IvyDoomkitty (SyFy's Heroes of Cosplay, international cosplayer), ChrissyLynn (cosplayer/makeup artist), KimiHughes (Golden Lasso Cosplay/Nerdstrong Gym coach), and PoisonScarlettCosplay discuss body image and confidence in oneself, self-worth, and how to stay positive in the community when faced with negative people or negative comments on social media.
Filmmakers JasonAron, LouisKrubich, and LeeLeshen discuss their film Back in Time, a feature-length documentary that shows the cultural impact of the Back to the Future franchise-just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the initial film
Friday April 3, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
The Christian Comics Arts Society offers a cross-section of contemporary patterns of spiritual and religious thought in today's comics. From far out theology to down home philosophy, each comics' creator brings something of their beliefs to the page. Join panelists as they trace the threads in our cultural tapestry.
Friday April 3, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Stuntmen and stunt actors from some of your favorite blockbuster movies (300, IronMan2, Thor, and JurassicWorld) answer your questions and discuss their experiences in the Hollywood stunt industry. Moderated by EricCajiuat.
Friday April 3, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
Curator RonDiamond, for the third year running, introduces the newest and best in animated short films from Russia, France, Great Britain, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, and the USA. Features all five of the 87th Academy Award Nominees for Best Animated Short Film, leading contenders for the 88th Academy Awards, as well as Pixar's newest short, Lava, to be released with Pete Docter's Inside Out on June 19 and Google ATAP's directorial debut of Glen Keane's Duet. Diamond will lead a discussion with panelist and Pixar Academy Award-winning (Geri's Game) director JanPinkava on making interactive shorts and funding models with the new Internet paradigm. Diamond will moderate a Q&A session with audience members and panelists.
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 09:21AM Last year marked the 75th anniversary of the Batman. Now let's take a look into what the future may have to offer for the iconic Caped Crusader and the "Bat Family." Moderated by Tiffany Smith (DC All Access), we'll hear from WonderCon Anaheim special guests Brenden Fletcher (Batgirl, Black Canary), Tom King (co-writer, Grayson), Greg Pak (writer, Batman/Superman), and Babs Tarr (artist, Batgirl) as they talk about how the Dark Knight has gotten to where he is today and what's in store for the Batman, and all of his supporting characters, for the coming years.
Friday April 3, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
An aristocrat dresses in a weird batlike costume and fights evil. Batman? Nope; it's Spring-Heeled Jack from the 19th century. A genius uses weaponized armor to battle bad guys. Iron Man? Nope; it's the Flaming Avenger from 1933. Who were the superheroes before Superman? PeterCoogan (Washington University, St. Louis), TravisLangley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), MollyMahan (Dynamite Entertainment), and ChrisGavaler (Washington and Lee University) travel back before the big bang of Action Comics #1 in 1938 to examine the pulp vigilantes, mystery men, gentleman thieves, and sci-fi Ubermenschen who laid the groundwork for the superhero genre, as well as the role of eugenics in the emergence of the superhero and how these proto-superheroes are being revived today.
Friday April 3, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 210
Club members ShawnCrosby, GabrielFlores, ChrisHale, GaryHowe, ShannonHowe, and IngridMoon discuss what it takes to make a costume from the galaxy far, far away. Join the Rebel and 501st Legions as they discuss how to get started, where to find help, and helpful tips for creating your own costume.
Friday April 3, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213
For years now, a Sergio & Mark panel has consisted of them promising that the new GROO would be out soon; but now there is new GROO out! It's the new limited series, GROO: Friends and Foes, starring the stupidest barbarian ever, plus a lot of folks who want to kill him. The panel will talk about it, what's coming next, and forthcoming Sergio & Mark projects. Join Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier, Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), and maybe, if he can be pried away from the computer, Tom Luth!
Friday April 3, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
We've seen the job title, but what does it mean? There are lots of answers. Join veteran editors BarbaraRandallKesel, SarahGaydos, ShannonEricDenton, and others for some of the many answers!
Incorporate your love of your fandom into everyday fashion. Panelists explore the multitude of designers creating high-end "red carpet" fashion and casual looks for men and women with a digital fashion show and a panel discussion. Up-and-coming brand designers will talk about their lines and how to dress fashionably while expressing yourself and the things you love. Moderated by StephaniePressman (Fashionably Nerdy, Geek 360), with panelists XanderJeanneret (Fashionably Nerdy, King of the Nerds), AnastasiaWashington (Fashionably Nerdy, Jet Set Nerds), BonnieGordon (Fashionably Nerdy, The Quest), and LaurenBregman (Castle Corsetry, Birds of Play).
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Samde laRosa, comic book finisher/inker since 1982, will recount his efforts to break into comics starting in the early 1970s, his accomplishments, and his favorite work: Spider-Man, Venom, and Carnage. Have some questions for Sam ready for the Q&A to follow.
Access Hollywood's ScottMantz moderates a panel reflecting on the lives of those we've lost this year including the incomparable Leonard Nimoy, Star Trek movie auteur Harve Bennett (Star Trek II, III, IV, V), and Maurice Hurley (creator of the Borg and the ST:TNG showrunner for season one and season two). We'll also look back at the 50th anniversary of Trek's second pilot, "Where No Man Has Gone Before," as well as the 35th anniversary of Star Trek The Motion Picture, including the galaxy's leading Treksperts EdwardGross (The 50 Year Mission from St. Martin's Press), ChaseMasterson (Deep Space Nine, The Flash), DarenDochterman (visual effects supervisor, ST: TMP director's edition) and RobertMeyerBurnett (Free Enterprise, ST: TNG Blu-ray editions). The human adventure is just beginning.
Spider-Man has been one of the most widely known superheroes in popular culture for over 50 years. What is it about this character-based on an arachnid that most people hate or are afraid of-that has made Spider-Man resonate with the populace? RobertG. Weiner (Texas Tech University), RobertMosesPeaslee (Texas Tech University), ChristinaAngel (Metropolitan State University of Denver), and HannahMeans-Shannon (Bleeding Cool.com) address this issue and discuss the process of putting together the collection Web-Spinning Heroics: Critical Essays on the History and Meaning of Spider-Man (McFarland Books) and their individual contributions-"the hermeneutics of Spider-Man," Peter Parker's role in Elizabethan England from Neil Gaiman's 1602, why Mary Jane is really the only girl for Spider-Man, and how Freudian analysis can help us understand the inner workings of the Sam Raimi Spider-Man films.
From spies to assassins to private detectives, crime comics are a staple, and one that is having a resurgence. Moderator JessicaTseang (comic book historian) discusses how crime comics pay off with DarwynCooke (Richard Stark: Parker series of graphic novels), FredVanLente (Archer & Armstrong), MarcAndreyko (Manhunter), PhilNoto (Black Widow), and SteveEpting (Velvet).
Friday April 3, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
WonderCon Anaheim special guest CullenBunn broke into comics with books like TheDamned and TheSixthGun. Now he writes for several major publishers, working on books like Magneto, Deadpool'sSecretSecretWars, Sinestro, Lobo, Aquaman, Hellbreak, and HarrowCounty. Join Cullen for a look at his upcoming projects and an open Q&A session.
Are mass-market collector toys dying? The price of raw materials and costs of the production process continue to skyrocket. Action figures that were $7.99 five years ago are now in stores for over $20. At that price can you still be a "completist?" Is Kickstarter the better way to go for an up-and-coming toy company to get figures in the hands of collectors? Are toy collectors prepared for the onslaught of all of the new Star Wars figures that will come from the new movies? A panel of toy industry insiders and collectors examine just what is going on today and where it's all going in the future. Moderator DanielPickett (ActionFigureInsider.com, host of Geek Shall Inherit podcast) is joined by industry experts JustinDonaldson (collector, director, TheTournamentofNerds), JasonLenzi (co-founder, Bif Bang Pow!), ScottNeitlich (director of play, Jakks Pacific, collector), and DavidVonner (senior designer/product manager Spin Master).
Moderator FrancisMao (Capcom) returns with another edition of this very popular panel shedding insight on the wide variety of professions available in the video game industry. You'll find out that it's not all programming and digital art, as a panel of industry insiders from various companies share the unique ways that they got into the video game business, what they do each day, and suggestions on how you can get into the industry, too. A Q&A session, as well as networking opportunities with panelists, will occur after the panel.
Friday April 3, 2015 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Room 300AB
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 02:01PM ComiXology Submit has released thousands of independent comic books, graphic novels, and manga from celebrated creators and cartoonists such as Shannon Wheeler, Becky Cloonan, Gail Simone, and more. Join comiXology's co-founder and director of comiXology Submit JohnD. Roberts and marketing maven ChipMosher, along with breakout Submit creators JasonBrubaker (reMIND), JoshuaFialkov (TheBunker, TheLifeAfter), Jody Houser (Cupcake POW!), and Elliot Blake (The Package) for a tell-all discussion on how you too can create, submit, and reach the ranks of comiXology Submit stardom!
From LooneyToons to The Lego Movie, music has come a long way through animation. Whether a subtle underscore or heavily composed themes, music is an essential part of animated projects to help flesh out the imagined world that the characters live in. Composers JoelDouek (Yu-Gi-Oh!, Pokémon), LolitaRitmanis, MichaelMcCuistion, and KristopherCarter (Justice League, Avengers Assemble) discuss the craft of adding music to animation for film and television and their inspirations for bringing these characters to life. A Q&A will follow including special giveaways. BMI director of film & TV relations, AnneCecere, and president of Krakower Poling PR, ChandlerPoling, moderate.
AnastasiaWashington (Nerd Reactor, Jet Set Nerds), AngeliqueToschi (Ms in the Biz writer, content strategist), and StacyRenfroe (Knit Hits the Fan, production coordinator for Cartoon Network) of Nerds in LaLaLand teach you tips about incorporating geek into your everyday lives through crafts, cooking, and fashion. Moderated by DinaKampmeyer (League of Extraordinary Ladies, Geek Fashion Week).
WonderCon Anaheim special guest, artist NealAdams (Batman, X-Men, MsMystic) has been making a name for himself in the comic book world since the very beginning. His impact on Batman, nearly 30 years ago, has paved the way for a darker caped crusader to this day. Neal discusses his career from Marvel to DC, his Hall of Fame awards, and much more.
HALON Entertainment's A. J. Briones (previsualization supervisor) and RyanStafford (visual effect producer) take you behind the scenes of creating a new Dawn for FOX's blockbuster Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Briones and Stafford will discuss the exciting creative process behind the most climactic scenes in the film's final battle. From concept to final feature, the audience will be led through the collaboration with director Matt Reeves and the production and stunt teams, using previs on a motion-capture shoot, and the final road to final visual effects. This is a great opportunity for artists and filmmakers to gain an insider perspective on one of the most visually exciting films there is!
Friday April 3, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Artist's Edition guru and special projects editor ScottDunbier lifts back the veil on the secrecy surrounding upcoming Artist's Editions! There will be announcements, special guests, and a rumored special appearance from IDW president (and art lover) GregGoldstein.
In the 1960s and '70s, publishers fled from spinner racks to magazine stands to escape the bounds of the Comics Code Authority. While comic books continued to labor under the stigma of low-value, juvenile speech, the larger-format magazine comics broke out, giving artists a safe haven to openly deal with adult content, provide more horror and suspense, and be frank about sexuality. Magazines like Mad, Creepy, and Eerie paved the way for a generation of titles that included Heavy Metal, Vampirella, Epic Illustrated, 1984, and SavageSwordofConan to break new ground for a general audience and loosen the reins on some of comics' top creators. CBLDF deputy director AlexCox reveals the untold history of magazine comics, reviewing the impact of publications from Warren, Marvel, Heavy Metal, National Lampoon, and more!
How do comics use the future to examine the present? Christine (Capes and Whips) explores how Sarah Stone's art in the Transformers comics Starscream and More than Meets the Eye is particularly female and queer-friendly through character design and facial expressions. MicheleBrittany (Spyfi & Superspies) analyzes how Garth Ennis effectively employs space opera and horror genre tropes, with particular attention to gender identity, body transformation, and societal values. AjaniBrown (San Diego State University) uses the lens of AfroFuturism to explore what it means to be identified as "alien" or "other" in figures such as ICON, Concrete, Deathlok, Papa Midnite, and the Black Panther.
WonderCon Anaheim and Warner Bros. Television proudly continue their annual Preview Screenings tradition, with episodes of The Flash and Gotham, plus advance sneak peek screenings of new episodes of iZOMBIE and Teen Titans Go!
