The Daily Beast: "Downton Abbey Season 4 Sets PBS Return Date"

PBS sets a January return date for the fourth season of Downton Abbey, and announces the return of Call the Midwife and the launch of dramedy Last Tango in Halifax.

At The Daily Beast, you can read my latest feature, "Downton Abbey Season 4 Sets PBS Return Date," in which Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton talks about the return of Downton Abbey, which has (finally) set a U.S. return date in January 2014.

American fans of the Crawley clan can finally mark their calendars: Season 4 of Downton Abbey will kick off on PBS' Masterpiece Classic on Sunday, January 5, 2014.

Masterpiece executive producer Rebecca Eaton announced the official U.S. airdate for Season 4 of the award-winning period drama Tuesday at the PBS Annual Meeting. Downton's fourth season will run for eight weeks, from January 5 to February 23, 2014, roughly the time timeframe as its third season, which aired in the U.S. earlier this year. (In the U.K., Season 4 will air this autumn on ITV.)

"Masterpiece fans will not be disappointed: Julian [Fellowes] has done another brilliant job," Eaton wrote in an email to The Daily Beast, "this time, portraying the Downton family moving on from the tragedies of last season."

Those tragedies include the death of heir Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens) and youngest daughter Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay). The duo—along with Siobhan Finneran (who played devious maid Miss O'Brien)—will not be returning for a fourth installment of the Julian Fellowes-created Downton Abbey, the highest-rated drama in PBS history. A stunning 24 million total viewers tuned into Season 3 of Downton Abbey, and finale on February 17, 2012 was the top-rated show on television for the evening, beating all primetime broadcast and cable programming.

Season 4 of Downton Abbey will feature Shirley MacLaine reprising her role as Martha Levinson, along with several new actors joining the cast: Tom Cullen, Nigel Harman, Dame Harriet Walter, Joanna David, Julian Ovendon, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and Gary Carr, to name a few.

Continue reading at The Daily Beast...

The Daily Beast: "Mad Men: Creator Matthew Weiner Shares 10 Facts About Season 6"

Mad Men returns on April 7! I talk with creator Matthew Weiner about what to expect from Season Six of the period drama, from a time jump to Don and Megan’s marriage.

Over at The Daily Beast, you can read my latest feature, "Mad Men: Creator Matthew Weiner Shares 10 Facts About Season 6," in which I talk to Mad Men creator Matthew Weiner about what lies ahead for Don Draper and the staffers of Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce in Season Six of AMC's Mad Men.

Hold on to your period-appropriate hats: AMC’s Mad Men will return for its sixth season on Sunday, April 7 at 9 p.m. with a two-hour premiere, the network announced today. (The Emmy Award-winning drama will settle into its regular time at 10 p.m. ET/PT the following week, with an episode directed by series star Jon Hamm.)

“To be able to continue exploring the stories of these characters for a sixth season is an amazing opportunity,” said series creator and executive producer Matthew Weiner in a statement. “We love mining this world and look forward to bringing the audience stories that we hope will continue to both surprise and entertain them.”

When we last saw Don Draper (Hamm) and his fellow partners at Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce, they were being tested by marital infidelity, objectification, and suicide, to name but a few of the crucibles Weiner and his writing staff put the characters through in Season 5. But the darkness that enveloped Don at the end of the season may not have dissipated just yet.

The Daily Beast caught up with Matthew Weiner yesterday to shed some light on what lies ahead for Don and Megan (Jessica Paré), newly independent Peggy (Elisabeth Moss), and our other favorites. Below are 10 facts, gleaned from The Daily Beast’s phone interview with Weiner, about Season 6.

This will be the second-to-last season of Mad Men.

Weiner, speaking to The Daily Beast yesterday, confirmed that Season 6 will most definitely be Mad Men’s penultimate season, with the show set to wrap after next season.

“I’m going to confirm that,” said Weiner, who added that having an end date helped shape the overall narrative of Season 6 quite a lot.

“I came in with my plan for the season,” he said. “I was like, ‘I want to save that for the last season, I want to save that; I want to wait on that’ and I was pulled aside by Maria and Andre Jacquemetton, my executive producers, who said, ‘Don’t do that. You’ve never done that before. Let’s just use all the story that we have and we’ll deal with it on the other side of it.’ It really helped. Because I don’t want to change—part of it is superstition and part of it is the only way I know how to do it.”

Continue reading at The Daily Beast...

The Daily Beast: "NBC's Community Returns March 15"

While fans of NBC's beloved--if low-rated--comedy Community, which went on an indefinite hiatus in December, have had to make due these last few months with casting news (Giancarlo Esposito! John Hodgman! A Law & Order-themed episode!) and ++fan-generated art++ [http://critormiss.tumblr.com/post/17727815698/savecommunity], there is some good news to be had for the loyal followers of the Greendale study group.

Community will return Thursday, March 15 at 8 p.m. with the first of twelve all-new episodes. Multiple sources close to the production confirmed the news, first tweeted by Community creator Dan Harmon, that the Sony Pictures Television-produced show would be returning to its old Thursday night stomping ground next month.

Read it at The Daily Beast

Back to Bon Temps: True Blood Return Date Announced

Warm up a bottle of Tru Blood, because we're heading back to the Louisiana bayou for another season come June.

HBO today announced the official launch date for Season Four of the vampire drama, which will kick off its twelve-episode season on Sunday, June 26th at 9 pm ET/PT.

The pay cabler also announced return dates for Curb Your Enthusiasm, which will launch its ten-episode eighth season on Sunday, July 10th at 10 pm ET/PT, and the final season of Entourage, which will begin on Sunday, July 24th at 10:30 pm.

Glad to finally have a date to circle on your calendar, True Blood fans? You're not the only ones anxious to sink your teeth into the fourth season this summer...

Winter is Coming (Or At Least 15 Minutes of It): HBO Announces 15-Minute Teaser for Game of Thrones Airing April 3rd

Winter is coming a little earlier than expected...

HBO will give Game of Thrones fans a chance to catch 15-minutes of the April 17th series premiere a few weeks early, with a one-time airing on April 3rd at 9 pm ET/PT.

The 15-minute teaser, or "exclusive preview" in HBO parlance, will air on HBO's linear channel just once, before it's made available the following day on HBO.com, HBO on Demand, and via the premium cable channel's subscriber-only online service, HBO Go.

The series itself, meanwhile, is slated to kick off its ten-episode season on Sunday, April 17th at 9 pm ET/PT.

The full press release from HBO can be found below.

HBO PRESENTS 15-MINUTE GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW APRIL 3

HBO will present – for the first time – a sneak peek of the first 15 minutes of the first episode of a new series when GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW debuts SUNDAY, APRIL 3 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT). Following this one-time-only play, GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW will be available immediately on hbo.com and HBO Go, and will be available on HBO On Demand beginning Monday, April 4.

The HBO presentation of GAME OF THRONES EXCLUSIVE PREVIEW will be followed by the debut of Part Three of the HBO Miniseries presentation MILDRED PIERCE at 9:15 p.m. (ET/PT).

Based on the popular book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” by George R.R. Martin, the fantasy series GAME OF THRONES chronicles an epic struggle for power set in a vast and violent fantasy kingdom. The ensemble cast includes Mark Addy, Sean Bean, Emilia Clarke, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Fairley, Lena Headey, Kit Harington and Aidan Gillen. The show was shot at the Paint Hall Studio in Belfast, Northern Ireland, as well as at various locations in Northern Ireland and Malta.

GAME OF THRONES launches its ten-episode season SUNDAY, APRIL 17, exclusively on HBO.
GAME OF THRONES was created by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss; executive produced by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss; co-executive producers, Carolyn Strauss, Guymon Casady, Vince Gerardis, Ralph Vicinanza and George R.R. Martin; producers, Mark Huffam and Frank Doelger.

Directors include Brian Kirk, Daniel Minahan, Alan Taylor and Tim Van Patten; writers include David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Bryan Cogman, Jane Espenson and George R.R. Martin.

Winter Is Coming April 17th: HBO Announces Start Date for Game of Thrones

The date we've been waiting for is finally here.

HBO today announced a launch date for Game of Thrones, its adaptation of George R.R. Martin's novels.

That date? April 17th at 9 pm ET/PT.

(The pay cable network also announced the start date for its upcoming Kate Winslet-led miniseries Mildred Pierce, which will air its first installment on March 27th. The sizzle reel they showed made the mini look insanely amazing.)

As for Game of Thrones, I watched the 15-minute clip reel that HBO assembled and think that it looks extraordinary. Entire scenes have been reshot since the original pilot I saw last summer and several roles (in addition to the two major ones) have been recast. I also sat down with George R.R. Martin and David Benioff and Dan Weiss earlier today as a few of us joined the author and the series' executive producers for a series of roundtable discussions. More on that to come!

Stay tuned.

Press Release: AMC Announces Launch Date for The Killing

AMC ANNOUNCES NEXT ORIGINAL SERIES, “THE KILLING”
TO PREMIERE SUNDAY, APRIL 3rd AT 10PM/ET

From Writer and Executive Producer Veena Sud

Starring Mireille Enos, Billy Campbell, Joel Kinnaman,
Michelle Forbes and Brent Sexton

Pasadena, CA – January 7, 2010 – AMC announced today, from the Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California, the premiere of AMC’s next original series, “The Killing,” on Sunday, April 3rd at 10pm ET/PT. From writer, executive producer and series’ showrunner Veena Sud (“Cold Case”), “The Killing” is based on the wildly successful Danish television series “Forbrydelsen.” It tells the story of the murder of a young girl in Seattle and the subsequent police investigation. Season one consists of thirteen, one-hour episodes.

“The Killing” ties together three distinct stories around a single murder including the detectives assigned to the case, the victim’s grieving family and the suspects. Set in Seattle, the story also explores local politics as it follows politicians connected to the case. As the series unfolds, it becomes clear that there are no accidents; everyone has a secret, and while the characters think they’ve moved on, their past isn’t done with them.

Online at AMCtv.com, fans can access the series' trailer, an exclusive behind-the-scenes video, first-look photos, and read the latest news and information about the series through an updated blog. Users can also participate in a community talk forum. Then, throughout the month of April, “The Killing’s” site expands to include games, downloads, and cast and character profiles. Following the premiere, each week AMCtv.com will feature new episodic and behind-the-scenes videos, exclusive Q&As with the cast and crew, trivia games, and more. The site also introduces a customized feature entitled, “Rosie’s Room,” which is an exclusive interactive experience that allows users to enter and explore the bedroom of the teenage murder victim Rosie Larsen to learn more about her life and uncover clues about what may have led to her untimely death.

“The Killing” stars Mireille Enos (“Big Love”) as Sarah Linden, the lead homicide detective that investigates the death of Rosie Larsen; Billy Campbell (“Once and Again”) as Darren Richmond, Seattle’s City Council President, running for Mayor; Joel Kinnaman (Snabba Cash) as Stephen Holder, an ex-narc cop who joins the homicide division in the investigation to find Rosie’s killer; Michelle Forbes (“True Blood”) as Rosie’s mother, Mitch Larsen; and Brent Sexton (W., In the Valley of Elah) as Rosie’s father, Stan Larsen.

Filmed in Vancouver, “The Killing” is produced by Fox Television Studios and executive produced by Mikkel Bondesen (“Burn Notice”) for Fuse Entertainment. Fuse’s Kristen Campo co-produces. AMC’s Joel Stillerman, senior vice president of original programming, production and digital content, Susie Fitzgerald, senior vice president of scripted development and current programming and Jason Fisher, senior vice president of production oversee production of the series for the network.

Community Creator Dan Harmon Reacts to Idol Move

Fringe fans aren't the only ones concerned by the midseason schedule unveiled this evening by FOX, which includes the move of American Idol to Wednesdays and Thursdays in January.

The move means that the reality juggernaut, which has seen its ratings deflated somewhat of late, will now air opposite NBC's cult comedy Community. But it's not time to send in the save our show letters just yet.

Creator Dan Harmon, reached by Televisionary on Friday evening, had this to say.

"My reaction: We have nothing to worry about," Harmon told me. "American Idol has a totally different audience. They like popular things."

So there. Viva Greendale.

Fox Unveils Midseason Schedule: Fringe Moves to Friday, Idol to Wed and Thurs

Well, Fringe, it was nice knowing you.

Fox has today announced that it is moving Fringe to Fridays at 9 pm (sound familiar, Dollhouse fans?) amid a series of scheduling moves that include reality juggernaut American Idol moving to Wednesdays and Thursdays this January.

Fringe will make the move beginning January 28th and it's already potentially a sign that the writing is on the wall for the sci-fi drama, now in its third season. Traditionally the death slot for television series, Friday nights often signal that a series is on its way out the door. Whether this proves to be the case for Fringe remains to be seen, but it's not a promising move, even if the series has been underperforming on Thursdays. (Sigh.)

The full press release from Fox can be found below.

FOX ANNOUNCES 2010-2011 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE

“AMERICAN IDOL” MOVES TO WEDNESDAYS AND THURSDAYS
WITH TWO-NIGHT SEASON PREMIERE
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 19 AND THURSDAY, JAN. 20

FOX TUESDAYS CONTINUE TO SING WITH DEBUT
OF NEW ENSEMBLE COMEDY “MIXED SIGNALS”
FOLLOWING ALL-NEW EPISODES OF “GLEE” AND “RAISING HOPE”
TUESDAY, FEB. 8

NEW ANIMATED SERIES “BOB’S BURGERS” OPENS SUNDAY, JAN. 9

NEW POLICE DRAMA “THE CHICAGO CODE” BOOKS PREMIERE
MONDAY, FEB. 7

NEW COMEDY “BREAKING IN” SECURES DEBUT WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6

MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP Returns Tuesday, Jan. 4;
BONES Moves to 9:00 PM Starting Thursday, Jan. 20;
Gordon Ramsay’s KITCHEN NIGHTMARES Turns up the Heat Friday, Jan. 21;
FRINGE Travels to Fridays Beginning Jan. 28

FOX is announcing premiere dates of new and returning series, as well as revisions to its 2010-2011 midseason schedule, including AMERICAN IDOL moving to Wednesdays and Thursdays and GLEE continuing to lead off FOX’s Tuesday night of comedies featuring RAISING HOPE and the debut of MIXED SIGNALS.

Television’s No. 1 series, AMERICAN IDOL, moves to Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning with a two-night premiere event Wednesday, Jan. 19 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) and Thursday, Jan. 20 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). AMERICAN IDOL welcomes new judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, who join judge Randy Jackson and host Ryan Seacrest, and an all-new crop of hopefuls from auditions held in Austin, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Nashville, New Orleans, San Francisco and East Rutherford, NJ.

BOB’S BURGERS, the new animated comedy about a man, his family and their burger joint, opens Sunday, Jan. 9 (8:30-9:00 PM ET/PT). In the newest addition to the Sunday “Animation Domination” lineup, BOB (H. Jon Benjamin, “Archer”) and his quirky family have big ideas about burgers, but fall short on service and sophistication. Despite the greasy counters, lousy location and a dearth of customers, Bob and his family are determined to make Bob’s “grand re-re-re-opening” a success.

As previously announced, THE CHICAGO CODE (formerly titled “Ride-Along”), the new police drama from creator Shawn Ryan (“The Shield”), will make its anticipated debut the night after SUPER BOWL XLV, Monday, Feb. 7 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT), following all-new episodes of HOUSE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). The new fast-paced series starring Jason Clarke (“Public Enemies,” “Brotherhood”), Jennifer Beals (LIE TO ME, “The L Word”), Delroy Lindo (“Kidnapped”) and Matt Lauria (“Friday Night Lights”) follows the Windy City’s most powerful and respected cops as they navigate the city’s underbelly to fight crime and expose corruption.

MIXED SIGNALS, the new relationship comedy created by Bob Fisher (“Wedding Crashers”) that reveals how friendships and romances both enhance and complicate the lives of the men and women in them, will have its series premiere Tuesday, Feb. 8 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) following all-new episodes of GLEE (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) and RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT). The new ensemble comedy stars David Denman (“The Office”), Nelson Franklin (“I Love You, Man”), Kris Marshall (HUMAN TARGET), Liza Lapira (“Dexter”) and Aya Cash (“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”).

Additionally, FOX has picked up BREAKING IN (working title), an offbeat half-hour workplace comedy about a high-tech security firm that takes extreme – and often questionable – measures to sell their protection services. Created by Adam F. Goldberg (“Fanboys”) and Seth Gordon (“Four Christmases” and the upcoming “Horrible Bosses”), the series centers on a team of uniquely skilled oddball geniuses hand-picked to work for a manipulative mastermind. Starring Christian Slater (“The Forgotten”), Bret Harrison (“Reaper”) and Odette Yustman (“You Again”), the new comedy premieres Wednesday, April 6 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT) following 90-minute AMERICAN IDOL episodes (8:00-9:30 PM ET/PT).

KITCHEN NIGHTMARES serves up a new season Friday, Jan. 21 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT). Each week, Chef Gordon Ramsay will try to help turn around some of the country’s most unsanitary and unsuccessful restaurants on the verge of closing their doors forever.

FOX midseason sees other changes as well. LIE TO ME reveals a special two-hour episode Monday, Jan. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) with Dr. Cal Lightman (Tim Roth) continuing his search for the truth in its regular time period Mondays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) until Jan. 31.

GLEE continues with encores until all-new episodes begin in February with a special installment airing immediately following SUPER BOWL XLV Sunday, Feb. 6 (approximately 10:30-11:30 PM ET/7:30-8:30 PM PT). Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) GLEE leads a night of all-new episodes of FOX comedies, including RAISING HOPE (9:00-9:30 PM ET/PT) and MIXED SIGNALS (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT).

MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP will challenge more duos to keep their $1 million with all-new episodes airing for four weeks on Tuesdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) starting Jan. 4, plus two bonus Thursday (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) episodes on Jan. 6 and 13.

After a run of six all-new episodes in a row this fall, HUMAN TARGET springs into action with special two-hour episodes airing Wednesday, Jan. 5 and 12 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT). The action-packed drama charges into its time period premiere Wednesday, Jan. 26 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) following AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) for three weeks.

The thrill continues when BONES moves to a new time period Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) after AMERICAN IDOL (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) starting Jan. 20. Fan-favorite FRINGE will travel to a new night and time with all-new episodes beginning Friday, Jan. 28 (9:00-10:00 PM ET/PT).

THE CLEVELAND SHOW makes its time period premiere Sunday, Jan. 9 (9:30-10:00 PM ET/PT), with AMERICAN DAD moving to a new time a week later Sunday, Jan. 16 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT).


FOX 2010-2011 MIDSEASON SCHEDULE
(All times ET/PT except as noted)

MONDAY
Monday, Jan. 10:
8:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME (Two-Hour Episode)

Mondays, beginning Jan. 17:
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM LIE TO ME (All-New Episodes)

Mondays, beginning Feb. 7
8:00-9:00 PM HOUSE (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM THE CHICAGO CODE (Series Premiere)

****************************

TUESDAY
Tuesdays, beginning Jan. 4:
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP (All-New Episodes)

Tuesdays, beginning Feb. 8:
8:00-9:00 PM GLEE (All-New Episodes)
9:00-9:30 PM RAISING HOPE (All-New Episodes)
9:30-10:00 PM MIXED SIGNALS (Series Premiere)

***************************

WEDNESDAY
Wednesday, Jan. 5 and 12:
8:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (All-New, Two-Hour Episodes)

Wednesday, Jan. 19:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Two-Hour Season Premiere, Part One)

Wednesdays, beginning Jan. 26:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL
9:00-10:00 PM HUMAN TARGET (All-New Episodes)

Wednesdays, beginning Feb. 16:
8:00-10:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Two-Hour Episodes)

Wednesdays, beginning April 6:
8:00-9:30 PM AMERICAN IDOL (90-Minute Episodes)
9:30-10:00 PM BREAKING IN (Series Premiere)

***************************

THURSDAY
Thursdays, beginning Jan. 6:
8:00-9:00 PM MILLION DOLLAR MONEY DROP (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM BONES (Encore Episodes)

Thursdays, beginning Jan. 20:
8:00-9:00 PM AMERICAN IDOL (Season Premiere, Part Two)
9:00-10:00 PM BONES (Time Period Premiere)

***************************

FRIDAY
Friday, Jan. 7:
8:00 PM-CC ET AT&T COTTON BOWL (Live)

Friday, Jan. 21:
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Season Premiere)
9:00-10:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (Encore)

Fridays, beginning Jan. 28:
8:00-9:00 PM KITCHEN NIGHTMARES (All-New Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM FRINGE (Time Period Premiere)

**************************

SATURDAY
Saturday, Jan. 15:
8:00 PM-CC ET NFC DIVISION PLAYOFFS (Live)

Saturdays, beginning Jan. 22 (no change to lineup):
8:00-8:30 PM COPS (All-New Episodes)
8:30-9:00 PM COPS (Encore Episodes)
9:00-10:00 PM AMERICA’S MOST WANTED (All-New Episodes)

**************************

SUNDAY
Sunday, Jan. 9:
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (All-New Episode)
8:30-9:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS (Series Premiere)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY (All-New Episode)
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW (Time Period Premiere/All-New Episode)

Sunday, Jan. 16 and 23:
7:00-7:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (Encore Episodes)
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD (Time Period Premiere)
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS (All-New Episodes)
8:30-9:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS (All-New Episodes)
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY (All-New Episodes)
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW (All-New Episodes)

Sunday, Jan. 30:
7:00 PM-CC ET NFC PRO BOWL (Live)

Sunday, Feb. 6:
6:00 PM-CC ET SUPER BOWL XLV (Live)
10:30 PM ET/7:30 PT GLEE (All-New Special Episode; Approximate Start Time)

Sundays, beginning Feb. 13 (no change to lineup):
7:00-7:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
7:30-8:00 PM AMERICAN DAD
8:00-8:30 PM THE SIMPSONS
8:30-9:00 PM BOB’S BURGERS
9:00-9:30 PM FAMILY GUY
9:30-10:00 PM THE CLEVELAND SHOW

NBC Announces Midseason Schedule, Third Hour of Comedy, Return of Parks and Recreation

I just left the first post-merger bureau meeting to learn that NBC had announced its midseason schedule, complete with a few scheduling shifts (cough, Parenthood), a third hour of comedy on Thursdays (along with a renewal for 30 Rock, when it all goes pear-shaped), and a few missing series as well. (Love Bites and Friends with Benefits, I'm looking at you.)

And, most importantly, a announcement about the long-delayed return of Parks and Recreation, which returns to the schedule on January 20th in a new timeslot of 9:30 pm ET/PT, right after The Office. (About time it got this plum timeslot as well.)

I'm off to an interview but I'm curious to know what you think about the new schedule, the musical chairs, and the return to Pawnee. Head to the comments section to discuss.

The full schedule can be found below, along with the official press release from NBC.

NBC ANNOUNCES NEW MID-SEASON SCHEDULE
UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. – November 15, 2010 – NBC today made several mid-season schedule announcements, including the premiere dates for four new series – the dramas “The Cape” and “Harry’s Law,” the comedy “Perfect Couples” and the alternative series “America’s Next Great Restaurant.” The lineup also includes series time period changes for “Law & Order: Los Angeles,” “Chase,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Parenthood.”

Additionally, returning series “Parks and Recreation,” “The Biggest Loser: Couples,” “Who Do You Think You Are?,” “Minute to Win It,” “The Marriage Ref” and “The Celebrity Apprentice” resume on the schedule while other moves maximize the amount of original, non-repeat programming on the network.

Following are night-by-night details:

Mondays
The new action-filled drama “The Cape” will premiere with a two-hour episode on Sunday, January 9 (9-11 p.m. ET). An encore broadcast of the two-hour episode airs Monday, January 10 (9-11 p.m. ET) with new episodes starting in its regular time period on January 17 (9-10 p.m. ET). The highly buzzed-about drama “The Event” returns with a two-hour edition on Monday, February 28 (9-11 p.m. ET) and begins airing in its regular 9-10 p.m. (ET) time slot on March 7. The new drama “Harry’s Law” debuts at 10-11 p.m. (ET) starting on January 17. “Parenthood” will return on January 4 with new episodes in its current time period (Tuesdays, 10-11 p.m. ET) and will move to Mondays on March 7 at 10-11 p.m. (ET) with original episodes to complete its second season. “Chuck” continues at 8-9 p.m. (ET) on January 17.

Tuesdays
The new season of “The Biggest Loser: Couples” premieres on Tuesday, January 4 at 8-10 p.m. (ET). “Law & Order: Los Angeles” will move to Tuesdays at 10-11 p.m. (ET) on February 8.

Wednesdays
Beginning January 5, “Minute to Win It” returns at 8-9 p.m. (ET). The freshman drama “Chase” relocates to a new night and time at 9-10 p.m. (ET) beginning January 12. “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” moves to a new time beginning with a two-hour episode from 9-11 p.m. (ET) on January 5 before resuming in its regular time of 10-11 p.m. (ET) the next week. The new alternative series “America’s Next Great Restaurant” premieres from 9-10 p.m. (ET) on March 16.

Thursdays
The new Thursday-night lineup features wall-to-wall comedy beginning January 20 with “Community” at 8-8:30 p.m. (ET) followed at the new comedy “Perfect Couples” at 8:30-9 p.m. (ET). “The Office” continues at 9-9:30 p.m. (ET) and “Parks and Recreation” returns from 9:30-10 p.m. (ET). NBC opens a new hour of humor with “30 Rock” moving to 10-10:30 p.m. (ET) and the freshman series “Outsourced” concludes the night at 10:30-11 p.m. (ET).

Fridays
The alternative genealogy series “Who Do You Think You Are?” returns on January 21 (8-9 p.m. ET). “Dateline NBC” will return on January 7 (9-11 p.m. ET).

Sundays
“The Marriage Ref” returns for its second season on March 6 (8-9 p.m. ET) followed by the return of “The Celebrity Apprentice” (9-11 p.m. ET), also on March 6.

For more detailed information and photography on these and other NBC series, please log on to WWW.NBCUMV.COM.

The premieres of the new January-March program schedule follow in a grid (all times ET); new series are capitalized.

MONDAYS
8-9 p.m. – “Chuck”
9-10 p.m. – “THE CAPE” will premiere with a two-hour episode on Sunday, January 9 (9-11 p.m.). New episodes start in its regular time period on January 17 (9-10 p.m.)
10-11 p.m. – “HARRY’S LAW’ (beginning January 17)
9-10 p.m. – “The Event” (returns on February 28, 9-11 p.m.; resumes in its regular time slot March 7)
10-11 p.m. -- “Parenthood” (debuts in this slot March 7 with all originals)

TUESDAYS
8-10 p.m. -- “The Biggest Loser: Couples” (beginning January 4)
10-11 p.m. – “Parenthood” (beginning January 4 for four episodes)
10-11 p.m. -- “Law & Order: Los Angeles” (beginning February 8)

WEDNESDAYS
8-9 p.m. -- “Minute to Win It” (beginning January 5)
9-10 p.m. –“Chase” (beginning January 12)
10-11 p.m. – “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (originals beginning January 5 with two-hour episode, 9-11 p.m. ET)
9-10 p.m. – “AMERICA’S NEXT GREAT RESTAURANT” (beginning March 16)

THURSDAYS (all beginning January 20)
8-8:30 p.m. – “Community”
8:30-9 p.m. – “PERFECT COUPLES”
9-9:30 p.m. – “The Office”
9:30-10 p.m. – “Parks and Recreation”
10-10:30 p.m. – “30 Rock”
10:30-11 p.m. – “Outsourced”

FRIDAYS
8-9 p.m. -- “Who Do You Think You Are?” (beginning January 21)
9-11 p.m. – “Dateline NBC” (beginning January 7)

SUNDAYS
7-8 p.m. – “Dateline NBC”
8-9 p.m. – “The Marriage Ref” (beginning March 6)
9-11 p.m. – “The Celebrity Apprentice” (beginning March 6)

HBO Sets Date for Fifth and Final Season of Big Love, New Project in the Works for Olsen/Scheffer

It's official: it's the end of the road for the Henrickson clan.

HBO today announced that the fifth and final season of Big Love will kick off on January 16th. Yes, you read that correctly: the final season.

“It has been an honor and pleasure to work with series creators Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer on this unique and provocative series, and I’m happy that they will be able to bring the story to its close the way they always envisioned,” said HBO Programming president Michael Lombardo in a statement. “We look forward with great anticipation to collaborating with Mark and Will on their next venture.”

However, don't get angry at HBO. At least according to comments made by Olsen and Scheffer in the official press release, it seems as though the series is reaching a natural ending, as it were... and the duo aren't going anywhere. It appears that a new HBO project for the writing team will be announced shortly.

“When we created Big Love in 2002, we had a strong conception of the journey the Henrickson family would make over the course of the series, of the story we had to tell,” said Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer in a joint statement. “While we were in the writers’ room this year shaping our fifth season, we discovered that we were approaching the culmination of that story.

“Big Love has been our all-consuming labor of love for the past eight years. We are very grateful for HBO’s continuing support and for the collaborative effort of our partners at Playtone, our producers, our fine cast and our fellow craftsmen and crew for making this show the exceptional and joyful experience that it’s been," they continued. "This coming January, we look forward to presenting our audience with the most vibrant and satisfying final season of a television series that we can produce.”

