Ever wonder how really good books suck a reader in and hold their attention page after page? It's not the characters, nor the plot of the book. It is the way in which the author writes that separates their story from the pack. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake helps you gain insight into how to put your story together in a compelling way that will have your readers turning page after page to see what happens next.
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
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
Comic-Con Film School is back for another four-day, nuts and bolts course on how to make a movie for very little money using available video technology and desktop postproduction software. Whether you're shooting your first vampire film or that story about the leather-clad girl who hunts dimensional refugees, this course will take you from script to final product so that you too can enter your own movie into the CCI-IFF. This first class covers the specifics of preproduction on the cheap, including screenwriting, casting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing-up, and getting equipment for nothing. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer/star, Paula Peril series), Jack Conway (writer/producer, Fear News), Vera Vanguard (producer, The Building of Good and Evil), Nick Murphy (writer/director, Pizza and Bullets), and Sean Rourke (writer, Ballistica).
Authors discuss the inclusion of romantic elements in their action-packed novels. Protagonists must battle the forces of evil while trying to keep the world (and often their lovers) safe from destruction. Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy leads a discussion with Comic-Con special guest Christine Feehan (The Dark Series), Claudia Gray (Spellcaster), Aprilynne Pike (Earthbound), Lauren Kate (The Fallen Novels), Kendare Blake (Antigoddess), and Magnus Flyte (City of Dark Magic).
Thursday July 18, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
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
With so many terms and styles, diving into the mechanics of the craft of writing can be scary. And point of view (POV) can be one of the toughest to tackle. Yet, if used correctly, POV is a wonderful and powerful tool that is the backbone of your story. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake helps break this piece of the writing puzzle down into something you can use to enhance your writing style.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 2
Successful novelists, screenwriters, and actors each bring a different perspective to a discussion of how to write science fiction and fantasy. Raymond Feist (The Riftwar Saga, The Serpentwar Saga, Conclave of Shadows), David Gerrold (Star Trek, The War Against the Chtorr, Star Wolf), Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion), Trevor Crafts (Lantern City, Smokewood), Matthew James Daley (Lantern City, Lantern City: Rise), Jimmy Diggs (The Crypto-Historians, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Voyager), Matt King (The World of Steam), and Bruce Boxleitner (TRON, Babylon 5, Lantern City). Moderated by Mark O'Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, Aia the Barbarian).
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Corsets, werewolves, airships, robots, women in pants! Steampunk is all this and more. While the Victorian era was marked by constraint, adding a sci-fi twist has allowed women creators to reimagine this world and loosen those cultural corset strings. They are exploring how liberating, sexy, and adventurous the age of steam can be. Robin Blackburn (The League of S.T.E.A.M.), Anina Bennett (Boilerplate: History's Mechanical Marvel), Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), Jaymee Goh (Silver Goggles), Claire Hummel (Bioshock: Infinite), and moderator Dina Kampmeyer (LadySteam) discuss literature, fashion, romance, adventure, multiculturalism, and more.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks joins Avatar publisher William Christensen to give the scoop on new projects and creators joining the industry's most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher! Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as Garth Ennis, Alan Moore, and Max Brooks? Can't get enough Crossed: Badlands, Uber, or Extinction Parade? Want to hear breaking news on upcoming projects? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered by the publisher!
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 4
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
Jermaine Turner (director, current series, Disney TV Animation), Ted Biaselli (VP programming, The Hub Network), Jill Sanford (VP, Nickelodeon Animation Development), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Ivan Brandon (writer/publisher, Offset Comics), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (game producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (PR strategist), and moderator Dan Evans III (freelance writer, Stoopid Monkey), will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adapt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
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
Writing instructors Rich Shivener (Northern Kentucky University), John Silvestro (Miami University), and Alex Jenkin (Miami University) discuss how they incorporate Batman, Scott McCloud, Will Eisner, and select indie comics into freshman-level college courses with diverse audiences, even those who are not fans of comics, considering both comics and academic writing as different methods to express arguments, narratives, and ideas. They reveal how students can use academic writing to analyze, realize, and understand comics and use comics to think about the limitations of academic writing and what it can and cannot show.
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
The Antidote Trust teams up with comics/TV animation creative force Brandon Easton for 2 hours of in-depth discussions. Preceding "The Writer's Journey: Breaking into Hollywood and Comic Scriptwriting" panel, this first hour concentrates on independent comic creation-what you'll need to know for a chance at success. Here's (not too much of) a spoiler alert: you'll need to tell a good story and doing so in a fresh way. Panelists are BuyIndieComics.com and DWAP Productions creator Dale Wilson;Todd Harris, story illustrator with well over a decade of experience in film, TV, video games and print and co-founder of Genre19 (Prodigal for Ape Entertainment, Journeymen for Dark Horse); Dani Dixon, entrepreneur/creator of Tumble Creek Press; Larry Welch, former senior art editor at Malibu Comics and currently freelance comic book inker for Marvel and Black Inc! Imprints; Andre Owens, Force Galaxia creator and founder of Hiro Unlimited entertainment enterprise; and TV and film story illustrator, comics creator, and winner of the inaugural "Glyph" Rising Star Award Robert Roach. DeWayne Copeland, co-creator and producer of the indie superhero web-series CV Nation, moderates.
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
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
As we move from the Insight to Indies panel, we'll address the question every aspiring writer wants answered: "How do I break into the business?" If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers Brandon M. Easton (ThunderCats (2011), Transformers: Rescue Bots), GeoffreyThorne (TNT's Leverage, Ben 10), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10, Generator Rex), veteran screenwriter Tony Puryear (the Schwarzenegger film Eraser), and actress/writer Erika Alexander (Maxine Shaw from Living Single and Concrete Park graphic novel from Dark Horse) share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Topics include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment SVP story and franchise development) and a team of esteemed guests reveal never-before-seen licensed products and plans for 2013/2014. Talk to the designers, writers, and artists themselves as they dig into toys, novels, comics, statues, and more. Panel and extended game Q&A session moderated by Kat Hunter (host of Blizzcon coverage on DIRECTV).
Thursday July 18, 2013 2:15pm - 3:15pm PDT
Room 6BCF
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.
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
Summit Entertainment presents a special sneak peek at the highly anticipated film adaptation of the beloved, award-winning novel Enders Game. This is a must-see for fans, who will be shown all-new, exclusive footage and treated to a Q&A with stars Harrison Ford, Asa Butterfield, Hailee Steinfeld, and Abigail Breslin, along with producer Roberto Orci (Star Trek Into Darkness) and director Gavin Hood (X-Men Origins: Wolverine). The panel will also feature the first footage ever seen of the futuristic thriller based on the #1 New York Times best-selling novel, Divergent. Cast and filmmakers will complete a Q&A sharing details of the project's transition from book to film. Panelists will include novelist Veronica Roth, director Neil Burger, and cast members Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Miles Teller, Maggie Q, Ansel Elgort, Mekhi Phifer, Ben Lamb, Ben Lloyd-Hughes and Christian Madsen.
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
The gory, gruesome, and paranoia-inducing elements in these novels will take readers on a jet-fueled ride to the dark side. These writers spare no expense to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up with stories that will surprise you at every turn. Their protagonists solve crimes, kick ass, and don't let anyone-or anything-stand in their way. Thrill to the discussion with James Rollins (Eye of God), Duane Swierczynski (Point and Shoot), Stephen Blackmoore (Dead Things), Charlie Huston (Skinner), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Season of the Wolf), and Roger Hobbs (Ghostman), led by David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
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.
Trouble finding a book publisher? How about a literary agent? Do you really need your own publicist? Is getting into print different when your book's topic is particularly geeky? Hear how these bookworms got their works into print, how they made money at it, and how you might, too: S. G. Browne (Breathers: A Zombie's Lament), Bonnie Burton (The Star Wars Craft Book), Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak), Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History), Alex Langley (The Geek Handbook), and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight). Moderated by Jenna Busch (Fanhattan).
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
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
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.
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.
Siike Donnelly and Matt Hawkins - along with guest panelists Olivia Peterson, Jon Schnepp, and Joshua Levy - give you a look into the process of running and promoting a Kickstarter campaign. Learn how to reach your audience directly and put your dream project into the hands of many. Discover the ups, downs, and rewards of believing in your work.
Actresses, stuntwomen, creative cosplayers, outspoken bloggers, gamers, and comic book creators...which women are movers and shakers on the convention scene? Is the con a place where fangirls feel forced to fit fantastic expectations, or is it a place where they can unleash who they really are? Are women in fandom subjected to more judgment than their male counterparts? Do women in fandom have to maintain dual identities in ways the fanboys don't? To discuss whether fandom really is different for women, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (Fanhattan, CraveOnline) has assembled a team of women dangerous in their own right: Chaka Cumberbatch (Princess Mentality Cosplay), Ashley Eckstein (HerUniverse), Erin Gray (Buck Rogers, Heroes for Hire), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (UnderTheMaskOnline.com), Jessica Merizan (BioWare), Morgan Romine (Frag Dolls), and America Young (Stan Lee's World of Heroes).
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
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
Get the inside word on Simon and Schuster’s upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes! Lucille Rettino (vice president, director of marketing), Carolyn Swerdloff (marketing manager), Chrissy Noh (associate marketing director), Mara Anastas (vice president, deputy publisher), and Anna McKean (publicity manager) will give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Scott Westerfeld, Cassandra Clare, Orson Scott Card, Tony DiTerlizzi, and Brandon Mull. Hear what is going on with S&S’s hot properties and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for the upcoming The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones movie.
Max Brooks (Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z), Matt Mogk (Zombie Research Society), Steven Schlozman (The Zombie Autopsies), Scott Kenemore (Zen of Zombie, Zombie Ohio), Aaron Sagers (Journalist and TV host), Bradley Voytek (neuroscientist), and Jonathan James (DailyDead.com) discuss why zombies are so popular today. Join this expert panel for a Q&A session covering everything from the origin of the modern zombie to the deep-rooted fears it represents.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
What builds The Guild? How do people from so many different backgrounds, sometimes operating on shoestring budgets, bring their own shows to life on YouTube and other websites? Geeks and Gamers Anonymous creators Katrina Hill and Alex Langley assemble geeky webseries creators and performers from Shelf Life (Tara Platt, Stephanie Thorpe), Husbands (Jane Espenson, Brad Bell), Super Knocked Up (Jeff Burns, Jourdan Gibson), and creator of The Legend of Neil (Sandeep Parikh) to discuss the creative process from conception through casting, crowdsourcing, production, and promotion of original online content.
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Stories are about conflict. And there is no purer form of conflict than a good ole fisticuffs-style brawl. (Or sword fight, laser battle, western shootout, and even two chicks pulling out each other's hair.) Yet, how to put that much action down on paper and not only make it believable, but enjoyable and exciting to read? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake brings you deep inside the violence, breaking it down piece by piece and giving you some tricks you can use to create more realistic and exciting fights.
Jim Sullos (president, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Incorporated), Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration), Andy Briggs (Tarzan: The Savage Lands), Martin Powell (Carson of Venus), Steven E. Gordon (The Eternal Savage), and Diana Leto (The Cave Girl) discuss the future of the Burroughs universe online, on the page, and in theaters. Panel attendees can enter a drawing to win signed original art at the panel's conclusion.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
Jeff Mariotte (Season of the Wolf) will be interviewed by actress and author Amber Benson (the Calliope Reaper-Jones series) about his 30 years of working at San Diego Comic- Con. During that time, Jeff has sold books at the show for Hunter's Books and Mysterious Galaxy (of which he's a co-owner) and worked as VP of marketing for WildStorm Productions/Image Comics, as senior editor for WildStorm Productions/DC Comics, and as editor-in-chief for IDW Publishing. As a novelist and comic book writer, he has also appeared on programming over the years to discuss his more than 50 books, including 47 novels, and almost 150 comic books and graphic novels. Throughout his various careers, the thread linking everything together has been Comic-Con, and he'll talk about the highs and lows, the famous and the infamous, over his long affiliation with the con.
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-Con special guest Tony Isabella is the man who brought you Black Lightning, It the Living Colossus, The Shadow War of Hawkman,The Champions, and so many more memorable comics, plus his long-running column in Comic Buyer's Guide. He will be ruthlessly interrogated about them and other milestones of his career by his longtime friend Mark Evanier.
The director and stars of Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz have joined forces for a third movie-and it's "Barmageddon," their biggest yet. As ever, they're as happy to be here as you are. So expect candid chatter and spirited surprises as they take the wraps off their new comedy, which Focus Features is opening nationwide in the U.S. on August 23.
This year's panel once again brings together movers and shakers from a variety of entertainment mediums: Wayne Brady (The Wayne Brady Show, Let's Make a Deal, The Chappelle Show), Orlando Jones (Sleepy Hollow, Tainted Love, Black Dynamite), Tatiana El-Khouri (Dark Girls, The Milestones Show), John Jenning (BLACK COMIX, Octavia Butler's Kindred), Tony Rich (The Tony Rich Project, The Hidden Beach), and David Walker (Bad Azz MoFo, Super Justice Force). Moderated by Michael Davis.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
Spiro Skentzos (Grimm), Karen Horne (NBC executive/Spawn co-producer), Keto Shimizu (Arrow), and Jane Espenson (Husbands) share their TV writing experiences on such topics as getting started, basic script mistakes, how to get representation, writing programs, staying motivated, and negotiating today's turbulent TV terrain. There will be a large Q&A component, so bring your questions.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 24ABC
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
Understanding when and how to use physical conflict in your story is all well and good. But, how do you write it? How do authors paint such a vivid, action- packed fight scene that readers can "see" in their mind using only the written word? Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake peels back the mystery and looks at using words to craft action that your readers will not simply read, but experience.
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.
Serial comic books rely on drawing readers back to find out what happens next. Louise Simonson (Superman: The Man of Steel), Gerry Conway (The Amazing Spider-Man), Joe Hughes (Comics Alliance), and Rachel Edidin (Wired.com), with moderator Douglas Wolk, talk about what makes for an irresistible "to be continued" moment.
Friday July 19, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Creator-owned comics have once again grabbed the imagination of the comic- reading community, and publishers are looking for fresh ideas from a new generation of talent. Listen closely as creators Matt Kindt (Justice League of America, Mind MGMT), Charles Soule (Swamp Thing, Strange Attractors), Rob Venditti (Green Lantern, The Surrogates), and moderator Jim Zub (Pathfinder, Skullkickers) discuss pitching their hit comic series to publishers and offer advice on how to climb to the top of the treacherous submission mountain, along with comic writing techniques and amusing anecdotes.
Friday July 19, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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.
Storytelling and character development in MMOs can be extremely challenging, but both are vital when trying to launch a new IP. Lead narrative designer Chad Moore, content director Mike Donatelli, creative director Matt Mocarski, and design producer Stephen Frost will break down how characters and stories are developed in WildStar, and the ways they are reflected in the game. Carbine Studio will talk about the creation of key characters, the development of story arcs, and how it all culminates into making the player the star of the show.
Friday July 19, 2013 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Vera Brosgol (Anya's Ghost), Gris Grimly (Frankenstein), Faith Erin Hicks (Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Hope Larson (Who is AC?), and Paul Pope (Battling Boy) - five of the hottest YA graphic novel creators in the industry-discuss their current books, what's involved in creating graphic novels for young adults, and why words and pictures go so well together in books for teens.
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
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
Hear a variety of authors talk about the rewards and challenges of writing Star Wars, whether it's through novels, making-of nonfiction, or cartoons. New York Times bestselling authors Jeffrey Brown, Troy Denning, John Jackson Miller, and J. W. Rinzler, as well as editors Frank Parisi of Random House and Jennifer Heddle of Lucasfilm, will participate in a roundtable discussion on writing in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Emceed by Lucasfilm Holocron keeper Leland Chee.
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Comic-Con special guest Duane Swierczynski writes violent, bloody, pulpy comics (Judge Dredd, X, Bloodshot) and violent, bloody, pulpy novels (Fun & Games, Point & Shoot, Severance Package). But deep down inside, he's a sweetheart. Which is why he's inviting you to hang out with him for a special afternoon of prizes! Surprise guests! A soul-searching Q&A! And a hug. (Okay, maybe not a hug.)
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).
Authors incorporate superhuman, supernatural, mythological and magical elements into their novels to weave wonderful tales. Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy plays "Aunt May" to authors Thomas Sniegoski (the Remy Chandler novels), SJ Rozan/Sam Cabot (Blood of the Lamb), Mark Siegel (Sailor Twain), Mark Kruger (Overpowered), Veronica Wolff (The Watchers series), Peter Clines (Ex-Heroes), and Gini Koch (The Alien Series).
Friday July 19, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Join author Marie Lu (Legend series, optioned by CBS Film), literary agent Sara Megibow (Nelson Literary Agency), and publicist Marisa Russell (Penguin Group) in a conversation moderated by literary agent Kate Schafer Testerman (kt literary) about the contribution of various members of a publishing team to the crafting, sale, and launch of a critically-acclaimed book series.
Friday July 19, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Showrunners, a new documentary film that takes the audience behind the scenes, into the writers’ room and on set with candid interviews with 20 of today's top showrunners, presents an intimate discussion with the creators of your favorite TV shows! Tara DiLullo Bennett (Lost Encyclopedia, Fringe: Septembers Notebook) moderates a panel on the craft of running a television series with contributors featured in the documentary: Hart Hanson (Bones), Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory), and Jane Espenson (Husbands, Once Upon A Time) plus others. The panel will also feature exclusive new footage from the film, which also includes Joss Whedon, J. J. Abrams, Ronald D. Moore, Damon Lindelof, and many more!
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.
Fanfiction has recently moved into the spotlight, with fic authors getting impressive book deals and Amazon announcing Kindle Worlds. But there's a lot more to the story than Fifty Shades of Grey. Panelists Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Christina Lauren (tby789 and LolaShoes, Beautiful Bastard), Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires, Weather Wardens), V. Arrow (aimmyarrowshigh, The Panem Companion), and Heidi Tandy (heidi8, Organization for Transformative Works) discuss how fan writing-from missing scenes to remixes and crossovers-and other fanworks re-imagine the boundaries of everything from sexuality and gender to character and authorship. They'll discuss the way fan culture is challenging today's entertainment and publishing industry norms, and consider the value a noncommercial creative space can bring to emerging and even professional writers and artists. Moderated by Anne Jamison (Fic: Why Fanfiction Is Taking Over the World).
Dragons, elves, and magic-epic fantasy transports us to another world. Colleen Lindsay and some of the genre's biggest authors discuss the worlds of their own creation and what fantasy has to say about our own world: Robin Hobb (Blood of Dragons), Raymond Feist (Magician's End), Django Wexler (The Thousand Names), Brandon Sanderson (Mistborn and the Wheel of Time series), Melissa de la Cruz (Frozen), Christopher Paolini (the Inheritance cycle), and Daniel Abraham (The Tyrant's Law).
Friday July 19, 2013 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO's Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode third season in June and will begin filming its fourth season this summer. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Featured cast include: (in alphabetical order): John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Emilia Clarke as Daenerys Targaryen, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau as Jaime Lannister, Peter Dinklage as Tyrion Lannister, Michelle Fairley as Catelyn Stark, Kit Harington as Jon Snow, Rose Leslie as Ygritte, and Richard Madden as Robb Stark. The panel will be moderated by Elvis Mitchell.
Join film agent Brandy Rivers (Gersh Agency) and literary agents Michael Bourret (Dystel & Goderich Literary Management), Barry Goldblatt (Barry Goldblatt Literary), Sara Megibow (Nelson Literary Agency), Jane Putch (Eyebait Licensing & Literary Management), Kate Schafer Testerman (kt literary) and Pam van Hylckama Vlieg (Foreword Literary) for a Q&A session about the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more. No pitches, please.
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
Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 -- You remember Sony Pictures Animation's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs -- Flint Lockwood invented a machine that turned water into food, and it worked, but it also unleashed a dangerously delicious tsunami of food weather and Flint was forced to destroy it. Or so he thought...In Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2, the adventure and fun continue when Flint discovers that his old invention is still working and is now creating new food-animal hybrids -- foodimals! Come join stars Anna Faris and Terry Crews along with directors Cody Cameron and Kris Pearn, to get a taste of this new animated movie from Sony Pictures Animation.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones -- Set in contemporary New York City, a seemingly ordinary teenager, Clary Fray (Lily Collins), discovers she is the descendant of a line of Shadowhunters, a secret cadre of half-angel warriors locked in an ancient battle to protect our world from demons. After the disappearance of her mother (Lena Headey), Clary must join forces with a group of Shadowhunters, who introduce her to a dangerous alternate New York called Downworld, filled with demons, warlocks, vampires, werewolves and other deadly creatures. Based on the worldwide best-selling book series. Please join best- selling author, Cassandra Clare, along with the film's director Harald Zwart and stars Lily Collins, Jamie Campbell Bower, Godfrey Gao, Robert Sheehan and Kevin Zegers for a first look at exciting new footage and discussion of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones.
RoboCop -- In RoboCop, the year is 2028 and multinational conglomerate OmniCorp is at the center of robot technology. Overseas, their drones have been used by the military for years -- and it's meant billions for OmniCorp's bottom line. Now OmniCorp wants to bring their controversial technology to the home front, and they see a golden opportunity to do it. When Alex Murphy (Joel Kinnaman) – a loving husband, father and good cop doing his best to stem the tide of crime and corruption in Detroit -- is critically injured in the line of duty, OmniCorp sees their chance for a part-man, part-robot police officer. OmniCorp envisions a RoboCop in every city and even more billions for their shareholders, but they never counted on one thing: there is still a man inside the machine pursuing justice. Join stars Joel Kinnaman, Abbie Cornish, and Samuel L. Jackson along with director José Padilha for insight into this eagerly awaited movie.
The Amazing Spider-Man 2 -- Last year, Andrew Garfield, along with director Marc Webb and producers Avi Arad and Matt Tolmach, launched a new chapter in the Peter Parker story with The Amazing Spider-Man. With a new installment in the franchise due in 2014, join us in Hall H for one of Comic-Con's most highly anticipated panels to hear a bit about what awaits Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
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.
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
Superstar creator Grant Morrison's (Batman, Action Comics, Dinosaurs Vs. Aliens) only panel at Comic-Con this year will unveil the launch, with Graphic India, of his YouTube animated series 18 Days, based on the epic eastern myth the Mahabharata. See exclusive clips from the series and enter the mind of one of the most groundbreaking creators in the world today in this engaging debate on Eastern versus Western storytelling archetypes. He is joined by series executive producers Sharad Devarajan (co-founder and CEO, Liquid Comics/Graphic India) and author Gotham Chopra (The Sadhu, Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes).
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.
An in-depth conversation and open floor Q&A with Comic-Con special guest Nick Spencer, focusing on his creator-owned hits Morning Glories and Bedlam, his work for Marvel Comics on Avengers, Secret Avengers, and Superior Foes of Spider-Man, and future projects. Moderated by Josh Wigler.
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).
Are you an aspiring artist trying to make a career in the arts? Learn the "Tricks of the Trade" from professional artists working in the entertainment industry. Discussions will include advice on how to get started and maintain a career, as well as tips in the art of self-promotion. Panelists include Randy Martinez (illustrator, Lucasfilm, Marvel, Topps Trading Cards), Vince Hernandez (editor, writer, art director at Aspen Comics), Alexis Cruz (actor, director, producer), Ashley Eckstein (actress, entrepreneur), Bonnie Burton (author, host of Geek DIY, crafter), J. C. Riefenberg (filmmaker), Jennifer Landa (actress, vlogger, crafter), Tone Rodriguez (artist, art director), Elisa Teague (editor-in-chief at Cupcake Quarterly, creative director for Gamesmith), and Michelle Smart (artist management and art publishing, Marvel Fine Art). Moderated by Denise Vasquez (actress, artist, designer, writer, musician, manager, promotions specialist, founder of WO+MEN 4 A CAUSE).
Max Allan Collins (Mike Hammer), co-founder of the IAMTW, will announce the winners of this year's Scribe Awards for excellence in tie-in writing, including honoring this year's Grandmaster Award "Faust" winner, Ann C. Crispin (Pirates of the Caribbean). Join panelists Kevin J. Anderson (Dune), Nathan Collins (Metal Gear), Peter David (After Earth), Glenn Hauman (Star Trek), Jeff Mariotte (Terminator), and Rebecca Moesta (Star Wars) for a freewheeling look at one of the most popular and yet underappreciated branches of the writing trade. Followed by a Q&A session.
Friday July 19, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, Max Brooks is the world's leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! His new all-original comic book series, Extinction Parade, introduces vampires into that mix and gives fans a new race of the undead to fear and prepare for. Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks shares his insights into the rotting minds of the undead, discusses zombies vs. vampires, and fields questions from zombie-phobic fans!
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.
What science fiction stories from the past year made you think, as well as entertaining you? Panelists talk about the year's smartest books, comics, movies, and TV with io9 staffers Annalee Newitz, Charlie Jane Anders, Meredith Woerner, and Lauren Davis, joined by Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Middleman), Marc Bernardin (Alphas), Austin Grossman (YOU), Phil Plait (Bad Astronomy), and Jose Molina (Vampire Diaries, Sleepy Hollow).
NEW: Thu, Jul 11, 10:56AM Moderated by Timothy Travaglini (Open Road Integrated Media); authors Kevin J. Anderson (Dune) and Rebecca Moesta (WordFire Press), Cory Doctorow (Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom, Little Brother, Boing Boing), Andy Briggs (Hero.com, Villain.net, Tarzan: The Greystoke Legacy), Sherri L. Smith (Orleans, Flygirl), and Nick Cole (The Old Man and the Wasteland, The Savage Boy), and bookseller Maggie Tokuda-Hall (Books, Inc) discuss impact of the digital age on writing, publishing, reading, bookselling, and the traditional book as we know it.
Friday July 19, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Richard Johnson (InkLit), and Mia Garcia (young readers marketing) give you the dish on forthcoming books from our exciting authors and licensed properties, such as Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, S. M. Stirling, Rachel Caine, Richelle Mead, Melissa de la Cruz, D. J. MacHale, Marie Lu, Adventure Time, and many more. You can expect lots of giveaways you won't see anywhere else at the convention, including free advance reading copies!
Tom King, the author of a A Once Crowded Sky offers a step-by-step, practical approach to creating a superhero novel. Topics will include world building, character development, voice, POV, plot construction, experimentation, writing habits, revision, and publication. The class is intended to provide specific methods that work in putting comic book supermen into prose.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 2
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
Paris, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Tucson, and cities of our own imagination come to life when tales of myth and magic are blended with the urban landscape. These stories are collectively known as Urban Fantasy, and many of today's popular authors are adding their otherworldly ingredients to the melting pots of modern (and not-so-modern) society. Authors Jim Butcher (Cold Days), Max Gladstone (Three Parts Dead), Kevin Hearne (The Iron Druid Chronicles), Richard Kadrey (Kill City Blues), Marlene Perez (Strange Fates), Kevin J. Anderson (Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I.), and Liesel Schwarz (A Conspiracy of Alchemists) discuss the art of writing Urban Fantasy with Diana Gill of Harper Voyager US.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
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
Christine Feehan (#1 New York Times bestselling author) and Anne Elizabeth (award-winning author creator) discuss the ever-growing genre and subgenres of paranormal/fantasy. Join Christine and Anne for this Q&A session moderated by Sheila English (author, CEO of COS Productions, international speaker).
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
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
From The Hunger Games' Katniss to Divergent's Tris, no one knows how to give a solid ass-kicking like a YA novel heroine. But when these young ladies aren't saving the world, overthrowing powerful regimes, or slaying everything from zombies to dragons, they still find time for romance. Ally Condie (Matched), Veronica Roth (Divergent), Holly Black (The Coldest Girl in Coldtown), Marissa Meyer (Scarlet), Lissa Price (Starters), and Veronica Wolff (The Watchers) discuss the delicate balance between killing and kissing, and what it takes to properly woo a YA heroine. Moderated by Sherri Smith (Orleans).
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Some of the best zombie and apocalyptic authors-including S. G. Browne (I Saw Zombies Eating Santa Claus), Matt Mogk (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know about Zombies), Nick Cole (Old Man and the Wasteland), Peter Stenson (Fiend), Alan Averill (The Beautiful Land), and Rick Yancey (The 5th Wave)- discuss the threat of zombies, how they imagine the end of the world, and the art of writing apocalyptic stories, alongside moderator Aaron Sagers (MTV/CNN pop culture contributor).
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Writers Lyricalkris(My Biggest Mistake), Audryii_fic (The Definition of Want), Abstractway (Dodge and Burn), Plummy (The Babysitter), TheFicChick (Departures), FarDareisMai2 (Finger Painting), and moderator Kimpy0464 (The Nightingale Journals) are on hand for laughs and fun at the Twilight Fan Fiction group. They'll answer questions about the challenges and joys of writing derivative fiction in the Twilight fandom and how to keep it fun.
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
Comic-Con special guest Richard Kadrey discusses his work, from Metrophage to The Smurfs (yes, those Smurfs), to the Sandman Slim series to what's coming in the future. Join him for an interview about his writing (and possibly photography). The interview will be followed by a moderated Q&A session.
Saturday July 20, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
You'll get 20 years in an Iso-Cube if you miss this one! Join IDW's Dirk Wood and Chris Ryall, along with Judge Dredd writer Duane Swierczynski, 2000AD's Ben Smith, creators Henry Flint and John Higgins, and more for a drokkin' good time discussing everyone's favorite Mega-City One judge.
The multitudinously talented Roy Thomas shines in the spotlight as moderator Jon B. Cooke (Comic Book Creator magazine) quizzes the "All-Star" comics fan, award-winning comics scribe, and editor supreme about his early fanzine work, life with Stan Lee in the Marvel Bullpen, critically acclaimed writing on Conan and The Avengers (among others), and the Rascally One's Eisner Award-winning achievements for his Alter Ego magazine.
Ben Edlund (the creator of The Tick), Chris McCulloch (Tick Karma Tornado artist/writer and Venture Brothers creator), and Bob Polio (art director of The Tick comic series) discuss the 25-year history of The Tick.
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Experts from games and pop culture join together to discuss how zombies have invaded our lives through every avenue of entertainment. From TV and books to video games – especially video games! At the panel, fans will meet Dead Rising 3 developers from Capcom Vancouver and see gameplay from the upcoming Xbox One exclusive launch title, hear from internationally renowned author and zombie expert Max Brooks (Author, World War Z) and talk about zombies in video game culture with Game Informer senior editor Jeff Cork along with panelists Mike Jones (Producer, Capcom) and Josh Bridge (executive producer, Capcom).
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
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
Lisa Henson (CEO, The Jim Henson Company) and Cheryl Henson (Labyrinth, The Muppet Show) are joined by Grosset and Dunlap's Francesco Sedita (president and publisher) and Rob Valois (senior editor) to discuss their exciting new contest to find the author of the first installment of the upcoming Young Adult book series set in the world of the classic Jim Henson fantasy film The Dark Crystal. The panel will feature information on how to participate in the Author Quest, an overview of The Dark Crystal world, and a look at the new fan destination darkcrystal.com, as well as a Q&A.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
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 Gerry Conway, co-creator of The Punisher, Firestorm, Power Girl, and Man-Thing, along with too many supervillains to count, is one of the longest-running writers of the Justice League and is widely known as "the man who killed Gwen Stacy." Gerry will reveal the truth behind comicdom's most traumatic death, as well as the origins of the Spider-Man Clone Saga. In addition, he will entertain with his impression of Tony Orlando and Dawn having knitting needles thrust into their eyes. Parents are cautioned. Questions are welcomed.
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
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 15, 04:37PM Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its sixth season June 16 on HBO. The series follows waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Oscar and Golden Globe award winner Anna Paquin), who can hear people's thoughts and vampires Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Brian Buckner serves as executive producer of the series, which also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Joe Manganiello as Alcide, Anna Camp as Sarah Newlin, Michael McMillian as Steve Newlin, and Rob Kazinsky as Ben. Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ballcreated and is also an executive producer on the series, based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. Moderated by Kate Huhn (TV Guide Magazine).
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:30pm - 4:15pm PDT
Ballroom 20
As a writer, producer, and creator, Comic-Con special guest Paul Dini enjoys a flourishing career in all aspects of popular culture. Join Paul and moderator Bill Morrison (Futurama, Bongo Comics) as they look back at fan-favorite career highlights (Batman: The Animated Series, Arkham City, Lost, Tower Prep), some current projects (Hulk and the Agents of Smash, Black Canary and Zatanna), and a few surprises for the future.
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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).
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
Along with Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, Disney/ABC Television is home to some of the most creative storytellers in entertainment. Shalisha Francis (Co-Producer, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D); Chuck Kim (executive story editor, Heroes); and Rob Greenlea (director, Grey's Anatomy) joins talent development executives Frank Bennett Gonzalez and Janine Jones-Clark to share experiences and insight about the creative process and the necessary steps needed to break into television and land the job of your dreams. Discussion points include pitching and writing a compelling script, directing a solid episode of television, and the essentials of networking. Moderated by Ken Choy (Hyphen Magazine).
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
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
Just when we thought we'd gotten rid of him once and for all, Comic-Con special guest J. Michael Straczynski created Studio JMS and its subsidiary Joe's Comics, via Image, which debuted Ten Grand this past May and will be launching a special variant edition right here at SDCC. We consider this the worst kind of retribution for our prior panel descriptions and are considering our next move. This may lead to fisticuffs. Oh, yeah, and he writes movies and TV and stuff like that. Whatever.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 12, 11:21AM Need money to produce your film or write that novel? Join this panel of experts on how to raise funds for your project using "Crowdfunding" sites such as Kickstarteror and Indiegogo. These panelists have raised money for their projects - find out how they did it! Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG & Deep Space Nine, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion), Michael Reaves (Blood Kiss,Star Trek: The Next Generation, Batman: The Animated Series, Hell on Earth), David Simkins (Warehouse 13, Adventures in Babysitting, Charmed, Blade: The Series, Dark Angel, The Dresden Files), Lynn Ayala (Lily,Starship Rising, Pain is Beautiful, Beauty Sleep Symphony, Carnies),Mark Gantt (Ocean's Eleven, The Bannen Way, Night Visitor, Annie Takes Off), Jimmy Diggs (The Crypto-Historians, Star Trek: Deep Sapce Nine, Star Trek: Voyager), Bryn Pryor (Cowboys & Engines). Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica, Cowboys & Engines). Moderated by Mark O’Bannon (The Dream Crystal, The Dark Mirrors of Heaven, Aia the Barbarian).
He's been called America's most knowledgeable film critic and historian, and he's the author of more than a dozen books on motion pictures and animation, in addition to his annual (and bestselling) Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, a book no lover of film can be without. This year, he's a Comic-Con special guest and for this hour, Leonard Maltin will be interviewed by his longtime friend Mark Evanier.
Saturday July 20, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
NEW: Mon, Jul 08, 01:59PM Editorial and marketing leaders from two of HarperCollins’s most popular imprints, Harper Voyager and Harper Teen/Epic Reads, present the hot new titles for fall—and beyond. Harper Voyager has much in store, including surprise author attendees, book giveaways, and an overview of upcoming urban fantasy titles, including Kill City Blues and The Dead Set, from Comic-Con special guest Richard Kadrey. Attendees will learn about the spine-tingling forthcoming thrillers by Adam Mansbach (The Dead Run) and David Wellington (Chimera), Queen of Dark Things, a dark and cinematic tale of magic from C. Robert Cargill, Abyss Deep, the new military SF by powerhouse author Ian Douglas, and The Undead Pool, one of the very last journeys into Kim Harrison’s beloved The Hollows series. In addition to some surprise appearances from special guests, HarperTeen will preview an incredible lineup of fall releases, including Allegiant, the third and final novel in Veronica Roth’s #1 New York Times bestselling Divergent trilogy; Fortunately, The Milk, a new middle-grade novel by Neil Gaiman; The Fall of Five, the fourth novel in the bestselling Lorien Legacies series by Pittacus Lore; and some exciting debuts.
After all the interesting and exciting movie panels are over, Hall H belongs to a middle-aged man who hasn't made a flick in years! It's not Saturday night in Hall H 'til the Fat Lady sings...and that fat lady is the flight-challenged writer/director/podcaster/author/actor Kevin Smith! Ask ComiKev questions about the forthcoming Clerks III, or Jay and Silent Bob's Super Groovy Cartoon Movie, or his AMC show Comic Book Men! Watch Kev over-answer while sweating profusely! Get in on a tradition and wrap up a busy Saturday with the Clown Prince of Comic-Con!
Intertwining the information you need within a compelling story is both craft and art. Hear our panel of expert storytellers share how they handle both while creating memorable characters readers love. With panelists Gini Koch, Robert Roach, Melissa Jarvis and Jeffrey Twohig.
2013 marks the 75th anniversary of the History of the Necronomicon, a short essay written by iconic horror author H. P. Lovecraft and published a year after his death. Since then, the dreaded tome written by the Mad Arab Abdul Alhazred has appeared in movies, books, comics, cartoons, art, music, and games. Although originally a literary hoax, hundreds of products bear its name today. Come explore the truth and legend behind the greatest creation of the 20th century's greatest weird fiction writer, and learn how and why the book and its creator continue to influence all aspects of culture. With Brian Callahan (owner of Arkham Bazaar), Mike Dubisch (illustrator of The Black Velvet Necronomicon: Black Velvet Cthulhu), Cody Goodfellow (writer, All-Monster Action), Leslie S. Klinger (editor, The New Annotated H.P. Lovecraft, 2014), Mark Kinsey Stephenson (Randolph Carter in The Unnamable and The Unnamable II), Bryan Thao Worra (Innsmouth Free Press columnist), and Brian Yuzna (producer/director, Necronomicon: Book of Dead). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (organizer of the H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival-Los Angeles).
Education's all-things-nerd networking resource returns to Comic-Con. This year's edition features Travis Langley (Henderson State University, Batman and Psychology) and Eric Bruce (Western Oregon University) joining Patrick Murphy (Fremont High, Weber State University). Topics include curriculum development strategies, national standards, and increasing student engagement.
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
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
Comic-Con special guest Tom Batiuk will be taking you on a humorous and informative journey through the Funkyverse as he delves into the origin and history of his syndicated comic strip Funky Winkerbean. Joining him is DC Comics colorist Alex Sinclair, whose current credits include Superman: Unchained, Green Lantern, Astro City, and Teen Titans, and the talented guy who was the colorist on Batiuk's Pulitzer Finalist book Lisa's Story.
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
Strong protagonists, engrossing romance, humor, action, and angst! Join authors for a Q&A session and chat about the hottest new titles and trends in YA fiction. Moderated by Nathan Bransford (Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp) and featuring Rachel Cohn (Beta), Mark Frost (The Paladin Prophecy), Rachel Hawkins (Hex Hall Series), Tahereh Mafi (Unravel Me), Chelsea Pitcher (The S Word), Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children), Veronica Rossi (Through the Ever Night), Rainbow Rowell (Eleanor and Park), and Emma Trevayne (Coda).
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 15, 12:50PM The importance of being literate and what the comic book can offer your students. Integrate comic book literature into your classroom settings, incorporate a higher learning standard with exciting tools offered by our panel of experts' first hand experience: NYT Best Selling Author, Frank Beddor (Looking Glass Wars, Hatter M), Karen Green (Columbia University), Dave Elliot (Weirding Willows, Titan Books), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers) and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). This multimedia session includes a brief history of the comic book origin; will highlight specific examples of how to engage students in reading and how to inspire students to learn using the comic book to create their own work. Q&A and breakout sessions with panelists will follow group discussion. Free 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book [PDF] and other useful materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin , courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
From Captain Marvel to the X-Men, from Twitter to tumblr, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in comics. Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it's like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry! Panelists include writer Louise Simonson (New Mutants), editor Jeanine Schaefer, Marvel AR producer and photographer Judy Stephens, and some other special guests!
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 5AB
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).
George R. R. Martin, the New York Times bestselling author and the mind behind HBO's massively successful Game of Thrones, discusses his novels, his projects, and the wicked new Skin Trade comic book series! His novels are the most anticipated releases in fiction, and the Game of Thrones series has captivated audiences worldwide. This is your chance to find out direct from the creative mastermind himself what twists, turns, and unfortunate ends your favorite characters are in for and why Skin Trade will make your skin crawl.
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
From spaceships and aliens to medical tampering and secret military weapons, science fiction books have never been as varied and exciting as they are now. James S. A. Corey (the writing team of Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck; Abaddon's Gate), Jason Hough (The Darwin Elevator), David Wellington (Chimera), Mira Grant (Parasite), Daniel Wilson (Amped), and D. J. MacHale (Sylo) discuss their new books and the vivid visions science fiction has to offer, from distant space to our own backyards. Moderated by Margaret Stohl (Icons).
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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
Get the lowdown on X-Men: Battle of the Atom, the massive X-Men event that will forever change the landscape of the X-Universe! What happens when the original five X-Men come face-to-face with the future X-Men? Heads will roll in this fateful time-space showdown! Plus, find out the latest on all the other corners of mutant-dom! Editor Jeanine Schaefer, senior editor Nick Lowe, and writers Brian Michael Bendis (All-New X-Men), Paul Cornell (Wolverine), Gerry Duggan (Deadpool), Sam Humphries (Uncanny X-Force), and Brian Posehn (Deadpool) bring you your definitive one-stop shop for all things X-Men!
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 6DE
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.
Whether the entity lurking behind the door is an evil spirit, a serial killer, an alien, an assassin, or the government, a great thriller will work you into a heightened state of apprehension, excitement, and breathlessness. Peek behind the doors with moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy and authors James Dashner (The Eye of Minds), Allen Zadoff (Boy Nobody), Ann Aguirre (Outpost), Kami Garcia (Unbreakable), Eve Silver (Rush), and Br and on Mull (The Beyonders), as they discuss the art of creating suspenseful, exciting, anxiety-inducing stories that keep readers up well into the night.
Moderated by Racebending.com, this panel of comic book authors discuss their experiences writing diverse and innovative work for big franchises, indie, small press, and web comics. Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), Gene Yang (Avatar: The Last Airbender), and Gail Simone (The Movement) will discuss diversity without stereotyping, creating compelling heroes and villains, and reader advocacy.
Sunday July 21, 2013 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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.
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.
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
That vamp's a tramp; this witch is a real bitch. Pixies will pinch, and the fey go beyond fairly frightening. The ghouls are ghastly, and we mere mortals are growing testy. Oh, and that creepy-looking fella is sprouting fur from his feet, and who knows "were" else! Jeanne Stein (the Anna Strong series) encourages S. M. Wheeler (Sea Change), Leigh Bardugo (The Grisha Trilogy), Brom (Krampus), Morgan Rhodes (Falling Kingdoms), Amber Benson (The Calliope Reaper-Jones series), Seanan McGuire (The October Daye series), Rachel Caine (the Morganville Vampires series), and C. Robert Cargill (Dreams and Shadows) to provide perspective on the monsters of myth.
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Dystopian societies, postapocalyptic scenarios, enhanced (and deadly) abilities, and mysterious government branches make the future a not-so-safe place to be. Moderator Anna Jarzab (Tandem) joins authors Marie Lu (the Legend series), Gen Albin (Crewel), Brandon Sanderson (Steelheart), Margaret Stohl (Icons), Amy Tintera (Reboot), and Michael Johnston (Frozen) as they discuss what it takes to survive in the future worlds they've created.
Sunday July 21, 2013 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
J. Michael Straczynski, Studio JMS CEO Patricia Tallman, editor Phil Smith, and other luminaries discuss Joe's Comics, the new creator-owned imprint from Image. They will be debuting their new title, Sidekick, here at SDCC and providing a glimpse of additional projects coming soon from Joe's Comics.
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
Comic-Con special guest Neil Gaiman has crossed over into numerous media. From comics to novels, from kids' books to animation, from television to movies, Neil remains one of the most popular creators in the world. Visiting Comic-Con this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of his seminal comics creation The Sandman, he'll talk about everything that's going on his career right now.
Hannah Vaca (high school student), C. J. DeAngelus (educator), William Swanson (electrical engineer), Greg Broadmore (Weta Workshop), Kim Hutsell (Starburner Galactic Courier Service), and Duane Matthews (League of S.T.E.A.M.) discuss perspectives of steampunk as a unique genre, and its attraction to participants a half a century apart. Join the panelists for this discussion moderated by Daniel Bissonette (president, Live Steam Railroad Association).
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
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.
First Second authors Paul Pope (Battling Boy) and Gene Luen Yang (Boxers & Saints) discuss their creative process, their magical-realist storytelling techniques, and their exciting upcoming books -- projects that each author has been working on for the past five years.
Sunday July 21, 2013 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Have you or someone you love been a target of bullying? Join this life-changing discussion on how to overcome bullying, and learn strategies to create witnesses and allies out of bystanders. NOH8 makes it's first-ever Comic-Con appearance, with founders Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley along with Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time), Brad Bell (Husbands), Chase Masterson (Doctor Who: Big Finish), Bonnie Burton (Girls Against Girls: Why We are Mean to Each Other and How We Can Change), Jenna Busch (entertainment editor, Fan TV), and Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars). Special topics include geek bullying, LGBT bullying, cyberbullying, and analyzing how media and entertainment affect attitudes toward bullying and aggression. Moderated by author (and mother of Katie the Star Wars Girl) Carrie Goldman (Harper Collins' Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear).
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
America's youngest multiple-award-winning authors The Winner Twins will teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe to overcoming writer's block to the different paths to publishing. The teenage twins are national bestselling authors who have written four science fiction novels who have taught their unique creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of teachers and students across the country. Guest panelists Rob Prior (director, artist, and creator of the new series Red Brick Road [Warner Brothers] and director of No Turning Back) and Mitchell Gutman (professor at the New York Film Academy and producer at Certain Plays) will teach you how to create a film or TV treatment from your novel and how to pitch it.
Sunday July 21, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
The Harry Potter book and movie canons are closed (though Pottermore and Universal's Wizarding Worlds are open). Sixteen years after we first went to Hogwarts, fans are still discussing, creating and gathering online and in person to share their love for J. K. Rowling's stories, and for the fandom! Look back, ahead, and into the Mirror of Erised with forever HP fans, including moderator Heidi Tandy (FictionAlley.org), Joey Richter and Brian Rosenthal (Team StarKid/A Very Potter Senior Year), Mark Oshiro (MarkDoesStuff.com), Harrison Homel (International Quidditch Association), Leslie Combemale (ArtInsights), Alex Carpenter (The Remus Lupins), and Lauren Bird (HP Alliance).
