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
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).
Putting the "international" in Comic-Con International, panelists Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Harold Buchholz (senior VP, publishing and operations, Archie Comic Publications, Inc.), Adam B. Finer (chair of industry outreach and professional development, New York Film Academy), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), and Kirstie Shepherd (author, Gadabout Time Machine User's Manual) explore how American pop culture is perceived and consumed outside of the United States. They'll be looking at how U.S. pop culture (from classic comics to film and entertainment properties) find its way to foreign markets, what qualities make an American property successful overseas, and how U.S. pop culture influences -- and is influenced by -- artists abroad.
Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer), Mike Schiffbauer (master prop maker and costumer), and Lexx Lee (anime expert) discuss the basics in costuming and go over tips, tricks, and techniques to help a beginning costumer get started in the world of cosplaying. Join Catherine, Mike and Lexx for this fun-filled panel, moderated by Melissa Gene Meyer (assistant for the CCI Masquerade) as they show you that you don't need to be an expert to make a great costume! There will be a Q&A session during the second half of the panel.
Paul Guinan (creator of Boilerplate: History of a Victorian Era Robot, the basis for an upcoming feature by J. J. Abrams), Brian Kesinger (Disney artist and author of Walking Your Octopus), Trevor Crafts (executive producer, Lantern City), and Thomas Willeford (founder, Brute Force Studios and author of Steampunk Gear, Gadgets, and Gizmos: A Maker's Guide to Creating Modern Artifacts) discuss how steampunk is rapidly morphing into a multidenominational genre. Veronique Chevalier (steampunk comedian "Weird Val," originator of the SUPER-culture concept and author of an upcoming book with the same title as this panel) moderates this Q&A discussion.
Simpsons collectors of the world, unite! Take a break from the busy Comic-Con floor and get a chance to meet some of your fellow collectors of Simpsons merchandise from all over the country. Meet the other Simpsons collectors you see on the message board and put faces to names. This gathering, hosted by the staff of the SimpsonsCollectors.com website, is a great chance to network with other collectors and share your experiences in the hobby with others.
Kirk R. Tatcher (Return of the Jedi, Gremlins, Star Trek IV, The Muppets) and Tony McVey (The Dark Crystal, Return of the Jedi, Gremlins, The Phantom Menace) relive their greatest behind-the-scenes stories from your favorite movies, including the Rancor that never was and Captain Kirk's surprise. Moderated by Sean Murphy.
Saturday July 20, 2013 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29A
This panel is for fans who can't get enough of the Avatar: The Last Airbender universe. Moderator Avatar_Mom, Kevin Coppa (Puppetbenders), Alisa Christopher (FatCat Gameworks), Gene Luen Yang (writer, The Promise/The Search), Gurihiru (artist team Sasaki and Kawano, The Promise/The Search), Sifu Kisu (martial arts coordinator), and Dante Basco (voice of Zuko/General Iroh) will be on hand to share their experiences and answer questions. Who knows, perhaps a surprise guest or two might stop in! Finally, the panel will end with a show of talented cosplay contestants.
Saturday July 20, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29A
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
One of the most memorable kids' comics ever created (yet with remarkable "all- ages" appeal), Little Lulu has generated a worldwide fan following. Learn more about this classic comics character and the renewed interest in the other delightful works of the great John Stanley, and join in the annual scripted reading of a Golden Age Little Lulu story. All are welcome!
Saturday July 20, 2013 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Jay Glatfelter and Jack Glatfelter (Jay and Jack TV, The Married Man Show) and special guests get lost in TV talk. The co-hosts of the popular Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack discuss Lost three years after the airing of its finale, as well as other TV shows that have filled the void, such as Once Upon a Time, Person of Interest, Game of Thrones, Justified, and many more.
Saturday July 20, 2013 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 29A
The adventure continues this year as the Indyfans reunite to discuss The Man in the Hat! This year they'll dive right in and see what's new to uncover. Moderated by Brandon Kleyla (Indyfans).
Saturday July 20, 2013 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Catherine M. Fisher (award-winning costumer) and Mike Schiffbauer (master prop maker and costumer) pick up where Cosplaying 101 left off. They will discuss advanced costuming techniques such as sculpting, mold making, resin casting, armor building and more. Join Catherine and Mike for this informative and fun-filled panel, moderated by Melissa Gene Meyer (assistant for the Comic-Con Masquerade). There will be a Q&A session during the second half of the panel.
Saturday July 20, 2013 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Join presenters Sam Hornedo, David Biffath, Kevin Weir, Felix Weliver, and Eddie Dennis to learn the essentials about what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. They will provide an overview of what is involved in creating a costume, the various costume categories, and how much time is needed to create a costume that is screen accurate. Panelists will demonstrate tips and techniques for their costume specialty.
Sunday July 21, 2013 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Stop by the meeting room this year to hang out with Browncoats and hear some news from around the 'verse. Wear a cunning hat. Who knows what could happen? There's no better way to share your love for Firefly, and it's a lot more practical than starting a fight in an Alliance-friendly bar on U-day.
Sunday July 21, 2013 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29A
Doll owners and enthusiasts discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Elfdoll, Volks, Luts, Customhouse, Fairyland, Bambicrony, Iplehouse, and many others. Learn the basics about BJDs and pick up tips on customizing, maintaining, and photographing these beautiful dolls. Share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just see the many dolls on display, from tiny to towering. it's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin!
A fun discussion with a panel of Disney pin experts featuring actor Holland Hayes and pin author Austin Badgett. Learn about the history, variety, and culture of the miniature works of art at the heart of the most interactive of Disneyana collectibles. Moderated by Jennifer Colyn (PinPics event director).