Here's what executive producer Gary Goetzman had to say about the news:

“Big Love has been a truly rewarding experience in every way for Tom Hanks and me,” said Goetzman. “We’ve been so fortunate to have had such a tremendous cast over the five seasons, and we’ve never been less than amazed with their brilliance and willingness to take risks. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our partnership with Will and Mark and have always been blown away by their storytelling abilities. We believe this final season of BIG LOVE will be the best ever.”

As for that future project, here's what HBO had to say: "Mark V. Olsen and Will Scheffer have a continuing relationship with HBO, and their next project for the network will be announced when it is confirmed."

In other words: stay tuned.

Personally, I'm going to miss the Henricksons. Over the last four seasons, I've come to fall head over heels in love with this complex and emotionally resonant series. While Season Four may have been shaky at times, I still maintain that the third season of Big Love stacks up against the all-time greatest television seasons of all time.

And I have a feeling that Season Five will attempt to shift the tone of the series back in line with where it was in the third season. I have faith in Olsen and Scheffer to not only wrap up this series with grace and grit but also to reduce me to tears once more.

Are you sad about the news? Is it time for HBO to wrap up the saga of the polygamist family drama? Or is there still life left in this non-traditional family? Head to the comments to discuss.

High Drama: BBC Announces Dramas from Sam Mendes, Jane Campion, and Sir David Hare (Plus Sizzle Reel Video)

I've found myself extremely distracted this morning.

The cause: this gorgeous sizzle reel put together by BBC for their upcoming drama offerings, which include Accused, Aurelio Zen, Christopher and His Kind, The Crimson Petal and the White, Doctor Who Christmas Special, The First Men in the Moon, Hattie, Lip Service, The Nativity, Outcasts, The Shadow Line, Silk, Single Father, The Song of Lunch, South Riding, Toast, Upstairs Downstairs, When Harvey Met Bob, and Women in Love. (Whew.)

Look for cameos from Matt Smith, David Tennant, and Christopher Eccleston, which must be the first time the three most recent actors playing the Doctor have appeared in anything together. Even if it is just a sizzle reel.

You can view Auntie Beeb's slick and provocative reel below. Just be forewarned: you'll probably want to watch it again and again.



Meanwhile, the Beeb also announced upcoming dramas from Sam Mendes, Jane Campion, and Sir David Hare. The full press release from the BBC can be found below.

BBC Controller of Drama announces new commissions from three of world's leading creative talents: Sam Mendes, Jane Campion and Sir David Hare

To mark two years in post, BBC Controller of Drama, Ben Stephenson unveiled the new season of drama coming up on the BBC over the next six months across all four channels.

Speaking tonight at the event to the press, industry and artists, Ben Stephenson said: "Two years in this job has put the fire in my belly to stand up for British drama. I love the passion for drama in this country – opinionated writers and audiences who demand quality drama. The BBC should embrace all of these – we should be contradictory and a broad church in our ability to mix high art with the best of popular culture.

"The Song Of Lunch should rub shoulders with EastEnders, Sherlock with Shakespeare, Sir David Hare with Steven Moffat, Emma Thompson with Idris Elba… Tonight, I have some pretty incredible announcements and only BBC Drama could bring you this kind of quality and ambition.

"Epic film versions of four of Shakespeare's History plays from award-winning stage and film director Sam Mendes, by some of the best theatre directors in the country. A major new single play written and directed by playwright and screenwriter Sir David Hare. Finally, authored, original drama at its finest from Oscar-winning writer/director Jane Campion."

Shakespeare on BBC Two from Neal Street Productions

Ben Stephenson announced BBC Drama's commitment to Shakespeare with new screen versions of four of the History plays - Richard II, Henry IV part I and II, and Henry V from Neal Street Productions, with Sam Mendes (American Beauty, Revolutionary Road) and Pippa Harris (Starter For Ten, Stuart A Life Backwards) executive producing.

The producer will be Rupert Ryle-Hodges (Cranford), with Simon Russell Beale as associate producer. The directors include Sir Richard Eyre (Iris, Notes On A Scandal) and Rupert Goold (Enron, Macbeth).

Commissioned by Ben Stephenson and Controller, BBC Two, Janice Hadlow.

Executive producer Sam Mendes said: "I couldn't be more delighted to be making these Shakespeare films for the BBC. One of my earliest introductions to Shakespeare was watching the plays on TV, and it's terrific to have the opportunity to bring them to a new, wider audience."

He also added that: "Richard's production of 'King Lear' and Rupert's 'Macbeth' were two of the best Shakespeare productions I've ever seen, and it's an honour to have them on board."

Jane Campion's Top Of The Lake for BBC Two

Startling, atmospheric new multi-part drama series announced for BBC Two from Oscar-winning writer/director Jane Campion (The Piano, Sweetie, Portrait Of A Lady, In The Cut, Bright Star).

Top Of The Lake is authored, original drama at its finest, bringing to screen a unique landscape – remote, mountainous New Zealand – in a powerful and haunting story about our search for happiness in a paradise where honest work is hard to find.

A twelve-year-old girl stands chest deep in a frozen lake. She is five months pregnant, and she won't say who the father is, insisting it was 'no one'. Then she disappears. Robin Griffin, the investigating detective, will find this the case that tests her to her limits. In the search for Tui she will first have to find herself.

Directed by Jane Campion, and written by Jane Campion and Gerard Lee. It is a multi-part serial for BBC Two and will film in 2011, produced by Emile Sherman and Iain Canning of UK/Australian company See-Saw Films.

Commissioned by Ben Stephenson and Janice Hadlow, Controller, BBC Two.

Sir David Hare

English playwright and screenwriter returns to the BBC with a single play which he will also direct, through Christine Langan Creative Director of BBC Films. More details to be announced soon. His credits include Plenty (1985), Wetherby (1985), My Zinc Bed (2000) and The Permanent Way (2003).

Channel Surfing: Zach Gilford Goes Off the Map, Entourage to End Next Year, Fringe's Sebastian Roche to Supernatural, and More

Welcome to your Monday morning television briefing.

Former Friday Night Lights star Zach Gilford has joined the cast of ABC's midseason medical drama Off the Map, from executive producers Shonda Rhimes and Jenna Bans. TVGuide.com's Natalie Abrams reports that Gilford will play Tommy, a physician who travels to a remote medical clinic in South America along with fellow doctors Lily (Caroline Dhavernas) and Mina (Mamie Gummer). (The series' other stars include Martin Henderson, Jason George, and Valerie Cruz.) Gilford's casting comes on the heels of the hiring of Rachelle Lefevre as a regular and the departure of Enrique Murciano, though ABC was quick to point out that Gilford won't be playing the same role that Murciano did, a spoiled and uptight plastic surgeon. [Editor: I'm chuffed to see Gilford--who we all know best as Saracen--head back to primetime.] (TVGuide.com)

Not a moment too soon: HBO's long-running comedy Entourage will end next year, according to HBO Co-President Richard Plepler, speaking at Saturday's Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour session for the pay cabler. "The plan right now is to finish up this season and we're not clear exactly how many [episodes], we'll do a shorter order next season to finish up," said Plepler on Saturday. "We had talked about six [episodes]... [Creator Doug Ellin] wants to write [an Entourage] film but he also wants to do it so the storytelling makes sense... But Entourage next summer will definitely be the final season." To parse the meaning of Plepler's words: Entourage has got one more brief season left it in--likely six episodes or so--before it ends and there could be a movie but it's not certain yet. [Editor: Whew.]

Fancast's Matt Mitovich is reporting that Sebastian Roche (who recurred this season on FOX's Fringe as Thomas Jerome Newton) has ben cast on the CW's Supernatural, which returns this fall for its sixth season. Roche will play Balthazar, an angelic friend of Misha Collin's Castiel, in the season premiere ("The Third Man"). “Remember when Cass was dragged back to Heaven as a prisoner? Balthazar was actually the only friend who stood up for him,” executive producer Sera Gamble told Mitovich. “During the Apocalypse, Balthazar went AWOL, and Cass thought he was dead. Turns out… not so much.” Meanwhile, Roche will also be back on Fringe this fall as Newton hasn't quite finished with the Fringe team. (Fancast)

Time for the dance of joy? TV Guide Magazine's Will Keck is reporting that former Perfect Strangers star Bronson Pinchot will guest star on NBC's Chuck this fall. Pinchot--who is slated to appear in the second episode of Chuck's fourth season--will play Victor, described as "a tacky and audacious wannabe-matchmaker Chuck (Zachary Levi) meets at Milan's Fashion Week." Keck also reports that Armand Assante will reprise his role as Goya in the fourth episode of the season when the gang visits him on the island that he inhabits. (TV Guide Magazine)

FOX has pushed back the launch date for Season Two of Human Target, which will now kick off on Friday, October 1st at 8 pm ET/PT. Here's how FOX describes the season opener: "Picking up from the heart-pounding first season cliffhanger, Season Two of HUMAN TARGET kicks off with a bang as CHANCE (Mark Valley) and GUERRERO (Jackie Earle Haley) race to rescue their kidnapped associate, WINSTON (Chi McBride). Vowing to retire from the security business, Chance is lured back to work by billionaire philanthropist ILSA PUCCI (new series regular Indira Varma), who needs his protection after the mysterious murder of her husband. While on assignment, the team encounters AMES (new cast member Janet Montgomery), a beautiful, chameleon-like thief who has a past connection to Winston." (via press release)

Serinda Swan (Smallville) has been cast in A&E's upcoming drama series Breakout Kings, where she will be Erica Reed, described as "an expert at finding people who don't want to be found -- then killing them." Swan has been contracted as a series regular for the thirteen episodes that A&E ordered earlier this summer after FOX passed on the procedural drama. (Hollywood Reporter)

Deadline's Nellie Andreeva is reporting that Megan Boone (HMS) has been cast in NBC's upcoming Law & Order iteration, Law & Order: Los Angeles, where she will play Laura Gardner, the DDA for Terence Howard's ADA. Regina Hall, meanwhile, will play the DDA for Alfred Molina's ADA. Series also stars Skeet Ulrich, Corey Stoll, and Wanda De Jesus. (Deadline)

A&E has ordered a pilot for supernatural docuseries The Unexplained from executive producers Doug Liman, Russ Stratton, Robert Sharenow, and Elaine Frontain Bryant. Pilot, according to Variety's Stuart Levine, investigates a "five-year-old boy talks about his previous life experiences and claims he was actor George Raft, a movie star from 1930s." (Variety)

Brigid Brannagh (Army Wives) and Sean Patrick Flanery (The Dead Zone) have been cast in Hallmark Channel original telepic Mystery Girl, which will air next year on the cable channel. (Hollywood Reporter)

Stay tuned.

TCA Diary: Game of Thrones to Launch Spring 2011 on HBO

HBO teased a fifteen-second clip of its upcoming George R.R. Martin series Game of Thrones to critics on the final day of the Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour.

At the executive session earlier this afternoon, the pay cabler declined to name an exact launch date for Game of Thrones but indicated that it would premiere in Spring 2011, possibly as early as March.

"It's about a quest for power and a quest for the kingdom," said Michael Lombardo, HBO president of programming, about the series, which is based on Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.

"It was an easy answer," said Richard Plepler about picking up the project to series, considering it's a genre that HBO isn't typically known for and which isn't usually a favorite of Plepler or Lombardo. "It wasn't the genre that we responded to, it was the storytelling," he continued.

In other HBO-related news:

• True Blood: Alan Ball's involvement in upcoming drama pilot All Signs of Death will not affect his role running True Blood. (Not that I ever thought it would.)
• Eastbound and Down: Season Two of Eastbound and Down seems like it's heading to Mexico...
• No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: "We are talking to our friends at the Weinstein Company to do two movies." Project won't come back as a series but may be resurrected as a series of TV movies, if deals can be made and scheduling go through. [Editor: fingers crossed.]
• Mildred Pierce: The five-hour Mildred Pierce miniseries, which stars Kate Winslet, Evan Rachel Wood, and Guy Pearce, is based on the book rather than the film itself. There are narrative and stylistic differences.
• Curb Your Enthusiasm: "Whatever Larry David is happy to keep doing, we're happy to keep doing with Larry David," said Plepler. They're taking Curb season by season. But the upcoming season--filming in New York and airing in 2011--needn't be the final run.
• Entourage: Entourage will end after next season, which will likely be six episodes long. It may then segue into a film.

Stay tuned.

San Diego Comic-Con 2010: Sunday Schedule Now Live

And that's a wrap! With a little more than a week or so to go before the start of San Diego Comic-Con 2010, the convention has continued to release its full schedule, day by day.

Wrapping up its trend of releasing single-day lineups over four days, the convention has today announced the programming schedule for Sunday, July 25th. Among the offerings on the final day of Comic-Con 2010, Castle, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Sons of Anarchy, Glee, American Dad, Smallville, Supernatural, Merlin, Unnatural History, Scooby Doo, and much more.

The full schedule for Sunday can be found below. You can find Thursday's lineup here, Friday's schedule here, and Saturday's full lineup here.

Continue reading full story...





Sunday, July 25

10:00-11:00 Emily The Strange— Get your last day of Comic-Con off to a strange start with Dark Horse's Emily the Strange panel! Meet Emily's creator Rob Reger and Dark Horse editor Shawna Gore, and come prepared to quench your curiosity about all things Emily. Exciting announcements, wacky wordplay, and tasty news bits are all on the menu for this early bird panel! Room 3
Categories:  Comics | Kids

10:00-11:00 Jack Kirby Tribute— It's time once again to pay tribute to Jack "King" Kirby, the prolific writer/artist who co-created some of the world's most famous superheroes, including the Fantastic Four, the Hulk, Thor, Captain America, the New Gods, and many more. Kirby biographer and friend Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics) hosts this annual Comic-Con tradition and is joined this year by writers Marv Wolfman (Tomb of Dracula, New Teen Titans), and Kurt Busiek (Astro City, JLA/Avengers) and other Kirby fanatics to discuss the King. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Tributes

 10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Rick Riordan— Comic-Con special guest Rick Riordan discusses his blockbuster book series Percy Jackson & the Olympians as well as his recently released The Kane Chronicles series and the upcoming all-new The Heroes of Olympus series. Join Rick for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 6A
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

 10:00-11:00 Nickelodeon Presents: SpongeBob, Fairly OddParents, Fanboy, and The Troop— Don't miss this screening of your favorite Nickelodeon shows! Catch new episodes of SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Fanboy and Chum Chum, and Nick's hit live-action series, The Troop. Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

 10:00-11:00 Super Hero Squad Online: How We Built the First All-Ages Marvel MMO— Gazillion's The Amazing Society offers a sneak peek at SHSO, including new areas unveiled at Comic-Con. Moderator Serena Robar (community manager, TAS), Jason Robar (VP and studio manager, TAS), Jay Minn (creative director, TAS), Nik Davidson (senior game designer, TAS), Franz Felsl (senior game designer, TAS) and Matt Bell (art director, TAS) present a fun and interactive Q&A! Room 7AB
Categories:  Comics | Games | Kids | Superheroes

 10:00-5:00 Children's Film Festival— The 7th annual San Diego International Children's Film Festival again off on Kids Day at Comic-Con International, with more than 60 short films from around the world -- animation, live action, and documentary -- good for all ages. Filmmakers and animators will appear to talk about their work and take questions from the audience. The complete program will be posted on our site soon. Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Kids | Movies

10:00-11:00 Smallville Screening and Q&A— Comic-Con favorite Smallville returns for its last visit to Comic-Con in advance of the show's 10th and final season, as showrunners Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson join star/executive producer Tom Welling and series stars Erica Durance, Cassidy Freeman, and Justin Hartley to talk about the year ahead, answer fan questions, and give an exclusive sneak peek at clips from the final season. From Tollin/Robbins Productions, Millar/Gough Ink in association with Warner Bros. Television, Smallville airs Fridays at 8pm ET/PT on The CW. Smallville: The Complete Ninth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 7. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes | Television

 10:00-11:00 BOOM Kids! Muppets Spotlight— Mark Waid moderates as Eisner Award-nominated cartoonist Roger Langridge gives up all the secrets behind creating the critically acclaimed fan-favorite The Muppet Show Comic Book. A must-attend spotlight for all Muppets fans! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

10:00-11:00 Techland Presents: Comics and Digital Piracy— Just about every comic book is now available online within hours of its release in stores -- whether or not its publisher is selling it in digital form. Techland.com's Douglas Wolk moderates a discussion of what's happening in the online comics Wild West with David Steinberger (comiXology), as well as publishers, scanlation experts, digital-rights specialists, and an opinionated creator or two. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comics | Comics Law School | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics

 10:00-11:00 Manga Drawing For Kids— b>Austin Osueke (eigoMANGA), David Karrow (Alpha League), David Kolodny Nagy (Mad Beanz), and Natashia McGough (Palbot) are professional manga illustrators and cartoonists from eigoMANGA. The team visits Comic-Con to teach another year of manga artwork and anime storytelling specially designed for kids and young people of all ages. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics | Kids | Seminars & Workshops

10:00-11:00 Sideshow Collectibles— The Sideshow Collectibles Design and Development Team present an in-depth look at some of Sideshow's most popular product lines and licenses, including Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Marvel Comics, The Lord of the Rings, and many more, offering insight into the design process, sneak peeks of upcoming products, a Q&A session, and giveaways. Room 32AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Comics | Movies | Superheroes | Television

10:00-11:00 Christian Comics: The Word in Pictures— From Andre LeBlanc's classic Picture Bible to Robert Crumb's recent adaptation of Genesis, there is a long tradition of Bible-based comics. Moderator Buzz Dixon (Snokie Stories) and panelists Sergio Cariello (The Action Bible) and Eric Jansen (The Christ of Prophecy) discuss the challenges involved in adapting the words of scripture into visual media. A short devotional message will precede the panel discussion, put on by the Christian Comic Arts Society. Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Comics

 10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Doug TenNapel— Writer/artist, video game creator, filmmaker—Comic-Con special guest Doug TenNapel has it all covered. His graphic novels, including Creature Tech, Tommysaurus Rex, Monster Zoo, and Ghostopolis, have been optioned as big-budget movies. Hear what's next from this multitalented creator! Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Games | Movies | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 ABC's Castle: Nathan Fillion & Stana Katic— Up close and personal with actors Nathan Fillion (Firefly) and Stana Katic (Quantum of Solace), creator Andrew Marlowe (Air Force One), and executive producers Rob Bowman (X-Files) and Laurie Zaks. BE sure to be on hand for the Q&A session, filled with exclusive videos and fun surprises. Whether you're a fan of the show or a fan of Nathan Fillion, you won't want to miss this panel! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Television

 10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Ann and Jeff VanderMeer: Dr. Lambshead, Steampunk, Weird Tales, Imaginary Animals, and You— Weird Tales editor and Hugo Award winner Ann VanderMeer and her World Fantasy Award–winning husband, writer/editor Jeff VanderMeer, take you on a whirlwind exclusive inside look at a cornucopia of exciting new projects, from The Thackery T. Lambshead Cabinet of Curiosities, featuring work by Mike Mignola and Greg Broadmore, to the Steampunk Bible coffeetable book, from the rejuvenated Weird Tales to the insanely entertaining Kosher Guide to Imaginary Animals, featuring recipes for Wookiee and Cthulhu by Ace of Cake's Duff Goldman. With discussion, interrogation, arguments, and, er, Mongolian Death Worms. Nom nom. Room 8
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

 10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Queer Comics— Lien Fan Shen (University of Utah), the artist of I Will Be Your Paradise traces the production process of her manga, reveals the author's struggles with the publisher, and examines the negotiations of her "queer" identity and Taiwanese identity since publication. Ben Bolling (UNC-Chapel Hill) looks at how the "truth" about Marvel's Northstar -- who he is, whom he loves, whether he lives or dies -- is not simply written by creators and handed down unilaterally to fans, but instead operates in an ongoing and often heated negotiation between creators and Northstar's gay fans. Harry Thomas (UNC-Chapel Hill) argues that rise of the Midnighter to "iconic, breakaway star" status in the Wildstorm universe has been accomplished by the subtle but consistent feminization of his partner Apollo, curtailing the radical potential of a queer couple by coding them as a traditional male-female relationship. Mark Miner (Poet-at-Large) draws on the Greek tradition of underage partners and rhetorical competitions exemplified by Plato's Phaedros to understand Yun Kouga's manga Loveless, which features a similar same-sex, under-age partner relationship. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Superheroes

11:00-12:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers— Navigate the wonderful world of comic books with professors of education Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Dr. Bill McGrath (National University), writer/artists Bill Galvan (Archie) and Jim Valentino (Image Comics), and comics store owners Nancy McCann (Comics Unlimited, Westminster, CA) and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City, UT). Panelists discuss how teachers, librarians, retailers, and publishers can work together to bring comic books into the classroom for use as an innovative and motivating cross-curricular teaching tool. This multimedia presentation includes personal remarks and a Q&A session; the speakers will present an overview of the medium and highlight specific ways that comic books and graphic novels have been used to engage a variety of learners while promoting reading and literacy. Room 3
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops

 11:00-12:00 DC Kids: Aww Yeah!— Don't miss your chance to chat with Mike Norton, Art Baltazar, and Franco, the creative team behind Billy Batson and the Magic of Shazam and the best kid-friendly comic on the market, Tiny Titans! DC co-publisher Dan DiDio hosts what is sure to be entertaining discussion for the whole family! Room 4
Categories:  Comics | Kids | Superheroes

11:00-12:00 Marvel: The Women of Marvel— One of the most talked-about panels from last year is back! Forget Storm and She-Hulk; meet the real Ms. Marvels of the comic world! Join women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel to hear what it's like working as a woman in comics today and how you can join them. Say goodbye to the so-called "Boy's Club" -- these ladies are busting down the four-color ceiling! Panelists include Marjorie Liu (Black Widow), Kathryn Immonen (Heralds), Christina Strain (Shadowland), and others. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Bryan Tillman— Animator and art instructor (Department chair of media arts and animation, game art and design, visual game programming, visual effects, and motion graphics at the Art Institute of Washington, DC) Bryan Tillman will cover character designs for animation and what makes them different from comics. Bryan is the owner and CEO of the Kaiser Studio Productions, a production studio for comics, toys, animation, and games. Room 18
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:00 Entertaining One's Inner Child— Ever since Harry Potter burst onto the scene, children's books have been taking over the bestseller lists. Creators discuss the thrills and challenges of creating memorable characters for the younger set. Panelists include Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Sina Grace (Among the Ghosts), Matt Holm (Babymouse), Adam Rex (Fat Vampire), David Steinberg (Daniel Boom), Greg Van Eekhout (Kid Vs. Squid) and moderator Jennifer Holm (Babymouse). Q&A to follow. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Kids | Writers & Writing

 11:00-12:00 Archaia: The Jim Henson Company— The first series of Fraggle Rock comics were a rousing success, so what do Archaia and The Jim Henson Company have in store next? Find out exclusive information on upcoming Archaia/Henson comic book and graphic novel ventures from Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy and artist/illustrator Brian Froud, who worked closely with Jim Henson on The Dark Crystal and Labyrinth movies as a concept artist. Joining them will be Fraggle Rock editors Tim Beedle, Paul Morrissey, and Joe LeFavi, plus Fraggle Rock writer Heather White. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comics | Kids

 11:00-12:00 How to Draw Star Wars for Kids— Lucasfilm's Bonnie Burton (You Can Draw: Star Wars) and artist Katie Cook (The Clone Wars web comic) help kids draw fun Star Wars characters. Lucas Online Senior Editor Bonnie Burton edits the drawing tutorials and craft projects, which can be found at Starwars.com/kids. Artist Katie Cook has done licensed art for Star Wars, DC, Marvel, Heroes, and Lord of the Rings. She often dreams of being a Wookiee, which explains why she could use a haircut. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Kids | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:00 Halo Universe Panel— Frank O'Connor (343 Industries) hosts this panel of renowned Halo creators, including appearances by authors and representatives from long-standing partners such as McFarlane Toys and Weta. Room 32AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Art and Illustration | Games

11:15-12:30 Cartoon Voices II— With so many great cartoon voices, we had to do two panels! Mark Evanier and co-host Earl Kress talk to Phil LaMarr (Futurama), Janet Waldo (The Jetsons), Laura Summer (The Garfield Show), and a few surprises. Meet the people behind the voices of your favorite cartoons! Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

 11:15-12:15 Cartoon Network: Tower Prep with Firebreather Sneak— Executive producer and series creator Paul Dini (Lost, Batman Beyond) and executive producer Glen Morgan (Bionic Woman) offer fans an exclusive first look at Cartoon Network's newest live-action mystery series Tower Prep. Meet the series stars Drew Van Acker (The Lake), Elise Gatien (Bionic Woman), Ryan Pinkston (Punk'd), and Dyana Liu (Parenthood). Fans will also get an exclusive look at Firebreather, Cartoon Network's first world premiere original CGI movie event based on the comic book series with creator and co-executive producer Phil Hester (The Wretch), co-executive producer Andy Kuhn (Freedom Ring), and writer/director Peter Chung (Aeon Flux). Room 6DE
Categories:  Comics | Horror and Suspense | Kids | Television

11:15-12:15 Supernatural Screening and Q&A— Cast members, executive producers Sera Gamble (Eyes) and Ben Edlund (Angel), and creator/executive producer Eric Kripke (Boogeyman) present an exclusive sneak peek at footage from the highly anticipated sixth season of Supernatural, which moves to a new day, Fridays at 9pm ET/PT on The CW this fall. The panel will answer questions from the audience and also show a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Fifth Season DVD and Blu-ray release, in stores September 7. Supernatural is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Horror and Suspense | Television

 11:30-12:30 LEGO Universe Building Creativity Show & Tell— Take an in-depth look inside the creative process of bringing LEGO worlds to life through storytelling and fan collaboration, to create a truly unique MMOG. Six LEGO Group and NetDevil panelists discuss their roles in the development of LEGO Universe, from senior directors to mega fans and builders. The panel includes Ryan Seabury (creative director), Mark Hansen (senior director), Chris Brubaker (media coordinator), Ryan Baier (videographer), and two representatives from the LEGO Universe Partners program. Room 5AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Games | Kids

11:30-12:30 Dark Horse: Yoshitaka Amano— Please join Dark Horse Comics to celebrate the career and the rare U.S. appearance of legendary Japanese artist Yoshitako Amano. The creator of Vampire Hunter D will be joined by Hollywood darling "Mink" to discuss their recent collaboration, Shinjuku, an epic work of artistic genius that explores the seedy underworld of modern Tokyo. Room 8
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics

11:45-12:45 Comic-Con Debut: International Hit Merlin— There will be magic and adventure aplenty as the global sensation Merlin (airing on the BBC and in 170 countries, including Syfy in the U.S.) makes its Comic-Con International debut. Series stars Anthony Head (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and Merlin himself, Colin Morgan, join co-creators and executive producers Johnny Capps and Julian Murphy to guide fans through a mystical behind-the-scenes tour of the popular series, providing an exclusive sneak peek at scenes from the upcoming third season and taking an insightful and often humorous glance back at the series' first two seasons. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

12:00-1:00 WildStorm Focus on RED: the Comic Book— Wanna know more about RED -- one of this fall's most anticipated movies with an all-star cast led by Bruce Willis? Artist Cully Hamner is up front-and-center to tell all about his exciting thriller co-created with Warren Ellis. Plus, with your hosts, senior VP for creative affairs Gregory Noveck and VP/general manager Hank Kanalz, there's more RED comic news with screenwriters Erich Hoeber, John Hoeber, Doug Wagner, and others on what's in store for this ageless hero! Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Horror and Suspense | Movies

 12:00-1:00 Hot Wheels Battle Force 5: Season 2 World Premiere!— Be the first to see the premiere episode from the second season of the hit Emmy-nominated CG-animated series Hot Wheels Battle Force 5! Watch 26 new episodes this fall on Cartoon Network, continuing the adventures of a group of teen drivers and their ultra-cool, ultra-fast battle vehicles. This time around, Battle Force 5 must face all-new villains -- the Red Sentients. After the screening, producers Audu Paden and Ira Singerman are joined by real-life Hot Wheels car designers for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the series was created. Plus, don't miss fun activities, trivia, and lots and lots of great prizes! Room 7AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Kids | Television

12:00-1:00 Blood, Sweat, and Tears: Teen Angst in Young Adult Fiction— A discussion of the appeal for youthful protagonists in young adult fiction and beyond. Authors include Emily Drake (The Magickers novels), Nancy Holder (Wicked series), D. J. MacHale (Morpheus Road series), James Owen (Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographic series), Christopher Pike (Thirst series), Kathy Reichs (Virals), Neal Shusterman (The Skinjacker Trilogy), and Michael Spradlin (The Youngest Templar Novels). Moderated by author Cindy Pon (Silver Phoenix). Room 24ABC
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

 12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Dennis O'Neil— One of comics' most legendary writer/editors, Comic-Con special guest Dennis O'Neil is best known for his work on Batman. O'Neil's long career includes writing and editing at Marvel and guiding the Caped Crusader at DC Comics for many years. Dennis will talk about his career and what's up next for this fan-favorite creator. WildStorm's Scott Peterson moderates. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

 12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #14: The Superhero as the American Ideal— Sandy Palas (CSU-Fullerton) traces the social impact of Captain America as physical exemplar of the ideology of strength and power and his extension beyond America's borders as a protector figure for and from other countries. Keegan Lannon (Aberystwyth University) examines how Marvel's Civil War questions the role of the superhero and how the superhero is constructed through parallel story arcs. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Superheroes

 12:00-1:00 Kids Draw with James Sturm— Create your own cartooning adventure in this fun, interactive drawing session with Eisner Award–winning cartoon adventurer James Sturm (Adventures in Cartooning)! Using simple building blocks, you'll learn how to put together an adventure of your own -- and have fun along the way! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Kids | Seminars & Workshops

12:00-2:00 Browncoats Fan Group— Fans of Firefly and Serenity are welcome to join the California Browncoats. Get the scoop on upcoming 'verse-related and 'verse-friendly events and products that you'll really love. Drop by any time to join the fun and find out what the group is up to, but those arriving by 12:20 can enter to play "Serenity Spin": put your 'verse-related trivia to the test to win shiny prizes! You never know what else might happen! Room 32AB
Categories:  Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

12:00-2:00 Ball-jointed Dolls Collectors Group— Doll owners and enthusiasts discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Elfdoll, Volks, Luts, Customhouse, Fairyland, Bambicrony, Iplehouse, and many others. Learn the basics about BJDs, and pick up tips on customizing, maintaining, and photographing these beautiful dolls. Share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just see the many dolls on display, from tiny to towering...it's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin! Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Costuming | Fandom

12:30-1:30 Secret Origin of Good Readers Breakout Sessions— Stay for breakout sessions with Secret Origin of Good Readers panelists.  Free 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book (PDF) and other exciting materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin. Room 3
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops

12:30-2:00 CBLDF Live Art Jam— Watch Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Ale Garza (Fathom), Chris Burnham (X-Men: Manifest Destiny), and Daniel Leister (Hack/Slash) battle it out to see who can make the coolest art before your eyes! Get an inside look behind the scenes at how these artists work, as they make live art projected onto the big screen at the CBLDF Live Art Jam! All art will be auctioned off at the end of the event to benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comics

 12:30-1:30 Phineas and Ferb— Hey Ferb, I know what we're  gonna  do today! Go to the Phineas and Ferb panel! Creators Dan Povenmire (Family Guy) and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (Rocko's Modern Life) along with the voice of Phineas, Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris), the voice of Jeremy, Mitchel Musso (Hannah Montana), and other surprise cast members will be on hand to answer your questions and show you new and exciting content from Disney Channel and Disney XD's hit animated series, including a sneak peek of a special Phineas and Ferb Comic-Con episode guest-starring Seth MacFarlane and Kevin Smith, plus much much more! Moderated by Jill Sanford, director, original series for Disney TV Animation. Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

12:30-1:30 The Funny Stuff: Humor in Comics and Graphic Novels— The world of comics isn't just about dark and mysterious superheroes. There are a lot of great funny books out there. The Cartoon Art Museum's Andrew Farago talks to Comic-Con special guests Peter Bagge (Hate), Howard Cruse (Wendel), Nicholas Gurewitch (The Perry Bible Fellowship), Keith Knight (The K Chronicles), Larry Marder (Beanworld), and Doug TenNapel (Monster Zoo) about the humorous side of comics. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Humor & Satire | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:15 American Dad— See a never-before-seen episode of American Dad in various stages of animation followed by a Q&A session with producers Seth MacFarlane, Mike Barker, and Matt Weitzman and cast members Dee Bradley Baker, Scott Grimes, and Rachael MacFarlane. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

12:45-1:45 Marvel: Spider-Man— The hunt has begun and the moment that everyone's been clamoring about is almost here! How much more can everyone's favorite web-slinger take? You've got questions and these people have answers! Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man), Marvel's talent liaison C. B. Cebulski, and Amazing Spider-Man assistant editor Tom Brennan talk about what's on the horizon for Peter Parker and just what is "Origin of the Species"? There's only one way to find out, True Believers -- attend this panel! Room 6A
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

 1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Al Wiesner— This writer/artist has been doing it his way for 25 years! Comic-Con special guest Al Wiesner created his own superhero, Shaloman, after many years of searching for a Jewish superhero. Some 38 issues later the "Kosher Crusader" is still thrilling readers around the world! Al talks about his series in this special Spotlight panel. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

 1:00-2:00 Unnatural History Episode Screening and Q&A— Join the adventure! Cartoon Network's first live-action mystery series, Unnatural History, journeys to San Diego for its Comic-Con debut. Unnatural History chronicles the adventures of Henry Griffin, a teenager with extraordinary skills acquired while traveling the world with his anthropologist parents. His unique abilities come in handy when he moves to Washington D.C. -- and begins exploring the mysteries of a charter high school within the National Museum Complex. Fans will be treated to a premiere screening of an episode, as well as a Q&A with series stars Kevin G. Schmidt (Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel), Jordan Gavaris (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Italia Ricci (Greek) and Martin Donovan (Weeds) as well as creator/executive producer Mike Werb (The Mask, Face/Off). From Warner Horizon Television, Unnatural History airs Tuesday nights at 8pm ET/PT on Cartoon Network. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Kids | Television

 1:00-2:00 Nickelodeon's The Troop: A Monster a Day Is All We Ask!— Ever wonder what happens inside the sacred walls of a comedy writers' room? Or how they come up with all those cool monsters and action sequences? How they are able to blend comedy, action, and scares all in 22 minutes? The creators and executive producers of The Troop give you an exclusive inside look into the inner workings of this cult comedy/horror hit. Executive producer Tommy Lynch (Alex Mack), executive producer Jay Kogen (The Simpsons), show creators Max Burnett (Possums) and Greg Coolidge (Employee of the Month), and the entire writing staff will divulge their secrets to the show in addition to sharing never-before-seen footage of the upcoming season. Moderated by Eric Kim, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 7AB
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Kids | Television | Writers & Writing

1:00-3:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Sze Jones— Character artist Sze Jones will demonstrate the process of making striking cinematic heroines for games using Z-Brush. He will cover artistic and technical aspects, with supporting imagery and videos, and share insights on character concepts, costume designs, paintings, and sculpting. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Games | Seminars & Workshops

 1:00-2:00 BOOM Kids! Get-a-Sketch Panel— Darkwing Duck creator Tad Stones moderates the first-ever BOOM Kids! "Get-a-Sketch" panel. Darkwing Duck comic artist James Silvani, WALL*E artist Morgan Luthi, Incredibles artist Ramanda Kamarga, and a host of other BOOM Kids! artists will be drawing sketches to be handed out to some lucky attendees! Also in attendance: Toy Story writer Jesse Blaze Snider with his Muppet Snow White co-writer Patrick Storck. Learn everything that goes into making a BOOM Kids! comic and maybe get a free sketch! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Kids

1:00-2:00 Cover Story: The Art of the Cover— Despite the old adage, you can tell a book by its cover, especially if it's a comic book! Mark Evanier talks with fellow Comic-Con special guests Neal Adams (Batman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow), Dave Dorman (Star Wars), Sean Phillips (Criminal, Incognito), and Ivan Reis (Blackest Night, Green Lantern) about what makes a great cover. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

 1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #15: Alternative Comics— Amy Taylor (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) examines the cathartic pleasures of fictional violence and identity in Jhonen Vasquez' Johnny the Homicidal Maniac. Kathleen Dunley (University of Advancing Technology) amends the misunderstanding of Seth's Palookaville and George Sprott as nostalgic by framing Seth as a "memory individual" who artistically directs and focuses the reader's attention to the smallest, but necessary, traces of the past. Sheri McCord (Saint Louis University) argues that Jaime Hernandez's characters Maggie and Hopey reveal the complexities of being sexual women to their audience and illustrate the conflict between friendship and attraction, love and desire. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference

 1:00-2:00 How to Draw Monsters— Marshall Vandruff will show drawings of monsters by great masters and explain how today's artists still use the old methods of drawing even after 500 years. He will demonstrate how to come up with ideas for monsters and draw them so they look realistic. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Kids | Seminars & Workshops

 1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Douglas E. Richards— Comic-Con special guest Douglas E. Richards is the author of The Prometheus Project series -- science fiction thrillers that have been widely acclaimed by kids, adults, and SF fans alike (including Asimov's Science Fiction magazine). Douglas has also written extensively for National Geographic KIDS and American Fencing magazines. Bring your kids and join Douglas as he gives a fun and engaging presentation that has delighted students at middle grade assemblies. Douglas will touch on the secret to happiness, fiction plotting and writing, continuity errors, a behind-the-scenes look at his books, and more -- followed by a Q&A. Room 3
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

 1:30-2:30 The Winner Twins— The Winner Twins, Brianna and Brittany (authors of The Strand book series), America's youngest multiple-award-winning authors announce that their first book in the Strand Series, The Strand Prophecy, is now in development as a major motion picture. They will be discussing their method of writing novels and adapting content for television and film production in Hollywood. Joining the Winner Twins are panelists Mike Greenfield (Beverly Hills Talent Management), Mickey Stern (CEO, BASE Productions), Eric Gozlan (Shivita Films), Jack Hozel (Shivita Films), and Jeff Winner (author). Room 8
Categories:  Kids | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Glee— One year after the cast and creators of Glee came to Comic-Con for the first time, the show has exploded with blockbuster ratings, number-one albums and a sold-out concert tour. Get an exclusive first look at what's in store for season 2 from executive producers Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk, along with stars Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Jenna Ushkowitz, Kevin McHale, Mark Salling, Heather Morris, and Naya Rivera, as they share some never-before-seen footage, spill behind-the-scenes secrets, and take questions from the crowd. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Fandom | Humor & Satire | Television

 1:45-2:45 Sneak Peek into the LEGO Group's New Constraction Property: Hero Factory!— The LEGO Group, creators of the ever popular Bionicle franchise, is proud to present their new action constraction property: Hero Factory. Come meet the product designer, get a firsthand look at the products launching this fall, learn the back story on Hero Factory, get a sneak peek of the new TV show and see if you have what it takes to be part of the Hero Factory! Room 6DE
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Games | Kids | Television

2:00-3:00 Keenspot 2010...in 3D!— Pioneering webcomics publisher Keenspot returns for their 10th annual Comic-Con panel! Creators scheduled to appear include Bobby Crosby (Dreamless, Marry Me, Last Blood), Sarah Ellerton (Dreamless, The Phoenix Requiem, Inverloch), R.C. Monroe (Out There), and Benny Powell (Wayward Sons). Additionally, director Jay Weisman will be debuting an exclusive 3D trailer of his upcoming shot-in-3D feature film Shockwave Darkside, a Red Giant Media/Pipeline Entertainment sci-fi thriller about a war on the moon! Joining Jay from the film will be stars Mei Melancon (Psylocke in X-Men: The Last Stand, The L Word) and Rich Ceraulo (Death Sentence), and previews of the Keenspot webcomic based on the film will be shown. The film is produced by Aimee Schoof, Isen Robbins, Kevin Fox, Christian Beutel, Dan DeFilippo, Dave Marken and stars Bill Sage (Precious), Mei Melancon (X-Men: The Last Stand), Sonequa Martin (The Good Wife), Rich Ceraulo (Death Sentence), and Alex Cendese  (Law & Order). Room 4
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Webcomics

2:00-3:00 The Digital Age of Comics— Have we moved from the Bronze Age to the Modern Age to...the Digital Age of Comics? This lively discussion about eComics is moderated by Macworld senior editor Jason Snell, with IDW's Jeff Webber, iVerse Comics' Michael Murphey, Sony PSP's Adriana Eyzaguirre, and creators Jeff Smith and J. Scott Campbell. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comics | Webcomics

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Premiere Teams— DC Comics knows a thing or two about teams. From the company that brought you the first team in comics' history (Justice Society of America), don't miss this panel on the DCU's top teams roaming Earth (JLA, JSA, Secret Six, Titans), the farthest reaches of space (R.E.B.E.L.S.), and even across time (Legion of Super-Heroes)! Senior group editor Mike Carlin is joined by Tony Bedard (R.E.B.E.L.S.), Marc Guggenheim (Flash), JT Krul (Titans), Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Matthew Sturges (JSA All-Stars), and others for this collaborative panel! Room 6A
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

2:00-3:00 "The Batman Dreams of Hieronymus Machines," or The Matt Fraction Spotlight Panel— Comic-Con special guest Matt Fraction (Casanova, Invincible Iron Man, Uncanny X-Men, The Mighty Thor) performs "The Batman Dreams of Hieronymus Machines," a weird spoken-word history of comics, art, and his own experiences with both and how comics -- and art -- can save your life. Also: Bruce Lee, cave paintings, Stilt-Man, and profound brain injuries. First performed as a part of W00tstock 2.0, now it's coming to San Diego! Then, after that, probably a discussion and some Q&A and stuff moderated by Bill Hader (SNL, Paul, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World). Room 7AB
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Harry Potter Fandom Panel— This summer sees the Harry Potter series and fandom slip into the future with the close of filming on Deathly Hallows and the grand opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. What is the impact on the fans, fandom, and their future? Insights from Melissa Anelli (webmaster of The Leaky Cauldron and author of Harry: A History), Darren Criss (actor/composer, A Very Potter Musical, A Very Potter Sequel), Leslie Combemale (ArtInsights Gallery, official/exclusive HP art supplier), Eddie Newquist (executive producer, Harry Potter: The Exhibition) and Andrew Slack (HP Alliance Creator and Executive Producer). Moderated by Heidi Tandy (HPEF/Ascendio 2012, FictionAlley). Room 24ABC
Categories:  Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Business of Cartoon Voices— An agent, a casting director, and some voice actors walk into a Comic-Con program book...wait, this isn't a joke. It's a serious "how to" look at the business of cartoon voices, telling you what it takes to get in and how to avoid getting ripped off. Mark Evanier talks to an agent, a casting director, and actors to give you a no-nonsense look at the industry. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television

 2:00-3:00 Manga Style Drawing with Billy Martinez— Billy Martinez, artist of the Deepest Dark, Wildflower, and Kickass Girl, will be demonstrating techniques on drawing dynamic anatomy and facial expressions. This lesson is for all ages, beginner and advance artist are welcome to come join in on the fun. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Kids | Seminars & Workshops

 2:00-3:00 Growing Up with Archie Panel— Archie Comics creative staff share inside perspectives on the creation of Archie, how Archie Comics has evolved, and why Archie titles dominate the newsstands and supermarkets in comic sales. Panelists include Archie Comics president/editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, Archie Comics VP/managing editor Mike Pellerito, and creators George Gladir (Sabrina), Dan Parent (Betty & Veronica), Batton Lash and Bill Galvan (Archie Freshman Year), Rich Koslowski (Archie), Tania del Rio (Sabrina), Arie Kaplan (Archie & Friends), Craig Boldman (Jughead), and Andrew Pepoy (Katy Keene). This is your chance to meet the Archie Comics creators face-to-face. The panel will feature a Q&A session with the fans as well as a comic giveaway to all fans in attendance. Room 32AB
Categories:  Comics | Kids

 2:15-3:15 Scooby-Doo Screening and Q&A— Those meddling teens are at it again! Find out what Shaggy, Fred, Daphne,  Velma  and, of course, Scooby-Doo are up to with a sneak peek at upcoming titles from this beloved family franchise. Actor Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo feature films, the voice of Shaggy), supervising producers Spike Brandt  and Tony Cervone (both Duck Dodgers), producer Mitch Watson (Ben 10: Race Against Time), and art director Dan Krall (Coraline) screen a never-before-seen episode of the new Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. Animation series Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated (airing Mondays at 7pm ET/PT on Cartoon Network) and take fan questions. Additionally, they will unveil the trailer to Warner Home Video's upcoming original animated movie Scooby-Doo! Camp Scare (release date: September 14) and will provide fans with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment's forthcoming Scooby-Doo! and the Spooky Swamp video game, coming September 14. Panel attendees will be served a full course of all things Scooby-Doo, as they will also hear about additional upcoming Scooby-related projects from Warner Premiere and Warner Bros. Consumer Products. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Games | Kids | Movies | Television

2:30-3:30 Archaia: All-Ages— All-ages books are not necessarily children's books -- they're books that readers of all ages can enjoy! Join Archaia for updates, previews and exciting new information on several of its all-ages titles, including Berona's War, Fraggle Rock, Gunnerkrigg Court, Mouse Guard: The Black Axe, and Mouse Guard: Legends of the Guard with creator David Petersen and contributors Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Katie Cook (Fraggle Rock), and Karl Kerschl (The Abominable Charles Christopher), and Return of the Dapper Men with artist Janet Lee. Moderated by Archaia's Mel Caylo. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Writers & Writing

2:30-5:00 Comic-Con 2010 Masquerade Playback— Saturday night's impressive costuming event is reviewed and a big-screen video of the entire show is presented for those who missed it or who simply want a second look. Hosted by Masquerade director Martin Jaquish and Masquerade assistant John Ruff. (Sorry, we cannot sell copies of the show). Room 8
Categories:  Awards Ceremonies | Costuming | Fandom

 2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #16: The Culture of Popular things: Ethnographic Examinations of Comic-Con 2010— Matthew J. Smith (Wittenberg University) moderates a panel of graduate and undergraduate students (Kane Anderson, Evan Dossey, Melissa Miller, Emily Saidel, Max Wassmann, Tanya Zuk, Cameron Catalfu, Pamela Geranios, Samuel Kinney, and Jacob Sigafoos) from a range of universities who present initial findings of a week-long field study of the intersection of fan practice at the nexus of cultural marketing and fan culture at Comic-Con. Discussion with the audience follows the presentations. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Fandom

2:45-3:45 X: Sons of Anarchy and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia— Appearing at Comic-Con for the first time is Sons of Anarchy, with series stars Charlie Hunnam, Katey Sagal (Futurama), and Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Beauty and the Beast) and series creator Kurt Sutter. Next up is It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia with Charlie (Charlie Day), Mac (Rob McElhenney), Dennis (Glenn Howerton), Sweet Dee (Kaitlin Olson), and Frank (Danny DeVito), the self-centered owners of Paddy's Pub in Philadelphia who will do just about anything -- no matter how reprehensible -- in an attempt to better their own situation. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Television

3:00-4:30 Comics Pro/Fan Trivia Match— Len Wein (Microbots), Kurt Busiek (Kool-Aid Man), and Mark Waid (Batman Electric Talking Toothbrush) face off against fans Tom Galloway (former Google employee), David Oakes (college professor), and Michael Grabois (rocket scientist) in a match on significant pre-Crisis DC events in celebration of DC's 75th anniversary. Peter David (Captain America's War on Drugs) will moderate. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Fandom | Games

 3:00-4:00 Yo Gabba Gabba!— First Look and Live Show Ticket Giveaway Yo Gabba Gabba! producers The Magic Store and W!LDRBAIN Entertainment present an all-new episode of Yo Gabba Gabba! In the episode "Space," the Gabba! gang goes on a space adventure in a flying saucer to explore stars and planets. While in space, they meet new friends and discover a new planet. Featured songs include "Little Lights in the Sky," "Rocket Ride," and "Everyone is Different." The band Electrocute performs the song "Rocket Run." This never-before-seen episode will be followed by a special screening of the episode "Superhero," starring Mos Def as Super Mr. Superhero, the Aquabats, and Super Music Friends Show guests Devo perform "Watch Us Work It." The show also features the animated segment "Super Martian Robot Girl." As a special bonus, there will be a contest giveaway where one lucky recipient will receive a family four-pack of tickets to see Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There's a Party in My City. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

 3:00-4:00 Phineas & Ferb Special— Be among the first to watch the World Premier of Disney XD's Phineas and Ferb "Summer Belongs to You," a one-hour special event. Phineas and Ferb plan to make the most of the longest day of the year by traveling around the world in one day "chasing the sun." Don't miss the best sun-chasing, globe-hopping, adventure-filled, vacation day ever! Premieres Monday, August 2 at 8pm/7pm on Disney XD. Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Kids | Television

3:00-4:30 Starship Smackdown XVIII: Ultimate Platinum Collector's Edition— The must-see panel of Comic-Con and WonderCon returns for another action-packed year as the greatest spaceships in the history of the universe and this or any other dimension compete for the highly coveted Smackdown title. Will the Enterprise once again defeat an Imperial Star Destroyer? Can the Serenity make mincemeat out of the Battlestar Galactica? And what exactly is the Captain's Courageous lightning round anyway? Join our panel of expert spaceshipologists as they outwit, outplay, and outphaser, starring Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise I & II, The Hills Run Red), Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Thor), Steve Melching (The Clone Wars, Transformers), Robert Hewitt Wolfe (Andromeda, Deep Space Nine), Kay Reindl (Millennium, Legend of the Seeker), and the Richard Dawson of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (DOA: Dead or Alive, The Unknowns), along with some very special surprise guests. End your weekend the Comic-Con way with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all-time in this or any other dimension known or unknown. Room 7AB
Categories:  Fandom | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:00-4:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Elvin A. Hernandez— Storyboard artist and art instructor (Media Arts and Animation Department at the Art Institute of Washington, DC) Elvin A. Hernandez will be presenting "Sequential Storytelling: Comics, Storyboards, and other Visual Narratives," a workshop covering the similarities and differences between various types of sequential art, while explaining the nature of sequential art. Room 18
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Full-Time Creative Work on a Part-Time Schedule— Learn the secret to using part-time collaboration to achieve full-time results! No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation), breaking into today's media is a full-time job, even if you have only part-time hours to accomplish it. Hear Topher Davila (editor and co-creator of TomatoTV and TomatoTVAnimation), Mario Martinez (co-creator of TomatoTV), Kevin Flessing (TomatoTV columnist and staff writer for TomatoTVAnimation), Jonelle Cobb (web designer, art director), Ron Coleman (TomatoTV columnist), and Jessica Grimshaw (animator), talk about how they successfully juggle time between the creative and business sides from their experiences in illustration, business branding, writing, design, and animation. Whether you struggle with deadlines, are a creative hobbyist, or simply want to know how to get your foot in the door, this panel is not to be missed! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 DC Town Hall Meeting— All are welcome to join DC co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee for a relaxed Sunday afternoon discussion. Share your thoughts on what you love about comics now and what you hope to see in the future! Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

3:00-4:00 Dynamite Entertainment Speaks with Fans One-on-One— Fans can meet with Dynamite's president and publisher Nick Barrucci and editor Joseph Rybandt in a "one-on-one" with fans in their first-ever Comic-Con panel. Room 32AB
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Television

 3:15-4:15 Kick Buttowski: Suburban Daredevil— Dare to be awesome at the Kick Buttowski panel! Creator Sandro Corsaro (Kick Buttowski), director Chris Savino (Dexter's Lab), and other special guests talk about the hit Disney XD animated series and answer your questions. Action, guts, glory, and cool prizes -- all in one panel! Watch a special sneak peek of a new Disney XD animated show. Moderated by Eric Coleman, SVP,  original  series for Disney TV Animation.  Room 6A
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Animation | Kids | Television

3:30-4:30 Comic-Con Talkback— Another Comic-Con -- the 41st! -- is coming to a close. Here's your chance to come and tell the CCI organizers what they did wrong and right. Talk to Comic-Con executives about this year's event and your concerns. Room 3
Categories:  Fandom | Talkback

3:30-4:30 501st Costumes— This panel describes the essentials about what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. It will provide an overview of what is involved in creating a  costume,  the various costume categories, and how much time is involved in creating a costume that is screen accurate. A panel of experts describe, display, and demonstrate tips and techniques used for their costume specialty. Room 26AB
Categories:  Costuming | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:00-5:00 Buffy the Musical— Let's end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Fandom Charities Inc. and Whedonopolis.com present a screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode "Once More With Feeling" as Comic-Con 2010's big closing event! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffy-verse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin' -- back, that is -- and singing and shouting and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: it isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

San Diego Comic-Con 2010: Saturday Schedule Now Live

Huzzah! With less than two weeks to go before the start of San Diego Comic-Con 2010, the convention has continued to release its full schedule, day by day.

Continuing its trend of releasing single-day lineups over four days, the convention has today announced the programming schedule for Saturday, July 24rd. Among the offerings on the third day of Comic-Con 2010, Chuck, The Event, V, Fringe, Nikita, Vampire Diaries, Family Guy, The Cleveland Show, Harry Potter/Green Lantern/Sucker Punch, The Venture Bros., Futurama, Sanctuary, The Simpsons, Let Me In, The Guild, Community, No Ordinary Family, Warehouse13/Eureka, Paul, Cowboys & Aliens, Attack of the Show, Aqua Teen Hunger Force/Squidbillies/Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job!/Mary Shelley's Frakenhole, and much more.

The full schedule for Saturday can be found below. Be sure to come back tomorrow for Sunday's lineup... (and you can find Thursday's lineup here and Friday's lineup here.)

Continue reading full story...



Saturday, July 24

 10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Carla Speed McNeil— Comic-Con special guest Carla Speed McNeil is best known for her creator-owned title Finder. A few years back, Carla took new stories of Finder to the Internet, and the result was an Eisner Award for best Webcomic of 2008 and a new series of reprints from Dark Horse. Carla talks about her work and what's next in this Spotlight panel. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 The Black Panel 2010— This year's Black Panel will be one for the ages. The focus will be on empowerment, education, real-world networking, and finally but never last, fun. The panelists include entertainment attorney Darrel Miller, novelist Nnedi Okorafor, artist Denys Cowan, and writer/producer/director Reggie Hudlin, with moderator Michael Davis. Once they answer life's burning questions, they'll chill with a salute and Q&A from the audience with actor/writer/director Bill Duke. As always, surprise guests who will rock your world. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies | Television | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Nickelodeon Presents: The SpongeBob SquarePants Secret Formula Revealed!— Ever wonder what delicious ingredients go into making an episode of SpongeBob? The masterminds behind the show -- executive producer Paul Tibbitt (Nightmare Ned), head writer Steven Banks (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius), creative director Vincent Waller (Ren & Stimpy), supervising storyboard director Tuck Tucker (Hey Arnold!), layout supervisor Kenny Pittenger (CatDog), storyboard director Luke Brookshier (Kim Possible), background painter Andy Clark (Dexter's Laboratory), animation director Andrew Overtoom (Family Guy), and the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny -- show you how the kernel of an idea turns into a fully animated episode. Followed by an exclusive screening of a never-before-seen episode, plus Q&A with the crew. Moderated by Roland Poindexter, senior VP, animation  for Nickelodeon. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

10:00-11:00 Writing Animated Feature Films— The Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus once again sponsors a panel on writing for animation. Some of the most successful films of the last decade have been animated. But how different are they to write from live-action features?  From television scripts?  And what about direct-to-DVD animated features? The writers of some of the top animated features will talk about the process of creating those films, their interactions with the artists and the studios, and how they came to be involved with their project. Panelists tentatively scheduled include Alan Burnett (Green Lantern: First Flight), Darren Lemke (Shrek Forever After), John Musker (The Princess and the Frog), Dean DeBlois (How to Train Your Dragon), Wallace Wolodarsky (Monsters vs. Aliens), and moderator Craig Miller (Elfquest). Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Movies | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Marvel Comics Writers Unite!— The third in Comic-Con's series of "Year of the Writer/Comics Writers Unite!" panels focuses on Marvel Comics and includes Comic-Con special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers, New Avengers, Ultimate Spider-Man), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man, Thor), and Chris Claremont (X-Men Forever, X-Women) in a discussion with writer Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable). Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Mad about MAD!— MAD magazine has established itself as the original and most imitated and influential satirical publication across generations. This fall, MAD returns to TV screens with a new show for the next generation! MAD magazine editor John Ficarra, MAD art director Sam Viviano, legendary MAD artist Sergio Aragonés, current MAD artist Tom Richmond, MAD story editor/producer Kevin Shinick, and your host, Warner Bros. Animation senior VP Peter Girardi offer a light-hearted look at the future of an American institution. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Humor & Satire | Television

10:00-10:45 Chuck Screening and Q&A— Chuck executive producers and co-creators Josh Schwartz (Gossip Girl) and Chris Fedak appear along with series stars Zachary Levi (Alvin and the Chipmunks), Yvonne Strahovski (upcoming The Killer Elite), Joshua Gomez (Without a Trace), Ryan McPartlin, Mark Christopher Lawrence (The Pursuit of Happyness), Vik Sahay (Good Will Hunting), Scott Krinsky (The O.C.), Sarah Lancaster (upcoming The Good Doctor) and Adam Baldwin (Serenity) for their usual hijinks—a Q&A to discuss the upcoming season four (made possible by the devoted fanbase) and a special video presentation. Produced by Fake Empire, Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Chuck airs Mondays at 8pm ET/PT on NBC, and Chuck: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 7. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Humor & Satire | Television

10:00-11:00 Panel of the Living Dead: Surviving the Post-Apocalyptic Zombie Onslaught on Xbox 360— Xbox 360 has become the exclusive epicenter for zombies. The team behind Capcom's Dead Rising 2 joins the industry's top zombie creative minds and a special guest zombie authority for a behind-the-braaaiiinnss look at the popular zombie titles on Xbox 360. Chomp on insights into how they've developed their unique lexicon on undead lore and storytelling approaches, and get survival tips for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Join the flesh-hungry undead for a special Dead Rising 2 surprise from Capcom and be one of the first 25 zombies attending the panel to receive a special token for Dead Rising 2: Case Zero. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Games | Horror and Suspense

10:00-11:00 Twilight Fanfiction Author Fangroup— A Q&A/dialogue with Snowqueens Icedragon (Master of the Universe), m81170 (An Introduction to Swirl & Daisy), MsKathy (The Trip Home), HMonster4 (Deconstructing Dracula), Giselle-lx (Ithaca is Gorges), ElleCC (A Murmur of Fire in the Vein), and Amethyst Jackson (Bonne Foi). Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Fandom | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 3— DC's editorial art director Mark Chiarello presents an informative orientation session that will explain how DC's Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm and MAD magazine publications. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the panel for you! To have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

