Maggie Thompson (30-year co-editor of Comics Buyer's Guide) is joined by Mark Evanier (writer, editor, entertainment expert, and News from ME blogger) and Leonard Maltin (film critic, author, and host of the Maltin on Movies podcast) consider the challenges, anecdotes, and delights of interactions with a variety of celebrities.
Thursday July 18, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 32AB
Comic-Con Special Guest and pioneer comic book artist Arvell Jones talks about his career, comics projects, and the people he's cheered over the years. Sanford Greene, Denys Cowan, and others will be joining him.
Thursday July 18, 2019 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 4
What was it like at this convention during its first decade? Hear all about it from these folks who were there for it: Barry Alfonso, Wendy All, Maeheah Alzmann, Richard Butner, Roger Freedman, Scott Shaw!, Brinke Stevens, William Stout, Phil Yeh, and your moderator Mark Evanier.
Thursday July 18, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Artist and writer Rick Geary presents a slide show of his 45 years telling true stories of murder and mystery in comics and graphic novels. Q&A session moderated by David Wilson.
Thursday July 18, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Wings of Fire is soaring to Comic-Con! Tui T. Sutherland (Wings of Fire) sits down with Shannon Messenger (Keeper of the Lost Cities series) to discuss everyone's favorite dragons and provide a sneak peek at what comes next in the series.
Thursday July 18, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 4
Leigh Bardugo (King of Scars,Ninth House) is a New York Times bestselling author of fantasy novels and the creator of the Grishaverse. With over 3 million copies sold worldwide, her Grishaverse spans the Shadow and Bone Trilogy, the Six of Crows Duology, The Language of Thorns, and King of Scars—and will soon come to Netflix in an original series. Her first novel for adults, Ninth House, will be released on October 1. Erin Morgenstern is the New York Times bestselling author of The Night Circus, which has sold millions of copies around the world and been translated into 37 languages. Her new novel, The Starless Sea, will be released on November 5. Leigh and Erin discuss writing fantasy for all ages, astrology, supporting woman-owned businesses, giant cups of tea, and so much more. Moderated by Petra Mayer (NPR).
Thursday July 18, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 12, 06:15PM Mary Fleener (Billie the Bee, Life of the Party, Weirdo) will talk about her varied comic career over the last 35 years and have a visual presentation of her work along with a Q&A session. Moderated by Mark Habegger (writer, filmmaker).
Thursday July 18, 2019 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 4
DC Entertainment publisher and chief creative officer Jim Lee (Batman, Superman, Justice League, Suicide Squad) talks about his 25+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen in this engaging panel. Watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tricks of the trade that bring DC Entertainment's characters to life.
Thursday July 18, 2019 12:45pm - 1:45pm PDT
Room 6DE
While creators are technically the gods of their universes, for all intents and purposes, sometimes their creations include deities and religious systems. Authors discuss whether or not they choose to include gods in their world-building, whether or not they were inspired by real life in creating their worlds' gods, religions, or magic systems, and their methods in developing those aspects of the stories. With Comic-Con special guest Ann Leckie (The Raven Tower), Joan He (Descendant of the Crane), Scott Westerfeld (Impostors: Shatter City), and Margaret Rogerson (Sorcery of Thorns) in conversation with Rebecca Roanhorse (Sixth World).
Thursday July 18, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
By “pros” we mean professionals! Come hear this talented panel discuss how Comic-Con has changed for them throughout the years. David Brin (author, The Postman, Earth), Mike Friedrich (writer, Justice League of America,Iron Man), Lee Marrs (The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp), Larry Niven (author, Ringworld series, Fleet of World series), Bob Schreck (editor, Batman, Sin City), Diana Schutz (editor, 300, Grendel, Usagi Yojimbo), Dan Vado (publisher, SLG Publishing; writer, JLA), and Phil Yeh (cartoonist, Even Cazco Gets the Blues, Winged Tiger Comics and Stories) discuss their Comic-Con experiences with moderator Bob Wayne (former senior VP, sales at DC Comics; writer, Time Masters, Wild Cards).
It's SDCC 50, but anniversaries abound at Disney, too! Its Sleeping Beauty' s 60th, The Little Mermaid' s 30th, and The Lion King' s 25th, as well as Tarzan' s 20th and The Princess and the Frog' s 10th! Talented artists integral to creating these animated classics old and new will talk about their experience and the influence and importance of these features in the history and future of film. Scheduled to appear: Floyd Norman (animator, Sleeping Beauty; Disney Legend), Jane Baer (animator, Sleeping Beauty; founder, Baer Animation); Kathy Zielinksi (animator, The Little Mermaid), Nik Ranieri (animator, The Little Mermaid,The Princess and the Frog), and Dave Bossert (visual effects animator, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid). Moderated by Leslie Combemale (ASIFA–Hollywood, CinemaSiren.com).
Thursday July 18, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Charles Vess worked with award-winning writer Ursula K. Le Guin over the last four years of her life to bring her world of Earthsea to visual life. Over the course of thousands of emails, which in turn produced hundreds of preparatory drawings, he attempted to slide inside her brain. This presentation pulls aside the curtain to give a behind-the-scenes tour of how it was done.
Thursday July 18, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Writer/editor, Eisner Hall of Fame inductee, and Comic-Con special guest Marv Wolfman talks about his 50-year career in comics, animation, novels, and video game writing with moderator and writer Tom King. They'll discuss his work, the companies he's worked for, and the many characters he's worked on. Marv will also answer all questions (well, maybe not all!).
Thursday July 18, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 11
Three decades ago, Neal Adams set the standards for a new world of comic book characters and stories. For another creator, this might seem to be enough for any career, but Neal is back setting new standards, new directions, and new technology for the future of comics. To quote Neal, ”Back then, we were living in the Stone Age, and it was enough to do to bring comics into the 20th century. Now is the time to bring comics into the future. What is the future? I'm about to tell you.” A big order even for Neal Adams, but he will give you chapter and verse of where comics are going, and it's definitely an incredible place to go.
Thursday July 18, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 18, 03:56PM There are many truths to every story and many tales that paint a picture of a certain event or time. Evoking a sense of that time, place, and feeling is not an easy task. Just as a scent on a breeze can transport us back in time, so can the perfect graphic novel. Learn from Comic-Con special guests how they use history, memory, and emotion to tell moving and personal stories. Panelists include Ebony Flowers (Hot Comb), Ulli Lust (How I Tried to Be a Good Person), Paco Roca (The House), Seth (It's A Good Life), Mary Fleener, along with Jason Lutes and moderator Charles Brownstein.
Thursday July 18, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
It's most of the crew who bring you the bumbling adventures of Groo the Wanderer, talking about what they do and why they do it. See the award-winning team of Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier along with Stan Sakai (the creator of Usagi Yojimbo). They'll be discussing the latest Groo miniseries, many upcoming projects, and why Mark doesn't get paid for the work he does on their comic. Then again, he's not getting paid for writing this panel description either.
A conversation with Paul Levitz (former president and publisher, DC Comics, Eisner Award–winning writer and nominee for the Eisner Hall of Fame) conducted by George Gustines, a journalist at The New York Times. Take a look behind the scenes of some of the most controversial and important developments in comics over the past four decades.
San Diego is home to a thriving, year-round comics culture! For 50 years, San Diegans have innovated comics creativity, publishing, and fandom in a way that's rippled out across the world. Meet some of the visionaries who have called San Diego home and learn how their work has changed comics and continues to define this city as a beacon for comics lovers across the globe.
Thursday July 18, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Maya Kern (Monster Pop!) dives into the nitty gritty process of making webcomics. She frequently talks about making comics focus purely on content—your drawing ability, your big cool idea, or how awesome your cast is—and completely ignore what it's like to live as a human being with a life and a schedule and bills while trying to make your own independent comic. This panel offers a presentation that examines comic making thru the lens of sustainability, with a Q&A session at the end.
How do you distill a story down to its main components? Comics often call for brevity, but how does that work with a complex story or idea? Comic-Con special guests discuss how they delve into their complex worlds of comics and come out the other side with stories we readily consume. Panelists include Kurt Busiek (Avengers), Jon B. Cooke (Comic Book Artist), and Randall Munroe (xkcd), along with Dani Colman, Tea Fougner (editorial director for comics, King Features Syndicate), and moderator Barbara Dillon.
Thursday July 18, 2019 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Legendary creator Frank Miller (The Dark Knight Returns) is joined by Borys Kit (writer, The Hollywood Reporter) to discuss his body of work over the last four decades as well as his highly anticipated slate of upcoming projects across comics, novels, television and film.
Thursday July 18, 2019 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
Room 6A
In the 1980s Comic-Con made its home at the Convention and Performing Arts Center in downtown San Diego. The show attracted a who's who of comics creators from not only the U.S. but Japan, England, and Europe, and many newcomers acquired legions of fans here. What were the major changes that occurred in the Con over this decade, and what made this period particularly special? Panelists include Comic-Con special guests Rick Geary, Larry Geeck, Denis Kitchen, Wendy and Richard Pini, Stan Sakai, David Scroggy, Mark Stadler, Jim Steranko, Maggie Thompson, and Marv Wolfman; moderated by Jackie Estrada.
Friday July 19, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
Alternative comics legends Seth (Clyde Fans) and Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets) talk with mainstream comics legends Paul Levitz (75 Years of DC Comics) and Kurt Busiek (Marvels) about their favorite Jimmy Olsen stories from the 1960s Jack Kirby heyday. The conversation won't just be limited to Superman's pal as these four opinionated, intelligent, and funny creators discuss the comics that made them with moderator Tom Spurgeon (Comics Reporter).
Friday July 19, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
More than most comics artists, Gene Ha (writer/artist, Mae) continues to change his art style on a regular basis. Zander Cannon (writer/artist, Kaijumax) will interview Gene about his style evolution. Visual examples will show the various styles and techniques he's used in his 27-year career and work on series such as Askani'son, Shade, Top 10, and Fables and dig into the reasons for each change. Gene will cover specific materials and software he's used and will share a download link of some of his digital working files.
It was a time of change in comics, with a new generation intermingling with the old and taking command. Hear what the comics industry was like in the 1970s from Mike Friedrich (Iron Man, Justice League of America), Tony Isabella (Black Lightning, The Champions), Trina Robbins (Wimmen's Comix,Wonder Woman), Arvell Jones (Marvel Two-in-One, Iron Man), Louise Simonson (Creepy, Power Pack), Walt Simonson (Manhunter, Thor), and moderator Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer, Blackhawk).
There are lots of amazing comics that were written for adults but have become hits among teen audiences. Learn about bestselling, critically acclaimed, and Eisner Award-nominated titles from 2018 and 2019 that teens will enjoy as much as their parents! Panelists include Ebony Flowers (Hot Comb), Jason Lutes (Berlin), and Kevin Huizenga (The River at Night), moderated by Adam Kullberg (Pop Culture Classroom). In conjunction with CBC Graphic Novel Committee.
TwoMorrows Publishing is celebrating their 25th anniversary with a look back at the company's beginnings and the crazy things that've happened during a quarter-century quest to create the future of comics history. Comic-Con special guest Jon B. Cooke (Comic Book Artist /Comic Book Creator magazine editor) and panelists P .C. Hamerlinck (Alter Ego /FCA editor), Keith Dallas (editor of the American Comic Book Chronicles series, and co-author of the Eisner Award–nominated book Comic Book Implosion), Mike Manley (Draw! magazine editor), and Dewey Cassell (author of the Eisner -nominated book Mike Grell: Life Is Drawing Without an Eraser) will share what TwoMorrows has in store for 2020 and beyond. Moderated by publisher (and Jack Kirby Collector editor) John Morrow.
Friday July 19, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
They may not have been Jack Kirby's greatest creation, but they were sure important to some of the folks who started this convention. Come hear how the King of the Comics turned six kids involved in the Con's early days—Scott Shaw!, Barry Alfonso, Roger Freedman, Mike Towry, John Pound, and William R. Lund—into comic book stars for some brief, shining moments. Moderator Mark Evanier is the one who gets the band back together!
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 08, 10:38PM Memoir has become a genre central to independent comics, but personal history influences the work of cartoonists in many different ways. This panel brings together creators from vastly different backgrounds who mine their personal experiences to create memoir, fiction, fantasy, or something altogether new. Includes Simon Hanselmann (Megahex), Ulli Lust (Today Is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life), Dame Darcy (Meat Cake), and cartoonist, editor, and comics scholar Trina Robbins. Moderated by The Comics Journal co-editor R. J. Casey.
Friday July 19, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Colleagues and friends of Lee, the legendary Marvel Universe co-creator who passed away in November, celebrate his life and legacy. Panelists include Paul Levitz (former president and publisher of DC Comics), Marv Wolfman (former Marvel editor-in-chief), Michael Uslan (Batman movies executive producer), Denis Kitchen (Lee's collaborator on Marvel's experimental underground venture, Comix Book), Maggie Thompson (former editor of The Comics Buyer's Guide), and Danny Fingeroth (author of the upcoming St. Martin's Press/Macmillan biography A Marvelous Life: The Amazing Story of Stan Lee).
Friday July 19, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Former Comic-Con VP of publicity and publications and former VP of exhibits Beth Holley moderates this cast of longtime exhibitors: Bill Cole (Bill Cole Enterprises), Bud Plant (Bud Plant, Inc.), Chuck Rozanski (Mile High Comics), Ron Turner (Last Gasp), Dan Vado (SLG Publishing), and Maryelizabeth Yturralde (Mysterious Galaxy). Hear from their perspective on how the Con has changed for them over the years. For good or for bad, listen to stories and moments that have stuck with them since their exhibitor history beginnings.
Friday July 19, 2019 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Learn all about the career of Jon B. Cooke (editor, Comic Book Creator) as a historian, editor, designer, and author, with questions by John Morrow (TwoMorrows publisher, Stuf' Said), Jon's oldest friend in the comics world. From his stint as editor of the five-time consecutive Eisner Award–winning magazine Comic Book Artist to his latest project as author of The Book of Weirdo, Jon talks about his 20+ years in the field and his future as co-playwright of The Golden Age, a four-act play.
Friday July 19, 2019 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Legendary Canadian cartoonist Seth (Palookaville, George Sprott) and Rob Salkowitz (author, Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) discuss Seth's prolific career in comics and his epic yet intimate masterpiece Clyde Fans, about two brothers who can't stand each other and the dissolution of the midcentury capitalist dream. This presentation and conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A.
Eisner Award-winning children's cartoonist Katie O'Neill (The Tea Dragon Society, Aquicorn Cove) will be in conversation with her editor Ari Yarwood as they discuss Katie's evolving career, webcomics, craft, representation in children's literature, and their favorite Tea Dragons.
Friday July 19, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
When creating comic book heroes, it makes sense to give them the best superpower, right? So why do we have so many superheroes with a wide array of amazing powers? Perhaps because the debate on what is the best superpower is still raging. How sure are you that you know the best power? Could you be swayed by the opinions of these Comic-Con special guests? Panelists include Alitha Martinez (Iron Man, Batgirl), Joseph M. Linsner (Vampirella), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic 4), Steenz (Archival Quality), Todd McFarlane, and Katy Farina (BG Paint for She Ra and the Princesses of Power), along with moderator Amy Chu.
Friday July 19, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Ursula Vernon (author and illustrator, Dragonbreath, Digger, Hamster Princess) talks about writing and drawing comics for kids and adults and balancing the job of art with the art of writing.
Friday July 19, 2019 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Believe it or not, films have been coming to Comic-Con since the beginning! As a matter of fact, in 1976 a small sci-fi movie about a moisture farmer's boy was being promoted on its way to much future celebration. Hear from a few of the folks who have helped to bring films to Comic-Con discuss their roles and changes in the industry. Panelists Craig Miller (publicist, producer, author, Star Wars Memories), Jeff Walker (genre marketing consultant, long-time Comic-Con program participant), Steve Sansweet (former head of fan relations at Lucasfilm), and Gary Sassaman (Comic-Con director of programming, 2000–2007) discuss the film industry's involvement in Comic-Con, with self-proclaimed semi-journalist, moderator Marc Bernardin (writer, The Authority, The Highwaymen, Castle Rock).
Friday July 19, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Internationally acclaimed Austrian cartoonist Ulli Lust (Today Is the Last Day of the Rest of Your Life, Voices in the Dark) discusses her work, which ranges from deeply personal memoir to historical fiction to prose adaptation. Lust will read from her latest graphic memoir, How I Tried to Be a Good Person. Moderated by Abraham Reisman.
Some of the best and most creative minds who have made or are making history in animation come together to talk about developing characters and stories and how advancements, changes in technology, and taste have influenced their work. Featuring Floyd Norman (Jungle Book, Monsters, Inc.), Willie Ito (What's Opera Doc?,Lady and the Tramp), Jane Baer (Sleeping Beauty, Who Framed Roger Rabbit?), Bill Morrison (Futurama, The Simpsons), Brendan Hay (Star Wars: Detours, Harvey Girls Forever), Aliki Theofilopoulos (Phineas and Ferb, Harvey Girls Forever), Tony Benedict (The Atom Ant Show, The Jetsons), and Mindy Johnson (Ink and Paint: The Women of Disney Animation, Tinker Bell: An Evolution). Moderated by Leslie Combemale (ASIFA: Hollywood, CinemaSiren).
Friday July 19, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
We all have one: the Comic-Con story we tell every year. The one that reminds us why Comic-Con is so special, a place to meet people, come together, make one perfect purchase, or come face-to-face with the truly nerdy. Hear from Comic-Con veterans and special guests as they recount their favorite Con story. Panelists include Eddie Campbell (From Hell), William Stout (The Dinosaurs), Billy Tucci (Shi), Steve Sansweet, Rick Geary, Mary Fleener, Paul Levitz, Maggie Thompson, and moderator Vince Hernandez.
Spend a rockin' hour with Jim Steranko, the inspiration for Mister Miracle, the designer of Indiana Jones, co-creator of S.H.I.E.L.D., and author of The History of Comics—telling tales from his switchblade youth to his status as one of the most controversial creators in the pop-culture world.
Friday July 19, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
A look into the past of Comic-Con special guest Kurt Busiek (Marvels, Astro City) with the help of Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics). Kurt and Scott met in junior high school, where Kurt talked Scott into reading comics, setting off two storied careers. Now, they talk through how teenage dreams became creative realities—and shaped new dreams for the future.
Friday July 19, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Author Jon B. Cooke (Comic Book Creator, Comic Book Artist) and Last Gasp publisher Ron Turner join cartoonists Mary Fleener, Krystine Kryttre, and Kaz to discuss the history and impact of Robert Crumb's legendary humor comics anthology, Weirdo.
Friday July 19, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
The comics medium is an incredible vehicle for exploring the way we experience time and access memories. Kevin Huizenga (The River at Night), Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveller's Wife), Seth (Clyde Fans), and Chris Ware (Rusty Brown), four of the medium's most interesting thinkers, will explain the centrality of these subjects in their work and offer insights into the stylistic and narrative decisions they make. Their conversation will be moderated by Abraham Riesman, writer for New York Magazine and Vulture .
Friday July 19, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 11, 09:55PM Have you ever wondered how this show seems to just magically happen every year? With a lot of thought, effort, and hard work, these folks manage to help Comic-Con come together. Matt LeVeque (Show Imaging, Inc.), Phil Rabourne (Freeman Decorating), Karen Totaro (San Diego Convention Center Corp, Inc.), Tim Pontrelli (San Diego Convention Center Corp, Inc.), Steve Weathers (SEAT Planners), and Carolyn Wormser (San Diego City) will discuss the in-and-outs and the intricacies of building this massive event with moderator David Glanzer (chief communications officer, Comic-Con International).
Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd, discusses his new book How To, a guide to using science to turn everyday problems into much bigger, more exciting problems. Learn how to cross a river by boiling it, get tips on how to make skiing much more dangerous using liquid oxygen, and hear about his experience asking famous experts the most ridiculous questions he could think of.
Saturday July 20, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 4
The first San Diego Comic-Con (a.k.a. Golden State Comic-Con) was held in the summer of 1970 in the basement of the U.S. Grant Hotel. Hear all about it from several of the original committee members (Dave Clark, Roger Freedman, Scott Shaw!, Mike Towry), three of the guests (Mark Evanier, Mike Royer, Bill Stout), a dealer (Bud Plant), and some attendees (including Gene Henderson, Phil Yeh, and moderator Jackie Estrada).
Saturday July 20, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 28DE
Learn how Comic-Con special guest Carey Pietsch (Lumberjanes;Adventure Time: Marceline Gone Adrift) helps to adapt The Adventure Zone from podcast, an audio medium, into comics, a visual medium-and how she works with the McElroys to convey the rollicking tone of their dynamic Dungeons & Dragons gameplay. Clint McElroy (War of the Realms: Journey into Mystery) joins in to discuss his role writing the comic and co-creating the podcast, as well as also working with Carey to shape the free-form interaction of D&D into a tighter visual narrative. Peter Coogan (Comics Arts Conference) moderates.
Saturday July 20, 2019 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 26AB
Ezra Claytan Daniels (Bttm Fdrs), Ebony Flowers (Hot Comb), Alitha Martinez (Black Panther: World of Wakanda), and David Walker (Bitter Root) make comics that engage the Black experience in diverse ways. Whether Afro-futurist socio-horror comedy, literary fiction through the lens of hair, Wakandan adventures, sci-fi about the Harlem Renaissance, or queer supernatural stories, these contemporary Black comics rock! Calvin Reid, senior news editor at Publishers Weekly, moderates.
Saturday July 20, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 9
Two of the founders of San Diego Comic-Con (Greg Bear and David Clark) discuss the con's beginnings and their times with such Comic-Con heroes as Jack Kirby, Chuck Jones, Bob Clampett, George Clayton Johnson, Forry Ackerman, and Ray Bradbury.
Saturday July 20, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Yes, there were females at the earliest Comic-Cons, and they weren't all moms, girlfriends, or spouses of attending male fans. Several of the women who worked on the show in its first few decades tell stories about what it was like back then. Featuring Wendy All, Maeheah Alzmann, Robin Donlan, Beth Holley, Dina Kelso, Clydene Nee, Mikey Ritter, Brinke Stevens, Mary Sturhann, Janet Tait, and moderator Jackie Estrada.
Saturday July 20, 2019 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 5AB
Now into its third decade, riding in on the infamous “speculator boom,” how was Comic-Con faring? Hear all about it from these folks who were theret: Mary Fleener, Beth Holley, Jim Lee, Bob Schreck, Diana Schutz, Barry Short, Janet Tait, Charles Vess, Jeff Walker, Bob Wayne, and your moderator Mike Pasqua.
Saturday July 20, 2019 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 8
Billy Tucci's Crowfunding Comics YouTube channel leads a spirited discussion on how to Kickstart your own success from comic and film superstars Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane), Tucci (Shi), Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim), Brian Miller (Hi-Fi Color for Comics), and Steven Peros (Stoker & Wells). Moderated by J. C. Vaughn (Vampire, PA).
Saturday July 20, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
The Eisner, Hugo, and Inkpot Award–winning writer/producer will discuss his autobiography Becoming Superman -which is debuting here at SDCC via Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore-and his long-awaited (some might say long-feared) return to comics, helping create a new comic book universe for Artists, Writers, and Artisans, the new comic book company launched by Marvelites Bill Jemas and Axel Alonso. Straczynski's spotlight appearances are an SDCC tradition and a favorite among law enforcement officials searching for clues that would connect him to the Black Dahlia Murder.
Saturday July 20, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 7AB
Asphyxiate an otherwise perfectly good hour of consciousness witnessing New Yorker cover artist, Jimmy Corrigan/Building Stories author, and suburban dad Chris Ware justify his life decisions to Pantheon editor, designer, and San Diego gadfly Chip Kidd, as well as introduce his incomprehensible experimental 2019 graphic novel Rusty Brown Part I to the captive audience assembled. Certain to challenge even the most resiliently optimistic of Con-goers, attendance is guaranteed to make everything else at SDCC seem more fun by contrast.
The author of The Time Traveler's Wife and Bizarre Romance, Audrey Niffeneger, will be interviewed by award-winning comics editor Diana Schutz. topics may include art, love, loss, sex, death, ghosts, cats, and why it's taking a long time to write the sequel to The Time Traveler's Wife. There will be a Q&A.
Saturday July 20, 2019 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Rona Jaffe Award–winning cartoonist Ebony Flowers and University of California Riverside lecturer Rachelle Cruz (Experiencing Comics) will discuss Flowers' remarkable and highly anticipated debut Hot Comb. In this graphic novel hair offers an entry point into the anxieties, joys, and support networks of Black women in the U.S. today. Whether she's detailing an awkward subway ride or describing the burn of a teen's first perm, realizations about race, class, and the imperfections of identity swirl through Flowers' poignant stories.
Willie Ito discusses his 50 years in animation working for a multitude of companies such as Disney, Warner Bros., Bob Clampett, Hanna-Barbera, and Sanrio, as well as his comic book work with Marvel, Petersen Publishing, and Western Publishing. Having held such titles as producer/director for Aloha Productions, product designer for Disney Consumer Products, and publisher for Yabitoon Books, Willie will have much to speak about.
Kitchen Sink Press and its successor, the Kitchen Sink Books imprint of Dark Horse, occupy a unique space in the publishing world, connecting the revolutionary spirit of Underground Comix, the independent comics of the '80s and '90s, and the graphic novels of today, alongside a mission to preserve and extend the legacy of classic comics work through archival editions. Founder, artist, historian, and publisher Denis Kitchen recounts the many highs of this 50-year journey, including his friendship with Will Eisner, his role in launching the careers of some of today's top creators, and what Kitchen Sink has planned for the next half-century. Moderated by Rob Salkowitz (Forbes). Free book for all attendees!
Saturday July 20, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Stan Sakai and moderator Jessica Tseang talk about his 35 years of writing and drawing his creator-owned series Usagi Yojimbo. See what's in store for this samurai rabbit as he is relaunched this summer with a new publisher: IDW.
Saturday July 20, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
Steve Sansweet (chairman of Rancho Obi-Wan) tells attendees how he went from being a reporter and editor to, according to George Lucas, Star Wars' "ultimate fan" and the face of the saga from 1996 to 2011. He eventually opened Rancho Obi-Wan, the nonprofit museum that houses the world's largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia.
Spanish cartoonist Paco Roca got his start drawing the unpretentious action series Road Cartoons for legendary comics magazine El Víbora . His graphic novel Wrinkles won every Spanish comics award and has since been adapted into an animated feature film. Joining him in conversation is Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), UCLA comics scholar Esther Claudio, and his English-language publisher, Gary Groth (founder, Fantagraphics).
Todd McFarlane, Image Comics founder, creator of Spawn, co-creator of Venom, and McFarlane Toys CEO, talks about his 30+ years in the comics and entertainment industries. You'll experience Todd raw and uncensored-talking toys, comics, industry advice, and more! He'll also be talking about one of the biggest milestones in his career, Spawn 300, which will set the record for the longest-running creator-owned superhero comic ever! Bring your burning questions for a Toddfather Q&A.
Saturday July 20, 2019 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 6DE
Just how powerful can you make a person before they qualify as super? How strong can you make Batman? How smart can you make Moon Girl? Where is the line that makes someone like us, instead of someone who is granted superhuman abilities? These Comic-Con special guests discuss how they toe the line between making characters that are heroes, but not super ones. Panelists include Neal Adams (Batman), Scott Snyder (Batman), and Jim Steranko (S.H.I.E.L.D.), along with Shawna Benson and Julie Benson, with moderator Mark Waid.
Saturday July 20, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
On the 20th anniversary of the completion of From Hell,Eddie Campbell talks about revising the 576-page graphic novel for color, clarity, and continuity and fixing some of the problems in the artwork that have bugged him for 20 years. Eddie will present a before-and-after slideshow.
Saturday July 20, 2019 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 09, 06:56PM The Lady of the Lake finds her voice in Cursed, a twist on the tale of King Arthur--soon to be an original Netflix series starring Katherine Langford in 2020. Creators Tom Wheeler and legendary artist/producer/director Frank Miller (300, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Sin City) hold a not-to-be-missed discussion about their debut YA coming-of-age novel about Nimue, who grows from a sheltered priestess-in-training to a teenager hell-bent on revenge, and finally, to a young woman with the power to change the fate of the world.
Saturday July 20, 2019 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
Do you enjoy slice-of-life stories about vampires and other creatures of the night? Bree Paulsen, author and artist of Patrik the Vampire, will host a fun conversation about webcomics, big stories with small stakes, and the joys of writing about monsters in mundane situations. Moderated by Claire Hummel (In the Valley of Gods).
Saturday July 20, 2019 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 11, 06:40PM Over the years, Comic-Con has developed and given out its own awards as well as serving as the home for other awards presentations. Get the background on the Inkpot Awards (William R. Lund), the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award (Ruth Clampett), the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award (Gene Henderson), the Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Book Writing Award (Mark Evanier), the Icon Award (David Glanzer), the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award (Joe Ferrara), and the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards (Carl Gropper and Jackie Estrada, who is also moderating).
Saturday July 20, 2019 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 7AB
UPDATED: Tue, Jul 09, 01:29AM Last year (2018) saw the conclusion of Elfquest: Final Quest and the wrap-up of a decades-long storyline and hero's journey. Ever since, readers have been wondering if that marked the end of Elfquest itself. The answer, of course, is no! Something new is coming from Team Elfquest and Dark Horse Comics, and it will be announced at Comic-Con. The creators, writers, and artists, Wendy Pini, Richard Pini, and Sonny Strait, will reveal plans for the Wolfriders for 2019 and beyond, and field any and all questions you may have.
Saturday July 20, 2019 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 23ABC
Like long lines and oversized giveaway bags, Ink Pot Award-winner Kevin Smith has become an inevitable fixture of Comic-Con. But instead of hitting the stage and talking about past glories like he usually does, this year Smitty's bringing a new movie to Hall H-a new flick that's built on . . . past glories. See the world premiere of the Jay & Silent Bob Reboot trailer, followed by a Hall H-only sneak preview of the movie-within-a-movie scene from the reboot Jay and Silent Bob are trying to stop: Bluntman V Chronic ! Joined by star Jason Mewes and other funny folks from the flick, this panel will be far from Silent, Bob!
The second-most-common question JMS gets at SDCC each year is "How do I become a writer?" (The first-most-common question is, "Can you please just leave?" but we'll discuss that another time.) This popular workshop is an opportunity for aspiring writers to get the best advice available on achieving success, direct from the horse's mouth (or the other end). Freewheeling and frank, the workshop requires participation, so bring your very best questions about techniques, marketing, and other matters relevant to breaking in as a writer in comics, film, and TV. Your second-best questions should be directed, randomly, at Marv Wolfman.
Batton Lash was a fixture at Comic-Con for over 25 years, usually found at his Exhibit A Press booth in the Independent Publishers area of the Exhibit Hall. Often referred to as the Best-Dressed Man at Comic-Con, Batton was the creator of the newspaper strip Wolff & Byrd, Counselors of the Macabre, which became the comic book series Supernatural Law. He also wrote the iconic Archie Meets the Punisher (1984) and the Radioactive Man series for Bongo/Simpsons Comics. Batton passed away in January after a two-year battle with brain cancer. Hosted by Rob Salkowitz, Batton's wife Jackie Estrada and Batton's friends and colleagues Anina Bennett, Dan Bois, Jon Cooke, Bill Morrison, and Jim Pascoe talk about the cartoonist's contributions to comics and share memories about him.
Sunday July 21, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 24ABC
Alitha Martinez has been a fixture in the background of comics for 20 years. starting with her debut on the pages of Marvel's Iron Man and continuing today on such titles as Marvel's Moon Girl and Humanoid's Omni, but did you know that Black Panther's World of Wakanda was her second trip to Wakanda? Come discover someone who's a self-described workhorse and the first woman of color to draw flagship titles for both Marvel and DC comics.
Ann Leckie is the author of the multi-award-winning novel Ancillary Justice, and just out this year, her first fantasy novel, The Raven Tower. Ann will be hosting this Q&A session so you can ask her about her books, about writing, or whatever else strikes your fancy.
Sunday July 21, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 29AB
Jonathan Hickman (X-Men, Avengers, Fantastic Four, Secret Wars) holds a Q&A session where he will answer any question you might have about his upcoming relaunch of the X-Men franchise at Marvel along with industry advice and insight.
Sunday July 21, 2019 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
This annual panel celebrates Comic-Con's first superstar guest, the man they call "The King of Comics," Jack Kirby. Jack left us in 1994, but his influence on comics, film, and this convention has never been greater. Discussing the man and his work this year are Kurt Busiek (Astro City, Marvels), Buzz Dixon (Thundarr the Barbarian, Destroyer Duck), Mike Royer (Kirby's favorite inker), attorney Paul S. Levine, and maybe a few surprise panelists. Naturally, it's moderated by former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier.
Sunday July 21, 2019 10:00am - 11:15am PDT
Room 5AB
Seems that Comic-Con survived the Y2K virus! Panelists Eddie Campbell (artist, From Hell), Gene Ha (artist, Top 10), Jae Lee (artist, The Inhumans), Steve Sansweet (former head of fan relations at Lucasfilm), Kevin Smith (writer, director, Clerks), and Billy Tucci (artist, Shi) discuss with moderator Kurt Busiek the ever-growing pop culture event that is: Comic-Con!
Sunday July 21, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Floyd Norman (artist, animator, The Jungle Book, Toy Story 2) highlights the periods of his career not working for the Walt Disney Studios. Floyd will give a keynote presentation showcasing his fascinating projects working with people outside of the Disney company, including Fat Albert for Bill Cosby, the Soul Train main titles, Smokey Robinson's Bushead, and many more from over the years.
Comic-Con special guest William Stout hosts an hour of eye candy and outrageous tales that cover his 50-year-career as a working artist. Comics, dinosaurs, zombies, murals, T-shirts, LP and CD covers, motion picture, and theme park design-you name it, Stout's done it. And, he's one of a tiny handful of folks who has attended every single Comic-Con!
Sunday July 21, 2019 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Scott Snyder takes you on a tour of his upcoming creator-owned projects. Ever wonder what it takes to launch your own creator-owned, self-published titles? Well Scott is going to walk you through the process while in the meantime letting you in on some stuff that he is doing with creators such as Charles Soule, Rafael Albuquerque, Greg Capullo, Jock, and many others.
Sunday July 21, 2019 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Room 6DE
With the smash-hit success of yesterday's Cartoon Voices I panel, there's no choice but to do another one-with different but equally talented actors from the world of animation voicing. Once again, moderator Mark Evanier has assembled an all-star dais that will include Jim Meskimen (The Adventures of Puss in Boots, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Robin Atkin Downes (Ben 10, Star Wars Rebels), Secunda Wood (Boss Baby, Days Gone), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad, Looney Tunes), Candi Milo (Fanboy & Chum Chum, Jimmy Neutron), and probably someone else.
Have you wondered what life is like for a comic book artist? Are you looking for tips and tricks of the trade? If so, please join Comic-Con special guest Jae Lee for his spotlight panel.
In a world where technology is almost magic, where people are instantly and constantly in touch, maps guide the way everywhere, and the answer to almost any question is just a voice command away, can magic truly feel special? When a story is guided by a quest, a savior, or a long-standing curse, what place does technology have? If Bran could have texted Ned Stark that it was Jaime that pushed him out the window, would that change who sits upon the Iron Throne? Could Frodo have used a drone to drop the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom? Hear from Comic-Con special guests how they embrace or shun modern technology to create fantastical takes beloved by all. Moderated by Lilah Sturges, panelists include Gene Ha (Mae), Maya Kern (Monster Pop), Katie O'Neill (Princess, Princess, Ever After), Bree Paulsen (Patrik the Vampire), Carey Pietsch (The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited), and Ursula Vernon (Dragon Breath).
Sunday July 21, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Sam Sykes, one of the only people to have their time-wasting Twitter posts turned into a movie,will talk about books, social media, and whatever else he can think about-it's his spotlight, after all. As the author of Seven Blades in Black, the Bring Down Heaven trilogy, and the Affinity for Steel trilogy, as well as comics like Brave Chef Brianna, there'll probably be a lot of talking about books.
Sunday July 21, 2019 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Since 1989, Joseph Michael Linsner has been bringing his creation Dawn to life through comic books, statues, and action figures. Come hear JML discuss Dawn's origins, her present anniversary projects, and what surprises lie right around the corner. He will also discuss his work as a cover artist on some of today's hottest comics (Conan, Harley Quinn, Wolverine, and Vampirella).
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 11, 07:23PM Come see Todd McFarlane (president at Image Comics, creator of SPAWN) and surprise guests from the superstar creative teams of SPAWN #300 and #301! This inside look at the creation of these record-breaking issues will jumpstart the celebration as SPAWN becomes the longest-running, creator-owned comic book in the world. Plus, new art reveals, giveaways, and more.
What does it take to make a great cover for a comic book? Let's ask four of the top artists . . . all folks who've created some of the best. Come hear the "shop talk" of Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion), Charles Vess (Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess' Stardust, Heavy Metal), Alitha Evelyn Martinez (Iron Man, Batgirl), and Jae Lee (Hellshock, The Inhumans). Moderated by Mark Evanier.
Sunday July 21, 2019 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
50 years of Comic-Con and now what? Hear from CCI board members and staffers Robin Donlan, Justin Dutta, Maija Gates, David Glanzer, Gary Sassaman, Mark Yturralde as they discuss the current state of Comic-Con and where it's headed with moderator and director of programming for Comic-Con International, Eddie Ibrahim.
Sunday July 21, 2019 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
UPDATED: Sat, Jul 20, 09:05PM For those who have attended the Comic-Con Talk Back in the past, the face of John Rogers is a familiar one. Outside of that spotlight, his years as the president of Comic-Con were marked by incredible growth for both the organization and the increasing social acceptance of popular arts fandom and culture. This year, to honor his memory, friends and colleagues will discuss his contributions to the organization and this field throughout the years. Panelists include Janet Tait, David Glanzer, Robin Donlan, Mark Stadler, Mark Yturralde, Maija Gates, and Eddie Ibrahim.
Sunday July 21, 2019 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC