The Mattel Entertainment Brands Design Team presents a journey through the history and evolution of Mattel action figures. From Mattel's earliest offerings through their latest brand launch of Max Steel, panelists will take you through the last 35 years of their action figure portfolio, highlighting the significant advances and design innovations of their brands throughout the years. Join in the Q&A with a panel of premier Mattel action figure designers and historians representing WWE, MOTU, DC, Max Steel, Man of Steel, and Batman. They will take on any and all questions you may have about Mattel's many action figure brands.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
Ghenwa Hayek (Claremont McKenna College) examines how graphic fiction has flourished in Lebanon as a postwar generation copes with the burden of memories and a younger generation thirsts to know more. Andrew J. Friedenthal (University of Texas at Austin) compares Justice Society of America comics in the Golden Age with the 1980s' retconned account of their World War II adventures to show how escapist literature helps us deal with history as it happens and after. Sam Cannon (University of Texas at Austin) investigates how Fábio Moon and Gabriel Bá's graphic novel Daytripper calls into question racial and national identities as well as the possibility of survival in contemporary Brazil.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
At DC Entertainment, there's never been a better time to be a comics fan! Find out what DC's top talent is has been up to! With Brain Buccellato (Flash), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Arkham Unhinged, Li'l Gotham), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan), Geoff Johns (Aquaman, Justice League, Justice League of America), Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow, Justice League Dark), Gail Simone (Batgirl, The Movement), Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us), and more!
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
Psychologist Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology; Comicspedia) and licensed psychotherapist Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy podcast) discuss geek culture, the psychology of superheroes, and the therapeutic value of comics. Laura Vecchiolla and Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) and licensed psychologists Frank Gaskill and Dave Verhaagen (Southeast Psych) join them to provide the ultimate expertise on the healing power of superheroes. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) moderates.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
After a pair of droids set the world on fire in a galaxy far, far away, Hanna-Barbera reconvened their super-terrific Sixties space superheroes for a second round of intergalactic adventures. Joining the already iconic masterpieces of Alex Toth design Space Ghost and the Herculoids were newcomers Teen Force and Astro and the Space Mutts (yes, THAT Astro) – and best of all, the heroes would frequently unite in fantastic team-up finales. Warner Archive Collection presents a look at the legacy of Space Ghost and the Herculoids, preview the upcoming release of Space Stars, take a detour to examine everyone’s favorite pre-historic superhero Captain Caveman, and discuss a very special upcoming Blu-ray release. Join WAC Podcast hosts Matthew Patterson and DW Ferranti and notable guests James Tucker (Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox) and Steven Melching (Batman: The Brave and the Bold) for this entertaining survey of some truly super-toons.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:45pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6A
Witness the next installment in the blockbuster videogame franchise. Developed by WB Games Montréal, Batman: Arkham Origins features an expanded Gotham City and introduces an original prequel storyline set several years before the events of Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: Arkham City. Taking place before the rise of Gotham City's most dangerous criminals, the game showcases a young and unrefined Batman as he faces a defining moment in his early career as a crimefighter that sets his path to becoming the Dark Knight. As the story unfolds, players will meet many important characters for the first time and forge key relationships. Get the latest reveals from a panel headed by WB Games Montréal creative director Eric Holmes and actors Roger Craig Smith (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Troy Baker (The Last of Us, Bioshock Infinite), the voices of Batman and the Joker, respectively. Batman: Arkham Origins will be released worldwide on October 25.
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF
The latter half of 2012 saw the return of two of Dark Horse's classic characters, Ghost and X, the appearance of new faces like Michael Avon Oeming's The Victories and Francesco Francavilla's The Black Beetle, and the reimagination a hero from yesteryear, Captain Midnight! Join Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, PR director Jeremy Atkins, and a cast of the industry's top talent, including Joe Casey (Catalyst, Sex), Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle), Duane Swierczynski (X, Two Past Midnight), Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight, Masks and Mobsters),Tim Seeley and Mike Norton (Revival, The Occultist), along with comics newcomer Donny Cates (Buzzkill), for a look at an exciting new cast of characters!
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
In celebration of Superman's 75th Birthday, we look back at the Man of Steel in comics' Bronze Age. In 1970, veteran editor Julius Schwartz assumed command of the primal hero and charted a course for a new generation. On hand to discuss it are many of the writers who worked with Julie in keeping Superman flying high: Gerry Conway, Martin Pasko, Marv Wolfman, Elliot S! Maggin, and moderator Mark Evanier.
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
It's like a sneak peek into the North Pole, the Dynamite Bullpen, and a Hollywood studio as panelists reveal the latest on Captain Action toys, comics, merchandise, and the animated series. Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans, Blade), Tom Tataranowicz (He-Man, Iron Man), Steven E. Gordon (X-Men Evolution, Wolverine and the X-Men), Frank Paur (Planet Hulk, Batman), Mike Murphy (Round 2), Nick Barrucci (publisher, Dynamite Entertainment), Andrew Summer (Titan), and Joe Ahearn (Captain Action) pull back the curtain on the plans for the original superhero action figure and offer rare behind-the-scenes insights into the development of his debut as TV's newest action hero! New footage! New toys! Limited-edition poster giveaways! Moderated by Ed Catto (Captain Action, Bonfire).
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
From art house cinema to studio blockbuster, these uncompromising directors have electrified audiences with their virtuoso storytelling and breathtaking imagery. Marc Webb (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, 500 Days of Summer), Alfonso Cuarón (Gravity, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban), and Edgar Wright (The World's End, Shaun of the Dead) lead this master class on the art of filmmaking and a wide-ranging discussion about the future of film.
From director Michael J. Weithorn (King of Queens, A Little Help) and writer/actor Rob Benedict (Waiting, Supernatural) comes The Sidekick, the offbeat story of career "sidekick" Max McCabe. When Max begins to lose his youthful zip and is unceremoniously fired by his superhero boss, he finds himself cast adrift in a world that seems to have no use for an aging professional buddy. The panel will feature a 30-minute premiere screening and panel Q&A with Weithorn, Benedict, and cast members Lizzy Caplan (Mean Girls, Cloverfield), Martin Starr (This Is the End), Josh Meyers (Behind the Candelabra), Richard Speight Jr. (Band of Brothers), Jordan Peele (Key and Peele), cinematographer Steve Lubensky (Series 7), and other special guests to be announced.
Calling all Spider-Fans: This July is Superior Spider-Month! Get the inside scoop on Spider-Man's new allies, new foes, and new look, and get ready for some exciting announcements! This is one panel no true fan of the web-slinger will want to miss. Featuring senior editor Steve Wacker, Chris Samnee (Daredevil), Nick Spencer (Superior Foes of Spider-Man), Arune Singh (director of communications), and other Marvel guests.
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
John Barrowman (Arrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who, Sing Your Face Off) discusses his past, present, and future projects, including playing the Dark Archer and Captain Jack Harkness. John's sister and co-author, Carole Barrowman (Hollow Earth, Bone Quill), will join him in the final segment to discuss their collaborations.
Comic-Con special guest Gary Frank is known for his incredibly powerful depictions of characters, from Superman to the Incredible Hulk. Gary will talk about his career as one of the comics world's best storytellers, including his recent collaboration with Geoff Johns on Shazam!.
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures-DC Collectibles has them all, and more! Join the DC Collectibles crew, including DCE chief creative officer Geoff Johns, DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee, VP for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director for creative services Jim Fletcher, and sculptor Tim Miller to hear how they come up with so many great products, and what's coming up from comics' top makers of awesome collectibles!
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
The iPad has transformed the way you read comics but did you know you can create comic art on it too? See a comic book character come to life as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Wolverine: An Origin Story) and Kristy Miller (Meet the Marvel Superheroes) demonstrate how to paint comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps work best and how you, too, can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. Q&A session.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Behind every great superhero is an even greater rogues gallery, and that's where the spotlight lands in the all-new documentary Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics. From the Joker and Deathstroke to Lex Luthor and Darkseid, the film investigates the inner workings of the most nefarious collection of baddies in comics history. Join Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment for a first-look at a Comic-Con exclusive teaser version of the film, then hear from some of the experts themselves on a panel that will feature bestselling comic book writer and DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns, Entertainment Weekly editor Geoff Boucher, and distinguished representatives of DC Comics's storied history, including Kevin Shinick (Robot Chicken, MAD), Andrea Romano (Batman: The Animated Series), and other notable comics creators, filmmakers, actors and more. Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics is narrated by everyone’s favorite villain, Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars films), and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on October 25, 2013.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
The hit comedy show from the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre comes to Comic-Con. Who would win in a fight, Batman or Wolverine? Superman or Gandalf? Debates like these have raged for decades. Tournament of Nerds! pits two comedians against each other to battle it out in heated debate. Hosted by Justin Donaldson (Reno 911!) and Hal Rudnick (Screen Junkies) and featuring Jonah Ray (Nerdist), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), Maddox (The Best Page in the Universe), Roger Barr (I-Mockery), Mike Carlson (Conan), and many more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling a "comic book come to life." That is not so far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan, antiheroes such as John Cena, and villains like Ric Flair, come and explore the parallels that exist in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms of narrative presented by architects from both worlds. Featuring Rik Offenberger (First Comic News.com), Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins), Todd Tochioka (Working Snug.com), Scott Lost (Scott Lost-Art), and international wrestling superstar Rob Van Dam (WWE Monday Night Raw). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (M1W Entertainment).
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 the costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE!
Thursday July 18, 2013 8:30pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF