When time passes us by…Remember when you were a kid and summer seemed to last forever? Then later in high school it seemed to pass by so fast, now as an adult, months seem to flyby in a matter of days thanks to us being occupied with the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Now imagine if time really ceased passing you by, would you pay attention? Well in the case of Travis Morgan, forty years have passed in the blink of an eye…
In Warlord #4, we learn a little more about the evil that is the Golden God, and from whence comes his power. Travis is reunited with a few friends who were thought lost, and the opposing forces are massing for a prolonged engagement before the inevitable siege of Shambala.
The entrepreneur turned self appointed tyrant, Ned Hawkings, seeks to use the ancient magic and technical savvy of the ancient Atlanteans to wreck havoc on the lands of Skartaris. For his plans to come to fruition, Hawkings has set up base in the Citadel that was once used by the evil sorcerer Deimos. He is also in possession of Deimos ancient book of spells, which holds its most vaunted secrets in Atlantean code… one which can only be cracked with the aid of a certain computer technician. Lucky for Hawkings he has someone with a laptop to help.
I feel this is really an awesome series for any number of reasons. Whether it ‘s referencing the first Warlord series, the continuation of a great storyline which adds to the already lengthy Atlantean mythology, and the art that oddly enough reminds me of the style used in a certain role playing game created by another group of “wizards”. Overall, the story just works.
My congratulations go out to Mike Grell, not only because this is a great read, but it keeps getting better as the story progresses.
8.5/10
John H
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Loophole. Sometimes we feel the little things are not important. That if something minor happens, nothing major will come out of it. Usually this is the case, but sometimes this minor mishap can be exploited and turned into something quite considerable, with unforeseen consequences. But in order for that to happen, one has to know where such a “loophole” lies, and be able to exploit it.
Booster Gold #22 takes us to a seemingly minor event in the DCU, and to be more specific the Teen Titans timeline, and allows us to see it be manipulated in order to create an alternate timeline. This allows the Black Beetle, and his mysterious associate, to set into motion a plan for a sneak attack against their main target, The Justice League of America. Of course this raises more questions than it answers. Why would someone want to attack the JLA via this manner? And who would have the expertise in order to pull off such a stunt?
As we watch Rip Hunter and Booster travel back to the event, we see flashes of the altered timeline, one where Batman’s partnered with Batgirl: Sinestro, as Green Lantern, is a founding member of the Justice League instead of Hal Jordan. And Ted Kord is a Red Beetle, instead of Blue. It seems this altered timeline wasn’t cause just by Robin’s death, but the death of the entire New Teen Titans Team. As Booster lands in the past and manages to not only gain access to the Titans, but also their trust, he confronts Black Beetle again. But this time Black Beetle is paired with the one man who has a serious mad-on for the Titans: Deathstroke, the Terminator.
Meanwhile back on Vanishing Point, Rip finds a device which is broadcasting information to the mystery man behind Black Beetle. Of course once Rip finds the device, its failsafe activates and incapacitates him, leaving Booster to hold his own against not one, not two, but three serious villains, who have managed to change history for the worst.
A great second act full of drama and action, but I do have one question: Where’s Raven?
8.5/10
Eddie R
Review Co-Editor
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We're proud to welcome back the San Diego International Children's Film Festival for it's 6th year at Comic-Con. The Festival will be running in Room 10 on Sunday, July 26, designated as "Kids' Day" at Comic-Con. Films start at 10:15am and run until 5:00pm. Titles and brief descriptions of the films are provided on our site along with a guideline for the target audience age that they're best suited to. Psst...you don't have to be a kid to enjoy some of these great short films (animated, live action and documentaries) from around the world.
Program #1 - 10:15–11:15
Animation Showcase!
One hour of creative animation from around the world! (A) (60:00)
Program #2 - 11:20–12:20
Id
Yoonah Nam
How the mind works – an experiment in art. (A) (4:10)
Spider's Walk
Eric Wagner
Malevolent creatures may be quite benign viewed through the looking glass. (A) (5:02)
Azamani & Izanagi
Allie Takahashi
An abstract interpretation of a Shinto creation narrative. (A) (1:43)
The Turtle and the Shark
Ryan Woodward
Fonuea and her husband flee to the island of Tutuila. Based on the Samoan legend. (A) (3:52)
Stay in My Memory
Katy Davis
Dreamy mixed media animated short about love and loss. (A) (4:18)
Retrato De Noa
Bethynia Cardenas Iniguez
An experimental self-portrait recounting childhood. (A) (1:02)
The Lighthouse Keepers
Katie G. Jones
In 1919, Theresa Glanville was born in the lighthouse in County Clare, Ireland. In 2007, Theresa's granddaughter visited the lighthouse. (A) (6:40)
The Candy
Ruben Figures
When kids want candy, they want candy. (L) (1:49)
Intermission
Patrick Murray
A cautionary tale concerning a life spent running. (A) (2:55)
Golliwog's Cakewalk
Joe Chomiak
Careful what you step on. (L) (3:53)
Dad's Red Tractor
Joe Chomiak
A boy's adventures on a tractor. (L) (3:58)
I Sing on the Cake
Nadia Chaney
A sweet song of love from a daughter to the immigrant mother who taught her to trust her art. (A) (3:54)
Tah-Dah
Stacey Chomiak
One bug, one farmer and the cello that brought them together. (A) (2:20)
For A Fistful of Snow
Julien Ezri
In the wild north, a battle over a fistful of snow. (A) (5:42)
Program #3 - 12:30–1:30
The Collection
Keren Albala
A curious girl investigates the mysterious disintegration of her paper world. (L) (6:42)
The Juggler
Jack Ofield
Is there anything the Juggler cannot juggle? (A) (4:00)
Dandelion...Will Make You Wise
Jack Ofield
The beginning of the world is with us always. (A) (5:00)
Circus Minimus
Jack Ofield
The American circus reconstructed by craftsman Henry Dunklee. (A) (3:00)
For Your Entertainment
Guenever Goik A white tiger cub, raised for show business, is deemed unfit for the stage and discarded. Can he escape captivity? (A) (3:52)
Egg Robot Momo
Shinhee Kim
The offspring of a chicken robot and a human robot knows he is different. (L) (5:34)
Goldilocks Redirected
Beth Albright
Inspired by silhouette animation, puppet shows, and tactile textures, tells a familiar tale in a new way. (A) (1:53)
The Fan and the Flower
Bill Plympton
An ill-fated romance between a fan and a flower magically creates a fairy tale ending. From famed animator Bill Plympton. Narrated by Paul Giamatti. (A) (7:10)
Hot Dog
Bill Plympton
One dog's quest for greatness in the heat of heroism. (A) (5:41)
Program #4 - 1:30–2:30
Leave Honey on Your Skin
Kristy Linderholm
Sometimes war turns into true love. (A) (5:00)
The Border
Maya Lior
Based on personal childhood experience during the Gulf War and the Second Infitada, 1991-2000. A wall was built to separate two cultures in constant conflict. (A) (2:59)
The Adventures of Tommy T-Bone
David Icely
An animated T-bone steak runs from his hungry nemesis. (A) (:35)
Lieing Man
Roger Leatherwood
A man lying in the ocean is confronted by a shark. (A) (1:00)
Lightride
Ian Fischer
He wakes in darkness. A formless world. He creates with light. (A) (5:15)
Zach & Joonki
Zachary Lind
Two boys with overactive imaginations play superheroes. (A) (2:38)
Pigeon Pilfer
Michael Stevenson
The stares of pigeons torment a man as he attempts to enjoy a corndog. (A) (1:36)
The Mouse That Soared
Kyle T. Bell
A famous flying circus mouse reflects on his humble beginnings. (A) (5:45)
Snuggle Time
Angela O. Sullivan
The story of a little girl, a vampire and the stuffed toy lamb caught between them. (A) (5:04)
Gerald's Last Day
Justin and Shel Rasch
Gerald the dog is scheduled for termination by the pound at 5 p.m. Can he find an adopter in time? (A) (12:00)
Moongirl
Henry Selick
One night, a boy and his flying squirrel are caught by a fish and taken to meet the Girl in the Moon. From the director of A Nightmare Before Christmas, James and the Giant Peach, and Coraline. (A) (8:37)
Program #5 - 2:30–3:30
2 Fast 2 Furry
Chase Matthews
Two dogs joyriding in a car. Let the good times roll. (L) (12:00)
The Hard Life of a Dog
Ryan T. Fulton
Even dogs can learn lessons. (A) (4:00)
The Cock & Bull Story
Ari Carrillo
A thief who will do anything to escape. (A) (3:10)
La Cecilia
Ari Carillo
The life of a Japanese tourist changes forever when a Mexican florist serenades her. (A) (4:00)
1/2 Off: The Mini Adventures of Burger
Jess Haber
A package of ground beef tries a last-ditch effort of escape before consumption. (L) (6:50)
The Little Duke
Nathan Levine-Heaney
On the day of his Bar Mitzvah, Isaac Kaufman blazes an unorthodox trail into manhood. (L) (7:54)
Propose
Daniel Racusin
A music video for the Japanese band Paraele Stripes. (A) (4:30)
Gallery Girl
Andrew Marshel
Tired of her flat existence, a girl painted on an Egyptian hieroglyphic wall decides to explore the other paintings. (A) (5:09)
Dear Fatty
Hsin-I Tseng
A little girl writes a letter to her pet hamster Fatty, wondering why he took a trip away from home. (A) (7:00)
Karma Cafe
Eben Kostbar
A coffee shop cashier instills confidence in a lonely, young man seeking love. Are they the words of The Wise? Or simply acts of coincidence? (L) (10:16)
Wishful Thinking
Jane Sablow
An imaginative 3-year-old changes the theme of her traditional birthday party. (A) (4:50)
V
Ly Bolia
A celebration of the letter V. (A) (6:00)
What to Eat, Oscar?
Mig Jou
A fox needs a snack. (A) (3:56)
A Flat in B Minor
Scott Fiander
The changing of a flat tire to the rhythm of a tango...in B Minor....on a distant planet. (A) (2:45)
Program #6 - 3:30–5:00
Thom Cat
Mike Gray
Thom G. Cat is a genius inventor, a brilliant scientist, and a fashion trendsetter…not bad for a cat! (A) (7:00)
The Infinite Goliath
Mike Gray
The alleged master of evil meets his match in neighborhood children. (A) (6:52)
Without Your Permission
Anthony Rhoads
A perpetual traveler with a mysterious machine searches to find its purpose. (A) (8:30)
Jabbawaki
Sean B. Conly
The story of a monster's love, and a journey of self discovery. (A) (11:40)
Gym Lesson
Hannes Rall
A little boy faces a common nightmare - gym class. (A) (8:00) (Germany)
Galaxy Gulp
Ross Scott
Focuses on the events in an outer space gas station. (A) (7:29)
Lolly's Box
Valerie LaPointe
Lolly's fort was an old cardboard box. Suddenly, things changed. (A) (3:03)
Summer Storm
Valerie LaPointe
One hot summer day, two girls decide to save the world from global warming. (A) (6:00)
Toumai
Carlos Stevens
In a condensed human existence, man defies nature and attempts to build the ultimate machine. (A) (4:12)
One Little Step
Nicholas Economides
A heartfelt comedy about a mime and a clown, two social outcasts trying to face their fate. (L) (6:34)
Jellyfish Niche
Jenny Sherman
A little jellyfish has trouble finding his niche. (A) (2:30)
Sharon Louden Showcase
Sharon Louden
A collection of short, animated films from renowned visual artist Sharon Louden. (A) (10:00)
Fossil Fools
Calvin Prieto, Max Groff, Jun Kwak, Michael Relth, Kenny Ceron
When the human world faces environmental extinction, a courageous little dinosaur takes a heroic stand. (A) (4:58)
Red & Blue
Tyler Ayres
A short story about personality and perseverance. Each day two little balloons hold a race... (A) (4:20)
Montrose Avenue
Marek Colek/Pat Shewchuck
One day in the neighborhood—more eventful than it appears. (A) (5:30)
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Over the past few days we've been unveiling a day of our Programming Schedule, and finally... *drum roll and rimshot*...we're complete with the posting of Sunday's schedule. Kids of all ages rejoice, because Sunday is "Kids' Day". Just look for the "K" on a program to see what's on that track. More schedules from other parts of the show are coming soon (like Autographs, Anime, Portfolio Reviews, Games..)
Sunday, July 26
Last changed: Sun, Jul 12, 11:22am
10:00-11:00 Comic-Con in the 2000s— In the first decade of the new millennium, Comic-Con continued to grow by leaps and bounds. The current team talks about Comic-Con in the 2000s. Scheduled to appear (providing running this year's Comic-Con doesn't stop them!): Fae Desmond (executive director), Robin Donlan (VP, Events), David Glanzer (director of marketing and public relations), Eddie Ibrahim (director of programming), Martin Jaquish (Masquerade director), Bill Pittman (VP, Operations), and John Rogers (president). Moderated by Gary Sassaman (Director of Print and Publications). Room 2
Categories: 40th Anniversary | Fandom
10:00-11:00 Kids' Graphic Novels— What's new and wonderful in the world of comics and graphic novels for kids in 2009? Moderator Robin Brenner, creator and editor-in-chief of NoFlyingNoTights.com, highlights the works of panelists Lewis Trondheim (Tiny Tyrant), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese), Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle and The Closet of Doom), Chris Schweizer (Crogan's Vengeance), Jennifer Holm (Babymouse), and Jarrett J. Krosoczka (Lunch Lady), who all recommend other great titles. Room 3
Categories: Comic Books | Kids
10:00-11:00 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel— Fifteen years ago, Jack Kirby left us, but his vision and creations live on to inspire everyone who comes into contact with his work. Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics) moderates this annual tribute to the King. Joining Mark this year will be actor Bill Mumy, Kirby inker Mike Royer, editor Steve Saffel, and members of the legendary "5-String Mob," a group of Comic-Con founding members who Kirby immortalized in the pages of Jimmy Olsen: Barry Alfonso, Roger Freedman, William R. Lund, Scott Shaw!, and Mike Towry. Room 4
Categories: Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes
10:00-11:00 The Spectacular Spider-Man— This Q&A session—with supervising producer Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), supervising producer/supervising director Vic Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron), character designer Sean "Cheeks" Galloway (Hellboy animated films), the voice of Spider-Man, Josh Keaton, and the voice of Sha Shan Nguyen Kelly Hu (Scorpion King), and the voice of the Vulture, Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street)—highlights the animated series that hearkens back to the webslinger's junior year in high school, when a not-so-typical 16-year-old must conceal his secret identity, endure the pressures of teenage life, and combat never-before-seen supervillains. Based on Marvel Entertainment's popular superhero, The Spectacular Spider-Man is produced by Culver Entertainment, a Sony Pictures Television Company, premiering its second season on Disney XD on June 22. Room 6A
Categories: Animation | Comic Books | Kids | Superheroes | Television
10:00-11:00 Phineas & Ferb— Hey kids, whatcha doin'? Going to the Phineas and Ferb panel, that's what! Creators Dan Povenmire (Family Guy) and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (Rocko's Modern Life) plus the voice of Phineas, Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris) and other surprise guests from the show are on hand to tell you everything that's happening behind the scenes of Disney Channel and Disney XD's #1 animated series. You'll get to see sneak peeks of new episodes, new songs, plus prizes, giveaways, and juggling chainsaws (okay, maybe not that last one). Room 6DE
Categories: Animation | Kids | Television
10:00-11:00 Nick Jr. Presents: Ni Hao, Kai-Lan and Wonder Pets!— Calling all Nick Jr. fans! This is the screening for you with not one, but two never-before-seen episodes! First, catch a brand new Ni Hao, Kai-Lan as the gang heads to China on an eye-popping, jaw-dropping adventure full of exciting new experiences. Then watch the Wonder Pets! team as they go on a mission to rescue Ming-Ming from a pair of enchanted shoes! Room 7AB
Categories: Animation | Kids | Television
10:00-5:00 San Diego International Children's Film Festival— More than 60 short films from around the world made for children and families—animation, live action and documentary—plus filmmaker appearances highlight this Comic-Con family fave. Click here for the complete complete festival schedule. Room 10
Categories: Animation | Kids | Movies
10:00-11:00 How-To Session: Anson Jew— Anson Jew's career took off at LucasArts as an animator for nine years on such titles as Full Throttle, Curse of Monkey Island, and Herc's Adventures. His comic Saturday Nite won a Xeric Grant in 1998. He moved to L.A. to freelance as a concept/storyboard artist for film, TV, games, and toys for properties including Sky Captain, TMNT, Insecticide, and Wolverine & the X-Men. Anson will present the creative process from storyboarding for animation, games, comics and how to support the multimedia process. Room 18
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Games | Seminars & Workshops
10:00-11:00 Dr. Who— Actor David Tennant, writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, director Euros Lyn, and executive producer Julie Gardner discuss their creative process and experiences working on BBC America's Doctor Who—television's longest-running sci-fi series—with exclusive clips and a Q&A session. Ballroom 20
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
10:00-11:00 Christian Comics Meeting— What are the different ways that Christian creators express their faith through their art? How can "new media" best be used to communicate timeless truths? Discuss the latest trends of the Christian comics movement with moderator Buzz Dixon (Serenity, Goofyfoot Gurl) and panelists Eric Jansen (Foursquare Missions Press), Leo Partible (Behind the Screen: Insiders on Faith, Film & Culture), and others. A short sermon and worship music will precede the panel discussion. Room 24A
Categories: Comic Books
10:00-11:00 Dynamic Anatomy: Manga Style!— Billy Martinez, artist and instructor at Neko Press Art Studios, presents his workshop on dynamic anatomy, Manga style. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced artist, this panel will be informative and fun. Learn from this 16-year pro on how to get your art from your ideas onto the paper. Room 30CDE
Categories: Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Kids
10:00-11:00 BOOM!: The Muppet Show— BOOM! Studios' bestselling sold-out The Muppet Show Comic Book took the industry by storm this spring. Roger Langridge's work on the series has been praised by all quarters and was quickly followed up by the bestselling sold-out Muppet Peter Pan, both series setting a new high bar for licensed properties coming to comics. Join a host of surprise guests to see what is next in the world of The Muppets! Room 32AB
Categories: Comic Books | Kids
10:30-11:30 The Art of Adapting Comics to the Screen— Jeff Goldsmith (senior editor for Creative Screenwriting magazine) examines the in-depth process of adapting comic books to the big screen with a stellar panel including David Hayter (Watchmen), Gregory Noveck (Sr. VP of creative affairs, DC Comics), and Josh Olson (A History of Violence). Room 5AB
Categories: Comic Books | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing
10:30-11:30 Smallville Screening and Q&A— Comic-Con favorite Smallville returns, as showrunners Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson join cast members Allison Mack (The Ant Bully), Erica Durance (House of the Dead), Cassidy Freeman (Finishing the Game: The Search for a New Bruce Lee), Justin Hartley (Gemini Division) and new series star Callum Blue (The Tudors), who will be playing the villainous Zod, to talk about the year ahead, answer fan questions and give an exclusive sneak peek at clips from season nine. Award-winning comic book writer, Emmy-nominated film and television writer/producer, and Smallville alum Jeph Loeb (Heroes) will moderate the session. From Tollin/Robbins Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Smallville will air Fridays at 8:00 PM this fall on The CW, premiering September 25. Smallville: The Complete Eighth Season will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Hi Def August 25. Room 6BCF
Categories: Comic Books | Superheroes | Television
10:30-11:30 The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd—LIVE!— Putting a new spin on "old time" radio, the longest running family friendly podcast, The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd, is back to entertain kids of all ages with its unique blend of wackiness, laughter, and surprises! Join the show's creators Grant Baciocco (Jim Henson Company's PuppetUp) and Doug Price (The Bodyguard) as they record an episode of Dr. Floyd live at Comic-Con along with very special guests Chuck McCann (Sid & Marty Kroft's Far Our Space Nuts), Frank Conniff (Mystery Science Theatre 3000), Moira Quirk (Nickelodeon's GUTS), Alison Mork (Pee Wee's Playhouse), Michael Rayner (Sesame Street) and, quite possibly, You! Join in and set your imagination to FUN! Room 8
Categories: Humor & Satire | Kids
10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Cold War Comics— Casey Alt (Duke University) investigates how Black Superpower was embodied in the popular cultural icon of the Black Panther and how it interacted with existing Cold War narratives of national technoscientific superpower. Patrick Jagoda (Duke University) examines how visual depictions of networks in American comic books and graphic novels, from Justice League of America to The Invincible Iron Man, channel cultural anxieties that accompany the emerging metaphor of the planetary network. Room 30AB
Categories: Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference | Superheroes
11:00-12:00 Emily the Strange— Fiends, strangers, and oddballs, lend Emily your ears! She'll give them right back after this panel! Fans of underground icon Emily the Strange won't want to miss this eclectic panel featuring Emily creator Rob Reger, Dark Horse editor Shawna Gore, artist Buzz Parker, and writer Jessica Gruner as they discuss what the future holds for Emily. Get a first look at the new Dark Horse comic series, the new series of Emily novels from HarperCollins, The Art of Emily book, an update on the progress of the Emily movie, and more! All attendees will be entered into a drawing to win a prize package including a complete library of Emily books from Dark Horse and other great stuff from Cosmic Debris! Room 2
Categories: Animation | Comic Books | Kids
11:00-12:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers— AKA "Evil Plots to Get Kids Reading." The 9th annual Secret Origin of Good Readers panel consists of Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University, San Diego), Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City), Bill Galvan (creator/artist The Scrapyard Detectives, artist for Archie Comics), and Jim Valentino (creator/Ppublisher Silverline Books/Image Comics). The panelists will discuss how teachers, librarians, retailers, authors, artists, and publishers can work together to bring comic books into the classroom for use as an innovative and motivating cross-curricular teaching tool and a vehicle for promoting reading and literacy. Through a multimedia presentation, personal remarks, and a question-and-answer session, the speakers will present an overview of the medium and highlight specific ways that comic books and graphic novels can be used to engage a variety of learners. Breakout sessions will follow the main presentation. The 70-page resource book The Secret Origin of Good Readers is available for free download courtesy of XMission.com (link coming soon!). Room 3
Categories: Comic Books | Seminars & Workshops
11:00-12:00 CMX: Bringing Manga to You!— Manga remains one of the hottest areas in literature, and CMX, the manga imprint of DC Comics, is right in the thick of it. Director of manga Asako Suzuki and editor Jim Chadwick discuss the latest releases from one of the most diverse lines on the market today. They are excited to talk about upcoming new series and ongoing series such as Crayon Shinchan, Broken Blade, Fire Investigator Nanase, Ballad of a Shinigami, The Lapis Lazuli Crown, Emma, and much, much more! Room 4
Categories: Anime & Manga | Comic Books
11:00-12:00 Women of Marvel— One of the most talked about panels from last year is back! Forget Storm and She-Hulk, meet the real Ms. Marvels of the comic world! Women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel will be on hand to talk about what it's like working as a woman in comics today and how you can join them. Say goodbye to the so-called "Boy's Club," these ladies are busting down the four-color ceiling! Guests include New York Times bestselling author Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Christina Strain (World War Hulk), Colleen Coover (Marvel Adventures), Sonia Oback (X-Force), Emily Warren (Secret Invasion), and more! Room 7AB
Categories: Comic Books
11:00-12:00 How-To Session: Charles Vess— Comic-Con special guest Charles Vess is best known for his extensive work with Neil Gaiman on Sandman and Stardust. He is the winner of several Eisners and other awards. Early in his career, Charles worked on superhero comics, such as Spider-Man and Swamp Thing, and has successfully transitioned his career into book publishing. He has published his own works through Green Man Press. He has collaborated with writer Charles de Lint on many books, including Seven Wild Sisters, A Circle of Cats, and Medicine Road. Charles' presentation will cover the creative process and how it translates to print and film. Room 18
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Seminars & Workshops
11:00-12:00 How to Draw Star Wars for Kids— Lucasfilm's Bonnie Burton (You Can Draw: Star Wars) and artist Katie Cook (The Clone Wars webcomic) help kids draw fun Star Wars characters. Lucas Online senior editor Bonnie Burton edits the drawing tutorials and craft projects, which can be found at Starwars.com/kids. Artist Katie Cook (Katiecandraw.com) has done licensed art for Star Wars, DC, Marvel, Heroes, and Lord of the Rings. She often dreams of being a Wookiee, which explains why she could use a haircut. Room 30CDE
Categories: Art and Illustration | Kids
11:00-12:00 Keenspot— Pioneering webcomics powerhouse Keenspot returns for their 9th annual Comic-Con panel! Panelists scheduled to appear include Bobby Crosby (Last Blood, Marry Me, Dreamless), Remy "Eisu" Mokhtar (Marry Me, No Pink Ponies), Chris Layfield & Pascalle (Zap!), Alex Kolesar & Joseph Kovell (No Need For Bushido), R. C. Monroe (Out There), and R. Smith (Accursed Dragon!). Room 32AB
Categories: Comic Books | Webcomics
11:15-12:30 Cartoon Voices II— It's yet another gathering of top cartoon voice actors, and co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress are there to put them through their paces. Come hear Hank Garrett (G.I. Joe), Susan Silo (Biker Mice from Mars), Greg Cipes (Teen Titans), Tom Kane (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends) and several more. Room 6A
Categories: Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Television
11:15-12:15 Nickelodeon Presents: SpongeBob, Fairly OddParents, and The Penguins of Madagascar— You won't want to miss this screening of your favorite Nickelodeon shows, including a never-before-seen episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, as Plankton tries yet again to bring down the Krusty Krab. Then be the first to watch Timmy and his fairies in a brand new Fairly OddParents episode. But wait, there's more! You'll also catch the gang from The Penguins of Madagascar on one of their latest adventures in the Central Park Zoo. Room 6DE
Categories: Animation | Kids | Television
11:15-12:15 American Dad— Showrunners Mike Barker and Matt Weitzman and stars Seth MacFarlane, Wendy Schall, and Dee Bradley Baker are back to regale the fans with an insider's look at how an episode of the hilarious Fox animated comedy is made, from table read to animatic to color. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind Comic-Con event. Ballroom 20
Categories: Animation | Humor & Satire | Television
11:30-12:30 Newspaper Editorial Cartoonists— Daryl Cagle, the cartoonist for MSNBC.com, moderates a panel of top editorial cartoonists including Steve Breen of the San Diego Union-Tribune, the most recent Pulitzer Prize winner; Michael Ramirez of Investor's Business Daily, the previous year's Pulitzer winner; Jeff Koterba, nationally syndicated cartoonist for the Omaha World-Herald; and Glenn McCoy, who draws the comic strip The Duplex in addition to his nationally syndicated political cartoons; and Rich Moyer (animated editorial cartoons). Editorial cartoonists are seeing their newspaper clients diminish as their audience on the web grows, raising lots of questions for the profession that these cartoonists will address. Room 5AB
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Webcomics
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on David Petersen— Cartoonist David Petersen talks about his Eisner Award-winning series Mouse Guard, how it came to be, the process that makes it happen, and what the future holds for his mice. An audience Q&A will follow the discussion, moderated by Nick Tapalansky. Room 8
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
11:30-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #14: Changing Identity of the Superhero— Martin Pedler (University of Melbourne) examines the transformation faced by superheroes as they shift from the niche audience of their comic book adventures to broader mainstream acceptance. Kate McClancy (Duke University) argues that Miracleman and Planetary actively engage the medium's embarrassing Silver Age history of starfish monsters and alternate universes to allow their titles to be invigorated by that history. Jack Teiwes (University of Melbourne) outlines Alan Moore's body of work on the Superman concept and how Moore's use of homage and pastiche, including Supreme and Miracleman, creates a metacommentary about the history of the superhero genre. Room 30AB
Categories: Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference | Superheroes
11:45-12:45 Supernatural Screening and Q&A— Supernatural stars Misha Collins (24) and Jim Beaver (Deadwood), creator/executive producer Eric Kripke (Boogeyman), and executive producers Ben Edlund (Angel) and Sera Gamble (Eyes) present an exclusive sneak peek at footage from the highly anticipated fifth season premiere of this thrill-ride series. They'll also answer questions and show a portion of the special features from the upcoming fourth season DVD release. Produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Supernatural airs Thursdays at 9:00 PM ET/PT on The CW, premiering September 10. Supernatural: The Complete Fourth Season will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def September 1. Room 6BCF
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham— Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his bestselling books. His credits range from the DCU's Justice Society of America, Salvation Run and Robin to the already classic Vertigo titles Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Moderated by Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond with Fables cohorts Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha. Room 2
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing
12:00-1:00 IDW: Making Old-School Comic Strips New Again— IDW and the Library of American Comics bring together two wise men of comics, Dean Mullaney (Eisner Award–nominated, Terry and the Pirates) and Criag Yoe (Amazing Ditko) to evaluate the recent resurgence of classic comics, discuss their approach to the material and reveal their plans for coming collections. Room 4
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips
12:00-1:00 Hot Wheels Battle Force 5: World Premiere!— Be the first to see an episode of the all-new CG-animated series Hot Wheels Battle Force 5! The series starts this August on Cartoon Network and tells the story of a group of teen drivers and their five ultra-cool, ultra-fast vehicles. Their mission is to protect the Earth from The Sark, an army of evil robots, and The Vandals, a species of superpredators. After the screening, producer Audu Paden (Spider-Man: The New Animated Series), director Johnny Darrell (Storm Hawks) are joined by real-life Hot Wheels car designers for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the series was created. There will also be plenty of fun activities, trivia, and lots and lots of great prizes! Room 7AB
Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Animation | Kids | Television
12:00-1:00 How-To Session: Benton Jew— Benton Jew is a storyboard/concept illustrator and comic book artist from Los Angeles. He began his career in film at George Lucas's Industrial Light & Magic, where he provided artwork on The Mask, The Mummy, and Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. He has also done some comic book work and has recently contributed art to Secret Identities: The Asian-American Superhero Anthology, Rob Hanes Adventures and Marvel's Agents of Atlas and Hulk Family. Benton will present more information on the creative process from storyboarding on major motion pictures to independent publishing. Room 18
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Movies | Television
12:00-2:00 Browncoats Fan Group Meeting— Fans of Firefly and Serenity are welcome to join the California Browncoats. Get the scoop on upcoming 'verse-related and 'verse-friendly events and products that you'll really love, learn about Waterkeeper Alliance, the charity the group is supporting this year. Drop by any time to join the fun and find out what the Browncoats are up to, but those arriving by 12:20 can enter to play Serenity Spin—put your 'verse-related trivia to the test to win shiny prizes! Room 24A
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
12:00-1:00 How to Draw Monsters— Marshall Vandruff shows drawings of monsters by great masters and explains how drawing methods have not changed in over 500 years. He will demonstrate how to come up with ideas for monsters and draw them so they look realistic. Room 30CDE
Categories: Art and Illustration | Kids
12:00-2:00 Asian Ball-Jointed Doll Collectors— Doll owners and enthusiasts discuss the world of Asian ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Elfdoll, Volks, Cerberus Project, Customhouse, Fairyland, Angelregion, Bambicrony, and many others. Learn the basics about BJDs, and pick up tips on customizing, maintaining, and photographing these beautiful dolls. Share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just see the many dolls on display, from tiny to towering. Make new friends—both live and resin! Room 32AB
Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Costuming | Fandom
12:30-1:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers Breakouts— This year's Secret Origin of Good Readers program offers an extended opportunity for attendees to learn and network through select breakout sessions following the main presentation. Participants will be able to choose from two intriguing options: "Promoting Tolerance with the Scrapyard Detectives" with Bill Galvan (creator/artist) and Dr. Robyn A. Hill (teacher educator), or "Building Comics & Graphic Novels Collections in Classrooms and Libraries" with Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) and Jim Valentino (creator/publisher Silverline Books/Image Comics). Room 3
Categories: Comic Books | Seminars & Workshops
12:30-2:00 CBLDF Live Art Jam— Witness live art created before your eyes by comics masters and bid on the chance to carry one home! Join Jim Lee, Terry Moore, and surprise special guests as you get a glimpse behind the scenes of their artistic processes! The Live Art Jam is a treat for fans and students alike. All art will be auctioned to benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. You will need a bidder number to bid on art at this event, which will be distributed at the start of the event. Winning bidders will be able to claim their art from the CBLDF's booth 1920. Room 5AB
Categories: Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comic Books
12:30-2:30 Zoinks! Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins— Come join everyone's favorite Great Dane as Warner Premiere & Cartoon Network present Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins. The all-new, live-action/CGI film reveals the origins of the Mystery Inc. gang on their first mission together. Be the first to witness the film, then stay for a fun-filled panel featuring director Brian Levant (Beethoven, Snow Dogs), producer Brian Gilbert (Wrong Turn, Skinwalkers), and the all-new live-action cast: Robbie Amell (Life With Derek, True Jackson VP) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma, and Nick Palatas as Shaggy. Also expected to attend is Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, who provides the voice of Scooby-Doo for Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, which will premiere on Cartoon Network and be distributed by Warner Home Video in fall 2009. Room 6DE
Categories: Animation | Kids | Movies
12:30-1:30 25 Years of Usagi Yojimbo: Spotlight on Stan Sakai— Learn the history of the ronin rabbit and his supporting cast, and find out what is in store this year. Comic-Con special guest Stan Sakai will do a step-by-step demonstration on his creative process and take questions from the audience. Room 8
Categories: Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
12:30-1:00 Roadside Attractions: Mystery Team— They were kid detectives. Now they're 18 and still solving child crimes. When challenged to solve a murder, the Mystery Team sees an opportunity to prove they're real detectives. A dark world of drugs, violence, and swear words awaits them. Mystery Team is the first film by popular Internet comedians Derrick Comedy, and at this panel the group—writers/stars Dominic Dierkes, Donald Glover, and DC Pierson, producer Meggie McFadden, and director/editor Dan Eckman—will be on hand to discuss the film, along with a special VIP moderator. The group will also be debuting an all-new Mystery Team short film. Ballroom 20
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Movies
12:45-1:45 Marvel: The Next Generation of Marvel Video Games: Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2, Super Hero Squad, and Iron Man 2— Enjoy trailer previews, discussion, and Q&A on the next wave of Marvel Games from Publishers Activision, SEGA, and THQ. Writers Matt Fraction (Iron Man 2), Mark Hoffmeier (Super Hero Squad), and Evan Skolnick (MUA2) are on hand along with game developers Kyle Brink (SEGA Studios San Francisco), Robert Blackadder (Blue Tongue), Dan Tanguay (Vicarious Visions) and TQ Jefferson (Marvel Studios) to discuss views on how story and design can come together to make licensed games that don't suck. Room 6A
Categories: Comic Books | Games
1:00-2:00 Business of Cartoon Voices— So you want to speak for animated characters? Here's a serious "how to" look at the business telling you what it takes to get in and how to avoid getting ripped-off. Each year for this, Mark Evanier and Earl Kress assemble a panel of agents, casting directors and working actors to give you a no-nonsense look at the business. Room 2
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga | Movies | Television
1:00-2:00 It Was 30 Years Ago Today: The Kicks and Kitsch of the Year Sci-Fi Struck Back (or: It Was No 1982)— Go back to the thrilling days of yesteryear as the disco era said its final good-byes and the bad hair of the '80s prepared to make its emergence. A group of professional geeksters guides your look back at some of 1979's crowning achievements, kitsch, and crap. Join them as they beam aboard Star Trek: The Motion Picture as the human adventure just begins (and possibly give their three cents on the new Trek movie as well), go bidi-bidi-bidi over Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, get sucked into The Black Hole, rip on Jack the Ripper in Time After Time, make Moonraker eyes over Lois Chiles, and listen fruitlessly for screaming in space in Alien. Starring Jeff Bond (Geek Monthly editor), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), Steve Melching (The Clone Wars), Dr. Theopolis, and some special guests and exclusive video treats. Moderated by Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, DOA: Dead Or Alive). Room 4
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
1:00-2:00 Ghost Whisperer Season Five: Everything New Is New Again— The cast and executive producers present an exclusive first look at video clips from the new season of Ghost Whisperer, along with hints and revelations about the game-changing addition of Melinda and Jim's new baby. Find out how the new character will bring new powers, new challenges, and new rules to the show, and how he will open doors to a whole new paranormal dimension—a dimension that will pit Melinda and her friends and family against entities darker and more dangerous than any she's ever faced, thrusting her into a battle between forces of good and evil, forces that she never knew existed. Featuring cast members Jennifer Love Hewitt, David Conrad, Christoph Sanders, Jamie Kennedy, and Camryn Manheim and executive producers Ian Sander, Kim Moses, and P. K. Simonds. Room 6BCF
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
1:00-2:00 comiXology— comiXology.com connects the comic book market with applications, tools and services for comic buyers, retailers and publishers. Hear comiXology-connected retailers (including James Sime of Isotope Comics), publishers (Chip Mosher of BOOM! Studios), and creators talk about the suite of connected tools—including their iPhone digital comics platform—and why they decided to work with comiXology. Room 7AB
Categories: Comic Books | Retailer Programming
1:00-2:00 How-To Session: Scott Brick— Scott Brick has recorded nearly 500 audiobooks, has won over 40 Earphones Awards, and has twice received Audie Awards in the Best Science Fiction category. He's been proclaimed a Golden Voice by AudioFile Magazine and was Publishers Weekly's 2007 Narrator of the Year. Among the classics Scott has narrated are Bladerunner: Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick, The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant by Stephen R. Donaldson, Dune by Frank Herbert, Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, White Jazz by James Elroy and Mystic River by Dennis Lehane. He will cover the creative process of reading audiobooks and voice acting. Room 18
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy
1:00-1:30 Overture Pictures: Paper Heart— Despite professing a belief that she's incapable of love, comedian and actress Charlyne Yi finds herself falling for "Michael Cera," played by Michael Cera, in this intoxicating mix of documentary, improvisation, and romance. Charlyne Yi, producer/co-writer Nick Jasenovec, and co-star Jake Johnson will be onstage to show clips and pursue the ultimate question: Does true love really exist? Ballroom 20
Categories: Humor & Satire | Movies
1:00-2:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #15: Comics in Museums— How do comics bridge the worlds of popular art on the stands and fine art on museum walls? Kim Munson (Munson Art Consulting) revisits the 1983 "Comic Art Show" at the Whitney. Michael Dooley (Art Center College of Design) covers two MOMA shows, the 1990 "High and Low" exhibit and the 2005 "Masters of American Comics," with emphasis on the works of Kurtzman and Spiegelman. Dennis Kitchen (Underground Classics) discusses new trends in museum exhibitions and the just-concluded "Underground Classics" show at the Chazen Art Museum and other shows he has worked on. Room 30AB
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics Arts Conference
1:00-2:00 Manga Art for Kids— If you love manga, here's your chance to learn how to draw it! eigoMANGA editors and artists will be on hand to teach the fundamentals of drawing manga for kids of all age. Room 30CDE
Categories: Anime & Manga | Comic Books | Kids
1:30-2:30 Comics and Graphic Novels for All Ages— It's true! There's a wealth of great comic books series and graphic novels out there for comics-loving kids of all ages—so much so, that Comic-Con presents its second big panel of the day on the topic! Moderator Randy Duncan (co-chair of the Comics Arts Conference) talks with Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Eric Jones and Landry Walker (Supergirl, Little Gloomy), Jeff Smith (Bone), and Alexis Fajardo (Kid Beowulf) about comics for everyone! Room 3
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Kids
1:30-2:30 Master of Monsters— Author August Ragone (Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters) presents a visual tribute to Japan's "Master of Monsters," Eiji Tsuburaya, the man who created the analog special effects for Godzilla and invented the kaiju eiga (giant monster movie) genre. Much like Derek Meddings (Thunderbirds), Tsuburaya and his team build elaborate miniature city and landscapes, which were summarily destroyed in pyrotechnical conflagrations or by men in monster suits. See over a hundred rare, behind-the-scenes photographs from some of his major films, such as Rodan, The Mysterians, Mothra, and The War of the Gargantuas, all in one big presentation! Room 8
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
1:30-2:00 Image: Alien Trespass— Directed by X-Files veteran R. W. Goodwin and filmed in classic fifties sci-fi retro style, Alien Trepass is being released on DVD & Blu-ray by Image. If you love such vintage sci-fi epics as It Came From Outer Space and The Blob, come learn more about this tale of an Interstellar lawman whose deadly prisoner, the grotesque Ghota, escapes when their flying saucer crashes near a small desert town in 1950s California. Appearing for the first time: Emmy Award-winning actor Eric McCormack (Will & Grace, Andromeda Strain, and star of fan favorite Free Enterprise) joining co-star Jenni Baird (The 4400) and director R. W. Goodwin. Ballroom 20
Categories: Humor & Satire | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
2:00-3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio— As Comic-Con comes to a close, sit back and unwind as Dan DiDio and friends invite you to a relaxed Sunday afternoon comics discussion. Share your opinions and listen to others as some of comics' biggest names talk about their love of all things comics. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Room 2
Categories: Comic Books | Fandom
2:00-3:00 The Strand Prophecy— America's youngest multiple award-winning authors, 14-year-old twins Brittany and Brianna Winner talk about the first two novels in their best selling Strand science fiction/adventure book series, The Strand Prophecy and Extinctions Embrace. They will discuss, their personal journey in publishing, writing novels, scripts and their nonprofit Dream It Tour, titled "If You Can Dream It, You Can Write It!" which reached over 45,000 students last year. This Q&A session is great for the whole family. Free collector pin and poster to the first 200 people attending. Room 4
Categories: Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing
2:00-3:00 Art of Pixar's Cars— Martin Arriola (Mattel), Ryan Gleason, (Mattel), Alan Porter (BOOM! Studios), and Ken Chang (Takefiveaday.com) present an inside peek at the art of the Cars world from the big screen to diecast to comic book series in this inspiring slideshow and Q&A session! Room 5AB
Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Animation | Comic Books | Kids | Movies
2:00-3:00 Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time Panel and Q&A— Insomniac Games, creators of the bestselling Ratchet & Clank franchise, are on hand to reveal behind-the-scenes stories about the development of this fall's Playstation 3 blockbuster, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time. Creative director Brian Allgeier and other team members, including voice talent, will reveal new scenes from the game, the latest trailer, and a new weapon feature. In addition, get a first look at Clank's new gameplay, and ask your questions during a Q&A. Room 6A
Categories: Games
2:00-3:00 Star Wars Trivia Game Show— Members of the San Diego Star Wars Society, veteran hosts of trivia game shows at Star Wars Celebration III and at Comic-Con International since 2002, have prepared a bigger challenge this year for all fans who think they know their stuff about the galaxy far, far away. Added this year will be one game round for kids 12 and under. Come test your knowledge and win one of the many valuable prizes to be given away. Room 7AB
Categories: Fandom | Kids | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
2:00-3:00 How-To Session: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert— Kevin J. Anderson has published a hundred books, many of them bestsellers, and many of them in collaboration with Brian Herbert or Doug Beason, as well as his wife, Rebecca Moesta. His solo novels include the Terra Incognita fantasy series and the science fiction epic Saga of Seven Suns. Brian Herbert, the son of Frank Herbert, has published the international bestselling Dune prequels and sequels with Kevin J. Anderson and is the author of his own Timeweb series. He wrote Dreamer of Dune, the Hugo-nominated biography of his illustrious father. Kevin and Brian will conduct a how-to regarding the creative process of writing as a team. They will cover the fundamentals of writing science fiction. A brief history of this writing team will uncover the original premise for the new Dune series of novels, as well as their new series from Tor Books coming out in 2010. Scott Brick, narrator for many of the Dune series audio novels, will moderate this session. Room 18
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing
2:00-3:00 Kids Write!— Kids, join creators Chris Giarrusso (G-Man), Chris Schweizer (Crogan's Vengeance), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle), and Gene Yang (American Born Chinese) as they draw the story you tell! Moderated by Cory Casoni (Oni Press). Room 30CDE
Categories: Kids | Writers & Writing
2:00-3:00 Muggles, Wizards, Tentpoles, and Fans in the World of Harry Potter— Back for its second year! Panel members Leslie Combemale (ArtInsights Gallery, official/exclusive HP art supplier), Henry Jenkins (USC, author of Convergence Culture), Melissa Anelli (webmaster, The Leaky Cauldron, author of Harry: A History), Gwendolyn Grace (president emeritus, HP Educational Fanon), Lev Grossman (Time magazine book reviewer, author of The Magicians), and Heidi Tandy (webmaster, Fiction Alley) duel over the latest Harry Potter issues. With the release of Half-Blood Prince, what does the future look like for Harry Potter fandom? Moderated by Potter Headmaster Eric Bowling. Room 32AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing
2:15-3:45 BBC America: Being Human/Torchwood— You won't want to miss these special back-to-back panels on Being Human and Torchwood! Being Human creator Toby Whithouse and cast members Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow and Aidan Turner appear on stage to give an inside look at BBC America's U.S. premier sci-fi drama about the lives of three twentysomethings and their secret double-lives—as a werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost. Following that, Torchwood actor John Barrowman, creator/writer/executive producer Russell T Davies, executive producer Julie Gardner, and director Euros Lyn talk about the making of the epic five-night television event Torchwood: Children of Earth as well as take questions from the fans. Ballroom 20
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
2:30-3:30 The Cultural Shift— Graphic novels and comics have been finding a louder voice in American culture. From the movies to television shows, the influence of comics is now working its way into classrooms and onto the New York Times bestseller lists. How is this happening, and where can it go from here? Join our panel of industry insiders on this insightful conversation: Hillary Chang, Jimmy Gownley, Peter Gutierrez, Nick Smith, and Anne Stockwell, moderated by Snow Wildsmith. Room 3
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing
2:30-5:00 Comic-Con 2009 Masquerade Playback— Comic-Con Masquerade Director Martin Jaquish reviews Saturday night's big costuming event, answers questions, and presents a big-screen video of the show for those who missed it, or who want a second look. Sorry, we cannot sell copies of the show. Room 8
Categories: Costuming | Fandom
2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #16: The Culture of Popular Things: Ethnographic Examinations of Comic-Con 2009— TBMatthew J. Smith (Wittenberg University) moderates a panel of students (Colin Barlow, Jessica Brewer, Ben Bolling, and Brian Swafford) who present initial findings of a week-long field study of how culture is marketed to and practiced by fans at Comic-Con International. Time will be allotted for engaging the audience in a dialogue about their own experiences. Room 30AB
Categories: Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference | Fandom | Movies | Television
2:45-3:45 Kamen Rider Dragon Knight— Meet the cast of TheCW4Kids new action-packed, monster-clobbering masked-heroes series Kamen Rider Dragon Knight. Stars Stephen Lunsford (Kit), Matt Mullins (Len), and Yvonne Arias (Maya) will answer all your Kamen Rider questions! Plus, fans will get to view never-before-seen footage from future KRDK episodes! Lucky attendees will get the chance to win prizes from Bandai's KRDK toy line and more! Room 6DE
Categories: Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
3:00-4:00 Kids' Graphic Novels from Papercutz— Papercutz is on a roll. In addition to its long-running hit series Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys, this leading publisher of kids' comics recently revived the popular Classics Illustrated, launched the runaway fan-favorite Bionicle, and brought back the classic Tales from the Crypt with new art and stories by stars like Joe R. Lansdale. What's next for this fast-moving, innovative house? Try Geronimo Stilton and Disney Fairies! If you don't know what they are, you will soon—and you'll get a head start at this panel. See previews of new art and stories, talk with Papercutz's star creators, and find out what's next for the hottest house in comics for kids! In attendance will be Papercutz publisher Terry Nantier, editor Jim Salicrup, Bionicle creator and writer Greg Farshtey, Hardy Boys writer Scott Lobdell, Nancy Drew artist Sho Murase, and possibly a surprise guest or two! Room 2
Categories: Comic Books | Kids
3:00-4:00 Making Webcomics— Ron Perazza (Zuda Comics), Kwanza Johnson (Zuda Comics), Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I Rule The Night), Cameron Stewart (Transmission X, Vertigo), Molly Crabapple (Act-i-vate, Dr. Sketchys Anti-Art School), and others present a roundtable discussion about the advantages, challenges, questions, solutions, costs and benefits of making webcomics for fun and profit. Topics include working with a publisher, self-publishing, promoting yourself, best practices, style, and moving from web to print (or vice versa)! Room 4
Categories: Comic Books | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics
3:00-4:00 Comic-Con Talkback— Here's your chance to tell us how we did. Comic-Con management will be present to field questions, comments, criticism, and perhaps even a compliment or two. Room 5AB
Categories: Talkback
3:00-4:30 Starship Smackdown XIII: Ultimate Edition— The legendary Comic-Con rumble in the jungle is back! Come prepared for a battle beyond the stars like no other. Ever wonder what would happen if an Imperial Star Destroyer went up against the Starship Enterprise or the Serenity were locked in mortal combat with the Salvage One? We know, but we're not telling! That's why you need to vote early and often at the always SRO Starship Smackdown extravaganza, repeating last year's insanely popular "Captains' Courageous" lightning round. Starring your expert panel of spaceship-ologists including Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronciles), Steve Melching (The Clone Wars), Robert Meyer Burnett (The Hills Run Red), Jeff Bond (Geek Monthly editor), comedian Mary Forrest, Chris Gossett (The Red Star) and moderated by Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, DOA: Dead Or Alive). Behold the ultimate smackdown! Room 7AB
Categories: Comic Books | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
3:00-4:00 How to Toon: Kids Cartooning Class— Joe Wos, a resident cartoonist of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and executive director of the ToonSeum in Pittsburgh, PA, offers a hands-on cartooning basics workshop for children of all ages. Room 30CDE
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Kids | Seminars & Workshops
3:00-4:00 Full-time Creative Work on a Part-time Schedule— Learn the secret to using part-time collaboration to achieve full-time results! No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, animation), breaking into today's media is a full-time job, even if you have only part-time hours to accomplish it. Topher Davila (editor and co-creator of TomatoTV.net), Mario Martinez (co-creator of TomatoTV.net), Kevin Flessing (TomatoTV.net columnist: TomatoTV Guide), Jonelle Cobb (web designer), Ron Coleman (TomatoTV.net columnist: "Doctor Professor"), and Joe Combs (web designer/coder) tell how they successfully juggle time between the creative and business sides from their experiences in illustration, business branding, writing, and animation. Whether you struggle with deadlines, are a creative hobbyist, or simply want to know how to get your foot in the door, this panel is not to be missed! Room 32AB
Categories: Animation | Comic Books | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing
3:15-4:15 Army of Two: The 40th Day: Bridging Video Games with Comics— Reid Schneider (executive producer, Army of Two) and Alex Hutchinson (creative director, Army of Two) discuss how they have been working with comic artists to show players the consequences of their moral choices throughout the game and how the in-depth involvement of these artists in the production of Army of Two changes the feel of the game. Room 6A
Categories: Comic Books | Games
3:30-4:30 Grandville and the Anthropomorphic Comic Tradition— Bryan Talbot (The Adventures of Luther Arkwright) presents his forthcoming steampunk detective thriller Grandville and its influences, followed by a Q & A session. Room 3
Categories: Comic Books | Science Fiction & Fantasy
3:30-4:30 501st Costuming: Dressing to Serve the Empire!— This panel describes the essentials about what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. It provides an overview of what is involved in creating a costume, the various costume categories and how much time is involved in creating a costume that is screen accurate. A panel of experts will describe, display, and demonstrate tips and techniques used for their costume specialty. They will also discuss the mission of the 501st Legion. Room 30AB
Categories: Costuming | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
4:00-5:00 Buffy the Musical— Let's end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Fandom Charities Inc. and Whedonopolis.com present a screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode "Once More With Feeling" as Comic-Con 2009's big closing event! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffy-verse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin'—back, that is—and singing and shouting and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: it isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. For more details on the screening visit www.whedonopolis.com, then show up for music, singing, surprises and dancing crazy! Ballroom 20
Categories: Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
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Hero Squared Vol. 3 - Love and DeathIn the third installment of Keith Giffen and J.M. DeMatteis superhero satire, slacker Milo Stone and his parallel universe counterpart Captain Valor (also named Milo but whom is referred by their middle name, Eustace, much to his annoyance) continue sharing Milo's city as Eustace's universe was destoryed by Caliginous the Magnificent, his parallel version of Milo's girlfriend Stephie. In the beginning there was the discovery of Milo's superhero self, then the therapy session from hell and now comes an ending of Infinite proportions.
The story begins with Milo returning to his apartment after being abducted to Caliginous' Omniship and after catching the reader up with the first two volumes worth of exposition in a page's worth of panels while the news tells of a Captain Valor Killer being on the loose as Eustace had been involved in a citywide battle with an actor who'd portrayed his character on an Adam West style TV show that Caliginous had temporarily given super powers to. Meanwhile Eustace and this world's Stephie have grown closer together as she and Milo have slipped further apart, the fact that Milo slept with Caliginous didn't really help matters either.
While Milo sulks over his crumbling relationship, a Captain Valor from some Mickey Mouse reality comes to him for help only to end up being taken back to the Omniship by Caliginous and her servant Sloat but not before she agrees to a therapy with Milo, Eustace and Stephie. The four begin to talk things through until Caliginous decides she's had enough and takes Eustace back to her ship only to see a Corp of Captain Valors preparing for one final battle with the future of the Multiverse at stake.
I've read volume two of this series and instantly loved the dicotomy between Milo and Eustace who get on each others nerves like a 1/2 powered Odd Couple. What comic geek didn't think about a reality where they could be super powered heroes after finding out about the possibilities of multiple worlds? The Hero Squared series takes that premise and turns it on its ear showing the reader that not every fantasy lives up to your expectations. Hero Squared vol. 3: Love and Death is a great capper to this hilarious series which isn't afraid to laugh at itself and typical comic book stereotypes yet knows when to take a moment and let the gravity of the relationships involved take center stage. Giffen and DeMatteis, of Formerly Known As the Justice League fame, bring their patented humor to their creation and give each character an ending worthy of this much overlooked series.
9/10
Rudy T.
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The plot thickens...The Unwritten is a new Vertigo series created by writer Mike Carey and artist Peter Gross. A reclusive novelist has created an immensely popular series called Tommy Taylor which bears a close resemblance to Harry Potter. After the writer's mysterious unsolved disappearance, his son, also called Tom Taylor, is pushed into the media limelight. His fame is largely because his father patterned the book's protagonist after his son.
However, rumors first begin circulating that Tom Taylor was not the novelist's true son. Then bizarre incidents occur in which fictional events in the books appear to play themselves out in Tom's real life. Tom needs answers and decides to pay a visit to his childhood home, a villa in Switzerland when Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein and John Milton created Paradise Lost.
Flashbacks from Tom's troubled childhood begin to occur to him now that he's back where so many confusing experiences first occurred. Despite his general skepticism, Tom is assisted in his investigations by Lizzie Hexam, who seems to know a lot about him and the connections between his father's fiction and his own life. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Tom's enemies begin to close in as he gets tantalizingly close to discovering his father's secrets in the villa.
The pace of the story slows down slightly compared to the first two issues but is enthralling nonetheless. The art is good but seems to be a little rushed compared to the earlier issues. It is highly advisable to pick up the first two issues before diving into The Unwritten #3. The forty-page first issue is extremely satisfying and hard to beat at an introductory cover price of $1. A second printing of #1 was recently released at $2.
The series brims with unsolved mysteries that will surely be incredibly satisfying once revealed. It's also an extremely fascinating look at the relationship between stories and reality.
8.5/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
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DC attempts a comic book revolutionNotwithstanding Blackest Night which is getting underway, I have to say that Wednesday Comics is the comics event of the summer. This is a surprisingly fresh idea from DC Comics that ends up being way more than the sum of its parts, a thoroughly engrossing and refreshing experience for both comic book newcomers and jaded veterans.
Wednesday Comics #1 begins a twelve-issue weekly series where readers will witness the simultaneous unfolding of fifteen separate stories by different creative teams. Each issue is printed in a tabloid format resembling the newspaper Sunday comics section from the good old days. Unfolded, each feature is displayed in rich full-colour in on a huge 14” by 20” page.
We're slowly getting to the age of digital comics, with publishers gradually making issues available online. This is a change the music industry underwent first and one way they've reacted to it is by trying to make physical albums fun again, with deluxe editions and vinyl versions. Similarly, DC is giving us a good reason here to read physical comics. It's not an experience that can be replicated digitally, what with the feel of newsprint and the sheer size of the pages. It's making the reading of comics an engrossing experience again.
Another current phenomenon in the comics industry is the proliferation of trade paperbacks. TPB's are often announced before the issues being reprinted have all been released. There's a certain appeal to reading entire story arcs in a single sitting. In the age of the internet video and on-demand television, we're becoming acclimatized to obtaining we want whenever we want it. However, this fast pace of modern life carries with it its own particular kids of stress. Wednesday Comics hearkens back to the age of newspapers when kids would have to wait till Sunday came around to get their hands on their favorite color tales and took the time to pour over them on long, lazy Sunday afternoons. There's also a certain beauty in being forced to slowly savor various tales over three months, like eating a fine multiple-course meal versus chowing down on fast food. The gigantic format of Wednesday Comics also makes it much easier to appreciate the artwork.
The one-page-per-hero format forces the writers to pack a lot into a small space. It's an interesting switch from the 22-page format and means more punch per panel. Like in Haiku or Twitter, strict limitations can lead to stronger humor and more poignant action.
The content is split between top-tier superheroes (Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern), others that are well-known but not necessarily read on a regular basis by fans (Teen Titans, Hawkman, Catwoman, Deadman, Supergirl), and characters who are fascinating but relatively obscure (Kamandi, Metamorpho, Adam Strange, Metal Men, Sgt. Rock). This makes it a great introduction to some major elements of the DCU that not all may be familiar with.
The styles are extremely varied. In the same way most readers will learn more about characters they are less familiar with, readers will also be exposed to different types of storytelling that they're less accustomed to. In all, an enriching and enlivening experience.
Particular standouts are the silver age Green Lantern, Neil Gaiman's gut-bustingly funny take on Metamorpho, Paul Pope having Adam Strange take on sphinx monkeys, Amanda Conner's delicious Supergirl artwork, and Iris West getting her own half-page beside the Flash.
9/10
Adam P.
Review Co-Editor
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