In the world of fantasy, the only limit is one's imagination. Panelists (and Comic-Con 2013 special guests) Frank Brunner (MYTHOS), Todd Lockwood (Dungeons and Dragons), Wendy Pini (ElfQuest), Ruth Sanderson (The Twelve Dancing Princesses), Adam Hughes (Fairest), and Christopher Shy (Soul Stealer) discuss how they bring fantasy to life with moderator Andrew Farago (Cartoon Art Museum).
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 5AB
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're having trouble bringing your creative ideas into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd and back for its seventh straight year. Douglas Neff, the "Tony Robbins of Geeks," will give you simple and proven techniques for bringing your most important goals to life. Whether you want to write your first novel, draw your own comic, or shoot your independent film, you'll walk away from this workshop with practical tools for helping you reach your dream.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
Ideas, characters, plots, designs, stories, paintings, photos, titles, names, logos, brands-it's enough to drive one crazy if you don't know your copyright from your trademark from your trade secret. But never fear-help is only a 90-minute program away. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is back for his 20th anniversary of enlightening creators at Comic-Con. His series of programs are designed to provide you with 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. This first installment focuses on the basics-that is, understanding your intellectual property rights and how to protect them, focusing on 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, including their intersection with new media, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law Schoolseminars 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.].
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comic art, beginning in the early 20th century as comic strips before evolving into comic books, has always been a fount of incredible, and incredibly beautiful pure illustration. Comic book historian and member of The Society of Illustrators Arlen Schumer (author/designer of the award-winning coffee table book The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) presents a "VisuaLecture"-his super-graphic approach to staid art history presentations-that provides a historical overview of the twin mediums and how they've intersected.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Join a discussion of Comic-Con special guest Dan Parent's 26-year career at Archie Comics. Moderator ChrisThompson (Orbital Comics) and colleague RikOffenberger (Archie Comics) will take part in a lively discussion concerning what it's like writing and drawing America's favorite teenage line of comics. Topics will include developments Dan has spearheaded in moving Archie comics forward, such as redesigning and revamping Betty and Veronica, creating new and diverse storylines like "Archie Loves Valerie," and the creation of Archie's first gay character, Kevin Keller.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
Two-time Oscar-nominated director Bill Plympton (Idiots and Angels) will preview his new animated feature Cheatin'. He will screen pencil tests and finished sequences and discuss the successful Kickstarter campaign that raised funds to complete the film, plus his plans for distribution. Bill will also screen some of the short films from his new DVD release Dogs and Cows and answer questions about his career. Plus, all attendees will receive a free Bill Plympton sketch!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Stop by for a chat and Q&A session with Comic-Con special guest and Eisner Award nominee Chris Samnee, moderated by his collaborator, Mark Waid (writer of Daredevil, Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, Irredeemable).
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Award-winning illustrator and Comic-Con special guest RuthSanderson (The Twelve Dancing Princesses) will give a visual presentation on her career as a fantasy artist and fairy tale author/illustrator, and on her move to a more graphic format for a fairy tale for older children. Ruth's work has appeared in fantasy magazines and on many book covers, and she has illustrated over 80 books for children. Her artwork can be seen in Spectrum, and she was the 2011 Artist Guest of Honor at the World Fantasy Convention in San Diego.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
Tree roots as neural networks, the lunacy of Luna, the creation of wolves, the cooking of compost and glimpses of Sandman -- all this and more in an interview panel with artist/writer/musician/director/Mac worrier Dave McKean.
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 4
Comic-Con special guest Gene Deitch is a legendary cartoonist, animator, Academy Award-winning filmmaker, and creator of Tom Terrific. Join him for a tour thru his 70-year career, including his years directing cartoons for UPA and Weston Woods, as well as creating the comic strip Terr'ble Thompson and crossing paths with everyone from Pete Seeger and John Lee Hooker to Maurice Sendak and Jules Feiffer. Moderated by animation historian Jerry Beck and famed movie critic and author-and Comic-Con special guest-Leonard Maltin!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
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
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-as well as features in other programs-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.
The fruitful collaboration between Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen began in 1996 with House of Secrets, blossomed with 2004's It's a Bird, for which Kristiansen won an Eisner Award, and continued to grow with the experimental The Red Diary/The Read Diary, for which Kristiansen is again up for an Eisner. Seagle and Kristiansen will talk about their long relationship as collaborators and what it takes to be a successful creative team-even when an ocean and a language may separate you.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Neville Page (Star Trek Into Darkness) demonstrates his latest techniques for creating unique creatures and characters for entertainment. A variety of techniques will be shared, from traditional to digital. Multiple examples will be shown from his personal work to the latest films he has worked on, such as Star Trek and Prometheus.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Comic-Con special guest FredPerry (Gold Digger, Action Time Buddies, Zombie Kid Diaries) draws a page of Gold Digger (layout to inks) before a live audience, providing commentary on his preferred drawing tools, techniques, and more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Same guys, same panel, same stupid barbarian. The folks who've brought you Groo the Wanderer (and vow to do so again soon) will tell you what's up with that and what's up with all their other silly projects. Featuring the world's most honored cartoonist, SergioAragonés, and his faithful sidekick MarkEvanier, plus the creator of UsagiYojimbo,StanSakai, and the world's hardest-working colorist, Tom Luth.
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop), Chris Cox (Photoshop), Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop), Brian Haberlin (Witch Blade, Anomaly), Liam Sharp (MadeFire, Marvel, DC), Bill Sienkiewicz (Marvel, DC), and Freddie E Williams II (DC) prepare for a lively discussion and Q&A. They will be giving away a membership to the Creative Cloud and more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Earlier this year, Lenorecreator Roman Dirge was almost killed in a Sunset Boulevard hit-and-run that left him lying in hospital with a shattered leg. After months of painful physical therapy, Roman is back-better, stronger, but not necessarily faster-and here to discuss his long road to recovery, his return to the drawing board with Lenore issue #8, and his fourth Titan Lenore collection: Purple Nurples (which will be debuting at the show). One-on-one interview followed by Q&A.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
New York Times and UK Guardian cartoonist-and Comic-Con special guest-TomGauld gives a presentation on his artistic process and his most recent work. The presentation features readings from his Eisner Award-nominated book Goliath and his 2013 book You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack, a collection of comics about literature and pop culture originally published in the Guardian Saturday Review section.
Subtle guerilla art tactics provide a way of sharing your vision with the world. They can be used for a variety of reasons: to make a political or personal statement, to share your ideas, or just for fun. Artist Lori Gordon will address what it means to make art when you don't necessarily consider yourself an artist, and what it means to make art without an interest in the outcome. Participants will be invited to make their own project.
Join Artist's Edition editor Scott Dunbier with moderator (and fellow art lover) Greg Goldstein, IDW President along with a surprise guest or two as they give attendees a guided tour of what will be happening in the coming year -- including some really incredible announcements, and at least one that will have people saying, "Didn't see that one coming!" Plus special giveaways, trivia contests, and more! Original art fans, this is the one panel you must attend!
So you want to make comics? This program is your first step toward actually doing it! Top comic book creators Brandon Siefert (Witch Doctor) and Bobby Curnow (IDW editor, Night of 1,000 Wolves) discuss 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. Bonus: In addition to breaking in, learn how to stay in the comics business! Moderated by Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (Marvel and IDW editor, writer).
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Special guest JeffSmith discusses a slew of upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated hardcover Rasl in full color, the Bone Artist's Edition from IDW, Best American Comics 2013 (edited by Smith), and the upcoming new digital comic Tuki: Save the Humans. Presentation and Q&A to follow.
For over 60 years Abrams has been the country's premiere art book publisher. With the launch of Abrams ComicArts in 2009, the tradition of excellence continues with award-winning original graphic novels by Derf Backderf (My Friend Dahmer), Frank M. Young and David Lasky (The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song), Brian Fies, Jason Shiga, and Barry Deutsch, as well as monographs on such seminal creators as Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, and Jaime Hernandez. Join Charles Kochman (editorial director of Abrams ComicArts), Carol Burrell (senior editor of Abrams ComicArts), William Stout (author and artist of Legends of the Blues), and other special guests as they talk about the publisher's current titles, including Legends of the Blues, Good Riddance: A Graphic Memoir of Divorce by Cynthia Copeland, Darryl Cunningham's How to Fake a Moon Landing, and Bazooka Joe by The Topps Company. They'll also reveal details and images from upcoming collaborations with Rube Goldberg's granddaughter, Jennifer George (The Art of Rube Goldberg), Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann (Star Trek: The Original Topps Trading Card Series), Michel Daubert and the Hergé Museum (Tintin: The Art of Hergé), Kazu Kibuishi (Explorer: The Lost Islands), and Laura Lee Gulledge (Will and Whit), and other forthcoming projects.
Are you ready to experience the Creepiest of the Creepy? An evil assemblage of ghoulish creators discuss all things Creepy and Eerie. Artist Jason Shawn Alexander (House of Gold and Bones), Creepy writer and editor Dan Braun, producer Josh Braun (Button Man), and moderator J. C. Vaughn (Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide) discuss the influence of the original Warren Creepy and Eerie magazines relaunched at Dark Horse in hardcover archival editions, new comic books, and artist compilation formats. They'll also divulge details about the upcoming Creepy feature film. With very special guests and extra-spooky giveaways!
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
This award-winning creator on such notable works as Promethea, Batwoman, and the upcoming Sandman with Neil Gaiman talks about why he loves comics, moderated by John Bultena (Lecturer Merritt Writing Program, UC Merced). Visual presentation, discussion, and Q&A session.
If you're a writer or artist attending the Comic Creator Connection, this is your chance to practice giving your pitch before the big event and to get some free coaching from a pro. Pitch Reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff, an experienced presentation coach and professional public speaker who hosts the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types. This is not a panel. Instead, these are 3- to 5-minute individual coaching sessions for as many people as can be accommodated in the scheduled time. Please note that showing up is not a guarantee that you'll get a review session. Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
In the last year, Thrillbent.com has been a leading innovator in digital comics. Mark Waid (Daredevil, Superman: Birthright, Insufferable),James Tynion IV (Batman, The Eighth Seal), John Rogers (Leverage, Dungeons and Dragons, Arcanum), Nicholas Rucka (Kitchen Death Match), Christina Blanch and Troy Peteri (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), and Lori Matsumoto (Thrillbent general manager) join other Thrillbent talent for an in-depth tutorial on how to write, draw, and color for the Thrillbent format in an hour-long "how-to" with Q&A.
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
Moray Rhoda (South African publisher and mastermind of the Velocity Anthology), Neville Howard (Australian publisher and mastermind of the Velocity Anthology), and Ray Whitcher (chair/comic scholar, Legionink.com) present the Southern Hemisphere's emerging comic talent in a collaborative effort between South African and Australian comic artists and writers in the annual Velocity Anthology. They will discuss how the initiative arose, outline future goals, and display the incredible skill and talent that the two countries have to offer. Audience interaction is highly encouraged; samples will be distributed.
From comics to movie monsters and authenticity to alternate universes, how "real" does a fake need to be in order to be believable? Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Kim Hutsell (Steampunk designer and prop maker, founder of the annual Starburner Awards), Luke Khanlian (special effects creature creator, Alien Resurrection, Starship Troopers), Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), and Kirstie Shepherd (author, Gadabout Time Machine User's Manual) discuss how to get the details right when creating a believable fake world. They'll be looking at what materials say about an object and how those materials can be manipulated to create the suspension of disbelief.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
For five years at Comic-Con, Ain't It Cool News's Mark L. Miller has led a panel full of comics most frightening creators in a lively discussion on what it takes to incite horror and suspense in graphic storytelling. Join a star studded panel of writers, artists, and other spooky characters to find out what makes them scared, how they scare others, and what to do and not to do in horror comic books.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Greg Spalenka (artist in publishing, film, and higher education; Sandman, The Ant Bully, 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. Stephan Martiniere (artist in publishing, film, and games; Star Wars 2 and 3, I Robot), Donato Giancola (artist in publishing, film, and games; Tor, National Geographic), Alfred Paredes (sculptor, ZICA Toys, Sota Toys), Daniel Davis and Dawna Davis (husband and wife team of Steamcrow, publishers of monster books and toys). In addition there will be a drawing for free consultations with Greg Spalenka to help you create a living from your art on your own terms.
Legendary comic book creator Christian Gossett appears in conversation with GEEK magazine editor-in-chief David E. Williams, as he discusses 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. The duo will be joined by Ana Alexander, Catherine Annette, and Ashley Noel, who appear in an all-new Red Star adventure, Rapidfire, published exclusively in the pages of GEEK magazine. Gossett will also talk about his work on such films as Peter Jackson's King Kong and Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland as well as inventing the famous two-sided light saber for Tales of the Jedi.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
Comic books and popular culture properties are hotter than ever. But actually making money from your creations that end up on screen requires understanding the legalities and pitfalls of contracts and license agreements in general, along with an understanding of the business models used by the companies looking to make you an offer. Attorney Michael Lovitz, author The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, will tackle a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers, particularly once they've "broken through" and have started publishing and selling. This session is directed to some of the complicated issues surrounding marketing properties and creative ideas, including transfers and licensing of rights; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; and key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as Lovitz covers various means for profiting from creative works, and explores the many important elements that form the foundation of every contract (and time permitting, contract negotiation role playing). With in-depth discussions about the options and opportunities for generating income from your creative endeavors, along with identifying some of the many problems and pitfalls that go hand in hand with each decision, you'll agree this session shouldn't be missed. 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. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 19, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Cartoonist Ellen Forney presents her New York Times bestselling graphic memoir, Marbles: Depression, Michaelangelo, and Me, a darkly funny chronicle of her struggle with bipolar disorder. Nominated for a 2013 Eisner Award, "Marbles isn't just a great story; it's proof that artists don't have to be tortured to be brilliant. 'A'" -- Entertainment Weekly.
Come to a Q&A with Comic-Con special guest Jose Delbo. The Argentinean-born artist has worked on classics like Billy the Kid, Judge Colt, and The Lone Ranger, as well as illustrated the Beatles' Yellow Submarine. Some of his many other works include Twilight Zone, Brady Bunch, Hogan's Heroes, Monkees, Mod Squad, Superman, Batman, Aquaman, Green Arrow, Transformers, Thundercats, Brute Force, 101 Dalmations, Little Mermaid, Mighty Ducks, Raggedy Ann, Little Lulu, Barbie, and Wonder Woman. Delbo has illustrated cartoons for the past 50 years for comic book fans across the world!
Join cartoonist and Comic-Con special guest Lincoln Peirce for a slideshow and discussion of Big Nate's journey from newspaper comic strip to bestselling children's book series. A lively Q&A session will follow.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 05, 03:09PM Fan Art can be more than a hobby, pastime or training exercise. Learn how fan art can turn you into a contributor to the business world of comics and pop culture in this follow-up to last year’s highly popular Fan Art Law panel. Featuring Joshua Wattles, advisor in chief to deviantART and professor of copyright at USC, Brian Kesinger, renowned animator and author of Walking Your Octopus, Guy Brand and James Kim from Mighty Fine Inc., Bob Self, owner/publisher Baby Tattoo Books, Kay Purcell, also from deviantART and a Fandom expert, and Stanley Lau (artgerm), creative director and co-founder of Imaginary Friends Studios that produces artworks for the likes of Capcom, DC Comics, Square Enix and other giants in the entertainment and gaming industry.
MTV Comics executive editor Tom Akel conducts a live pitch competition between three of the top creators in the business. Last year's winner David Petersen (Mouse Guard) will be back to defend his crown against two new challengers. Creators are presented with a topic just a few weeks out from the convention and then develop original pitches that you, the fans, vote on to determine the winner!
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
How do as few as five - or as many as 50 - artists work together to create a coherent, believable world in which to stage the action of the modern motion picture? Members of the art department of Captain America: First Avenger discuss working on the film in Los Angeles while the film was shooting in London. Panelists include moderator and supervising art director John Dexter (also Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), conceptual model maker Jeff Frost (Star Trek Into Darkness), lead vehicle designer Daniel Simon (Tron: Uprising), graphic designer Karen TenEyck (The Lone Ranger), and set designer and assistant art director Clint Wallace (Men in Black 3, Enders Game as art director).
Friday July 19, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
From Star Wars's little princess to marbles and depression, from jetpacks and goliaths to dirty dumb eyes, writer/artists Jeffrey Brown (Vader's Little Princess), Ellen Forney (Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, & Me,), Tom Gauld (You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack), and Lisa Hanawalt (My Dirty Dumb Eyes) have the entire spectrum of humor-gag cartoons, self-deprecation, irony, to name just a few- covered in their graphic novels. Moderated by Andrew Farago (Cartoon Art Museum).
This lecture will provide clear technical insight into making figures and figurative decisions for the comic artist, storyboard artist, illustrator, or concept artist, offering guides to posing characters and creating believable actions, gestures, and expressions. Ron Lemen will cover several approaches to designing the character or facial expression that will facilitate a strong armature for any style of finish. This lecture is for everyone from the enthusiast to the working professional.
How does a graphic novel get made? Comic-Con special guest Christopher Shy (I Sleep in Stone) and writer Michael Easton (Vertigo's The Green Woman with Peter Straub) talk about the process behind the creation of such books as Soul Stealer (Ain't It Cool News' "Graphic Novel of the Year"), The North End of the World, their online tie-ins to the hit video games Dead Space and God of War, and much more in this session moderated by Zack Smith (Newsarama, MTV Geek). Includes visual presentation, audience Q&A, and more.
Origami Master folder Chris Alexander (author of Star Wars Origami) demonstrates and teaches the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive Comic-Con model along with other art from the Star Wars universe. Materials included!
Nationally renowned artist and owner of Watts Atelier of the Arts Jeffrey R. Watts walks you through a drawing demonstration in the Watts Method. Jeff will be talking about how traditional training is an absolute must in today's increasingly competitive art markets. If you ever wanted to study at an atelier, Jeff will be announcing Watts Atelier's Online Program, launching this summer. Now you can train in these amazing techniques and methods from anywhere in the world. With Jeff's over 21 years of teaching experience you will not want to miss this opportunity to watch a captivating demo and get insight into your future training options.
Friday July 19, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The ins and outs of rendering female superhero comic characters using Copic brand markers (also applicable to PrismaColors) are demonstrated by artist Mark Brooks. Mark will provide all attendees with a copy of an inked face and detailed instructions on grayscaling, shadows, and blending. Bring your markers! Also, there will be a Q&A covering any questions regarding art and business of comics. At the end of the session, Mark will raffle off his original inked and Copic-rendered artwork.
DC Entertainment is proud to have some of the brightest and most talented artists working in comics today. DC Comics artists share their unique approach to the page, with Chris Burnham (Batman, Incorporated), Gary Frank (Batman: Earth One, Justice League), Moritat (All-Star Western), and others.
Friday July 19, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Carmine Infantino (May 24, 1925-April 4, 2013) was one of the most important men in the history of the comics industry. He helped create more characters than any living person other than Stan Lee, including The Flash, Black Canary, Batgirl, Human Target, Poison Ivy, Animal Man, Kamandi, and many, many more. After decades as a top penciler, Infantino became an innovative art director, editor, publisher, and ultimately, president of DC Comics. Longtime Infantino associate J. David Spurlock, moderates this panel remembering Carmine.
Writer/artist Phil Jimenez interviews comic colorist and San Diego native Jeromy Cox. The discussion will include an overview starting with Image Comics at the outset of digital coloring 20 years ago, up until his present work on DC Comics Justice League Dark and Detective Comics. Jeromy will also discuss how contemporary technology allows for the production of art and self- publishing, from sketch to final colors. Technique discussion will highlight his own current comic creation Vampyrates.
Fan favorite and Comic-Con special guest Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, ECHO, Rachel Rising) talks about 20 years of living and writing with Francine and Katchoo. Terry is also sure to fill you in on the latest from his hit horror series Rachel Rising.Don't miss the opportunity to ask Terry about your favorite characters!
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
In print or digital comic books need color, but do you know how comic books are colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Batman: The Dark Knight) 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 follows.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The Thrilling Adventure Hour World Domination Tour Created in 2005 by Ben Acker and Ben Blacker,The Thrilling Adventure Hour (TAH) is a popular staged production in the style of old-time radio. It has since also become a much- downloaded podcast with Nerdist Industries, and-premiering here at Comic-Con-a stunning graphic novel anthology! Each show consists of a selection of genre- bending stories, advertisements from fictional sponsors, musical numbers, and more, performed by a core group of actors known as the WorkJuice Players, and featuring cameos by stars from Firefly, Doctor Who, Community, and many more. Last fall, Acker and Blacker launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund a TAH graphic novel, and they set a record at the time for the fastest graphic novel campaign to reach its goal. Now, almost a year later and with award-winning publisher Archaia Entertainment on board to publish the book, the graphic novel is ready to debut! Acker, Blacker, and panelists who may include editor Joe LeFavi; WorkJuice Players Paget Brewster, Mark Gagliardi, Marc Evan Jackson, Joshua Malina, Autumn Reeser, and Paul F. Tompkins; and artists Casey Crowe, Joanna Estep, Lar deSouza, Natalie Nourigat, Chris Moreno, and Jeff Stokely share behind-the-scenes stories about The Thrilling Adventure Hour show, podcast, and graphic novel.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Meet the entire all-star creative team of the highly acclaimed Superman: Unchained, including the editor Eddie Berganza, writer Scott Snyder, pencilers Jim Lee and Dustin Nguyen, inker Scott Williams, and colorist Alex Sinclair. Get an unprecedented look behind the scenes at what's sure to be the most talked about comic book of the year!
Learn what it takes to present a proper pitch to a client or company. In this panel you will learn about presentation, body language, elevator pitches, standing out, interview skills and how to make an opportunity when there isn't one. Back by popular demand, this is the perfect panel for those who are looking to make a name for themselves or trying to get their ideas in front of their company of choice.
Illustrators and storyboard artists use their skills and imaginations to develop the transcendent visuals of the big screen, be it adventures on distant worlds or life in earthly hovels. Moderator Tim Burgard (White House Down, Rise of the Planet of the Apes) talks to illustrators Donna Cline (Bones), Gabe Hardman (Inception), Patrick Rodriguez (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), and Peter Rubin (Man of Steel).
Friday July 19, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
New York Times bestselling author and indie comics hero Jeffrey Brown (Clumsy, Incredible Change-Bots, Cat Getting Out of a Bag, Darth Vader and Son) speaks about his wide-ranging career and his three new books this year: the Star Wars parenting comedy Vader's Little Princess (Chronicle), the thrilling adventure Jedi Academy (Scholastic), and the heartfelt autobiography A Matter of Life (Top Shelf). Moderated by Leigh Walton of Top Shelf.
Comic-Con special guest Fred Perry (Gold Digger, Action Time Buddies, Zombie Kid Diaries) discusses his career, including how he got started in comics, key moments in his life and the story of his seminal series Gold Digger, and what it's like to solo-create a comic for over 20 years. Includes a Q&A session moderated by Antarctic Press office manager/editor Douglas Dlin.
Friday July 19, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Join some of comic book publishing’s top decision makers, including BOOM! Studios Editor-in-Chief Matt Gagnon, Dark Horse Editor-in-Chief Scott Allie, Avatar Press Vice President of Publishing and Managing Editor Jim Kuhoric, and Archaia Editor-in-Chief Stephen Christy as they give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now.
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
If you're a writer or artist attending the Comic Creator Connection, this is your chance to practice giving your pitch before the big event and get some free coaching from a pro. Pitch Reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff, an experienced presentation coach and professional public speaker who hosts the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types. This is not a panel. Instead, these are 3- to 5-minute individual coaching sessions for as many people as can be accommodated in the scheduled time. Please note that showing up is not a guarantee that you'll get a review session. Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Be the first to see a multimedia presentation about Frank Frazetta Jr.'s new book abouthis father and hear stories and anecdotes about this legend. Frank Frazetta, Jr. (author, Frank Frazetta: Art and Remembrances) shows off unpublished art and reminisces with never-before-told stories about his dad. Daniel Herman (publisher, Hermes Press), Steven Morger (Big Wow Art), Brian Peck (author, graphic designer, John Buscema Michelangelo of Comics), and Phil Kim (publisher, Famous Monsters of Filmland) discuss Frank Frazetta and his place in popular culture and fantasy/science fiction art, along with an extended Q&A session.
Comics are a collaborative medium. Do you know how to bring out the best from your collaborators? Join former Marvel and IDW editor/writer and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt, artist Klaus Janson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), writer Josh Fialkov (The Ultimates, Echoes), and writer Brandon Siefert (Witch Doctor) as they discuss collaborative best practices, tips for writers and artists, and strategies for handling editor feedback. Become the kind of creator everyone wants to work with!
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The creator of one of comics' great newspaper strips, Walt Kelly, would have been 100 years old on August 25th of this year. His magnum opus, Pogo, is now receiving its first ever complete reprinting in an Eisner Award-nominated series from Fantagraphics Books. So it's a good time to remember him with Kelly fans Jeff Smith (Bone), Paul Dini (Batman), comic historian R. C. Harvey, Maggie Thompson (ComicBuyer'sGuide), Carolyn Kelly (co-editor of the Complete Pogo series and Walt's daughter), and moderator Mark Evanier (GrootheWanderer).
Learn how a good business plan can lead to great creative results and how great creative can inform an even greater business plan. The minds behind Brand + Entertainment Solutions believe that the two go hand in hand—or more to the point—SHOULD go hand-in-hand, but often do not. Developing keys to successful business and creative execution are the focus of this panel. Featuring B+E Solutions’ Andy Schmidt (CEO, B+E Solutions), Jon Bresman (Star Wars/Mad Magazine veteran), Steve Drucker (VP of IP Development, Hasbro), Josh Fialkov (award-nominated screenwriter, graphic novelist, and video game writer), and Marc Guggenheim (Executive Producer, Arrow).
Friday July 19, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comic-Con special guest Todd Lockwood (Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering) talks about upcoming projects, shares images, and answers questions. Moderated by Shawn Speakman (author, webmaster for Terry Brooks, Suvudu contributor).
Wendy and Richard Pini (ElfQuest, Masque of the Red Death), Paula Rhodes and Stephanie Thorpe (ElfQuest-A Fan Imagining), and Rob Beschizza (managing editor at Boing Boing) celebrate three and a half decades of "the first American manga" and longest-running fantasy graphic novel series. Even if you've followed ElfQuest from the beginning, prepare to be surprised by what's planned as the story builds to its most ambitious chapter yet, Final Quest. Plus, meet ElfQuest's newest partners in the worlds of publishing, licensing, and even academia in a visual presentation followed by Q&A.
Movie poster artist Drew Struzan (creator of the Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Indiana Jones movie posters) is joined by celebrity guests and the film crew behind the documentary feature film about his career, set to premiere this summer. Enjoy movie clips, poster giveaways, and free movie tickets.
Futuristic insight into the next 100 years of comic cons, publishing, media, art galleries, and museums-what will history record and our legacies produce? Panelists include Steve Geppi (CEO, Diamond Comics Distributors), David Brin (SF author, scientist), David Gerrold (SF author/screenwriter, Star Trek), Missy Geppi (president, Geppi Entertainment Museum), Phil Yeh (mural artist, creator of Cartoonists across America), Ron Turner (publisher/founder of Last Gasp), David G. Brown (cartoonist/writer, 2009 winner of the NAACP Image Award), Mike Towry (SDCC co-founder, founder of San Diego Comic Fest), and William R. Lund (SDCC co-founder, actor/writer). Moderated by Greg Koudoulian (early SDCC film program contributor, producer of first minicons on West Coast).
Kirk R. Tatcher (Return of the Jedi, Gremlins, Star Trek IV, The Muppets) and Tony McVey (The Dark Crystal, Return of the Jedi, Gremlins, The Phantom Menace) relive their greatest behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite movies, including the Rancor that never was and Captain Kirk's surprise. Moderated by Sean Murphy.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29A
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. Ted Biaselli (VP, programming and development, The Hub), Steven Melching (Transformers Prime, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Craig Miller (Pocket Dragon Adventures, Trash Pack), Bob Roth (Disney's Legend of Tarzan, Penguins of Madagascar), and Dean Stefan (Matchbox Big Rig Buddies,Quack Pack) join the discussion.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 9
We lost one of comics' most beloved and respected creators in August 2012. Joe Kubert started drawing comics when he was twelve years old and didn't stop until he'd inspired and taught a couple of generations how it was done. Hear all about this extraordinary man from folks who knew and worked with him: Sergio Aragonés, Neal Adams, Paul Levitz, Russ Heath, Tom Yeates, Jon B. Cooke, and your moderator, Mark Evanier.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
You've found your collaborators, you've worked hard and gotten some comics made. Oh God, now what? Co-moderators writer Christopher Sebela (High Crimes) and Oni Press editor Charlie Chu (The Sixth Gun) address having a career in comics, behaving like a professional, and managing expectations once you are a working creator. Panelists include writer Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight), writer/artist Natalie Nourigat (It Girl and the Atomics), and cartoonist Sloane Leong (The Softest Shadow, Labyrinth’s Lament).
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
In collaboration with a highly skilled art department, the production designer lays out the plan that will create small worlds to warm the heart, and entire civilizations to fire the imagination. Moderator Jim Bissell (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol) joins panelists Darren Gilford (Oblivion, Tron: Legacy), Corey Kaplan (Scandal, The X-Files), Alex McDowell (Man of Steel), and Robert Stromberg (Oz the Great and Powerful, Avatar).
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
Comic-Con special guest Val Mayerick is best known for his Marvel Comics work in the 1970s, including Man-Thing and the introduction of Howard the Duck. Val talks about his career in comics, past, present, and future in this special guest spotlight event.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 8
On Thursday, you learned the basics, and on Friday you gained a better understanding of contracts, licenses, and agreements. It's now time to learn about some of the more complex issues facing creators, publishers, and other business owners. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, returns to address some of the more advanced (and often confusing) issues facing the creative and business communities, particularly in light of the ever-expanding worlds of new media, self-publishing and social networking. And this time, he's not alone, as attorneys David Branfman and David Lizerbram and Professor Marc Greenberg join Michael to share their collective knowledge and insights in some of the more cutting-edge legal issues faced by creators and businesses and discuss important recent legal decisions. Still interactive and four times as informative, the panel will touch on as many of the topics as time allows, including recent rulings in comic book creator and publisher litigations; the interplay of copyright terminations and work-for-hire agreements; blogs, podcasts, tweets, and cybersquatters; knockoffs, tarnishment, and dilution; satires, parodies and fair use; and the legalities of fan art and fan fiction. Plus: practical advice on how recent legal decisions and pending cases are likely to affect the field of popular culture and the role they may play in your creative and business plans. 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. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Aspiring creators, this is for you! Come listen to a team of IDW editors, including Chris Ryall, John Barber, Tom Waltz, and Jeff Webber, as well as some current IDW creators on what to do, definitely what not to do, and other arcane bits of information and tips on carving out some creative space in the comic industry!
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
One of the architects of The Death of Superman, and co-creator of Steel, artist Jon Bogdanove (Superman: The Man of Steel, Power Pack, X-Factor)discusses the techniques, methods, philosophy, and influences behind his drawing and writing and talks about what it is really like to work for Marvel and DC Comics. Featured will be the world-premiere preview of his secret, new project. Join Jon for this Q&A session, moderated by his son, filmmaker and video game writer and voice and mo-cap director Kal-El Bogdanove (Fallout: New Vegas Dead Money DLC, and the upcoming Aliens: Colonial Marines DLC) and television, film, and video game writer, producer, and VO coordinator Chris Faiella (Fall Out franchise, Skyrim, Wildstar, Tomb Raider).
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 4
Artist Allison Sohn will take a drawing from penciled line-art through to completed colors using Copic Markers. She'll answer questions and share tips and tricks with panel attendees.
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 2
Comic-Con special guest and legendary artist and co-writer of Dr. Strange, TV's X-Men, Red Sonja and more, Frank Brunner will appear for a Q&A panel moderated by historian and artist's rights advocate J. David Spurlock.
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 8
It's the fastest, funniest panel in the whole convention! (Well, some folks think it is-mainly Sergio and Mark.) Once again, your Quick Draw Quizmaster Mark Evanier pits three super-speedy cartoonists against one another as they go mano a mano to create great cartoon art right before your very eyes. Competing this year are Sergio Aragonés (MAD, Groo the Wanderer), Scott Shaw! (The Simpsons), and this year's Special Guest Quick Draw-er, Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men). Plus a couple of surprising surprises!
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 6BCF
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 16, 11:22AM Cooking is creativity. Food is art. In so many ways, the connections between food and comics on a creative level are everywhere. A chef's knife is the equivalent of an artist's pencil or brush. Their kitchens are their canvases. Both chefs and artists are only limited by their own imaginations; they both use their tools to take what is in their minds and create masterpieces in different mediums. But the processes are the same, and that's what panelists will be exploring in this open discussion, with C. B. Cebulski, Jenn Fujikawa (www.justjennrecipes.com), Brian Malarkey (Searsucker), Rosanna Pansino (Nerdy Nummies), and Justin Warner (Do Or Dine).
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Learn about building audience as you create for your original stories, OC’s, and creative projects. Led by Ron Martino (techgnotic on deviantART) with Yuumei, author of Fish Eye Placebo and Knite, Dave Elliott, editor/producer/author of Weirding Willows, Brian Kesinger, renowned animator and author of Walking Your Octopus, and Hal Hefner, illustrator/author of Gates and managing director of Transmedia L.A.
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:15pm - 1:15pm PDT
Room 2
In 1994, a Florida jury convicted cartoonist Mike Diana of creating obscene material in his hand-made zine Boiled Angel. As part of his sentence he was forbidden from drawing in his own home. In the last decade, an increasing number of individuals, including Christopher Handley and Ryan Matheson, have been targeted and prosecuted by law enforcement for reading manga that the government claims is deviant and obscene material. In the conclusion of CBLDF's Comics on Trial series, CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein walks through the disturbing current battleground where individuals are being prosecuted for the ideas they draw and read.
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Learn how to take your idea and make a graphic novel using Brian Haberlin's graphic novels Shifter and Anomaly as test cases. Subjects discussed include idea to script, page format, panel layout, art style, distribution, printing, and much more.
Marshall Vandruff (MarshallArt.com) will present over a hundred slides of Arthur Rackham's book illustrations to showcase the illustrator's high-level craft in pen and ink, watercolor, anatomy, draftsmanship, and character design and explain the training involved for today's artists who want to apply these classic disciplines and standards to their work in modern media.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman) talks about his 25 years in the comics industry and reveals candid photos, plus never-before-seen illustrations in this engaging panel, followed by a brief Q&A session.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
Legendary artist and Comic-Con special guest Russ Heath is known for his incredibly realistic art and his attention to detail. His work in the DC Comics "Big-5" war books garnered him a legion of fans. Russ talks to comics writer Mark Waid about his work.
Comics legends Neil Gaiman (Sandman, Coraline, The Ocean at the End of the Lane), Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, Making Comics), Jeff Smith (Bone, Shazam!, RASL), Denis Kitchen (Al Capp, The Art of Harvey Kurtzman), and moderator Paul Levitz (Golden Age of DC Comics, The Legion of Super-Heroes) discuss Will Eisner and his pivotal role in the American graphic novel as creator and evangelist, as we celebrate the 35th anniversary of Eisner's A Contract with God. Q&A session to follow.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
comiXology is looking for the next big independent comic creator-is that you? Since its launch at SXSW, comiXology Submit has released over 150 independent comic book series from celebrated indie creators such as Becky Cloonan, Shannon Wheeler, Richard Stevens, Jake Parker, and Rachel Deering. In this tell-all discussion, comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts are joined by New Yorker Cartoonist and Too Much Coffee Man creator Shannon Wheeler, Marvel and DC artist and creator ofDemeter, The Mire, and WolvesBecky Cloonan, Anathema creator and Kickstarter sensation Rachel Deering, and Bikini Cowboy creator FresherLuke to show you how easy it is to be a part of the new self-publishing revolution in comics!
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
This year's Comic-Con marks the 20th anniversary of Mike Mignola's best-loved beast. Hellboy has achieved the status in the industry typically reserved for characters created 40 years before him. Following up on the first arc on one of his most popular miniseries to date, the all-new Abe Sapien ongoing series, and the continuing adventures of the supporting cast of the BPRD, this will be one of the biggest Hellboy panels to date! Join creator Mike Mignola and Dark Horse editor-in-chief Scott Allie, for an open forum on your favorite cast of characters.
Comic-Con special guest George Pérez is one of the legendary artists in comics history. Starting his career almost 40 years ago, he has worked for every major comics company, and his résumé reads like a who's who of superheroes, especially when it comes to teams (Teen Titans, Justice League, Avengers, Fantastic Four). George talks about his career and what comes next for this fan-favorite artist!
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
From chiseled cheekbones to flowing capes (and beyond) discover the cosmic power that Prismacolor Brush|Fine can add to all of your comic renderings. Prismacolor specialists Diana Garrett and Shelley Minnis provide tips and techniques to help you add realism and drama to your characters, including fabric folds, aesthetics, muscles, hair, facial expressions, environments and more. Samples and door prizes provided with the presentation.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Participants will assist in the scripting and layout of a six-page Donald Duck story using the same methods used by Patrick and Shelly Block for their freelance Duck Tales. Patrick will rough draw the story from scratch in front of the panel to show the procedures used in the creation of a short comic narrative.
This year Vertigo's flagship title The Sandman returns to comics in an all-new series written by Neil Gaiman (TheSandman)! Join Neil for a celebration of the 25th anniversary of this timeless series and an exclusive look at what is in store for the Lord of the Dreaming with Neil and his past and future legendary collaborators, Dave McKean, Sam Kieth, Todd Klein, and J. H. Williams III.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Take this crash course into how to create powerful, readable comic book art. The fundamentals for what makes comic book art different from illustration, painting, and storyboarding and how to get started are covered by the experts from Comics Experience. Featuring Andy Schmidt (Marvel and IDW editor, Comics Experience founder) and artist Klaus Janson (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns).
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Eisner Award winner and Comic-Con special guest Vera Brosgol (Anya's Ghost) talks about her background and influences in writing, art, and animation with YA rock star Holly Black (The Coldest Girl in Cold Town).
Award-winning cartoonist Scott Shaw! (Annoying Orange, Simpsons Comics, Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!) returns to Comic-Con with an extra-lurid, extra-funny, new edition of his popular show featuring "the craziest comic books ever published." 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!"
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
The hybrid comic book/prose novel is on the rise. What makes this form so compelling for creators? Where is the form going? A conversation with creators Jeffrey Brown (Star Wars, Jedi Academy), Cecil Castellucci (OddDuck), Tom King (A Crowded Sky), Jim Pascoe (By the Balls), Janet Tashjian (My Life as a Cartoonist), and Nate Powell (March: Book One). Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) about the possibilities and challenges of marrying these two forms.
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Robbie Robbins, (IDW SVP/graphic artist), Keith Wood (Oni Press art director), Fawn Lau (VIZ graphic designer), Christopher Ross (Top Shelf director of digital publishing and book designer), and cartoonist/designer Matt Kindt (Mind MGMT) present a roundtable discussion about the shifting trends in graphic novel book design and the industry movement toward books as art objects. Moderated by Oni Press editor-in-chief and hopeless graphic design snob James Lucas Jones.
BrickJournal presents a unique look into how artists are using LEGO bricks to construct amazing works of art and how building with the toy has gained popularity among adult artists worldwide. Jump into the world of LEGO-built art by joining top builders Joe Meno (BrickJournal), Nathan Sawaya (BrickArtist), Brandon Griffith (BrickStuds), and Tommy Williamson (BrickNerd) as they explain how they take an idea from conception to design and build amazing art completely made of LEGO bricks.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Sam Kieth is one of the quirkiest and most eccentric artists in comics. His unique art style and incredible drawing ability have won him legions of fans worldwide. Now, in an extremely rare appearance at Comic-Con, you can join Sam, with his long-time friend and editor Scott Dunbier, in an informal gabfest covering the wild spectrum that is Sam's career (Sandman, Wolverine, The Maxx, and much more).
Nationally renowned artist and owner of Watts Atelier of the Arts Jeffrey R. Watts demonstrates an alla prima oil portrait painting from a live model. Jeff will also introduce an exciting new opportunity to train in the Watts Method online.
Two of the industry's most successful and popular self-publishers Jeff Smith and Terry Moore once again join forces at Comic- Con! Don't miss your chance to listen to these longtime friends and industry colleagues discuss their best-known works (Bone,Strangers in Paradise), their current projects and future endeavors, and the state of self-publishing today. Q&A to follow.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
All through the 1980s action figures were small, shiny, fun but oftentimes crudely sculpted toys. In 1994 Todd McFarlane took a huge risk to his new empire and started his own toy company (Todd Toys) to make figures based on the characters in Image Comics and in so doing turned the action figure market on its ear. A taller format, better sculpting, and a radical change in paint ops reset the industry standard and raised the bar for everyone. The ripple effect lead to changes at Toy Biz and the appearance of new players in the market such as Art Asylum, The Four Horsemen, and Mezco. The alumni from McFarlane went out into the world and changed smaller companies that were just starting in the action figure world such as NECA and Diamond Select Toys. This tectonic shift is still being felt in the industry as companies focus more on art and realism in their lines. Industry leaders, sculptors, and people who were there discuss the changes and what it meant for collectors then and now. Moderator Daniel "Julius Marx" Pickett from ActionFigureInsider.com will be joined by Joe Ferstl (McFarlane Toys), Jesse Falcon (Marvel), Jean St. Jean (Jean St. Jean Studios), Eric "Cornboy" Mayse (The Four Horsemen Design), Digger T. Mesch (Dig Deep Entertainment, Agent 88, Founder of Art Asylum), and maybe a surprise or two.
In this day and age of 3D printers and digital visual effects, how do you take sci-fi model and prop making to the next level? Andy Gore (QMx), Doug Drexler (Star Trek: TNG, Battlestar Galactica,Defiance), Andy Siegel (Avatar, The Amazing Spider-Man, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), John Eblan (Star Wars: Episode II and III, Star Trek Into Darkness), and Fon Davis (Star Wars, Pearl Harbor, Starship Troopers, Elysium) discuss how your favorite ships and props are made, from concept to execution. The panel will discuss the impact of accelerated production schedules and technology on how TV and movie props are conceived and created. You will also learn the different types of prop making, from working props and digital modeling to 3D printers and the use of advanced materials.
Saturday July 20, 2013 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund hosts its biggest auction of the year, the Comic-Con Live Art Auction! This year’s auction will feature lots for bidding curated by some of comicdom’s top editors, dealers, and fans. With an amazing array of everything from pin-ups, original pages, sketches, and concept art, there is something for every taste and every price range, featuring work from such luminaries as Jim Lee, Charlie Adlard, Jock, Yoshitaka Amano, Jill Thompson, Jeffrey Brown, Tim Seeley, Cliff Chiang, Jonathan Case, Brandon Graham, James Stokoe, and more! Preview images and bidding instructions are available to see at the CBLDF’s booth in the Comic-Con Exhibit Hall!
Ian Fischer (filmmaker) and Ross Williams (composer) screen clips from the feature documentary on legendary comic book artist Steve Rude (Nexus, World's Finest, Moth) and discuss the making of the film that took over five years to finish. Following the screening will be an open Q&A.
Saturday July 20, 2013 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
How do you take a beloved 24-year-old NES game and update it for today's gamers while doing your best not to ruin anyone's childhood? Go behind the scenes with Austin Ivansmith (director/designer), Matt Bozon (creative director), and Rey Jimenez (Capcom producer) for an in-depth look at how a great video game is made -- from design, to art, to music, and more. Followed by a Q&A session, plus maybe a surprise or two.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 25ABC
An all-star panel of kids comics creators and educators discuss how to use color, line, text, and page design to create effective visual messages. Kids will be encouraged to incorporate tips when creating their own "Earth invasion message or icon." Panelists include Larry Marder (Beanworld, CBLDF), Royden Lepp (Rust), John Green (Teen Boat), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), and Talia Hurwich (Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth), moderated by Meryl Jaffe (Using Content-Area Graphic Novels for Learning, Johns Hopkins University).
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 30CDE
Eisner Award-winning artist Mike Norton talks about his career, influences, and art process in an interview and audience Q&A with moderator John Siuntres, host of the Word Balloon Comic Book Podcast. They'll look at Mike's early years working on G.I. Joe and The Badger, his years creating heroes and villains for Marvel and DC, and his current groundbreaking work on the Image Comics series Revival and his own creation Battlepug. You'll hear about Mike's conversion from paper to digital drawing and his thoughts on the current comic book market.
Each year, we set aside time to talk about Comic-Con's first superstar guest and the man they call The King of the Comics, Jack Kirby. Jack left us in 1994, but his influence on comics, film, and this convention has never been greater. Discussing the man and his work this year are Neil Gaiman, Tony Isabella, and Kirby family attorney Paul S. Levine. And of course, it's moderated by Mark Evanier.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:15am PDT
Room 5AB
Some of the biggest "kids" in comics discuss the current state of the industry and what steps are necessary for comics to secure a place in the hearts and minds of the next generation. What are the benefits and challenges involved in writing all-ages comics? How are licensed comics playing a role in our future? How might webcomics, digital publishing, emerging technologies, and self-publishing change the landscape? And how can we ensure that more young readers today become readers for life? Panelists include Andy Runton (Owly), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Katie Cook (My Little Pony), Mike Kunkel (Herobear and the Kid), Neo Edmund (Jurassic Strike Force 5), Otis Frampton (Oddly Normal), Royden Lepp (Rust), and Jimmy Gownley (creator of Amelia Rules!). Moderated by all-ages comics writer and editor Joe LeFavi (Fraggle Rock).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
eigoMANGA's team of manga artists and animators will teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling. Join our workshop with seasoned manga artist Mino Miyabi (The Voice of Innocence) and Austin Osueke (eigoMANGA's publisher of Rumble Pak, Sakura Pakk, and Alpha League).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Join Comic-Con special guest Adam Hughes (comic book artist and illustrator, Catwoman, Wonder Woman, Fairest, Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan) and moderator Mark Walters (BigFanboy.com) for a conversation covering highlights of Adam's career. Adam will answer fan questions and offer commentary on some of his own artwork.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Comic-Con special guest Faith Erin Hicks (Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong) discusses her creative process, her comics career, and her recent and upcoming graphic novels with Eisner Award-winning cartoonist Jeff Smith (Bone).
When designing your comic page, should you use a grid with six-panels or nine? Should you use a grid at all? With input from the audience, Durwin Talon and Guin Thompson will demonstrate how changing the number of panels per page and the flow of information from panel to panel impacts the reader.
Join artists Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin), Scott C. (Double Fine Action Comics, Great Showdowns), Joey Weiser (Mermin), and others for a fun interactive monster-creation art battle! Kids of all ages are welcome, and every attendee receives free comics!
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Comic-Con special guest Jerry Ordway (artist, writer of Superman, Shazam, and many other characters over 30 years) talks to Mike Carlin (editor during the Death of Superman era) about his career. Join Jerry and Mike for a free-form hour of reminiscences, audience questions, and general fun.
Celebrate Banned Comics with Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son), Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), and special guests who will create live art, paying homage to the cartoonists, authors and characters who've created the great banned books of our time. Some of the greatest authors have been banned, from Judy Blume and Neil Gaiman to Alan Moore and Mark Twain. Join the CBLDF and these great creators as they talk censorship and make once-in-a-lifetime art about the banned greats! Get a chance to watch live art made before your eyes, learn about censorship, and bid to win the pieces made here to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:15pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 5AB
Hey Kids! It's time to get happy, have fun, and be funny! Kristian Andrew Sather (Jetsons, kristiansather.blogspot.com ) returns to Comic-Con with his popular cartooning workshop. Kristian will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing funny cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes and more.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
With several New York Times bestsellers this year, Chronicle Books's unique blend of distinctive, entertaining publishing hits the right spot for both consumers and creators. Get sneak peeks at upcoming projects and meet editor Steve Mockus, designers Michael Morris and Neil Egan, and authors Jeffrey Brown (Vader's Little Princess), Francesco Marciuliano (I Could Pee on This), Brandon Bird (Brandon Bird's Astonishing World of Art), and Michael McMillian (True Blood: Field Guide to Vampires).
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Former Superman editor Mike Carlin talks with longtime writer/artist Dan Jurgens about his work in comics, how he started, why he did the things he did, what he enjoyed most, what he might have done differently, and new projects on the horizon.
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 Capcom'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.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Comic-Con special guest Ted Naifeh talks about his work on the all-ages titles Courtney Crumrin and Polly and the Pirates and reveals what's in store for the Eisner Award-nominated writer/artist.
Brian Haberlin will demonstrate advanced 3D and computer graphics comic art techniques that will speed up and improve your story telling. He will show you how to use a wide range of programs, from Zbrush to Poser to Sketchup. Learn all the tricks no other pro will show you!
Marvel Comics's first wave of superhero creations in the 1960s have proven to have remarkable staying power and worldwide appeal. The Avengers, X-Men, Dr. Strange, and Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos (which introduced Nick Fury) all celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. When Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko created the characters half a century ago, little did they know what they brought into the comics world. Since then numerous writers and artists have told the tales of these heroes, including Comic-Con special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers and X-Men), Frank Brunner (Dr. Strange), John Romita, Jr. (just about every Marvel hero), and Roy Thomas, who was there almost at the beginning with Stan, Jack and Steve and contributed his own memorable takes on the Avengers and X-Men.
What does it take to make a great cover for a comic book? Let's ask four of the top artists...all folks who've created some of the best. Come hear the "shop talk" of Jerry Ordway (Superman, The Power of Shazam), Gary Frank (Action Comics, DC Universe: Legacies), Dan Jurgens (Superman, Booster Gold), and Chris Samnee (Daredevil, Thor). Moderated by Mark Evanier.
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Sunday at Comic-Con International is one of DCE's favorite days of the show! Talent relations director Larry Ganem with the Eisner Award-winning team of Art Baltazar and Franco (Superman Family Adventures, The Green Team), and the ever dynamic Dustin Nguyen (Li'l Gotham) as they showcase their artistic talents in a panel fun for all ages!
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
An all-star panel of kids comics authors, game designers, illustrators, and educators discuss why today's heroes are often nerdy, quirky, flawed figures battling everyday challenges of social pressure and belonging, and have dropped the capes. Implications for developing the next superhero for aspiring writers, students, and educators will also be discussed. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Jonathan Hamel (Tomb Raider), Scott Peterson (Batman: Gotham Adventures), Raina Telgemeier (Smile), Tim Travaglini (Open Road Media), Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants, Four Eyes, Man of Action Studios), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), and Talia Hurwich (Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth). Moderated by Meryl Jaffe (Using Content-Area Graphic Novels for Learning, Johns Hopkins University).
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
After its debut, Mouse Guard has become one of the most popular, beloved, and honored stories in comics, and in 2013, creator David Petersen is not slowing down! This year will see the release of the Mouse Guard Vol. 3: The Black Axe hardcover and the debut of the four-issue Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard Vol. 2 miniseries (followed by the release of a hardcover that collects them). In addition, from Skelton Crew comes collectible replica Black Axes, the first in a line of Mouse Guard replica weapons! Moderated by Mel Caylo (Archaia's marketing manager), join the Eisner Award-winning Petersen and guests, including Jeremy Bastian, Israel Skelton, and more to be announced as they give you a behind-the-scenes look at the making of all this Mouse Guard goodness, preview art from upcoming releases, and answer everything you wanted to know about Mouse Guard! Every attendee will receive a Comic-Con exclusive print of an original David Petersen drawing. Plus, one lucky audience member will win a free copy of the limited Mouse Guard: Winter 1152 Black and White Edition!
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Join DC Entertainment co-publisher, Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman: Hush) as he talks about his 25+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen in this engaging panel. This is a great opportunity to watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tips of the trade that bring DC Entertainment's characters to life.
Dr. Wei Xu (artist/mathematician, author of Drawing in the Digital Age) explains how simple math and science knowledge can be utilized to make observational drawing much easier to learn.
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Writer's block? Artistic anemia? Get unstuck! Former DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP:FIM Fluttershy) outlines strategies and tips for artists and writers facing the Dreaded Dead Brain Doom -- a blank page and no ideas for what to write or draw, or how to get started.
A goal, a good idea, discipline, and skills are only the start of what you need for your project to succeed. Knowing the basics of group dynamics, forming and then working with a group without mortally wounding each other is the difference between your project's success or failure. This panel is the one-stop place to learn the 101s of those topics. No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation, or costuming/cosplay), "breaking in" has never been more apt a term than in today's media. It is a full-time job, and you only have part-time hours to accomplish it. The panelists represent a broad cross section of levels of authority, departments, media, work pipelines, and sizes of organizations from a variety of media, including illustration, writing, design, animation, podcasting, and live-action filming. 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, comic book letterer), Kevin Flessing (co-writer, We're Always Like This), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV), Aleister Gilgrim (creative director, ICS Mobile), Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Ron Coleman (molecular geneticist and writer), Jonelle Davila (co-producer, We're Always Like This), and Chris Dickens (writer and co-creator of Vigilante Project) provide content that is a mixture of speaking, questions and some short interactive applications where the audience can directly apply the topics covered.
Sunday July 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
