yourself from these professionals of cinematic prestidigitation, utilizing dubious means and materials!

Saturday March 25, 2023 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

7:30pm PDT

Cheat Code: Press Left, Right, B, A, and Start to Change the Rules of Gaming and Entertainment

The entertainment industry has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, from the emergence of video game consoles and online multiplayer gaming to the advent of novel technologies such as web3 and the metaverse. From creating Sonic the Hedgehog and launching Master of the Universe to investing in Pokémon Go and Twitch, these panelists have been at the forefront of these changes. Tom Kalinske (former CEO of Mattel and Sega of America) and Ernestine Fu (chairman of Stanford Frontier Technology Lab, investors of Pokémon Go) share their unique insights and experiences and how they have shaped the industry as we know it today. Moderated by Francis Kong (game designer of World of Haiku).

Saturday March 25, 2023 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

10:30am PDT

Spotlight on Jae Lee

Artist Jae Lee holds a one-on-one interview and Q&A session. A perfect opportunity for any aspiring artists to have any burning questions answered.

Speakers

Jae Lee

WonderCon Special Guest

Sunday March 26, 2023 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30am PDT

Women in VFX: Bringing TV’s Top Series from Script to Screen

Female filmmakers from VFX studio Crafty Apes including Laura Hill (visual effects supervisor of Barry) and Molly Pabian (head of studio/visual effects producer of Star Trek: Picard Season 3) discuss the creation of TV’s top action, adventure, and drama series. The filmmakers will provide a behind-the-scenes look into the art and craft of filmmaking as it pertains to visual effects, as well as offer perspectives on working as women in the industry. Laura and Molly will partake in a Q&A session moderated by Max Geschwind (host of The Hollywood Podcast).

Sunday March 26, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

12:30pm PDT

Star Wars Trading Cards Collecting

David Neuhausel (501st Costuming Club, Sci-Fi Coalition member) and Shawn Mullen (founder of Sci-Fi Coalition fan club) address where to start collecting, who to trade with, how to avoid pitfalls, and other dynamics of card collecting. Topics include base sets, chase cards, autographs, and sketch and promotional cards. Also: a lively discussion on the infamous X-rated C3PO trading card.

Sunday March 26, 2023 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

1:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Jason Aaron

All of your Jason Aaron questions can at last be answered, by none other than Jason Aaron himself. The writer of Mighty Thor and Once Upon a Time at the End of the World hosts a special recap of his career and tease of what's to come.

Speakers

Jason Aaron

WonderCon Special Guest

Sunday March 26, 2023 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:30pm PDT

Make Mine Mecha: A History of Giant Robots

Jared Griego (Dapper Bard, Eat the Magic) and Scarlet Aznable (cosplayer, convention lore keeper) introduce you to some of anime's best giant robot series. They will explore different titles, mixing genres, and how you can suit up and get into this beloved genre of anime.

Sunday March 26, 2023 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs

3:30pm PDT

Talk Back

Representatives from WonderCon/Comic-Con International will be present to listen to attendees' feedback about the event. What did we do right? What could be improved? We want to hear from you!

Sunday March 26, 2023 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs