Comic-Con: The Full Schedule for Thursday, July 12

666 Park Avenue — At 666 Park Avenue, anything you desire can be yours…for a price. Lost’s Terry O’Quinn and Desperate Housewives’ Vanessa Williams headline this scary, seductive drama from Alloy Entertainment as the owners of a Manhattan apartment building who recruit an idealistic young couple to manage the historic site with a dark history. The series also stars Rachael Taylor (Charlie’s Angels), Dave Annable (Brothers & Sisters), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), Mercedes Masohn (The Finder), Helena Mattsson (Iron Man 2), and Samantha Logan (Law & Order: SVU). Matthew Miller (Chuck), David Wilcox (Fringe), Leslie Morgenstein (The Vampire Diaries), Gina Girolamo (The Secret Circle), and Alex Graves (Fringe) are the executive producers. Based on the book series by Gabriella Pierce and from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, 666 Park Avenue will air Sundays at 10/9c on ABC this fall.

 

Arrow — From executive producers Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern), Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), and David Nutter (Smallville), hard-hitting action series Arrow reinvents the DC hero. After being marooned for five years on a remote island, billionaire Oliver Queen returns home with a mysterious agenda and a lethal new set of skills that he uses in a war on crime. The series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice), Colin Donnell (Pan Am), Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), David Ramsey (Dexter), and Willa Holland (The O.C.), with Susanna Thompson (Dragonfly) and Paul Blackthorne (The River). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall.

 

The Following — Golden Globe winner/Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon (Mystic River) and Rome’s James Purefoy star in The Following, a cat-and-mouse thriller from Kevin Williamson (The Vampire Diaries), about a diabolical serial killer (Purefoy) and the psychologically scarred ex-FBI agent (Bacon) called in to stop him. The Following also stars Natalie Zea (Justified), Jeananne Goossen (Alcatraz), Shawn Ashmore (X-Men films), Valorie Curry (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), Nico Tortorella (Scream 4), Adan Canto (Amar No Es Querer), and Kyle Catlett (Unforgettable), with Maggie Grace (Lost) recurring. Executive produced by Williamson and Marcos Siega (The Vampire Diaries), The Following is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Outerbanks Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television and will air on Mondays midseason on FOX.

 

Revolution — What would you do without it all? In Revolution,  an epic adventure thriller from Supernatural’s Eric Kripke, J. J. Abrams’ Bad Robot Productions, and Iron Man’s Jon Favreau, a family struggles to reunite in a post-apocalyptic landscape of empty cities, local militias, and heroic freedom fighters where every piece of technology-phones, computers, cars, even lights-has mysteriously blacked out…forever. Revolution stars Billy Burke (Twilight films), Tracy Spiridakos (Being Human), Anna Lise Phillips (Animal Kingdom), Zak Orth (Wet Hot American Summer), Graham Rogers (Memphis Beat), J. D. Pardo (The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), David Lyons (The Cape), Maria Howell (The Vampire Diaries), and Tim Guinee (Iron Man films) and is executive produced by Kripke, Abrams, and Bryan Burk (Fringe). Favreau directed the pilot and will serve as co-executive producer of the series, with Kathy Lingg (Fringe). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions, Kripke Enterprises. and Warner Bros. Television, Revolution will air Mondays at 10/9c on NBC this fall.

 

Cult — There is television…and there is the world we live in. In the shadows where they meet, there is Cult. In this visceral thriller from the creator of Farscape and the producers of Chuck, a bright and driven reporter teams up with an inquisitive television researcher to investigate a series of disturbing disappearances all tied to a wildly popular new television show called…Cult. With everyone a suspect and no one to trust but each other, the two follow an obscure trail of tantalizing clues in an effort to find the reporter’s missing brother, a rabid fan of the show who unlocked the secret at the heart of the series-and seemingly paid the price. Moving from the real world into the labyrinthine world of the series and its two characters-a detective and a charismatic cult leader-events inside the show begin to bleed into the outside world and vice versa as the certainty of what’s real and what’s illusion crumbles into dust. Cult stars Matt Davis (The Vampire Diaries), Jessica Lucas (Cloverfield), Alona Tal (Supernatural), and Robert Knepper (Prison Break) and is executive produced by Rockne S. O’Bannon (Farscape), Josh Schwartz (Chuck), Stephanie Savage (Gossip Girl), Len Goldstein (Hart of Dixie), and Jason Ensler (Chuck). From Fake Empire and Rockne S. O’Bannon Television in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, Cult will air midseason on The CW.

Ballroom 20 

 

THURSDAY, JULY 12

 

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con How-To: Building the Foundation to a Page-Turning Story— Before you start writing your story, you need a clear idea of where your story is going. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you insight into how to create a structure that will become the foundation for your story, as well as provide you with several tools to help you stay organized. From plotting in reverse to a three-act play, this seminar will help you understand how to set the “beats” of your story and how to insure that you hit them, leaving your readers hungry for more. Room 2

 

10:00-11:00 The Witty Women of Steampunk— The Victorian era was one marked by constraints on behavior, morals and bosoms. When you add a bit of sci-fi to the mix, however, those corset laces begin to loosen. The steampunk genre has allowed a new wave of female creators and personalities to explore 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), Gail Carriger (The Parasol Protectorate Series), Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), Robin Thorsen (The Guild), and moderator Dina “Lady Steam” Kampmeyer (Steampunk LA) discuss literature, fashion, romance, adventure, and more. Room 5AB 

 

10:00-11:00 Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way— You have the talent. You have the imagination. You have the “Go get ’em, Tiger” determination that would make the Bullpen proud. But where do you go from there? Discover the next step in your budding comics career with world-renowned talent scout C. B. Cebulski, artist David Marquez (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man), writer Sam Humphries (Ultimate Comics Ultimates), and others as they give you all the right pointers toward getting a foot in the door at Marvel Comics. Discussing all entry points across every department, this panel is a must for all Marvel hopefuls! Room 7AB 

 

10:00-11:00 IDW & Hasbro— Join senior editor John Barber (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), editor Carlos Guzman, and Hasbro’s director of global publishing Michael Kelly reveal secrets and upcoming plans for Transformers, G.I. Joe, Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering, and more. A new Transformers series will be announced-as well as a new license. Panelists include Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero), Chris Metzen (Transformers: Autocracy), Flint Dille (Transformers: Autocracy), Livio Ramondelli (Transformers: Autocracy), Andrew Griffith (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Brendan Cahill (Transformers: Robots in Disguise), Mike Costa (G.I. Joe: Cobra), plus surprise guests! Room 9

 

10:00-11:00 Racebending.com: Creating Spaces for Diverse Characters and Representations— Creators and artists are developing engrossing characters from underrepresented groups. Panelists from different mediums will discuss their creative processes and how can fans support their diversity efforts. Featuring novelist and comic book writer Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), video game writer David Gaider (Dragon Age), comic book writer Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), showrunner and screenwriter Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman), writer Sarah Kuhn (One Con Glory), and Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms); moderated by Racebending.com. Room 23ABC 

 

10:00-11:00 From Fan to Creator: Goal Setting for Creative Types— 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’ve been inspired to create something but you’re having trouble bringing it into reality, you need to attend this fun and informative goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd. Douglas Neff (the “Tony Robbins of Geeks”) will give you simple and proven tips for achieving what’s most important to you. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you’ll walk away from this workshop with new ideas and useful tools to help you reach your dream. Room 25ABC

 

10:00-11:00 Flesk: Celebrating a Decade of Publishing— Visit with the Flesk team and a quartet of legendary artists for a personal and entertaining hour. Publisher John Fleskes, artists Terry Dodson (Defenders, Uncanny X-Men), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic), Jim Silke (Jungle Girls, Jim Silke Sketchbook), and William Stout (Hallucinations, Inspirations), and moderator Jonathan Leveck (Flesk’s director of operations) look back on 10 years of Flesk’s line of quality books promoting comics and graphic novels, fantasy, illustration, pinup art, and fine arts. In addition, Flesk will announce its exciting line of new titles coming out in the fall and provide a glimpse into their 2013 schedule. Room 32AB

 

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 101: Preproduction and Screenwriting— Comic-Con Film School is back for another four-day, nuts-and-bolts class on how to make a movie for very little money, using available video technology and desktop post-production software. Whether you’re shooting your first zombie short or that story about the leather-clad girl who pilots a steampunk dirigible, 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 pre-production on the cheap, including screenwriting, casting, scheduling, location scouting, crewing-up, and getting equipment for nothing. Panelists include Valerie Perez (producer/star, Paula Peril-Midnight Whistle), Nick Murphy (writer/director, Pizza and Bullets), Jack Conway (writer/producer, Fear News), Vera Vanguard (producer/star, GothGirl), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica). Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

 

10:15-11:15 TheOneRing.net: The Truth About The Hobbit— The Hobbit movie is imminent just at the book turns 75. With on-set visits, intrepid reporting, and the pulse of fans worldwide, the TORn staff shred rumors, answer questions, share New Zealand images-but not as part of the official publicity machine. Also featuring a special visual presentation from Weta Workshop and an account of Fandalf traveling the world and (all that is the tip of the iceberg!). Featuring Cliff Broadway (Ringers: Lord of the Fans) and Larry D. Curtis (Hobbit embedded reporter) and additional staff and guests. Room 6DE 

 

10:30-11:30 DC: Talent Search Orientation Session 1— DCE’s VP for art direction and design Mark Chiarello presents an informative orientation session to explain how DCE’s Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of the DC Comics, Vertigo, and MAD magazine brands. If you want to learn what DCE looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the program for you! To have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4 

 

10:30-11:30 Battlestar: So Say We All— Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt Apollo) hosts a 35th anniversary preview panel and fan discussion of the Battlestar universe, politics, philosophy, and 35 year history. Joining Hatch for this exciting BG celebration, roundtable, and Q&A session are Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar and Caprica), Lili Bordan (actress, Blood and Chrome), Michael Taylor (Battlestar, Caprica, Blood and Chrome), Toni Graphia (Battlestar producer/writer), and Dr Kevin Grazier (science consultant for BSG and Defiance), plus surprise guests. Room 6BCF 

 

10:30-11:30 How to Get News Coverage— Small press comic publishers: What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews, and what doesn’t? A lot of publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, and why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comics journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for. Panelist include Alan Kistler (Comic Mix, Newsarama), Chris Thompson (First Comics News), Bryan Young (Huffington Post, Big Shiny Robot), Dan Manser (Diamond), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), J. C. Vaughn (The Scoop), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), Matt Moore (Associated Press), and Heidi MacDonald (The Beat). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic project. Room 8 

 

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 101: ABCs for a Savvy and Smart Start (Up)— The business world is overrun with stories of “If only…,” too often of the negative variety. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan, creator, publisher, distributor, or retailer or operate a business outside of the comic book industry-nearly every business deals with some element of intellectual property on a daily basis. And if you’re ready to start a new venture (or you’ve already started one), you don’t want to be caught with your legal pants down. Rushing a new property out the door without the proper IP protections in place invariably proves to be more costly down the road. But don’t fret-like a certain Saturday morning cartoon web spinner, the popular Comic Book Law School has arrived just in time, ready to help you by supplying the “ABCs” of legal protections needed for businesses and creators to identify and protect some of their most important assets: intellectual property. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers this informative program designed to provide 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. Up first: the basics of 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, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. And along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. 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.) Room 11AB 

 

10:30-11:30 Books and Hollywood: Literary Franchises in Television and Film— Authors discuss their work transitioning across various mediums, from screenwriters to novelists turning popular books into hit TV series and Hollywood films. How does the creative process differ when writing a screenplay as compared to a novel? Authors describing the process of adapting novels for the big screen include Rebecca Serle (When You Were Mine), Margaret Stohl (co-author of the Beautiful Creatures series), Scott Speer (Immortal City), Tony DiTerlizzi (The Search for WondLa series), Ashley Edward Miller and Zack Stentz (Colin Fischer), Mike Richardson (president of Dark Horse), and Mark Frost (The Paladin Prophecy). Moderated by Geoff Boucher (Los Angeles Times). Room 24ABC 

 

 10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Subaltern Counterculture and the Strengths of the Underdog— Antonio Chavarria (Museum of Indian Arts & Culture) and painter Mateo Romero, looking specifically at the “Comic Art Indigene” museum exhibition, discuss the appeal of the “marginal” art of comics to oft-marginalized indigenous people, arguing that, deposited in ethnic or cultural categories, comic and Native art are ethnographic texts, social commentary, commercial enterprise, and ultimately, “fine” art. Sam Cannon (University of Texas at Austin) looks at Daniel Muñoz’s detective series El Pantera, analyzing the textual and visual aspects of how Mexico City informs the actions of its own subaltern hero to show that the medium of the comic can uniquely portray the relationship between urban spaces, subaltern subjects, and heroes. Ayanna Dozier (Chapman University) examines the physical and racial identity of the X-Men’s Storm, arguing that Storm’s personification and physical appearances manage to be a cultural signifier throughout her near 40-year history and emphasizing the importance of what we can learn about our society’s cultural practices and traditions through the “body” of Storm. Kane Anderson (University of California, Santa Barbara) uses cyborg theory and questions of the posthuman to ask how cybernetics mediate race in superhero comic book stories. If comics rely heavily on the visual to communicate to the reader, then to what degree can a character half-black/half-chrome be considered black? Room 26AB 

 

10:45-11:45 Epic Games: Fortnite Revealed— Host Jessica Chobot (G4TV’s X-Play, Attack of the Show) joins legendary developer Epic Games (Gears of War series) as they lift the veil on the new game Fortnite. Teased late last year, attendees will be the very first people in the world to see Fortnite in action. Get inside the minds of Epic Games’ design director Cliff Bleszinski and producer Tanya Jessen as they reveal inspirations, gameplay details, and why Fortnite is taking Epic Games in both a classic and all-new direction. Room 6A 

 

11:00-12:00 Comic-Con How-To: Creating a Character-Driven Story— All great stories need both a hero and a villain. Award-winning author Maxwell Alexander Drake gives you the tools you need to create both sides of this opposing force. You will learn to create each in a dynamic way that will capture the hearts of your readers, making them cheer for their triumphs and commiserate with their losses. Room 2 

 

11:00-12:00 Twisted Twins: American Mary— Jen and Sylvia Soska (of Twisted Twins Productions and the makers of Dead Hooker in a Trunk) and Todd Masters (of MASTERSFX and make-up effects producer on True Blood) will discuss the use of prosthetics in horror. The Soskas will also address the challenges of working in a male-dominated genre. They will unveil a sizzle reel from their new film American Mary. Paula Lindberg (Ruby in American Mary) will also be on the panel, which is moderated by Beth Accomando (author of the KPBS blog Cinema Junkie). Room 5AB 

 

 11:00-12:00 Nickelodeon: Butt Biting & Magical Mischief!— Meet series creator/executive producer Butch Hartman along with the casts from both The Fairly OddParents and T.U.F.F. Puppy, including Nick talent Jerry Trainor (iCarly) as Dudley Puppy. This year’s panel is totally interactive, with the fans interviewing the cast directly, plus a sneak peek from the Nickelodeon live-action movie A Fairly Odd Christmas, along with a chance to win prizes. On hand: Jerry Trainor (voice of Dudley), Tara Strong (voice of Timmy and Poof), Grey DeLisle (voice of Kitty and Vicky), Daran Norris (voice of Chief, Cosmo and Dad), Matt Taylor (voice of Snaptrap), Susanne Blakeslee (voice of Wanda and Mom), and Carlos Alazraqui (voice of Crocker). Moderated by Dana Cluverius, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 7AB 

 

 11:00-12:00 Bongo Comics/United Plankton Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics and United Plankton Pictures offer a tantalizing preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons, Futurama, SpongeBob SquarePants, and a few other surprises. Bongo’s creative director Nathan Kane, managing editor Terry Delegeane, and art director Jason Ho are joined by intern/fan favorite Louis Lane and Simpsons/Futurama-ologist Bill Morrison for a fun and informative free-for-all. Find out what’s in the future for Futurama Comics, what to surmise about Simpsons Comics, and what’s next for Bongo in the print world and beyond. Also, Chris Duffy, managing editor of United Plankton Pictures, will dish up some Krabby Patty–infused morsels of what’s to come in SpongeBob Comics. Room 9 

 

11:00-12:00 Filmation and Lou Scheimer: Celebrating a Generation of Animation and TV Heroes— One of the most successful and groundbreaking television animation studios was Filmation, whose productions shaped Saturday mornings and daytime syndication from the 1960s to the 1980s. From Superman, Batman, and Aquaman to The Archies, from Fat Albert and the Groovie Goolies to the live-action Shazam! and Isis series, up to the groundbreaking He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, She-Ra Princess of Power, Ghostbusters, and Bravestarr, Filmation created the shows that entertained and educated a generation. Making his final convention appearance is Filmation founder Lou Scheimer, who will reminisce about nearly 30 years of animation magic. Appearing with him are author/animator Darrell McNeil (Hero High, Shazam, Tarzan and the Super 7) director/writer/animator Tom Tataranowicz (He-Man, She-Ra, Bravestarr), and other guests. Bestselling author and documentary director Andy Mangels moderates this celebration of the studio that saved American animation in the 1970s and 1980s and show exclusive clips of never-before-seen Filmation footage. Plus, you can get a sneak peek at the September 2012 book release from TwoMorrows, Lou Scheimer: Creating the Filmation Generation, co-written by Scheimer and Mangels. Room 23ABC 

 

11:00-12:00 X-Play— G4’s X-Play is TV’s longest running and most watched video game show in the galaxy.* Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, live demos of the biggest games, and of course intern humiliation. Hosts Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, and Kristin Adams and executive producer Wade Beckett make their triumphant return to Comic-Con and promise a no-holds-barred live panel. They’ll take questions from the audience, debut a new comedy short, and give out prizes to a chosen few. This hour of reflection and finger pointing is guaranteed to be a life changing experience.** (*We think. **Probably.) Room 25ABC 

 

 11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Becky Cloonan— Comic-Con special guest Becky Cloonan, one of the most versatile artists in comics today, talks to Jimmy Aquino (Comics News Insider podcast host) about her career in comics and illustration, collaborating with writers, artists, and musicians, and the dark secrets she learned through 15 years of self-publishing. Room 32AB 

 

 11:15-12:00 DreamWorks Animation— DreamWorks Animation’s chief creative officer Bill Damaschke anchors a diverse group of filmmakers to demo and discuss the artistic ambition and technical innovation that goes into moviemaking at DreamWorks Animation. Moderated by Anthony Breznican from Entertainment Weekly. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

 11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Karl Kerschl (Live-Drawing The Abominable Charles Christopher)— Comic-Con special guest Karl Kerschl (The Abominable Charles Christopher, Teen Titans: Year One, Assassin’s Creed) creates a new episode of his Eisner Award-winning webcomic The Abominable Charles Christopher live on stage, with help from the audience. Room 4 

 

11:30-12:30 DC Comics: Tales from The Dark and The Edge— They’re some of the hardest hitting-and strangest-comics anywhere, and this is your chance to find out what’s coming up in these DC Comics-The New 52 titles, with editor Pat McCallum and creators Jeff Lemire (Justice League Dark), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter), and Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western). Room 6DE 

 

 11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Geof Darrow— Comic-Con special guest Geof Darrow is known for his wildly imaginative and intricately detailed artwork. Geof talks about his comics career, including his current work for Dark Horse, Shaolin Cowboy, in this special spotlight presentaton. Room 8 

 

11:30-12:30 Mattel and WWE: Get in the Ring!— If you want to talk about Mattel’s WWE action figures with some of the top WWE superstars, don’t miss a minute of this exciting panel! Be the first to get a sneak peek at upcoming products and hear exciting announcements about the 2013 line. Join your favorite WWE superstars, along with Mattel toy designers Bill Miekina and Derek Handy, and Mattel’s director of marketing Enrique Ruvalcaba for an action-packed Q&A. Room 24ABC 

 

11:45-12:45 Stan Lee’s World of Heroes— The legendary Stan Lee introduces his new YouTube channel that tells the stories of heroes, villains, and the fans who love them. In this epic panel, Stan, Mark Hamill (Star Wars), Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), Peter David (The Hulk), Jace Hall (The Jace Hall Show), and Bonnie Burton (Star Wars Craft book) talk about their new shows, debut new episodes and trailers, answer questions from fans, and provide a few Stan Lee surprises. Room 6BCF 

 

12:00-1:00 Comic-Con How-To: How to Better Understand the Sociology Behind Cosplay— Veteran costume designer and cosplayer Yaya Han leads a stimulating discussion about the many social aspects of cosplay, such as: Why do we cosplay? What does cosplay mean to each of us? Why is there cosplay drama? How has cosplay progressed in the last 10, years and what are the positive and negative aspects? What is the proper etiquette when cosplaying, photographing cosplayers, and socializing with regular attendees? All of these questions will be answered, and more. Room 2 

 

12:00-1:00 The Pitching Hour— Jermaine Turner (director, Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group), Ted Biaselli (VP, The Hub Network), Jill Sanford (director, Disney original series TV animation), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Valerie Alexander (screenwriter), Carina Schulze (Chatrone), Charlie Chu (editor, Oni Press), Lindsay Rostal (game producer, The Odd Gentlemen), Jennie Kong (VP, Miller PR), and your moderator Dan Evans III (freelance development exec, Kaijudo: Rise of the Duel Masters) 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 adopt 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 is Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood. Room 5AB 

 

 12:00-1:00 Cartoon Network and Dreamworks Animation: DreamWorks Dragons: Riders of Berk— Picking up where the critically acclaimed feature film How to Train Your Dragon left off, this weekly animated series follows the continuing adventures of master dragon trainer Hiccup, his faithful dragon Toothless, and his friends on Berk. Dragon training reaches new heights as our heroes unlock secrets about their dragons, explore wild frontiers, and discover new dragon species, all while battling fierce enemies they never dreamed existed. Come get a first look at the series, which premieres this fall on Cartoon Network, and hear from some of the talented dragon trainers who helped bring it to life. Room 6A 

 

 12:00-1:00 Spotlight on N.K. Jemisin— Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin is the Hugo, Nebula, and World Fantasy Award-nominated author of The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, The Broken Kingdoms, and The Kingdom Of Gods (The Inheritance Trilogy). She’s also a counseling psychologist, a biker, and a feminist/anti-racist blogger, and she’ll talk about all those things along with her work in this spotlight panel. Room 7AB 

 

12:00-1:00 Editing Comics the BOOM! Studios Way— Top creators Sam Humphries (Ultimates, Higher Earth), Grace Randolph (Supurbia, Marvel HER-oes), Caleb Monroe (Ice Age, Steed & Mrs. Peel), and Michael Alan Nelson (Valen the Outcast, 28 Days Later) join BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban to talk about the ins and outs of creating comics at BOOM! Studios. Don’t miss this in-depth look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry’s leading independent publishers as they discuss editing dos and don’ts. Room 9 

 

12:00-1:00 Censorship and the Female Artist— Attacks on women’s speech are on the rise in the current cultural climate in realms including politics and pop culture. This panel examines how censorship affects women artists, in realms including library challenges, community dialogue, and the larger cultural conversation. Moderator AdaPia d’Errico is joined by panelists Anina Bennett, Camilla d’Errico, and Olivia for a freewheeling discussion of their experiences with censorship and observations on how women’s speech is treated in the cultural conversation. Room 11AB 

 

12:00-1:00 Avatar Press: News and Q&A— Editor-in-chief William Christensen presents all the fresh news from Avatar Press, the industry’s most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher. Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as David Lapham, Garth Ennis, and Alan Moore? Can’t get enough Ferals, Stitched, or Crossed? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered. Room 23ABC 

 

12:00-1:00 Beyond: Two Souls: A New Breed of Interactive Storytelling from Writer/Director David Cage of Quantic Dream— David Cage, the co-CEO of Quantic Dream and writer/director of the 2010 hit Heavy Rain, discusses his latest project, Beyond: Two Souls. David will focus on the concept of creating innovative game play experiences that are woven together with emotion and story. Beyond: Two Souls is prepared to deliver an immersive interactive and cinematic experience based on emotional involvement and interactive storytelling. In developing a unique “interactive drama” to engross the audience, David and his team have introduced the concept of Virtual Performance Capture to videogames, where actors play the entire role in development of the game (from motion capture to dialogue). The session will cover techniques used to create an emotional and compelling experience, focusing on the company’s award-winning titles as well as providing a deeper look into their Beyond: Two Souls. IGN.com’s Greg Miller moderates with Cage and Academy Award nominee Ellen Page as they explore the “uncanny valley” of bringing realism and emotion to this current project. Room 25ABC 

 

 12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Once More, with Comics: How the Whedon Universes Continue in Comic Book Form— Authors Katrina Hill (Action Movie Freak, GeekNation.com), Jennifer K. Stuller (Ink-StainedAmazon, GeekGirlCon), and Traci Cohen (CSU-Sacramento) examine how comic books and graphic novels provide a new form of media adaptation in which the graphic novel form furthers the canon or official continuity of television series as sequels to the original material. Creator Joss Whedon’s television universes enjoy new life in print (e.g. Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9). Sharing their own thoughts on these Whedon comic book follow-ups are comic book writer/actress Amber Benson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Willow and Tara), editors Scott Allie (Dark House) and Mariah Huehner (IDW), and actors Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bring It On) and Tom Lenk (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Cabin in the Woods). Room 26AB 

 

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Amend— Comic-Con special guest and FoxTrot cartoonist Bill Amend reports on his mission to inject as much geekiness as possible into the nation’s comics pages. He’ll share examples and stories from his 24-year career, discuss how he’s adapting to a more digital world, and answer as many audience questions as possible. Room 32AB 

 

12:00-1:00 Machinima: The Future of Entertainment— Machinima has become one of the most talked about entertainment destinations in the world. Serving over 1.6 billion video views a month, the network has established itself with quality content and passionate viewership and is now considered the leading brand for the gaming generation. Don’t miss out on this panel with exclusive footage from Machinima’s new channel, Machinima Prime, which focuses on thrilling episodic content, including the much anticipated tentpole series Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn. Be a part of mind-blowing discussions on the next wave of content creation and the new development paradigm. Catch guests from Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, the Machinima Prime Channel, and the Machinima Network. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

 12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Mark Schultz’s Unlikely Career— Comic-Con special guest Mark Schultz (Xenozoic, Various Drawings, Prince Valiant) ventures on a journey over the rugged terrain of his career as a visual storyteller. Ably assisted by John Fleskes (Flesk Publications), Mark will focus on his creative process, his inspirations and influences, and commercial realities. Also featured will be views of upcoming Storms at Sea and Xenozoic projects. Comfortable footwear is recommended. Room 4 

 

12:30-1:30 iVerse Media: New Frontiers in Digital Comics— iVerse and ComicsPlus host an entertaining and engaging dialogue on what the future holds for digital comics, especially as it relates to creators, publishers, retailers, librarians, and, not the least of all, readers. Special guest Mark Waid (Thrillbent, Daredevil) joins Michael Murphey (iVerse, ComicsPlus), Mike Pellerito (Archie Comics, Red Circle), Filip Sablik (Top Cow Productions, Witchblade), and Josh Elder (Reading with Pictures), along with other industry thought leaders and professionals to discuss and debate what’s just over the digital horizon…and the opportunities for everyone who has a stake in the industry. Moderated by iVerse director of business development Steve May. Room 24ABC 

 

 12:45-1:45 MAD Screening and Q&A— It’s a MAD world, we just laugh in it. The magazine you tried to hide from your parents is an animated series on Cartoon Network. Now in its third season, this series from Warner Bros. Animation is inspired by the country’s bestselling humor magazine, MAD, and features animated parodies, crazy commercials, pretend promos, and classic gags. Take a peek behind the MAD curtain and learn what goes into bringing the funny to your television every week. Back to bring more laughs this year are series producers Kevin Shinick (Crank Yankers) and Mark Marek (Robot Chicken), along with Peter Girardi, senior vice president of series and alternative animation at Warner Bros. Animation. Join this hilarious panel for a sizzle reel recapping all the laughs from season two as well as a sneak peek at what’s in store for the show this season. MAD airs Mondays at 8:45/7:45c on Cartoon Network. Room 6DE 

 

12:45-1:45 The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek at the highly anticipated conclusion of The Twilight Saga films. This is a must-see for fans interested in the story’s final chapter. You will be shown exclusive footage from The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2 and be treated to a cast and filmmaker Q&A session providing details on the epic finale. Hall H 

 

1:00-2:30 Comic-Con How-To: Advanced 3D/CG Comic Art— Comic book creator/editor/writer/penciler/inker/colorist Brian Haberlin demonstrates advanced 3D and computer graphics comic art techniques that will speed up and improve your storytelling. Digital pioneer and guru to much of the graphic arts/comics community, Haberlin is also the tutorial creator for international magazines such as 3DWorld, Imagine FX, and Photoshop User and is owner of Digitalarttutorials.com. Room 2 

 

1:00-2:00 DC Collectibles— Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures . . . DC Collectibles has them all-and more. The DC Collectibles crew, including DCE chief creative officer Geoff Johns, executive director for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director of creative services Jim Fletcher, DCE co-publisher Jim Lee, artist Amanda Conner, and sculptors Jean St. Jean and Phil Ramirez explain how they come up with so many great products and what’s coming up from comics’ top makers of awesome collectibles. Room 5AB 

 

1:00-2:00 Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Celebration— It’s hard to believe that the world’s greatest fighting game franchise is 25 years old. Find out about the worldwide Street Fighter 25th Anniversary plans which include the ultimate Street Fighter tournament series, the feature-packed Collector’s Set, and more.  Experience the exclusive features in the PS Vita and iOS versions of Street Fighter X Tekken and battle on the go. A few lucky fans will be selected to take part in the Street Fighter 25th Anniversary Trivia Contest hosted by Tomoaki Ayano (Street Fighter X Tekken producer) and Yoshinori Ono (Street Fighter Series executive producer) to win awesome prizes or face incredible shame before all of Street Fighter fandom. Plus, some surprises! Room 6BCF 

 

1:00-2:00 Marvel: House of Ideas— Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you’ve come to love? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from chief creative officer Joe Quesada on what’s happening on the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Dot Com, and Marvel’s vast social media presence in this don’t-miss panel. Room 7AB 

 

1:00-2:00 100th Anniversary of Tarzan and John Carter of Mars— He wrestled lions, poachers and ran through fire barefoot without a stunt-double or CGI. Actor Ron Ely will discuss filming Tarzan in the jungles of Latin America with writer Mark Evanier and Burroughs illustrator Tom Yeates. Also featuring David Lemmo, co-author of the new book, Tarzan: His First 100 Years. How Ancient Literature Became Modern Mythology and Created an Ape-Man Mecca in Southern California, coming from Angel City Press in 2013.  Plus a 100-years of Tarzan and John Carter slide show included. Room 8 

 

1:00-2:00 New Crusaders: Welcome to Red Circle— The future of superhero comics has arrived in San Diego! The New Crusaders have blazed a new trail for comics-digital and print-and this is your chance to learn what’s next for the most compelling comic heroes in decades. Join the Red Circle Comics brain trust of Paul Kaminski (executive director of editorial), Mike Pellerito (president), Alex Segura (executive director of publicity and marketing), and incoming New Crusaders artist Alitha Martinez as they discuss the formation of the digital-first New Crusaders series, upcoming print initiatives and storylines, and a few jarring surprises. Panel attendees will receive an exclusive New Crusaders limited-edition sketch cover signed by the panelists. Room 9 

 

 1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Gilbert Shelton— With his creations The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers, Fat Freddy’s Cat, and Wonder Warthog among others, Comic-Con special guest Gilbert Shelton is a master of establishing iconic characters and presenting them in scenarios that underscore his expressive cartooning abilities. Get a rare glimpse into the drawing process of this master of the Underground Comix movement, hosted by Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter. The pieces created in this Master Session will be auctioned off at CBLDF’s Art Auction on Saturday night. Room 11AB 

 

1:00-2:00 Dark Horse: Powered by Creators-An In-Depth Look at the Best in Creator-Owned Comics— Just over 25 years ago, Dark Horse arrived with a different agenda than any other publisher in comics. The young company was founded on the belief that comics creators should have the option to retain the rights to their own work, and today it continues to be a highly fertile breeding ground for new characters and concepts. Self-publishing sensation Sam Humphries introduces Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, along with a cast of top talent from around the industry. Expect exclusive announcements, and much, much more! Room 23ABC 

 

1:00-2:00 Trailblazers of Comics— Comic-Con special guests Lynn Johnston and Kate Beaton represent the best of contemporary cartooning. With beginnings outside of the traditional mainstream or indie comic industry, each built a loyal following of fans with serialized comics on their own terms. The Beat’s Heidi MacDonald addresses the origins of each artist’s career, the financial reality of doing comics for a living, and the craft of producing a serialized comic. Room 25ABC 

 

 1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #3: Teaching with Comics— Lisa Vizcarra (Carquinez Middle School) argues that, after years of teaching using comics and graphic novels, students’ interest in comics is waning. Teachers interested in comics may have to incorporate gaming and other technologies to keep comics in the classroom. Jeff Brain (San Francisco State University, Del Mar Middle School) presents one possible approach to this blend, describing a classroom unit, tailored to the Childhood Internet Protection Act (CIPA), that channels current technology news stories into stories pitting student-created superheroes against teacher-created supervillains, with consistent instruction in using digital imaging, reference photos, comic book lexicon and conventions combined with character development and storytelling structure. Rob Weiner (Texas Tech University) and Carrye Smya (Texas Tech University) discuss their multimedia creation of short “text-to-movie” movies as supplements to their Introduction to Library Research class, as well as a mini-textbook in graphic novel format with some of the concepts conveyed as sequential, using both animation and comics to provide an engaging learning environment for students. Room 26AB 

 

1:00-2:00 Progressive Politics in Comics— Can comics still inspire real-world change? Susie Cagle (AlterNet), Cecil Castellucci (The Year of the Beasts), Shannon Watters (Adventure Time), Stan Mack (Road to Revolution), and a surprise guest or two discuss the history and future of politically progressive comics with moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 32AB 

 

 1:00-2:00 Voltron: Form Blazing Fans!— The classic animated TV series and toys that introduced the world to wild robot lions and a giant combining hero returns to SDCC. Celebrate Voltron memories with some of the Defender’s biggest fans, including Alex Albrecht (Diggnation, Project Lore podcast), Rob Bricken (ToplessRobot.com), Clare Grant with Team Unicorn (Geek and Gamer Girls), and other secret celeb guests. Plus an update on the live-action movie produced by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Rises); exclusive comic book reveals and announcements from VIZ Media with Traci Todd (senior editor, VIZ Media), Brandon Thomas (writer, Voltron, Dynamite Entertainment); and Voltron Classics toy info from Mattel’s Scott Neitlich (marketing manager, MattyCollector.com). Win big Voltron prizes, and “Form the Head” with Voltron and be ready to share your own Voltron story. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

1:15-2:15 Not with a Bang, with a Bite— Great prophets, religious scriptures, and scientific evidence points to an apocalypse in 2012…but these authors envision the end of the world in the form of a zombie pandemic. With their decaying, disintegrating, and sometimes flesh-eating tendencies, zombies have lurched their way into science fiction and fantasy novels and are here to stay. Doomsday takes on a whole new meaning when losing limbs and lumbering across the earth are involved. Learn how to survive everything from zombie invasions to viral zombie infections from panelists Jeyn Roberts (Dark Inside), Michael Spradlin (Blood Riders), Mira Grant (Blackout), Diana Rowland (Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues), Stephen Blackmoore (City of the Lost), Dana Fredsti (Plague Town), Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly), and Max Brooks (World War Z), led by John Hornor Jacobs (This Dark Earth). Room 6A 

 

1:30-2:30 Self-Publishing: Exploring the E-Frontier— The best time in the history of the world to be a writer is today. Mark O’Bannon (author of The Dream Crystal), E. C. “Feo Amante” McMullen Jr. (author of the science fiction collection Perpetual Bullet), Jimmy Diggs (freelance writer for Star Trek DS9 and Voyager), and Marc Scott Zicree (Space Command, Star Trek TNG and DS9, Babylon 5, Sliders, The Twilight Zone Companion) show you what it takes to self-publish your book or film. Join them and discover a new golden age for writers and filmmakers. Moderated by O’Bannon. Room 4 

 

 1:30-2:30 Hasbro: Transformers Brand— Aaron Archer (vice president, Hasbro Design) and Jerry Jivoin (director, Global Transformers Brand) discuss the hottest Transformers topics including the Transformers Prime and Transformers Rescue Bots TV series, action figures, video games, comics, theme park rides and more. Attendees will also get sneak peeks at upcoming action figures and brand news. Jerry and Aaron will also host some Q&A for your burning Transformers questions. Roll out! Room 24ABC 

 

2:00-3:00 Inside the Shadow Show: Ray Bradbury’s Lasting Impact on Literature, Comics, Film, and Beyond— Literary legend Margaret Atwood (The Handmaiden’s Tale) and acclaimed horror and fantasy writer Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box) are joined by Sam Weller (The Bradbury Chronicles: The Life of Ray Bradbury) and internationally acclaimed horror writer Mort Castle (The Strangers), the co-editors of Shadow Show: All-New Stories in Celebration of Ray Bradburyl to reflect on the deep and lasting impact of Bradbury on their work, literature, comics, cinema, and beyond. Moderated by Chris Ryall, CEO and editor-in-chief of IDW Comics. Room 5AB 

 

2:00-3:00 DC Comics: Batman: Beyond the Night of Owls— Gotham City’s Night of the Owls may be over-but the fallout will affect Batman’s hometown for years to come! Find out what’s on the horizon for the Dark Knight and his crimefighting cohorts in this panel featuring Batman group editor Mike Marts, with Chris Burnham (Batman, Incorporated), Tony Daniel (Detective Comics), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Kyle Higgins (Nightwing), Gregg Hurwitz (Batman: The Dark Knight), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Scott Snyder (Batman), J. H. Williams III (Batwoman), and others. Room 6DE 

 

2:00-3:00 Before and After: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Journey into High Definition— Star Trek: The Next Generation fans are finally getting their wish, with all seven seasons of the beloved series being retransferred into high-definition. Star Trek: The Next Generation-The First Season will be released on July 24, and the team behind the project will give fans an insider’s look at how the original film elements were transferred into high-definition and how the visual effects were painstakingly re-created from the source material to look better than ever before. Robert Meyer Burnett moderates the panel, which includes Roger Lay, Jr. (producer/director, Blu-ray), Mike and Denise Okuda (project consultants), David S. Grant (vice president, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Ryan Adams (director, multimedia, CBS Television Distribution), Craig Weiss (creative director, CBS Digital), Eric Bruno (lead compositor), and Wade Felker (film transfer technician). Room 7AB 

 

2:00-3:00 The Sergio and Mark Show— An annual Comic-Con tradition! The folks who give you Groo the Wanderer on occasion will tell what’s up with Groo and their other projects and will entertain you with glorious anecdotes and silly stories. Those folks are celebrated cartoonist Sergio Aragonés, his co-conspirator Mark Evanier,  Usagi Yojimbo creator Stan Sakai, and the hardest-working man in comics, Tom Luth. Room 8 

 

 2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Jim Silke— With a career that spans comics, movies, design, and fine art, Comic-Con special guest Jim Silke has done it all. Silke talks about his past, present, and future work in this Spotlight event. Room 9 

 

2:00-3:00 Creating Comics the comiXology Way— omiXology has not only transformed the industry in making digital comics available everywhere, but they have also created the foundation for comic storytelling to be expressed in new ways. Originally created to artfully display comics on small screens, comiXology’s revolutionary Guided View reading technology has evolved to dramatically change how comic stories are being told. From early experiments like Box 13, Valentine, and Power Play to more recent efforts like Marvel’s Infinite Comics, comiXology’s Guided View has ushered in a new era in comic book creation. Join comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts and Power Play artist Riley Brown as they show you the ins and outs of creating comics using the Guided View tools and discuss comiXology’s plans for these tools. Room 11AB 

 

2:00-3:00 Image Comics Presents— Some of Image Comics’ most exciting new creators assemble to talk about their work and life as independent comics creators. Join these rising star creators for a lively conversation, and discover your favorite new creators and titles. Panelists include Tim Daniel (Enormous), Jim McCann (Mind the Gap), Sina Grace (Li’l Depressed Boy, Not My Bag), Ales Kot (Wild Children), Michael Moreci (Hoax Hunters), and Kurtis Wiebe (Green Wake, Peter Panzerfaust, Debris), with moderator Sarah deLaine. Room 23ABC 

 

2:00-3:00 Make Toons That Sell without Selling Out— Meet Bill Plympton, “The King of Indie Animation,” and learn about his new “how to” Focal Press book, Make Toons That Sell Without Selling Out. Learn the secrets behind cartoon production as Bill breaks down how to make a career outside the world of corporate animation. Also, Bill will screen some of his recent work, including Tiffany the Whale, his re-imagining of Winsor McCay’s classic short The Flying House, and clips from his upcoming feature, Cheatin’. And everyone who attends will receive a free Bill Plympton drawing! Room 25ABC 

 

2:00-3:00 Malibu Comics Retrospective— This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ultraverse, just one legacy of Malibu Comics, the groundbreaking independent publisher that also brought us Image Comics, Men in Black, and hundreds of original, creator-owned properties. Malibu founders Scott Rosenberg (president, Malibu Comics), Dave Olbrich (publisher), Tom Mason (VP, Marketing), and Chris Ulm (editor-in-chief) offer a lively discussion hosted by comics blogger Paul O’Connor (www.longboxgraveyard.com). Learn about Malibu’s place in comics history and their forward-looking attitude toward creator’s rights. Hear the war stories, ask your questions, and see rarities from the Malibu vaults. Room 32AB 

 

 2:00-3:00 Power Rangers: 20 Years and Beyond— Saban Brands and Shout! Factory officially kick off the 20th anniversary celebration of Power Rangers with a discussion featuring Elie Dekel (president, Saban Brands), Paul Schrier (“Bulk”), and other on-screen talent and members of the creative team. Moderated by Brian Ward (DVD producer of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Complete Series), the panel will dive into the origin and evolution of the Power Rangers franchise, including the long-awaited debut of the series on DVD and the show’s resurgence on Nickelodeon with Power Rangers Super Samurai and much more! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

2:05-3:05 Walt Disney Studios: Frankenweenie, Oz The Great and Powerful, and Wreck-it Ralph— Walt Disney Studios hosts a Q&A panel featuring the imaginative director of Frankenweenie, Tim Burton (Alice in Wonderland); a special look at the world of Oz The Great and Powerful with director Sam Raimi (Spider-Man trilogy); and the illustrious voice cast of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Wreck-It Ralph, including John C. Reilly (Step Brothers) and Sarah Silverman (The Sarah Silverman Program), and director Rich Moore (Futurama). Hall H 

 

2:15-3:15 Blizzard Entertainment Product Showcase— Love Diablo, World of Warcraft and StarCraft? Join Chris Metzen (Blizzard Entertainment SVP, story and franchise development) and a team of esteemed guests as we reveal never-before-seen licensed products and plans for 2012/2013. Talk to the designers, writers and artists themselves as we dig into Mega Bloks, novels, comics, statues and more. Panel and Q&A session moderated by Kat Hunter (host of Blizzcon coverage on DIRECTV). Room 6BCF 

 

2:15-3:15 USA Network’s Psych— Psych returns to Comic-Con for a fourth consecutive year, with a fan-focused event that will invite the audience to be not just viewers, but active participants. Psych-O fans can look forward to a hilarious and uncensored experience with the creative team behind the hottest fake psychic detective agency on TV. Psych stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton “Gus” Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O’Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), along with Psych producers Steve Franks (creator/executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer) will dedicate the afternoon to answering fan questions and interacting with the audience, sharing secrets & stories from the set in this “chat” with 4,250 of their closest fans. Attendees will see video clips produced exclusively for Comic-Con, a never-before-seen “first look” at the Season 7 episodes currently in production, and a taste of Psych’s milestone 100th episode, “100 CLUEs”. Ballroom 20 

 

2:30-3:30 ComicBase User Group Meeting— Peter Bickford and other key folks from the ComicBase team showcase the latest features and additions to ComicBase, the world’s premiere software for comic book collectors. The panelists will allow lots of time for you to ask questions about the program and its sister site, Atomic Avenue, and best of all, lots of giveaways in return to answers on comic book trivia questions. Room 4 

 

2:30-3:30 MTV’s Teen Wolf— Cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan O’Brien, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden and Colton Haynes, along with executive producer Jeff Davis, present an exclusive first-look at a new episode, followed by a Q&A session. Stay for the don’t-miss world premiere trailer of MTV’s upcoming scripted comedy series The Inbetweeners. Room 6A 

 

2:30-3:30 Captain Action Returns— The original superhero action figure returns with an all-new toy line. Joe Jusko (Comic-Con special guest), Steven E. Gordon (Wolverine & the X-Men), Tom Tatarnowicz (Biker Mice from Mars), Nick Barrucci (publisher, Dynamite Comics). J. C. Vaughn (publisher, Overstreet Comics Book Price Guide), Mike Murphy (Round 2 Toys), Joe Ahearn (Captain Action), and Julius Marx (Action Figure Insider) discuss the upcoming toys, offer sneak peeks at upcoming releases, and announce surprising new initiatives. Moderated by Ed Catto (Captain Action). Room 24ABC 

 

 2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: The Dark Knight Rises: Is Batman Broken?— He’s strong, smart, and heroic. He’s the Dark Knight we want on our side, but is Batman also out of his mind? Caught between Catwoman and Bane as Christopher Nolan’s Batman movie trilogy comes to its end, will Batman break? Psychologists Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight) and Robin Rosenberg (The Psychology of Superheroes, What’s the Matter with Batman?) discuss Bruce Wayne’s relationships, strengths, weaknesses, and potential diagnoses and ask executive producer Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight Rises), comic book writers Len Wein (Batman) and Steve Englehart (Detective Comics), and Catwoman herself, actress Lee Meriwether (Batman: The Movie), exactly how healthy it is for an orphaned billionaire to spend his nights fighting crime while dressed like a bat. Does the Dark Knight have bats in his belfry? Room 26AB 

 

3:00-4:00 Comic-Con How-To: Living and Creating in the DeviantART World with Yuumei— With the rise of the digital age and social networking, sharing your art is like never before. Artists are no longer tied to the will of a publisher or gallery to get their work seen. However, finding your way in this brave new world can be a daunting task. But fear not! This panel will show you how easy it is to get started, find inspiration, make new discoveries, and establish yourself in the world of DeviantART. Room 2 

 

3:00-4:00 1982: It was 30 Years Ago Today-Greatest Geek Year Ever!— It’s time to stand up and cheer the greatest geek year ever-three decades later-and the editors of Geek Magazine and guests are here to tell you all about it on this nostalgic trip down memory lane in which they go back to the future. Geek editors Jeff Bond and David E. Williams are joined by screenwriter Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), director Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), writer Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Steve Kriozere (V.I.P., Elvis Van Helsing), Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan and Dr. Adam Jahnke (The Digital Bits, Geek), and Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, Femme Fatales, Castle) to discuss the year that gave us Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, E.T., Tron, Poltergeist, Conan: The Barbarian, The Road Warrior, The Thing, Liquid Sky (Liquid Sky? Really?!?), The Sword and the Sorcerer, Diner, 48 Hours, Dexy’s Midnight Runner’s “Come On Eileen” and many more. What’s your favorite? And can 2012 possibly compare? You be the judge. On second thought, they’ll be the judge. Moderated by Geek Magazine (geekexchange.com). Room 5AB 

 

3:00-4:00 VIZ Media Panel— Get the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime. You’ll also get the scoop on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and projects VIZ has yet to announce. Get in line early and get a chance to win prizes! Room 7AB 

 

3:00-4:00 The Two Editors Panel— Sid Jacobsen was the editor at Harvey Comics starting in the early 1950s, overseeing their successful line including the many titles featuring Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich. Victor Gorelick has worked for Archie Comics for over 50 years in a variety of roles, including art director and editor-in-chief, supervising Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the whole Riverdale mob. What does it take to get all those books to press every week for decades and decades? Find out when moderator Mark Evanier grills these two men who between them have probably edited more comic books than you’ll ever read. Room 8 

 

3:00-4:00 IDW’s Artist’s Editions: What’s Next?— Editor Scott Dunbier answers questions about the Eisner Award-winning series from IDW. If you are a fan of original art, this is the panel for you: one hour of talking about what you want to see as an Artist’s Edition, and just gabbing about great art in general. Plus there will be a few fantastic announcements of forthcoming books. Room 9 

 

3:00-4:00 Comics: Digital Color for Comics— Every month your favorite comic books must be colored before going to press, but just how are they colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi’s Brian Miller (World’s Finest) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob SquarePants) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. Q&A session. Room 11AB 

 

3:00-4:00 Graphic Novels: The Bookstore Crowd— The comics world looks at “mainstream comics” as the superhero crowd, the ones available in comic book stores every Wednesday. But the real mainstream comics and graphic novels are in bookstores and created by a whole different crowd, one that lacks, for the most part, capes, powers, and spandex. Comics journalist Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) talks to Comic-Con special guests Kate Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant!), Alison Bechdel (Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama), Brecht Evens (The Making of), Jennifer and Matthew Holm (Babymouse series), Nate Powell (Any Empire), and Jason Shiga (Empire State) about their popular graphic novels that appeal to a more diverse audience in bookstores all over the world. Room 23ABC 

 

3:00-4:00 Hungry for Dystopia— With the skyrocketing popularity of The Hunger Games, dystopian literature has been creating major waves in the media. What attracts these authors to explore the concept of a totalitarian future that possibly awaits us all? Anna North (America Pacifica) leads the discussion with panelists Neal Shusterman (Unwind trilogy), Lissa Price (Starters), Paolo Bacigalupi (The Drowned Cities), Michael Grant (BZRK), Daniel H. Wilson (Amped), Gennifer Albin (Crewel), and Marie Lu (Legend trilogy). Room 25ABC 

 

3:00-4:00 I Can’t Write, I Can’t Draw, But I Love Comics!— Just because you missed out on the writing and drawing genes doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for you in the comics, animation, and gaming industries. Companies still need managers, publishers, producers, directors, mo-cap and voice-over actors, game masters, and programmers. Panelists Scott Agostoni (manager of comic creators and comics expert), animation/motion capture supervisor Derron Ross (Blur Studio), gaming CEO Mike Fischer (Square Enix), composer Jeremy Zuckerman (Legend of Korra), sound designer Benjamin Wynn (Avatar the Last Airbender), and film/mo-cap actor Joe Gatt (J.J. Abrams’ Star Trek 2), will alert you to some of these careers and tell you how to find your niche. Moderated by Susan Karlin (Fast Company). Room 32AB 

 

 3:00-4:00 Hotel Transylvania— Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish five-stake resort, where monsters and their families can live it up, free to be the monsters they are without humans to bother them. On one special weekend, Dracula has invited some of his best friends-Frankenstein and his bride, the Mummy, the Invisible Man, the Werewolf family, and more-to celebrate his beloved daughter Mavis’s 118th birthday. For Drac, catering to all these legendary monsters is no problem-but everything could change for the overprotective dad when one ordinary guy stumbles upon the hotel and takes a shine to Mavis. Animation superstar Genndy Tartakovsky, who previously created Dexter’s Laboratory and Star Wars: Clone Wars, among other projects, takes the helm of this project for his first feature film, and takes the stage to tell you all about it. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

3:15-4:15 DC Entertainment-All Access: DC NOW!— At DC Entertainment, there’s never been a better time to be a comics fan. Come to this all-access panel and find out what some of DC’s top talent is looking forward to, with Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre), Geoff Johns (Justice League, Green Lantern, Aquaman), Rob Liefeld (Deathstroke, Grifter, Savage Hawkman), Scott Lobdell (Teen Titans, Superboy, Red Hood and the Outlaws), Francis Manapul (Flash), Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western), Scott Snyder (Batman, Swamp Thing) and others. Room 6DE 

 

 3:15-4:15 Low Budget/Big Genre: Making it Fun— Script developers, producers, writers, and actors discuss lower-budget genre movies and some of the tools they use to make them so much fun that people keep coming back for more. Panelists include writer/director Eric Forsberg (Syfy, The Asylum, Active Entertainment), Micho Rutare (development executive, The Asylum), actress Gabriel Womack (Triassic Attack, Copperhead), Mark Beltzman (Re-Animator, the Musical), Karen Goodman Forsberg (producer and co-founder, Big Bear Horror Film Festival), and Bill Lundy (writer, Silent Warning, Alien Siege on SyFy; head of Scriptwriters Network). Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina 

 

3:25-4:25 CZ12— Jackie Chan & JJ Productions Limited are happy to bring you Jackie Chan’s upcoming classical full-action feature movie CZ12, which is produced and directed by Jackie Chan. The movie stars Jackie Chan, Kwone Sang Woo and with a special guest appearance by Oliver Platt. It is filmed in multi-territories including China, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Vanuatu, Australia, and  Latvia. Trailers will be presented and a Q&A will be held for the film. Hall H 

 

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Tim Bradstreet: 25 Years on the Edge of Fantastic Illustration— Comic-Con special guest Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher Max, Hellblazer, Vampire: The Masquerade) discusses his career in RPGs, comics, and film. Join Tim for this onstage interview and Q&A session moderated by Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio). Room 4

 

3:30-4:30 Assassin’s Creed III: Live Stage Demo— Meet Connor, the newest Assassin in the legendary franchise and the spark that will ignite the American Revolution into a full blaze. See for the first time a live demo of Boston, a bustling port city on the brink of revolution, presented by Alex Hutchinson (creative director). Experience the epic scale and scope of Assassin’s Creed III with footage of the frontier, colonial cities, and naval battles on the open seas. Witness Connor unleash lethal new skills and weapons in a stunningly realistic open world made possible by the Ubisoft-AnvilNext gaming engine. Get a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the famous Assassin’s Creed III Steelbook made by one of the world’s preeminent and well-respected comic book artists, Alex Ross, and get a peek inside the mind of creative director Alex Hutchinson in a Q&A featuring a guest host. Room 6BCF 

 

3:30-4:35 Beauty and the Beast— Stars Kristin Kreuk (Smallville) and Jay Ryan (Terra Nova), along with executive producers Jennifer Levin (Without a Trace) and Sherri Cooper (Brothers and Sisters), discuss the new CW fall show: a modern adaptation of the beloved fairy tale. The series centers on Catherine Chandler (Kreuk), a tough-minded NYPD homicide detective, who is haunted by witnessing her mother’s murder nine years before and the murderer’s quick demise at what she perceived to be the hands of a beast. After years of searching, Catherine finally discovers the beast is Vincent Keller (Ryan), a survivor of a military experiment that went disastrously wrong and left him in hiding to lead a secret life. Join the cast and producers for an exclusive viewing of the first episode, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Dalton Ross (assistant managing editor, Entertainment Weekly). Ballroom 20

 

3:30-4:30 FUNimation Sneak Peek: Mass Effect: Paragon Lost and Coming Soon— A very special look at Mass Effect: Paragon Lost, a new animated feature based on the world of EA and BioWare’s Mass Effect games, in addition to some exclusive looks at new series coming soon from FUNimation, one of the North American leaders in anime. Room 24ABC 

 

3:30-4:30 The Future of Superhero Studies— Superhero scholarship has exploded over the past few years. Professors Ben Saunders (CCI 2012 special guest and author of Do the Gods Wear Capes?) and Charles Hatfield (author of the Eisner Award-nominated Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby) invite you to join them for a frank, free-spirited discussion of superhero studies: its history, challenges, and possibilities. What has been done in the field, what can be done, and where do we go from here? Room 26AB 

 

3:45-4:45 Image: The Walking Dead— The bestselling, award-winning comic The Walking Dead has been a critical and commercial success-and its TV adaptation on AMC holds its own weight as a record-setting juggernaut. Join creator/writer Robert Kirkman and series artist Charlie Adlard for a rare sit-down, where they will discuss the past, present, and future of the decade’s most talked about zombie phenomenon. A Q&A will follow the conversation between the visionary collaborators. Moderated by Sina Grace. Room 6A 

 

4:00-5:00 Comic-Con How-To: Don’t Break In, Break Out! with Dave Elliot and Bob Self— DeviantART offers the world a different publishing perspective for content creators, one that may open your eyes to the prospects of the creator’s potential in a larger world. Bob Self and Dave Elliott discuss the future for creators with Techgnotic. Room 2 

 

4:00-5:00 Time Travel: Science Fact or Science Fiction? Stuff You Should Know With Josh and Chuck— Josh Clark and Chuck Bryant, hosts of the Top 10 iTunes podcast Stuff You Should Know, lead a discussion about time travel with some very special celebrity guests for a live-from-Comic-Con taping of their podcast. Josh and Chuck will present an exclusive sneak peek at the pilot for their new Science Channel series Stuff You Should Know, based on the wildly popular podcast that generates more than one million downloads per month, as well as limited edition Comic-Con exclusive giveaways from Science Channel. Room 5AB 

 

4:00-5:00 Character Design in Entertainment: From Script to Sculp— When it comes to behind-the-scenes special features and “The Art of Making…” reference books for movies, gaming, and entertainment, oftentimes we only get a brief glimpse of what went into the design of a production. Leading creature and concept designer Neville Page (Avatar, Star Trek, Tron, Super 8, and most recently Prometheus) goes in-depth about the specificity of character development, from script interpretation to full design execution, referencing select work from some of the spectacular films he has worked on. You will not only see the final resolve, but the roughest of sketches. A thorough Q&A will be a big part of the presentation. Room 7AB 

 

 4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Andy Mangels— Bestselling author and Comic-Con special guest Andy Mangels has been extraordinarily active in the entertainment field for 28 years: as a pop culture journalist, as a comic book writer and editor, as the author of over 20 books, as an award-winning special features producer and documentary director/writer, as the man behind raising over $136,000 for domestic violence shelters with his Women of Wonder Day charity events, and as a respected panelist at Comic-Con for 25 years! Now, Andy sits down with interviewer Roger Klorese for a look at his career and discusses writing for almost every major licensing company, his renowned social and humanitarian activism, and having the most famous moustache in comicdom. Plus, find out about his book from TwoMorrows, Lou Scheimer: Creating the Filmation Generation, and what’s next for Andy! Questions from audience members will be welcome. Room 8

 

4:00-5:00 Abrams ComicArts— For over 60 years Abrams has been the premiere art book publisher. With the launch of Abrams ComicArts in 2009, the tradition of excellence continues with award-winning original graphic works by Derf Backderf, Brian Fies, Jason Shiga, and Kazu Kibuishi, as well as monographs on such seminal creators as Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, and Jaime Hernandez. Charles Kochman (editorial director) and Sheila Keenan (senior editor) talk about current ComicArts titles; the exciting fall list, including Economix by Michael Goodwin and Dan Burr, The Carter Family: Don’t Forget This Song by Frank M. Young and David Lasky, and Mars Attacks; and give sneak peeks at upcoming titles such as Out of Line: The Art of Jules Feiffer, Barry Deutsch’s Hereville Book 2: How Mirka Met a Meteorite, Bazooka Joe from Topps, William Stout’s Legends of the Blues, Good Riddance: A Graphic Memoir of Divorce by Cynthia Copeland, and Darryl Cunningham’s What the Frack? Lies, Hoaxes, Scams, and Other Science Tales; as well as news about what’s coming next from Dave McKean, Frank Cammuso, Laura Lee Gulledge, Kazu Kibuishi, and others. Room 9 

 

4:00-5:00 Perspective for Illustration: Inventing Backgrounds and Harmonizing the Figures to the Environment— Have you ever struggled to get your characters to line up with the environment? Do you rely entirely on photos to help you draw a background? This workshop focuses on the perspective or deep space design of the illustrated moment and how to design rich, meaningful backdrops to the story you are telling. There will be a plethora of professional tips and shortcuts to getting around the intricate work involved in setting up a complex perspective grid, including scaling, detailing, and the illusion of depth both in black and white or sketch media and full color. In addition there will be a lecture on the perspective of the figure, how to keep it harmonized with the environment it is drawn into as well as how to keep it lens correct in the composition. Bring your pads and draw along, take notes and elevate your art skills. Room 11AB 

 

4:00-5:00 Abstract Studio: Terry Moore— Don’t miss fan favorite Terry Moore as he discusses his new hit horror series Rachel Rising, his acclaimed sci-fi series Echo, and exciting plans for the 20th anniversary celebration of his epic series Strangers in Paradise! Terry will fill you in on all the latest news and then open the floor for the ever-popular Q&A. Room 23ABC

 

4:00-5:00 Womanthology— One woman’s (Renae De Liz) question on Twitter became a fully realized all-female graphic novel anthology in under a year. A legion of supporters helped fund Womanthology: Heroic through a considerably successful Kickstarter campaign, and recently IDW announced the continuation of Womanthology as an ongoing series, starting with Womanthology: Space. Meet some of the more than 170 creators who made the book happen: Trina Robbins (The Brinkley Girls), Kelly Turnbull (Ugly Americans Season 1), Jean Kang (In Every Heart a Masterwork), Bonnie Burton (You Can Draw Star Wars), Ma’at Crook (Womanthology), Cassandra James (The Gathering), Jolene Houser (Dusk Vol. 2), Jody Houser (Everwell), and editor Mariah Huehner (Womanthology). Moderated by Womanthology contributor Barbara Kesel (TokyoPop’s Legends of the Dark Crystal). Room 25ABC 

 

4:00-5:00 Archaia: How to Effectively Pitch a Story— In this interactive panel, Archaia editors and creators will offer their advice to aspiring comic book creators on how to better pitch their story. First, the audience will be asked to suggest an occupation, a setting, and a character motivation (e.g., a dead zoologist in Hell trying to get out), then nine volunteers will be chosen and broken up into three teams of three. An Archaia editor or creator will be assigned to each team, and the team will go outside the room to come up with a quick pitch for a story. Meanwhile, a fourth Archaia editor will put on a presentation outlining the dos and don’t’s of pitching for the rest of the audience. After 15 minutes, each team will make their presentation, “pitching” it to the audience, who will ultimately vote to choose the one they like the best. The winning team will get a prize pack of Archaia hardcover books. With Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy, chief creative officer Mark Smylie, publisher Mike Kennedy, and writer Josh Ryan (Syndrome). Room 32AB

 

4:00-5:00 Wilfred: Screening and Q&A— Elijah Wood (Lord of the Rings) stars as Ryan, a young man struggling unsuccessfully to make his way in the world until he forms a unique friendship with Wilfred, his neighbor’s canine pet, played by Jason Gann (The Wedge), who co-created and starred in the Australian version of Wilfred in 2007. While everyone else sees Wilfred as just a dog, Ryan sees a crude and surly man in cheap dog suit.  Elijah and Jason join Wilfred co-stars Fiona Gubelmann (Don’t Trust the B** in Apt 23), and Dorian Brown (Roommates) as well as showrunner/executive producer David Zuckerman (Family Guy) and executive producer/director Randall Einhorn (The Office) to discuss bringing this unique live-action comedy to life. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

 4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Mike Carey— DC Vertigo editor Shelly Bond interviews Comic-Con special guest Mike Carey (The Unwritten, X-Men Legacy) about his career in comics, his other writings, and the future projects he’s got lined up for 2013 and beyond. With Q&A. Room 4 

 

4:30-5:30 Marvel: Next Big Thing— The Marvel Universe is where the biggest comic stories happen-so wouldn’t you like to be the first to know what Marvel has planned? Get the latest news on Marvel’s plan for their biggest heroes and villains, with some surprises along the way! Editor Sana Amanat, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, Marvel talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and others answer all your burning questions while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel. Room 6DE 

 

4:30-5:30 Masters of the Web— The annual gathering of some of the most prominent and influential film pundits on the web discuss the film industry, writing for film online, film fandom, and a whole lot more. Moderated by star of the new Lionsgate film Dredd, Karl Urban (Star Trek, Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), with special surprise cast members from the film. Panelists include Mike Sampson (ScreenCrush.com), Jen Yamato (MovieLine.com), Mali Elfman (ScreenCrave.com), Erik Davis (Movies.com), Steve “Frosty” Weintraub (Colider.com), Grae Drake (Fandango.com), Jenna Busch (Cocktails with Stan Lee), and Edward Douglas (ComingSoon.net), and hosted by John Campea (AMC Theatres). AMC is generously providing free movies passes to all attendees of the panel this year! Room 24ABC 

 

4:30-5:30 Bringing Comics to Life in the Library— Five super-librarians discuss how they have reached readers of all ages through comics-based library programming. Hear about developing shared collections, get valuable resources and craft ideas, learn to schedule author visits, and more. They’ll cover all the nitty-gritty of programming in school and public libraries from the inside out. Featuring Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights), Jessica Lee (Willard Middle School), Scott Robbins (Toronto Public Library, author of A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics), Susan Rodgers (Palo Alto Public Library), and Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights). Room 26AB 

 

4:40-5:45 Cracking the Case with Sherlock Holmes and Watson: A Behind-the-scenes Look at CBS’s New Series Elementary— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced the world to Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson over 120 years ago. This fall on CBS, the dynamic duo gets a modern-day makeover cracking cases in contemporary New York City. Brilliant investigator Sherlock, played by Jonny Lee Miller (Dexter), is a recent rehab graduate paired with his worst nightmare: sober coach Joan Watson, played by Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels). Together, Sherlock’s unique detective skills and Watson’s medical expertise make a formidable force capable of solving the NYPD’s most impossible cases. Be the first to see an exclusive sneak peek at the new television series, followed by a panel discussion with series stars Jonny Lee Miller and Lucy Liu and executive producers Robert Doherty and Carl Beverly, moderated by Entertainment Weekly assistant managing editor Dalton Ross. Ballroom 20 

 

4:45-5:45 The Fiction of Halo 4— Halo 4 heralds the return of one of gaming’s most iconic heroes, the Master Chief, in a new, epic sci-fi saga. Expanding and enriching the narrative, 343 Industries, with very special panelists, share how the development of stories across the Greg Bear Forerunner saga, the Karen Traviss Kilo-Five trilogy, Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Halo 4 Campaign and Halo Infinity Multiplayer have become connective tissue for Halo 4. Don’t miss the exciting premiere of the Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn trailer as well as Q&A with special guests. Panelists include Brian Reed, franchise writer; Armando Troisi, narrative director, 343 Industries; Brien Goodrich, cinematic director; Stewart Hendler, director (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Whisper, H+); Todd Helbing, writer (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Spartacus, Smallville); and Aaron Helbing, writer (Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn, Spartacus, Smallville). Moderated by Frank O’Connor, franchise development director, 343 Industries. Room 6BCF 

 

4:45-5:45 The Expendables 2-Real American Heroes— Sylvester Stallone and the legendary cast of the sequel to 2010’s smash hit film preview the real-deal muscles, weapons, skills, and explosions that went into making a film even bigger and badder than the original. Terry Crews, Randy Couture, Dolph Lundgren, Jean Claude Van Damme, and Arnold Schwarzenegger will join the panel discussion. Hall H 

 

5:00-7:00 Comic-Con How-To: Use Guerilla Art Tactics to Share Your Vision with the World— Artist Lori Gordon addresses what it means to make art when you don’t necessarily consider yourself an artist. She will review making art without interest in the outcome and making something that has nothing to do with earning money as the end goal. After reviewing artworks made by Lori and others, participants will make their own project. Room 2 

 

5:00-6:00 Blu-ray Producers 2012— Bill Hunt, Todd Doogan, and Dr. Adam Jahnke of The Digital Bits.com and Geek Monthly discuss the process of making great Blu-ray special editions with producers Charles de Lauzirika (Prometheus, The Amazing Spider-Man), Cliff Stephenson (The Hunger Games, The Expendables 2), and Robert Meyer Burnett (Star Trek: The Next Generation-Seasons One and Two), as well as Warner Home Video’s senior VP of theatrical catalog marketing George Feltenstein. Audience participation is encouraged. Room 5AB 

 

5:00-6:00 Legendary Comics— Legendary Comics presents a behind-the-scenes look at its upcoming slate of must-read projects. Get first-look access to new content, grab limited-edition giveaways, and ask questions of your favorite creators. The panel is hosted by the nerdist himself, Chris Hardwick. Panelists include The Tower Chronicles creators Matt Wagner (Grendel, Mage) and Simon Bisley (Lobo, 2000 AD), Shadow Walk creators Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide, G.I. Joe: Hearts & Minds), Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, The Flash), and Shane Davis (Final Crisis: Rage of the Red Lanterns, Superman: Earth One). Joining this all-star cast are co-creator of The Tower Chronicles and Shadow Walk, Thomas Tull (founder and CEO of Legendary Entertainment) and editor-in-chief Bob Schreck (All-Star Superman). Don’t miss breaking news regarding our next project from an elite creator in the comics industry who will be making a surprise appearance. Room 6A 

 

5:00-6:00 The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con— Actresses, stuntwomen, creative cosplayers, outspoken bloggers, and groundbreaking comic book creators-which women are the movers and shakers on the convention scene? Who are the innovators breaking barriers in the world of fandom? To discuss these game changers, Action Flick Chick Katrina Hill (GeekNation, MTV Geek) has assembled a team of women dangerous in their own right: Leah Cevoli (Robot Chicken), Holly Conrad (Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope), Adrianne Curry (Stan Lee’s World of Heroes), Abbie Heppe (Respawn Entertainment), Clare Kramer (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Kristen Nedopak (Skyrim: To Lydia with Love), Milynn Sarley (GeekNation’s Lairs), Stephanie Thorpe (ElfQuest: A Fan Imagining), and Patricia Tallman (Night of the Living Dead, Babylon 5). With moderator Bonnie Burton (SFX Magazine). Room 7AB 

 

5:00-6:00 Luann-alysis: A Stripper Revealed— Comic-Con special guest Greg Evans opens his personal scrapbook and shows childhood cartoons, pre-Luann strips, weird art, and embarrassing goofs from 27 years of Luann. Q&A follows. Moderated by Fred Bronson (writer, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: The Animated Series). Room 8 

 

5:00-6:00 Uncle Creepy Presents— A stellar panel of ghoulish creators discuss Warren’s Creepy and Eerie, which have been relaunched at Dark Horse in hardcover archival editions, new comic books, and artist compilation formats. Discover all the exciting things coming up in the Creepy universe. Moderated by Overstreet’s J. C. Vaughn and featuring New Comic Company’s twin engines Dan Braun (Creepy) and Josh Braun (Button Man) and super special guest MAD and Creepy artist Angelo Torres (Mad), plus writer Christopher A. Taylor  and some very special unannounced guests. Plus, there will be Creepy trivia questions with tons of giveaways, swag and prizes. Room 9 

 

5:00-6:00 Figure Drawing for Popular Media— Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (Draw the Line, Figure It Out, John Buscema: A Life in Sketches) and Rudy Nebres (Conan, Dr. Strange, John Carter [Marvel]) present a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. Emilio and Rudy will lecture and demonstrate on figure drawing. Come ready to take notes and to draw. Room 11AB 

 

5:00-6:00 First Comics: 30th Anniversary Extravaganza!— Legendary ’80s independent publishing powerhouse First Comics is rocking into San Diego with the assembled might of extraordinary comics creators Bill Willingham, Max Allan Collins, The Fillbach Brothers, Steve Stern, Dan Cote, and Larry Young. With giveaways, surprise guests, elephants, circus clowns, and more as befitting a 30th Anniversary-come celebrate with First! Moderated by Ken F. Levin. Room 23ABC 

 

5:00-6:00 MTV Geek: Creator Pitch LIVE!— MTV Comics executive editor Tom Akel hosts a live pitch competition between three of the top creators in the business. Just three weeks prior to Comic-Con, creators were each given the same topic, something that’s been a hot button issue in the industry in the past year, from which they will draw their inspiration to develop a new comic series. Creators have 10 minutes to present their pitch to the fans. They’re be some time for questions, and then the pitches will be put it to a vote that’s determined by you! Room 25ABC 

 

5:00-6:00 Northwest Press— How does a small comic book publisher succeed in today’s market? Northwest Press opened their doors in 2010, braving a recession, the rise of digital media, and the disappearance of specialty shops and bookstores to create a publishing company specializing in a niche market: lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender comics. Two years later, Northwest is still growing. Join in a lively discussion about how to operate on a shoestring while looking like a pro, how to leverage social media and connections, and how to succeed as a small press. Moderated by Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) and featuring the owner of Northwest Press, Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Mark of Aeacus, The Power Within), as well as three of the creators he’s published: Justin Hall (Glamazonia: the Uncanny Super Tranny, No Straight Lines), Jon Macy (Teleny and Camille, Fearful Hunter), and Leia Weathington (The Legend of Bold Riley). Room 32AB 

 

5:00-6:00 Archer: Screening and Q&A— This animated half-hour comedy revolves around the spy agency known as the International Secret Intelligence Service (ISIS) and the lives of its self-involved employees. Series creator Adam Reed (Sealab 2021) and the show’s voice actors discuss their daunting and enigmatic work of espionage, reconnaissance missions, wiretapping, and undercover surveillances-which are all actually unmitigated occasions for the ISIS staff to undermine, sabotage, and betray each other for personal gain. Panelists include H. Jon Benjamin (Bob’s Burgers) as the highly skilled yet incredibly vain master spy “Sterling Archer,” Aisha Tyler (The Talk) as Archer’s fellow agent and ex-girlfriend “Lana Kane,” Chris Parnell (Saturday Night Live) as the easily intimidated comptroller-turned-ISIS-agent “Cyril Figgis,” Judy Greer (Arrested Development) as the loquacious secretary “Cheryl Tunt,” and Amber Nash (Frisky Dingo) as the discordant director of human resources for ISIS “Pam Poovey.” Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

5:30-6:30 Kodansha Comics— The staff of Kodansha Comics talk about all their exciting plans for 2012 and beyond. Learn about all the new titles coming out in the coming months, with special coverage of Sailor Moon, Battle Angel Alita, and many other hit manga series. Kumi Shimizu (Kodansha USA Publishing) and Dallas Middaugh (Random House) will tell tall tales and answer all of your burning questions. Room 4 

 

5:30-6:30 Klasky Csupo: We’re Back!— The studio that brought you Rugrats, Aaah! Real Monsters, and Wild Thornberrys, to name a few, is back and at Comic-Con for the first time ever. Arlene Klasky (animation creator), Craig Singer (filmmaker, Dark Ride), Charlie Adler (Transformers), Greg Cipes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Tyler Malin (transmedia storyteller)  discuss Klasky Csupo’s past and future projects, including a skateboarding zombie! Giveaways include a Comic-Con exclusive signed Issue 1 of Ollie Mongo, as well as an iPad raffle. Moderated by Phil Daniels (digital media attorney, Ginsburg Daniels LLP). Room 24ABC 

 

5:30-6:30 Batman’s Biggest Secret: The Bill Finger Story— Based on five years of research for the new book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, Marc Tyler Nobleman (Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman) reveals startling, never-published information about Bill Finger, uncredited co-creator of Batman-including the game-changing discovery of Finger’s lone heir. Michael Uslan, executive producer of The Dark Knight Rises, on the book: “Purposefully and meaningfully (and beautifully) written.” Room 26AB 

 

5:45-6:45 Vertigo: A View from the Cutting Edge of Comics— It’s a big year for Vertigo, with exciting new projects like Fairest, Punk Rock Jesus, and Saucer Country joining American Vampire, Fables, The Unwritten, and Sweet Tooth. Get the lowdown on all your Vertigo favorites-and some that will be-and catch the latest on new graphic novels like Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Vol. 1 and others, with senior VP/executive editor Karen Berger, plus Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Mike Allred (iZombie), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Mike Carey  (The Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Sean Murphy (Punk Rock Jesus), Dustin Nguyen (American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, American Vampire: Lord of Nightmares), Bill Willingham (Fables, Fairest), and others. Room 6DE 

 

6:00-7:00 The Character of Music— Composer and executive producer teams discuss the dynamics of music in film and television. Blake Neely and Greg Berlanti (Arrow), Chris Lennertz and Eric Kripke (Revolution, Supernatural), Joseph Trapanese and Charlie Bean (TRON: Uprising), and Nathan Johnson and Rian Johnson (Looper) discuss their working relationship, how music plays a character in their stories, and the intense process of scoring their projects. Moderated by Anne Cecere, director of film and TV relations of BMI, and Chandler Poling, founder of White Bear PR. Attendees will get a sneak peek into their work and receive fun giveaways. Room 5AB 

 

6:00-7:00 Nikita Q&A and Exclusive Video Presentation— Nikita stars Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible 3), Shane West (ER), and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass) and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) return to Comic-Con just days before they begin production on season 3. Find out what’s in store for our new powerful team of heroes consisting of Nikita, Michael, Alex, punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff, brilliant CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, the third season of Nikita debuts this October and will air Fridays at 9/8c on The CW. Nikita: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 2. Room 6BCF 

 

6:00-7:00 Masquerade 101— For costumers, future costumers, and those who simply enjoy watching masquerades from the audience, this overview of fan convention costume competitions covers original designs and re-creations, how contests differ from one type of convention to another, judging criteria and processes, and group versus solo costumes, and offers planning, fabrication, and stage presentation tips for taking a costume creation from idea to stage-ready showpiece. Presented by Comic-Con’s 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. Room 7AB 

 

6:00-7:00 Monsterverse Horror Comics: Bela Lugosi Demands Flesh and Blood!— Monsterverse Entertainment executives Kerry Gammill (Superman, Stargate, The Outer Limits) and Sam F. Park (Bela Lugosi’s Tales from the Grave) discuss the horror transmedia company’s current and future projects in print, mobile apps, interactive games, and Hollywood, along with Henry Mayo (Ted, Tarzan, The Mummy). Creators Robert Tinnell and Neil Vokes (Flesh and Blood) will discuss future plans for their award-winning (Ghastly Award-Best Horror GN 2011) graphic novel series along with its cover artist Dan Brereton (Nocturnals, The Last Battle). Q&A session to follow. Room 8 

 

6:00-7:00 The 7th Annual Comics Podcasting All-Stars— The legacy of comics podcasting continues. The world of comics podcasts has changed since they began in 2005 and this is your chance to see the pioneers of comics podcasting discuss how the comics industry has evolved and how it’s affected podcasting. Always a panel full of passion and surprises, thanks to the podcasters appearing on the panel, who include Bob Bretall (The Comic Book Page), Brian “Pants” Christman (Comic Geek Speak), Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider), Josh Flanagan (iFanboy), John Siuntres (Word Balloon), Pat Loika (Loikamania!), and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy’s Comic Corner). Room 9 

 

6:00-7:00 Breaking In and Staying In— So you want to make comics? This panel is your first step toward actually doing it! Former Marvel and IDW editor and Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Annihilation, G.I. Joe, 5 Days to Die) discusses in detail 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. Hosted by Comics Experience. Room 11AB 

 

6:00-7:15 Showtime: Dexter— The gasps from last season’s finale can still be heard among Dexter fans as their worst fears were realized, Dexter got caught and by none other than Deb! What will he do? What will she do? What’s next for America’s Favorite Serial Killer? If the suspense is killing you, don’t miss this incredible panel, where you’ll be the first to see the Comic-Con exclusive first two minutes of the season premiere. Moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ Entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), and special guest star Yvonne Strahovski (Hanna). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Plus Dexter fans will be the first to see the world premiere trailer of one of the hottest series on television, Homeland, presented by executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The new season of Dexter premieres September 30, at 9pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom 20

 

6:00-7:00 Insights to Indie Publishing: The Antidote Trust (TAT)— TAT returns to discuss all creativity in all media, featuring info on new projects. The panel’s members include Geoff Thorne, TV screenwriter and indie comics creator (Leverage, Ben 10: Omniverse, and indie comics by GENRE 19); Dale Wilson, founder and editor-in-chief at BuyIndieComics.com, online marketing guru, founding member of TAT and comics creator/publisher (DWAP Productions, makers of Caffeine Dreams, Magnificent Creatures, and other cutting-edge comics); Larry Welch, a “pro’s pro” at inking since 1992 (Eternity Comics, Malibu Comics, Image, DC, and Marvel); author and publicist Melissa Jarvis (Past Her Time, from BookStrand Romance, All Hollow’s Eve from Cobblestone Press [w/a Melissa L. Robert]); Justin Peniston, animation writer for Man of Action Studios (creators of Ben 10) and “Big 2” writer and indie/digital comics creator (Blue Beetle, Hunter Black); and Robert Roach, professional illustrator and storyteller for two decades in film and TV (Warner Detention, Thick as Thieves) and comics industries (Negative Burn, Crack Dog, and The Roach, winner of the inaugural Glyph Award for Indy Comics). Room 23ABC 

 

6:00-7:00 The Science of Science Fiction: Canon Fodder— Aliens, robots, wormholes, superheroes…there’s more than a little science in all of these, but how can that science be kept straight and consistent across multiple movies and seasons of TV shows? Panelists Jon Spaihts (writer, Prometheus), Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica), Zack Stentz and Ashley Miller (writers, Thor, X-Men: First Class), Jaime Paglia (producer/writer, Eureka), and Dr. Kevin Grazier (science advisor, Battlestar Galactica, Defiance),  talk about the ups and downs of respecting the science in ongoing science fiction TV and movie series. Moderated by Dr. Phil Plait (writer/host, Phil Plait’s Bad Universe, Discover magazine’s Bad Astronomy blog), and courtesy of The Science and Entertainment Exchange, a program of the National Academy of Sciences. Room 25ABC 

 

6:00-7:00 Rewriting the Rules of Queers in Comics— Depictions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender characters in comics are breaking from the purely positive “role model” portrayals that were common over the past decade. Some creators aren’t shying away from sex, stereotypes, and bad behavior in their pursuit of intriguing and well-rounded characters. As comics readers clamor for more explicit, more outrageous, and more extreme comics-and hail them as victories over timidity and political correctness-is it time to rewrite the rulebook on queer characters? Oliver Nome (Fathom: Kiani), James Robinson (Earth 2, Justice League), Nicola Scott (Earth 2, Secret Six), Gail Simone (Secret Six, Birds of Prey), Ivan Velez Jr. (Tales of the Closet, Milestone Comics), and moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Mark of Aeacus, The Power Within) engage in a lively, irreverent discussion about the wild frontier of queers in comics. Room 32AB 

 

6:00-7:00 RiffTrax Live— Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett (RiffTrax.com, Mystery Science Theater 3000) return to Comic-Con to perform another live, hilarious riff to a classic short. Join the riffers for fun, laughs and the latest news about their upcoming “Manos” The Hands of Fate and Birdemic live shows, playing for only one night each in select movie theatres nationwide this August and October. RiffTrax.com is the site where MST3K-style humor meets mainstream movies, TV shows and vintage shorts. At RiffTrax they don’t make movies, they make them funny! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 

 

6:15-7:15 How to Get a Job in the Video Gaming Industry— Moderator Francis Mao of Capcom leads a panel of industry insiders from a variety of game companies and industry outlets to share how they got to “play video games for a living,” and the wide assortment of career paths that are available. You don’t have to be a programming whiz or a stellar digital artist to have a fun career in the video game industry. Hear what job opportunities are available in areas such as public relations, marketing, retail, publishing, editorial, and more. Hear from actual SDCC fans from past years who are now in the industry. There will be a Q&A session plus an opportunity to speak with and network one-on-one with the panelists after the session. Room 6A 

 

6:15-8:15 The Virtual Drive-In— Come with us again to those thrilling days of yesteryear where one of the few places you could see offbeat genre films was at your local drive-in, huddled safely in your car as the summer sky darkened around you. At least that was the germ of an idea that gave birth to this panel last year, and the reception by those fans who attended was so positive they’re doing it again. So, welcome to the second edition of the Virtual Drive-In, where you will preview three twisted tales by some talented filmmakers who will all be appearing on the panel to discuss their work and take your questions. Moderated by Robert Meyer Burnett. The featured films are:

Branded — A dark and mind-bending journey into a surreal, dystopian society where mega-corporations have unleashed a monstrous global conspiracy to get inside our minds and keep the population deluded, dependent and passive. One man’s quest to unlock the truth behind the conspiracy will lead to an epic battle with the hidden forces that really control our world. Appearing on stage is director Jamie Bradshaw.

 

Crave — Aiden (Josh Lawson) fantasizes about a better life away from his gruesome job as a crime scene photographer working alongside his detective friend Pete (Ron Perlman)-a heroic life where he falls in love with the perfect woman and dispenses justice on the hard streets of Detroit. When he meets the alluring young Virginia (Emma Lung) and steals a gun from a crime scene, the line between his darkest fantasies and reality begins to blur, with deadly consequences. This visually arresting psychological noir begins its festival run with its world premiere at the Fantasia Film Festival and continues on to other festivals around the world. Appearing on stage: Josh Lawson (House of Lies) and director Charles de Lauzirika, with other guests to be announced.

 

Coldwater — “Make sure the past isn’t watching you.” Andre agrees to help out his friend Robert by taking over a housesitting job at an unusual house nestled in the heart of Coldwater Canyon. As the day turns into night, Andre experiences strange things that lead him to believe he is not alone and that someone or something is watching him. Appearing in person are writer/director Dave Parker (The Hills Run Red) and star Ivan Djurovic (24).

Hall H 

 

6:30-7:30 Independent Toymaker Roundtable: Turning Characters into Toys— Indie toymakers spill their secrets on how to successfully create and market awesome plush and vinyl toys. Learn from toy world luminaries Nitin Bhargava (Kidrobot), Shawn Smith (Shawnimals), Dan Goodsell (Mr. Toast), Kerry Horvath and Darth Rimmer (Evil Ice Cream), Dov Kelemer (DKE Toys), Joshua Ben Longo (Longoland), and Kris Schantz (Happy Worker), moderated by Wendy Bryan (I Heart Guts). Turn your sketches into something you can hold. Room 4 

 

6:30-7:30 Comedy Central: Workaholics— Comedy Central’s hit series Workaholics features three friends, Adam, Blake, and Ders, who work together from 9 to 5, live together from 5 to 9, and party together 24/7. Whether they’re getting ready to rage at a Renaissance Faire or take the stage as their gangster rap alter egos “The Wizards,” the guys find trouble wherever they go. Stars, co-creators, writers, and executive producers Blake Anderson, Adam Devine, Anders Holm, and Kyle Newacheck take fans behind the scenes and give a sneak peek into upcoming new episodes, including a few special guests that are guaranteed to be “Tight Butthole.” Fans will also be able to compete for a chance to have their name written into a future episode. S’Go! Room 24ABC 

 

6:30-8:00 Lost in Translation— As some manga companies such as TokyoPop, CMX, and Bandai Entertainment leave the picture, other manga venues such as JManga are coming onto the manga scene. With so much change, this is a turbulent time for manga freelancers. Find out how the industry is faring in a question-and-answer session with William Flanagan (Madoka Magica Manga), Jonathan Tarbox (Fist of the Northstar), Shaenon Garrity (Hunter X Hunter), Stephen Paul (One Piece), Nathan Collins (Metal Gear Solid: Guns of Patriots) and maybe even some surprise panelists. Room 26AB

 

7:00-8:00 LIVE PodCRASH with That Chris Gore— Chris Gore (G4TV’s Attack of the Show, Film Threat founder) is also a comedian, is the creator of some exciting upcoming animated shows and is currently making waves with his podcast PodCRASH. Chris has been called a renaissance nerd and now he will present a very special live edition of his podcast at Comic Con. Expect the content to be rated #GSFW-Geeky, Sexy, Funny, and Weird. Expect some very special guests to crash this panel. Room 5AB 

 

7:00-8:00 Inside The Batmobile— No vehicle has ever captured fans’ imagination like the Batmobile. Be the first to see an exclusive Comic-Con, 22-minute sneak peek at the upcoming documentary The Batmobile, an in-depth examination of its many incarnations and impressive history. A panel discussion will follow the screening featuring distinguished Batman experts George Barris, designer of the famed 1966 Batmobile; Andy Smith, builder of the modern-day Dark Knight “Tumbler”; respected producer/author Michael Uslan (The Boy Who Loved Batman); Ralph Cirella and Jon Hein, hosts of GEEKTIME! Sirius-XM Howard 101; and a few surprise guests. Stay to the end, when a drawing among all panel attendees will determine which lucky five fans can sit in a Batmobile-which is on display all weekend in the “Batcave” between Hall H and the Bayfront Hilton. Room 6DE 

 

7:00-8:00 History of the Modern Zombie— Zombie Research Society hosts a panel of leading zombie experts moderated by ZRS founder Matt Mogk (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies). Panelists include Max Brooks (Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z), Scott Kenemore (Zen of Zombie, Zombie, Ohio), Aaron Sagers (CNN Geek Out, entertainment writer, TV host), Steven Schlozman, M.D. (zombie autopsies, Harvard Medical School), and Bradley Voytek, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco). Join them for a spirited discussion about the evolution and impact of the modern zombie, and get all your pressing questions answered before it’s too late! Room 7AB 

 

7:00-8:00 Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101— Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about doing PR? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for your comics. comiXology marketing and PR maven Chip Mosher is joined by Dark Horse’s director of PR Jeremy Atkins, Image Comics’ PR and marketing director Jennifer de Guzman, IDW Publishing’s VP of marketing Dirk Wood, and comics writer David Gallaher (Box 13, the Harvey Award-winning High Moon, and Marvel’s Darkstar and The Winter Guard) for a wide-ranging discussion you will not want to miss! Room 8 

 

7:00-8:00 The Scoop at Simon & Schuster!— Get the inside word on Simon & Schuster’s upcoming books and the chance to win exclusive prizes. Lucille Rettino (director of marketing), Carolyn Swerdloff (marketing manager), Chrissy Noh (senior marketing manager), Liesa Abrams (associate marketing manager), and Anna McKean (publicity manager) give you the scoop on upcoming books from exciting authors, including Cassandra Clare, Tonya Hurley, Tony DiTerlizzi, Orson Scott Card, and Brandon Mull. Hear what is going on with S&S’s hot properties — Star Trek and The Smurfs — and get a chance to win exclusive giveaways. All attendees will receive a limited edition T-shirt for Becca Fitzpatrick’s Hush, Hush. Room 9 

 

7:00-8:00 Inside the Voice Actors’ Studio— Bang Zoom! Entertainment is excited to bring you this panel/workshop about voice acting that covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. This is a great opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic setting. You will learn directly from some of the best voice actors and directors in the world and also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like. Celebrity panelists include renowned video game VO director Chris Borders (Gears of War) and multitalented voice actor Fred Tatasciore (The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes). Room 11AB 

 

7:00-8:00 Bleeding Alliance of Beat Reporters— Andy Khouri of Comics Alliance, Rich Johnston of Bleeding Cool, Heidi MacDonald of The Beat, and Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter represent the four most influential and popular blogs in the comics industry. Join them for a one-time-only chat about the changing role of comics news, how they run their sites, what makes news, and what makes a rumor. It will be either a love fest or a slug fest. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 23ABC 

 

7:00-8:00 Fan Favorite Projects Go Interactive— Meet the creative talents who have embraced the arduous task of adapting the music of top Sci-Fi and Fantasy projects to the most popular games on home consoles and smart phones. Learn how these franchises transitioned into this ever-growing multi-media realm from our special guests including composers Jim Dooley (Epic Mickey; Epic Mickey 2: The Power of Two), Gordy Haab (Star Wars: The Old Republic; Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings), David Ari Leon (Contre Jour; Woody Woodpecker), Gerard Marino (God of War; The Amazing Spiderman), Kyle Newmaster (Kinect Star Wars), and Jeremy Soule (The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim; Harry Potter game series), and a special surprise guest moderator! A Q&A will follow the panel plus giveaways for attendees. Room 25ABC 

 

7:00-8:00 The Myth of Nostalgia: Collecting and Memory— Cesare Asaro (creator, Finding Frank and His Friend), Bob Foster (Animation Guild president), Grant Geissman  (author, Foul Play! The Art and Artists of the Notorious 1950s E.C. Comics!), R. C. Harvey (cartoonist, critic and comic historian, Meanwhile…A Biography of Milton Caniff), Peter Maresca (editor, Sunday Press Books), and Kirstie Shepherd (author, Gadabout Time Machine User’s Manual) have been collecting, creating, and selling nostalgia for over 40 years. Join them for a panel discussion on how collecting allows us to revisit memories from the past-even a past that they might have been too young to have seen or may never have existed at all. They’ll explore how nostalgia can be invented, whether it goes in and out of fashion, and what happens when the collector becomes the creator. Room 32AB 

 

7:15-8:15 A New Generation of Spike and Mike Animation— See the greatest short animations the world has to offer: one hour of award-winning, artistic, funny, and entertaining short animated films from around the world. See winners from the 2012 Annecy Animation Festival in France, such as Second Hand and Friendsheep. Meet Spike of the Spike and Mike Festival of Animation and Gary Sohmers, the “King of Pop Culture” and Antiques Roadshow celebrity. Free Spike and Mike DVDs handed out while supplies last. Room 6BCF 

 

7:30-8:30 Magic and Comics: The Deceptive Arts— The worlds of illusion and sequential art have much more in common then you think, from exploiting common psychological shortcuts to histories stacked with con men and criminals. This panel, hosted by the creators of IDW’s Smoke and Mirrors (Mike Costa, Jon Armstrong), features Costa (Cobra), award-winning magician Armstrong, Josh Fialkov (Echoes), and other panelists. It also boasts interactive elements, amazing art, and live demonstrations of close-up magic from award-winning magicians from the world-famous Magic Castle. You might even learn some magic you can do for your friends. Room 4 

 

7:30-10:30 Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza— Celebrate 15 years of the craziest, coolest, comical, and most cheer-worthy Asian action film fight scenes ever witnessed by human eyes! This time promises to be one of the most lunatic laugh-n-thrill fests yet, with the best (and worst) the East has to offer. As always, award-winning writer, consultant, professor, World Martial Art Hall of Famer, and Films of Fury: The Kung Fu Movie Movie scripter Ric Meyers is your host, welcoming guest stars such as Comedy Film Nerd podcasters Graham Elwood and Chris Mancini, independent action film idol Eric Jacobus, and even the legendary actor, choreographer, stuntman, and movie icon James Lew (and maybe even more). 15th time’s the charm. Don’t miss this one! Room 6A 

 

7:30-8:30 Famous Monsters of Filmland: Stake of the Union 2012— The world’s first monster fan magazine invades Comic-Con again this year. Publisher Philip Kim and executive editor Ed Blair are on hand to discuss the future of the magazine, including covers, digital issues, film and TV projects, and more. Special panelists include Bela Lugosi Jr.; Jeff Moor, and Allen Steelgrave of ESP Guitars on their top-secret project with FM; Todd Masters (True Blood) on celebrating 25 years of makeup excellence with his company MastersFX; and many surprises. Room 24ABC 

 

8:00-9:30 Comics on Comics LIVE! with Jon Schnepp and Chris Gore— Producers Vito Lapiccola and Juan-Manuel Rocha and The Hollywood Improv host another amazing edition of Comics on Comics LIVE at Comic-Con. Host Jonathan London (Geekscape.net) welcomes the return of fan-favorite writer/producer/director Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse, The Venture Brothers), film guru Chris Gore (Attack of the Show, PodCRASH), and the always-controversial comics journalist Rich Johnston (BleedingCool.com) for another hilarious episode of the podcast where the greatest comic minds meet the greatest minds in comics! And if that wasn’t enough, Comics on Comics presents the world premiere of Schnepp’s Grimm Fairy Tales animated trailer, produced in association with Zenoscope Entertainment and funded via Kickstarter.com. Comics on Comics  debuted in 2008 and quickly gained popularity and praise due to its high concept format and memorable guests (including Lost co-creator Damon Lindelof, Dark Knight Rises producer Michael Uslan, and DC Comics CCO Geoff Johns). Find out more at www.ComicsOnComics.com. Room 5AB 

 

8:00-9:30 Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves on Trial: The Forensic Psychiatry of the Dead, the Undead, and the Unlucky— Zombies, vampires, and werewolves are the most terrifying monsters to stalk the night. But what if these monsters existed in real life and actually stood trial for their murderous crimes? Would they be found guilty and put behind bars, or would they be found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric hospital? Would they even be competent to stand trial? Forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. evaluate whether the “conditions” that plague these bloodsuckers, flesh-eaters, and wild beasts might serve as the basis for an insanity defense. Hear Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., FBI Ret., supervisory special agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Killer Instinct), compare the behaviors of these characters to real-life bloodsucking and flesh-eating killers. See these iconic characters in a new light, and sink your teeth into them for a change! Room 7AB 

 

8:00-9:00 Artist As Brand, Rise of the Artist Entrepreneur— Greg Spalenka (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Books of Magic, The Ant Bully, The Golden Compass, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader) moderates a panel discussion on art career sustainability. Learn strategies on how to create an income from your talent on your own terms. Panelists include Dave McKean (an icon of popular art culture, professional artist, photographer, graphic designer, director, musician, Arkham Asylum, The Sandman, MirrorMask), Craig Elliott (professional artist in publishing, film, and higher education, Monsters Vs. Aliens, Mulan, Dark Horse Comics), Shiflett Brothers (sculptors extraordinaire of comic and original designs, “Oddworld: Abe’s Odysee,” Moore Creations), Miss Mindy (professional artist, curator, Baby Tattoo Books, Disney, Warner Brothers), and Daniel and Dawna Davis (husband and wife team of Steamcrow, publishers of monster books and toys). Room 8 

 

8:00-9:00 H. P. Lovecraft— “They all lay in stone houses in Their great city of R’lyeh, preserved by the spells of mighty Cthulhu for a glorious resurrection when the stars and the Earth might once more be ready for Them.” So wrote master weird tale and horror author H. P. Lovecraft in 1926, and the stars have aligned! Get a sanity-shattering peek into Lovecraft’s past and present influence in pop culture. Discover the unspeakable nameless horrors from beyond time and space that are rising in comics, games, movies, music, television and more. With Brian Callahan (Arkham Bazaar), Cody Goodfellow (Perilous Press), Mars Homeworld (CEO, Dead House Music), and Michael Alan Nelson (creator, Fall of Cthulhu). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival-Los Angeles). Room 9 

 

8:00-9:00 Mega64: Year One Panel— Join Rocco Botte, Derrick Acosta, and Shawn Chatfield (Mega64.com) as they bring their series of award-winning, critically acclaimed short films to a Comic-Con panel for the first time. There will be so many video game jokes that Garrett Hunter and Eric Baudour (Mega64.com) will have to attend too. There will be Q&A, but please don’t ask about previous arrests. Room 23ABC 

 

8:00-11:00 Hall H and Ballroom 20 Saturday Panel Playback— Didn’t get into either Hall H or Ballroom 20 today? We feel your pain! In this three-hour block, Comic-Con will rebroadcast some of the day’s popular panels from those two giant rooms. Best of all, those in attendance will get to vote on what they want to see. It’s democracy at its finest AND it’s a second chance to see these panels. (Please note: these playbacks will include only the panel discussions. None of the film clips or footage shown at the live events will be shown here.)  Room 25ABC 

 

8:00-9:00 Kickstart Comics: Come Meet New Publisher Kickstart Comics!— An in-depth look at new and upcoming releases from Kickstart Comics, plus a discussion of the company’s TV and feature plans with sister company Kickstart Productions, as well as Q&A with Kickstart creators. Also get a sneak peek at the upcoming film Bounty Killer. Plus: giveaways of graphic novels. Room 26AB 

 

8:00-10:00 Early Fandom Meet-and-Greet— Were you a part of comics fandom in the 1960s or 1970s? Were you among the folks who organized or attended Comic-Con back in the days of the El Cortez Hotel or the old Convention Center? Or are you a bit younger but would love to hear about fandom’s and Comic-Con’s early years? Then you’ll want to mingle with your fellow fans to talk about the old days, share memorabilia (fanzines, photos, artifacts), and remember the folks we’ve lost. This event will include displays and presentations by the Shel Dorf Fan Club, Alfdom, and others. Room 28E 

 

8:00-9:00 The Image Revolution Documentary— Twenty years ago, the seven biggest artists in comics created a company that revolutionized comics. Now, director Patrick Meaney (Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods) and producer Jordan Rennert (Warren Ellis: Captured Ghosts) are telling the company’s story in a new documentary produced by Sequart and Respect Films. Get a first look at the film, and talk about the highs and lows of Image history with a couple of special guests. Moderated by F. J. De Santo (The Spirit). Room 32AB

 

8:15-9:15 Robotech Industry Panel— Tommy Yune (Harmony Gold president of animation), Steve Yun (Harmony Gold VP of new media), Steve Galloway (New Video), Svea Stauch Macek (comic artist of Macross #1), Frank Catalono (voice of Robotech’s Rand), and Saralo MacGregor (Content Film), showcase all the latest Robotech projects. Room 6DE 

 

8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog Sing-Along— Join the fun as the California Browncoats screen Internet sensation Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog-coming back with call back sheets so you can play along during the screening. Enter our costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE. Room 6BCF 

 

8:30-10:30 Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan’s Hope— San Diego Comic-Con premiere screening of the ultimate fanboy documentary from executive producers Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Harry Knowles, and Thomas Tull. Q&A to follow with director Morgan Spurlock (Warrior Poets) and special surprise guests. Ballroom 20 

 

8:30-9:30 Holliston: Inside the Humor, the Horror, and the Geekery of the New “Great American Sitcom”— Join the cast of FEARnet’s hit television sit-com Holliston as they preview their upcoming second season, show outtakes and clips, and discuss their journey to bringing their outrageous comedy for true horror, sci-fi, and pop culture fans to mainstream cable television. Featuring creator/star Adam Green (the Hatchet franchise), Joe Lynch (Knights of Badassdom), Oderus Urungus (alien lead singer of GWAR), Laura Ortiz (The Hills Have Eyes), Corri English (lead singer of Brokedown Cadillac), and a surprise celebrity moderator. This promises to be one of the most inspiring, laugh-filled, and entertaining panels you’ll catch this year at Comic-Con! Don’t let the late time slot deter you-this is the panel to see! Room 24ABC