The Flash-The Flash is a fast-paced superhero drama that follows the high-speed adventures of the Fastest Man Alive. After the unexpected and devastating explosion of the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator, Central City Police Department CSI Barry Allen finds himself suddenly charged with the incredible power to move at super speeds. While Barry has always been a hero in his soul, his newfound powers have finally given him the ability to act like one. However, Barry was not the only one affected that fateful night, and now a rash of super-powered villains are popping up all over Central City. With the help of his friends at S.T.A.R. Labs and his foster-father, Detective Joe West, Barry works to keep his city safe from these "metahumans," while working to uncover the secrets of and defeat his arch-nemesis, The Man in Yellow, who is responsible for the death of his mother and the wrongful imprisonment of his father. The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Gotham- Before there was Batman, there was Gotham. The origin story of the great DC supervillains and vigilantes has only just begun. Gotham follows Jim Gordon's rise through the Gotham City police department and the spawning ground of the world's most iconic villains. Gotham airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX.
iZOMBIE-iZOMBIE makes its WonderCon Anaheim debut with an advance screening of a brand-new upcoming episode. Olivia "Liv" Moore was a rosy-cheeked, disciplined, overachieving medical resident who had her life path completely mapped out . . . until the night she attended a party that unexpectedly turned into a zombie feeding frenzy. Now stuck somewhere between half-alive and undead, Liv transfers her residency to the coroner's office for access to the brains she must reluctantly eat, but with each brain she consumes, she inherits the corpse's memories. With her medical examiner boss and a police detective, she now solves homicides to quiet the voices in her head. Based on characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, published by DC Entertainment's Vertigo imprint, iZOMBIE airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
Teen Titans Go!- The Teen Titans are back at it again, in Teen Titans Go!, with all-new comedic adventures both in and out of Titans Tower, and your Titans craving will be satiated by screening of a brand-new episode. Based on DC Comics characters and produced by Warner Bros. Animation, Teen Titans Go! airs Thursdays at 6/5c on Cartoon Network.
Based on Blake Crouch's international bestselling series of books and brought to life by suspenseful storyteller M. Night Shyamalan, WaywardPines is a 10-episode, intense psychological thriller, starring Academy Award nominee Matt Dillon as a secret service agent on a mission to find two missing federal agents in the bucolic town of Wayward Pines, ID. Every step closer to the truth makes him question if he will ever get out of Wayward Pines alive. The show was developed for television by Chad Hodge and executive-produced by Donald De Line, Ashwin Rajan, Hodge, and Shyamalan. Chad Hodge wrote and M. Night Shyamalan directed the premiere episode. An insightful Q&A will follow the screening.
Friday April 3, 2015 2:45pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Moderator ScottMantz (AccessHollywood) discusses the great geek year of 1985 as we go back to the future with such films as Back to the Future, Lifeforce, The Breakfast Club, The Goonies, Clue, Legend, Lifeforce, Rocky IV, Brazil, Commando, Weird Science, Silverado, Fletch, A View to a Kill, Cocoon, Witness, Return to Oz, Re-Animator, The Purple Rose of Cairo, Fright Night, Real Genius, Subway, AfterHours, Ladyhawke, EnemyMine, and, yes, Robert Burnett, just for you: To Live & Die In L.A. And for good measure, you'll discover a new type of martial arts-Gymkata-and prove to Virginia there really is a Santa Claus: The Movie. Enrolling in the brunch club are rocking RobertMeyerBurnett (FreeEnterprise), super SteveMelching (StarWarsRebels), ass-kicking Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X: Men: First Class), dashing DarenDochterman, gymkataspert SteveKriozere, and newbie NikkiGriffin (Fast & The Furious 3, Femme Fatales). Charge it to the Underhills!
AndrewDeutsch (owner, Nerdstrong Gym), DavidNett (writer, actor), KimiHughes (cosplayer, goldenlasso.net), AndrewSeely, ChristyBlack (morethanageekgirl.net), and ScruffyRebel (cosplayer, geek fashion blogger) discuss and break down the benefits of including fitness in your geek life. Moderated by Tiffany Smith.
WonderCon Anaheim special guest DustinNguyen is the co-creator of both Batman: Lil Gotham and Image's new series Descender. Join this Q&A session about his career, work, and things to come.
It's that time again. If you've been to any of WonderCon Anaheim special guest JamesRobinson's spotlights in the past, you'll know that it's very simple; he takes the podium and you ask him anything you want-personal, professional, absurd, obscene, nothing is off limits. James will do his best to answer with utter veracity and candor. Come and enjoy a fun, chill time with a creator who's been around long enough that he no longer takes himself or the world around him too seriously.
The Disney-ABC Creative Talent Development programs have launched the careers of many writers who have worked on some of your favorite shows, such as ABC's Forever, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and Once Upon a Time. What makes these individuals perfect for the program and right for the room? Disney-ABC's Creative Talent Development team, current program participants, and alumni offer an engaging conversation about standing out, fitting in, and putting your best pitch forward.
Friday April 3, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
New to Valiant Comics? Start here with an accessible introductory panel filling you in on everything you need to know about the heavy hitters of the Valiant Universe! This panel will take you step by step through the origins of X-O Manowar, Bloodshot, Quantum and Woody, Ninjak, and more of Valiant's top heroes and villains right here with Valiant 101!
UPDATED: Fri, Mar 20, 04:48PM With the seemingly weekly advancements in technology, it has never been easier as a creator to get your works in front of an audience, and hopefully in a profitable way. But the rise of crowdfunding, digital publishing, and print-on-demand services means there are more potential pitfalls than ever to navigate your way through. And while it's true that with great (technological) power comes greater reward, it also gives rise to even greater risk, with thieves gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools to use in fleecing the unwary. Bottom line: You need somebody's help (and not just a little help from your friends). Luckily, Ms. Walters and Mr. Murdock aren't the only lawyers available to the superhero set, as WonderCon Anaheim welcomes back noted IP attorney MichaelLovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, to discuss the truths and myths of protecting your intellectual capital. Attendees are invited to come together and join Lovitz in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws. Starting with the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, the panel will also provide a brief overview of copyright and trademark rights, including for works of authorship, characters, and names, as well as the registration process for each, a brief discussion on why written agreements are good, and not all lawyers are bad. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.]
In the past 15 years WonderCon Anaheim special guest RickRemender (BlackScience, DeadlyClass, FearAgent) has co-created numerous acclaimed creator-owned titles in every genre. Join Rick for a one-on-one interview and Q&A session about the trials and rewards of creating a new series from ground up, and learn how to do it yourself.
In a world where superheroes, StarWars, AdventureTime, and DoctorWho are taking over the culinary world, it's no wonder that geeks and nerds are the current reigning champions. We find innovative ways to combine our hobbies with what we love, and in this case, it's food! Culinary chefs, movie sculptors, and comic book artists actually have more in common than you might think. Ranging from food-themed manga, Martian Manhunter's obsession with Oreos, and Food Network shows, the topic of what we eat has been creeping into geek lives for years. DuffGoldman (Ace of Cakes, Food Network celebrity chef), along with Marvel and DC artists, will partake in a discussion moderated by JessicaTseang (comic book historian). The foodie in you can learn everything from the secrets of how to bake the perfect cake in TARDIS form to what your favorite artists snack on to fuel their inspiration.
This panel is an intimate conversation and Q&A session with writer/artist and WonderCon Anaheim special guest JamalIgle. Jamal will talk with writer Alan "Sizzler" Kistler (Doctor Who: A History, The Marysue.com) about everything from acting to his career as a veteran comics creator. Come by and spend an hour with a guy his teachers called "a little rambunctious but basically a good kid."
What would you do if you were the last person on earth? Join this panel to screen a never-before-seen upcoming episode from the series critics are calling "the most original comedy in years." Plus, a Q&A, moderated by JarettWieselman (BuzzFeed), with star and creator WillForte (Nebraska, SaturdayNightLive), and directors/producers ChrisMiller and PhilLord (The Lego Movie, 21 Jump Street) as they discuss the twists and turns of this hilarious new comedy.
Friday April 3, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
The force is strong with these special guests! Moderator GregWeisman (Star Wars Rebels) will lead a stellar discussion of what it takes to work in the Star Wars Universe, with BradenLamb (Star Wars: Shadows of Endor), JohnOstrander (Star Wars: Legacy), SamdeLaRosa (StarWars comics), MikeMayhew (The Star Wars), KevinJ. Anderson (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights series) and RebeccaMoesta (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights series). Hear about what it takes to get from this galaxy to one far, far away.
For attendees (writers or artists) of the Comic Creator Connection. Before you give your pitch to twenty strangers, use this opportunity to practice your presentation and get some free coaching from a pro. Sit one-on-one with DouglasNeff (host of the Comic Creator Connection and From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types) for a personalized crash course in pitching your work. Note that all reviews will occur on a first-come, first-served basis and will only be accommodated as time allows.
Friday April 3, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 206B
Can you be a star in 30 seconds? The biz won't give you much more than that. Elite Hollywood consultants will advise you on how to seize the spotlight with your optimal story, strategy, and style, along with live critiques of personal logline pitches from Disney ABC Talent Development folk! Wide Lantern's KenChoy and TV writer KayrethWilliams (producer's assistant, Community) host this panel with story consultant Jen Grisanti (instructor, NBC's Writers on the Verge), LeeJessup (career coach for screenwriters), script consultant DaraMarks (Inside Story: The Power of the Transformational Arc), and writer/producer Nelson Soler (Ravenwood).
Friday April 3, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Cartoonist ScottShaw! (Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!, Sonic The Hedgehog, Simpsons Comics, Annoying Orange) once again presents his uniquely hilarious slideshow of "the craziest comic books ever published!" Once you've seen this mind-roasting presentation-which has played to standing-room-only crowds in San Diego for the better part of four decades-you'll never forget such covers as those of the "crotch-centric" issues of Superman's Girl Friend, Lois Lane, those with someone getting slapped with a "fish-in-the-face," and those Silver Age issues of Batman and DetectiveComics with "Robin-in-the-corner!" Scott promises, "My hilarious presentation is for everyone who's enjoyed reading a comic book, whether as an avid collector or as a young patient in a dentist's office-in fact, even for people who have never read a single comic book in their life. Even if you've seen my acclaimed slideshow presentation many times before, when you see their covers blown up to the size of the side of a barn, you'll be amazed and delighted at the unbelievable imagery that is revealed!" See for yourself why Stan Lee calls Scott's show "the wildest, wackiest exposé of some of the craziest comic books I've ever seen!"
You can all name a favorite villain or two: the Joker, Darth Vader, or Loki. But how many of your favorite bad guys are actually bad girls? Here to discuss the best and baddest of the lady villains (and their lack of representation) is a panel of women equally dangerous in their own rights: KatrinaHill (Action Movie Freak), DevinGrayson (Catwoman, BlackWidow), ChaseMasterson (StarTrek: Deep Space 9), JessicaMerizan (Heroes of Cosplay, PizzaAndPorn), PattyJeanRobinson (Pike and Trident), Dr. JaninaScarlet (Superhero Therapy), VictoriaSchmidt (Scruffy Rebel), PatriciaTallman (actor, Creating Badassery for Women Over 50), and JaneyTracey (OuterPlaces.com).
Could 2015 be the greatest geek year ever? This panel of geeksperts salivate with excitement and have their midichlorian count awakened with Star Wars: Episode Seven, get back into Bondage for SPECTRE, get ready to pick up the hammer for Avengers: Age of Ultron, unearth Jurassic World, and will be back for Terminator: Genisys. These special executives for coolness, titillation, retorts, and excitement join forces to ponder whether 2015 will be a new benchmark for sci-fi, fantasy, comic books, and horror, or a bust. Panelists include savvy Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood), erudite EdwardGross (The 50 Year Mission), rocking Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hils Run Red), scintillating Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels), ass-kicking Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X: Men: First Class, Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers), dashing DarenDochterman (Chronicles of Riddick, Real Steel), and newbie NikkiGriffin (Fast & The Furious 3, Femme Fatales).
Friday April 3, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Got a new comic, a new web series, a new novel, a new TV show or a movie? That's great, but pretty meaningless if you and your friends are the only ones who know about it. How do you get the word out? Facebook and a webpage like everyone else? What can you do to cut through the clutter and get your stuff actually seen, actually talked about, actually out there so people can see it, read it, watch it, and buy it? Experts who have been getting projects seen dating back to Star Wars, including MollyCelaschi (Malena Public Relations), JoeLeFavi (Quixotic Transmedia), CraigMiller (Star Wars, The Dark Crystal), and AmyRatcliffe (Nerdist, StarWars.com) will give you their thoughts and advice on how you can do it for your project.
WonderCon Anaheim special guest KevinMaguire (artist, JusticeLeagueInternational) holds a Q&A session and more. He likes to make jokes, so you may get a laugh or two.
Meet New York Times bestselling writer and WonderCon Anaheim special guest MarcAndreyko. Hear about his 20 years in comics, ranging from Torso with Brian Michael Bendis to the cult classic Manhunter, to Batwoman, WonderWoman'77, and beyond! Fun stories, talking craft, and an audience Q&A!
Could lightsabers ever be a reality? Does science matter when designing a Star Wars spacecraft? What does it take to resist the Dark Side of the Force? FonDavis (production designer, StarWars prequel movies), BobakFerdowsi (NASA flight engineer), KieranDickson (editor, Outerplaces.com), TravisLangley (Star Wars Psychology), and moderator JennaBusch (Legion of Leia) break down the science behind a galaxy far, far away and discuss whether or not Kylo Ren's ForceAwakens lightsaber is sacrilege or genius.
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 11:46AM Comics publisher BOOM! Studios is actively developing several of its original titles for film and television. Have you ever wondered what that process is like? Hear from BOOM! Studios founder and CEO RossRichie, president of development StephenChristy, screenwriter ArashAmel (Butterfly), and entertainment attorney MattSugarman as they talk about the process of shopping a comic book property in Hollywood. Moderated by The Hollywood Reporter'sBorys Kit.
The publishing world was rocked this year with the news that IDW Publishing had acquired Top Shelf Productions. Now, join Top Shelf editor-in-chief ChrisStaros and IDW marketing VP DirkWood for a spirited discussion of all things Top Shelf-announcements, hi-jinx, sneak peeks at new projects, Q&A and more! Come find out what's changing about your favorite indie publisher. Hint: Not much! More of the great groundbreaking projects you've come to expect from Top Shelf are on the way!
Mark Evanier has been writing cartoons since they were actually drawn on paper. He has worked on many shows including, The Garfield Show, Garfield & Friends, Dungeons & Dragons, Mother Goose and Grimm, Scooby Doo, Thundarr the Barbarian, Richie Rich, Yogi Bear, Superman: The Animated Series, The Wuzzles, CBS Storybook, ABC Weekend Special, Plastic Man, and many more! If you've ever wanted to write for animation, Mark is the guy to tell you how to do it, and maybe even how to sell it.
Friday April 3, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Executive producers BrannonBraga (Star Trek, Cosmos: A SpaceTime Odyssey) and AdamSimon, star ShaneWest (Nikita, ER, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen) and actors Janet Montgomery (Made in Jersey, Human Target) and Seth Gabel (Arrow, Fringe) join moderator EricGoldman (IGN TV executive editor) to reveal a sneak peek at the highly anticipated season two premiere episode of this epically witchy series from WGN America and Fox 21 Television Studios. In a bold re-imagination of the infamous 17th-century witch trials in colonial Massachusetts, Salem returns for a second season at the dawn of a witch war. As the disease and devastation unleashed by the Grand Rite in last season's finale continue to spread through the war-torn village, Salem's deadliest witch, Mary Sibley, must face off against new and old adversaries vying for her throne. Salem returns Sunday, April 5 on WGN America. The screening will be followed by an audience Q&A session.
Friday April 3, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
JakeWyatt (Ms. Marvel) examines, breaks down, and jokes around with WonderCon Anaheim special guest KrisAnka (Uncanny X-Men). Jake will look into the life and education that led to Kris's career with Marvel. A lot of dumb jokes will most likely happen.
From Admiral Ackbar to Steam Vader, enjoy a lively discussion and slide show on how your favorite Star Wars characters have been re-engineered in Steampunk style. Local Star Wars Steampunk costumers who will discuss how they created their unique style. The program will finish off with the "how to Steampunk that Star Wars character in less than sixty seconds" challenge, with the audience choosing their favorite! Panelists include Christopher "Dude Vader" Canole,Shawn "Obi-Shawn" Crosby, Alex "Dapper Fett" Vargas, and moderator AnastasiaHunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering Steampunk Convention).
Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica's Tom Zarek/Capt Apollo, Axanar, CowBoys and Engines) shares the secrets, art, and craft of succeeding in today's entertainment industry and taking your acting, auditioning, writing, and performing skills to the highest level imaginable. Q&A, improvisation, and scene work included.
This panel will address the question every aspiring writer wants answered: "How do I break into the business?" If you are an unpublished writer with dreams of making it in the transmedia marketplace and you don't know how or where to begin, this is the panel for you. Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable comics proposal. Moderated by 2015 Disney/ABC Writing Program finalist and 2014 Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton (ThunderCats, Andre the Giant biography), the panel includes GeoffreyThorne (Leverage, The Librarians), Jonathan Callan (Ben 10: Omniverse, Slugterra), Erika Alexander (Concrete Park, Living Single), and Tony Puryear (Concrete Park, the Schwarzenegger film Eraser). Topics will include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation welcome WonderCon Anaheim attendees to the World Premiere of Batman vs. Robin; the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Original Movies. In the film, Damian Wayne, now bearing the mantle of Robin, blazes a headstrong and sometimes reckless trail alongside his father, Batman. While investigating a crime scene, Robin encounters a mysterious figure, Talon, who leads him on a life-altering course through the depths of Gotham's secret society, known as The Court of Owls. It's a dangerous journey that will force Batman and Robin to face their most dangerous adversary: each other! Be among the first to see this new film, then stay for a star-studded panel led by the voices of Batman, JasonO'Mara (Terra Nova, Complications), Robin, StuartAllan (Son of Batman), and Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Much Ado About Nothing), respectively, alongside producer JamesTucker (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), director JayOliva (Batman: Assault on Arkham), Eisner Award-winning writer J.M. DeMatteis (Justice League, Teen Titans Go!), character designer PhilBourassa (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), dialogue director AndreaRomano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), and some special guests. DC All-Access host Tiffany Smith will moderate the fun, including the awarding of a few exclusive prizes. Inspired by the storyline from the bestselling graphic novel, Batman: Court of Owls, Batman vs. Robin arrives April 14 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD and Digital HD.
The Geek & Sundry family of Twitch Channel hosts and you, the audience, are tested in your geek culture knowledge. Cheer your favorites on or prove them wrong! There's a giveaway too! Come game with this panel for your chance to win a prize from the limited-edition International TableTop Day Gaming Kit. The items from this kit cannot be bought anywhere, ever!
Friday April 3, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Do you want to make your own board game or publish via Kickstarter? Get practical advice, key resources, and tips for pitching to publishers, and learn how to avoid common Kickstarter mistakes. Panelists include game designers Jeremy , Commandeur, Chris Castagnetto, Candy Weber, and Payton Lee and publishers BrianHenk, Ali Showkati, and Steve Nix.
ADDED: Mon, Mar 23, 02:27PM It could be argued that J.J. Abrams' upcoming Star Wars movie is actually a very big fan film. J.J. Abrams is long known to be a fan of Star Wars, and he certainly didn't create the universe, but he does get to play in the sandbox. So how does a fan grow into a creator? What examples exist in fandom of fans becoming successful creators? Can fanfic writers transition into working professionals? Join Chris Gore (Film Threat, G4TV's Attack of the Show), Adrianne Curry (cosplay queen, America’s Next Top Model), Mary Forrest (The Biloon-Forrest Project podcast), Tommy Bechtold (ABC’s The Middle), Matt Keil (G4TV’s X-Play), Jon Schnepp (Metalocalypse, The Death of Superman Lives) and more for a lively discussion. In addition, one panelist will write a piece of fan fiction based on audience suggestions that will be read aloud for the finale.
With the comics and entertainment industries' landscapes changing so rapidly, The Antidote Trust, America's #1 indie collective, returns with more insights on you and your creative output. Panel participants are DeWayne Copeland (Ja Rel Sunstormer & the Port Controller of Cruzar co-creator/producer of the webseries CV Nation), DaniDixon (creator of 13, M.I.S.//ing and the upcoming YA fantasy series Five Nations), SebastianJones (The Untamed, Dusu, I Am book series, president of Stranger Comics), HannibalTabu (writer, web producer, journalist, winner of 2012 Top Cow Talent Hunt, Artifact #35, Project: Wildfire), RobertRoach (two-decade pro in the entertainment and comics industries and winner of the inaugural Glyph award for indie comics, returning with six new issues of his vanguard project, Menthu). Moderator AndreOwens is the writer/publisher of Force Galaxia comics and the writer/director of The Psychedelic Detective webseries.
From marriage equality becoming a reality in state after state to queer performers and sports figures coming out in all corners of popular media, LGBTQ people have made great strides in society at large. Queer people and their relationships are more and more mainstream in the world of comics as well. As yesterday's radical notions become today's popular culture, what's new and cutting edge in LGBTQ comics? What new responsibilities do comics creators have to themselves and their readers in presenting LGBTQ characters and stories? Join Prism Comics and moderator TaraMadisonAvery (Gooch, Prism Comics board member) as they explore these and other questions with panelists MarcAndreyko (Batwoman, WonderWoman'77), P. Kristen Enos (Web of Lives, Deseo, Prism Comics board member), DevinGrayson (Nightwing, USER), EdLuce (WuvableOaf), SamSaturday (Death's Door), and JoshTrujillo (Love Machines). The recipient of the 2015 Prism Comics Queer Press Grant, an annual financial grant to help an aspiring comics creator publish their work, will also be announced at this panel.
Studios today are looking for more than just an individual movie. They want franchises-story worlds that can exist across multiple mediums. What are the elements of a successful franchise? Where do transmedia properties come from? How can you create a story world that spans multiple platforms? How does franchise creation influence, expand, and even enhance the storytelling process? Moderated by members of the New York Film Academy's screenwriting department, professors NunzioDeFilippis (NewX-Men, chair of the screenwriting department), AdamFiner (chair of industry outreach and professional development, transmedia professor), and ChristinaWeir (New X-Men,Amazing Agent Luna) analyze the core elements of a variety of preexisting properties. They will take attendee ideas and examine their transmedia franchise potential.
In The Walking Dead, ethical lines are crossed and taboos broken as survivors adapt to a new way of life. But what drives the living to do terrible things, and how far will they go? Why do the atrocities committed by The Governor and The Hunters attract followers? Did society's breakdown break Morgan's psyche? Does Abraham's traumatic past direct his "mission?" How does Rick remain sane? Is he immune to the "insanity?" Join forensic psychiatrists H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., of Broadcast Thought, as well as special guest MichaelCudlitz (Abraham Ford on AMC's The Walking Dead) as they analyze the minds of heroes and villains of The Walking Dead. In a world of walkers, is humanity a liability? Learn how some rise above the mayhem while others fall into the depths of derangement where walkers prey on the living, the living prey on each other, and everyone prays that they survive!
WonderCon Anaheim will once again host the Comic Creator Connection, an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here's how it works: in two 2-hour sessions - on Friday, April 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday, April 5, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. (Please note: This isn't an ordinary WonderCon Anahiem program. Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC took place online before WonderCon Anaheim. Since we are registering creators in advance they will get priority seating. Any seats that are still open once the event starts will be given on a first come first serve basis. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 206B on the second level about 30 minutes prior to the start of each session.) Complete details are available on the Comic Creator Connection page on our website.
Friday April 3, 2015 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 206B
JessicaChobot (Mass Effect 3) and the Nerdist News team catch you up on the latest in movie, TV, comic book, gaming, and tech news. The Nerdist crew break down the day's news, interview guests, and then turn some of the questions (and jokes!) over to you.
Dungeons and Dragons 5e - Game for up to 7 players (+ myself), character levels 1–4
Anyone can sign up for either D&D 5e game. If they don't have a character, a pre-generated character will be provided.
Dungeons and Dragons: 5th Edition — The core of D&D is storytelling. You and your friends tell a story together, guiding your heroes through quests for treasure, battles with deadly foes, daring rescues, courtly intrigue, and much more, and each D&D group tells a different story. This newest edition draws from every prior edition to create a universally compelling play experience and exemplifies the true spirit of a game that holds captive the hearts and minds of millions of players worldwide.
Ending time is approximate and for scheduling purposes only.
From The Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in Los Angeles comes Tournament of Nerds!-the original pop culture comedy debate show. Who would win in a fight, Batman or Wolverine? Superman or Gandalf? Debates like these have raged on for decades. In dorm rooms, cubicles, and comic shops, fans have pondered these questions that seemed unanswerable-until now. Tournament of Nerds! pits comedians against each other to battle it out in heated debate. Their goal is to advance their character through a "March Madness" type bracket in hopes of being crowned the ultimate Nerd. Which pop culture character has the stuff to win? Helping decide who wins is a panel of celebrity judges. Created and hosted by JustinDonaldson (Reno911!, How Do Ya Figure) and HalRudnick (Screen Junkies, Key & Peele), Tournament of Nerds! has been a staple of the UCB Theatre in Hollywood, playing to sold-out crowds every month for the past seven years. It has also been seen on the Nerdist and can be heard on Sirius XM Radio.
Take a trip to the frontiers of gaming culture as Nerdist Gaming editor MalikForté and guests look ahead at the exciting year of video games to come. Join Malik to discuss everything from next-gen systems to the state of gaming culture directly with the people behind the bits.
Comedic actors and improvisers ColeStratton and VanessaRagland are joined by special guests as they discuss movies, music, television, celebrity gossip, and so on without all those pesky "serious" topics like politics, religion, and the environment. They'll just tackle the trivial watercooler stuff, okay?
Friday April 3, 2015 9:10pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 208
Small press 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 in your submission. Panelists include, in alphabetical order, Albert Ching (Comic Book Resources), Alan Kistler (Comic Mix, Comic Book Resources), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Francis Sky (First Comics News, Massacre Twins), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), and Tanya Tate (First Comics News). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comics project.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
Adam Greenfield (Making Comics Worldwide Gutter Talk) leads a panel that discusses the early stages of building a story for your comic. Panelists include Jason Brubaker (Sithrah, reMIND), Rachel Beck (Storyforge Productions), and Ted Washington (Puna Press).
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 211
Margot Kidder,Sarah Douglas,Valerie Perrine,Diane Sherry,Marc McClure,Jack O'Halloran,Aaron Smolinski,David Michael Petrou, and Ilya Salkind discuss their experiences filming Superman-The Movie and Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut under the direction of director Richard Donner. The stars will partake in a Q&A session moderated by Jim Bowers (founder of CapedWonder Superman Imagery) and Jay Towers (morning news anchor for WJBK-Fox 2 News Detroit).
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 300AB
Which side of the convention table do you want to be on: fan or professional? And what's keeping you from getting there? If you're having trouble starting or finishing your creative projects, you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the WonderCon Anaheim crowd. Douglas Neff ( Epic Win! The Geek's Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator)will give you simple and proven techniques for setting, working on, and achieving your goals. Whether you want to write your first novel, draw your own comic, or shoot your independent film, this is the how-to panel you don't want to miss. You'll walk away from this workshop with the energy and tools you need in order to bring your dream to life.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 213
Learn the down and dirty low-budget tricks on how to create your own stop-motion animation models and super fast and easy stop-motion sets and props. Find out where to get supplies, how to assemble the equipment you need, and what software to use to edit and composite your project. Featuring Larry Loc, animation educator and author of Stop Mo on a Shoe String, Animation on a Shoestring, and The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath stop-motion comic book series.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208
Moderator Francis Mao (Capcom) and a panel of Capcom product managers share the latest updates on all your favorite Capcom franchises, including Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, Devil May Cry, Street Fighter, and more. Plus, a sneak peek at all the cool Capcom merchandise coming up, and maybe a surprise or two.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 300DE
Erika Rothberg (Loyola Marymount University) argues that "Prisoner on the Hell Planet: A Case History" in Maus helps bridge the gap between Artie and Vladek by exposing their shared trauma and survivor's guilt and requires the reader to witness and actively interpret trauma. Christine Zabala (Texas State University) analyzes the way genre and medium enable artists such as Oscar Wilde, Shaun Tan, and Neil Gaiman to use fairy tales and comic books to present controversial views on homosexuality, immigration, and AIDS without being rejected by the societies to which they react. Deanna Rodriguez (Texas State University) compares the attributes of Captain America in his first appearances and the conflicts he faces in Ed Brubaker's run to show how a WWII icon resonates with a post-911 culture and how the anxieties facing society today mirror those of post-war America.
Saturday April 4, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 210
For over 20 years Ken Lashley has created images for a multitude of companies, including Mattel (Max Steel, DC comics), Hasbro Toys (Star Wars, G.I JOE, Transformers), and Lucasfilm, as well as comic series for Marvel ( Age of Apocalypse, Xcalibre, Excalibur), and DC (Secret 6, Superman Doomed, Superman), and over 40 covers in 3 years. Ken will show you the secrets he uses to create dynamic content. He will also have the new Milestone comic designs, as well as a surprise guest, Kevin Grevioux (Blue Marvel, I, Frankenstein, Underworld). How does one get started in this biz, and how does one keep busy for 20 years? Ken and Kevin will talk about the challenges of creators, including an exclusive giveaway for all who attend.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
Super-sized laughs and superhero adventures await you as the Titans once again take over WonderCon Anaheim. Greg Cipes (voice of Beast Boy) and Scott Menville (voice of Robin), along with producers Michael Jelenic (Batman: The Brave and The Bold)and Aaron Horvath (MAD), will be on hand to answer your questions as well as screen an all-new episode. Teen Titans Go! airs Thursdays at 6/5c on Cartoon Network.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Her Universe and Hot Topic launched the first ever "Geek Couture" fashion show at San Diego Comic-Con in 2014. Two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a Marvel fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores beginning in May 2015. Join Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, Cat Carson (SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (Hot Topic divisional merchandise manager), and Andrea Lewis (Hot Topic senior brand marketing manager), along with winners Amy Beth Christenson and Andrew MacLaine as they take you behind the scenes of the making of this new action-packed line. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Marvel collection and hear details about how to submit your design for the 2015 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!
Camille Eden (manager, recruitment), Matt Roberts (artistic recruiter), and Brooke Keesling (director, talent development) share some of the different creative roles that help make animated films and television shows. Moderated by Disney animator Darrin Butters (Big Hero 6, Frozen), the panel will offer a behind-the-scenes look at this wonderful artform.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207
Order of Gallifrey Costuming Club members Katie Aiani, Audra Atkins-Reeves,Alex Bagosy, Justin Daube, Cindy Kalionzes,Nathaniel Peinado, and Brian Uiga share information for costuming as characters in the Whovian Universe. The program is particularly geared toward beginners, although all are welcome. This panel will focus on some of the Doctor's incarnations, but panelists will be happy to answer questions about any Whovian characters or props.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 209
The realm of fantasy fiction encompasses some of the most popular media properties today, from The Hobbit to Game of Thrones. What images come to mind when you think of fantasy? Dragons, magic, and chivalrous knights? And what do authors writing fantasy fiction today think? What are fantasy's roots, and where is the genre going? Find out by joining bestselling authors Arwen Elys Dayton (Seeker), Todd McCaffrey (Dragonriders of Pern series), Naomi Novik (Temeraire series), and Greg Van Eekhout (California Bones) as they discuss works of fantasy fiction past, present, and future with moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208
Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible, Eureka, Supernatural) talks about her upcoming projects, reveals the latest happenings at Geek & Sundry, and gives you a sneak peek into her hilarious and inspirational book, You're Never Weird on the Internet (Almost). This book is proof that everyone should embrace what makes them different and be brave enough to share it with the world, because anything is possible now, even for a digital misfit.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Gary Miereanu interviews WonderCon Anaheim special guest Greg Weisman (producer of Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H., The Spectacular Spider-Man, Young Justice, and Star Wars Rebels) about his long history in animation and comic books and his latest endeavors, including his novels Rain of the Ghosts and Spirits of Ash and Foam and the new Star Wars Kanan: The Last Padawan comic book miniseries for Lucasfilm and Marvel. There will also be an exciting, exclusive announcement about one of Greg's latest projects.
Saturday April 4, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213
Not every hero has a strict moral compass, and many of our favorite characters take a journey through ethical gray areas. It is these journeys that allow readers to find a lasting connection with quasi-heroes. Moderator James Robinson (Heaven) leads panelists Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun), Neal Adams (Batman), Len Wein (Wolverine), and Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold) in a discussion of what it means to create and to love an anti-hero.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
Head of story Joe Mateo (Big Hero 6, Tangled), Brian Kesinger (Big Hero 6, Frozen), and Normand Lemay (Big Hero 6, Frozen) share how Disney Animation brings stories to life through the art of storyboarding, collaboration, and art.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Given the acclaim that Jill Lepore's The Secret History of Wonder Woman is receiving, the attention given to the new female Thor, a controversial Spider-Woman cover, and the burgeoning of the "Carol Corps" movement, the "super heroine" is back in the spotlight of academia and popular culture. Susan Kirtley (Portland State University), Nhora Lucía Serrano (Harvard University), and Andréa Gilroy (University of Oregon) present a roundtable exploration of representations and archetypes of the super heroine from early incarnations like Wonder Woman to the newest version of Batwoman (and beyond), in order to debate the kinship between reader expectation, popular culture, feminism, and cultural theory.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 210
This panel goes into what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup. Topics include beauty makeup, appliance application, special FX makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. A talented panel of professional makeup artists-Dawnielle Banks (makeupbysiryn.com), Chrissy Lynn (nerdy-girlz.com), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters), Keaghlan Ashley (Face Off), and Alana Rose Schiro (Face Off), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds-will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay. Turn your great cosplay into an amazing one with awesome makeup! Moderated by Mac Beauvais (official model for Victoria and Otto).
Valiant's 25th year is going to be the biggest one yet! The silver anniversary celebration begins right here as Bloodshot, X-O Manowar, Ninjak, and the rest of Valiant's fearless heroes take center stage for a star-studded panel celebrating 25 years of Valiant comics! Featuring an exclusive round of news and announcements about the largest and most acclaimed independent universe in comics, an all-star cast of Valiant staff and creators fill you in on what's coming next for the iconic heroes and villains of the Valiant Universe.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
Writer's block?Artistic anemia? Get unstuck! Former DC, Dark Horse, and CrossGen writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP:FIM FF) outlines strategies and tips for artists and writers facing a blank page with no ideas for what to write, draw, or how to get started.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about building relationships in the comics industry? Then this is the panel for you! Sit in on this mind-blowing roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for comics, whether you're self-publishing or creating for a publisher. Join comiXology marketing and PR duo ChipMosher and Ivan Salazar, along with some of the comic industry's brightest marketing minds including Dirk Wood (IDW VP of marketing), Mel Caylo (BOOM! Studios marketing manager), and Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), for a wide-ranging discussion you won't want to miss!
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
Expect a highly combustible conversation as two old friends (and former podcast co-hosts), WonderCon Anaheim special guest Sam Humphries (Marvel writer of Legendary Star-Lord and Black Vortex) and Chris Rosa (BOOM! Studios' assistant editor of Clive Barker's Next Testament and Dead Letters) reunite on stage. After the inevitable fireworks of two obdurate professionals butting heads over the comic book issues of the day, questions will be politely requested from the audience.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213
The Last Ship returns to WonderCon Anaheim for a first look at the upcoming season and a revealing panel discussion with producers and cast, including Adam Baldwin, Rhona Mitra, John Pyper Ferguson, Charles Parnell, Travis Van Winkle, and Jocko Sims.The highly anticipated second season picks up after a global catastrophe has decimated the world's population, and Captain Tom Chandler (Dane) and his crew are confronting the reality of what's been left behind. Panel attendees will be treated to never-before-seen footage and a revealing discussion led by TV Guide'sRob Moynihan.All-new episodes ofThe Last Ship air on TNT this summer.
Saturday April 4, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Aaron Kuder will tell the story of how he got his unconventional start in comics and relay what it's like being a fan behind the curtain. He'll discuss art techniques and visual storytelling tools. Candid Q&A.
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
VFX wizards behind the new film Cosplay Dreams 3D, renowned cosplay photographers and Photoshop artists, and special guest cosplayers show you how, using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, you can add realistic laser beams, fireballs, glowing magical elements and sci-fi backgrounds that will bring your cosplay photography and videos to the next level.
Shelli and Braden lead an interactive workshop on making comics and share some highlights from their three-year tenure on the award-winning Adventure Time comic book series. The artists will answer questions about their careers and guide you through some fun drawing exercises. Bring a pencil, a pen, or just your curiosity!
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
Join us for an exclusive look at a new episode of American Dad, as well as a Q&A with fans featuring Wendy Schaal (Six Feet Under, The 'Burbs), Rachael MacFarlane (Family Guy, Robot Chicken), Scott Grimes (Justified, ER), executive producer Matt Weitzman, and producer Jordan Blum. Moderated by Marissa Roffman from the website Give Me My Remote.
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Frank Mastromauro (Aspen publisher, co-owner), Peter Steigerwald (publisher, co-owner), Vince Hernandez (VP, editor-in-chief), and Mark Roslan (VP, director of design and production) reveal upcoming Aspen Comics titles. In addition, there will be a Q&A session. All fans in attendance will receive a free gift courtesy of Aspen Comics.
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Devin Grayson (Nightwing) discusses education, career, and the craft of writing comic books, novels, and video games. In addition to writing many DC Comics stories and creating Batman: Gotham Knights, she has scribed Marvel's Black Widow, Dynamite's Red Sonja, and more. Her Vertigo title USER was nominated for the GLAAD Outstanding Comic Book award. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology) moderates.
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210
Literary agent Holly Root (Waxman Leavell Literary Agency) teams up with film agent Brandy Rivers (ICM Partners) to take your questions and discuss the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more! No pitches, please.
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208
Kotobukiya presents an insider's look at their newest products arriving to retailers and in development. Have a question or comment? The Q&A session is the perfect opportunity to be heard! As always there will be a ton of goodies to give away!
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213
In the New Mexico desert, scientist Vera Buckley watches in fascination as a mysterious object plummets to Earth and explodes, sending out a shock wave that briefly stops her heart. But Vera isn't the only one affected: she's instantly connected to four other strangers, who also collapse, only to miraculously come back to life hours later. These strangers will soon discover they have one thing in common: destiny has been thrust upon their shoulders. And as the Angels of the Apocalypse, with an impressive array of supernatural gifts, they must now work together to rewrite prophecy and prevent the Beginning of the End. The exclusive screening will be followed by a panel discussion with series stars Shantel VanSanten (One Tree Hill), Jon Fletcher (City of Dreams), J. D. Pardo (Revolution), Joel Courtney (Super 8), Diogo Morgado (Son of God), Anna Diop (Everybody Hates Chris), and Craig Frank (Mixology), along with executive producer Trey Callaway (Revolution) and co-executive producer/creator Eoghan O'Donnell (Teen Wolf).
Saturday April 4, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Just getting into reading comics but not sure where to start? Some of the industry's top professionals impart their vast comics knowledge and personally recommend series just right for you! Join comiXology's marketing maven Chip Mosher, along with a panel of comics' best and brightest, including Sam Humphries (Black Vortex, Sacrifice) and Chris Rosa (BOOM! Studios assistant editor), as they become your guides through the awesome world of comics!
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 207
With the rise in popularity of geek-oriented media, tomorrow's psychotherapists need new tools to bring into therapy. Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy), Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Desiree Misanko-Louvat (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Edward Perin (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), and Cary Shepard (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) discuss classroom experiences and real-world applications of a university course, "Geek Culture in Therapy," that aims to discover culturally sensitive methods to increase rapport, examine research on fantasy, and develop techniques using comic books, video and board games, television shows, and movies to best connect with impassioned clients. They demonstrate how the course has been helpful through the presentation of case examples using geek-friendly therapy techniques.
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 210
The comics community is on the edge of their seats as they wait to find out what Convergence will mean for the DC Universe. Jeff King (Convergence) offers fans a taste with a special lineup featuring Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold), Marc Andreyko (Batman and the Outsiders), Len Wein (Swamp Thing), and Scott Lobdell (Convergence). This is one panel you won't want to miss!
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
A panel of costume designers, producers of the new film Cosplay Dreams 3D, professional cosplayers, and Hollywood creatives reveal to cosplayers what skills are in demand in today's film and TV industry. Learn how professional cosplayers are using their skills to forge a variety of career opportunities in the entertainment industry and how they are leveraging cosplay skills to meet industry contacts. Gain the knowledge that could elevate your hobby into a career!
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 11:51AM 10 years ago, Ross Richie started BOOM! Studios from a spare bedroom in his house. Today, BOOM! is a multiple award-winning top-ten publisher. But rather than look back at what they've achieved over the past 10 years, panelists will look ahead to the next 10 years and talk about Push Comics Forward, a movement to inspire publishers, creators, press, and fans to join the conversation on what is helping to improve the industry, and what more can be done. Join Ross Richie, president of publishing and marketing Filip Sablik, and editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon as they host creators Bryce Carlson (Hit), Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes), Trevor Crafts and Matt Daley (Lantern City), and others to talk about how BOOM! is helping to Push Comics Forward. Plus, each attendee will receive an exclusive Lantern City pin!
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
A spotlight on writer and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Greg Pak (Action Comics, Batman/Superman, Storm, Planet Hulk) that includes the latest on Superman, the scoop on his new Princess Who Saved Herself children's book (based on the Jonathan Coulton song), special guests, a Q&A session, and sneak peeks at all kinds of cool stuff!
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
Olivia "Liv" Moore was a rosy-cheeked, disciplined, overachieving medical resident who had her life path completely mapped out-until the night she attended a party that unexpectedly turned into a zombie feeding frenzy. Now stuck somewhere between half-alive and undead, Liv loses all traces of her former drive and ambition. She transfers her medical residency to the city morgue in order to reluctantly access the only real form of sustenance left available to her, and the only thing that allows her to maintain her humanity: human brains. But there are side effects to Liv's new diet: With each brain she consumes, Liv experiences "visions," flashes of the corpse's memories, including, in some cases, clues as to how they were killed. iZOMBIE makes its WonderCon Anaheim debut with a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars Rose McIver (Masters of Sex), Malcolm Goodwin (Breakout Kings), Rahul Kohli (newcomer from the UK), Robert Buckley (One Tree Hill), and David Anders (Once Upon a Time), as well as executive producers Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) and Diane Ruggiero-Wright (Veronica Mars). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Spondoolie Productions and Warner Bros. Television and based on characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, published by DC Entertainment's Vertigo imprint, iZOMBIEairs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Phil Noto will be talking about his career in comics and his animation background and will show examples of his digital art process.
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
Stan Sakai is the sole mastermind behind one of the longest-running comics, Usagi Yojimbo (Dark Horse). During a discussion and fan Q&A panel moderated by Jessica Tseang (comic book historian), loyal followers will be able to pick his brain on the inspiration behind this famous character, the struggles in the beginning stages of publishing, the success of the character, and the future of Usagi Yojimbo. Stan Sakai's legendary work and personal life have influenced not only his fans but other industry professionals as well. Learn his secret for always staying optimistic and happy in his work and at conventions!
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 06:16PM See the first episode of NBC's new drama American Odyssey, a complex and exciting journey through global politics, corporate espionage, and military secrets involving three strangers who have only one thing in common; the truth. Following the screening, executive producers/writers Peter Horton (Grey's Anatomy) and Adam Armus and Kay Foster (The Following) and star, Peter Facinelli (Nurse Jackie, Twilight) will be on hand for a Q&A session moderated by IGN's Eric Goldman.
Saturday April 4, 2015 2:30pm - 3:45pm PDT
Room 300DE
Creators, cast, and crew of the hit animated series Bee and PuppyCat and Bravest Warriors offer sneak peeks of upcoming shows. Moderated by Eric Homan, VP of creative development at Frederator Studios.
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 207
Miranda Downey (event producer and partnership coordinator at SparkFun Electronics)will guide you through a beginner's way to integrate electronics into your cosplay and projects without soldering or wires. In this free workshop you'll hand-sew a working LED light circuit to take with you.
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 210
Professional nerds square off in an epic trivia battle of the ages while discussing the hottest pop culture topics, including racial stereotyping, objectification, gender-bending, casting news, and more! Spanning comics, TV, film, and web, this discussion will be hilarious and outrageous, and will challenge your perspective on culture. Moderated by Tony B Kim (Crazy4ComicCon.com), this superpowered team will include Amy Ratcliffe (writer), Chris Gore (comedian), Ivy Doom Kitty (cosplayer), Andre Meadows (comedian), Rachel Lara (actress), Sean Long (toy professional), Tracy Doering (writer), and Emily Ong (cosplayer, Fashionista). TBA
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 09:22AM What does it mean to be creator-owned? Ed Brubaker (The Fade Out), Eric Stephenson (They're Not Like Us), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), David Lapham (Stray Bullets), and Rick Remender (Black Science) discuss their decision to launch creator-owned series with Image Comics and what it means to have complete creative freedom for their work.
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Greg Pak (Batman/Superman) and Fred Van Lente (Archer & Armstrong) bring their bestselling how-to book, Make Comics Like the Pros, to life with an all-star panel of advisors. Writer Cullen Bunn (The Sixth Gun), writer Corinna Beckho (Invisible Republic), writer/artist Gabriel Hardman (Kinski), writer/artist Jamal Igle (Molly Danger), and a few special surprise guests will unlock the secrets of comics creation from idea to execution to publication. Come armed with questions-they have answers!
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211
Although the First Amendment upholds freedom of speech as a basic right, censorship is rampant in the United States. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein and editorial director Betsy Gomez present an overview of the censorship crises that the CBLDF is facing, including attacks on summer reading, and the outbreak of bans on young adult books in libraries and schools across the country. Learn how comics and books are being challenged, and what you can do to fight back!
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
UPDATED: Fri, Mar 20, 04:17PM Join VP of marketing Dirk Wood, senior book editor Justin Eisinger, special projects editor Scott Dunbier, and a bevy of special guests for a wild presentation filled with announcements, sneak peeks and Q&A! Think you know what IDW is up to this year? You won't REALLY know unless you're in the room for this one!
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213
Marvel Comics' own Greg Horn (cover artist) discusses his illustrious career in comics and advertising; with instructive stories from 20 years in the business. Join Greg for a one-on-one interview and Q&A session.
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208
Before there was Batman, there was Gotham. The origin story of the great DC Super-Villains and vigilantes has only just begun. Series stars and producers offer a Q&A discussion and special video presentation. Be among the first to find out what's in store for the exciting conclusion to the first season. Gotham follows Jim Gordon's rise through the Gotham City police department and the spawning ground of the world's most iconic villains. From Warner Bros. Television, Gotham airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX, with all-new episodes returning Monday, April 13.
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 31, 09:07AM TV Guide magazine returns to WonderCon Anaheim with an all-star panel of TV's hottest showrunners. Moderated by TV Guide magazine executive editor Michael Schneider, the session brings together top producers for a look behind the scenes of your favorite shows. Panelists (subject to change) include: Brannon Braga (Salem), Natalie Chaidez (12 Monkeys), Kerry Ehrin (Bates Motel), Adam Goldberg (The Goldbergs), Dan Harmon (Community), Alex Hirsch (Gravity Falls), Peter Horton (American Odyssey), and Graeme Manson (Orphan Black).
Saturday April 4, 2015 3:45pm - 4:45pm PDT
Room 300DE
With the ever-increasing number of films based on comic book characters, these illustrators, including storyboard, scenic, and graphic artists, adapt the worlds of the printed pages to the screen. They will discuss what they do and how they do it. Panelists are Darrin Denlinger (Captain America 3, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Winter Soldier), Michael Jackson (Fantastic Four, Pixels, Terminator: Genisys), Mark Moretti ( Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Salt, I Robot), and Mark Vena (Oz the Great and Powerful, Cowboys and Indians, Twilight), with Tim Burgard (Jurassic World, Fantastic 4, Independence Day 2) moderating.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
If writers' rooms were like superhero teams, this panel is the Justice League and The Avengers of the writing world. The scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows share their candid thoughts on how to write and rewrite the series that you love. Find out the deep, dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writers' room, and why network executives actually care about what you write on message boards. Get the straight scoop on how shows go from inside their heads to a dry erase board, to your television sets and tablets. Moderated by Sony Pictures Television's jocular senior VP of drama development & production Chris Parnell, this year's heroic lineup includes Jesse Alexander (Agent X, Heroes, Lost, Hannibal), Michael Narducci (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, Medium), not so savage SteveHolland (The Big Bang Theory), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, About a Boy), Ashley E.Miller(Terminator, Fringe, Andromeda),Steve Melching(Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Rebels, Guardians of the Galaxy Animated), Gabrielle Stanton(The Flash, Haven, Castle), Jose Molina(Agent Carter, Sleepy Hollow, Firefly), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Helix, Lost, The Middleman),and Mark A. Altman(Femme Fatales, Castle, Necessary Roughness). Join the fun to see if they can all fit on one stage. Time to lay off those chocolate-covered pretzels!
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
From Star Wars to the Avengers, this panel has you covered! Editor Will Moss, Sam Humphries (Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men: The Black Vortex), Greg Weisman (Star Wars: Kanan-The Last Padawan), Rick Remender (Avengers: Rage of Ultron), and other Mighty Marvel guests take on questions about Marvel's biggest series and events!
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
New York Times bestselling author Jonathan Maberry (The Joe Ledger series) interviews WonderCon Anaheim special guest Lisa Morton (multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author and Halloween expert) about horror writing, including how to get started as a horror writer, how to craft the horror-themed graphic novel, the usefulness of organizations like the Horror Writers Association, and why modern horror is so much more than blood and guts.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 211
Benson Shum (Big Hero 6, Frozen),Trent Correy (Big Hero 6, Frozen) Hyun Min Lee (Big Hero 6, Feast),and Eric Goldberg (Aladdin, Winnie the Pooh) walk kids and adults through some of the key principles of animation. Bring your love of art and drawing. Supplies will be provided.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 210
Webcomics Advocates co-founders Phil Vecchio and Brendan Creecy (Brax the Alien Rocker) celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics! Joined by Patrick Scullen (Super Siblings) and moderator Josh Anderson (Extra Damage podcast), they will give any webcomic creators in the audience 30 seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!
WonderCon Anaheim special guest,artist Jae Lee (Batman/Superman, Inhumans, Dark Tower) discusses his career and his art techniques on this spotlight panel. Any and all questions will be welcomed.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213
Jim Sullos (president) and Cathy Wilbanks (archivist) of Edgar Rice Burroughs, Inc. share news on upcoming projects featuring Burroughs's famed literary heroes. Special guest author Jake "Buddy" Saunders (The Martian Legion) will discusses his 2014 novel, which boasts an array of pulp hero team-ups. Scott Tracy Griffin (Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration) moderates.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
Your host, Mark Evanier, gathers together some of the best actors in the animation field to tell you how they do what they do, and demonstrate their amazing skills right before your ears. This time, the dais features Sumalee Montano (Transformers Prime, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), Bob Joles (Spongebob Squarepants, Planet Sheen), John Mariano (Animaniacs; Hey Arnold!), Julie Nathanson (Final Fantasy XIII, Skylanders), Gregg Berger (Garfield, Spider-Man), and one more talented person to be named later.
Saturday April 4, 2015 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
Room 300DE
Hip-Hop and comics reflect each other in many ways: Rappers and graffiti artists utilize superheroic imagery and adopt larger-than-life alter-egos, while comic creators incorporate references to music, dance, and fashion and draw on Hip-Hop's rich visual vocabulary. Here, Patrick A. Reed (Depth Of Field magazine) brings together graphic artists and musical innovators to discuss the ties between these two creative cultures.
From alternative comics roots to big-screen adaptations of his work, WonderCon Anaheim special guest Ed Brubaker has become one of the biggest names in the industry. Join the award-winning writer of Criminal, Captain America: Winter Soldier, and The Fade Out for a career-spanning Q&A.
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 207
Bestselling author and WonderCon Anaheim special guest Rebecca Moesta talks about her work on the Star Wars Young Jedi Knights and Junior Jedi Knights series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, original projects Crystal Doors and Star Challengers, as well as working with her husband, Kevin J. Anderson.
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 211
Comic book industry veterans discuss what it entails to be an inker, letterer, or colorist, along with advice for those aspiring to be part of the comic book industry. Matt "Batt" Banning ( Superman/Wonder Woman), Joshua Reed (letterer/editorial assistant of Aspen), Mark Roslan (VP/director of design and production of Aspen), Dave Lanphear (veteran letterer for DC Comics/Marvel), Peter Steigerwald (co-owner of Aspen), Troy Peteri (Amazing Spider-Man), and Beth Sotelo (Marvel's Spider-Gwen/Grump) will present an open Q&A session moderated by Jessica Tseang (comic book historian).
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
Members of the cast of Falling Skies present an exclusive look at the highly anticipated final season. The alien power source may have been destroyed, but with a hybrid breed of beast and mutant running rampant on Earth, human survival is still at stake. In these last episodes,Tom Mason and the 2nd Mass will face the final battle and the skies will fall. Stars Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, Doug Jones, andSarah Carter and director Tunde Osunsanmi dissect the epic series finale in a panel discussion moderated byTV Guide's Rich Sands. Don't miss the final season of Falling Skies premiering this summer on TNT.
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 30, 02:38PM Blockbuster producer Jason Blum hosts an inside look at two of his upcoming horror thrillers from Blumhouse Productions. The stars and filmmakers of Universal Pictures's Unfriended will be present to reveal footage and discuss their film that ushers in a new era of horror. Cast members from the smash Insidious franchise will also be on hand to show never-before-seen footage and reveal details of this June's Focus Features release Insidious: Chapter 3.
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 11:54AM As part of its ongoing desire to push #comicsforward, BOOM! Studios carefully selects key licensed properties to help bring new readers to comics. In March, the publisher launches Bill & Ted's Most Triumphant Return, a new comic series based on the classic films about two excellent high school buddies who go on to bring about world peace through their music. Join the comic's writer, Brian Lynch,editors Ian Brill and Alex Galer, star of the films Amy Stoch, PhD (Missy), and producer of the films Scott Kroopf as they talk about the new series and the everlasting popularity of Bill & Ted. Moderated by BuzzFeed's Kirk Damato.
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
Fans will have a chance to hear from the people responsible for the look of this iconic show. John Iacovelli (production designer) will lead this panel in a discussion of how they were able to keep things fresh through 110 episodes and 6 TV movies. Panelists include Mark-Louis Walters (art director), Roland Rosenkrantz (art director), Dark Hoffman (prop designer and prop master), Timothy Earls (set designer), and Luc Mayrand (illustrator).
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213
Once more, with feeling! You're invited to the second annual toe-tapping, floor-stomping celebration of great cartoon music, this year featuring the first-ever WonderCon Anaheim exclusive sing-along with the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "Mayhem of the Music Meister." Join composers Kristopher Carter, Michael McCuistion, and Lolita Ritmanis,BTBATB producer James Tucker,Michael Jelenic, Warner Archive Collection podcast hosts Matt Patterson and DW Ferranti, and a few surprise guests for an entertaining, interactive look/listen at some of the great cartoon music of the past 50+ years.
Saturday April 4, 2015 5:45pm - 6:45pm PDT
Room 300DE
Doll owners and enthusiasts gather to discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Volks, Fairyland, Iplehouse, and many others. Whether a seasoned collector or someone just starting out, you'll have the opportunity to learn basics and share tips. Come to share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just to see the dolls on display, from tiny to towering. It's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin!
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 211
Guess what? Your voice and your opinion matter in the gaming industry more than you might know! Video game development blossoms from many points of inspiration that affect not only entertainment choices but also how people approach their daily lives. Join Genese Davis (The Holder's Dominion, MMORPG.com) and esteemed creators from developers such as Naughty Dog, Obsidian Entertainment, Blue Marble Game Company, and Oculus for this exciting topic about how you and the video game community affect each other and game development at large.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (John Buscema: A Life in Sketches; Draw the Line) presents 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. There will be time to draw as well. Professionals and beginners are welcome. Bring your drawing supplies to draw models/cosplayers during this interactive presentation. Come ready to take notes and to draw.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 210
Breathing cities, femmes fatale, daring crimes, and a good person trapped in a bad scene. Join the masters of noir, Ed Brubaker (Criminal), David Lapham (StrayBullets), James Robinson (The Saviors, Heaven), and Darwyn Cooke (Revengeance), as they discuss their approach to the best stories about the worst of us.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 207
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 24, 03:18PM The cast and co-creator reveal exclusive season three footage of BBC America's award-winning original series Orphan Black. Ahead of the April 18 season premiere on BBC AMERICA, co-creator and writer Graeme Manson joins stars Jordan Gavaris (Felix), Dylan Bruce (Paul), Maria DoyleKennedy (Mr. S), Evelyne Brochu (Delphine), and Kristian Bruun (Donnie) for a sneak peek and Q&A session moderated by Entertainment Tonight'sLeanneAguilera. You can catch up on the first two seasons of Orphan Black via On Demand, all digital platforms, and streaming on Amazon Prime.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
From "psychopathic" villains to asylums for the "criminally insane," mental health issues permeate television, film, and comics. But just how realistic are these depictions? What impact do these presentations have on audiences? Psychologist Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) and writers Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost; The Middleman), Brenden Fletcher (Batgirl, Black Canary), Jody Houser (IDW's Orphan Black; Avengers: No More Bullying), Mairghread Scott (Windblade, Swords of Sorrow), and Zack Stentz (ACME, X-Men: First Class) discuss the importance of accuracy, inclusion, and the promotion of more psychologically dynamic characters in fiction. Moderated by Brian Ward (Shout! Factory).
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
Kyle Kurpinski and Terry Johnson (How to Defeat Your Own Clone: And Other Tips for Surviving the Biotech Revolution) discuss the discoveries and innovations that inspire science fiction and the ways that science and engineering are depicted in popular television shows, comics, movies, and more. After a brief presentation, these UC Berkeley bioengineers will be available to answer questions about your favorite science fiction or real-world breakthroughs.
Saturday April 4, 2015 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 23, 04:00PM Game on! The widely popular Capcom videogame franchise Dead Rising rises to life. Actors Jesse Metcalfe (Desperate Housewives, Dallas), Meghan Ory (Once Upon a Time), Dennis Haysbert (Men Woman & Children), Rob Riggle (Let's Be Cops, 21 Jump Street), filmmakers Zach Lipovsky (On the Lot) and Tomas Harlan (Mortal Kombat), and Tim Carter (writer/producer) discuss the recent release of Dead Rising: Watchtower. Dead Rising: Watchtower is always streaming on Crackle.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Disney is popular around the world, and Disney characters, films, comics, media, and theme parks are especially popular among the LGBTQ community. Young or old, LGBTQ folk identify with the stories, characters, fantasy and imagination. Since you are next door to the "Happiest Place on Earth," join Prism Comics and Disney fans as they explore why the queer community loves all things Disney. Panelists include Dusty Sage (founder and CEO of MiceChat.com), Tommy Kovac (Skelebunnies, Wonderland), Momma (Anaheim Gay Days, expert on Disney Parks and Disneyana), Jimmy Sherfy (Disney cosplayer and animation enthusiast), Sarah Sterling (Disney fandom YouTuber, feminism and queer studies specialist), Joseph Titizian (Disney historian and featured blog writer), and Barry V (Disney cosplayer and animation enthusiast). Moderated by Ted Abenheim (Prism Comics board member).
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 211
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 01:11PM A discussion for Nintendo fans with StreetPass OC about becoming a part of or creating a thriving StreetPass community group. StreetPass OC will answer your questions about StreetPassing, Nintendo, and gaming in a Q&A session and may even test your knowledge with some Nintendo trivia! Moderated by Andres Cervantes.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 210
Face off with your favorite Rotten Tomatoes critics, including Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood) and others, when they join editor-in-chief Matt Atchity and senior editor Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes along with their editorial team. As Matt and Grae invite audience members to share movies they love, hate, or love to hate, everyone in the room uses their "Personal Tomatometer Paddle" to dis/agree with the score. Remember: fortune favors the bold.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 207
It's good to be free! Join top creators in celebrating free expression with live art created before your eyes! The CBLDF and these great creators talk censorship and make once-in-a-lifetime art! Get a chance to watch live art made before your eyes, learn about censorship, and bid to win the pieces made here to benefit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:00pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 209
Your favorite comic creators talk shop with Ben Blacker and Heath Corson in a special edition of their Nerdist Comics Panel podcast. There are no taboos as the guys discuss art, film, writing and more with the talent behind today's biggest titles.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:30pm - 8:20pm PDT
Room 208
David Rosing (JPL system and opto-mechanical engineer), Shonte J. Tucker (JPL thermal engineer), and Tracy D. Drain (Juno system engineer at JPL) discuss how they boldly go where there's no one around to fix it. Hear stories from the trenches of the heartbreaks, close calls, and adventures of real-life solar system exploration. A question & answer session will follow.
Saturday April 4, 2015 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213
UPDATED: Thu, Mar 26, 11:51AM The Sideshow Network presents Comics on Comics, the talk show that pits comedians against comic book creators in nerd debates! Join hosts Juan-Manuel Rocha and Vito Lapiccola as they welcome creator Satine Phoenix (co-creator of the New Praetorians graphic novel and CEO of Burning Quill), BlackNerd (Black Nerd Comedy) and other special guests. They'll debate the latest developments in comics, movies, video games, and pop culture, making you laugh along the way!
Saturday April 4, 2015 8:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 207
Hosts Ben Blacker and Heath Corson take you inside the processes of your favorite TV creators in a special live version of The Nerdist Writers Panel. Networks, writing blocks, critics and fandom, a TV writer fears not these things.
Saturday April 4, 2015 8:20pm - 9:10pm PDT
Room 208
Join Ben Blacker,Ben Acker and members of the Workjuice Players as they take you inside the world of The Thrilling Adventure Hour, the home of the likes of "Sparks Nevada: Marshall on Mars" and "Frank & Sadie Doyle".
Saturday April 4, 2015 9:10pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 208
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 31, 01:44PM Get a first look at DreamWorks Animation's amazing original series for Netflix, including a WonderCon Anaheim exclusive peek at the soon-to-premiere Dragons: Race to the Edge, along with the new adventure series Dinotrux. Plus, there will be glimpses into what's in store for fan-favorite characters like King Julien and Puss In Boots. Even more surprises await as host Eric Bauza and Dragon executive producers Art Brown and Doug Sloan take you behind the scenes of these Netflix original series! Attendees will receive a WonderCon Anaheim exclusive Dragons print from DreamWorks Animation and a special gift from Netflix (supply limited to room capacity).
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 300AB
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 31, 12:33PM Convert kryptonite into your own personal strength with Pop Culture Anti-Bullying Coalition's powerful panel! The Flash and Law & Order star Jesse L. Martin and United Nations Association join this powerful panel, back by popular demand. Discussion includes geek, cyber, LGBT, and racial bullying, becoming a hero IRL, and analyzing how media and entertainment affect people's attitudes toward bullying and aggression. Learn strategies to end bullying from celebs and experts including Anthony Breznican (senior writer, Entertainment Weekly; author, Brutal Youth), Deric Hughes (supervising producer, Beauty and the Beast), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions), Jenna Busch (founder, Legion of Leia), and Coalition founder Chase Masterson (The Flash, Star Trek: DS9).
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 208
Join WonderCon Anaheim special guest Babs Tarr (Batgirl), Kevin Wada (She-Hulk), Jake Wyatt (Ms. Marvel), and Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men) as they break down street fashion, superhero costumes, style versus form, and sexualization of fashion in mainstream comics. It might be informative, but it will definitely be a good time.
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 213
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 09:23AM Androids, geneticists, time travel, multidimensional space hopping-the possibilities are endless when it comes to science fiction and comics. Fred Van Lente (Howtoons: [Re]Ignition), and Dustin Nguyen (Descender) specialize in bringing to life futuristic worlds that comics readers can instantly be transported to. Learn more about what's to come in their out-of-this-world sci-fi storytelling!
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 300DE
Have you ever said, "I want to write a book" or "what about writing a song?" Is it possible to do both? Aspiring writers will want to take part in this hands-on opportunity to ask questions and learn about what it takes to write a book and be a published author or write a song. Author, songwriter, touring music artist, and philanthropist James Morris (SkyBound, Surface), with an introduction by Maryelizabeth Hart (Mysterious Galaxy co-owner and reviewer for Publishers Weekly), will talk about his journey, experiences, and motivation and share valuable tips and organizational skills to help get you writing and see you through the process. He will also be discussing how he got from his idea to "the end" of a trilogy, his music, and how fiction and music writing influence and inspire each other. This workshop is perfect for all ages of writers and aspiring writers.
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 210
Help your students discover the art of reading. With acclaimed authors Kevin J. Anderson (Star Wars Tales of the Jedi, RUSH Clockwork Angels, Predator, X-Files), Bill Morrison (Bongo Comics co-founder and illustrator, The Simpsons, Futurama), Peter J. Wacks (Invasion Oz, Steampunk Journey coloring book, Cyberpunk CCG), and Mimi Cruz (co-owner, Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City). What makes a child want to read? Guest panelists share proven successful ways to introduce children to reading for fun and the ways that reading at an early age puts them on their career paths. Attendees will be provided with classroom resource material including but not limited to comics. Supplies may be limited. The Secret Origin of Good Readers free 70+ page companion resource book PDF and reading lists are available at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday April 5, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 209
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 31, 01:30PM Every day, behind-the-scenes people like editors, designers, marketers, and even programmers work hard to make sure the comics you love get from the creator's hands to yours. Now is your chance to learn how these comics luminaries and tastemakers got their start. Join comiXology's marketing maven Chip Mosher, along with outstanding comics industry professionals Arune Singh (Marvel Entertainment executive director of television communications), Dirk Wood (IDW VP of marketing), Allison Baker (IDW director of operations), Jamal Igle (artist, Molly Danger), and Molly Mahan (assistant editor for Vertigo) as they impart the knowledge you need in order to get your foot in the door and become a comics industry rock star.
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211
Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking, "I could do that, if I knew how!"? Well, here's your chance. Editor Will Moss, writers Sam Humphries (Black Vortex) and Cullen Bunn (Magento), and other Marvel writers and artists will fill you in on how to get your foot in the door at Marvel!
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207
Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central's @Midnight, AMC's Talking Dead) is joined by Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News) and the editorial team from Nerdist Industries-including Brian Walton (Overheard @ Nerdist), Dan Casey (The Dan Cave), Malik Forté (Nerdist Play), Matt Grosinger (Nerdist Sessions), Kyle Hill (Because Science) and Rachel Heine (Overheard @ Nerdist) for a lively conversation about the big things to come for Nerdist in the near future. Surprises, announcements, and, of course, quemments await!
WonderCon Anaheim will once again host the Comic Creator Connection, an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here's how it works: in two 2-hour sessions - on Friday, April 3, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday, April 5, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM - writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. (Please note: This isn't an ordinary WonderCon Anahiem program. Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC took place online before WonderCon Anaheim. Since we are registering creators in advance they will get priority seating. Any seats that are still open once the event starts will be given on a first come first serve basis. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 206B on the second level about 30 minutes prior to the start of each session.) Complete details are available on the Comic Creator Connection page on our website.
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:00am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 206B
The Walking Dead explores ways people struggle to survive and hang onto their humanity in the worst situations. Psychology professionals Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), Elizabeth Ann (NerdLush), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy), Patrick O'Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Billy San Juan, and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy) use examples from the comics to discuss the psychology of trauma and triumph. They will be joined by novelist S. G. Browne (Breathers) and journalist Janey Tracey (Outer Places). Why do horrific circumstances bring out the worst in some people and the best in others? Is there hope?
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 210
The new sci-fi "dramedy" series Nobility, dubbed "Firefly meets The Office," stars Walter Koenig (Star Trek TOS, Babylon 5), Doug Jones (Falling Skies, Pan's Labyrinth), Christopher Judge (Stargate SG1, Stargate Atlantis),Torri Higginson (Stargate Atlantis), Cas Anvar (Assassin's Creed, Expanse), Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena: Warrior Princess, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Darren Jacobs (Starship: Rising ), Miracle Laurie (Dollhouse), Ellen Dubin (Lexx, Napoleon Dynamite), and James Kyson (Heroes). Some of the all-star cast will host a Q&A along with director Neil Johnson (Starship: Rising), art director Tiki Al Zequeira (Star Trek DS9, Serenity), composer Charles-Henri Avelange (Starship Rising), and series creator E. J. De la Pena (Jingle All the Way, Starship Rising).
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
UPDATED: Wed, Apr 01, 11:56AM All-ages comics are more important now than ever before in helping to bring in new and lapsed readers, from practically every demographic. BOOM! Studios' associate editor Whitney Leopard leads a discussion on the significance of all-ages comics, from what they have achieved thus far to what lies ahead, with creators Shelli Paroline (Adventure Time), Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Li'l Gotham), Mairghread Scott (Transformers: Windblade), and Melissa Pagluica (Above the Clouds).
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213
Just how hard is it to draw Superman's famous "S" shield? WonderCon Anaheim special guest Dan Jurgens (Death of Superman, Aquaman & The Others, The New 52: Futures End)has enjoyed a rich, three-decade career in comics that has given him the opportunity to write and draw almost every major character in both the DC and Marvel Universes. In this spotlight panel, moderated by Superman artist Aaron Kuder (Action Comics), Dan will share the many highlights of his career and discuss the unique creative process of being both writer and artist-as well as give fans a peek into the future of his work on DC's Convergence: Booster Gold and Convergence: Superman.
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208
Another storm is brewing in Gotham, and it's not only raining cats and dogs but evil Cyber Animals! Be among the first to see how Batman and his team of superheroes meet the challenge in the World Premiere of Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts. When the city is plagued by a slew of bizarre crimes committed by an animal-inspired villain squad known as the Animilitia-made up of Silverback, Cheetah, Killer Croc, and Man-Bat-Batman must swing into action to investigate. These animalistic villains bring new and exciting challenges for the hero of Gotham, and Batman must find a way to bring these criminal creatures to a halt! But could the Animilitia be working for powerful businessman Oswald Cobblepot, aka The Penguin? How does The Penguin's new invention of robotic Cyber Animals fit into the mix? In the end, it'll be up to the combined forces of Batman, Flash, Green Arrow, Nightwing, and Red Robin to combat these Animal Instincts. Catch this new flick, then stay for an entertaining panel featuring the voice of Batman himself, Roger Craig Smith (Batman: Arkham Origins), Yuri Lowenthal (Ben 10 franchise, Naruto), screenwriter Heath Corson, and other guests. Batman Unlimited: Animal Instincts arrives May 12, 2015 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD.
Sunday April 5, 2015 11:30am - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Ladies unite to create more female-driven content. This panel discussion with accomplished female creators will show you how to cultivate your ideas and bring them to life. Leave with inspiration, confidence, a solid plan of action, and tons of new ideas. All genders and ages welcome! Moderated By Stephanie Pressman (Stalking LeVar, Fashionably Nerdy), with panelists America Young (Geek Therapy, Chimera Project), Heidi Cox (Stalking LeVar, Geek Speak TV), Kristen Nedopak (The Geekie Awards, The Skyrim Parodies), Helenna Santos (Ms In The Biz, The Infected), Brea Grant (The Real Housewives of Horror, Heroes), Miley Yamamato (Geek Cred, Attack of the Show), and Paula Rhodes (ElfQuest, The New Adventures of Peter & Wendy).
Action Lab Entertainment caught the eye of readers with their groundbreaking series Princeless. Since then, they continue to launch titles that solidify their uniqueness in the comic book industry. Garnering the attention of parents, readers of all ages, and major comic book companies, there is almost no genre Action Lab Entertainment has not conquered. Jamal Yaseem Igle (VP of marketing, Molly Danger), Nick Marino (writer of Holy F*ck), Dan Mendoza (Zombie Tramp), and James F. Wright (Nutmeg) discuss their company's history, success, current titles, and future. Moderated by Jessica Tseang (comic book historian).
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Comics are more than just great entertainment; they are an incredible tool for learning! Babymouse and Squish co-creator Jennifer L. Holm and CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez present a lively workshop demonstrating how comics can be used to teach important lessons about the real world and unlock the creative potential of students in the classroom. Learn how comics empower students to feel, access, and comprehend historical and cultural events, more fully understand diverse figures in history and fiction, and even grasp concepts in science and math. Then, see suggested sample templates for having kids create their own comics as a means of teaching them how to defuse personal issues and master alternate means of communication. There will be lesson and reading suggestion handouts and time for a Q&A.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 211
Covers; every comic book has at least one. What does it take to design a great cover for a comic book? Five folks who have done it come together to discuss the secrets with moderator Mark Evanier. You will hear from Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men, Ms. Marvel), Aaron Kuder (Action Comics, Batman), Ken Lashley (Secret Six, Superman: Doomed), Kevin Wada (She-Hulk, Adventure Time), and Kevin Maguire (Justice League International, Guardians of the Galaxy). Come and learn about this vital but under discussed art form.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207
UPDATED: Wed, Mar 25, 03:41PM The executive producers/co-creators of the Powers comics, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, are joined by showrunner Charlie Huston, and cast members Olesya Rulin (Calista) and Logan Browning (Zora) for a preview of what's to come in the remaining episodes of PlayStation's hit new original series. Moderated by IGN's Roth Cornet.
Richard Hatch (Battlestar Galactica's Tom Zarek/Capt Apollo, Axanar, Cowboys and Engines) hosts a Q&A and discussion with the panel and audience on the fate and future of Battlestar Galactica. Panelists include Dr. Kevin Grazier (science consultant forBattlestar Galactica, Eureka, Fallen Skies, Defiance) and surprise guests. BG trailers and comic reels will be shown.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Revengeance! The hosts of iFanboy reunite to talk creator-owned comics with WonderCon Anaheim special guest DarwynCooke.Ron Richards, Conor Kilpatrick, and Josh Flanagan come together one last time to face off with Darwyn in a freewheeling discussion of his new work, the industry, and whatever else crosses their minds
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 213
It's been about a year since WonderCon Anaheim special guest Tom King (Grayson, Omega Men, Teen Titans, A Once Crowded Sky) was hired for his first mainstream writing gig with DC Comics. Please join Mr. King as he presents a rookie's perspective on the modern comic book industry. Topics will include breaking into comics, practical writing tips, working with artists and editors, constructing pitches, and, of course, the cool absurdity of being a comics superfan (and former CIA counter-terrorism officer) working full time making funny books.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208
How is the study of sequential art explaining the mechanisms that make comics work? Do readers of American comics and Japanese manga use their brains differently? Do comic books naturally create a sense of community among readers in ways text-only books cannot? Do Jack Kirby's machines engage readers in ways they never knew? Neil Cohn (University of California, San Diego), Mathieu Li-Goyette (Université de Montréal), and T. Keith Edmunds (Brandon University) look into the brain, across the real world, and throughout many fictional worlds to examine how comics work for the creators they come from and the readers who consume them.
Sunday April 5, 2015 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210
WonderCon Anaheim special guest Kevin J. Anderson describes his journey from being a fanboy in a small Wisconsin farming town to being an international bestselling author working with Star Wars, X-Files, Dune, DC Comics, and the rock band Rush.
UPDATED: Thu, Apr 02, 09:24AM With Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel finally set to hit the big screen, female superheroes are on everyone's mind. What do creators and fans want out of a powerful female protagonist? How do we pay tribute to the heroines of the past while still looking toward the future? What's the difference between writing established heroines and creating your own, and how can we best position and support these characters to usher in a whole new era of totally badass superheroines? A dynamic group of writers, editors, and expert commentators discuss the challenges of building modern heroines in a variety of mediums. With Cecil Castellucci (Stone in the Sky), Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex), Andrea Letamendi (psychologist, Arkham Sessions ), Jose Molina (Agent Carter), and Babs Tarr (Batgirl). Moderated by Amy Ratcliffe (StarWars.com).
Kids love wearing costumes and meeting their costumed heroes, so it's no wonder that conventions are a big draw for families! Join this discussion of all things cosplay when kids are involved. The panel includes DIY tips for parents, how to plan a family cosplay, advice for cosplayers when meeting kids, and more. Panelists include cosplayers Kimi Hughes, M.Ed. (Golden Lasso Cosplay), Dina Kampmeyer (founder, Geek Fashion Week) and parents Melody Mooney (Stan Lee's Who Wants to Be a Superhero season 2), Shawn Thomas (story editor, Dog with a Blog, Disney Channel), Kendra Moras (Photography by Kendra Jean), Jennifer Estaris (video game designer), and Kelly Spears (former manager of Hi De Ho Comics), along with moderator Theresa Wollenstein (The League of Extraordinary Ladies). A representative of the 501st legion will be on hand to discuss costuming and charity!
Trevor Roth (COO/head of development) and Tory Mell (producer, Roddenberry Entertainment) present a sneak peek of their newest sci-fi short film. Special guests John Champion and Ken Ray will be on hand to chat about their awesome podcast, Mission Log. There will be a bit of trivia, a giveaway, and a Q&A session moderated by Tory Mell.
Superheroes may get the glory, but it's their "sidekicks" that do all the real heavy lifting...and steal your heart. Join the definitive voice of Robin, Loren Lester (Batman: The Animated Series), Eisner Award-winning writer J.M. DeMatteis, Warner Archive Collection podcasters D. W. Ferranti and Matthew Patterson, and a myriad of special guests for an engaging look at some of the most endearing sidekicks to grace popular DC-based TV series; from Burt Ward in the 1966 Batman series and Legends of the Superheroes TV special and the early TV cartoon incarnations of Teen Titans and Batman & Robin to modern high-def presentations of Young Justice, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, Beware the Batman, and the populart Teen Titans Go!.
Sunday April 5, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Bring the kids to this one! Find out what's happening this year for all your favorite all-ages titles: My Little Pony, Skylanders, Angry Birds, Transformers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Cartoon Network. See sneak peek artwork, hear announcements, but most important, there are free comics for everyone under 18!
The critically acclaimed 3DS hit Monster Hunter comes to WonderCon Anaheim! Find out why Monster Hunter is the number one gaming franchise in Japan and is about to take over the West! A panel of Capcom staff members including Ryozo Tsujimoto (executive producer) and Kaname Fujioka (executive director) share the new features and exclusive insights from Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (available now). The game features all new weapons, monsters, and native online support. This program will include new footage and announcements, as well as some special surprises, followed by a Q&A session.
Sunday April 5, 2015 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
At one time or another, Len Wein has written almost all the major characters for most major publishers. He launched Swamp Thing, The New X-Men, Wolverine and so many more. here is your chance to hear one of comics' most prolific creative talents discuss his career and work, all while being grilled by longtime friend, Mark Evanier. Sizzling revelations are promised.
The Flashis a fast-paced superhero drama that follows the high-speed adventures of the Fastest Man Alive. After the unexpected and devastating explosion of the S.T.A.R. Labs Particle Accelerator, Central City Police Department CSI Barry Allen finds himself suddenly charged with the incredible power to move at super speeds. While Barry has always been a hero in his soul, his newfound powers have finally given him the ability to act like one. However, Barry was not the only one affected that fateful night. A rash of super-powered villains are now popping up all over Central City. With the help of his friends at S.T.A.R. Labs and his foster-father, Detective Joe West, Barry works to keep his city safe from these "metahumans," while at the same time working to uncover the secrets of and defeat his arch-nemesis, The Man in Yellow, who is responsible for the death of his mother and the wrongful imprisonment of his father. Join Danielle Panabaker, Candice Patton, Carlos Valdes, along with executive producers Greg Berianti and Andrew Kreisberg for a special video presentation and Q&A. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, The Flash airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
Looking to build your own Halo armor or prop and have no idea where to start? The members of the 405th Pacific Regiment are here to help! They'll discuss all the most common methods used to create Halo costumes followed by a Q&A. Panelists include J. P. Pollio and Cary Gunnar Lee (pepakura and painting specialists), Jose Valdez (sculpting and molding specialist), Alec Richter (vacuform specialist), and Benedict Choy (foam specialist).
Nerdist Science editor Kyle Hill (Because Science) and panelists discuss the science hidden in your favorite fandoms. From Star Wars and Star Trek to dragons and dinosaurs, scientists, writers, and engineers will dissect everything geek and answer audience questions.
Back by popular demand, this panel of geeky psychologists discusses the psychology behind such cult TV shows as Doctor Who, Sherlock, Firefly, Arrow, Flash, The Walking Dead, The Legend of Korra, and others. Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; The Walking Dead Psychology), Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; The Walking Dead Psychology), Dr. Billy San Juan (The Walking Dead Psychology), Alan Kistler (Doctor Who, A History; Walking Dead Psychology), Travis Richey (Inspector Space Time), and moderator Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia) discuss such fundamental questions as Does Korra have PTSD? What is happening to the 12th Doctor? What is the role of these TV shows in our lives?
Spend an hour with WonderCon Anaheim special guest John Ostrander, the author of GrimJack, Suicide Squad, The Spectre, Star Wars comics, The Kents, Wasteland, and many others.
TheOneRing.net staff, observing the minutiae of Peter Jackson's translation of J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-Earth filmmaking for 15 years, are intimately familiar with the hows and whys of the decisions that shaped The Hobbit trilogy, for good or ill. Invited as an embedded reporter on set, TORn had a front-row seat. Expect opinion, educated guesses, audience input, and photos. Q&A to follow.
Sunday April 5, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300AB
Comics and graphic novels are increasingly valued as a legitimate medium, both literary and visual. This panel focuses on approaches to using comics in the classroom by both teaching comics and using comics to teach. Lesley S. J. Farmer (California State University, Long Beach) describes how comics and comic cons help learners comprehend, critique, and create through the particular way comics structure knowledge. Rebecca Thompson (American Physical Society) discusses APS's series of comics designed to teach physics and demonstrates how a compelling comic story, delicately balancing education and entertainment, can excite students who might otherwise be turned off by traditional teaching. Derek Held (Temecula Valley High School) discards arbitrary limitations on which comics should be taught and demonstrates how mainstream "floppies" can be used to teach classical literary theory and critical reading skills at the secondary level.
Learn the secrets behind the team who make the online satirical sensation Honest Trailers. Series creator Andy Signore, writer Spencer Gilbert, editor Dan Murrell, and ScreenJunkies favorites Hal Rudnick and Nick Mundy will show off an exclusive sneak peek of an upcoming Honest Trailer, debut a WonderCon Anaheim exclusive video, get into a live Movie Fight, and offer more special surprises for the ScreenJunkies faithful!
Sunday April 5, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
Take a look at the new line of comics coming this summer from Space Goat Publishing and get your questions answered. Senior VP Dave Olbrich (Malibu, Ultraverse) and VP Tom Mason (Prototype, Dinosaurs for Hire) will show you the new titles before they get to your comic shop. Also, writers Justin Peniston (Rocket Queen & The Wrench, Hunter Black) and Frank Hannah (Evil Dead 2) will explain why these comics are going to make your must-buy list. Special features include a sneak peek at the new Evil Dead 2 comics series coming in June, coinciding with the new Bruce Campbell TV series on STARZ.
Whether you prefer to read or write children's books, come learn the inside scoop from award-winning and New York Times bestselling authors and artists Joe Cepeda (The Tortoise or the Hare), Jenni Holm (The Fourteenth Goldfish), Molly Idle (Flora and the Flamingo), Brian Won (Hurray for Hat), and Salina Yoon (Stormy Night). Moderated by Henry Herz (Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes).
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation offer an encore screening of Batman vs. Robin, the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Original Movies, along with a video replay of Friday night's panel. In the film, Damian Wayne, now bearing the mantle of Robin, blazes a headstrong and sometimes reckless trail alongside his father, Batman. While investigating a crime scene, Robin encounters a mysterious figure, Talon, who leads him on a life-altering course through the depths of Gotham's secret society, known as The Court of Owls. It's a dangerous journey that will force Batman and Robin to face their most dangerous adversary: each other! Enjoy the film, then stick around for the inside scoop during a video replay of the panel featuring the voices of Batman, Jason O'Mara (Terra Nova, Complications), Robin, Stuart Allan (Son of Batman), and Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Much Ado About Nothing), alongside producer James Tucker (Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), director Jay Oliva (Batman: Assault on Arkham), character designer Phil Bourassa ( Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), and dialogue director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns). Inspired by the storyline from the bestselling graphic novel Batman: Court of Owls, Batman vs. Robin arrives April 14, 2015 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray Combo Pack, DVD, and Digital HD.
Time to salute and talk about the man some in comics call "The King." The life, times and influence of Jack Kirby will be discussed by Neal Adams, Darwyn Cooke, Fred Van Lente, Crystal Skillman, Len Wein, Paul S. Levin (attorney for the Rosalind Kirby Trust), and Kriby biographer and former assistant, Mark Evanier.
We've come a long way from watching Bugs Bunny running around in a dress and planting a kiss on Elmer Fudd. Join Prism Comics for a panel discussing works of animation that tackle same gender attraction and gender identity exploration, such as The Legend of Korra, Bob's Burgers, Archer, Paranorman, and others. Moderated by P. Kristen Enos (Web of Lives, Prism Comics board member), the panelists include Diane Anderson-Minshall (The Advocate, Queerly Beloved), Lyn Jensen (lynjensen.blogspot.com; Manga, Music, and Politics), Matt Kane (GLAAD), Emily Quinn (Adventure Time, Faking It), and Bradley C. Rader (Bob's Burgers, Todd McFarlane's Spawn).
WonderCon Anaheim is going out on a high note! Whedonopolis and FandomCharities.org, the folks who bring you the Buffy musical Once More With Feeling, to close out the San Diego Comic-Con, present an interactive screening of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! Come and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer, or whatever, for "Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool!" Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. There will be audience participation; it isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore.
Sunday April 5, 2015 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300AB
For anyone who has ever been to Comic-Con, you know the singular power of the Starship Smackdown. Now from the panel of intrepid spaceshipologists comes The Geekspert's Court, as this honorable panel of geeksperts render verdicts on the greatest genre films of all time in the trial of the century. Chief Justice Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, DOA: Dead Or Alive) exercises jurist prudence over a bench of judges including Kay Reindl (Scream, Millennium), Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Jose Molina (Agent Carter, Firefly), Daren Dochterman (Hollywood conceptual designer), Robert Meyer Burnett (Agent Cody Banks, Free Enterprise), and Nikki Griffin (Fast & The Furious: Tokyo Drift, The Dukes of Hazzard).
Hey, Kids! It's time to get happy, have fun, and be funny! Kristian Andrew Sather (Cartoon Design Revealed) returns to WonderCon Anaheim with his popular cartooning workshop. Kristian will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing fun cartoon characters. Learn how to draw your own funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes and more.
Knowing the basics of group dynamics, forming, and then working with a group without mortally wounding each other is the difference between success or failure of your projects, and possibly friendships too. No matter which industry (comics, illustration, TV/movies/webseries, webcomics, design, animation, costuming/cosplay, blogging), "breaking in" has never been a more apt term than in today's media. It's a full-time job and you only have part-time hours to accomplish it. This panel covers a wide array of organizational subjects, with a diverse panel who can speak to a variety of topics specific to your projects: Topher Davila (art director GeekdomWear.com), Sean Glumace (Adobe education leader), Heather Joseph-Witham, Ph.D. (Mythbusters and various TV), Ron Coleman,Ph.D. (molecular geneticist), Jonelle Davila (creative director, TheGeekGirlProject.com), Gene Turnbow (general manager, KryptonRadio.com), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV), and Brendon Creecy (podcaster). They'll provide a mix of speaking, Q&A, and short interactive applications that directly apply the topics covered. Also, because it is tax season, Jun Watanabe (Enrolled Agent) will share some must-know tax tips relevant to personal projects and business. As an added bonus to help get your creative work life, the panel will give away a one-year subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud.
Chris Castagnetto (D. J. Helsing) is proud to be hosting the official Gaia Online panel. This is your chance to meet the Gaia staff, get your burning questions answered, and get a sneak peek at some of the great stuff Gaia Interactive has planned for 2015. Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes.
Sunday April 5, 2015 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300DE
The Winner Twins, multiple award-winning and national bestselling sci-fi authors, script writers, and producers, teach you how to create your own novel step by step, from building your universe, to overcoming writer's block, to the different paths to publishing. The twins have written four science fiction novels and have taught their unique award-winning creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. The Winner Twins, along with Steven-Elliot Altman (bestselling author of Deprivers, game writer of 9Dragons and Pearl's Peril) and Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo/Tom Zarek of Battlestar Galactica, author of the bestselling Battlestar Galactica book series), will teach you how to craft your story idea into a marketable novel, television series, or film property.
2015 is the 125th anniversary of the birth of iconic author H.P. Lovecraft (1890-1937). His legacy and horrific creations, like Great Cthulhu and the Necronomicon, live on in literature, movies, comics, art, games, and music. This panel of experts will explore the life, influence, and controversies of Lovecraft over the past century-plus, including sneak previews from the upcoming H.,P. Lovecraft Film Festival & CthulhuCon. With Cody Goodfellow (Strategies Against Nature), Leslie S. Klinger (The New Annotated H. P. Lovecraft), Pete Von Sholly (Lovecraft Illustrated vol. 1), and Aaron Vanek (H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival & CthulhuCon).