Convention Connection: Wondercon Los Angeles 2016 Schedule

Can caped crusaders inspire you to find your inner courage? The Pop Culture Hero Coalition presents a powerful discussion about real-life heroism with a spotlight onPaul Dini and his powerful, soon to be released autobiographical graphic novel Dark Night: A True Batman Story (Vertigo, June 2016). Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond) will be joined by experts in psychology, education, and human rights activism. The panel will explore topics such as bullying, online harassment, hate crimes, and other interpersonal adversities. For the first time, Amnesty International USA will attend a pop culture convention, with Ann Burroughs (Amnesty chairman of the board, former apartheid prisoner of conscience) joining United Nations Association president Bettina Hausmann, Global Ted Fellow Suleiman Bahkit(founder, Aranim Comics, Hero Factor), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (host, The Arkham Sessions, Under the Mask), and coalition founder Chase Masterson (Star Trek, The Flash). Join this riveting discussion on how fictional characters in comics, film, and TV can teach us to overcome bullying and become heroes in our everyday lives!

Science fiction and fantasy authors Carrie Vaughn (The Kitty Norville series), Peter Clines (The Fold and the Ex-Heroes series), Arwen Dayton (The Seeker series), Sam Sykes (Aeon’s Gate Trilogy and Bring Down Heaven’s Gate series), and Brian Staveley (Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne series) discuss the pointy strategic bits of weapons and battle tactics as their characters battle for causes from the mundane to the sublime. Moderated by Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy.

Hear the latest on working on Extraordinary X-Men, drawing covers for Nova, and other projects in the works with WonderCon special guest and Marvel artistHumberto Ramos. Joined by Edgar Delgado (colorist, Extraordinary X-Men, Darth Vader), and moderated by Stephen Wacker (Marvel Animation). Q&A session to follow.

Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo, Tom Zarek, Kharn, Axanar) hosts a panel and fan discussion on the legacy and creative direction any forthcomingBattlestar Galacticamovie or series should take. Panelists include producer Alec Peters (Propworx,Axanar), Dr. Kevin Grazier (science consultant, Battlestar, Eureka, and Falling Skies), and Rob Burnett (Free Enterprise). The panel also includes surprise guests,Battlestar Galactica videos, comic reels, and a Q&A.

Fans will have a good mornin’ and a great afternoon, as some of the best from Cartoon Network visit WonderCon. Show teams and talent fromClarence and Uncle Grandpa will be on hand for a special panel to share what goes on behind the scenes, and what’s ahead for 2016. There will also be a special screening of never-before-seen episodes, a live table read, and more surprises. Moderated by Eric Bauza (Uncle Grandpa’s Belly Bag), fans will also be treated to a sneak peek from the new Powerpuff Girls series.

What is a superhero without a supervillain? And what is more supervillain than a Nazi? For decades, Nazis have filled the role of the symbolic counterpoint to comic books’ greatest heroes. They’re the gift that keeps on giving because they stand for evil in iconic and mythic ways. Because the world of comics allows for exaggeration, they can be used in all sorts of interesting ways, such as putting Hitler’s brain in an ape’s body. Peter Coogan (Washington University at St. Louis) leads a discussion on the relationship between Nazis and superheroes, and why Nazis were the perfect supervillains for Golden Age superheroes.

This panel of composer superheroes discuss creating the music that helps bring Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Disney movies and TV series to life. Scheduled to appear on the panel are Brian Tyler (Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel’s Iron Man 3), Tyler Bates (Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy ), John Debney (Marvel’s Iron Man 2, The Jungle Book), and Kevin Kiner (Star Wars Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels).

Properties like The Walking Dead and the gold standard of world building, Star Wars,have captivated fans with compelling stories and experiences using film, television, comics, apps, games, and more in unison to broaden the fan experience. The creators of Lantern City (Trevor Crafts, Matthew Daley, and Bruce Boxleitner) discuss the importance of integrating this transmedia approach in their Steampunk-inspired world building and what new directions this can take future fandom for Lantern Cityand others. Moderated by Filip Sablik (BOOM! Studios president of publishing and marketing).

One of the great appeals of comics has always been the ability of readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Even if a character has supernatural abilities, or lives an extraordinary life, the reader is drawn to a comic because of its ability to resonate with them. This can be especially important for those who are underrepresented in mainstream media. What does this mean for Latino comics creators? Moderator Vince Hernandez (Aspen) discusses how background can affect one’s work with WonderCon special guests Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets),Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), and Paolo Rivera (Daredevil).

Following a successful weekend at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in December, the 11th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival continues with the third of its three full days of short films from around the world for all ages: animation, live action. and documentary. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including advice to kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker.

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 02:55PM
Highly intelligent and persistent, Kirsten Clark has an aptitude for technology but never expected that she’d be hacking into the minds of the recently deceased in Freeform’s hit drama series Stitchers. Recruited into a covert government agency to be “stitched” into the memories of the dead, Kirsten is the perfect candidate to investigate murders and decipher mysteries that otherwise would have gone to the grave. Working alongside Kirsten is Cameron, a brilliant neuroscientist whose passion for the program is evident in his work, and Linus, an earnest engineer and communications technician. Maggie, a skilled veteran of covert operations who closely guards the deeper purpose of the Stitchers program, heads the secret agency. Kirsten’s roommate, Camille, a gifted computer science grad student, is also recruited to use her skills to assist Kirsten in her new role as a stitcher, as well as LAPD Detective Fisher, who provides backup and support for the team. Executive producerJeff Schechter and series cast members Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Allison Scagliotti and Damon Dayoub will partake in the Q&A panel.

The hosts of Geek & Sundry Live are bringing the hilarious show Drama Club Heroes to WonderCon! Join this panel for a fun live reading of the planned but never executed script of James Cameron’s Amazing Spider-Man and a chance to win some G&S swag!

A mystery adventure drama, Houdini & Doyle, follows two great men of the 20th century: Harry Houdini, master magician, escape artist and paranormal debunker and Arthur Conan Doyle, prolific writer, creator of Sherlock Holmes and paranormal aficionado. The two grudgingly join forces with New Scotland Yard to investigate unsolved and inexplicable crimes with a supernatural slant.

Hyperprolific comics writer (and WonderCon special guest) Charles Soule (over 200 published issues since 2012, including Daredevil, Poe Dameron, Death of Wolverine,Letter 44,Swamp Thing, and many more) stares into the bright light of justice for a full hour. Moderated by Shawn DePasquale, longtime friend and reader of early drafts who knows where all the bodies are buried. Bring the questions you’re too scared to ask anywhere else; nothing is off-limits. Free candy and legal advice for all! (There will be no candy, and legal advice will be billed at Soule’s standard hourly rate.)

Tom Hodges (comic artist and illustrator),“Artist Abe” Lopez (artist and illustrator),Joey “Joebot” Spiotto (Alien Next Door, Storytime Gallery 1988), Danny Haas(designer and illustrator), John “Captain Ribman” Sprengelmeyer (award-winning illustrator, syndicated cartoonist), Pauline Acalin (pixel artist, 72 Pins), and Jason “JangoSnow” Wong (graphic designer and illustrator) discuss tapping into your favorite fandoms for inspiration, how pop culture has influenced the course of their work, and the rise of pop-parody apparel culture. Moderated by Tom Kurzanski (art director for TeeFury).

Go behind the scenes of DC Entertainment for an in-depth look at some of the most exciting stories and exhibits across DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD! New and veteran fans alike are welcome for a tutorial on the essential stories, videos, and products that make up the immersive DC Universe. Panelists include Shelly Bond, Ming Doyle,Jay Fabok, JT Krul, Annie Wu, and Nathan Sawaya.

Novelist and WonderCon special guest Stephen Blackmoore will be talking about his books, writing, and publishing, plus an open Q&A.

You’ve heard the buzz. You’ve seen the reviews. Now find out where to start with Valiant Comics! From X-O Manowar to Ninjak to The Death-Defying Dr. Mirage andArcher & Armstrong, jump on board here with a concise and fun-filled introduction to Valiant’s biggest, most memorable characters, and find out for yourself why Buzzfeed calls Valiant “a universe full of your new favorite superheroes!”

Marvel Comics’ Civil War and the film Captain America: Civil War explore superheroes’ place in a post-9/11 world where some argue that civil rights conflict with public safety. Captain America leads superheroes fighting for liberty, while Iron Man leads others concerned about national and international security-but why? Travis Langley(Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology), Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia), Alan Kistler (The Unofficial Spider-Man Trivia Challenge), Patrick O’Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Kathleen McClancy (Texas State University), Lara Taylor Kester (Geek Therapy), Janey Tracey (Outer Places), andBilly San Juan (The Walking Dead Psychology: Psych of the Living Dead) discuss how character motivations on both sides of the Civil War arise from positive human qualities. Are any of them truly in the right?

Join the Damien cast and executive producer Glen Mazarra ( The Walking Dead, The Shield) on Good Friday for a special preview of the newest episode before it airs Monday on A&E; followed by a Q&A. See what lies in store for the mysterious child from The Omen now that he realizes the evil occurrences around him are not coincidental. Now 30-year old Damien Thorn and those closest to him must come to terms with his true destiny; that he is the Anitichrist. Starring Bradley James (Merlin),Barbara Hershey, Megalyn Echikunwoke (The Following, House of Lies), Omid Abtahi(The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, Those Who Kill), andScott Wilson (The Walking Dead).

Discuss My Little Pony, Grumpy Cat, Jem and the Holograms, and more! Join this panel for Q&A time with comic book illustrator and WonderCon special guest Agnes Garbowska as she talks about working on all your favorite characters. Don’t miss all the fun while she answers questions and takes suggestions for live drawing on stage! Moderated by Jason Inman (DC All Access).

For the last two years, Her Universe and Hot Topic have produced The Her Universe “Geek Couture” Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. Each year two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, Cat Carson(SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (VP, merchandising), and Andrea Lewis (director, brand marketing) from Hot Topic and 2015 fashion show winners Kelly CerconeandLeetal Platt take you behind the scenes of the making of their all-newStar Wars: The Force Awakens line for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Star Wars collection and hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2016 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!

Ever wonder what the glamorous comic book creator lifestyle is really like? Peek behind the paneled curtain with Ming Doyle (Constantine: The Hellblazer) and Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), two artists who also happen to be neighbors (and WonderCon special guests). They’ll discuss the pros and cons of living and working from home and the realities of being your own boss, who also has to answer to other bosses. Dress code: casual Friday, forever.

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 04:00PM
Based on the bestselling young adult fantasy book series The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare, Freeform’s hit new original series Shadowhunters follows Clary Fray, who finds out on her birthday that she is not who she thinks she is but rather comes from a long line of Shadowhunters: human-angel hybrids who hunt down demons. Now thrown into the world of demon hunting after her mother is kidnapped, Clary must rely on the mysterious Jace and his fellow Shadowhunters Isabelle and Alec to navigate this new dark world. With her best friend, Simon, in tow, Clary must now live among faeries, warlocks, vampires, and werewolves to find answers that could help her find her mother. Showrunner Ed Decter, executive producer McG, and series cast members Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Harry Shum Jr., Matthew Daddario, Emeraude Troubia, Alberto Rosende, and Isaiah Mustafa will partake in the Q&A panel.

Although free expression is seen as a basic human right, censorship is rampant in the United States and around the world. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownsteinand editorial director Betsy Gomez present an overview of the censorship crises facing cartoonists in 2016: from the violence and legal prosecution occurring around the globe to domestic attacks on young adult books in libraries and schools across the country. Learn how comics and books are being challenged and what you can do to fight back.

It’s been the talk of the town! Contemporary updates to your favorite Hanna-Barbera classics are coming. New iterations of all your favorites in the form of Scooby Apocalypse, Future Quest, Wacky Raceland, and The Flintstones! All this, plus teases and snippets of what’s on deck. Come see for yourself what the buzz is all about!

What do Marvel’s The Avengers, Disney XD’s Avengers Assemble, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D show about storytelling? They demonstrate that the tale of Earth’s mightiest heroes can be told through different mediums. Disney-ABC executives discuss storytelling in an ever-evolving creative landscape through live-action television, animation, and the digital space, along with the skill sets, trends, and challenges.

During this Robert Kirkman’s Skybound Entertainment panel, industry leaders discuss how to effectively engage audiences in an increasing digital age, while retaining creative and artistic integrity. Panelists include John Carle (Studio71),Nicki Cortese (Jurassic Party), Marc Hustvedt (SUPERGRAVITY Pictures), Gabriela Revilla Lugo (Revek Entertainment), and Rachel Skidmore (Skybound Entertainment). Skybound Entertainment’s director of digital programming, Michael Cruz moderates.

As characters such as Wolverine, the Flash, and Spider-Man become common utterances within the average household, what kind of examples are they? Dr.Patrick O’Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Dr. Edgar Ramos(Concordia University Chicago), Dr. Sean B. Knuth, Joseph Serrano (Adler University), and Elizabeth Smith (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology) explore and describe the interpretation of influence of comic books on moral development during adolescence. Panelists will offer insight into the impact of comic books on moral development, which also promotes greater advocacy for benefits of comic books within the field of psychology. This panel will also address the importance of role models in one’s life, and how these characters can help shape a person.

This panel covers what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup to go with it. It will cover beauty makeup, appliance application, special fx makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. The panelists include Dawnielle Banks(Makeup By Siryn, Batgirl Spoiled lead makeup designer), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters, winning look SDCC Her Universe Fashion Show), Kelton Ching (SDCC 2014 Apocalypse makeup demo, Blizzcon 2015 4th place winner), and Chrissy Lynn (Super Power Beat Down’s Darth Maul, League of Steam’s White Wolf), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds. They will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay, as well as offer tips and tools of the trade to use. Moderated by cosplayer Mac Beauvais(Monstrous Makeup Manuals 1&2 model, actress in The Gloaming).

Dragons, witches, elemental forces, alternate timelines, time travel and more!Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy and Charlie Jane Anders (All the Birds in the Sky), James Morris (The Three Kingdoms Trilogy), Greg Van Eekhout(California Bones trilogy), and Elizabeth Briggs (Future Shock) look at the past, present, and future through different lenses and timelines.

Meet the masterminds behind some of TV’s most beloved characters, from the modern-day crime-solving duo Holmes and Watson, to Brian Finch who uses the brain boosting powers of NZT to solve complex cases for the FBI, to a team of brilliant misfits who use their smarts to solve the nation’s crises. Robert Doherty(Elementary), Craig Sweeny (Limitless), Nick Santora (Scorpion), and Nicholas Wootton (Scorpion) tease what’s ahead for your favorite characters.

Artist and WonderCon special guest Francesco Francavilla will talk about his work, from the critically acclaimed classic pulps of his creator-owned The Black Beetle to the unnerving horrors of Afterlife With Archie, to the award-winning cover work and movie poster art.

When a mysterious and deadly epidemic breaks out in Atlanta, a vast urban quarantine is quickly enforced, forcing those stuck on the inside to fight for their lives while local and federal officials desperately search for a cure. Torn apart from their loved ones, the survivors trapped within the cordon are fighting against not only fatal infection but also isolation, fear, and the disintegration of society around them. As they begin to gain each other’s trust, hope remains, and on either side of the cordon, unlikely heroes will rise. Containment makes its WonderCon debut with a special screening of the entire pilot episode, followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. Based on the original Belgian series created by Carl Joos for Eyeworks,Containment is produced by My So-Called Company in association with Warner Bros. Television, with executive producers Julie Plec (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals), David Nutter (The Flash, Arrow), Matt Corman, and Chris Ord (Covert Affairs).

Join IDW VP of marketing Dirk Wood, editor/writer supreme John Barber and a host of surprise guests for a lively discussion of your favorite publisher’s upcoming schedule. Top secret reveals, prizes, a Q&A, and announcements, including one so big it will make your head spin!

From Civil War II to Star Wars, this panel has you covered! Editor Wil Moss is joined by Brian Michael Bendis (Invincible Iron Man), Charles Soule (Obi-Wan & Anakin), and other Mighty Marvel guests as they take on questions about Marvel’s biggest series and events!

Space Goat Productions is the comic industry’s premier creator management company, representing dozens of comic creators worldwide. This presentation will provide the resources, techniques, and tips for aspiring artists to best prepare their portfolio for viewing by a comics editor. Join Space Goat’s Shon Bury and Dave Olbrich plus panelists Matt Hawkins (Top Cow Productions) and writer/editorShannon Eric Denton discuss putting your best foot forward to begin or advance your career in comics.

Panelists confirm it was “a bad call, Ripley, a bad call” as their Algonquin Geek Table twists and shouts about the glorious moviegoing nirvana of 1986 includingAliens, Top Gun, Stand By Me, Ferris Buellers Day’s Off, Back to School, Big Trouble in Little China, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Fly,Labyrinth, 9½ Weeks, andHoward the Duck. StarringAshley E. Miller (writer,Big Trouble in Little China remake), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels), Steve Kriozere (The Librarians, NCIS), Robert Meyer Burnett (Agent Cody Banks, ST: TNG Blu-Rays), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP, director’s edition VFX supervisor), and Charles de Lauzirika (Crave, The Alien Anthology). Moderated byScott Mantz (Access Hollywood).

The always-entertaining cast and creators behind Bob’s Burgers bring their Emmy Award-winning animated series to WonderCon for an unforgettable panel! Creator and executive producer Loren Bouchard and the hilarious cast, including Kristen Schaal, John Roberts, and Larry Murphy, will entertain with a Q&A panel discussion featuring never-before-seen footage and a behind-the-scenes look at the series as they get ready to celebrate the 100th episode of Bob’s Burgers, airing on FOX this May.

With an ever-growing appetite for new content and rapid-fire advancements in technology, it has never been easier for a creator to get their work in front of an audience (and hopefully in a profitable way). But as traditional barriers to entry tumble, the exponential growth of alternatives (such as digital publishing, social media content distribution models, crowdfunding, and print-on-demand services) also result in an increasing assortment of traps, cons and hazards to navigate. And while it’s true that with great (technological) power comes greater reward, it’s the creators who must be responsible for protecting themselves and their creations from the unscrupulous and the deceitful who are gaining an ever-expanding bag of tools for fleecing the unwary. But luckily, creators have their own Defenders they can turn to-and not just Jessica Jones and Matt Murdock. WonderCon welcomes back noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, to discuss the truths (and debunk some urban legends) of protecting your creative capital. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion led by Lovitz, concerning the basic rights provided under the U.S. Copyright and Trademark laws; including the basics on the ownership and protection of ideas, a brief overview of copyright & trademark rights and their application to works of authorship, characters, and names. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. intellectual property systems. (Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE).

In the Star Wars cinematic universe, traditional father and son dynamics become twisted and turned. Is this a result of nature or nurture? Why does Ben Solo turn to the Dark Side of the Force, becoming Kylo Ren, while Luke Skywalker chooses to remain with the Jedi? Does Kylo Ren have any chance at redemption like his grandfather before him? What does the style of killing and torturing others say about Darth Vader and Kylo Ren? Would they, or even Han Solo, have any psychiatric diagnoses if they existed in our world? Forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast ThoughtPraveen R. Kambam, M.D., Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., and H. Eric Bender, M.D. tackle these questions and explore psychopathy, personality disorders, adolescent development, unhealthy relationships, and more in a galaxy far, far away.

Gramercy Pictures presents a first look at this animated feature based on the classic video game, directed by Kevin Munroe (TMNT).

Artist and WonderCon special guest Annie Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye) does a live demo and open Q&A about her work, influences, and any important “would you rather” scenarios.

The sky’s the limit with comics, as Joe Harris (Snowfall), Keenan Marshall Keller (The Humans), Brian Schirmer (Black Jack Ketchum), Jimmie Robinson (Power Lines), andBrian Haberlin (Faster Than Light) know very well. New creativity has been crucial to the success of comics and drives the most compelling stories out there. This panel will discuss the importance of creativity and resonant ideas when creating comics. There’s no story that comics can’t handle, so don’t be afraid to go deep or weird or both.

Brainy hit iZombie returns to WonderCon for its sophomore appearance to give fans the scoop on the shocking events yet to be seen in season 2. Will Liv learn the truth about Drake’s involvement with Mr. Boss? Will Clive remain in the dark about the existence of zombies? What will happen to Blaine and Major as the effects of the cure wear off? The clock is ticking. Join this panel for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars as well as executive producers Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) and Diane Ruggiero-Wright (Veronica Mars). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Spondoolie Productions and Warner Bros. Television and based upon characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, published by DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, iZombie airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

Star Wars, Batman vs. Superman, Warcraft, Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Nina Turtles,World of Nintendo and more! JAKKS Pacific, maker of world-famous BIG FIGS in gold standard 20″, massive 31″ and colossal 48″ scales, present the greatest heroes and villains from all your favorite pop culture brands in giant scale; perfect for everyday play and collectability. Find out about the latest offerings from all of JAKKS BIG FIG brands with a presentation and Q&A with members of the design, packaging, and marketing teams.

Writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (MLP:FF, Sundown Crossroads) and comics/animation storyboard artist Rafael Navarro (Batman Adventures, Guns A’Blazin) team up to show how to create dynamic panel layouts by training your brain to use depth. Mind-expanding information for both writers and artists, with quick words from Barbara Kesel and quick sketches from Rafael Navarro!

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 12:02PM
The comedy thriller feature film based on the bestselling indie comic book series Bad Kids Go 2 Hell is scheduled to hit theaters the summer of 2016. Meet the director and stars of the movie Ben Browder (Farscape, Stargate SG-1), Drake Bell (Drake and Josh, Ultimate Spider-Man), Sammi Hanratty (Salem, A Christmas Carol), and Sufe Bradshaw(Star Trek, Veep) as they partake in a Q&A session alongisde writing and producing team Barry “Bazz” Wernick and James Hallam. The panel will be moderated by a surprise celebrity guest.

Sit in with Sierra Hahn (BOOM! Studios editor) as she leads a discussion with writers, artists, letterers, and colorists on the roles editors can play in the comic industry. Listen as they explore the differences between working with or without an editor, at an indie publisher or the Big Two, and how editors can partner with talent to put creators’ visions to paper.

Glenn Vilppu (Disney, DreamWorks) is a legendary Los Angeles art instructor with an international clientele. He has helped animators at the top animation studios hone their life drawing skills. In this session, Vilppu will demonstrate how to apply classical drawing techniques to animation and comics, in order to emphasize movement, expression, anatomy, and lighting. Moderated by Fast Company‘s Susan Karlin.

For science fiction productions, there is an implied bargain between the screenwriter and the audience: “Suspend your disbelief on one or two fantastic notions, and other parts of the story will be grounded in the believable.” The genre is predicated on the expectation of one or two key inaccuracies per story. In recent years, however, both experts and fans have been nitpicking even the fundamental story conceits of films such as Gravity, Interstellar, and The Martian. From the “anything goes” storytelling approach of 1950s and 1960s sci-fi, these panelists will explore whether or not the science accuracy pendulum of audience expectation has swung too far in the other direction. Panelists are Jaime Paglia (showrunner Eureka, Scream), Zack Stentz(screenwriter Thor, X-Men: First Class), Kevin R. Grazier, Ph.D. (science advisor,Gravity, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Jessica Cail, Ph.D. (science advisor, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Zootopia), and Andrea Letamendi, Ph.D.(clinical psychologist The Arkham Sessions, Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics). Moderated by Aaron Sagers (Syfy Blastr).

Amazon brings a first look at the new Thunderbirds Are Go series, a reinvention of the 1960s Gerry Anderson classic. Piloting their remarkable cutting-edge Thunderbird Vehicles from the depths of the oceans to the highest reaches of space, Scott, Virgil, John, Gordon, and Alan Tracy return to perform impossible rescues across the globe.Thunderbirds Are Go blends a unique mixture of CGI animation and live-action model sets, delivering a new level of action-adventure animation while paying tribute to the legacy of model locations from the original Thunderbirds series.

Not all heroes travel the straight and narrow. Between right and wrong, there can be a great deal of gray area and some of our favorite heroes navigate this gradient terrain. Being a hero is not always easy, and moderator Jessica Tseang (The Comic Book Girl/Little Geek Girls) gets to the root of these dark heroes with WonderCon special guests Jason Fabok (Batman: Detective Comics), Terry Moore (Rachel Rising), and Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra).

DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman) talks about his 25-plus years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen. This is a great opportunity to watch the creative process first-hand and learn the tips of the trade that bring DC Entertainment’s characters to life.

Featuring a discussion with the VFX artists, composers, production designers, and costume designers behind such shows as Marvel’s Daredevil, Marvel’s Jessica Jones, Bloodline, and House of Cards. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon have experienced a rapid ascent through their innovative original content. If you want to know what goes into making such unique and successful content, come hear it from the creative professionals themselves.

Transgender people are making their mark on popular culture from comics to movies to television. What are the advantages of having trans creators tell trans stories? What barriers are left to break as trans people achieve greater notoriety in popular media? How will transgender characters affect the kinds of genres and stories you love to read or watch? Prism Comics and moderator Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Anything That Loves, Prism Comics board member) present panelists Shadi Petosky(Danger & Eggs), Julie Rei Goldstein (Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom), Mikki Del Monico (Alto), Gillian Cameron (Calogrenant), and Kat Blaque (vlogger and illustrator) for a lively discussion covering these and other topics.

Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies provide an inside look at the next installment in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise. Attendees will hear the latest news for one of the summer’s most anticipated movies!

It is a golden age to be a geek, with a new Star Warsmovie every year, multiple Marvel movies, the cinematic Justice League forming, and more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.Not to mention all of the TV projects like The Walking Dead, The Flash, Powers andArrow! With those projects come toys and collectibles!Bill Benekie (Mattel), Jim Fletcher (DC Collectibles), Kevin Kiniry (DC Collectibles), Dan Lujan (Kotobukiya),Scott Neitlich (Jakks Pacific), and Jeff Trojan (Playmates Toys) discuss how they are handing product production and security for some of the biggest movies and license of all time. Moderated by Daniel Pickett (Action Figure Insider, Geek Shall Inherit podcast).

Print and digital comic books need color, but do you know how they get their color? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi’s Brian Miller (Batman vs. Superman) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob Squarepants) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flattening, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. A Q&A session will follow.

From days of long ago and uncharted regions of the universe comes DreamWorks Animation’s Voltron: Legendary Defender! Hosted by Nerdist’s Jessica Chobot, join Executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (The Legend of Korra, Avatar: The Last Airbender), co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery (The Legend of Korra), writerTim Hedrick (The Legend of Korra, Avatar: The Last Airbender) and special guests as they unite to form this years can’t-miss panel of WonderCon 2016! Be sure first in the galaxy to get a sneak peek of this highly-anticipated event, as DreamWorks Animation unveils never-before-seen artwork and footage of the all-new Netflix Original Series. Panel attendees will receive a WonderCon exclusive limited edition Voltron lithograhp.

Warner Bros. Animation welcomes you to join the producers and members of the voice cast behind the hit series Teen Titans Go! as they screen a new episode and answer your biggest questions on what’s in store for Robin, Beast Boy, Cyborg, Raven, and Starfire. Teen Titans Go! airs Thursdays at 6/5c on Cartoon Network.

They’re heroes from different eras. They operate in different parts of the world, not to mention occasionally different dimensions! And they fight different villains, sometimes reluctantly. Yet, they’re all very much connected through the same universe and many of the same experiences, including trauma, adversity, and self-discovery. Writers D. J. Doyle (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Jose Molina and Lindsey Allen(Agent Carter), Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones, Iron Fist) and Christos Gage (Daredevil) join Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) to explore the dramatic psychology of the Marvel TV Universe. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).

Go behind the scenes of IDW Entertainment’s amazing new shows airing in 2016.Max Landis (Chronicle) will take you on a time-traveling tour of BBCA’s Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency. Even more surprises will come with writer and executive producer Emily Andras and lead actress Melanie Scrofano, who will share a sneak peek of Wynonna Earp, the dynamic, new supernatural action series premiering on Syfy on April 1. Hosted by IDW publisher and CEO Ted Adams, IDW Entertainment president David Ozer, and Circle of Confusion’s Rick Jacobs.

Have you noticed the rise of popularity with musical episodes and musical live broadcasts on television? Anne Cecere of BMI and Chandler Poling of White Bear PR explore this growing fad with some of the music industry’s leading composers and creatives in a lively discussion of how to bring that Broadway feeling to the small screen. Panelists include composer Christopher Lennertz (Galavant), composer and songwriter Gabriel Mann (School of Rock), director Jeffrey Hornaday (Teen Beach movie), VP of event series on FOX Rachel Rusch (Grease Live!), and VP of music & soundtracks at Disney Channel Steven Vincent (High School Musical).

WonderCon special guest (and Program Book cover artist) Jason Fabok, artist onJustice League: Darkseid War and Batman Eternal, offers an in-depth look at his career and journey from comic book dreamer to comic book star. Jason will share his process of breaking into comics, insights on his art, and tips for aspiring artists in this one-on-one interview!

Access Hollywood‘s Scott Mantz sits down with authors Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, The Librarians) and Edward Gross (Empiremagazine) as they discuss their upcoming book from St. Martin’s Press,The 50-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek. Altman and Gross will share heretofore unknown stories, revelations, and candid admissions from the hundreds of actors, writers, producers, and artisans they spoke with in writing their book. Also, learn the latest news and speculation about Star Trek Beyond and the upcoming Star Trek TV series in 2017.

Whether it’s far-flung futures or fantastical stories, the worlds that authors build are complex. How do storytellers create new worlds and unexplored universes? What is it like to become an architect for expansive mythos treasured by the masses? What’s the process for developing exciting new protagonists and working with established icons? Cecil Castellucci (Moving Target: Princess Leia), Aditi Khorana (Mirror in the Sky), Caragh M O’Brien (Vault of Dreamers), Lisa Yee (Author, DC Superhero Girls series), Margaret Stohl (Black Widow: Forever Red), and Victoria Schwab (A Gathering of Shadows) discuss how they create their worlds, the process involved in creating nuanced characters, and working with licensed properties.

Open to your questions! Join this panel for a Q&A with DM extraordinaire Matthew Mercer and the incredible cast that plays through an epic Dungeons & Dragons live streamed campaign every Thursday on Twitch. Joining Matt are Marisha Ray, Laura Bailey, Taliesin Jaffe and Travis Willingham.

From Marvel’s Kamala Khan to Star Wars‘s Finn, characters of color are finally taking on the pilot’s seat/captain’s chair/chosen one’s mantle and being positioned front and center in entertainment. But how far has it come and how far does it still have to go? A dynamic group of creators and expert commentators who have all had a hand in crafting powerful protagonists of color will discuss issues of representation and authenticity, writing from their experiences, the unique pressure put on diverse characters, and how audiences can best support these characters to usher in a whole new era of POC heroes. With Marc Bernardin (Genius), Shalisha Francis (Minority Report), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The 100, The Middleman), Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex) and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions).

In 1977, science fiction was not a popular genre for films. But Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox needed to find a way to get people into theaters to see Star Wars (and, later, The Empire Strikes Back). Craig Miller, who spent three years at Lucasfilm as a publicist and producer working on those two films, shows slides and talks about how they got fans (and the rest of the world) to come see them.

Face off with your favorite Rotten Tomatoes critics when they join editor-in-chiefMatt Atchity and senior editor Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes, along with their editorial team. As Matt and Grae invite audience members to share movies and TV shows they love, hate, or love to hate, everyone in the room uses their “Personal Tomatometer Paddle” to dis/agree with the score.

WonderCon will once again host the Comic Creator Connection, an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here’s how it works: in two 2-hour sessions—on Friday, March 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday, March 27, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM—writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. In 5-minute sessions, you can talk one-on-one with individual prospective collaborators about their ideas and skills. At the end of each 5-minute period, you will get up and move on to the next person. If you’re interested in furthering the conversation, you place your contact info (name and e-mail address) on a supplied card for that prospective partner. (Please note: This isn’t an ordinary WonderCon program. Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC take place online before WonderCon. Since we are registering creators in advance they will get priority seating. Any seats that are still open once the event starts will be given on a first come first serve basis. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 150 about 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. Please note that space is limited and if you do not pre-register a seat may not be available if you choose to attend.) Complete details are available on the Comic Creator Connection page on our website.

The composers of some of the most impressive video games will share words of wisdom about the dynamic and entertaining challenges involved in scoring them. Featuring the musical talent from games including Star Wars: Battlefront, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Quantum Break, Rainbow Six, Captain America: Super Soldier, Batman: Arkham Origins, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and more! Special celebrity moderator TBA.

With five acclaimed horror and sci-fi comic titles under their belt, American Gothic Press has big plans for 2016 and invites you to come along for the ride! Join Holly Interlandi (editor-in-chief), Tom Riordan (Killbox), and Nathan Gooden (Killbox) as they discuss upcoming titles such as Irwin Allen’s Lost in Space: The Lost Adventures,Killbox, Jeremy Robinson’s Island 731 adaptation, and several exciting announcements at their first ever WonderCon panel. Moderated by Cameron Hatheway (creative marketing manager).

Join mobile game publisher Kick9 for a behind-the-scenes look at Kick9’s latest and upcoming games. Learn about what does and doesn’t work in the mobile space, and have a chance to ask questions to this panel of mobile game industry veterans. Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes!

Join hosts Cole Stratton and Vanessa Ragland and their special TBA panelists for a live version of the popular Nerdist network podcast, Pop My Culture. Named the #2 Best Comedy Podcast of the Moment by Rolling Stone, and on top lists byPastemagazine, IFC, and Mashable, Pop My Culture is a fun conversation on movies, music, television, and celebrity gossip.

Learn how to make props and weapons that are larger than life without breaking your back at conventions. Veteran prop builder Mike Syfritt of Mad Propps will demonstrate how to make an oversized Harley Quinn hammer that weighs less than 5 pounds. A finished Harley hammer will be given away to one lucky winner at the end of the panel, so make sure to stay to the end!

It’s prosecutin’ time! The Thing will be put on trial by two funny comics fans, Alex Firer (Onion News Network) and Mike Levine (The Onion). Is his character dumb as rocks or the most fantastic? Honorable judges Jon Schnepp (The Death of Superman Lives), Jeff Loveness (Groot), and Natalie Palamides (The Powerpuff Girls) preside over WonderCourt. Which characters will appear as surprise witnesses? WonderCon’s geek comedy courtroom is now in session. By comedy press The Devastator.

Join cast members Dominic Cooper (Agent Carter) and Ruth Negga (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and showrunner Sam Catlin (Breaking Bad). Based on the popular, cult comic book franchise of the same name, the highly anticipated series is a supernatural, twisted, and darkly comedic drama that follows a West Texas preacher named Jesse Custer (Cooper), who is inhabited by a mysterious entity that causes him to develop a highly unusual power. Jesse, his badass ex-girlfriend Tulip (Negga) and an Irish vagabond named Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun) come together; and when they do, they are thrust into a crazy world populated by a cast of characters from Heaven, Hell, and everywhere in between.

Iconic weird tale author and poet Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) often wrote about monstrous entities that were “unnamable” or “indescribable,” his most famous being Great Cthulhu. Yet in the 79 years since his death, thousands of creative artists have used Lovecraft’s creations for their own strange and nightmarish visions across all mediums of human expression. Join this panel for a look into the process of bringing the words of Lovecraft to life in the 21st century. Featuring exclusive sneak peeks at the upcoming Mountains of Madness animated webseries, the animated feature film adaptation of the graphic novelHoward Lovecraft & the Frozen Kingdom and more! Featuring Cody Goodfellow (author,The Rapture of the Deep & Other Lovecraftian Tales), Leslie Klinger (New Annotated HPL),Paul Komoda (creature design, The Thing 2011), Kevin McTurk (director, The Mill at Calder’s End, creature effects artist), Sean O’Reilly (writer/director, Howard Lovecraft & the Frozen Kingdom animated feature), and Pete Von Sholly (artist, Lovecraft Illustrated vols. 1-6; storyboard artist, The Mist). Moderated by Aaron Vanek(founder, San Pedro H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival).

Chris Castagnetto (DJ Helsing) is proud to be hosting the Official Gaia Online Panel. This is your chance to meet the Gaia staff, get your burning questions answered, and take a sneak peek at some of the great stuff Gaia Interactive has planned for 2016. Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes.

Alison Haislip and Alex Albrecht sit down for a Half Hour Happy Hour. Drinks and conversation will cover stories from around the world, as well as close to home.

Which side of the convention table do you want to be on: fan or professional? And what’s keeping you from getting there? What’s holding you back? How bad do you really want it? If you’re having trouble starting or finishing your creative projects, then you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the WonderCon crowd. Douglas Neff (Epic Win! The Geek’s Guide to the Journey from Fan to Creator) will give you simple and proven techniques for setting, working on, and achieving your goals. Whether you want to write your first novel, draw your own comic, or shoot your independent film, this is the how-to panel you don’t want to miss. You’ll walk away from this workshop with the energy and tools you need to bring your dream to life.

Ted Minette (10-year LARPer, writer/actor) will cover plot writing and character development. David Pulcifer (22-year LARPer) will discuss game design and plot writing. Kya Harris (avid LARPer, actress/artist) will speak to the art in LARP. Ben Jurek (11-year LARPer) will discuss weapon construction and foam combat. Lori Dansie (first-year LARPer, medical professional) will review the therapeutic aspects of LARP. Q&A session moderated by Tony Estrada (LARP enthusiast).

Break out the Hawaiian shirts because Warner Archive Collection is throwing a party to celebrate Robby the Robot’s 60 years of service. Join Warner Archive podcast hosts Matt Patterson and DW Ferranti, alongside noted robot aficionados, to celebrate the multi-decade career of this cybernetic cinema icon par exellence. Starting with the (not coincidentally) 60th anniversary of the landmark science fiction film, Forbidden Planet, fans will follow the voyage through Robby’s storied career on both the big and small screens. And be prepared for some special messages from suprise mechanical guests.

Do you have dreams of writing for kids TV animation? This panel of veteran story editors and head writers will reveal what you need to know to break into the business, and stay in. Topics include creating appropriate writing samples, landing a first gig, meeting deadlines, and keeping your story editor happy. Moderator Neo Edmund (Red Riding Werewolf Huntress, Kaijudo Clash of the Duel Masters) is joined by panelists Steven Melching (Star Wars Rebels, Transformers Prime), Andrew Robinson(senior writer for Blizzard Entertainment, Kaijudo Clash of the Duel Masters), Jim Krieg(Green Lantern: The Animated Series, Spooksville), and Charlotte Fullerton (Ben 10Omniverse, My Little Pony Friendship Is Magic).

Jessica Chobot and the rest of the Nerdist News gang bring you the latest in movie, TV, comic book, gaming, and tech news. See how the magic happens behind the scenes, catch some surprise special guests, and join the conversation with a Q&A.

Jim Sullos (president) and Cathy Wilbanks (archivist) discuss the upcoming releases, featuring Edgar Rice Burroughs’s famous literary heroes, including Warner Bros.’ big-screen feature The Legend of Tarzan (2016), the animated Netflix Original SeriesTarzan and Jane (2016), and comics, novels, role-playing games, and more based onTarzan of the Apes, John Carter of Mars, Carson of Venus, Pellucidar, and The Land That Time Forgot. Moderated by Scott Tracy Griffin, author of Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration and the forthcoming Tarzan on Film.

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 02:26PM
Explore what has made the Harry Potter series a global phenomenon such as the meaning behind the books, Harry Potter in the classroom, life lessons, magical beasts, etc. Additionally, panelists will also cover the different areas of fandom still going strong since the end of the series such as events, theme parks, travel to filming locations, merchandise, etc. During the panel, we will also speculate where the fandom is going with the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Themon November 18th starring Eddie Redmayne which was written by Harry Potterauthor J.K. Rowling and takes place in the Wizarding World. Panelists include Dr. Melissa D. Aaron (Professor of English and Foreign Languages at Cal Poly Pomona),Di Valentine (Esquire), Kelly King (educator, California Credential – Secondary English & Drama), Jenny Mendoza (graphic designer & illustrator), Jessica Zipay(administrative support specialist) and moderated by Adrienne Alwag (multicultural & niche marketing expert). All of the women featured on the panel are members of The Los Angeles Dumbledore’s Army, the 2nd largest Harry Potter fan group in the world since 2008 who produces the annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night.

Edgar C. Samar (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines) looks into the implications of monstrous appearances of female antagonists in Philippine comics artist Mars Ravelo’s Darna and Dyesebel to locate the contributions of these imagined monstrosities to the imagination of what it means to be truly human. Tiffany Babbexamines how Loki, in combining the characteristics of the trickster and the stereotypes of the comic book villain, addresses the repetitive and circular trap of the superhero genre narrative, which must both always change and never change.Deanna Rodriguez (Texas State University) investigates how comics provide a platform for Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie to explore fandom, celebrity culture, and the myth of the devil with the character of Lucifer in The Wicked + The Divine.

Following a successful weekend at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in December, the 11th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival continues with the third of its three full days of short films from around the world for all ages: animation, live action. and documentary. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including advice to kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker.

Adam Greenfield (head of audio and podcasts) and his panel of guests will discuss the initiatives and programs set forth by Making Comics Worldwide, designed to assist comic creators of all ages as they begin their journey of comic creation. Panelists include Patrick Yurick (enigmatic leader), Kevin Cullen (editor-in-chief), and Kay Flewelling (education guru). The panel will also feature Graphic Novel Project student presenters Lynnee Lampton, Carlos Martinez, Bianca Mouet, Miguel Perez,and Kristina Springer (High Tech High Chula Vista).

Centuries of mythology inform speculative fiction storytelling; how do authors pick and choose what they incorporate and what they alter? Classic heroes and heroines, deities, and sea creatures and monsters (terrestrial and extra) play roles in the works of Rachel Marks (Dark Cycle series), Randy Henderson (Arcana Familia series), Judd Winick (HILO series), Tobie Easton (Mer Chronicles series), and Kathryn Rose(Metal & Lace series). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy.

The Last Ship returns to WonderCon for a first look at the upcoming season and a panel with producers and cast including Adam Baldwin, Bridget Regan, Travis Van Winkle, Marissa Neitling and Jocko Sims. Following the epic season two cliffhanger, the highly anticipated third season finds the crew of the Nathan James shifting their attention to Asia after President Michener hears rumblings that the Chinese leader, President Peng, has been hoarding the “Scott cure” instead of distributing it to the people in the region. Michener sends Chandler to a global summit to investigate this allegation, as well as rumors of a possible mutation of the original virus that has caused a fresh outbreak in Japan. If the mutation has occurred, and Asia has not been protected, the consequences for the world are dire. And with Rachel Scott shot in the season 2 finale and her fate as yet unknown, hope is in low supply. Panel attendees will be treated to never-before-seen footage and a revealing discussion led by TV Guide‘s Rob Moynihan. All new episodes of The Last Ship air on TNT this summer.

Tolkien fandom existed before Peter Jackson’s LOTR and Hobbit films, and will remain long after; but what now? Are they still vital in the digital age, or will they fall to the fringes? A brief (and exciting) look at its history and what is next for fans of the man who laid the foundation for so much else in popular culture, including most everything at WonderCon. After $6 billion in box office revenue, is Hollywood done with Middle-earth? Audio, visuals, facts, and opinions from the staff of TORn, followed by a Q&A.

A good fight scene can make a comic, but drawing action is not an easy task. Find out how WonderCon special guests Russell Dauterman (Thor), Joe Quinones (Black Canary and Zatana), Paolo Rivera (Daredevil), and Annie Wu (Black Canary) get in on the action. Moderated by Alex Sinclair (Justice League).

The Turtles are back! Spend some time with the mutated minds making Nickelodeon’s hit animated TV series, now in its fourth season. The panel features executive producers Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman as they provide sneak peeks into season 4 and discuss the epic and bizarre adventures in store for the Turtles. Fans will also get an exclusive look at an upcoming new episode “Trans-Dimensional Turtles,” in which the Turtles collide with their ’80s counterparts. Watch the episode for very special cameos! Also on hand will be the extraordinary and talented voice actors of TMNT.

Founded by Marc Silvestri in 1992, Top Cow Productions soon made its name as the publisher of hit comics like Witchblade, The Darkness, and Cyberforce. The series stood the test of time, spawning a whole multimedia empire. Sit down with Silvestri, Matt Hawkins (COO of Top Cow Productions) and Bryan Hill (story editor) for an exclusive look at where Top Cow has been and where it’s going next.

With her live-action debut in Batman v. Superman, Wonder Woman is arguably the most popular female superhero. Jessica Tseang (Little Geek Girls/The Comic Book Girl) leads a spirited discussion with Steven L. Sears (executive producer, writerXena: Warrior Princess), Lisa Klink ( Star Trek Voyager, Roswell), Barbra Dillon(managing editor of Fanboy Comics), Eric Diaz (writer for Nerdist, Topless Robot), and Michael Fitzgerald Troy (Going Gaga!, Adele #1, Prism Comics) on the complexity of bringing the perfect portrayal of Diana Prince to live action.

Emmy-nominated and Eisner Award-winning artist/author Bill Sienkiewicz joins WonderCon this year as a special guest. Bring your questions and notepads, as he covers anything and everything from innovative multimedia techniques, both analog and digital from his work in comic books, film, television, gaming, animation, music, and more!

New York Times bestselling novelist Scott Sigler (The Generations trilogy) interviews bestseller and WonderCon special guest Peter Clines (the Ex-Heroes series) in a talk about superheroes, superpowers, books, Hollywood, and H. P. Lovecraft. Join Peter and Scott for the one-on-one interview and a Q&A session.

Ashly Burch (writer/director), Cherish Chen (creative producer), Lauren Haroutunian (cinematographer), and Kaitlyn Yang (VFX supervisor) discuss breaking into the traditionally male-dominated fields of film production. The panel will include a Q&A session moderated by entertainment publicist Brittany Sandler.

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 04:16PM
Join star Jason Patric (Rush, Sleepers), executive producers M. Night Shyamalan (The Sixth Sense, The Visit), Donald De Line (Green Lantern, The Italian Job), and Ashwin Rajan (Devil, The Visit), and executive producer/showrunner Mark Friedman (Believe, The Forgotten) for a sneak peek at the second chapter of this psychological thriller event series, based on the world created by author Blake Crouch in his international bestselling series of books. Season 2 picks up with the residents of Wayward Pines battling against the iron-fisted rule of the First Generation. Jason Patric portrays Dr. Theo Yedlin, a new resident of Wayward Pines, who awakens from suspended animation and finds himself in the middle of this rebellion as he tries to understand what Wayward Pines really is and help preserve the endangered human race. Produced by Twentieth Century Fox Television, Wayward Pines returns to FOX this summer. Screening to be followed by a panel discussion and fan Q&A.

WonderCon and Comics Arts Conference special guest Jeremy Love (Bayou) is an award-winning writer, illustrator, and animator. His critically acclaimed, Eisner-nominated, serialized graphic novel Bayou has been used as curriculum at various high schools and colleges including the University of South Carolina and Dartmouth College. It was also selected by the American Library Association as a Great Graphic Novel for teens. Other projects include Blackest Nightmare for DC Comics, Fierce andShadow Rock for Dark Horse Comics as a writer and GI Joe, Fraggle Rock for Archaia, and Midnight Mover for Oni as an artist. Love is currently hard at work completingBayou as well as a new miniseries from Dark Horse, The Black Lotus. Peter Coogan(Washington University at St. Louis) moderates.

In January, BOOM! Studios launched Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, a new comic series based on the hit ’90s live-action children’s TV series about a group of ordinary teenagers who morphed into superheroes to save the world from evil. Series writerKyle Higgins and The Further Adventures of Bulk and Skull writer Steve Orlando talk with editor Dafna Pleban about the new series and the everlasting popularity of these “teenagers with attitude.” With surprise guests.

Civil War 2, Jessica Jones, Powers TV and comic, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. WonderCon special guest Bendis has a ton going on and this spotlight panel will give exclusive first looks to a lot of the big goings on all spring and summer long.

WonderCon special guest Terry Moore (Rachel Rising, Echo, Strangers in Paradise) discusses the upcoming finale of Rachel Rising and fill you in on his new projects for 2016. Don’t miss this opportunity to get all of your burning questions answered!

You love the show, but have you read the comic? Invader Zim series creator (and control brain) Jhonen Vasquez and artists Dave Crosland and Aaron Alexovich will tell you all the secrets involved in the making of America’s new favorite comic. ZIM demands that you attend this panel, learn more of his ongoing mission, and thereby bring glory to the Mighty Irken Empire!

Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures-DC Collectibles has them all and more! Join the DC Collectibles crew, including VP creative services Kevin Kiniry, director creative services Jim Fletcher, and a few surprise guest stars, to hear how they come up with so many great products, and what’s coming up from comics’ top makers of awesome collectibles.

Calling team Scorpion! Making their first WonderCon appearance, the cast of CBS’s Monday night hit drama will be on hand for an exclusive screening of an upcoming episode, followed by a discussion of what fans can expect from the rest of the action-packed second season. Get the inside scoop with series stars Elyes Gabel, Robert Patrick, Eddie Kaye Thomas, and Ari Stidham and executive producers Nick Santoraand Nicholas Wootton.

John Murdy (creative director), Don Burgess (show producer), and Chris Williams(art director/production designer) go behind the scenes with a sneak peek at an upcoming, all-new theme park attraction.

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 11:17AM
Fans love to geek out, but they also like engaging in important culture topics. In thisStar Wars edition of Geek Wars, professional nerds battle it out over Star Wars trivia while also discussing relevant social topics like stereotyping, feminism, body shaming, and much more. Plus, the panel will speculate about Episode VIII! This will be a lively and enlightening conversation that might challenge your view on the pop culture world. Panelists include Chris Gore (comedian, personality), Amy Ratcliffe(writer), Ivy Doom Kitty (professional cosplayer), Emily Ong (cosplayer), Tamara Brooks (writer) and Jennifer Landa (YouTube personality). Hosted by Tony B Kim(host, blogger).

Alan Tudyk‘s dream show based on his global convention experiences seemed impossible with the compromises Hollywood demanded. Instead, he went directly to fans; over 46,000 responded with a record-breaking $3.2 million raised on Indiegogo;Con Man was officially born. With season 1 a smash hit on Vimeo and season 2 in the works, this panel will talk Con Man and the crazy ride that made his dream project a reality. From the series, to the video game, to the Spectrum comic released on Free Comic Book Day, this is the year of the Con Man! Join Alan Tudyk, P. J. Haarsma, andShannon Eric Denton for a Con panel like no other!

For 30 plus years, WonderCon special guest Gilbert Hernandez has entranced comics readers around the world with his Palomar and Heartbreak Soup stories alongside his brothers in Love and Rockets. See what this award-winning creator has to share in the comics industry, his career, family, and future projects; followed by a Q&A session.

Join industry legend and Superman artist, John Romita, Jr. for an in-depth look at his storied career and journey. The superstar DCE artist comes to Los Angeles for an all-access and in-depth discussion. From his marvelous start to his distinguished rise and all things in between, be here for this exclusive panel that will give you insight into one of the genre’s most influential people.

Stefan Rudnicki (Skyboat Media; audiobook producer, director, publisher and narrator), Gabrielle de Cuir (Skyboat Media; producer/director of the full cast audio of the original Star Trek teleplay and controversy), and David Gerrold (novelist, actor, screen and TV writer, author of classic Star Trek “Trouble With Tribbles” episode)discuss the background and process of recording the multi-cast audiobook.

This summer the future of Earth will be decided in the stars when Valiant presents the blockbuster crossover event of the year in 4001 A.D.! Now, get primed for the epic showdown between Rai and the forces of New Japan right here at WonderCon with an exclusive panel presentation from an all-star cast of Valiant staff and creators. Plus, don’t miss an all-new round of news and announcements for Archer & Armstrong, Bloodshot Reborn, Divinity, Faith, Ninjak, X-O Manowar, and more.

Emily Rauber Rodriguez (University of Southern California) examines the methods Kelly Sue DeConnick and Valentine De Landro have used in Bitch Planet to critique and revise the message of exploitation films for a more diverse audience and the essentiality of the comics medium to that critique. Ayanni C. Hanna uses feminist science fiction critique, coupled with close readings and a creator interview, to examine the ways Alessandro Barbucci and Barbara Canepa in Sky Doll question and deconstruct the common perceptions of both “woman” and “human” while also forcing readers to examine not only their understanding of normalcy, but the binaries they’ve come to rely upon. Using David Coon’s critique of suburbia, Michele Brittany(Fanboy Comics) examines the suburban American Dream in Dark Horse’s Lady Killerthrough the familial unit, representations of gender, and the concept of tradition.

This interactive discussion examines the cultural themes contained within the Batman and Superman universes, explores how both Metropolis and Gotham City are reflective of these superheroes, and how these cities have shaped each hero respectively. The panelists will also explore how environment influences individual identity, individual morality, and overall culture change driven by the individual. What messages do Batman or Superman narratives hold for humanity? How do these narratives affect both young and old alike? Explore the role myth plays in culture and how the myths of Batman and Superman continue to be important in our world today.

Have you ever wanted your novel published? Her Universe brings together experts to help you prepare a winning pitch. Hear advice from published authors on their professional journey. Hosted by actress (voice of Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars Rebels),entrepreneur, and Her Universe and Her Universe Press founder Ashley Eckstein.Joining her are author Heather Nuhfer (Weirdest), author E. Anne Convery (The Confidence Chronicles), and New York Times USA Today #1 bestselling author Christina Hobbs (writing under the penname Christina Lauren with her writing partner).

What is it about grim and gritty, dark and dystopian, that readers crave? And how can humor exist in the midst thereof? Tap into the noir side of existence with R. S. Belcher (The Six-Gun Tarot, The Brotherhood of the Wheel), Robert Brockway (The Unnoticeables), Stephen Blackmoore (Heroes Reborn: Dirty Deeds), Scott Sigler(Generations Trilogy), Amber Benson (The Echo Park Coven novels), and David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.

Join executive producer and Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, as well as the cast and creators of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for their first WonderCon panel as a cast! Get a sneak peek at a new episode from season 3 and find out what’s ahead for the team this season from the cast and producers!

Charles Solomon (internationally respected critic, historian of animation, author) leads a discussion and Q&A with the filmmakers who created the anime juggernauts and wildly popular franchises. They’ll discuss the creative process, offer, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and describe how they’ve grown their audiences here in the West.

A long-overdue movement is afoot to diversify the reading materials kids encounter in the classroom and libraries; comics are an invaluable tool in that mission. Unfortunately, diverse reading encounters an all-too-common opponent: censorship. Books that increase the diversity of classroom and library materials are more likely to be challenged. In this workshop, CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez, the San Diego Public Library’s Erwin Magbanua, and a panel of educators and librarians will provide tips for using comics to diversify classrooms and practical tools for overcoming the challenges they might face.

Ed Brubaker (The Fade Out), Kurtis Wiebe (Rat Queens), Tom Neely (The Humans),Greg Hinkle (Airboy), and Malachi Ward ( Island) all bring one important thing to their work: a very, very high level of craft. Craft is what makes comics go; it makes for beautiful art, clever writing, and amazing storytelling. Craft is a product of talent, hard work, and experience. If you want to know what it takes, come listen to the best.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens VFX supervisor Roger Guyett, HALON Entertainment’sBrad Alexander (pre-visualization supervisor), and A. J. Briones (post-visualization supervisor) will take you inside the creation of one of Episode VII’s unforgettable fight scenes from concept and shooting to final VFX; including behind-the-scenes material. They will also discuss the creative process and what it means to bring Star Wars to life for a new generation.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation invite WonderCon attendees to witness the world premiere of Justice League vs. Teen Titans, the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe original movies. When Damian’s overaggressive tendencies almost destroy a Justice League mission, he is sent to learn teamwork by training alongside the Teen Titans. However, adjusting Damian’s attitude turns out to be the least of the Teen Titans’ troubles, as Raven’s satanic, world-conquering father Trigon begins an escape from his interdimensional prison. To complete his return, Trigon must have Raven’s assistance; and to accomplish his goal, he spreads his demonic forces across the globe, infiltrating the minds and bodies of the Justice League to do his bidding. To save the universe and prevent a literal hell on Earth, the Teen Titans must rescue, or defeat, the Justice League and inter Trigon for all eternity. The film’s all-star cast includes Jason O’Mara(Complications, Terra Nova) as Batman, Jerry O’Connell (Crossing Jordan, Stand By Me) as Superman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Rent) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty) as Flash. Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Batman: Bad Blood) also returns as Nightwing, as does Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin) as Robin/Damian. Making their Teen Titans voiceover debuts are Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story, Wicked City) as Raven,Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, The Fosters) as Blue Beetle, Brandon Soo Hoo (Tropic Thunder, From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series) as Beast Boy, and Kari Wahlgren(Phineas and Ferb, Legion of Superheroes ) as Starfire. Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Daredevil) takes the villainous center stage as Trigon. Several of the film’s actors will join a postscreening panel that will include producer James Tucker, director Sam Liu, character designer Phil Bourassa, and screenwriter Bryan Q. Miller. Justice League vs. Teen Titans arrives April 12 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, and digital HD.

How do you create and sustain a business that caters to the geek lifestyle without exploiting the very people to whom you provide services? Join this panel of entrepreneurs, whose traditional businesses cater to a predominantly nerdy or geeky clientele. Panelists Matthew Arevalo (Loot Crate), Donna Ricci (Geeky Teas, formerly Clockwork Couture), Janelle Badali (Badali Jewelry), and David Nett(Nerdstrong Gym) discuss how these businesses started, and how they sustain their service to their clientele in the face of mass-market exploitation of geekdom. How do you compete with the giant corporate conglomerates that have suddenly discovered the geek marketplace? How do you sell goods and market services to a community seeking authenticity, without falling into the trap of pandering or gimmicks? Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions, Shout! Factory).

Get the exclusive first look at Syfy’s action-packed new series with the cast and crew. Who is Wynonna Earp? A smoking hot, badass demon killer, that’s who! StarsMelanie Scrofano (Supernatural, Haven), Tim Rozon (Lost Girl, Being Human), Shamier Anderson (Constantine, Defiance), and Dominique Provost Chalkley (The Avengers: Age of Ultron), Wynonna Earp comic creator Beau Smith, and writer and executive producer Emily Andras (Lost Girl) share exclusive footage, present behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and participate in a Q&A. Hosted by IDW publisher and CEO Ted Adams, IDW Entertainment president David Ozer, and Circle of Confusion’s Rick Jacobs.

Acclaimed children’s book author/illustrators Barney Saltzberg (Beautiful Oops!),Bruce Hale (Clark the Shark), Jon Klassen (Caldecott winner, New York Timesbestseller), Antoinette Portis (New York Times bestseller), and Dan Santat (Caldecott winner, New York Times bestseller) will share their insights into the KidLit industry, how to get started, and lessons learned. Moderated by Henry Herz (Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes).

You have a cool idea and you want to write it up, so you sit down and start typing. No! Before you ever start writing there’s so much you have to think about first. Not only what your plot is, but what your theme is as well. What is your story about? Who are the characters? How do they relate to each other? And so much more. Eisner Hall of Fame winner Marv Wolfman has put together a talk dealing with just that. If you want to write, don’t write. Come here first.

Enjoy a chat with the co-creator of the acclaimed Love and Rockets, Jaime Hernandez,as he talks about 30-plus years of aging alongside his characters and what the future holds for him and Love and Rockets.

WonderCon special guest Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Drama, Sisters, The Baby-sitters Club) and Shannon Watters (editor at BOOM! Studios, co-creator/writer ofLumberjanes) sit down for a one-on-one interview, drawing demo, and Q&A session. This panel will cover Raina’s rise to middle-grade graphic novel stardom, the power of tween readers, and Raina’s upcoming book, Ghosts!

Frank Mastromauro (Aspen publisher), Peter Steigerwald (Aspen publisher), Vince Hernandez (VP/editor-in-chief), Mark Roslan (VP/director of design and production), J. T. Krul (Aspen Universe: Revelations), and Joshua Hale Fialkov(Aspen Universe: Revelations) discuss the publisher’s upcoming Aspen Universe: Revelations crossover and more. Aspen will also hold a special Q&A session with fans. All attendees will receive a free item courtesy of Aspen Comics.

TV Guide Magazine returns to WonderCon with an all-star panel of TV’s hottest showrunners. Moderated by TV Guide Magazine chief content officer Michael Schneider, the session brings together top producers for a look behind the scenes of your favorite shows.

To be able to fly, to have super strength, invisibility, and every other super power imaginable are the stuff kids of all ages dream about. But power alone does not make a hero great. What goes into creating some of our favorite characters? What makes a hero super? Moderator Amy Ratcliffe (Nerdist) finds out what goes into creating some of our favorite heroes with WonderCon special guests Kyle Baker (Plastic Man: On the Lam), Brian Michael Bendis (Jessica Jones), Russell Dauterman (Thor), Jason Fabok (Batman: Detective Comics), Charles Soule (She-Hulk), and Annie Wu (Black Canary).

DC Entertainment is proud to have some of the most immensely talented artists working in comics today. Join this panel for a unique look into their visual approach in shaping some of your favorite books!

Love reading compelling, forward thinking comics? Interested in how multiple award-winning top 10 publisher BOOM! Studios, has spent over a decade committing to telling great stories and nurturing talent? Moderator Matt Gagnon (BOOM! Studios’ editor-in-chief) discusses with creators Hope Larson and Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance), Jackson Lanzing and Collin P. Kelly (Joyride), Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), and Sam Humphries (Jonesy) how they explore the ever-changing landscape as well as highlight new stories and the projects needed in the industry.

John D. Callison (cosplayer and founder of Over30Cosplay), Bill Waters (national geek culture reporter/photographer at Examiner, editor/photographer at ComicsOnline),Patrica Tallman (actress, Lyta on Babylon 5 and Barbara from Night of the Living Dead), Joyce McCarthy (Over30Cosplay founding member, expert crafter),Kevin Williams (BSG Cosplayer, Over30cosplay founding member), Mary Ann Butler (Over30Cosplay founding member, bassist/vocals at Harkonnen Knife Fight, writer at The Ace of Geeks and Editor-in-chief at Aggressive Comix), Ian Whyte(501st cosplayer, founding member over30cosplay, member SoCal Garrison 501st, father to an excellent cosplayer), Barbara Roth (Over30Cosplay admin and co-founder), and Cindy Nelson (Over30Cosplay member, model, pirate and renaissance expert level cosplayer) discuss multiple topics appealing to the older cosplay crowd. Topics include costume choice, dating, marriage, and couples/family cosplay, societal mores/impact, marketing to the older cosplayer, social media and older cosplayers, bullying of older cosplayers, and the age of Hollywood characters and the impact on cosplay choices.

Alex Sinclair is joined by colorists Jeromy Cox, David Baron, and Edgar Delgado to discuss why and how color is a very important part of the storytelling process in today’s comic books. The panelists will show examples of their work, talk about their process, and hold a Q&A session.

Talk about super powers! Here’s a panel with heroes who can put voices into the mouths of your favorite animated characters. They’ll tell you how they do it and present an unrehearsed reading to show how they do it! With Townsend Coleman(Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Tick), Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama), Chuck McCann (Duck Tales, The Fantastic Four), Candi Milo (Curious George, Jimmy Neutron), and others! Your host is Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show).

Meet some of the creative team behind the Attack on Titan Anthology, the ambitious collaboration between the biggest manga hit of the decade and an all-star roster of comics creators including Scott Snyder, Gail Simone, Faith Erin Hicks, Kevin Wada, Kate Leth, Babs Tarr, and more! New art from the anthology will be revealed, along with a look at new comics from America’s number two manga publisher, as well as lots of free books and exclusive promo items.

Join the cast and executive producers for Sleepy Hollow’s WonderCon debut! Get a sneak peek at the penultimate episode of the third season before it airs Friday on FOX. A brief Q&A will follow the screening.

WonderCon special guest Paolo Rivera (Hellboy and the B.P.R.D.:1953) will cover all the steps necessary to make a compelling comic book page, from script to color. This will be followed by a Q&A session.

WonderCon special guest V. E. Schwab, author of the Shades of Magic series, and fan writer Mark Oshiro, creator of the wildly popular Mark Does Stuff, discuss everything from books, shows, and movies to Marvel, anime, fandom, what it’s like to live on the Internet, and finding one’s place in fantasy. Q&A following interview.

The iPad has transformed the way you read comics, but did you know you can create comic art on the iPad too? See a comic book character come to life as Hi-Fi’s Brian Miller (Star Wars: Defend the Death Star) and Kristy Miller (Doctor Who) demonstrate step-by-step how to pencil, ink, and paint comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps work best and how you too can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. The panel will include a Q&A session.

Small press publishers: What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews and what doesn’t? A lot of publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, or why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comics journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on just what it takes to get coverage, with the comics journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for in your submission. Panelists include Tim Chizmar (First Comics News), Josh Henaman (Big Foot), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Francis Sky (First Comics News), Tanya Tate (First Comics News), and Josh Waldrop (Red Gorilla Entertainment). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic.

Accomplished authors and actors discuss romance in science fiction and fantasy. Crush, heartthrob, or love at first site. Attraction, compatibility, offspring, love, society, (extremely) long-distance relationships, close quarters, customs, rituals, religions, marriage, and more. Join panelists Rebekah R. Ganiere (Fairelle series, president of Fantasy Futuristic & Paranormal RWA chapter), Mira Furlan (actress,Lost, Babylon 5), James Kyson (Heroes, Nobility), Gigi Edgley (actress, Farscape, Star Trek Continues), and Mark O’Bannon (author, The Dream Crystal, Star Raiders). Moderated by James Ganiere (chief editor, Fallen Angel Press, CEO-Rio Vista Universal).

Jim Lee (DC Entertainment), writer/producer Maurissa Tancharoen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), actor Yoshi Sudarso (Power Rangers Dino Charge), and graphic novelistsSarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex), Amy Chu (Poison Ivy), and Christine Dinh (brand manager, BOOM! Studios) discuss the origin stories of iconic Asian American superheroes on screen, on the page, and behind the scenes. Moderated by Racebending.com’s Dariane Nabor.

Jessica Tseang (The Comic Book Girl, Little Geek Girls) sits down with Nick Marino(Holy F*ck), James F. Wright (Nutmeg), Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger), Dan Mendoza (Zombie Tramp), Joshua Henaman (Bigfoot: Sword of the Earthman), andDeWayne Feenstra (Aero-Girl) to find out what really drives their company. Is it their all-ages comics, or their mature reading material? What are the pros and cons of each?

For over a decade, the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant has been given to up-and-coming LGBTQIA creators to help them bring their diverse styles and voices to the reading public. Now Stacked Deck Press has published an anthology entitledALPHABET to commemorate the grant and its influence. The book features a roster of diverse queer cartoonists whose talent and experience are destined to change how we read comics in the decade to come. Please join Prism Comics and moderator Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Merrier) present ALPHABET contributors Sonya Saturday(Why Do You Cry When I’m on Top?), Ajuan Mance (Gender Studies), Elizabeth Beier(Bisexual Trials and Errors), Josh Trujillo (Death Saves, Love Machines), and Vi Cao (David Doesn’t Get It), with special guest William O. Tyler (Ratboy) for a lively discussion of their work and diversity in LGBTQ comics. Following the discussion, Prism Comics will announce the recipient of the 2016 Queer Press Grant.

And they want to celebrate with their fans at WonderCon! Cast members and executive producers behind everyone’s favorite All-American family present an exclusive preview of the 200th episode before it airs Monday night on TBS. Following that, enjoy a special panel and Q&A as the cast and producers share favorite memories and the funniest moments from 12 incredible seasons.

With the rise of spiritual themes in comics, movies, and television, panelists will delve into and explore how spiritual themes have influenced the entertainment industry and affected culture. Panelists include Dr.Thomas Parham (Azusa Pacific University),Scott Marcano (Diablo Publishing), Eric Jansen (Foursquare Mission Press), Dr. Jon Levin (Chapman University), Javier Hernandez (El Muerto, Maniac Priest), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), and moderator Josh Burns (Christian Comic Arts Society).

From hundreds of hours of archival footage and myriad modern-day interviews comes a documentary that puts an in-depth spotlight on the beloved 1999 animated film The Iron Giant. Director Brad Bird (Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol, The Incredibles, Ratatouille) and documentary director Anthony Giacchino will lead a discussion following the premiere screening of an insightful and fascinating documentary that examines the intricate, behind-the-scenes details of the creative process in bringing this critically acclaimed film to the big screen.

Yosuke Hayashi (producer) and Hiroya Usuda (director) from Koei Tecmo discuss new perspectives on Hyrule Warriors Legends for the Nintendo 3DS, highlighting new playable characters and exploring their connections to the game world.

If writer’s rooms were like superhero teams, this panel combines the Justice League and The Avengers for an all-star insider look at your favorite TV series. Some of the scribes behind today’s hottest genre shows share their candid thoughts on how to sell, write and rewrite the series you love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the deep, dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writers’ room, and learn why network executives actually care about what you write on message boards. Panelists includeGabrielle Stanton (The Flash, Haven, The Vampire Diaries), Amy Berg (Counterpart,Da Vinci’s Demons, Eureka), Jose Molina (Agent Carter, Firefly, Sleepy Hollow), Ashley E. Miller (Black Sails, Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Sarah Watson(Parenthood, The Middleman), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels, Guardians of the Galaxy TV, The Clone Wars), and moderator Mark A. Altman (The Librarians, Agent X, Castle).

Crossing over into every genre, Steampunk has transformed many Marvel characters into some of the steamiest superheroes and villains in the galaxy. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with everyone from Ant-Man and Deadpool to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they are reimagined in the Steampunk style! Panelists include Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam), Crystal Rose Schaefer (cosplayer), Mac Beauvais(Strange Like That Cosplay), Anastasia Hunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering), andOakley Boren (cosplayer).

If you have ever thought “I want to write a book” or wondered if your story can be told in song but don’t know where to begin, this is the perfect panel for you! Aspiring and current writers will want to take part in this interactive workshop to ask questions and learn about what it takes to write a book and become a published author or songwriter! Learn about the writing process from author, singer/songwriter, and advocate James Morris (Sky Bound, Water Tower, Surface) as he shares the challenges and excitement that comes with creating new worlds. He will discuss the art of storytelling and share valuable tips, tricks, and organizational skills to help get you started and keep going. Be sure to bring your questions.

Hip-Hop and comics reflect each other in many ways. Rappers and graffiti artists utilize superheroic imagery and adopt larger-than-life alter-egos; comic creators incorporate references to music, dance, and fashion and draw on Hip-Hop’s rich visual vocabulary. Patrick A. Reed (Depth Of Field, ComicsAlliance) brings together graphic artists and musical innovators to discuss the ties between these two creative cultures.

The men on Orphan Black take over WonderCon to reveal exclusive new footage from the upcoming fourth season of BBC America’s award-winning original drama. Co-creators Graeme Manson and John Fawcett are joined by stars Jordan Gavaris(Felix), Kristian Bruun (Donnie), and Kevin Hanchard (Detective Art Bell) for a closer look at what’s to come in the new season, with never-before-seen footage and a Q&A session. The highly anticipated premiere is on a new night and time, Thursday, April 14 at 10/9c.

Online series have provided some of the most groundbreaking content in the entertainment world. Jeff Burns (host of Super Geeked Up) and a super-talented panel of web series actors and creators talk about the changes they’ve seen in the ever-expanding world of online entertainment and where they see the medium going in the future. Featuring Christina Wren (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Lusa),Sean Becker (The Guild, Hench), Joanna Sotomura (Emma Approved, Video Game High School), Rachael Hip-Flores (Anyone But Me, Producing Juliet), Hisonni Johnson(Grayson: Earth One, The Gambit), and Brent Bailey (LBJ, Emma Approved). Plus, awesome tips for entering the digital space and making your own kick-ass series!

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 05:21PM
Illustrators discuss secrets of working on fantasy genre movies and TV shows. Panelists include Dan Caplan (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter), Patrick Janicke (Robopocalypse), Philip Keller (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Andy Park (Captain America: Civil War) and Jim Rothwell (Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange). Moderated by Tim Burgard (Jurassic World, Revenant).

Jeff Barkley (SkinTricks makeup effects artist) discusses and applies prosthetic makeup to demonstrate how much more effective 3D makeup is compared to a painted face. Jeff will be joined by professional cosplayers Trey Barkley (Sparrow’s Flight Cosplay), Desiree Preston (Enasni Volz), and Amanda Cohen (Tema Time) to answer any questions about wearing prosthetics while in costume.

Discover the groundbreaking comic book drama that’s taken the wrestling world by storm! Headlocked is out to change the way you look at professional wrestling by using actual wrestlers as the artists. And by building their series completely outside of the direct market, they’re changing the game for self-publishers as well! Ryan Satin (Pro Wrestling Sheet) leads a discussion with series creators Michael Kingstonand Michel Mulipola, artist Ramon Villalobos (E Is for Extinction), and wrestlers/series contributors Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian (Ring of Honor) as they discuss their contributions to wrestling, and comics and how they’ve been influenced by them.

From fan fiction to fan films, hardcore fans have long found ways to interact with the media they love by creating their own interpretations. Movie trailer editor Daniel Lee and film music composer Linus Lau will share their experiences creating custom expansions for the classic tabletop games Fireball Island and Bang! They’ll discuss their approaches to art and game mechanics, how they obtained permission from the copyright holders, and which services they used to fabricate their custom game components. It doesn’t get much geekier than this!

Meet the cast and crew of Bat in the Sun’s hit, award-winning web series! The show battles epic legends like Batman vs. Darth Vader, Wolverine vs. Predator, and many more! Join the team for a Q&A where you will hear all about what goes into making the series, as well as about future episodes.

Moderator Spiro Skentzos (Grimm), and today’s biggest TV writer/producers, including Natalie Chaidez (Hunters), Richard Hatem (Dead of Summer)and Meredith Averill (Star-Crossed) discuss navigating the TV spec terrain, including beginner’s mistakes, what they look for in a writer, and what it takes for you to write a killer spec that will stand above the crowd. There will be a huge Q&A component, so bring your questions.

A quintet of digital pioneers share their philosophies and techniques for creating comics for the screen. Jordan Plosky (CEO at ComicBlitz), Ben Wolstenholme (CEO at Madefire), Liam Sharp (CCO at Madefire), Janelle Asselin (publisher at Rosy Press), and Josh Elder (project manager at POP Comics) talk about where digital comics are and where they’re going!

Jon Schnepp (The Death of “Superman Lives”: What Happened?, Metalocalypse) hosts this panel about superheroes on the big and small screen, alongside guests Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise), Chris Gore (Film Threat), Umberto Gonzalez (Heroic Hollywood), Amy Dallen (Talkin Comics), John Campea (Movie Talk), and Steven Weintraub (Collider). A Q&A follows the discussion.

In George R. R. Martin’s fantasy world, where almost everyone fights for power over the realm or simply over their own lives, how do love and hate, good and evil, need and greed, altruism and narcissism drive the very best and the very worst human behavior? Join the knights of the psych table as they diagnose characters, explore all these questions, and more. Psychologists Travis Langley (Game of Thrones Psychology; Batman and Psychology), Janina Scarlet (The Walking Dead Psychology; Superhero Psychology), and Erin Currie (MyPsychgeek; Doctor Who Psychology) come together with Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia; Star Wars Psychology), Kieran Dickson(Outer Places), Matt Munson (The Project Workbench; Star Trek Psychology) and Kyle Maddock (A Podcast of Ice and Fire). What kind of person can even survive the game of thrones, much less hope to win?

Jet Set Nerd Anastasia Washington (Anastationtv, Jet Set Nerds) and jet settersStephanie Pressman (Fashionably Nerdy), Angelique Toschi (Nerds in La La Land),Stacy Renfroe (Nerds in La La Land), Michelle Chubby Bunny (Geek & Sundry), Yume Lee (Lootcrate), Marlon (Nerd Coolture), and Curious Joi (Curious Joi) chat about packing up your bags and finding Nerd Mecca wherever you go! Moderated byJennifer Kretchmer (producer).

Is this the year eSports will find its place in the mainstream spotlight? How does The Division stack up to other MMO shooters? Will you finally be playing The Last Guardian before 2016 comes to a close? Nerdist gaming editor Malik Forte, along with a panel of video games’ bright voices, will discuss these topics and kick off the year in video.

Lauren Haroutunian (RJFS dean), Cherish Chen (RJFS producer), and Joey Scoma(RJFS director/editor) discuss all the considerations that go into making great videos, the importance of telling your own story, and demonstrate how it’s not the equipment you use, but how you use it. The panelists will then open up for an audience Q&A, moderated by Trisha Arnold.

An exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at Screen Junkies’ Honest Trailers, hosted byHal Rudnick, featuring a never-before-seen trailer and Q&A with creator Spencer Gilbert, and editor Dan Murrell. Plus a special all-star live edition of the popular debate series Movie Fights, featuring Mike Carlson, The Schmoes Know, and more!

Chris Gore​ ​(PodCRASH, Film Threat) returns for DVD-Duesday Live, his popular segment from G4TV’s Attack of the Show. Join Chris and a panel of film experts including Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner: The Final Cut), Cliff Stephenson(Hannibal), and special guests for a heated movie discussion. The panel will discuss the best DVD commentaries, talk about the weirdest DVD special features, and battle over the best DVD of all time. Participate in movie trivia to win DVDs.

Webcomics Advocates co-founders Phil Vecchio and Brendan Creecy (Brax the Alien Rocker) celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics. Joined by Patrick Scullin (Super Siblings) and moderator Andrew Linde (Nerd’s Eye View podcast), they will give any webcomic creators in the audience 30 seconds to promote their comic to the crowd.

It’s the big Saturday night event at WonderCon, an evening of costumed greatness! Doors open at 7:45 PM. See the feature article in the Events Guide for complete details.

TV is killing it right now when it comes to storytelling. But in the era of Peak TV, genre series are arguably having the biggest moment of all. From Game of Thrones toOrphan Black, Rick and Morty, The 100 and more, the lens used to dissect societal issues has always been most effective when removed enough from reality to see it for what it is. Nerdist managing editor Alicia Lutes and her panel of guests discuss why the most progressive stories are taking place in your favorite shows, and why you can’t help but fan out about it.

The Super Geeked Up crew discuss your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero topics, as well as play super fun geeky games like Character Cage Match, Geeky Musical, and Smitten Superheroes! Plus, a ton of audience participation and awesome prizes! Hosted by Jeff Burns with special co-host Kristen Nedopak (creator of The Geekie Awards) and special guests Christina Wren (Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel) and Joanna Sotomura (Emma Approved, Video Game High School). Don’t miss this super-interactive award-winning show!

Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Carina Adly MacKenzie (The Originals),Shawna Benson (The 100), Susan Kresnicka (anthropologist, Troika), Eric Goldman(writer, IGN), and Jo Garfein (executive director, Cancer Gets LOST) will discuss the evolution of fandom and how social media have been both a blessing and a curse to fans, content creators and entertainment journalists. This panel seeks to bring this debate out into the open, to discuss how the rules of fandom have changed and what creators and fans can do to make the fan/creator interaction positive and enriching.

Founder Huston Huddleston has compiled some of the greatest names in sci-fi and horror to create the 2016 traveling exhibit, and 2018 permanent location for the Hollywood Science Fiction Museum and Hollywood Horror Museum. What began as restoring the Star Trek Enterprise Bridge set has expanded into what will be the world’s largest nonprofit educational museums for both genres. Board members include Ronald D. Moore, David Gerrold, Andrew Probert, Joe Dante, Clive Barker, Tom Holland, Sean S. Cunningham, Mick Garris, Sara Karloff, and Greg Nicotero.

Do you want to know what it takes to build your own Star Wars droid? Southern California R2 builders Chris Romines, Michael McMaster, William Miyamoto, andVictor Franco (moderator) discuss how their robots were built and how they work. Topics include materials, blueprints, building techniques, tools, and the electronics used to bring R2’s to life.

Pour some sugar on WonderCon special guest Amber Benson! The actor, writer, director (Buffy The Vampire Slayer) will give a presentation chronicling some of her more recent work, followed by a Q&A, where she will talk about whatever the earlybirds want to talk about. Cupcakes/sugar will be included.

Did you ever want to be a superhero? Did you ever wish you had super powers? This panel of psychologists and writers discuss the benefits of comics and how they can potentially be therapeutic. Psychologists Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; Star Wars Psychology) and Dr. Patrick O’Connor (Comicspedia; Walking Dead Psychology), peer counselor Travis Adams (Department of Veterans Affairs), and writer Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History; Walking Dead Psychology) discuss your favorite superheroes. Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia; Star Wars Psychology) moderates.

Ron Diamond (program curator and producer) presents a handpicked selection of many of the best in new internationally acclaimed animated shorts from Australia, Iran, Ireland, the UK and the USA, including new works by Don Hertzfeldt and Amanda Palmer. Following the screening, Diamond will conduct a Q&A.

Licensed comics have seen an evolution from money grab and media tie-in to an artform. More than ever, these books are crucial to bringing in new and lapsed readers, from wide demographics, and extending fandom and its universe. Dafna Pleban (BOOM! Studios editor) leads a discussion on the evolution of licensed comics, from what has been achieved thus far to what lies ahead and how comic creators are taking part in the history of these franchises. Featuring writer Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), artist Chrystin Garland (Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems), Jackson Lanzing and Collin P. Kelly (The Maze Runner), Sarah Kuhn(Barbie), and others.

Help your students discover the art of reading. What makes a child want to read? Guest panelists share proven successful ways to introduce children to reading for fun and the ways that reading at an early age puts them on their career paths. Attendees will be provided with classroom resource material including but not limited to comics. Supplies may be limited.

Fiberglass? Foam? 3D-Printing? Lasers? Looking to build your own Halo armor and props but don’t know where to start? The members of the 405th Pacific Regiment are here to help! They will be discussing many of the methods used to create props and armor from the Halo universe, followed by a Q&A to help you get started on your armor-building journey. Panelists include J.P. Pollio and Cary Gunnar Lee (pepakura and painting), Ian Milward (3D-printing), Alec Richter (vacuform), and Kenneth Miller (foam and rigging). Moderated by Benedict Choy (405th Pacific CO).

Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking, “I could do that . . . if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join editor Wil Moss, as well as superstar writers and artists, including WonderCon special guestsRussell Dauterman (The Mighty Thor), Humberto Ramos (Extraordinary X-Men), Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), and Charles Soule (Daredevil) to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door and make your job Marvel!

Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central’s @Midnight, AMC’sTalking Dead) is joined byJessica Chobot (Nerdist News), Nerdist Industries president Adam Rymer, and the Nerdist editorial team: editor-in-chief Rachel Heine, Dan Casey (The Dan Cave),Malik Forté (Nerdist Play), Kyle Hill (Because Science), Matt Grosinger (Celebrity Playlist), and managing editor Alicia Lutes. The panel will talk sci-fi, superheroes, and what it’s like to work at Nerdist.

Get ready for hilarious hijinks in Tinseltown as Scooby and the gang head to Hollywood -this time in LEGO form. They visit a legendary motion picture studio that’s haunted by movie monsters from classic old films. See the world premiere of this film, then stay to hear from members of the cast and crew as they tell the tales of making the movie. Cast includes Frank Welker (Scooby-Doo, Fred), Grey Griffin (Daphne), Matthew Lillard (Shaggy), Kate Micucci (Velma), notable voices actors Dee Bradley Baker, J. B. Blanc, and James Arnold Taylor, and the Mistress of the Dark herself, Cassandra Peterson! LEGO Scooby-Doo!: Haunted Hollywood will be available May 3, 2016 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.

A psychologist created the world’s most famous superheroine. A psychiatrist attacked that psychologist and the character as part of his war on the comic book industry. One helped bring the Golden Age of Comics to life, one helped end it. Their repercussions have lasted to this day. After them, comics psychology largely died until the 21st century, when a growing number of psych pros resurrected it in books, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. Join psychologists Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Captain America vs. Iron Man), Elizabeth Ann (Star Wars Psychology),Patrick O’Connor (Comicspedia), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), along withAlan Kistler (Agents of Style) and Matt Munson (The Project Workbench) for a look at the comic book psychos.

Comedy in comics appears in all forms, from the tone of an entire story or the nature of the art, to a one-line gag in an otherwise serious story. Humor has always had a place in comics and moderator Nina Taylor Kester explores this important aspect with WonderCon special guests Kyle Baker (Plastic Man: On the Lam), Ming Doyle(DC Comics: Bombshells), Francesco Francavilla (Afterlife with Archie), Agnes Garbowska (My Little Pony), Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), and Raina Telgemier(Sisters).

Vince Hernandez (Aspen Comics VP/editor-in-chief), Matt Hawkins (Top Cow Productions publisher), Barbara Randall Kesel (editor), David Wohl (DC Comics editor), and Shannon Eric Denton (editor, writer) detail the keys to success in getting published and hired by a comic book publisher.

Some of the greatest artistry in comics today can be found not in the books but on the outside. What goes into designing a memorable, magnificent cover? This topic is discussed with examples by folks who’ve done it, featuring Paolo Rivera (Daredevil, The Valiant), Bill Sienkiewicz (Stray Toasters, Elektra: Assassin), and Annie Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye). Presiding over the discussion is Mark Evanier.

The Winner Twins, Brittany and Brianna, multiple award-winning and national bestselling science fiction authors, script writers, and producers, best known for their popular Strand series, will explain how to create your own novel step by step; from building your universe to overcoming writer’s block to the different paths to publishing. The twins have taught their unique award-winning creative writing method to hundreds of thousands of convention attendees, teachers, and students across the country. They will be joined by Steven-Elliot Altman (bestselling author ofDeprivers, game writer of 9Dragons, Pearl’s Peril and Ancient Aliens) and Richard Hatch (Captain Apollo/Tom Zarek of Battlestar Galactica, author of the bestsellingBattlestar Galactica book series), along with special guests, to share their war stories, answer your questions and teach you how to craft your story idea into a marketable novel, television series, or film franchise.

Following a successful weekend at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in December, the 11th annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival continues with the third of its three full days of short films from around the world for all ages: animation, live action. and documentary. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including advice to kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker.

DCE’s co-publishers are back and have lots to share! Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC, Vertigo, MAD, and much more. This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions about your favorite comic book publishers!

Photographers and photojournalists Bill Watters (Bleeding Cool), Dave Luchessi(Disney), Geri Kramer, Jon York (York in a Box Photography), Mike Tuffley (Disney), and Deborah Kountz (DebShots Photography) discuss tips and tricks on getting the most out of photography at conventions. The conversation will cover tricks of the trade, changes in technology, how to get great shots at conventions, working with cosplayers and groups, and the ever-evolving legal aspects that surround photography. Experienced photographers as well as those shooting with their smartphones will all find something new to take away from the panel.

Join New York Times bestselling author and WonderCpn special guest Carrie Vaughnfor a talk and Q&A session about everything from her books, publishing experiences, lifelong geeky loves, and everything in between. Carrie is the author of the bestselling urban fantasy Kitty series, about a werewolf who hosts a talk radio advice show for the supernaturally disadvantaged. She’s also written a number of other fantasy novels (After the Golden Age, Discord’s Apple, Voices of Dragons, Steel), upwards of 80 short stories for publications ranging from Weird Tales to Tor.com, and she’s a contributor to George R. R. Martin’s Wild Cards series of shared world novels.

WonderCon will once again host the Comic Creator Connection, an event that puts writers and artists together to see whether they can find their creative counterparts. Here’s how it works: in two 2-hour sessions—on Friday, March 25, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM and Sunday, March 27, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM—writers and artists can sit down and meet each other in a neutral environment. In 5-minute sessions, you can talk one-on-one with individual prospective collaborators about their ideas and skills. At the end of each 5-minute period, you will get up and move on to the next person. If you’re interested in furthering the conversation, you place your contact info (name and e-mail address) on a supplied card for that prospective partner. (Please note: This isn’t an ordinary WonderCon program. Preliminary sign-ups for the CCC take place online before WonderCon. Since we are registering creators in advance they will get priority seating. Any seats that are still open once the event starts will be given on a first come first serve basis. To check and see if space is still available, visit Room 150 about 30 minutes prior to the start of each session. Please note that space is limited and if you do not pre-register a seat may not be available if you choose to attend.) Complete details are available on the Comic Creator Connection page on our website.

With Mt. Weather destroyed and tensions escalating among the various clans on the ground, The 100’s sacrifices and heartbreaking choices have changed them forever. But now, as they set out to fortify their place in this dangerous new world, the question remains of what form that world will take: Will peace begin to take form, or will full-scale war break out among the Grounder clans? The twists are just beginning. Be among the first to get the scoop on what’s in store for the second half of the third season. What is the City of Light? What is ALIE’s end game? What challenges will the Sky People face next? See a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars Eliza Taylor, Bob Morley, Devon Bostick, Christopher Larkin, Lindsey Morgan, Richard Harmon, Isaiah Washington, and Henry Ian Cusick and executive producer Jason Rothenberg. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The 100 airs Thursdays at 9:00 pm on The CW.

Doll owners and enthusiasts gather to discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Volks, Fairyland, Iplehouse, and many others. Whether a seasoned collector or someone just starting out, you’ll have the opportunity to learn basics and share tips. Come to share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just to see the dolls on display, from tiny to towering. It’s a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin!

Take a look inside some of your favorite TV series with the people who make them come to life, as they share their candid thoughts on how to create and write the shows you love. Emily Andras (Wynonna Earp, Lost Girls), Amber Benson (Buffy The Vampire Slayer, The Last Dreamkeeper), Deirdre Mangan ( iZombie), and Carolyn Omine (The Simpsons) join moderator Allison Baker (IDW Entertainment) to give you the straight scoop.

Meet the women whose work changed what’s possible for free expression in comics! In the Golden and Silver Ages, pioneering cartoonists challenged gender and color barriers to establish a place for women in comics. In the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, underground cartoonists used the comics page to advance feminism and teach public health, while the alternative cartoonists of the 1980s and 1990s produced groundbreaking personal and political narratives. This panel will also explore the editors and publishers who blazed new trails for mainstream and alternative comics and examine the creators who made the graphic novels that inspired today’s landscape of increasingly diverse and empowering comics storytelling. Moderated by CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez.

Working in teams always has its challenges, but imagine how hard it must be when that challenge is to save the world! When our favorite characters team up, it makes for some amazing stories. WonderCon special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Uncanny X-Men) and Charles Soule (Inhuman) discuss group dynamics in comics with moderator Jessica Tseang.

Erika Rothberg (Loyola Marymount University) demonstrates the ways in whichWatchmen can be used to teach introductory Foucauldian power theory to undergraduate students and keep them engaged with (instead of afraid of) critical theory. Derek Heid (Temecula Valley High School) shows how to use Dan Walsh’sGarfield Minus Garfield to introduce the notion of “formalism” and literary theory in high school English classes and to demonstrate how adherence to rules and the perversion of those rules works within genre. Matthew Hoffman (Florida State University), and Sara Kolmes (Florida State University) examine the heteronormative and amatonormative shift in the transformation of Superman and Wonder Woman’s relationship from platonic to romantic.

Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens’s huge success has brought out fans of all ages to the theaters to see the first live action Star Wars film in 10 years. Hear the fans speak about what they loved, what they were surprised about, and what failed to live up to their expectations-all while the next wave of Star Wars fans explore advances made in the Star Wars Universe 39 years after its original release. Plus enjoy a special review of the incredible fan art inspired by The Force Awakens that has added a new layer and depth to your favorite characters. Panelists include Shawn Crosby (Rebel Legion), Kevin Pere (501st Legion), Jessica Woods (501st Legion), Ralph RJ Perez (Star Wars fan), and moderator Anastasia Hunter.

Breaking into comics panels are among the most popular at comic conventions throughout the country. Aspiring writers and artists are as in demand with publishers as social media wizards and Excel-loving number crunchers. Matt Gagnon (BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief) shares the origin stories of editors, creators, and the behind-the-scenes professionals they work with to make the comics you love to read!

What is it about a great monster that draws you in? New York Times bestselling novelist and WonderCon special guest Scott Sigler writes stories full of monsters and mayhem, including some that look just like you. This spotlight will take a look at some of the best of his own creations and at the pop culture monsters that influence his work. From the creatures that crawl beneath San Francisco in his novel Nocturnalto the terror-inducing invaders in Infected, Scott finds unique ways to delight and frighten at once.

Once more, with feeling! You’re invited to the fourth celebration of toe-tapping, floor-stomping cartoon music, including the immensely popular sing-along with theBatman: The Brave and the Bold episode “Mayhem of the Music Meister.” Join a bevy of special guests, from composers and songwriters to the voices carrying the tunes, as well as Warner Archive Collection podcast hosts Matt Patterson, D. W. Ferranti,and a few surprise guests for an entertaining, interactive look & listen at some of the great cartoon music of the past 50 years.

When heroes alone are not enough, the world needs legends. In DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, rogue time master Rip Hunter travels from the year 2166 back 150 years to assemble a disparate group of both heroes and rogues to confront the immortal threat of Vandal Savage-with not only the planet, but all of time hanging in the balance. From the creators of The Flash and Arrow, The CW’s newest superhero team-up combines characters from both shows, in addition to new heroes from the DC Comics pantheon. This epic story puts the fate of the world in the hands of an unlikely team, and the battle to save Earth will be legendary. From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, DC’s Legends of Tomorrowairs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.

Join Ming Doyle (Constantine: The Hellblazer) and Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck) for a casual, audience heavy Q&A and live-art presentation. Joe and Ming will draw while they field any and all questions, suggestions, and Twitter mentions. Their original sketches will be given away to lucky attendees at the end of the panel!

Kyle Hill (Because Science, Nerdist Science editor) and a group of scientists, engineers, and mega nerds discuss the secret science behind everything from Starkiller Base to lightsabers to BB-8. A large portion of the panel will be devoted to an audience Q&A, so get ready to geek out.

From Cartoon Network, MTV, and indie comics publishers to the big three, WonderCon special guest Kyle Baker (Nat Turner, Why I Hate Saturn) has had one busy career. The eight-time Eisner Award-winning writer/artist talks about all this stuff and what’s next.

This panel addresses the question every aspiring writer wants answered: “How do I break into the business?” Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable property. Moderated by 2015 Disney/ABC Writing Program winner and 2014 Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton (Marvel’s Agent Carter, ThunderCats), the panel includes Geoffrey Thorne (Leverage, The Librarians),Erika Alexander (Concrete Park, Living Single), and Tony Puryear ( Concrete Park, the Schwarzenegger film Eraser). Topics will include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.

Explore what it’s like be a geek, working in a geek culture vocation, while raising a geekling. Join panelists for a rousing discussion of modern-day parenting, attending conventions, using devices, cosplaying, online privacy, and using tech to make you a better parent, as well as when is best to introduce kids to the Star Wars movies (and in what order?), and more! Bring your kids and your questions! The panel will have some coloring books to keep kids occupied so you can try to focus! Panelists includeMelody Mooney (writer, Geekmom.com), Kendra Moras (Photography by Kendra Jean), Heather Pritchett (technical director, Disney Animation), and Cris Moras(lighter, Disney Feature Animation). Moderated by Theresa Wollenstein (organizer, Geeklings & Parental Units playdate group).

Two great animated “justice” series go head-to-head. Everyone is a winner as Warner Archive Collection celebrates both Justice League and Young Justice. Join some of the creative minds and talented voices behind both series, including the premier voices of Batman and Wonder Woman, Kevin Conroy and Susan Eisenberg. Leading theJustice League and Young Justice creators are Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), Brandon Vietti (LEGO DC Comics Super Heroes, Batman: Under the Red Hood) and everybody’s favorite voice of Cyborg, Khary Payton. Join this panel for a blockbuster discussion of the two popular series under the guidance of Warner Archive Collection podcasters D. W. Ferranti and Matthew Patterson and moderator Gary Miereanu.

Personal and political alliances make for strange bedfellows, companions, and frenemies in the tales of Josephine Angelini (Worldwalker Trilogy), Leah Thomas(Because You’ll Never Meet Me), Chris Howard (Night Speed), and V. E. Schwab (A Darker Shade of Magic). Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy moderates.

From pitches all the way to the printed page, find out how Valiant’s superstar creators and crack editorial team create the award-winning series behind the largest independent superhero universe in comics today. Valiant editor-in-chief Warren Simons and publisher Fred Pierce go behind the scenes to reveal the secrets to developing and editing hit series like Bloodshot Reborn, Divinity, Faith, and X-O Manowar.

Emily Decker (American Academy of Art) unmasks the myth of the superwoman by compiling material from canonical feminist art history to connect the feminist movement in comics today with the feminist movement of the 1960s and the 1970s.Ajani Brown (San Diego State University) examines the legacy of Jackie Ormes, the first African American woman cartoonist, in her socially and politically aware stripsPatty Jo ‘n’ Ginger and Torchy Brown, as well as the impact of Ormes’ work on other cartoonist such as Barbara Brandon-Croft (Where I’m Coming From) and Aaron McGruder (The Boondocks). Andrew Fogel (Purdue University) argues that superheroes’ fantasy geographies developed as an imagined Jewish homeland, a response to Jewish existence outside statehood-defined modernity.

Literary agents Holly Root (Waxman Leavell Literary Agency), and Kate Testerman(kt literary) team up with film agent Brandy Rivers (ICM Partners) to take your questions and discuss the wild world of manuscript querying, the role of agents in the publication and film rights process, and more! No pitches, please.

The Antidote Trust, America’s number one indie cooperative, has been hard at work, collectively and as individuals. Members such as Sebastian Jones (co-creator of Stranger Comics, The Untamed, I Am book series, Dusu) are shaking up the comics and entertainment industries’ landscapes. Hannibal Tabu (writer, Artifacts, Soulfire: Sourcebook #1, Waso, Project: Wildfire), a web producer and journalist will be sharing how he’s able to get so much work done. Andre Owens (writer/publisher, Force Galaxia, writer/director, The Psychedelic Detective web series) will share his professional background. DeWayne Copeland (author, Ja Rel Sunstormer & the Port Controller of Cruzar, CV Nation) will be on hand to provide insights on how to execute excellence on a shoestring budget. Robert Roach (storyboard artist,Insomnia, winner of the inaugural Glyph Award, Menthu, The Roach) returns with updates on his recent activity. Others may also drop by.

Join WonderCon special guest Russell Dauterman, artist of Marvel’s Thor and The Mighty Thor, for this panel about his career in comics. Russell will be talking about his digital art process, female Thor, breaking in, and more with moderator Sam Humphries (writer, Star-Lord). Plus, Russell will answer your questions and give a sneak peak of his upcoming work.

Rod Roddenberry (executive producer, son of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek), Trevor Roth (COO/head of development, Roddenberry Entrainment), and Tory Mell (producer, Roddenberry Entertainment) celebrate the sci-fi giant’s golden anniversary! Join this panel for fun, prizes, and more! Rod and Trevor will partake in a Q&A session moderated by a surprise guest.

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation offer an encore screening of Justice League vs. Teen Titans; the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe original movies. The film’s all-star cast includes Jason O’Mara (Complications, Terra Nova) as Batman, Jerry O’Connell ( Crossing Jordan, Stand By Me) as Superman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Rent) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty) as Flash. Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Batman: Bad Blood) also returns as Nightwing, as does Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin) as Robin/Damian. Making their Teen Titans voiceover debuts are Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story, Wicked City) as Raven, Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, The Fosters) as Blue Beetle, Brandon Soo Hoo ( Tropic Thunder, From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series) as Beast Boy, and Kari Wahlgren (Phineas and Ferb, Legion of Superheroes) as Starfire. Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Daredevil) takes the villainous center stage as Trigon. Watch a replay of a postscreening discussion, featuring several of the film’s actors and producer James Tucker, director Sam Liu, character designer Phil Bourassa, and screenwriter Bryan Q. Miller. Justice League vs. Teen Titans arrives April 12 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, and digital HD.

Bursting onto the international scene with a new form of martial arts screen action, the films of Hong Kong are some of the most influential in cinema history. From the ’70s through the ’90s, Golden Harvest introduced stars like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, Tsui Hark, and Jet Li to the world, and now Warner Archive is mining the depths of this unique library to bring a variety of action, historic, comedy, thriller, and fantasies like Pedicab Driver, The Blade, and A Terracotta Warrior to home entertainment for the first time. Join Warner Archive podcasters Matt Pattersonand D. W. Ferranti along with several HK film experts and witnesses to the behind-the-scenes action for an outrageous exploration of a filmic flashpoint.

Ladies unite to create more female-driven content. Accomplished female creators will discuss how to cultivate your ideas and bring them to life. Leave with inspiration, confidence, a solid plan of action, and tons of new ideas. All genders and ages welcome! Panelists include Patty Robinson (Pike & Trident), Jenny Lorenzo(Buzzfeed, Geekgasm), Heidi Cox (Stalking LeVar), Stephanie Thorpe (Elf Quest,Ladies & The Gents), and Kristen Nedopak (The Geekie Awards, The Skyrim Parodies).

Once relegated to the fringe of society, LGBTQ culture has shifted dynamically into the mainstream over the last 15 years, as witnessed by the acceptance of marriage equality, a transgender Olympian receiving standing ovations, and more positive LGBTQ characters in film and television than ever before. Even the geekosphere, a traditionally straight boy’s club, is increasingly crossing over into the queer realm with gay comic book characters like Midnighter, lesbian characters on GothamandAdventure Time and Ryan Reynolds admittedly bisexual as Deadpool. Join Prism Comics and moderator Mike Ciriaco (Hype, writer for LA Weekly, Frontiers) as he discusses the origins, trends, and benefits of the overlap of geek and gay with panelists Josh Trujillo (Love Machines, Death Saves), Sina Grace (Self Obsessed), TaraMadison Avery (Gooch, Anything That Loves), Mike Manning (An Act of Love, Youthful Daze, Delirium), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men, Mind the Gap), Ted Biaselli(The Haunting Hour, Spooksville), and Gordon Bellamy (game developer).

WonderCon is going out on a high note! The powers that be behind Whendopolis 2016, aka the folks who bring you the Buffy musical “Once More With Feeling” to close out San Diego Comic-Con, present an interactive screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog! Come and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer, or whatever, for “Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool!” Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. There will be audience participation; it isn’t just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore.

Hey, kids-it’s time to draw some fun and funny cartoons! Kristian Andrew Sather(Cartoon Design Revealed) returns to WonderCon with his popular cartooning workshop. Kristian will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing fun cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes and more. Be sure to join Kristian for this unique and exciting session!

Comic creator Josh Elder (Comics That Make Kids Smarter) will share his methods for making comics that are classroom friendly while still being something that kids will actually want to read! Education expert Jeff Barbanell (board member of Reading With Pictures) will also be on hand to share best practices for using comics in the classroom.

They call him the King of the Comics and his influence is inescapable around the industry and around this convention. Today, 22 years after he left us, there’s still so much to say about him, and some of it will be said by Steve Sherman (former Kirby assistant), Charles Hatfield (author, Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby), Paul S. Levine (Kirby family attorney), and your moderator, Mark Evanier (former Kirby assistant; author, Kirby: King of Comics). Including another special guest or two.

Could lightsabers ever be a reality? Does science matter when designing a Star Warsspacecraft? Which Star Wars droid gets NASA’s seal of approval? Fon Davis(production designer, Star Wars prequel movies) Emily Manor-Chapman (NASA mission planner), Kieran Dickson (editor, Outer Places), Travis Langley (editor, Star Wars Psychology), Steve Huff (fight choreographer), and moderator Jenna Busch(Legion of Leia) break down the science behind a galaxy far far away and discuss whether Kylo Ren’s Force Awakens lightsaber is genius or sacrilege.

The must-see panel of Comic-Con and WonderCon, as profiled on NPR’s “All Things Considered,” returns for another action-packed year of scholarly debate in a very special WonderCon edition: Wars vs. Trek, as only ships from Star Wars and Star Trekwill compete. The winners will go on to duke it out at San Diego. Who will battle for the highly coveted Smackdown title this year? Can the Starship Enterprise defeat an Imperial Star Destroyer? Will the Millennium Falcon be assimilated by the Borg Cube? Will the Reliant be taken over by Rathars? Join this panel of sage spaceshipologists who’ve seen a lot through these eyes as they outwit, outplay, and out-phaser. Starring Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels, The Clone Wars), Bobak Ferdowski(“Mohawk Guy” and actual spaceship builder), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, Power Rangers),Daren Dochterman (VFX supervisor,Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Director’s Edition),Robert Meyer Burnett (ST: TNG blu-rays, The Hills Run Red), Jose Molina (Firefly, Agent Carter), and the Howard Cosell of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (50 Year Mission, The Librarians), along with what will inevitably be some very special surprise guests. End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all-time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown.

This panel presents the vital basics of group management and networking, so covered topics can apply to any project, from hobbyist to professional purposes. Knowing the basics of group organization, forming and then working with a group without mortally wounding each other, is the difference between success or failure of your projects, and possibly friendships. No matter which industry (comics, illustration, TV/movies, webseries, webcomics, design, animation, costuming, cosplay, or blogging), breaking in has never been more apt a term than in today’s media. The panelists are from a wide array of media so they can speak to a variety of topics and answer questions specific to your projects. Topher Davila (art director,Geekdom Wear), Sean Glumace (Adobe education leader), Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (Molecular Geneticist), Renah Wolzinger(higher education leadership: statewide technical assistance provider for data tools, California community colleges), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author and lecturer), Gene Turnbow (general manager, Krypton Radio), and Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV) will speak, answer questions, and provide short interactive exercises where the audience can directly apply the topics covered. As an added bonus for attendees, there will be a giveaway of one-year subscription to Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

Back by popular request, this panel focuses on the psychology behind the most recent seasons of your favorite TV shows, including Doctor Who, Supernatural, Sherlock, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Castle, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and others. Join psychologists, Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; Star Wars Psychology), Dr. Travis Langley (Doctor Who Psychology; Star Trek Psychology), actorsMaurice La Marche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama), and Chase Masterson (Star Trek, The Flash) and host Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia, Star Wars Psychology) in geeking out and discussing your favorite TV shows. Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History; Walking Dead Psychology) moderates.

So how’d we do in our first-ever WonderCon at the Los Angeles Convention Center? Bring your questions and experiences . . . good or bad! All are welcome!