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
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 12, 10:13AM Since 1994, TwoMorrows Publishing has been producing comics' best and most insightful historical books and magazines. Publisher John Morrow (editor, the Jack Kirby Collector), Jon B. Cooke (editor, Comic Book Creator magazine), Keith Dallas (editor, American Comic Book Chronicles), and P.C. Hamerlinck and Bill Schelly (historians and associate editors of Alter Ego) a revealing look at the ins and outs of their ongoing efforts to bring a new day to comics fans.
Thursday July 18, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Two-time Oscar-nominated director Bill Plympton (Idiots and Angels) will preview his new animated feature Cheatin'. He will screen pencil tests and finished sequences and discuss the successful Kickstarter campaign that raised funds to complete the film, plus his plans for distribution. Bill will also screen some of the short films from his new DVD release Dogs and Cows and answer questions about his career. Plus, all attendees will receive a free Bill Plympton sketch!
Thursday July 18, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
The latter half of 2012 saw the return of two of Dark Horse's classic characters, Ghost and X, the appearance of new faces like Michael Avon Oeming's The Victories and Francesco Francavilla's The Black Beetle, and the reimagination a hero from yesteryear, Captain Midnight! Join Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, PR director Jeremy Atkins, and a cast of the industry's top talent, including Joe Casey (Catalyst, Sex), Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle), Duane Swierczynski (X, Two Past Midnight), Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight, Masks and Mobsters),Tim Seeley and Mike Norton (Revival, The Occultist), along with comics newcomer Donny Cates (Buzzkill), for a look at an exciting new cast of characters!
Thursday July 18, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Industry leaders share an insider's look at what it takes to build the right portfolio to enter the world of animation. Attendees will gain an understanding of the creative roles of animated television, feature animation, and visual effects industries. Dawn Rivera-Ernster (director of talent development and recruitment, Walt Disney Animation Studios), Brooke Keesling (manager, animation talent development, Cartoon Network), and Diane St. Clair (VP, recruiting and artist development, Sony Pictures Imageworks) offer an insider's look at what it takes to build a creative animation portfolio.
Thursday July 18, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
It's time to put the great debates to rest as GEEK Magazine answers the most important question of our time: What are the best and worst TV season finales of all time? A panel of geeksperts dissect the end of Galactica's lonely quest in Battlestar Galactica, the purgatory of the Lost finale, the Sopranos sign-off, the all good things come to an end for Star Trek: The Next Generation, Special Agent Dale Cooper getting piqued in Twin Peaks, and many more. Moderator Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales) turns up the volume for GEEK panelists Kathryn Reindl (Twisted, Millennium), Nikki Griffin (GEEK magazine editor-at-large), Ashley E. Miller (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Thor, Fringe), and Steve Melching (Batman: The Brave and The Bold, Starship Troopers).
Thursday July 18, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
It's the 30th Anniversary of First Comics's inaugural comic book, Warp, and artist Frank Brunner is on hand to present an all-new 30th anniversary edition. Other First Comics creators are here to tell you how they will once again be rocking your world with comics entertainment from the cutting edge. Panelists include Ken F. Levin (Wanted, The Boys, First Comics co-founder and director), the Fillbach Brothers (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Steve Stern and Dan Cote (Zen the Intergalactic Ninja), film directors Sylvia and Jen Soska, Larry Young (Astronauts in Trouble), and Omaha Perez (The Drude).
Thursday July 18, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
For costumers, future costumers, and those who simply enjoy watching masquerades from the audience, this brief overview of fan convention costume competitions will discuss their workings, their history, how contests differ from one type of convention to another, how judging is done, creating original designs and re-creations, groups versus solo costumes, and choice of music and effects. Plus: costume research, planning, fabrication, and stage presentation tips for taking a costume creation from beginning idea to stage-ready showpiece-and how to have fun doing it. Presented by Comic-Con Masquerade director for the past 20 years Martin Jaquish, Masquerade assistant John Ruff, award-winning fan costumer Allan Lavigne, and award-winning member of the HCC cosplay group Judy Grivich.
Thursday July 18, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
With the 24-hour news cycle turning into a 24-minute news cycle, fans are still getting their comics news from the top news sites and blogs out there. Join moderator Tom Spurgeon in a no-holds-barred discussion with comics journalists on how they make-and break-the news, the ethics of journalism, the death of blogging, the uses of social media, and ways you can join in on the fun. With Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Tony Isabella (Tony's Tips), Alexa Dickman (Ladies Making Comix), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), and special surprises!
Thursday July 18, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Cast members Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield of the underground video game show Mega64 celebrate their tenth year of existence and also their tenth Comic-Con, all of which were executed with elegance and precision. Also executed with Eric Baudour, Garrett Hunter, and Bryan Abou Chacra.
Thursday July 18, 2013 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Come hear from the authors of some of the best new graphic novels this year – including Beau L’Amour (The Law of the Desert Born), Matt Kindt (Red Handed), Jordan Mechner (Templar), Greg Ruth (The Lost Boy), and Steven T. Seagle (Genius). These five great authors will discuss their process, their books, and why you should read them.
Friday July 19, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Science fiction runs the gamut from splashy space opera to dusty dystopias, and Image Comics has been on the forefront of releasing the newest and most exciting visions of the future in the market. Some of Image's finest futurists to talk about how they develop worlds and technology in comics like East of West, Great Pacific, Rocket Girl, Think Tank, and Aphrodite IX. Moderator David Brothers is joined by panelists Nick Dragotta, Joe Harris, Amy Reeder, Brandon Montclare, and Matt Hawkins.
Friday July 19, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Enter the shadows as the Thief development team unlocks the secrets of how to steal a city. Nicolas Cantin (game director) and Steven Gallagher (narrative director) shed some light on their hero creation process, expose what makes The City tick, and provide an in-depth look at the game in action.
Friday July 19, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Throughout comics' storied history, horror has been an important part of the medium. In 2012 Dark Horse released its most ambitious horror publishing slate to date. Now, Dark Horse unveils a whole slate of new titles guaranteed to have you running for the covers! Join Dark Horse horror line editor Scott Allie, along with Eric Powell (The Goon), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash/Ex Sanguine), Paul Tobin (Colder), Gabriel Hardman and Corinna Bechko (Station to Station), and others, for an exciting look at this year's most promising thrills and chills!
Friday July 19, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Secret operative Sam Fisher stars in the biggest Splinter Cell game ever. Splinter Cell Blacklist returns with a heart-pounding story ripped from today's headlines. Join the team for a live gameplay demo and an in-depth look at Sam and the 4th Echelon as they race against the clock to stop The Blacklist-a devastating countdown of escalating attacks on U.S. interests. Go inside the game development with Ubisoft Toronto Maxime Beland (creative director), Patrick Redding (game director), and Scott Lee (art director) to hear secrets on the evolution of Sam Fisher and get more details on his latest, most thrilling mission to date. Also get the scoop on the companion comic, Splinter Cell Echoes, from renowned comics writer Nathan Edmondson, author of the critically acclaimed series The Activity and Where is Jake Ellis?
Friday July 19, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 16, 03:52PM Gerry Conway (The Punisher), Michael Kantor (filmmaker), Laurence Maslon(screenwriter) and Mark Waid (The Flash) explore the role superheroes have played in American culture over the last 70 years, leaping from the pages of comic books to become part of our national identity. Moderated by Damian Holbrook (TV Guide). The film premieres on PBS October 8 & 15.
Friday July 19, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) is an American icon, one of the key figures of the civil rights movement. His commitment to justice and nonviolence has taken him from an Alabama sharecropper's farm to the halls of Congress, from a segregated schoolroom to the 1963 March on Washington, and from receiving beatings from state troopers to receiving the Medal of Freedom from the first African American president. Now, remembering how a 1950s comic book helped spread the philosophy and tools of nonviolent resistance among his generation of activists, Congressman Lewis has a new project to do the same for today's youth. Together with co-writer Andrew Aydin and artist Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole, The Silence of Our Friends, The Heroes of Olympus), he brings his incredible story to comics, in the graphic novel trilogy March. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the day Martin Luther King, Jr. said "I Have a Dream," meet the last living person who spoke from that podium, and see his incredible story come to life in a gorgeous graphic novel from Top Shelf Productions.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
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
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
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
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
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 10, 04:08PM Join Robert Kirkman (Creator of The Walking Dead comic series) and Telltale Game’s Dan Connors (Telltale Games, CEO) and Kevin Bruner (Telltale Games, President and CTO) as they discuss the inspiration behind developing the critically-acclaimed game series. Along with PlayStation’s Don Mesa (Director of Product Planning & Platform Software Innovation, SCEA), the team will walk fans through the origins of the game, reveal details on exciting new gameplay features exclusive to PlayStation Vita and include a little sneak peek on what’s to come for next chapter of The Walking Dead game series. A moderated by Greg Miller (Executive Editor, IGN).
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
BrickJournal presents a unique look into how artists are using LEGO bricks to construct amazing works of art and how building with the toy has gained popularity among adult artists worldwide. Jump into the world of LEGO-built art by joining top builders Joe Meno (BrickJournal), Nathan Sawaya (BrickArtist), Brandon Griffith (BrickStuds), and Tommy Williamson (BrickNerd) as they explain how they take an idea from conception to design and build amazing art completely made of LEGO bricks.
Saturday July 20, 2013 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 12, 03:11PM Aiden Pearce, the protagonist in Watch_Dogs, is a tech-savvy modern-day vigilante who can hack the infrastructure of Chicago at a moment's notice. He can control stoplights to manipulate traffic to his benefit, control security cameras to survey his enemies, and stop trains to make an escape. But just how realistic are Aiden's abilities? And how private are our everyday lives with the technology now available? Hosted by Aisha Tyler, panelists will include security consultants to talk about hyperconnectivity and the realities of how secure we really are. Kevin Short (lead story designer) will delve into the realities of today's world and explain what it's like writing for a next-generation game, as well as unveiling never-before-seen footage.
Saturday July 20, 2013 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
With so much manga (Japanese comics) out there, what's really worth reading? An opinionated group of bloggers, journalists, editors, retailers, and hardcore manga readers hash it out and rant and rave (okay, mostly rant) about the best new manga of the past year, the underappreciated gems you may have missed, and the manga they love to hate. This year's all-star cast: Brigid Alverson (MangaBlog.net, Publishers Weekly), Christopher Butcher (director, Toronto Comic Arts Festival and manager, The Beguiling), Deb Aoki (MangaComicsManga.com), and a few surprise guests.
Saturday July 20, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Members of the San Diego Star Wars Society -- Brendan Prout, Jessica Woods, Linda Crispien, and Dean Amstutz -- veteran hosts of trivia game shows at Comic-Con International since 2002, have prepared an even bigger challenge this year for all fans who think they know their stuff about the galaxy far, far away. Returning this year will be one-game rounds for kids 12 and under, in addition to rounds for ages 13 to adult. Test your knowledge and win one of the many valuable prizes!
Saturday July 20, 2013 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Join Emily the Strange creator Rob Reger and special guests to see the premiere of the Emily and the Strangers FIRST animated music video and single. See and hear private, behind-the-scenes footage in the recording studio and "making of" the animation. Take a sneak peek at the new comic book Emily and the Strangers #3 by Dark Horse Comics and hear more about the making of this new series and how it comes to life with Emily's new band. There will be time for Q&A, including updates on the development of the motion picture with Universal Pictures and Dark Horse Entertainment. Reger will be encouraging "audience participation" to get giveaways, so bring on your strange and show him what you've got!
Sunday July 21, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
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
Utilize the best ways to incorporate comic books in your schools and libraries. This rare opportunity to work first h and with experts in the field of comic book literature in small groups can help you do just that. Sessions are with Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers): How to use historical fiction and teach comics in high school/university settings; Karen Green (Columbia University): What to look for when selecting comic books for your research/academic library; Dave Elliott (Weirding Willows, Titan Books): How to use Weirding Willows in elementary through university settings; Jesse McCann (New York Times bestselling author, Shrek, Scooby Doo): Choosing the right all-ages comic books for your classroom or library; Nancy McCann (Comics Unlimited): Working with your local comic book stores, how to find them, what to ask for; or Bill McGrath. using comic books in Juvenile Court Schools. Limited educator goodie bags and Looking Glass Wars trilogy book sets courtesy of Frank Beddor for those attending both panels. 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 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
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
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