10:30-11:30 VIZ Media's Shonen Jump Panel— Shonen Jump is the source of the world's most popular manga, including Naruto, Bleach, and more. In this exclusive panel, fans will get the latest manga and anime news, insider information, and on-the-spot surprises. Special guest: Stan Lee, comics legend and co-creator of Ultimo! Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 Film Illustrations, Storyboards, Concept Art: The Art Behind the Images— Meet the pros who use their artistic talents to create the visual magic that producers, directors, writers, and production designers depend on to create iconic images. Panelists include moderator Len Morganti (New Moon), Harrison Ellenshaw (TRON), Dave Lowery (Cowboys and Aliens), Simeon Wilkins (Hellboy), Tim Burgard (2012), and Ricardo Delgado (How to Train Your Dragon). Room 24ABC
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Movies

 10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #9: Batman and the Empty Nest Syndrome— Does Batman become a different type of person when he has a sidekick? Join panelists Dennis O'Neil (Batman writer and editor), Michael Uslan (executive producer, Batman Films), Tommy Cash (The Workday Comic), psychologists Travis Langley (Henderson State University) and Robin Rosenberg (The Psychology of Superheroes), and neuroscientist E. Paul Zehr (Becoming Batman) as they discuss who Batman is when he works alone versus who he becomes when he works with Bat-family members. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 303: Oh, And Another Thing...— Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the sold-out The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, returns to deal with the more advanced (and often complicated) issues facing the creative community, particularly in light of the ever-expanding worlds of new media. Creators aren't the only ones facing potential problems and issues—publishers, distributors, retailers, and even the ultimate consumers can find themselves facing legal issues they never expected. Infringements, misuse, tarnishment, dilution, knockoffs, lawsuits, satires, parodies, fair use, blogs, podcasts, tweets, and cybersquatters are just some of the many potential problems that may arise once creative works and products become accessible to others. This session explores how copyright and trademark rights are enforced, how one's legal muscles may be flexed, and what to do when finding yourself in a legal minefield. Plus, time permitting, discussion about recent legal decisions and pending cases that are likely to affect the field of popular culture and how they might play an important role in your creative and business plans. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.] Room 30CDE
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Comics Law School | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

 11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Jillian Tamaki— Comic-Con special guest Jillian Tamaki has taken both the illustration and comics worlds by storm. Her graphic novel Skim was a New York Times Best Book of the Year, and also was nominated for a Governor General Award and for three Eisner Awards. Her drawings can be found in the New York Times, Oprah, New Yorker, and Esquire. Tamaki will discuss the process of Skim, collaborating with a writer, and the difference between comics and illustration. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Reading with Brains: The Rise and Unrelenting Stamina of Zombie Fiction— Authors and survivors include Amelia Beamer (The Loving Dead), Max Brooks (The Zombie Survival Guide), Seth Grahame-Smith (Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Slayer), Mira Grant (The Newsflesh trilogy). Walter Greatshell (Xombies: Apocalypticon), Jonathan Maberry (Rot & Ruin), Ryan Mecum (Zombie Haiku), John Skipp (Zombies: Encounters with the Hungry Dead), and Joan Frances Turner (Dust). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart, Mysterious Galaxy. Room 7AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Comics in the Library— How are comics used in libraries? This panel discusses the variety of ways that libraries around the countries have begun to integrate comics into their collections and programming. Special attention is paid to the following subjects: comics for early readers; nonfiction comics, comics for adult readers. Presented by Francisca Goldsmith (Infopeople), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale Public Library), JoAnn Jonas (San Diego County Library), Tuan Nguyen (Texas Maverick Graphic Novel List), Jill Patterson (OC Public Libraries), and comics creator Raina Telgemeier (Smile). Moderated by John Hogan (The Graphic Novel Reporter). Room 8
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Adam Hughes— Award-winning artist Adam Hughes will demonstrate sketching with grayscale Copic Markers. Adam is particularly known for his cover art, some of which has been recently published into a hardcover coffeetable book. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-11:45 Family Guy— A freakin' sweet discussion on all things Family Guy with Seth MacFarlane, Alex Borstein, Seth Green, and others. And don't miss never-before-seen clips of the third Star Wars parody. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

11:00-12:00 Hollywood and Ghost Recon Join Forces— Little Minx, a company of Ridley Scott and Associates (RSA), presents Oscar-winning director François Alaux (Logorama), associate producer and technical advisor to all RSA films Harry Humphries, and a feature actor from the short film, who will be joined by Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Solider video game studio associate producer Adrian Lacey in a panel discussing the upcoming short film, as well as connections between the film and the game. Attendees will be treated to the world premiere debut of the film trailer, as well as a live demo of the upcoming video game. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Animation | Games | Movies

11:00-12:00 Spirituality in Comics— How can comics help communicate timeless truths through new media to new audiences? Discuss the latest trends of spiritual themes in comics with moderator Scott Shuford of the Christian Comic Arts Society and panelists Holly Golightly (School Bites), K. J. Kolka (Cardinal Adventures), and Clint Johnson (Faithwalker). Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Seminars & Workshops

11:15-12:15 The Event: World-Premiere Pilot Screening and Q&A with Cast and Producers— Debuting on NBC this fall, the highly anticipated conspiracy thriller The Event follows an unlikely hero who gets entangled in one of the government's biggest cover-up operations that could ultimately change the fate of mankind. Be the first to watch the pilot episode. Moderated by E! News' Kristin Dos Santos, participate in a Q&A session with the cast: Jason Ritter (The Class), Blair Underwood (In Treatment), Laura Innes (ER), Sarah Roemer (Disturbia), Zeljko Ivanek (Damages), Ian Anthony Dale (Daybreak), and the producers: Evan Katz (24), Steve Stark (Medium), Jeffrey Reiner (Friday Night Lights), Nick Wauters (The 4400), and Jim Wong (The X-Files). Room 6A
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

11:15-12:15 Marvel: Cup O' Joe— This is it, Mighty Marvel fans—the no-holds-barred, anything-goes, full-of-surprises panel you've waited for all year! Marvel's EEK (editor-in-chief) and CCO Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

 11:15-12:15 Spotlight on Gerard Way— Comic-Con special guest Gerard Way, writer/creator of The Umbrella Academy, is joined by guests in a 60-minute deconstruction of the comic book industry, featuring helicopter rides and Jonesy the Human Ferret. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Will Eisner, The Dreamer— Will Eisner played a central role in the first seven decades of comics history. Many times during his career, he reinvented sequential art and himself to overcome new challenges. He was a true dreamer, and these panelists hope to show you that side of him: Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher, and Will Eisner's agent and longtime friend), Scott McCloud (artist, author, and theoretician about comics and sequential art), Dennis O'Neil (comic book writer and editor for Marvel Comics and DC Comics), Paul Levitz (writer, former president/publisher, DC Comics), and Michael Schumacher (bestselling author and Biographer with a new biography of Will Eisner due out this fall). This is your chance to learn more about the "Father of the Graphic Novel." Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Tributes | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Dragon Ball Z Kai Voice Actor Panel— Ask a question of your favorite Dragon Ball Z Kai voice actors! Meet Seán Schemmel, the voice of Goku; voice director Christopher R. Sabat, the voice of Piccolo, Vegeta, and more; and producer Justin Cook, the voice of Raditz. Ask these three well-established voice actors what they enjoyed most about rerecording this epic, action-packed, redubbed version of Dragon Ball Z, true to creator Akira Toriyama's original vision, or anything else you ever wanted to know about Dragon Ball Z Kai, currently airing on Nicktoons. Room 5AB
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Animation | Anime & Manga | Television

11:30-12:30 Shazam! The Golden Age of the World's Mightiest Mortal— Author/designer Chip Kidd (Mythology, Bat-Manga, Rough Justice), author/producer Michael Uslan (Archie Marries...), and Charles Kochman (executive editor, Abrams ComicArts) celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Big Red Cheese in this panel and slideshow discussion celebrating Kidd's upcoming fall release from Abrams ComicArts, Shazam! The Golden Age of the World's Mightiest Mortal. Room 9
Categories:  Anniversaries | Comics | Superheroes

11:30-12:30 Nickelodeon: Hartman's Heroes: The Fairly OddParents and T.U.F.F. Puppy— Butch Hartman, creator of The Fairly OddParents and Danny Phantom, and his all-star team -- story editor Ray DeLaurentis (Shaggy and Scooby-Doo: Get a Clue!), art director George Goodchild (Danny Phantom), and producer Dave Thomas (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera) -- present Nickelodeon's new animated action/comedy T.U.F.F. Puppy, starring iCarly's Jerry Trainor. Plus, you'll get a sneak peek at what's in store for Fairly OddParents as they prepare for the show's 10th anniversary! Then, be the first to view never-before-seen footage of T.U.F.F. Puppy. Moderated by Stacey Kim, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Kids | Television

 11:30-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #10: Superhero Comics as Meta-Fiction— Matt Yockey (UC Irvine) uses "The True Story of Batman and Robin" and David Mazzucchelli's self-reflexive afterword in Batman: Year One to look at the paradoxical relationship of fans and publishers. Whitney Donaldson (California State University, Long Beach) details the self-referential, metafictional, and narrative complexity of Watchmen. Karen Healey (University of Melbourne) argues that contemporary superhero comics are essentially corporate-owned fan fiction and proposes a theoretical approach that emphasizes the fluidity of texts composed in knowing reference to other works. Andrew J. Friedenthal (University of Texas at Austin) uses Crisis on Infinite Earths as a lens to examine how metatextual continuity creates a "narrative" of superhero universes out of the "chronicle" of comic book history. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

11:45-12:30 The Cleveland Show— Join the cast and producers of The Cleveland Show for a sneak peek at Season Two, a live table read of one act of Cleveland's upcoming trip to Comic-Con, and an audience Q&A session featuring Seth MacFarlane, Mike Henry, Rich Appel, Sanaa Lathan, and Kevin Michael Richardson. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

11:45-1:15 Warner Bros.: Green Lantern, Sucker Punch, and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows— Warner Bros. showcases three eagerly awaited upcoming new films in this Hall H presentation!
Green Lantern— Get a first look at the upcoming sci-fi action adventure Green Lantern, directed by Martin Campbell. Green Lantern is an epic adventure that crosses galaxies to bring to life the legendary Silver Age superhero Hal Jordan, who is chosen by the ring itself to become the first human member of the Green Lantern Corps and take on the vast and powerful Parallax as it threatens to destroy the world. The film stars Ryan Reynolds as Hal Jordan, Blake Lively as Carol Ferris, Peter Sarsgaard as Dr. Hector Hammond, and Mark Strong as Sinestro.

Sucker Punch— Fasten your seatbelt for a sneak peek at the dark action fantasy Sucker Punch, from director Zack Snyder, who previewed his films 300 and Watchmen at past Comic-Cons. A group of young girls escape the dark reality of their lives through their vivid imagination, which takes them to various fantasy locations in different realms. The ensemble cast features Emily Browning, Abbie Cornish, Vanessa Hudgens, Carla Gugino, Jena Malone, Jamie Chung, and Jon Hamm.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows—Every saga has a final chapter. Kick off the year of Harry Potter with a first look at the coming screen adaptation of J. K. Rowling's final book in the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, with a program created just for Comic-Con fans. One way. One hero. One destiny. Don't miss it!
Hall H
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes

 12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Peter Bagge— Comic-Con special guest Peter Bagge talks to Fantagraphics' Jason T. Miles about his work, including the legendary Buddy Bradley stories in Hate and his new graphic novels, Apocalypse Nerd and Other Lives. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Humor & Satire | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 Fang Girls and Fang Boys: The Popularity of Vampire Lit— Authors of vampire fiction for young adults and adults discuss the appeal of their worlds and characters. Authors include Charlaine Harris (the Sookie Stackhouse Series), Heather Brewer (the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod), Rachel Caine (the Morganville Vampires series), Christopher Farnsworth (Blood Oath: The President's Vampire), Chris Marie Green (the Vampire Babylon series), Richelle Mead (the Vampire Academy series), and Jeanne C. Stein (the Anna Strong series). Moderated by Brian Truitt, associate editor, USA Weekend Magazine/USA Today. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 IDW Publishing: Infestation 2011— In 2011, IDW will infest the comics world in new and exciting -- and potentially disturbing -- ways. EIC/CCO Chris Ryall, editors Andy Schmidt and Scott Dunbier, and creators offer a lively discussion of IDW's upcoming titles, including at least two big and unexpected announcements, as well as the first hint of "Infestation," IDW's big 2011 event! Room 8
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

12:00-1:00 Street Fighter Mania!: SSFIV and Beyond!— Producer Super Street Fighter IV producer Yoshinori Ono shares his thoughts on SSFIV and presents his exciting vision for the future of the franchise. Experience why everyone can't get enough of Street Fighter! Featuring Seth Killian, Street Fighter special advisor. Followed by a Q&A session. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games

 12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session: Terry Moore: Drawing Characters with Character— Learn what it takes to draw characters whose distinctive actions define them on the page. In Echo and Strangers in Paradise Terry Moore has established himself as a master for expressing a wide range of emotions through his characters. Bring your sketchbook and follow along as Moore shows you the secrets of how to make your characters "act" on the page in this CBLDF Master Session. The original art from this session will be auctioned off on Saturday night in the CBLDF's Art Auction! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | CBLDF Events | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

12:00-1:00 The Venture Bros.— Creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer host a laissez-faire chat about—what else?—The Venture Bros. They'll be joined by Patrick Warburton (voice of Brock Samson) and James Urbaniak (voice of Dr. Venture) as they screen sneak preview clips from the upcoming season, shamelessly plug their new DVD and line of action figures, and take questions from the audience. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

12:00-1:00 Indyfans— The Indiana Jones Fan Group returns to Comic-Con to discuss all things Indy. There are always giveaways, special guests, and you never know what to expect when the Indyfans come to town. Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:30-1:30 MTV Games— Harmonix have revolutionized the world of music video games with groundbreaking titles such as Guitar Hero and Rock Band, bringing virtual rock to your living room. This year, the world's premier music video game company is set to rock the world again with Rock Band 3 and Dance Central, bringing gamers ever closer to the real thing. Join the Harmonix team for a fast-paced panel discussion, insane performances, and some fun surprises! Room 4
Categories:  Games

12:30-1:30 Costume Designers and Costume Illustrators: Designing for Feature Films— Costume Designers work in collaboration with Directors, Production Designers, Directors of Photography and Actors in creating fantastic and memorable stories told via moving images. Characters created by writers and Comic Book Illustrators are made real for the screen via the artistry of Costume Designers. Meet the men and women who are the Costume Designers & Costume Illustrators on this year's blockbuster films. Moderator Susan Nininger, Costume Designer (Bodyguard), and Member of  the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, hosts Costume Designers and Illustrators from CDG, local 892: Michael Wilkinson and Phillip Boutte Jr. (Jonah Hex), Christine Bieselin Clark (Co-Designer, Tron) , Ha Nguyen (Priest), Laura Jean Shannon (Scott Pilgrim), and Shawnelle Cherry (10,000 Days). Room 5AB
Categories:  Comics | Costuming | Movies

12:30-1:45 DC Universe: Event Horizon— Ian Sattler, senior story editor, and your favorite writers and artists are here for the main event: The DC Universe! What lies ahead for your favorite heroes and series? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There's no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6A
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

12:30-1:45 Quick Draw!— It's just about the most fun you can have sitting down at Comic-Con! Host Mark Evanier keeps Sergio Aragonés, Scott Shaw!, and this year's guest artist and dinosaur expert William Stout on their toes as they draw -- real quick! -- whatever he tells them to draw! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

 12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Brian Michael Bendis— The controversial Marvel writer and Comic-Con special guest Brian Michael Bendis turns his spotlight panel into a live taping of the popular Word Balloon Bendis tapes. Word Balloon podcast host John Suitress will moderate the panel and take questions from the audience, with nothing off limits. Bendis will also be giving away limited-edition variant covers of his new creator-owned series Scarlet. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Stan Lee @ BOOM!— Stan Lee and Mark Waid reveal the details behind Stan Lee's new series at BOOM!, including two special mystery guests that will blow your mind. This is it, people. You wanted to know who is writing the other two books alongside Waid? Now you'll know! Room 9
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

12:30-1:30 Comics Across all Media— Paul Feig (creator of Freaks & Geeks), Chip Kidd (Shazam!: The Golden Age of the World's Mightiest Mortal), Whitney Matheson (USA Today's Pop Candy blog), Brad Meltzer (The Inner Circle), and Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight) are five superstars who make headlines in television, the graphic arts, journalism, novels, and film. But they all have comics in common. As they reunite for another visit, join them for a discussion of all things nerd. It'll be like a 21st century Breakfast Club -- but with even better references. Moderated by audiobook star Scott Brick (The Chronicles of Thomas Covenant). Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Movies | Television

12:45-1:30 Futurama— Celebrate Futurama's triumphant re-return to the airwaves! World-premiere footage will offer an exciting and informative glimpse of Comic-Con in the year 3010. Panelists include executive producers Matt Groening and David X. Cohen, cast members Billy West, John DiMaggio, Katey Sagal, and Maurice LaMarche, director Crystal Chesney-Thompson, writers Ken Keeler and Patric M. Verrone, and animation producer Claudia Katz. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Gabrielle Bell— Join Comic-Con special guest Gabrielle Bell (Cecil and Jordan in New York, Lucky). Gabrielle Bell has been featured in McSweeneys, Vice and the Believer. The title story of her most recent book, Cecil and Jordan in New York has been adapted for the screen by Michel Gondry in the triptych Tokyo! She is currently serializing her Ignatz award-winning autobiographcal comics Lucky online. Gabrielle Bell will present a slideshow and discuss her work with Tom Spurgeon (www.thecomicsreporter) Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

1:00-2:00 The World That Is God of War— Ru Weerasuriya and Dana Jan (God of War: Chains of Olympus), and others have helped to expand the God of War universe with their smash hit on PlayStation Portable, God of War: Chains of Olympus. Now they're back, along with their talented team at Ready At Dawn Studios to expand on this blockbuster mythological world with God of War: Ghost of Sparta. Join Ru, Dana, and team for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 7AB
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 The Write Stuff: Creating Genre Television— An incredible insider look at the making of genre television from the scribes behind some of today's hottest shows who share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe)...and beyond. Featuring Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost), Gabrielle Stanton (The Vampire Diaries, Moonlight), Jesse Alexander (Heroes, Lost, Alias), Jose Molina (Castle, Firefly), Robert Hewitt Wolfe (The Gates, Deep Space Nine), Charles Murray (V, Criminal Minds), Sarah Watson (Middleman, Parenthood), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Terminator), Steve Kriozere (NCIS, V.I.P.), Steve Melching (Clone Wars, Transformers, The Batman), and Mark A. Altman (Castle, Elvis Van Helsing). Moderated by Creative Screenwriting's Jeff Goldsmith. Room 8
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

1:00-2:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Allison Sohn— Trading card and sketchcard artist Allison Sohn will demonstrate sketching with color Copic Markers. Allison works primarily with Copic Markers for her printed works as well as her sketchcards. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 Hasbro: Marvel Toys— Jerry Jivoin and Julien Lee (Hasbro Marketing) and Joshua Lamb, Dave Vonner, and Dwight Stall (Hasbro Design) present the latest toys from the Iron Man, Spider-Man, Marvel Universe, and Super Hero Squad toy lines for 2010. Also, get a sneak peek at the 2011 lines! Includes Q&A time. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Superheroes

 1:00-2:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #11: Using Comic Book Characters For Cultural Critique— Comic book creators and scholars are using comic book characters -- existing ones and their own creations -- as a form of cultural critique in both the academy and in the larger popular culture. Join Patricia Williams (Columbia University), John Jennings (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign), Kane Anderson (UC Santa Barbara), John Jackson (University of Pennsylvania), Stanford Carpenter (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) for a discussion of how comics characters -- including President Obama's depiction as a superhero -- act as proxies for leveling cultural critiques. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Darick Robertson: Body Language in Sequential Storytelling— Bring your sketchbook and learn how to express action, attitude, and meaning through your characters' body language in this CBLDF Master Session. In his work on The Boys, Transmetropolitan, and Conan, Darick Robertson has had to express story through his drawings of a wide variety of characters. Follow along as he demonstrates how body language can add dimension to your sequential storytelling. The original art from this session will be auctioned off on Saturday night in the CBLDF's Art Auction. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | CBLDF Events | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 Sanctuary— Walk on the wild side at Syfy's highly anticipated Sanctuary panel. Moderated by Josh Gates (Destination Truth) and featuring Amanda Tapping (Helen Magnus), Robin Dunne (Will Zimmerman), and executive producers Martin Wood and Damian Kindler, you'll experience this revolutionary Syfy original series like never before. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

1:00-2:00 The Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack— Father and son team Jay and Jack Glatfelter have one of the oldest and biggest podcasts dedicated to ABC'S Lost. Discuss the stirring series finale, and learn about the huge dedicated online community for TV's most mind-twisting drama. Join Jay and Jack for this special interview and Q&A session! Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

1:30-2:30 Comics Criticism— Comics are a staple of the arts and book review sections of everything from The New York Times and Publishers Weekly to a current golden age of published biography and history, such as Gerard Jones's Men of Tomorrow, R. C. Harvey's Meanwhile..., and David Michaelis's Schulz and Peanuts. Some of the nation's leading critics discuss the state of the art and the state of its journalism, 2010. Panelists include Gary Groth (The Comics Journal), Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics), Brian Doherty (Radicals for Capitalism), Ben Schwartz (editor, Best American Comics Criticism), and R. Fiore (Funnybook Roulette). Room 4
Categories:  Comics

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on China Miéville— Multi-award-winning author and Comic-Con special guest China Miéville talks about his books -- including The City & the City, and his most recent, Kraken -- in this special Spotlight panel. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Top Cow: "We Create" Multimedia— Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri (Pilot Season, X-Men/Dark Avengers), president Matt Hawkins (Alibi), and publisher Filip Sablik offer an exciting and lively multimedia presentation about Top Cow's plans for 2010 and 2011 in comics, film, television, and much more. Be the first to hear announcements and updates on film projects including Witchblade, Magdalena, Alibi, Wanted, and A-Team, plus announcements on new comic projects with creators including Ron Marz (Artifacts), Jeff Katz (American Original), and Phil Hester (The Darkness), along with surprise guests including directors, screenwriters, producers, and more! Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies | Television | Webcomics

1:30-2:15 The Simpsons— Now entering its record-annihilating 22nd season on Fox, The Simpsons has won 25 Emmy awards, has been the subject of a smash feature film in 2007, and has inspired an awesome ride at Universal Studios -- and Homer Simpson was just named the greatest television character of the last 20 years by Entertainment Weekly. Get insights into the daily doings of this series from creator Matt Groening, showrunner Al Jean, executive producer Matt Selman, and supervising director Mike Anderson. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

1:30-2:30 Behind the Scenes with Sid & Marty Krofft: A Look at the Past, Present and Future— Sid & Marty Krofft are iconic names in the world of children's television and true pioneers in what they have achieved throughout their long career. From their puppeteer beginnings to their timeless shows HR Pufnstuf, The Bugaloos, Sigmund the Sea Monster, and Land of the Lost to their new feature films and endeavors in Creations from the World of Jack Kirby, the Krofft brothers create amazing entertainment for everyone to enjoy and love. Sid & Marty Krofft look back at what they have achieved, then look to the future with Joe Ruby and Ken Spears (Scooby Doo, Thundar the Barbarian), who have partnered with the Kroffts in Creations from the World of Jack Kirby. Panel and Q&A moderated by producer Bonny Dore. Free exclusive gift will be given out to attendees while supplies last. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Television

1:30-2:30 Overture: Let Me In— The cast and filmmakers of Let Me In, a haunting and provocative thriller written and directed by filmmaker Matt Reeves (Cloverfield), give the Hall H audience a sneak peek at this highly anticipated film. Let Me In is an astonishing coming-of-age story involving a young girl (Kick Ass's Chloe Moretz) and an alienated boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee from The Road) unlike any you have seen. Based on the bestselling Swedish novel Lat den Ratte Komma (Let The Right One In) by John Ajvide Lindqvist and the highly acclaimed film of the same name, Let Me In takes audiences straight to the troubled heart of adolescent longing and loneliness. Academy Award–nominee Richard Jenkins (The Visitor) also stars in this exhilarating reboot of the beloved original. Hall H
Categories:  Movies

1:45-3:15 Cartoon Voices I— It's the first big panel of the weekend devoted to the actors behind the voices of your favorite cartoon characters! Mark Evanier and Earl Kress talk with April Winchell (Phineas & Ferb), Candy Milo (Jimmy Neutron), Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show), Tom Kane (Star Wars: Clone Wars), Jason Marsden and (Teen Titans). Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Games | Movies | Television

1:45-2:45 Cartoon Network: Action Adventure Animation— Meet the creators and talent behind some of Cartoon Network's biggest boy heroes, Ben 10 and Generator Rex. From Man of Action meet Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, and Steven T. Seagle along with the Ben 10: Ultimate Alien team members Glenn Murakami (supervising producer), Dwayne McDuffie (story editor), Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Ben), and Greg Cipes (voice of Kevin). Generator Rex panelists include John Fang (supervising producer), Rob Hoegee (story editor), Daryl Sabara (voice of Rex), and Wally Kurth (voice of Agent Six). Also make sure not to miss a first look at Sym-Bionic Titan with Genndy Tartakovsky, Bryan Andrews, Paul Rudish, and Darrick Bachman. Room 6DE
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Animation | Kids | Television

2:00-3:00 Tokyopop Panel— Tokyopop editorial staff, including senior editor Lillian Diaz-Przybyl, will announce new book publishing acquisitions and digital products, followed by a prize giveaway and Q&A session. Get the latest news about ongoing Tokyopop series, including updates to Hetalia and Priest. Room 3
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics

2:00-3:00 Green Lantern: Emerald Empire— No evil shall escape this panel's sight as the top creative teams on the Green Lantern books drop hints on upcoming stories and take on your questions! Led by group editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern, The Flash), Tony Bedard (Green Lantern Corps), Joe Prado (Brightest Day), and Ivan Reis (Brightest Day). Room 6A
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Teching Out on TV— Featuring hit talent and producers/technical directors from top CBS shows, panelists will discuss the role that technology plays on each show, how the characters relate to and use technology, and how the stars themselves use technology. The panelists include Anthony Zuiker (creator and executive producer, CSI), Pauley Perrette (NCIS), Barrett Foa (NCIS: Los Angeles), Kirsten Vangsness (Criminal Minds), and Rich Catalani (CSI producer and former criminalist). Room 7AB
Categories:  Television

 2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Dave Dorman— Eisner Award-winning illustrator and Comic-Con special guest Dave Dorman is best known for his stunning depictions from the Star Wars universe. Dave talks about his paintings and his comics work, including the eagerly awaited sequel to his Steampunk graphic novel Rail -- continuing stories set in his creator-owned universe, The Wasted Lands. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy

 2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Milo Manara— Known the world over for his elegant and erotic art and storytelling techniques, Milo Manara is a Comic-Con special guest for the very first time! Manara will talk about his long and varied career, which now includes a Marvel Comics book, X-Women, written by fellow special guest Chris Claremont. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

 2:00-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #12: Poster Session— Want to go in depth with a comics scholar? On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday the PowerPoints of the poster presenters will be available to read in printed "poster books," and then the scholars will be available in this session to discuss their presentations in small-group and one-on-one discussions.
Jim Miller (Henderson State University) discusses how the interplay of images in Dan Clowes's Eightball creates literary comics that are very real and sexual in nature, and why this necessary element of his work leads to successful narrative.

Ashleigh Mayes (Henderson State University) looks at the functions of anthropomorphic animal characters in the depiction of historical events or tragic fiction in works such as Maus.

Adam Streed (UCSD) shows how sequential art can be used to illustrate Bertrand Russell's paradox, detailed in Logicomix, in various ways that are impossible outside the comics medium.

Anthony Pate (Henderson State University) connects the portrayal of sexuality and violence in the works of Alan Moore with the satiric depiction of promiscuity among nobles and subsequent effects of decadent living in the sequential storytelling of William Hogarth.

Tanner Gibson (Southern Wesleyan University) uncovers the influence of photographic pioneer Eadweard Muybridge on the development of sequential art.

Dustin Nevill (Henderson State University) reports on surveys of convention goers on their perception of Spider-Man, Batman, and Superman and why these characters endure as the world's best-known superheroes.

Richard Purnell (Stark State University) investigates how poetry and comics work as a nontraditional union of content and form.

Marko Head and Greg Fischer (Henderson State University) examine the comics and films of Hayoa Miyazaki from idea to process to completion as contemporary art.

Nicole Smith (Henderson State University) examines the issues and challenges of drawing the cover art for The Workday Comic, a collaborative variant on Scott McCloud's 24-Hour Comics.

Henry Andrews (Grand Comics Database) demonstrates how the Grand Comics Database can be used to conduct academic research.

Naysan Mojgani (UC, San Diego) analyze how cosplayers identify with the race and ethnicity of the comics and anime characters they choose to role-play and challenge the essentializing, nationalist politics of the United States in radical, populist ways.

Stephanie Matlock (Henderson State University) reports preliminary findings from a study of how personality variables correlate with degrees of willingness to suspend disbelief among comic book readers.

Samantaha Deorge (School of the Art Institute) compares the post-feminism of Wonder Woman and the radical feminism of Tank Girl as representative of the British and American portraits of superheroines.

Poster Panel: Comics and Video Games: Alex Langley (University of North Texas) correlates addictive behavior among comics readers and video game players.

Matt Ragan (Henderson State University) argues that demonization of media forms-- comics in the Fifties and videogames more recently—leads to greater status for these forms as the generations that grew up with them come to higher statuses in society.

Green Lantern Poster Panel: Erica Ash (Henderson State University) looks at how Martian Manhunter's survivor guilt drives him to heroism, even as a reanimated Black Lantern.

Jarett Kobek (www.kobek.com) analyzes the O'Neil/Adams Green Lantern run to ask whether America can still recognize itself in the travails of the hard-traveling heroes.

Gabrielle Lissauer (American Jewish University) ask whether the creation of Parallax as a separate entity retcons the tarnish done to Hal Jordan's heroic identity in order to keep him heroically pure.
Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

2:00-3:00 Writing Seminar with Marv Wolfman— Marv Wolfman (God of War, Teen Titans, Crisis on Infinite Earths), in this annual writing seminar, returns to basics as he discusses the building blocks of putting together a story, creating tension, and what the "three act structure" really means. There will also be time for a Q&A session. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 The Guild— Now in its fourth season, The Guild is a multi-award-winning independent web series that started on YouTube and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon with over 50 million views, a groundbreaking distribution deal with Microsoft, a chart-topping song and music video, and a comic book from Dark Horse Comics. Writer/producer and Comic-Con special guest Felicia Day, producer Kim Evey, director Sean Becker, and the cast of The Guild including Wil Wheaton are on hand for a discussion and Q&A, along with the debut of never-before-seen content and other surprises. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Fandom | Games | Humor & Satire | Movies | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Little Lulu Fan Group— One of the most memorable kids' comics ever created, Little Lulu has generated a fan following around the world. Learn more about this classic comics character and the renewed interest in the other works of the great John Stanley, and join in for the annual scripted reading of a Golden Age Little Lulu story. All are welcome! Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Fandom

2:30-3:30 Diamond Select Toys Presents: Minimates!— See the exciting new direction that Diamond Select is taking Minimates, with an in-depth look at new lines such as MAX (Mobile Action X-treme), Calico Jack Pirate Raiders, and Halo! These new lines offer a playability feature that will take the Minimates brand to a whole new level and put them in a league of their own! Plus, get the latest new on continuing lines like Marvel, Ghostbusters, and more. Learn all about the #1 block figure in the world! Room 4
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Movies | Superheroes | Television

2:30-3:30 From Words to Pictures— An increasing array of prose writers are bringing their works to comics or writing comics in addition to novels. Hear from some of the best about why they love working in the  comics  medium, including Alex Irvine, Joe Landsdale, Max Brooks, Mario Acevedo, and others. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comics | Writers & Writing

2:30-3:30 Partners in Image Comics— Image Comics partners Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Todd McFarlane (Spawn), Marc Silvestri (Witchblade), and Jim Valentino (ShadowHawk) get together for a boisterous discussion of all things Image. Join the partners as they talk about ongoing and future projects, and become part of the discussion during a Q&A session. Room 9
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

2:30-3:15 V Screening and Q&A— The cast and creative team behind this thrilling drama series about the world's first alien encounter make their return to Comic-Con. Actors Elizabeth Mitchell (Lost), Morris Chestnut (Boyz n the Hood), Joel Gretsch (The 4400), Logan Huffman (America), Laura Vandervoort (Smallville), Charles Mesure (Xena: Warrior Princess), Morena Baccarin (Firefly), and Scott Wolf (Go) join executive producers Scott Rosenbaum (Chuck, The Shield) and Steve Pearlman (Related) for a Q&A session with fans and to screen a special highlight reel from the show's first season. From HDFilms in association with Warner Bros. Television, V will return midseason on ABC, and V: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD this fall. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

2:30-3:30 Archie: Stan Lee Comics Debuts— Stan Lee, Andy Heyward, and Jon Goldwater introduce an exciting new line of comics from the mind of comics legend Stan Lee. Stan will talk about Stan Lee's Super Seven and all the other new titles coming from Stan Lee comics over the next year. Be the first to get in on this exciting new project from the one and only Stan Lee! Moderated by Rik Offenberger. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

3:00-4:00 Queer Press Grant Roundup— Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization promoting LGBT comics, creators, and fans, started an annual Queer Press Grant in 2005 to help queer cartoonists self-publish their comics. Five years and many thousands of dollars later, the QPG has helped out an impressive lineup of some of the best upcoming LGBT cartoonists and remains one of the only grants available for comics creators today. Prism will kick off the submission process for the 2010 Queer Press Grant at Comic-Con. Moderator Roger Klorese (Prism Comic's Publications Chair) and past recipients Justin Hall (Glamazonia the Uncanny Super Tranny), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), and Eric Orner (The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green) as they discuss applying for the grant, what they've been up to since winning it, and what's next for both their comics and the grant in 2010. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

 3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Ray Bradbury— He was at the very first Comic-Con and we kind of think he'll be at the very last one, too, far off in the future. Science fiction author Ray Bradbury is literally a national treasure. Ray talks with biographer Sam Weller and moderator writer/producer Arnold Kunert in his yearly visit with his fans at Comic-Con. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 DC Showcase Original Shorts Collection: Jonah Hex, Green Arrow, and Beyond!— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation roll out the next wave of DC Showcase animated shorts with the world premiere of Jonah Hex, an advance look at Green Arrow, and details regarding the upcoming compilation Blu-ray/DVD release anchored by Superman/Shazam!: The Return of Black Adam. Executive producer Bruce Timm (DC Universe Animated Original Movies), Jonah Hex voice Thomas Jane (Hung), producer Alan Burnett (The Batman), acclaimed comics writer and fiction author Joe Lansdale, and writer/producer Greg Weisman (Young Justice) present a peek at three never-before-seen shorts. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies | Superheroes | Webcomics

3:00-4:00 Comics Reprint Revolution— For comics fans, the vintage reprint revolution keeps getting bigger and better! Comics Reporter's Tom Spurgeon talks with Craig Yoe (Krazy Kat, Popeye, Jetta), Dean Mullaney (editor of Library of American Comics for IDW: Dick Tracy, Little Orphan Annie, Secret Agent Corrigan), Daniel Herman (Hermes Press: Buck Rogers, The Phantom), Gary Groth (Fantagraphics: Peanuts, Prince Valiant, Captain Easy), Peggy Burns (Drawn and Quarterly: John Stanley Library, Walt & Skeezix), Steve Saffel (Titan Books, Beetle Bailey, Simon & Kirby Library) and Charles Pelto (Classic Comics Press: Mary Perkins, On Stage, The Heart of Juliet Jones, Big Ben Bolt) about their publications reprinting some of the very best of comic books and comic strips. Room 8
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics

3:00-4:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Scott Brick— Award-winning audiobook voice artist Scott Brick will present information on the acting and audio narration process, which will include how to break down a page of script into a narration format. Room 18
Categories:  Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Nickelodeon's Fanboy & Chum Chum: Blah! Blah! Blah!— Squeeze into your tighty-whities and join executive producer/creator Eric Robles (The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy), along with executive producer/story editor Steve Tompkins (The Bernie Mac Show), and supervising producer Jason Meier (Looney Tunes: Back in Action) for a FAN-tastic sneak peek into the crazy world of Fanboy & Chum Chum. The all-star cast -- David Hornsby (It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), Nika Futterman (Star Wars: Clone Wars), Josh Duhamel (Transformers), Jamie Kennedy (The Ghost Whisperer), and Jeff Glenn Bennett (Penguins of Madagascar) -- perform a live table read, followed by an exclusive look at the never-before-aired episode, "Freeze Tag." Screening will be followed by a Q&A with cast and crew. Moderated by Megan Casey, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Kids | Television

3:00-4:00 Master Digital Color Styles & Effects— Delve deeper into the world of digital color with Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Justice League: Generation Lost) and Kristy Miller (Ben 10) guiding you on a journey through color styles and genres. See firsthand how color styles are created for animation, superhero, alternative, and web comics. Watch and learn as Brian demonstrates advanced techniques for digital color and shows you how to master a variety of color styles and create stunning special effects, plus a bonus demonstration of click-a-tone grayscale for Manga comics. Q&A if time permits. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes | Webcomics

3:00-4:00 NBC's Community Cast and Creative Team— The cast and producers -- Joel McHale (The Soup), Chevy Chase (Hot Tub Time Machine), Donald Glover (30 Rock), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rules of Engagement), Danny Pudi (Greek), Gillian Jacobs (Choke), Alison Brie (Mad Men) and executive producers Dan Harmon (The Sarah Silverman Program), Joe Russo (Arrested Development), Anthony Russo (Arrested Development), Neil Goldman (Scrubs), Garrett Donovan (Scrubs) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist) -- are on hand for an animated discussion and Q&A session about what's in store for viewers this fall. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Television

3:00-4:00 Avatar: The Last Airbender Fan Gathering— Meet fellow fans and enjoy myriad discussions and activities that will include a bit of trivia, Avatar: The Last Airbender–inspired haiku, official merchandise buzz, cosplay tips, and a sketchbook swap. Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Anime & Manga | Costuming | Fandom

3:15-4:15 No Ordinary Family: Exclusive Premiere— This is No Ordinary Panel! Michael Chiklis (The Shield), Julie Benz (Dexter), and executive producers Greg Berlanti (Green Lantern), Jon Harmon Feldman (Tru Calling), and David Semel (Heroes) present an exclusive screening of the new ABC series No Ordinary Family. After the screening, join them for a Q&A session and find out more about the superpowers that made this family go from ordinary to extraordinary overnight! Plus, everyone in the room will receive a surprise. Room 6A
Categories:  Superheroes | Television

3:15-4:15 Fringe Screening and Q&A— Fringe returns to Comic-Con as Lance Reddick and Blair Brown make their first appearance at the convention, joining fellow series stars Anna Torv , Joshua Jackson, John Noble, and Jasika Nicole plus executive producers Jeff Pinkner and J. H. Wyman for a Q&A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Join the discussion of this critically acclaimed thriller, which explores the ever-blurring line between science fiction and reality, where hybrid monsters tear through sewers, thieves walk through walls and portals open to worlds unknown. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on FOX, and Fringe: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 14. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 International Comics and Graphic Novels— Comics are popular the world over and Comic-Con always includes an impressive gathering of worldwide talent. Journalist Tom Spurgeon talks with special guests Moto Hagio (Japan: Drunken Dreams), Émile Bravo (France: My Mommy is in America and she Met Buffalo Bill),  Milo Manara (Italy: Click!), and Kathryn and Stuart Immonen (Canada: Moving Pictures, Russian Olive to Red King) about graphic novels with a more international flavor. Room 4
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 DC Universe Online: The Next Legend Is You!— Superstars Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) and Mark Hamill (voice of The Joker, Batman: Arkham Asylum and Batman: The Animated Series) join forces with the DC Universe Online development team to reveal the exciting backstory of this action MMO (Massively Multiplayer Online) game. Jim, Mark, and key members of the development team from Sony Online Entertainment discuss how an earth-shattering chain of events will make you the key to the salvation or ruin of the DC Universe when the game launches this November. All attendees will receive a DCUO VIP Beta Key! Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Games | Superheroes

3:30-5:00 Warehouse 13 and Eureka— Don't miss two of Syfy's biggest hit series in one exclusive event. Catch back-to-back Warehouse 13 and Eureka panels, featuring Warehouse 13's Eddie McClintock (Pete Lattimer), Joanne Kelly (Myka Bering), Saul Rubinek (Artie Nielsen), Allison Scagliotti (Claudia Donovan), and Jack Kenny (showrunner/executive producer) and Eureka's Colin Ferguson (Jack Carter), Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Allison Blake), Neil Grayston (Douglas Fargo), James Callis (Grant), Jaime Paglia (co-creator/executive producer/writer), and Bruce Miller (executive producer/writer). Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 Red Faction Armageddon: How to Build a Transmedia Universe— The biggest event in the mythology of one of the world's most popular video games is also a flashpoint in the launch of the Red Faction multiplatform universe. Get exclusive information about it and pick up tips on world-building and game concept development, along with info about the partnership with Syfy in this in-depth Q&A with creator Danny Bilson (EVP Core Games, THQ), Lenny Brown (director IP development, THQ), Hollywood's leading Transmedia producer Jeff Gomez (Avatar, Transformers, Tron Legacy, Men In Black 3D), Alan Seiffert (SVP, Syfy Ventures), and Erika Kennair (director, development, Syfy). Room 9
Categories:  Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 Robert E. Howard in Comics: Then. Now. Always.— Robert E. Howard is seen as the grandfather of the sword and sorcery fiction genre. He's created such classic characters as Kull the Conqueror, Red Sonya, and Conan the Barbarian that have lived in comics for more than 40 years! Explore worlds of magic, bravery, and savage revenge as this panel delves in to Robert E. Howard's timeless fiction in comics of the past, present and future. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Comics in the Classroom— Comics are becoming increasingly common in elementary and secondary classrooms. But how can teachers incorporate comics into their course curriculums? This panel provides practical strategies for teachers to do just that. Presented by Anastasia Betts (UCLA), Christina Blanch (Ball State University), Deborah Ford (San Diego Unified School District), and Tracy White (NYU). Moderated by Chris Butcher (The Beguiling). Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops

4:00-5:00 Comics After Paper— Some forward-thinking cartoonists are designing their work to be experienced on computers, e-readers, mobile phones, and touchscreens. R. Stevens (Diesel Sweeties), Dylan Meconis (Family Man), Joshua Hale Fialkov (Tumor), and Robert Berry (Ulysses Seen), join moderator Douglas Wolk (Techland) to discuss making comics for new media. Room 3
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics

4:00-5:30 Oddball Comics— As seen in the pages of Geek Monthly magazine, cartoonist Scott Shaw! (Captain Carrot and the Final Ark, Bart Simpson Comics, Simpsons Summer Shindig) brings back his ever-popular digital slide show featuring "the craziest comic books ever published!" See why Stan Lee said, "Wow, True Believers, I thought I'd seen it all, but Scott Shaw's hysterically hilarious Oddball Comics is the wildest, wackiest exposé of some of the craziest comic books I've ever seen! Or, to put it mildly, Scott's outrageous opuses are a blast!" Room 7AB
Categories:  Comics | Humor & Satire

4:00-5:00 Taking Back the Knight: Batman in the 1970s and Beyond— The 1960s Batman TV show -- fun as it was -- left the public thinking the Caped Crusader was more of a clown than a crimefighter. In the 1970s, editor Julius Schwartz, along with writer Dennis O'Neil and artist Neal Adams (mostly in collaboration with inker Dick Giordano), decided to take back the Knight to his darker origins. The resulting character became the template for the next three decades, a time span marked by Batman's huge success in films and other media. Moderator Mark Evanier talks with Comic-Con special guests Dennis O'Neil and Neal Adams about their rebirth of the Bat and with Paul Levitz on how that re-creation took Batman to even greater heights. Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Movies | Superheroes | Television

4:00-5:00 Scott Pilgrim Vol. 6: Scott Pilgrim's Finest Hour vs. The Fans— It's been six years and six volumes spanning over 1,000 pages, and you've been there since the beginning! But there's always been one burning question itching at the back of your brain that you thought would never be answered. Think no more! Ready your Q's, mind your P's, and join Scott Pilgrim creator Bryan Lee O'Malley for a battle royale as he quibbles the quips of his worst enemies...his fans! Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comics | Humor & Satire

4:00-5:00 Writing for Comics— Top comics writers Brian Michael Bendis (New Avengers, Powers, Secret Invasion), Marc Guggenheim (Wolverine, Resurrection), and Peter David (Incredible Hulk, X-Factor) offer a discussion and instructive tips on the art of writing for comics. Writers and editors speak about the process of writing and how the game is played. Want to know how stories come about and learn how to do it yourself. This is the place to start! Moderated by Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Annihilation). Room 30CDE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

4:00-4:45 Screen Gems: Resident Evil: Afterlife— In a world ravaged by a virus infection that turns its victims into the Undead, Alice (Milla Jovovich) continues on her journey to find survivors and lead them to safety. Her deadly battle with the Umbrella Corporation reaches new heights, but Alice gets some unexpected help from an old friend. A new lead that promises a safe haven from the Undead takes them to Los Angeles, but when they arrive the city is overrun by thousands of Undead and Alice and her comrades are about to step into a deadly trap. The fourth installment of the hugely successful Resident Evil franchise, Resident Evil: Afterlife is again based on the wildly popular video game series and this time will be shot in 3D using the same state-of-the-art cameras created for Avatar. Writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson, along with the film's stars Milla Jovovich, Ali Larter, and Wentworth Miller, will be on hand to show you some stunning 3D sequences and answer your questions. Hall H
Categories:  Games | Horror and Suspense | Movies

4:00-5:00 The Design Process for Film and Television— The making of a film or television show is a collaborative process. Costume Illustrators and Concept and Storyboard artists, serve a key position in the web of communication that is essential to filmmaking. This panel highlights the fundamental importance of illustration, as well as the seamless creativity between the key conceptual departments on favorite feature films and television productions. Moderator Harrison Ellenshaw, (Star Wars V: The Empire Strikes Back), hosts Costume Illustrators from CDG, Local 892: Christian Cordella (The Last Airbender), and Brian Valenzuela (Star Trek 2009), and Artists from ADG, Local 800: Benton Jew (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides), Phil Saunders (Iron Man 2) and dual member (CDG and ADG) Robin Richesson (The Last Airbender). Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Costuming | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television

4:15-5:15 Marvel Animation: Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes— Enter the Avengers Mansion and become a part of the team! Celebrity voice talent introduce you to top-secret Avengers files, including never-before-seen footage and two full-length episodes from the all-new Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes animated series premiering on Disney XD this fall. The road to the Avengers starts here! Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Superheroes | Television

4:15-5:00 The Vampire Diaries Screening and Q&A— The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to take a bite out of Comic-Con! Series stars Nina Dobrev (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Roll Bounce), Ian Somerhalder (Lost), Michael Trevino (Cane), and Matt Davis (Blue Crush) join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson (Scream) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) to show fans a fang-tastic season-one highlight reel, followed by a Q&A session. This edgy, romantic drama quickly became the number one series on The CW in its first season. The Vampire Diaries director/co-executive producer Marcos Siega (Dexter) will moderate the panel. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries will return for its second season this fall, airing Thursdays at 8  pm  ET/PT on The CW, and The Vampire Diaries: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD August 31. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

4:30-5:30 Welcome to The Future: Are You Sure You Want to Stay?— Speculative fiction authors discuss visions of the future, dystopian and otherwise. Authors include Samuel R. Delany (Dhalgren), Alan Dean Foster (Flinx Transcendent), Cody Goodfellow (Perfect Union), Kirsten Imani Kasai (Ice Song), Dani Kollin and Eytan Kollin (The Unincorporated War), Nnedi Okorafor (Who Fears Death), David Weber (Honor Harrington novels), David J. Williams (The Machinery Of Light), and Charles Yu (How To Live Safely in a Science Fictional Universe). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:30-6:00 Remembering Shel Dorf— Shel Dorf, who passed away on November 9, 2009, took a group of young comics and science fiction fans and helped mold their ambitions and passions into Comic-Con back in 1970. Shel was a lover of all things pop culture, especially comics and movies, and he helped set the bar early on for Comic-Con to be an event that focuses on a variety of the popular arts. A panel of Shel's friends -- many of whom worked with him on the early Comic-Cons -- gather to pay tribute to him, including moderator Mike Towry and Shel's brother Michael Dorf, along with Richard Alf, William Clausen, George Clayton Johnson, Greg Koudoulian, Matt Lorentz, Clayton Moore, Mike Pasqua, David Scroggy, and Phil Yeh. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Tributes

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski— J. Michael Straczynski speaks (despite requests to the contrary) about his work on (and on and on) such comics as Superman (well, we guess it had to happen eventually) and Wonder Woman (at least they have the same fashion sense), his movies, including Shattered Union (shattered hopes that he wouldn't show up), Forbidden Planet (is that still going on?), and more he will be announcing here for the first time. Get the inside skinny on the writer's life from one of Hollywood's most prolific and hardworking writers (because you always have to work twice as hard when you don't know what you're doing). (Bob, very funny, just remember to edit this back to normal before uploading it to the Comic-Con schedule.) Room 6A
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Movies | Superheroes | Television | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Disney Epic Mickey— Warren Spector (creative director, Junction Point -- Disney Interactive Studios) and Peter David (award-winning comics writer and author of upcoming Disney Epic Mickey comics) share their insights about bringing the world and characters of the Disney Epic Mickey video game to life in two media -- video games and comic books. Warren and Peter explore "Wasteland," a world of forgotten, retired and rejected creative efforts from the Disney archives, and discuss the joy and challenges associated with writing for Mickey Mouse and his "brother," Walt Disney's first cartoon star, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. The panel includes discussion, gameplay demo featuring never-before-seen areas, concept art, previews of comic pages and Q&A. Room 9
Categories:  Comics | Games | Kids

4:30-6:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Jason Kruse and Rob Worley— Artist/animator Jason Kruse and writer Rob Worley will cover the collaborative creative process for making comic books for young readers. The two recently collaborated on the Ape Entertainment comic Scratch9. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Terry Moore— Terry Moore (Echo) has been a fan favorite since beginning his classic series Strangers in Paradise in 1993. His hit series Echo has won fan and critical acclaim and will wrap up in early 2011. Find out what's next for Moore as he heads toward the Echo movie and the 20th anniversary of Strangers in Paradise. The Q & A is not to be missed! Room 26AB
Categories:  Anniversaries | Art and Illustration | Comics | Movies | Writers & Writing

4:45-5:45 Universal: Paul and Cowboys & Aliens— Universal presents two upcoming films in this exclusive Hall H presentation.
Paul—  Scheduled to appear for Universal Pictures' sci-fi comedy-adventure Paul are a who's who of film comedy. Director Greg Mottola (Superbad) will be joined by cast members Simon Pegg (Hot Fuzz), Nick Frost (Shaun of the Dead), Kristen Wiig (Date Night), Bill Hader (Forgetting Sarah Marshall), Jeffrey Tambor (The Hangover), Joe Lo Truglio (Role Models), Seth Rogen (The Green Hornet), and Sigourney Weaver (Baby Mama) as they discuss the movie about two sci-fi geeks whose pilgrimage to Comic-Con ultimately takes them to America's UFO heartland. While there, they accidentally meet an alien who takes them on an insane road trip that alters their universe forever. Q&A session to follow.

Cowboys & Aliens—Director Jon Favreau (Iron Man series) discusses what's happening behind the scenes of Universal Pictures and DreamWorks' action-thriller Cowboys & Aliens, based on Platinum Studios' graphic novel. Currently shooting in New Mexico, Cowboys & Aliens stars Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford and takes audiences into the Old West, where a lone cowboy leads an uprising against a terror from beyond our world. Q&A session to follow.
Hall H
Categories:  Comics | Humor & Satire | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:00-6:00 Dark Shadows: The Classic Series, the Comic Books, and the Upcoming Film— Hermes Press celebrates Dark Shadows with a panel discussing the past, present, and future of the series. Join series stars Jonathan Frid (Barnabas Collins, via special video appearance), Lara Parker (Angelique), Kathryn Leigh Scott (Maggie Evans/Josette), with Jim Pierson (Dark Shadows) and Daniel Herman (publisher, Hermes Press) for a discussion and Q&A session. Room 3
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Television

5:00-6:00 Webcomics Lightning Round— The forces behind Webcomics.com, Scott Kurtz (PvP), Robert Khoo (Penny Arcade) and Brad Guigar (Evil Inc), present a primer on webcomics from all aspects: creative, technical and business. Each panelist will answer in thirty seconds or less, without repeating previous points, so expect a fast-paced tour of the subject from start to finish. Room 8
Categories:  Comics | Webcomics

5:00-6:00 Hellboy, The BPRD, and Beyond— As Mike Mignola and Duncan Fegredo near the end of their epic Hellboy trilogy (Darkness Calls, The Wild Hunt, and now The Storm), join them and long-suffering editor Scott Allie in a Q&A session covering the entire Hellboy universe, plus Mignola's new series Baltimore: The Plague Ships. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes

5:00-6:00 Building Your Art Portfolio— The most useful panel you'll ever attend as an artist. Comics superstars Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon, Amazing Spider-Man), C. B. Cebulski (Marvel talent Scout and manager), Scott Dunbier (special projects editor, IDW Publishing), and Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night, Welcome to Hoxford, Choker) cut through everything else and get right to getting you work! They'll cover what to include in tour portfolio, where to get good scripts to draw from, what not to include, and how to handle a portfolio review in a professional manner (in other words, how to turn a negative into a positive!). Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

5:00-6:00 G4: Attack of the Show— G4's Attack of the Show is TV's first -- and only -- live daily show dedicated to the "digital generation." Breaking the hottest web videos, latest gadgets, blogs, and videogames, AOTS takes its audience to the virtual watercooler, where you can then tell your friends that you saw it on AOTS first! Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Alison Haislip, Blair Butler, and AOTS producers bring you the closest thing to being on a live episode of Attack of the Show, an interactive Comic-Con panel! Plus, see the world premiere music video "I'm Awesomer Than You," written by Parry Gripp for AOTS starring Kevin and Olivia, and you can only see it at this panel. You'll also get a chance to grill the hosts and executive producers of the show and find out the dirty secrets and television tricks behind your favorite stunts on the show. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Games | Humor & Satire | Movies | Television

5:15-6:15 Nikita Pilot Screening and Q&A— Comic-Con has gone rogue! International action star Maggie Q (Mission: Impossible III) stars in this sexy and suspenseful series as an agent who has escaped from the ultrasecretive and corrupt government agency that trained her to be an assassin...and then betrayed her. Catch a sneak peek screening of this action-packed thriller, and join Maggie, series stars Shane West (ER) and Lyndsy Fonseca (Kick-Ass), and executive producer Craig Silverstein (Bones) for an inside look at one of the most anticipated new shows of the fall season. From Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television, Nikita will air Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on The CW. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Television

5:30-6:30 Guild Wars 2: A New Type of Fantasy MMO— Learn how Guild Wars 2 will set a new standard for what is possible in an MMO game! Key creators, including James Phinney (design director), Jeff Grubb (game designer), Kekai Kotaki (concept art lead), Rich Anderson (concept artist), Kristen Perry (character artist), and Chris Lye (global brand director), examine how the lore, design, and gameplay of Guild Wars 2 has grown from the original game into something revolutionary and take questions from the audience. Room 4
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:30-6:30 Adult Swim: Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies, Tim & Eric Awesome Show Great Job! and Mary Shelley's Frakenhole— Show creators Dave Willis (Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies), Jim Fortier (Squidbillies), Matt Maiellaro (Aqua Teen Hunger Force), Tim Heidecker (Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job!), Eric Wareheim (Tim and Eric Awesome Show Great Job!) and Dino Stamatopoulos (Mary Shelley's Frakenhole) discuss their original series, screen sneak peeks, and answer questions. Keith Crofford, VP of production at Adult Swim, moderates. Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire

5:30-6:30 The Winston Effect— Creature and VFX luminaries discuss Stan Winston's impact on the art of character creation -- past, present and future. The panel will include messages from Jim Cameron and Tim Burton about a thrilling new Stan Winston endeavor. Panelists include John Rosengrant (Stan Winston lifer and co-owner of Legacy Effects), Shane Mahan (Academy Award nominated co-owner of Legacy Effects), J. Alan Scott (animatronic effects supervisor and co-owner of Legacy Effects), Alec Gillis (Academy Award–nominated co-founder of Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc.), Tom Woodruff, Jr. (Academy Award–winning co-founder of Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc.), Howard Berger (Academy Award–winning co-owner of KNB EFX), Van Ling (VFX supervisor), Alex Alvarez (founder and president, Gnomon School of Visual Effects), and Matt Winston (actor and co-founder of SWSCA). Followed by a Q&A session. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Costuming | Movies

5:30-6:30 Bill Everett: From Sub-Mariner to Daredevil— Bill Everett created the Sub-Mariner for Marvel Comics #1 back in 1939 and co-created Daredevil in 1964. Author Blake Bell and Bill's daughter Wendy Everett celebrate the life of her late father, discussing the release of Bell's latest book, Fire And Water: Bill Everett, The Sub-Mariner, and the Birth of Marvel Comics Room 9
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Superheroes | Tributes | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Why So Critical? Celebrating 25 Years of Film Threat— Owner and publisher of Film Threat Mark Bell joins founder Chris Gore (Attack of the Show), filmmakers Kevin Smith (Clerks) and Malcolm Ingram (Bear Nation), and former editors Paul Zimmerman (Femme Fatales) and David E. Williams (Film Threat Video Guide) in a celebration of 25 years of independent and underground film insanity as seen through the eyes of Film Threat, the magazine and the website. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Anniversaries | Fandom | Movies

5:30-6:30 Avatar Press and Max Brooks— Max Brooks (World War Z) leads off the Avatar panel with one of his legendary Zombie Survival talks and a Q&A session. Then editor-in-chief William Christensen fills you in on all the upcoming Avatar projects with Mike Wolfer (Gravel, Wolfskin, Lady Death) and Jacen Burrows (Crossed, Neonomicon). Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Writers & Writing

5:45-7:15 Gays in Comics: Year 23!— This all-star panel examines the rising diversity in the comics world today as the long-running "Gays in Comics" panel continues into its third decade at Comic-Con. As mainstream companies DC and Marvel continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar and hire top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Welcome a top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come! Joining founding moderator Andy Mangels, the USA Today best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor, are Howard Cruse, creator of Stuck Rubber Baby and Barefootz, founder of Gay Comix, and godfather of the gay comic movement; Geoff Johns, writer of Green Lantern, Flash, Brightest Day, and DC Entertainment's chief creative officer; Marjorie M. Liu, the New York Times bestselling author and writer of Black Widow, X-23, and co-author of Dark Wolverine; Daniel Way, writer of Wolverine and Deadpool and co-writer of Dark Wolverine; Jim McCann, writer of Hawkeye & Mockingbird, Dazzler, and Return of the Dapper Men; Charles "Zan" Christensen, co-creator of Mark of Aeacus, founding member of PRISM Comics, and new publisher of gay-themed Northwest Press; Dan Parent, writer and artist for Archie and Betty & Veronica and creator of Archie's new gay character, Kevin Keller; and Tim Fish, creator of Cavalcade of Boys and writer/artist for X-Men: Nation X, and Iron Man: Designed Intelligence! Plus, there's always a surprise or two! Afterward, stick around for the hour-long gay comics fan mixer/social, hosted by PRISM Comics, with prizes and surprise special guests! Room 6A
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

6:00-7:00 Video Game Reveal: Maxis Studio— Maxis Studio (The Sims and Spore video games) has just announced their next project, a brand new, Sci-Fi Action-RPG based on the DNA of Spore. Join key leads from the dev team, Thomas Vu, Paul Sottosanti and Lauren McHugh, for the first game reveal to the public! Room 3
Categories:  Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 War of the Worlds: Goliath— War of the Worlds: Goliath is an animated, 95-minute, battle epic set in a Steampunk 1914 Earth that has rebuilt and rearmed following the failed Martian Invasion of 1900. Set for release in early 2011, War of the Worlds: Goliath features voices by Peter Wingfield, Adam Baldwin, Elizabeth Gracen, Jim Byrnes, and Adrian Paul, among others. Producer Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Heavy Metal), producer/director Joe Pearson (Roswell Conspiracies, Captain Simian and the Space Monkeys), producer/writer David Abramowitz (Highlander), and producer Leon Tan screen footage from the upcoming feature, discuss the production process, and hold a Q&A session. Room 5AB
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Animation | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 Lost But Not Forgotten— Lost Encyclopedia authors Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, along with other special Lost guests, discuss this seminal show's legacy, their thoughts on the finale, and the creation of the forthcoming Lost Encyclopedia. Attendees will have a chance to win a signed copy of the Lost Encyclopedia. Room 8
Categories:  Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

6:00-7:00 Roddenberry Presents— Eugene "Rod" Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Productions), Trevor Roth (head of development, Days Missing) and Tory Mell (production supervisor, Trek Nation) are taking the name that created Star Trek and bringing it to levels not seen since the original days of the genre-changing television show. Join them for some awesome discussions and a chance to win a free iPad! Also on the panel: Phil Hester (Days Missing, Green Arrow), Dave Marquez (Days Missing, Syndrome), Stephen Christie (Archaia Publishing), and Paul Morrissey (editor, Days Missing). Room 25ABC
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

6:00-7:00 Marvel Studios: Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger— Producer Kevin Feige and special guests give you an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe. Hall H
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies | Superheroes

6:15-7:00 Human Target Screening and Q&A— Based on the DC Comics title, Human Target is an action-packed thrill ride about a mysterious private contractor who will stop at nothing to keep his clients alive -- even if it means literally becoming a "human target." The series moves to a new night this fall -- Fridays at 8pm ET/PT on FOX -- and executive producer Matthew Miller (Chuck) joins series stars Mark Valley (Fringe), Chi McBride (Pushing Daisies), and Jackie Earle Haley (A Nightmare on Elm Street) for a Q&A with fans and to screen a special video presentation. Human Target is from Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Wonderland Sound and Vision, DC Comics and Warner Bros. Television. Human Target: The Complete First Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD September 21. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Comics | Television

6:30-7:30 WildStorm: Storm Front— What's new in the WildStorm Universe? VP/general manager Hank Kanalz and senior editor Ben Abernathy bring you up to speed with this inside look into DC's wildest imprint. Joining Hank and Ben will be Adam Beechen (WildCats), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), Darick Robertson (Fringe: Tales From the Fringe), Tom Taylor (The Authority), Tim Seeley (WildCats), Adam Archer (Ratchet and Clank), Cruddie Torian (Gen13) and others. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

6:30-7:30 Kickstart Your Comic!— Producing an independent comic requires not only a huge time commitment but also a sizable financial investment to cover the printing, promotion, and distribution costs incurred before your book even hits the shelves. Recently, some creators have discovered a new and effective way to raise start-up capital for their comics online. Since it's founding in 2009, Kickstarter.com has been helping artists in all media find financial backing for their projects through user donations. Kickstarter advisor Andy Baio and comic creators Kody Chamberlain (Sweets), Steve Earnhart and Pat Loika (The Villain), and Steve Bryant (Athena Voltaire) discuss their highly successful Kickstarter campaigns and offer advice to help you fund your own comic through Kickstarter.com. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 Ghetto Comics One-on-One: Eric Clement and Chris Miller— Eric Clement and Chris Miller present the new animated series The Adventures of Captain Save a Hood and Peter Proper, based on the independent graphic novel series about two superheroes who have no superpowers. Eric and Chris preview their animated series, along with a Q&A session. Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Superheroes

6:30-7:30 Her Universe: Shining The Spotlight on Female Fans— Ashley Eckstein (Star Wars: The Clone Wars) brings together some of today's leading women who are movers and shakers in the various fields of sci-fi and fantasy. Looking at science fiction through female eyes, the panel will discuss what kinds of entertainment female sci-fi fans want to see more of, what strides have been made, what has been missing up to now, what kinds of merchandise female fans want to see, and what female fans can do to encourage more of all of this. Panelists include Jane Espenson (producer/writer, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Melinda Snodgrass (author, The Edge series; story editor Star Trek: The Next Generation), Erika Kennair (director of development and current programming, Syfy Channel), Cat Staggs (artist, Star Wars sketch cards, Marvel card sets), Bonnie Burton (content developer, Lucas Online, official SW Blog), Katie Cook (artist, Star Wars, comics, webcomic Gronk), and Mary Franklin (senior events lead, Lucasfilm Ltd.). Q&A with audience members, too! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Comics | Fandom | Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 What's Hot @ Harper: A Special Sneak Preview of Upcoming SF, Fantasy, Urban Noir, Horror & More— Want to hear about The Fall by Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan? Get a sneak preview of the next Kim Harrison? Meet some of the Eos and Avon authors and hear about their upcoming books? Plus get free stuff (including a chance to win a new e-Reader, so you can enjoy all of Harper's 'e' offerings)? Then don't miss this panel on HarperCollins's upcoming sci-fi/fantasy/horror titles and more! Moderated by Diana Gill, executive editor, HarperCollins Publishers, with authors Brom, Richard Kadrey, Marjorie M. Liu, and others. Room 26AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

6:45-7:45 Fables Forum 2010— The Fables Forum returns to San Diego! The Fables creative team will be on hand to answer your most pressing Fables questions. Featuring the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, and Cinderella, this panel is sure to have plenty of surprises. Moderated by group editor Shelly Bond, with Bill Willingham (Fables), Steve Leialoha (Fables), Chris Roberson (Cinderella), Matthew Sturges (Jack of Fables), Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella), and others. Room 6DE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

Nighttime Programs

7:00-8:00 Halo-8 Comics and Illustrated Films— Art and cinema collide at Halo-8, where stories are created simultaneously as comic books and "illustrated films," merging motion comics with 3D-CGI, intense voice performances, and cinematic storytelling. Following the breakthrough success of Godkiller, Halo-8 president Matt Pizzolo (writer/director, Godkiller) presents the studio's bold new slate of comics and illustrated films, unveiling never-before-seen art and announcing new projects with fellow panelists, creators Ben Templesmith (30 Days of Night) and Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), producers Brian Giberson (Godkiller) and FJ DeSanto (The Spirit, upcoming The Shadow), Godkiller stars Danielle Harris (Halloween) and Justin Pierre (Motion City Soundtrack), and more special guests. A limited-edition mystery gift will be available exclusively to panel attendees. Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Nighttime Programming | Webcomics

7:15-8:15 Gaia Online— Meet Gaia staff and get a sneak peek at upcoming features, games, and events. Stick around for the open-mic Q&A session and get your burning questions answered! Expect plenty of fun and some great prizes! Room 5AB
Categories:  Fandom | Games | Nighttime Programming

7:15-8:15 Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction— A reception hosted by PRISM Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers. Mingle with comics fans and creators. Plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items! Room 6A
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

7:15-8:15 MythBusters— An explosive hour with Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman, Tory Belleci, Grant Imahara, and, for the first time ever at Comic-Con, Kari Byron! Find out what really goes on behind the scenes, learn what myths they're working on now, and see never-before-shown video. Chris Hardwick (Web Soup, Attack of the Show, Nerdist) moderates...for Science! MythBusters airs this fall on Wednesdays at 9pm ET/PT on Discovery Channel. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

7:15-8:45 Kevin Smith— He's back! Spend a quiet, refined evening with the one-and-only Kevin Smith, who will no doubt solve all the bad things in the world for you or, at the very least, make you laugh a few hundred times. Hall H
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Television | Writers & Writing

7:30-9:30 CBLDF Benefit Auction— This is it, the CBLDF's biggest auction of the year! Support free speech and walk away with incredible original art! Highlights include original art by Arthur Adams, Paul Pope, Tara McPherson, Ben Templesmith, Jim Rugg, David Hine, Shaky Kane, and many more. This auction includes highlights from auction initiatives by TFAW.com, Image Comics, and SeenAllOver.com, as well as original art created at the CBLDF Master Sessions. Stop by CBLDF booth (#1920) for a complete auction list. All proceeds from this auction will benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comics | Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:30 Remembering Dick Giordano— Penciller, inker, editor, mentor. Dick Giordano, who passed away on March 27, was a lot of things to a lot of people. A panel of comic luminaries and friends gather to pay tribute to the man who left a huge impact on the world of comics. Moderator Mark Evanier talks to Neal Adams, Paul Levitz, Pat Bastienne, Bob Layton, and Joe Rubinstein about this comic book renaissance man. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes | Tributes

7:30-8:30 World Premiere of Legend of Neil, Season 3— Atom.com is back with Sandeep Parikh (The Guild) for another groundbreaking season of Legend of Neil. See the world premiere of new episodes from Season 3 and stay for a discussion with Sandeep, series stars Tony Janning, Mike Rose, Scott Chernoff, Eric Acosta and everyone's favorite fairy Felicia Day (The Guild)! Moderated by Alex Albrecht, of Diggnation. Room 7AB
Categories:  Movies | Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

7:30-8:30 12-Gauge Comics: Boondock Saints: The Comic Series!— Troy Duffy, the writer/director of the cult-hit films The Boondock Saints and The Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day, takes you behind the scenes of his comic trilogy, In Nomine Patris. Find out what's next for the McManus Brothers and Il Duce, as Duffy and comic series co-writer J.B. Love fill you in on their plans for the next exciting storyline. But that's not all...get a sneak peek at the new Boondock Saints iPhone game with developer Terrence Myers, and as an extra-special treat, David Della Rocco (the beloved "Rocco" from the films) will be taking your questions during the Q&A session! Moderated by comic series producer Eben Matthews and 12-Gauge publisher Keven Gardner (The Ride). Room 9
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Humor & Satire | Nighttime Programming | Writers & Writing

7:30-8:30 After Hours with the Christian Comic Arts Society— Creators and fans alike are invited to attend an open meeting of the Christian Comic Arts Society for an informal time of Christian fellowship, networking, laughter and prayer. (Think of it as the social hour after church...just with comic books instead of coffee, cookies and punch.) Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

8:00-9:00 Troma Troma Troma— Movie-making insights with irreverent filmmakers Lloyd Kaufman (Poultrygiest: Night of the Chicken Dead), Adam Green (Frozen), Adam Rifkin (The Dark Backward), Dennis Dreith (Creep Van), Darren Bousman (Mother's Day), James Gunn (Super), and moderator Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). Troma Entertainment is Reel Independence! Room 8
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 Simulcast of HBO's True Blood Presents: The San Diego Comic-Con International Masquerade— Avoid the crowds and watch the simulcast. See our Masquerade page for more details. Room 5AB
Categories:  Costuming | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 Simulcast in 6A of HBO's True Blood Presents: The San Diego Comic-Con International Masquerade— Avoid the crowds and watch the simulcast. See our Masquerade page for more details. Room 6A
Categories:  Costuming | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

8:30-10:30 With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story— With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story is a feature length documentary on Marvel Comics icon Stan Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, Iron Man, X-Men, Hulk and over 500 other comic book characters. Learn how Stan rose from his humble Brooklyn beginnings to co-creating many of the world's most well known characters! Following the screening will be a brief panel with Stan "The Man" Lee himself, executive producers Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight) and Tom DeSanto (X-Men, Transformers), actor Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk TV Show), illustrator Jim Lee (Marvel, DC), writer Paul Levitz (former president and publisher of DC Comics), Jack Kirby biographer Mark Evanier, and the With Great Power producing team of Terry Dougas, Nikki Frakes, and Will Hess. You won't want to miss this one! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Movies | Nighttime Programming

8:30-9:30 World Premiere of The House That Drips Blood on Alex: An Evening With Tommy Wiseau— Visionary cult auteur Tommy Wiseau, creator of midnight movie phenomenon The Room, has teamed up with Atom.com and Studio 8 for The House That Drips Blood On Alex. See the world premiere and join the cast and creators Tommy Wiseau, Brock LaBorde, Jared Richard, Yaque Silva-Doyle, Chris Trew, Joey Greco (Cheaters), and Justine Ezarik (iJustine) for a lively discussion. Room 7AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Movies | Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 HBO's True Blood Presents: The San Diego Comic-Con International Masquerade— Fabulous original and re-created costumes crafted by our talented attendees appear on stage before an audience of thousands, with impressive awards and cash prizes bestowed to those judged most outstanding. Doors will open for audience seating at 7:45 pm, but the line will start much earlier! Tickets will be required for seating and will be given out free to those lining up near Ballroom 20 beginning at 3:00pm Saturday until all tickets are gone. The Masters of Ceremony are writer/artists Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio of Studio Foglio. Ballroom 20, with additional live broadcasts of the event in Rooms 5AB and 6A, and in the Sails Pavilion. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Awards Ceremonies | Costuming | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 Simulcast Under the Sails of HBO's True Blood Presents: The San Diego Comic-Con International Masquerade— Avoid the crowds and watch the simulcast. See our Masquerade page for more details. Sails Pavilion
Categories:  Costuming | Fandom | Nighttime Programming

10:00-12:00 Kevin Smith presents Cop Out in "Maximum Comedy Mode"— Director Kevin Smith (Clerks, Chasing Amy) is on hand for the world premiere presentation of Cop Out in "Maximum Comedy Mode," the latest innovation in home entertainment viewing that showcases the comical stunts, improves, and hi-jinks that went into creating this side-splitting buddy cop film. Bruce Willis (Die Hard) and Tracy Morgan (30 Rock) star as bickering Brooklyn cops on the hunt for a stolen 1952 mint-condition baseball card, plunging them into a gun-slinging war with a deadly drug ring. "Maximum Comedy Mode" features Kevin Smith and Seann William Scott making onscreen appearances to guide Blu-ray viewers through the behind-the-scenes hilarity. Stop by for a bundle of laughs and a bucket of popcorn, courtesy of Warner Bros. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming

San Diego Comic-Con 2010: Friday Schedule Live

Huzzah! With less than two weeks to go before the start of San Diego Comic-Con 2010, the convention has continued to release its full schedule, day by day.

Continuing its trend of releasing single-day lineups over four days, the convention has today announced the programming schedule for Friday, July 23rd. Among the offerings on the second day of Comic-Con 2010, The Walking Dead, Bones, Terra Nova, Falling Skies, True Blood, Being Human, Stargate Universe, Bob's Burgers, Caprica, Skyline, The Big Bang Theory, Super, The Cape, Spartacus, The Other Guys, The Green Hornet, Archer, Joss Whedon, Entertainment Weekly's Girls Who Kick Ass panel, TV Guide Magazine's 2010 Hot List, and much more.

The full schedule for Friday can be found below. Be sure to come back tomorrow for Saturday's lineup... (and you can find Thursday's lineup here.)

Continue reading full story...




Friday, July 23

10:00-11:00 DC Talent Search 2— DC's editorial art director Mark Chiarello presents an informative orientation session that will explain how DC's Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm and MAD magazine publications. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the panel for you! To have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

10:00-11:00 Marvel X-Men— Following Second Coming, Marvel's merry mutants are unable to catch a quick breather. As Curse of the Mutants begins, there's no telling what the vampires have in store for the X-Men...or is there? You've got questions & these people have answers! VP/executive editor Axel Alonso is joined by a host of creators to lay out what's going on with the X-Men. Panelists include Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), Victor Gischler (X-Men), Marjorie Liu (Dark Wolverine), Daniel Way (Deadpool), editor Nick Lowe, and more for this all-new, all-deadly panel! Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 DK Star Wars: From Banthas to X-Wings— In 2010 DK Publishing is releasing several Star Wars titles, including Star Wars Year By Year; Star Wars Blueprints: Rebel Edition; Star Wars Clone Wars Character Encyclopedia, and LEGO Star Wars Brickmaster. A panel of authors (Ryder Windham, Daniel Wallace, Gus Lopez, Pablo Hidalgo) and illustrators (Chris Reiff, Chris Trevas) provide a behind-the-scenes look at the making of these books. Everyone who attends will be entered to win one a DK Star Wars library! Room 7AB
Categories:  Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Publishing Comics— Four publishers—Matt Gagnon (BOOM!), Gary Groth (Fantagraphics), Dallas Middaugh (Del Rey Manga), and Mark Siegel (First Second Books) -- each from a different part of the comics industry, discuss what's involved in running a publishing company and in creating and fostering a unique comics ideology. Moderated by Graeme McMillan (Techland). Room 8
Categories:  Comics | Seminars & Workshops

10:00-11:00 From Fan to Creator: Goal Setting for Creative Types— Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, artist or fan? And what's keeping you from getting there? If you have a project in mind that you've had trouble bringing into reality, you might benefit from this fun and practical goal-setting workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd. Hailed as the "Tony Robbins of Geeks," motivational speeker Douglas Neff will give you simple, proven techniques for achieving your most important goals. Whether you want to write your own screenplay, draw your first comic, or shoot your independent film, you're sure to get something useful from this informative and energizing workshop. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Comedy Central: Ugly Americans— David M. Stern (showrunner and executive producer), Dan Powell (executive producer), Jeff Poliquin (supervising producer), Devin Clark (producer and series creator), Aaron Augenblick (director of animation), Matt Oberg (voice of Mark Lilly), Kurt Metzger (voice of Randall Skeffington), and Randy Pearlstein (voice of Leonard) take you behind the scenes at this animated series sensation. Featuring a sneak peek of the new season, Q&A, and more. One audience member selected will be drawn into an upcoming episode!  Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

10:00-11:00 With Great Power Come Great Stories— Authors discuss creating superhero superfiction, including novels and stories in anthologies like Masked and Wild Cards. Authors include Lou Anders (Masked), Jackie Kessler (the Icarus Project novels), Caitlin Kittredge (the Icarus Project novels), Gini Koch (Touched by an Alien, the Katherine "Kitty" Katt series), Kevin Andrew Murphy (the Wild Cards series), Chris Roberson (Book of Secrets), Caroline Spector (Wild Cards contributor), and Matt Sturges (Justice Society of America). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 32AB
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

10:15-11:15 Aloha, Earth!— Lost castaway found! Battlestar Cylon becomes human! Star Trek writers return from space! A supernatural force has drawn some of sci-fi's giants back to Earth -- and they're all gathering on a beautiful and mysterious island in the Pacific. It's Hawaii Five-0, a modern-day reimagining of one of television's most beloved and iconic classics. The epic series, one of the most anticipated new shows of the season, will explore the origins of the Five-0 team and build on an already rich mythology. Executive producers Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci (Star Trek) and Peter M. Lenkov (24), director Len Wiseman (Underworld), and stars Daniel Dae Kim (Lost) and Grace Park (Battlestar Galactica) present an exclusive sneak peek at the series and an in depth discussion on how they plan to marry their genre sensibilities with a classic police procedural. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Television

10:30-11:30 Nappy Hour— Keith Knight (the Knight Life, the K Chronicles, MAD) brings his informal gathering of African American creators out of the bar and onto the stage for an hour of tips, hints, secrets, and thoughts on how to make it in the comics biz. With Ned Cato, Jr. (GeekRoundTable.com), David Walker (BadAzzMofo.com), Spike Trotman (Templar AZ), and Dwayne McDuffie (Static Shock, Justice League).  Room 3
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Moto Hagio— Comic-Con special guest Moto Hagio is considered to be the mother of shōjo (young girl) manga. Her large body of work is renowned the world over, and Fantagraphics Books is publishing a new collection of her short stories, Drunken Dreams. Celebrate her first-ever visit to the U.S. at this special Q&A session, moderated by Matt Thorn, associate professor in the department of manga production at Kyoto Seika University in Japan. (Thorn decided to translate shōjo manga into English after reading Thomas no Shinzō by Moto Hagio in the mid-1980s). Room 5AB
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 Batman: The Brave and the Bold Screening and Q&A— The Caped Crusader swings back into San Diego as Batman: The Brave and the Bold returns to Comic-Con for its third consecutive year, with an advance screening of an upcoming episode as well as a lively discussion with voice of Batman Diedrich Bader (Surf's Up), executive producer Sam Register (Teen Titans), producers James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited), and Michael Jelenic (The Batman), and voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday). As a special bonus for fans, the panel will also screen the world premiere trailer for the upcoming and highly anticipated Cartoon Network/Warner Bros. Animation series Young Justice...don't miss this Comic-Con exclusive! From Warner Bros. Animation, Batman: The Brave and the Bold airs Fridays at 7:30 pm ET/PT on Cartoon Network, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold—Season 1, Part 1 will be released on DVD August 17. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Superheroes | Television

10:30-11:30 Neal Adams and Stan Lee: They Spoke Out—Against the Holocaust— Neal Adams (Batman, Green Lantern/Green Arrow) and Holocaust historian Dr. Rafael Medoff unveil the new series of educational "motion comics" they are creating with ABC News about Americans who spoke out for the rescue of Jews from the Holocaust. They will be joined on the panel by Stan Lee (co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men) and will screen an episode from the upcoming series, illustrated by Neal Adams and narrated by Stan Lee. Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 Retailing in the Digital Age— Publishers are looking at more digital comics releases, and the comic book apps are among the most popular on the iPad and iPhone. How can comic book stores update their retail practices to stay involved with digital distribution? What are publishers doing to encourage new digital readers to pick up print comics? Jim Lee (co-publisher, DC Comics) and John Rood (executive VP of sales & marketing, DC Entertainment), along with Jim Sokolowski (COO Marvel Comics), Chip Mosher (director of marketing, BOOM! Studios), and David Steinberger (founder, comiXology.com), talk about upcoming promotions aimed at sending readers to comic book stores. Moderated by Joe Field (ComicsPRO president, Flying Colors Comics, Concord, CA). Room 12
Categories:  Comics | Retailer Programming | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics

10:30-11:30 Stargate Universe— Follow your Destiny. Catch the Syfy Stargate Universe panel, featuring Robert Carlyle (Dr. Nicholas Rush), David Blue (Eli Wallace), Ming Na (Camile Wray), and Louis Ferreira (Colonel Everett Young), moderated by Robert Cooper (series co-creator). Ballroom 20
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #5: Moving Beyond the Comic Book— A comic book artist, a comics publisher, a law professor, a transmedia scholar, and an anthropologist walk into a...panel at Comic-Con. Is this a joke? No, this is a discussion about the inherent cross-media nature of comics. Comic-Con special guests Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men) and Paul Levitz (DC Comics), Patricia Williams (Columbia University), Henry Jenkins (USC), and Stanford Carpenter (School of the Art Institute of Chicago) discuss the reemergence of comics as a mainstream popular art form through the democratization of production and distribution processes in conjunction with new e-readers and the corporate synergy of media conglomerates.  Learn how comics are creating new worlds across the mediascape. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 202: Greed Is Good...Or Is It?— Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is back ready to tackle a number of the more advanced issues facing authors, artists, and designers, particularly once they've "broken through" and started publishing and selling (and maybe merchandising too). This second Comic Book Law School session addresses some of the complicated issues surrounding marketing properties and creative ideas, including transfers and licensing of rights; production, merchandising, and distribution agreements; and the key things you should know when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as Lovitz (with an assist by entertainment attorney Mona Metwalli) covers various means for profiting from creative works and explores the many important elements that form the foundation of every contract (and time permitting, maybe participate in a mock contract negotiation). With in-depth discussions about the options and opportunities for profit, as well as the problems and pitfalls that go hand in hand with each decision, you can't afford to miss this seminar. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.] Room 30CDE
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Comics Law School | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 Summit Entertainment: Drive Angry 3D— A vengeful father hunts down the people who brutally killed his daughter and kidnapped her baby in the newest film shot in 3D from the writer and director of My Bloody Valentine 3D, starring Nicolas Cage, William Fichtner, Billy Burke, and Amber Heard. Join the cast and filmmakers as they showcase never-before-seen footage of this high-octane, blood-spattered road trip through hell! Hall H
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Horror and Suspense | Movies

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Vanessa Davis— One of the brightest new cartoonists of her generation, who has been featured in Tablet, Vice, Bust, and Bitch Magazines, Comic-Con special guest Vanessa Davis will be debuting her new book Make Me a Woman and discussing the book and its process with a charming and funny slide show about being young, Jewish and single.  Room 4
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Star Wars Day: Hasbro Panel— Hear from the Hasbro Design and Marketing teams about what's in store for the remainder of 2010. They will also offer a special sneak peek into some 2011 secrets. Featuring Derryl DePriest and Chad Donvito of Hasbro Marketing, and Brian Parrish, Mark Boudreaux, Brian Merten, Andrew Franks, and Vickie Stratford of Hasbro Design. Room 7AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:00-12:00 BOOM! Studios/BOOM Kids! Panel— The BOOM! team—Mark Waid, Ross Richie, Matt Gagnon, and Chip Mosher -- take over Comic-Con for one full hour. Learn what is next for BOOM! History will be made. New titles will be announced. Heads will explode! And comics will never be the same again! Room 8
Categories:  Comics | Kids

11:00-1:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Costuming with Sabrina Belly Dancer— Sabrina will show how to create a costume bra top for hall costumes or a masquerade performance. She will create the costume bra and, time permitting, will also show the application of stayput makeup for hall costume or masquerade performances. Room 18
Categories:  Costuming | Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:00 Mattel and DC Comics: A Heroic Partnership— Find out the latest news, sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes scoop on your favorite Mattel/DC action figures, including DC Universe Classics, Justice League Unlimited, Retro Action, Infinite Heroes, and more! Plus, be here for an exciting look at all-new 2011 product! Mattel toy designer Bill Benecke, Mattel brand manager Scott "Toy Guru" Neitlich, The Four Horsemen, and special guests from DC Comics and Warner Brothers are on hand for an insightful Q&A that's not to be missed! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Superheroes

11:00-12:00 Bob's Burgers— Creator/executive producer Loren Bouchard (Home Movies) and executive producer Jim Dauterive (King of the Hill) introduce animation fans to their hilarious new series premiering on Fox in January. There will be a screening of never-before-seen footage followed by a Q&A. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

11:00-12:00 Costume Designers: Designing for TV Production— Costume Designers work in collaboration with Directors, Production Designers, Directors of Photography and Actors in creating fantastic and memorable stories told via moving images. Characters created by Comic Book Writers and Illustrators are made real for the screen via the artistry of Costume Designers. Meet the men and women who are the Costume Designers on this year's most popular television productions. Moderator  Kristin Burke, Costume Designer, a Member of  the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892, and creator of her own Costume Design website “Frocktalk.com”, hosts Costume Designers from CDG, local 892: Audrey Fisher (True Blood), Ane Crabtree (Justified), Shawna Trpcic (Firefly), Pamela Shaw (Assistant Designer, Vampire Diaries),  Jennifer Eve (Assistant Designer, Glee).  Room 32AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Costuming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

11:00-11:45 Dimension Films: Piranha 3D— Dimension Films presents never-before-seen footage of Piranha 3D, which hits theatres August 20. Director/producer Alex Aja (The Hills Have Eyes), producer Mark Canton (300), producer Gregory Levasseur, and executive producer Alix Taylor are joined by cast members Elisabeth Shue, Jerry O'Connell, Jessica Szohr (Gossip Girl), Steven R. McQueen (Vampire Diaries), Kelly Brook, and Adam Scott for a sneak peek at Piranha 3D and a Q&A!  Hall H
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Movies

11:15-12:15 Marvel Interactive: Marvel Video Games— Learn all about Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions, Super Hero Squad Online, Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Thor and and other new games via exclusive trailers, surprise reveals, and Q&A with the game creators, as well as the Marvel writers working on the next wave of Marvel Games from some of the industry's top publishers. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comics | Games | Superheroes

11:30-12:30 Dark Horse Comics: Make Contact in 2010— Couldn't get into the Dark Horse panel last year? Well, here's another chance to be at the forefront of breaking news from comics' most dynamic publishing house. Dark Horse president and publisher Mike Richardson, plus a host of the industry's top creators, present a firsthand look at the future of the medium. Featuring everyone from Eisner award winner Gerard Way to New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich, this is one panel you don't want to miss. Room 3
Categories:  Comics

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Paul Levitz— Paul Levitz has been a comics fan (The Comic Reader fanzine, NY Comic Art Convention committee), editor (Batman), writer (Legion of Super-Heroes), and executive (DC Comics, including publisher from 1989 to 2010). Now he's interviewed by favorite writer and DC chief creative officer Geoff Johns about his varied career and his return to writing Legion and other DC projects, including a coffeetable book history of the company. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

11:30-12:30 AMC's The Walking Dead— Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually), Jon Bernthal (The Pacific), Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break), Laurie Holden (The Mist), Emma Bell (Law & Order), series creator/director/executive producer Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption), executive producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator), executive producer Robert Kirkman (creator/writer of The Walking Dead comic), makeup artist Greg Nicotero, and Joel Stillerman (AMCs senior VP) discuss the making of AMC's series The Walking Dead, based on the Image comic book series created and written by Robert Kirkman, premiering in October on AMC. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comics | Horror and Suspense | Television

11:30-12:30 State of the Animation Industry— ASIFA-Hollywood's annual overview of trends in animation. In this turbulent economy, how is the animation industry faring? Are games taking up the slack? Will 2D survive? Moderated by Tom Sito (Shrek, The Lion King), the panel includes Raul Garcia (Aladdin, The Old Woman and the Reaper), Joe Haidar (Beauty and the Beast, Alvin the Squeakquel), Beth Sleven (Night at the Museum, Iron Man 2), and Sean Petrilak (Kung Fu Panda TV show, Lady Gaga and Kanye West videos). Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Movies | Television

11:30-12:45 Eisner Spirit Award Video Viewing— The Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award is the industry's "Hall of Fame" for progressive retailers. Spirit Award facilitator and award recipient Joe Ferrara (Atlantis Fantasyworld, Santa Cruz, CA) shows the video presentations for this year's award finalists, with discussion about each nominated retailer, the store's display techniques, and the other notable features. Hey, retailers! Steal some good ideas here! Room 12
Categories:  Awards Ceremonies | Comics | Retailer Programming | Seminars & Workshops

11:30-12:30 Caprica— Syfy presents an exclusive glimpse into the future of humanity. Featuring Alessandra Torresani (Zoe Graystone), Sasha Roiz (Sam Adama), Ronald D. Moore (co-creator/executive producer), and David Eick (executive producer) and moderated by Geoff Boucher of the Los Angeles Times. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

11:30-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #6: Digital Comics— Nick Langley (Rocket Llama) gives a brief history of webcomics and evaluates online economic experiments from subscriptions to micropayments. Neil Granitz (CSU Fullerton) examines consumer attitudes toward comic book digitization and argues that comics could enjoy a period of technological convergence due to the hedonic qualities enjoyed by readers. David B. Olsen (Saint Louis University) explores the implications of moving comics from the page to the screen and considers the ways in which print comics have always been multimedia. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops | Webcomics

11:45-12:45 Cartoon Network: Comedy Animation— What time is it? It's Adventure Time with special guests Pendleton Ward (creator), Jeremy Shada (voice of Finn), John DiMaggio (voice of Jake), and Tom Kenny (voice of Ice King). Fans will also get an exclusive look at what's coming this fall from Cartoon Network Studios, including a sneak peek at Regular Show with creator J. G. Quintel. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on C. Tyler— Comic-Con special guest C. Tyler is known for her personal brand of storytelling. Her latest book, You'll Never Know, Book 1: A Good and Decent Man chronicles the story of her father's life during World War II and interweaves it with her own story. Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth interviews Tyler about her work. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 Star Wars Day: Collectibles Update— Chris Spitale of Lucasfilm Licensing and the creators of some of the most tantalizing Star Wars collectibles provide product development insights. Look forward to exclusive previews of what's coming and what will be the hottest new collectibles. Room 7AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:00-1:00 IDW and Their 'Bro— Representatives from IDW and Hasbro discuss what's coming up next in the world of Transformers, G.I. Joe, and the impending relaunch of Dungeons & Dragons. IDW's Andy Schmidt moderates a panel with D&D editor Denton Tipton and writers John Rogers and Alex Irvine, G.I. Joe artist Robert Atkins, writer Mike Costa, and more! Room 8
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Action/Adventure | Animation | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:00-1:00 Archie Comics: Cooler Than Ever!— It's been an exciting year for Archie Comics, but that's just the start, with plenty of surprise announcements about the future of Archie Comics, including the latest news about Archie on television and in feature films! Panelists include executive producer of The Dark Knight and Archie writer Michael Uslan, Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater, iVerse CEO Michael Murphy, IDW Publishing COO Greg Goldstein, Dark Horse Comics VP of business development Michael Martens, Archie Comics president/editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, and Archie Comics VP/managing editor Mike Pellerito. The panel will feature a Q&A session. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Television

12:00-1:00 Neighbors from Hell— Executive producers Pam Brady (South Park) and Mireille Soria (Madagascar) screen a never-before-seen episode of their newly launched TBS animated series and take questions from the audience, along with their all-star voice cast including Molly Shannon (SNL), Patton Oswalt (My Weakness Is Strong, Ratatouille), Will Sasso (MADtv), Kurtwood Smith (That '70s Show), David Soren (DreamWorks animation veteran), Kyle McCulloch (Mr. Wong), and Tracey Fairaway (Chicago 8). Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

12:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Jill Thompson: Secrets of Watercolor Technique— Bring your sketchbooks and learn the secrets of expressive watercolor from one of the medium's top practitioners! Renowned for her work on Beasts of Burden, Scary Godmother, and Sandman, Jill Thompson shows you the intricacies of the watercolor medium and how to apply it to making masterful comics and covers. The original art from this session will be auctioned off on Saturday night at the CBLDF's Art Auction! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

12:00-1:00 The Official Aspen Comics Panel— Creators Frank Mastromauro (Dellec, Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Soulfire, Brightest Day), Vince Hernandez (Dellec, Fathom: Kiani), Mark Roslan (Heroes, Brightest Day), J.T. Krul (Mindfield, Green Arrow), Joe Benitez (Soulfire, Lady Mechanika), David Schwartz (Fathom: Blue Descent, Meltdown), David Wohl (Executive Assistant: Iris, Witchblade), Micah Gunnell (Dellec, Shrugged), Alex Konat (Mindfield), Eric Battle (The Scourge), Beth Sotelo (Soulfire, Fathom), and surprise guests are on hand to unveil Aspen's all new properties for 2010 and beyond! See never-before-seen covers and art, hear firsthand from the creators their plans for exciting new properties, and ask them questions directly in a special Q&A session. All fans in attendance will receive an exclusive gift courtesy of Aspen Comics. Room 32AB
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

12:00-1:00 Skyline— Universal Pictures, Relativity Media, and Rogue Pictures present an exclusive look at the sci-fi thriller Skyline, directed and produced by the Brothers Strause (Alien vs. Predator: Requiem), whose company Hydraulx has provided visual effects for Avatar, Iron Man 2, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, and 300. In Skyline, strange lights descend on the city of Los Angeles, drawing people outside like moths to a flame, where an extraterrestrial force proceeds to swallow the entire human population off the face of the earth. Colin and Greg Strause unveil an exclusive Comic-Con trailer and scenes from Skyline, along with stars Donald Faison (Scrubs), Eric Balfour (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, 24), David Zayas (The Expendables, Dexter), Scottie Thompson (Star Trek), and Brittany Daniel (Club Dread) and moderated by Drew McWeeney. Hall H
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:30-1:30 Remembering Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson— The late legendary artists Frank Frazetta and Al Williamson will be remembered by their friends and colleagues during this memorial panel. A giant of comics and book illustration, Frank Frazetta was a major influence on countless comic artists. From his early work at Magazine Enterprises and EC Comics to his Warren Publications and Conan paperback covers, Frazetta's art was monumental in scope, design, and execution. He passed away on May 10. Al Williamson was an artists' artist, with a clean, elegant style. He's most famous for his work with EC Comics and in the syndicated comic strip world, with Secret Agent Corrigan and Star Wars. He passed away on June 12. Moderator Arnie Fenner (co-author/editor of the Frazetta books Icon, Legacy, and Testament, and director of Spectrum Fantastic Art) talks to writer/artist Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales, writer of Prince Valiant), artist/illustrator William Stout (Dinosaur Discoveries, Prehistoric Life Murals), and publisher J. David Spurlock, whose Vanguard Productions recently launched a number of Frazetta books, including a complete reprinting of Johnny Comet, the artist's syndicated daily comic strip from the mid-1950s. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Tributes

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Tanya Huff— Special guest, author Tanya Huff (the Blood series, The Truth of Valor) will read a short story and then throw the room open to a Q&A; if you've got questions, now's the time to ask. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 DC Focus: Grant Morrison— The mastermind behind bestselling hits such as Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne, Joe the Barbarian, Final Crisis, Arkham Asylum, All-Star Superman, and many more invites you to this rare sit-down. You won't want to miss this candid chat about projects past, present and future, with glimpses into what goes on in the mind of Grant Morrison as he crafts some of the world's most thought-provoking comics! Hosted by DC's senior story editor Ian Sattler. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on the Immonens: Sex, Lies and Comic Books— Kathryn Immonen (Heralds) and Stuart Immonen (New Avengers) enter the ring with the peerless John Siuntres (wordballoon.com) to talk about working for Marvel, publishing with Top Shelf, and sleeping with the enemy. See new work unveiled! Bring your questions! Room 9
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

12:45-1:45 Marvel Animation— Hosted by an all-star cast of Marvel Animation talent and featuring a special guest of legendary proportions, this interactive game-show panel will get you more than excited about Marvel's new and continuing animated series. Here's your chance to snag some sweet Marvel merchandise! Come be a part of the action, with all new seasons of The Super Hero Squad Show and Iron Man Armored Adventures as well as Marvel Knights, Marvel Anime, and other upcoming Marvel Animation properties! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Superheroes

12:45-1:45 The Big Bang Theory— It's "Anything Can Happen Friday" at Comic-Con as The Big Bang Theory -- which kicks off a new night of comedy on Thursdays for CBS this fall -- returns to Comic-Con with a special screening and Q&A featuring the show's creators and stars. Resident Big Bang alum Wil Wheaton (Star Trek: The Next Generation) moderates a lively discussion featuring executive producers Chuck Lorre (Two and a Half Men) and Bill Prady (Dharma & Greg), as well as series stars Johnny Galecki (Roseanne), Jim Parsons (Garden State), Kaley Cuoco (Charmed), Simon Helberg (Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story), and Kunal Nayyar (NCIS). From Chuck Lorre Productions, Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television, The Big Bang Theory will air Thursdays at 8 pm ET/PT this fall on the CBS Television Network, and The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 14. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Humor & Satire | Television

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Michael Zulli— Artist and Comic-Con special guest Michael Zulli is best known for his work on Sandman with Neil Gaiman. Zulli talks about his career and what's coming next, including his new book, The Fracture of the Universal Boy. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

1:00-2:00 Bloom County's Berkeley Breathed: The Secret Sex Tapes— The creator of the Eighties' most enduring strip act, Comic-Con special guest Berkeley Breathed, reveals all the behind-the-scenes shockers...and some never-before-seen tests of the Miramax Opus movie that was eventually killed by the Deptartment of Homeland Security. Plus, Bill the Cat's private home videos of Jeanne Kirkpatrick, Diane Sawyer, and Barbara Bush. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire

1:00-2:00 Star Wars Day: Beyond Solo: Crafting the Multiplayer Story in Star Wars: The Old Republic— BioWare's James Ohlen (studio creative director and lead designer) Drew Karpyshyn (principal writer), Alexander Freed (managing editor), along with Jake Neri (senior producer, LucasArts), discuss the creation of the multiplayer, planet-spanning story in Star Wars: The Old Republic. While much attention has been paid to the unique individual stories of each of the eight classes in the game, the team is excited to share their approach to the broader stories players will experience in The Old Republic. Room 7AB
Categories:  Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Twisted Metal Returns!— Car combat returns to the PlayStation 3. Meet game directors David Jaffe (God of War) and Scott Campbell (Downhill Domination) as they introduce the demented characters of the new game, share some early looks at the game's twisted end stories, and show concept art of the PS3 Twisted Metal that never was! Room 8
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games

1:00-2:00 ComicsPRO Update and Cookie Break!— Hey, comic retailers, creators, and publishers! Find out all the latest news about your trade and advocacy group from board members Joe Field, Carr D'Angelo, and Amanda Emmert. They'll fill you in on what plans are in store for ComicsPRO members, what benefits you can reap by becoming a Member or an Industry Partner, and what a difference everyone can make when they pitch in to improve the state of comics retail. All that and cookies, too! Room 13
Categories:  Comics | Retailer Programming

1:00-2:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Whilce Portacio and Francis Manapul— Acclaimed artists Whilce Portacio (Uncanny X-Men, Image United) and Francis Manapul (The Flash, Adventure Comics, Superman/Batman) will demonstrate how to create and draw characters for comic books. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

1:00-2:00 Mattel's Mattypalooza 2010: Masters of the Universe Classics, Ghostbusters and more!— Are you a Matty Mattel fan? Head over to this year's Mattypalooza to get all the latest info on your favorite Mattel collector lines, including Masters of the Universe Classics, DC Universe, Ghostbusters, and more from MattyCollector.com! Room 24ABC
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Movies | Superheroes

1:00-2:00 Yen Press— Catch up with the Yen Press crew to discuss new licenses, answer questions, and of course be there for the ever-important distribution of swag! Panelists include publishing director Kurt Hassler,  senior editor JuYoun Lee, assistant editor Tania Biswas, and editorial assistant Abby Blackman. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics

1:00-2:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #7: This is Your Brain on Comics Theory— Julia Round (Bournemouth University) argues that From Hell relies on a comics aesthetic, in which all panels are co-present in the page's spatial layout, to represent time as co-present and nonlinear. Neil Cohn (Tufts University) discusses two psychology experiments examining what happens in the brain when people read comics. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 Motion Picture and Television Production Designers— Motion picture and television production designers might take us to a 1930s prison break, a '50s drag race, a '70s disco, or even today's Comic-Con. Or, like this year's panel, they'll take you to unknown worlds that beggar the imagination—fully realized worlds with alternate architecture, interior design, cars, weapons, and more. In collaboration with a multi-person, highly skilled art department, they will conceive, hire, supervise, and even try to stay on budget as they create whole new worlds of the imagination. Panelists include moderator John Muto (Terminator 2: 3D), Mimi Gramatky (10,000 Days), Barry Robison (The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader), Kirk Petruccelli (Blade), and Oliver Scholl (The Time Machine). Room 32AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Costuming | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

1:00-2:00 Super— Writer/director James Gunn (Slither), stars Rainn Wilson (The Office), Liv Tyler (Lord of the Rings), Nathan Fillion (Firefly), and Michael Rooker (Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer), and producers Ted Hope (Adventureland) and Miranda Bailey (The Squid and the Whale) reveal footage from their latest feature production Super, including the first peek at Rainn and Ellen Page's costume design. Super is a hyper-real and shockingly funny look at the extremely violent antics of a down-on-his-luck man as he attempts to win his wife back from a glamorous drug dealer by teaming up with a psychopathic teen to become costumed crimefighters. Hall H
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Humor & Satire | Movies

1:30-2:30 A Tribute to Ken Krueger— He was the "go-to guy" and the "adult in the room" when Comic-Con first started 41 years ago. Ken Krueger was a dynamo who helped launch the country's largest comics and popular arts convention in 1970. Comic-Con friends and associates pay tribute to the life of this larger-than-life retailer, publisher, and fan in this special panel. Moderated by author Greg Bear (author, Quantico), and featuring fellow early Comic-Con committee members Scott Shaw! (Oddball Comics), Jim Valentino (Shadowhawk), J.M. Towry, Janice Campbell, and Wendy All. Room 3
Categories:  Comics | Fandom | Tributes

1:30-2:30 SHIFTing Gears: Tim Kring and Zach Quinto— Tim Kring (creator of Heroes) and Zach Quinto (Heroes' Sylar, Star Trek's Spock) discuss Tim's new venture into book publishing with his book, Shift, the first novel in the Gate of Orpheus trilogy. Tim will be debuting the book trailer and discuss the many other multiplatform elements he has created to promote the book. Join Tim and Zach for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 5AB
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Jerry Robinson— One of the true legends of comics, Comic-Con special guest Jerry Robinson is a writer, artist, historian, curator and creator rights activist. Jerry discusses his 70 years in comics—from his contributions to the Batman mythos to the creation of the Joker and development of Robin, Alfred, Penguin, Scarecrow and Two-Face. Jerry is interviewed by Michael Uslan, the executive producer of the Batman movies, comics historian, and author of the upcoming Archie Marries... (Abrams). In their discussion, Robinson and Uslan will take the audience from behind the scenes of the Golden Age of comics to the filming of The Dark Knight and Jerry's latest book projects.  Room 9
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

1:45-2:45 Batman: The Return— As the Batman: The Return of Bruce Wayne rages on, follow the Bat-Signal to this panel and uncover clues about the future of the Dark Knight from some of the A-list talent behind the publishing line. If you think you know where this story's headed -- Think again! Hear it here from group editor Mike Marts, Paul Dini (Batman: Streets of Gotham), David Finch (Batman), Grant Morrison (Batman & Robin), Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham), and others. Room 6DE
Room 6DE
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing


2:00-3:00 Graphic Novels: The Personal Touch— You know when you read it: that certain something that sticks out in a graphic novel. It's the personal touch, a work that draws on the life of the creator or the people around him or her. Call the work autobiographical, call it reality—many times it results in truly personal and inspiring comics. Comics creator and journalist Shaenon Garrity (Narbonic, Skin Horse) talks to Comic-Con special guests Gabrielle Bell (Cecil & Jordan in New York), Howard Cruse (Stuck Rubber Baby), Vanessa Davis (Make Me a Woman), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Jillian Tamaki (Skim), and C. Tyler (You'll Never Know Book 1: A Good and Decent Man) about their very personal work. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Stan Lee— Comics legend and Comic-Con special guest Stan Lee discusses some of his latest projects at POW! Entertainment and the future of comics and new media distribution, including challenges today's writers and artists face. Join Stan and company, including Gill Champion (COO POW! Entertainment) for this special panel, which includes a Q&A with "The Man" himself. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Webcomics

2:00-3:00 Star Wars Day: Inside the Force— Lucasfilm Animation artists Dave Filoni (supervising director), Joel Aron (CG supervisor), and Kilian Plunkett (lead designer), take you on an in-depth journey from script to screen, showing how an episode of Star Wars: The Clone Wars is made and demonstrate the transformation of the animation style from Season One to the upcoming Season Three. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

2:00-3:00 Yo Gabba Gabba! - Panel, Q&A, and Prize Giveaway— For the first time ever, Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz, co-creators of Yo Gabba Gabba!, will appear at Comic Con to discuss the pop culture phenomenon, which began as a breakout hit series on Nickelodeon produced by The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, and has since become a hit on stage and screen with preschoolers, their indie-rock-loving parents, teens and young adults. Get the behind-the-scenes scoop on the recently announced 60-city North American tour, Yo Gabba Gabba! Live!: There's a Party in My City. Enter for a chance to win Yo Gabba Gabba! prizes. Get a first look at scenes from upcoming episodes, and be the first to hear about the highly anticipated Yo Gabba Gabba! comic book from Oni Press. Michael Polis, executive producer of Yo Gabba Gabba! and CEO of W!LDBRAIN Entertainment, moderates the panel, which includes Lance Robertson (DJ Lance Rock), Kevin Sukho Lee (animation producer, songwriter), J. Torres, (comic book writer/co-editor), and Matthew Lou (comic book artist). The panel will be followed by a Q&A session. Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Kids | Television

2:00-2:45 Bones— Creator and executive producer Hart Hanson and star David Boreanaz are on hand to discuss what went down in Season 5 of Bones and the cliffhanger finale as well as what's in store for Booth and Brennan in the exciting new Season 6! The panel will be followed with a Q&A session. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Television

2:00-3:00 Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds— The wait is over! After a decade of demand, Capcom delivers with Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds! Learn all you need to know about the characters, levels, storyline, fight moves, and combos from producer Ryota Niitsuma and special advisor Seth Killian of Capcom, along with TQ Jefferson, director of games at Marvel Entertainment, and Frank Tieri, storywriter for Marvel Comics. Then show off your fighting game skills as audience members are chosen for some spontaneous challenge matches to win exclusive MVC3 prizes, followed by a Q&A session. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comics | Games | Superheroes

2:00-3:00 Peanuts Turns 60— On October 2, 1950 the Peanuts comic strip launched in seven American newspapers. Little did anyone know the impact this comic strip would have around the world for decades to come. Nearly 60 years later, Peanuts appears in over 2,200 newspapers, in 75 countries and 21 languages. The animated specials have become a seasonal tradition and thousands of consumer products are available in every country around the world. Moderator Jerry Beck (animation historian/cartoon producer/consulting producer to Warner Bros., Universal, and Disney), Comic-Con special guest Jeannie Schulz (widow of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz), Paige Braddock (creative director of Charles M. Schulz's studio in Santa Rosa), Andy Beall (fix animation lead for Ratatouille, Wall-E, UP), Stephan Pastis (creator of Pearls Before Swine), and Marge Dean (general manager, W!ldbrain Animation Studios), present an in-depth foray into the work of Charles M. Schulz and what new things fans can look out for from Peanuts. Warner Premiere is joining the celebration with a sneak peek of something all new from Peanuts that fans won't want to miss. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Animation | Anniversaries | Cartooning and Comic Strips

2:00-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #8: Where Are the Action Chicks?— Katrina Hill (ActionFlickChick.com), Jill Pantozzi (MTV Splash Page), Adrianne Curry (America's Next Top Model), Cindy Morgan (Tron), Luci Romberg (Zombieland), Jen Stuller (Ink-Stained Amazons and Cinematic Warriors), Gina Misiroglu (Encyclopedia of Women in Popular Culture), Marjorie Liu (Black Widow), and J. Michael Straczynski (Wonder Woman) discuss why comics, television, and movies do not depict more action heroines and look specifically at why movies starring traditional comic book superheroines are nearly nonexistent. Room 26AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television

2:00-3:00 Animal Anatomy for Artists: How Drawing Masters Invent Creatures— Marshall Vandruff shows how masters have been trained in the knowledge of animal anatomy for the past 500 years. Leonardo da Vinci, Heinrich Kley, Albrecht Durer, Frank Frazetta, Winsor McCay, and many others were able to draw horses, lions, bears, and other beasts from imagination because they knew basic anatomy and form. Marshall will explain the process and recommend resources to help artists master animal anatomy so that they can invent creatures. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

2:00-3:00 Comic Book Law School: Hot Topics— Another year, another round of (legal) Hot Topics as a panel of knowledgeable (and entertaining) attorneys discuss and debate today's most interesting and cutting-edge legal issues faced by the creative and business communities. Attorneys David Branfman, David Lizerbram and Alexander Harwin, along with moderator Michael Lovitz, share their knowledge and insights, and discuss how these real-world issues affect individual creators and companies alike. Topics will include the benefits and perils of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and other forms of digital content distribution, and termination of copyright grants, including updates on the Kirby and Superman termination cases. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.0 credits of California MCLE.] Room 32AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Comics Law School | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

2:15-3:15 The Cape: Sneak Peek and Panel Discussion— One man can make a difference...When Vince Faraday, an honest cop on a corrupt police force, is framed for murder and presumed killed, he assumes the identity of his son's favorite comic book superhero -- The Cape -- to reclaim his name, family, and his city from the ruthless ARK Corporation and the masked villain known as Chess. Join the cast and creators including David Lyons (ER), Summer Glau (Terminator: The Sarah Conner Chronicles), Dorian Missick (Six Degrees), James Frain (True Blood), Keith David (Gamer), Vinnie Jones (X-Men: Last Stand), Martin Klebba (Pirates of the Caribbean), composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar Galactica), creator/executive producer Thomas Wheeler (Empire), and showrunner/executive producer John Wirth (Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles) for this sneak peek at the pilot episode and panel discussion. A limited collector edition of The Cape comic book, with a cover by superstar artist John Cassady (Astonishing X-Men), will be given away at the panel. Room 6A
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Comics | Superheroes | Television

2:15-3:45 Miramax Films: Don't Be Afraid of the Dark— Producer/co-writer Guillermo del Toro and director Troy Nixey present a first look at their new film Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, a hair-raising, spine-chilling tale of horror about a little girl (Bailee Madison) who is sent to live with her father (Guy Pearce) and his girlfriend (Katie Holmes) in the old mansion they are renovating, only to unwittingly unleash malevolent creatures bent on destroying all of them. Hall H
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Movies

2:30-3:30 The Image Comics Show— Image Comics promises a slew of exclusive announcements about upcoming projects, updates about ongoing projects, and a Q&A session with some of Image' best writers. Don't miss your chance to find out about what Image is up to before anyone else does, get exclusive giveaways, and ask questions of your favorite creators! Panelists include Marc Guggenheim (Resurrection, Web of Spider-Man), Joe Kelly (I Kill Giants), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, Invincible), John Layman (Chew), Ben McCool (Choker, Memoir), and Nick Spencer (Existence, Morning Glories). Room 3
Categories:  Comics

2:30-3:30 Nickelodeon: Penguins, Lemurs, and Pandas, Oh My!— See Penguins of Madagascar executive producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley (Kim Possible), supervising producer Nick Filippi (Wolverine & X-Men), creative consultant and voice of "Skipper" Tom McGrath (Madagascar 1 & 2), and cast members John DiMaggio (Futurama), Jeff Bennett (The Misadventures of Flapjack), James Patrick Stewart (Wolverine & X-Men), Danny Jacobs (Epic Movie), and Kevin Michael Richardson (The Cleveland Show) present highlights from the upcoming Penguins special "The Lost Treasure of the Golden Squirrel" and perform a table read from a new episode. Then get a special preview of the upcoming Nickelodeon series Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness, presented by executive producer Peter Hastings (Pinky and the Brain), supervising producer Bret Haaland (The Penguins of Madagascar), supervising producer Randy Dormans (The Penguins of Madagascar), and supervising director Gabe Swarr (The Penguins of Madagascar). Moderated by Rich Magallanes, VP of animation for Nickelodeon, and Megan Casey, executive-in-charge for Nickelodeon. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Steve Rude— Award-winning artist and Comic-Con special guest Steve Rude describes the high points of his career, including how he broke into comics; the various comics he's worked on, including Nexus, World's Finest, and Space Ghost; and the trials of working on them. Plus Steve gives his thoughts on today's current comics and artists. A "big surprise" will also premiere at this panel. Room 9
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

2:30-3:30 The 24-Hour Comics Day Challenge— Can you create a full 24-page comic from scratch in 24 hours? Popular comics creators give out tips and tricks to help you complete the challenge this year and have your comic included in the international 24-Hour Comics collection. Or are you interested in hosting a 24-Hour Comics Day event in your area? Nat Gertler (publisher of About Comics and founder of 24-Hour Comics Day) and Portlyn Polston (Brave New World Comics, Newhall, CA) can tell you how to create and advertise a successful event at your store, school, or library. Room 12
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Retailer Programming | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Émile Bravo— Eisner Award 2010 nominee -- three nominations for My mommy is in America and she met Buffalo Bill (Fanfare/Ponent Mon) -- and Comic-Con special guest Émile Bravo makes an illustrated presentation: "Graphic Writing, Comics as Calligraphy," with Michele Foschini (BAO Publishing, Italy) and Stephen Vrattos (Captain Gravity; www.heroesinmycloset.com), followed by a Q&A. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Superman: Man of Tomorrow— It's a bird! It's a plane! It's The Man of Steel -- and he's back on Earth and primed to take 2010 by storm! Don't miss members of the exciting new Superman creative teams as they discuss their plans for Superman, Lex Luthor, Superboy, Supergirl, and more led by DC group editor Matt Idelson, with Paul Cornell (Action Comics), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Jeff Lemire (Superboy), J. Michael Strazcynski (Superman: Earth One, Superman), and others. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comics | Superheroes

3:00-4:00 Star Wars Day: Star Wars Trivia Game Show— Members of the San Diego Star Wars Society, veteran hosts of trivia game shows at Star Wars Celebration III and Comic-Con International since 2002, have prepared a bigger challenge this year for all fans who think they know their stuff about the galaxy far, far away. Added this year will be one game round for kids 12 and under. Test your knowledge and win one of the many valuable prizes. Room 7AB
Categories:  Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:00-4:00 Bite Me: Evolving Urban Fantasy Beyond the Vampire Phenomenon— Some of the top names in urban fantasy gather to discuss how to evolve the urban fantasy genre beyond the vampire phenom, spurred by the mass commercial appeal of The Twilight Saga and True Blood. Authors include Tanya Huff (the Victoria Nelson novels), Mario Acevedo (the Felix Gomez detective-vampire series), Merrie Destefano (Afterlife: The Resurrection Chronicles), Jocelynn Drake (Pray for Dawn), Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim), Lauren Kate (Fallen series), and Marjorie M. Liu (In the Dark of Dreams). Moderator: Diana Gill, executive editor at HarperCollins Publishers. Room 8
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Jim Lee— This is your opportunity to see Comic-Con special guest Jim Lee draw for an hour! Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

3:00-3:45 The Joss Whedon Experience— Every year Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Dollhouse, and Serenity, comes to Comic-Con to give fans a wide-ranging and digressive look into what's keeping him busy. Join Joss and a few thousand of his closest friends for the Q&A. Spoiler Alert! Ballroom 20
Categories:  Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Chris Claremont— Comic-Con special guest and world-renowned writer Chris Claremont talks about his career in this special Spotlight panel. Claremont's incredible body of work, including his many years writing the X-Men and his newest collaborations with Tom Grummet (X-Men Forever) and fellow special guest Milo Manara (X-Women), are fan-favorites. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on the Adams Family: Neal, Jason, Joel, and Josh— Comic-Con special guests Neal, Jason, Joel, and Josh Adams make up one of the first families of comics. Neal started his career in the medium in the late 1950s and is famous for his depictions of Batman and numerous other characters. Sons Jason, Joel, and Josh have followed in their dad's rather large footsteps to carve out careers of their own in sculpture, animation, and comics. Be a part of this first time ever "family reunion" as the Adams Family gets together at Comic-Con! Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

3:00-4:00 Hi-Fi Color for Comics— Every month your favorite comic books must be colored before going to press, but just how are comic books colored? Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring from Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (Legion of Superheroes) and Kristy Miller (Birds of Prey), as Brian demonstrates the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects and top digital coloring tips. Q&A if time permits. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Digital Comics and You— A panel of industry professionals ranging from creators to publishers to retailers to entertainment agents discuss the benefits and drawbacks of digital comics and ultimately how digital comics can and will affect you, now that the digital comics revolution has begun. Ben Templesmith (co-creator, Choker, Fell, 30 Days of Night), James Sime (retailer, Isotope: The Comic Book Lounge in San Francisco), Micah Baldwin (Graphic.ly), Scott Agostoni (entertainment agent, William Morris Endeavor), and more surprise guests will discuss, argue and hopefully hear what you think in this honest, no-holds-barred conversation moderated by Ron Richards (iFanboy). Room 32AB
Categories:  Comics | Webcomics

3:15-4:15 Spartacus: Blood and Sand— Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) makes his Comic-Con debut, along with Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess), John Hannah (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), and Viva Bianca (Bad Bush). Executive producer Stephen S. DeKnight (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) joins the cast to discuss the upcoming prequel, titled Spartacus: Gods of the Arena, expected to air on Starz in January 2011, and the exclusive content found on the first season Blu-ray discs, available September 21. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 Building a Horror Entertainment Franchise: Dead Space 2— The sequel to 2008's award-winning horror videogame returns with its highly anticipated sequel in January 2011. Dead Space 2 unleashes a truly epic terror experience that will bring the psychological thrills of deep space to a terrifying new level beyond just video games. Executive producer Steve Papoutsis,  art director Ian Milham, and producers Rich Briggs and Chuck Beaver will be talking about how they intend to establish Dead Space 2 among the top horror entertainment franchises in the world with a novel, animated feature, graphic novel, Motion Comic game and fan merchandise. Room 3
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games | Horror and Suspense

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Nicholas Gurewitch— Comic-Con special guest Nicholas Gurewitch is the Eisner and Harvey Award–winning cartoonist behind the hilarious online comic strip The Perry Bible Fellowship. Now being reprinted by Dark Horse, Gurewitch's twisted strips are fan-favorites the world over. Hear what's next from Gurewitch in this exclusive Spotlight panel. Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Webcomics

3:30-4:30 Terra Nova— Executive producers Brannon Braga (24, Star Trek: Enterprise) and David Fury (24, Lost), director Alex Graves, and star Jason O'Mara (Life on Mars) offer a glimpse into the highly anticipated epic family adventure 85 million years in the making. This new event drama slated for midseason on FOX comes from the brilliant minds of Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, The Pacific) and former News Corporation president and COO Peter Chernin and follows an ordinary family on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race. Room 6A
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 VIZ Media's Vampire Knight Panel— Calling all Vampire Knight fans! Here's your chance to meet the U.S. manga editor, Nancy Thistlethwaite, and voice-over talent from the anime -- Mela Lee (Yuki), Vic Mignogna (Zero), and Ethan Murray (Kaname). Come dressed in your best Vampire Knight gear and you'll be eligible for a prize! Room 9
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga

3:30-4:30 Comics Design— How do pages of art become a book? Six designers -- Mark Chiarello (DC Comics), Adam Grano (Fantagraphics), Chip Kidd (Random House), Fawn Lau (VIZ), Mark Siegel (First Second Books), and Keith Wood (Oni Press)—discuss what's involved in the process of comics design, and the importance of design to a book's critical and consumer reception. Moderated by Chris Butcher (The Beguiling). Room 26AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

3:30-4:30 Writing for Television: From First Draft to Getting Staffed— Spiro Skentzos (George Lopez) and Karen Horne (NBC Executive/Spawn Co-Producer) share their experiences in TV as a writer and as the Director of NBC’s writing programs, respectively, on topics including basic script mistakes, how to get representation, staying motivated, and negotiating today’s turbulent TV terrain. After the lecture, there will be a Q & A session. Marriott Hall 2
Categories:  Seminars & Workshops | Television | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Krazy Kat's 100th Anniversary Celebration!— An exclusive multimedia show of unpublished strips, drawings, and paintings presented by Craig Yoe, author of Krazy + Ignatz in Tiger Tea (IDW) and the forthcoming Krazy Kat and The Art of George Herriman: A Celebration (Abrams ComicArts). The panel will explore a century of Krazy-ness, with Greg Goldstein (IDW), R. C. Harvey (The Art of the Funnies), Charles Kochman (Abrams ComicArts), and Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Plus a thrilling bonus: a never-before-seen home movie of Krazy's kreator, George Herriman! Room 4
Categories:  Anniversaries | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips

4:00-5:00 The Center for Cartoon Studies— Comic-Con special guest James Sturm, known for his graphic novels such as The Golem's Mighty Swing, is also the director of The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS), a school located in the historic downtown village of White River Junction, Vermont. The school offers a two-year course of study that centers on the creation and dissemination of comics, graphic novels, and other manifestations of the visual narrative. The faculty includes renowned comics artists such as Stephen Bissette and Jason Lutes. James will talk about the school and the books the students have produced. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Sean Philips— Comic-Con special guest, artist Sean Phillips (Criminal, Marvel Zombies) and moderator/artist Duncan Fegredo (Hellboy, Jay and Silent Bob) have known each other for over twenty years. Hear Duncan ask Sean questions that Duncan already probably knows the answers to! See lots of Sean's art you haven't seen before! (Unless you read his blog.)  Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes

4:00-6:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Patrick and Shelly Block— Comics writer/artists Patrick and Shelly Block will present a comics creation demonstration that they often give at the Savannah College of Art and Design and other venues. They create a Donald Duck story on paper or an easel, with the audience providing the ideas. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

4:00-5:00 Entertainment Weekly: Girls Who Kick Ass: A New Generation of Heroines— EW moderates this discussion with Jena Malone (Sucker Punch), Anna Torv (Fringe), Chloe Moretz (Kick Ass), Adrianne Palicki (Red Dawn and Friday Night Lights), and Ellen Wong and Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. the World) about the next generation of female action heroes and the power and privilege of playing young women who are nobody's arm candy. Moderated by Nicole Sperling. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Television

4:00-5:00 Fable III— Journey from a revolutionary to king or queen of Albion and along the way battle enemies far and wide while meeting a hilarious cast of characters. Fable III features a stellar voice cast, including John Cleese in the role of your personal butler, and boasts an Academy Award winner as well. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Games | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:00-5:00 Breaking into Comics— A bold first step into breaking into comics starts here. Top comics creators Mike Costa (G.I. Joe: Cobra, The Authority: Jack Hawksmoor, Transformers) and Reilly Brown (Cable & Deadpool, The Incredible Hercules) discuss the ins and outs of the comic industry -- specifically, what it takes to break in and how it's done! Get solid and sound advice on what it takes and how to get started! Moderated by Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Annihilation, G.I. Joe).  Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:30 So You Want to be a Comic Book Retailer?— Your first steps to having your very own comic book store start right here! This Comic-Con tradition is always a lively and fun discussion of the brick and mortar basics of launching your own career as a comic book specialty retailer. You have questions? Our panel of experienced retailers has answers! Hosted by Joe Field (ComicsPRO president, Flying Colors Comics, Concord, CA) with fellow retailers Thomas Gaul (Corner Store Comics & Beach Ball Comics, Orange County, CA), Derrick Taylor (Comic Oasis, Las Vegas, NV), David Wheeler (Dragon's Lair, Austin, TX), Michael Ring (Bridge City Comics, Portland, OR) and Diamond Comic Distributors outside sales manager Dave Hawksworth. Room 32AB
Categories:  Comics | Retailer Programming | Seminars & Workshops

4:00-6:00 Sony Pictures Entertainment: The Other Guys and The Green Hornet— Two more sneak peeks at upcoming films from Sony Pictures Entertainment!
The Other Guys--NYPD Detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the baddest and most beloved cops in New York City. Two desks over and one back, sit Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). You've seen them in the background of photos of Danson and Highsmith, out of focus and eyes closed. They're not heroes -- they're "the Other Guys." But every cop has his day and soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into a seemingly innocuous case no other detective wants to touch that could turn into New York City's biggest crime. It's the opportunity of their lives, but do these guys have the right stuff? Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, and co-writer/director Adam McKay will be appearing in person.

The Green Hornet--Director Michel Gondry, who makes movies with a special, personal signature, is taking on The Green Hornet—and he's doing it in 3D. Comic-Con audiences, prepare yourselves. In The Green Hornet, Britt Reid (Seth Rogen) is the son of L.A.'s most prominent and respected media magnate and perfectly happy to maintain a directionless existence on the party scene—until his father (Tom Wilkinson) mysteriously dies, leaving Britt his vast media empire. Striking an unlikely friendship with one of his father's more industrious and inventive employees, Kato (Jay Chou), they see their chance to do something meaningful for the first time in their lives: fight crime. To get close to the criminals, they come up with the perfect cover: they'll pose as criminals themselves. Protecting the law by breaking it, Britt becomes the vigilante The Green Hornet as he and Kato hit the streets. Confirmed to appear in person to unveil this early look at The Green Hornet in 3D are the Hornet himself, Seth Rogen,  director Michel Gondry, writer Evan Goldberg, producer Neal Moritz, and actor Christoph Waltz.
Hall H
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Movies | Superheroes

4:15-5:15 DC Nation Special Edition— It's the DC Nation State of the Union address as DC co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee join forces to give fans all the info they can handle! With those two leading the Nation, expect the unexpected...The Nation welcomes all! Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

4:30-5:30 Indy Comics Writers Unite!— Another in our series of "Year of the Writer" events, this panel focuses on independent comics writers (and some writer/artists!). Moderator Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, Irredeemable) talks to Van Jensen (Pinocchio: Vampire Slayer), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo) about the fine art of writing comics without capes (on the protagonists, not the writers themselves). Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Four Worlds, One Story: Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions the Video Game— For the first time, creative talent from all four Spider-Man universes featured in the game Shattered Dimensions (Amazing, Noir, 2099 and a to-be-revealed universe) come together to discuss all the aspects that go into creating a dynamic and explosive video game experience from four unique settings. Get an insider's look at the creative thinking and collaborative effort between comic books and video games with Spider-Man co-creator Stan Lee, acclaimed Marvel writer Dan Slott (Amazing Spider-Man), voice-over talent from the game, and members from Marvel and game developer Beenox, as they dive into the rich lore of past and present Spider-Man, discuss bringing Spider-Man to life in four distinct ways, and unveil new content and gameplay from the upcoming game. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Games | Superheroes

4:30-5:30 Adult Swim Panel Featuring Robot Chicken, Venture Bros, and Metalocalypse— Show creators Seth Green, Matt Senreich, and Tom Root (Robot Chicken), Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer (Venture Bros), and Brendon Small (Metalocalypse) discuss their original series, screen sneak peeks, and answer questions. Keith Crofford, VP of production at Adult Swim, will moderate. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

4:30-5:30 Fallout: Game Writing in Evolving Franchises— Obsidian Entertainment, the developers working on Bethesda's upcoming Fallout New Vegas, walk through the process of narrative and cinematic techniques used in bringing life and reactivity to franchises over the years, focusing on their upcoming work on Bethesda's Fallout New Vegas. Examples will also be drawn from upcoming titles, Dungeon Siege III, and previous titles such as Neverwinter Nights 2, Alpha Protocol, and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. The developers will discuss how the franchise and development team can help guide the narrative and cinematic presentation of these elements and will showcase footage from these titles. Room 9
Categories:  Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:30-5:30 Archaia: Lucid— Lucid, the first comic book project from Archaia's partnership with Before the Door, is finally here! Lucid creator and writer Michael McMillian (True Blood) and BTD partners Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, Heroes), Neal Dodson, and Corey Moosa share cool, behind-the-scenes info and other interesting tidbits about the making of the comic. Moderated by Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Comics

4:30-5:30 Pixar Animation Studios: Ronnie Del Carmen— As in comic books, the expression of storytelling in movies is done with images, staging, acting, and a myriad other skills. The Pixar Story process uses the same focus and much more. Ronnie Del Carmen (story supervisor, UP) delves into the Story process few rarely see and offers a glimpse of what it's really like to work in Story @ Pixar, followed by Q&A. Room 26AB
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Art and Illustration | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

4:45-5:45 Falling Skies— They're coming. Get the very first look at Steven Spielberg's new series that envisions a world where aliens have invaded and the fate of humanity lies in the hands of a few survivors. Noah Wyle (ER, TNT's The Librarian movies) and Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation) join co-executive producer and writer Mark Verheiden (Heroes, Battlestar Galactica) for a Q&A on the new series. Falling Skies premieres on TNT next summer. Room 6A
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

5:00-6:30 Scribe Awards/Media Tie-in Writers Panel— Presenting the fourth annual International Association of Media-Tie-in Writers (IAMTW) "Scribe" awards, honoring such notable franchises as CSI, Criminal Minds, The X-Files, Star Trek, Stargate, Star Wars, and Dr. Who. Nomineeson hand include Alina Adams (As the World Turns), Max Allan Collins (G.I. Joe), Keith R. A. DeCandido (Star Trek), Stacia Deutsch (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs), Jeff Mariotte (CSI), Nathan Long (Warhammer), and Dayton Ward (Star Trek). With moderator Collins and awards presenter Lee Goldberg (Monk). Room 4
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Television | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Drew Struzan— See the premiere screening of excerpts from Drew: The Man Behind the Poster, a feature-length documentary film about the career of movie poster artist and Comic-Con special guest Drew Struzan, featuring exclusive interviews with George Lucas, Harrison Ford, Michael J. Fox, Frank Darabont, Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg, and many others. Q&A will include Struzan and filmmakers Erik Sharkey (director), Charles Ricciardi (producer), Greg Boas (editor and cinematographer), and Marc-Antoine Serou (cinematographer). Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:00-6:00 Costuming for Conventions— Fan costuming veterans will help you with all you need to know for making a great costume for strolling around a convention. They cover everything from choosing a costume and knowing what fabrics work best to posing for photos and general tips for wearing a costume around the exhibit floor. Presented by Masquerade assistant Melissa Gene Meyer, professional promotional costumer Chris Richard, and award-winning masquerade costumer Catherine Fisher. Room 8
Categories:  Costuming | Fandom | Seminars & Workshops

5:00-6:00 Girls Gone Genre: Movies, TV, Comics, Web— Meet and talk with women who write, read, game, and perform in arenas that are historically and statistically dominated by men. What's it like to try and get a job in a field where most of your competitors and colleagues are guys? Can women write men, and vice versa? And what happens when traditionally "male" genres are reinvented by female writers and embraced by female fans? Sex and the City it ain't! Meet the women who like to play with trucks and Barbies...and Wolverine action figures. And flux capacitors. Featuring Felicia Day (writer/producer, The Guild; actress, The Guild, Buffy The Vampire Slayer, Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog), Kathryn Immonen (writer, Patsy Walker: Hellcat, Runaways, Heralds), Laeta Kalogridis (screenwriter/producer, Shutter Island, Ghost in the Shell, Avatar), Marti Noxon (screenwriter/producer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Mad Men), Melissa Rosenberg (screenwriter/producer, Dexter, The Twilight Saga), and Gail Simone (writer, Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey).Moderated by Io9's Annalee Newitz. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Games | Television | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:30 Resin Casting and Silicone Moldmaking— Jeff Broz has presented eight previous seminars about plastics and casting at Comic-Con. Sam Girgis is producing large-scale garage kits. Whether you want to produce a garage kit model, reproduce your sculpture, or reproduce vintage Steampunk, this year's seminar will cover new materials and tips from previous seminars about silicone mold design and casting techniques. Learn from the presenters' own pitfalls with short-run 3D duplication, garage kits, and industrial design. They will also talk more about vendors, guides, and material choices to cast your sculptures or models. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Costuming | Fandom | Seminars & Workshops

5:15-6:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session— Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, True Blood kicked off its 12-episode third season June 13 on HBO. The series, which has earned two Golden Globe nominations for Best Television Series—Drama, follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin, Golden Globe winner for True Blood season one; Oscar-winner for The Piano), who can hear people's thoughts, and her soulmate, 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Alan Ball (creator of the Emmy-winning HBO series Six Feet Under) created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series also features Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Denis O'Hare as Russell Edgington, the Vampire King of Mississippi, and Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux. (Note: names in bold will be appearing on the panel.) Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Famous Monsters of Filmland: From the Pages and Beyond— Philip Kim (publisher) and Michael Heisler (editor-in-chief) have successfully established the tone of Famous Monsters of Filmland from issue #250 and beyond. Join Michael, Phil, Jessie Lilley (editor), and guest Bela Lugosi Jr. (son of Dracula legendary actor Bela Lugosi) as they discuss the past and the future of genre. Room 3
Categories:  Animation | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

5:30-6:30 Concept Design for Entertainment— Avatar and many recent and upcoming productions are using not only state-of-the-art technology but also state-of-the-art design. Four of the industry's leading and award-winning creature and production designers discuss and demonstrate how films are made from a nuts and bolts perspective and share their creative and artistic approach to design in film. Avatar's lead creature designer Neville Page, production designer Rob Stromberg, concept designer Craig Shoji, and technical creature developer Alex Alvarez share not just the process of design but also the philosophical perspectives behind the approach. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Movies

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: On the Edge— Find out what compelling tales comics' edgiest imprint has in store for you in the months to come! Led by senior VP/executive editor Karen Berger, the all-star lineup of talent includes Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Gabriel Bá (Daytripper), Cliff Chiang (Neil Young's Greendale), Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition), Joshua Dysart (Neil Young's Greendale, Unknown Soldier), Peter Gross (The Unwritten), Matt Kindt (Revolver), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Peter Milligan (Greek Street, Hellblazer), Fabio Moon (Daytripper), Chris Roberson (iZombie), Scott Snyder (American Vampire), Matthew Sturges (Jack of Fables), Jill Thompson (Little Endless), Bill Willingham (Fables) and others. Room 6DE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Top Shelf 2010: Sweden, Japan, and so much more!— The crew at Top Shelf Productions celebrate their most international year yet, discussing their hit "Swedish Invasion" initiative, the acclaimed graphic novel The Playwright from British-Australian expats Eddie Campbell and Daren White, and their brand-new book of cutting-edge manga, Ax. They'll dish all the digital details on the exciting new Top Shelf apps for iPhone and iPad! And they'll show off exclusive sneak previews of upcoming books from Robert Venditti (The Surrogates), Alan Moore and Kevin O'Neill (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Marshal Law), Jeffrey Brown (Incredible Change-Bots), Jeff Lemire (Essex County, Sweet Tooth), Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole), and so much more! Plus Top Shelf's hottest creators take your questions! Room 9
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics

5:30-6:30 Shout! Factory: Roger Corman: King of the Independents— If your idea of fun is watching wild and outrageous cult flicks, you will not want to miss this! Oscar recipient for Lifetime Achievement and legendary director/producer Roger Corman takes center stage to share insights on his incredible filmmaking career. Notable Corman alumni will also be in attendance to reflect on their involvement during his New World Pictures era in the'70s and '80s, at a time when grindhouse theatres and drive-ins were the place to see over-the-top sex and violence. Panelists include Joe Dante (director of Piranha), Sid Haig (The Devil's Rejects), Mary Woronov (House of the Devil), and Allan Holzman (director, Forbidden World). Moderated by Alex Stapleton (director of King of the B's: The Independent Life of Roger Corman). Short Q&A if time permits. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Seminars & Workshops

5:30-6:30 Neko Press: How to Publish Your Work and Survive as an Independent Artist— Billy Martinez, publisher and creator presents an in-depth look into self-publishing and ways to maintain your career as an artist. He will give a helpful look and insight into what it takes to keep a company and career going strong. Billy is best know for his fan-favorite title Kickass Girl and has been working in the business as a freelance artist and publisher for over 16 years. Room 26AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 What's up with Penguin— Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Jessica Wade (editor, Ace/Roc), and Mardie Cohen (marketing coordinator, Penguin Young Readers Group) give you the dish on forthcoming books from such exciting authors and licensed properties as Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, S. M. Stirling, Rachel Caine, Heather Brewer, Richelle Mead, Kathy Reichs, John Flanagan, Star Wars: Clone Wars, and many more. You can expect lots of giveaways you won't see anywhere else at Comic-Con, including free advance reading copies! Room 32AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

5:45-6:45 Marvel: The Heroic Age: Avengers— The Heroic Age is here! Heeding the call, Earth's Greatest have assembled for the most anticipated comic's event in a decade! With Steve Rogers back leading the charge, what kinds of threats can his teams expect to face? Find out here as the creators behind your favorite Marvel heroes answer your questions and let you in on what happens next! Editor-in-chief and CCO Joe Quesada, Marvel's talent liaison C. B. Cebulski, and creators Brian Michael Bendis,(Avengers), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Jim McCann Hawkeye & Mockingbird), and more shed some light on the Heroic Age. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

5:45-6:30 Branching Out: The National Comic Book Store Franchise— David Wheeler (Dragon's Lair, TX and WA) talks about his emerging national franchise of comic book stores and the challenges and benefits of operating multiple locations, along with two-store owner Carr D'Angelo (Earth-2 Comics, Sherman Oaks and Northridge, CA). The panel is aimed at retailers who are interested in opening a second store and also at new entrepreneurs who are interested in joining a new national franchise. Room 12
Categories:  Comics | Retailer Programming | Seminars & Workshops

6:00-7:00 BBC America's Being Human— Creator/writer Toby Whithouse and cast members Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner, and Sinead Keenan are on stage for a fan Q&A and exclusive inside peek at the new U.S. premiere season launching the same weekend as Comic-Con. The Los Angeles Times declared, "Buffy fans -- come out of the Twilight and sink your teeth into this import." Don't miss the chance to get the inside secrets on the double-lives of a werewolf, a vampire, and a ghost, joined this season by George's friend Nina, who's got a mysterious secret of her own. Room 6A
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

6:00-7:00 Archer— Creator and executive producer Adam Reed (Sealab 2021, Frisky Dingo) screens selected scenes from the FX animated series Archer, which recently won a NowNewNext Award for "Best Television Show You're Not Watching" from cable's Logo network. He will take questions from the audience along with Aisha Tyler, who provides the voice of Agent Lana Kane, the strong, voluptuous, and often exasperated secret agent. Adam and Aisha will discuss the evolution of the series as well as the voice-over process. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

6:00-7:00 The Artist as Brand— The walls between the fine art and commercial art worlds are falling. Join a discussion about new paradigms of creative and financial empowerment for artists, with Greg Spalenka (The Voyage of the Dawn Treader), Donato (Lord of the Rings), Tara McPherson (Faith No More, Duran Duran), Ciruelo (Fairies and Dragons), Arnie Fenner (editor of Spectrum), and Mark Murphy (publisher of Fine Art Editions). Manifest a unique art empire beyond the worlds of established corporate venues. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Seminars & Workshops

6:00-7:00 The Goon Film Panel— The Goon creator Eric Powell joins Tim Miller and Jeff Fowler from Blur Studio to discuss the animated feature film adaptation of the comic book series. Room 24ABC
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies

6:00-7:00 Simpsons Collectors Group— Simpsons collectors of the world unite! Take a break from the busy Comic-Con floor and get a chance to meet some of your fellow collectors of Simpsons merchandise from all over the country. Meet the other Simpsons collectors you see on the message board and put faces to names. This gathering, hosted by the staff of the SimpsonsCollectors.com website, is a great chance to network with other collectors and share your experiences in the hobby with others.  Santa Rosa Room, Marriott Hotel and Marina
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Fandom | Humor & Satire | Television

6:30-7:30 The Future of Manga— When many people today think of "comics," they think of webcomics and indy releases, but Japanese comics still seem like a distant world of print-based megapublishing and tattered copies of Shonen Jump. Think again. The manga world in Japan is changing due to competition from ebooks, cell phones and online comics, and the old manga magazines may not be the same for much longer. How are Japanese artists today publishing their works, and what will the manga of the future look like? A visual presentation by Jason Thompson (Manga: The Complete Guide). Room 3
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics | Webcomics

6:30-7:30 Thomas Jane and Tim Bradstreet's RAW Entertainment— Join the crew from RAW Entertainment as they discuss their exciting slate of current and upcoming projects in comics and film. Moderated by Thomas Jane (Hung, The Punisher), and Tim Bradstreet (The Punisher), panelists include Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein), Bruce Jones (Twisted Tales), James Daly (Bad Planet), William Stout (Pan's Labyrinth), Mark Schultz (Cadillacs & Dinosaurs), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), and a surprise guest! Room 4
Categories:  Comics | Movies

6:30-7:30 Small Print Comics: Jeffrey Twohig— Jeffrey Twohig, who has been producing digital printed art and books for over 10 years, talks about on-demand printing, how to produce your own short-run comics, and getting your artwork reproduced when you need it. Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

6:30-7:30 Archaia: All Access— Get updates and new information on all of your favorite Archaia titles, including Awakening with writer Nick Tapalansky and artist Alex Eckman-Lawn; Critical Millennium: The Dark Frontier with writer Andrew E. C. Gaska and artist Daniel Dussault; Feeding Ground with creators Chris Mangun, Swifty Lang, and Michael Lapinksi; God Machine with creator Chandra Free; Gunnerkrigg Court with creator Tom Siddell; Hybrid Bastards! with writer Tom Pinchuk; The Killer with writer Matz; Killing Pickman with writer Jason Becker; Titanium Rain with writer/artist Josh Finney and artist Kat Rocha; and Starkweather: Immortal with writer David Rodriguez and Patrick McEvoy. Room 9
Categories:  Comics

6:30-7:30 TV Guide Magazine: The 2010 Hot List— Featuring the hottest supernatural/sci-fi talent in front of the camera and behind the scenes from new and returning series! Moderated by TV Guide magazine's executive editor Craig Tomashoff, the panel includes Morena Baccarin (V), Brannon Braga (Terra Nova, Flash Forward), Michael Chiklis (No Ordinary Family), Keith David (The Cape), Zachary Levi (Chuck), David Lyons (The Cape), Elizabeth Mitchell (V), Chi McBride (Human Target), and others to be announced! Ballroom 20
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Television

6:30-7:30 Gears of War 3— Epic Games design director Cliff Bleszinski, executive producer Rod Fergusson and New York Times bestselling author Karen Traviss provide the first look at the biggest game of 2011, including a live game demo and key announcements. Room 25ABC
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Games

6:30-7:30 Action Figures: Behind the Plastic— This is your chance to get the inside scoop on action figure lines you love, straight from the people who make them! AFi has assembled a legendary panel of experts from every corner of the toy world. They'll talk about the difference between being the licensor vs. the licensee, the back story of a toy line, keeping up with the editorial side of a property, taking a chance on new products, and more. Come armed with the burning questions you have always wanted to ask the experts! Moderated by Daniel "Julius Marx" Pickett of ActionFigureInsider.com. Panelists include Aaron Archer (Hasbro), Georg Brewer (DC Direct), Jesse Falcon (Marvel Entertainment LLC), Randy Falk (NECA), Jason Lenzi (Bif Bang Pow! Toys), Jerry Macaluso (PopCultureShock Collectibles), Scott Neitlich (Mattel), Chuck Terceira (Diamond Select Toys), David Vonner (Hasbro), and The Four Horsemen (Four Horsemen Studios). Room 26AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles

6:30-7:30 Artist's Choice: Drawing Batman— Superstar Batman artists share the secrets of drawing the Dark Knight with a special projector designed so you can see their every stroke. Check out this unique presentation that will surely blow your mind! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

6:30-7:30 Old School American Horror— Featuring legendary horror icons and the hottest names in the genre, the cast of Hatchet II presents an old school American horror panel. Kane Hodder (Friday The 13th), Tony Todd (Candyman), R. A. Mihailoff (Texas Chainsaw Massacre), Danielle Harris (Halloween), Tom Holland (Child's Play), and Adam Green (Hatchet) are on hand for an unforgettable panel. Room 32AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Movies | Television

Nighttime Programs

7:00-8:00 RiffTrax Live— Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett (RiffTrax.com, Mystery Science Theater 3000) return to Comic-Con to perform another live, hilarious riff to a classic short! The panel is moderated by Veronica Belmont (host of Tekzilla on Revision3 and Qore on the PlayStation Network). Join the riffers for fun, laughs, and the latest news from RiffTrax.com, the site where MST3K-style humor meets mainstream movies, TV shows, and vintage shorts. Room 6DE
Categories:  Fandom | Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:00-8:00 America's Greatest Otaku— Stu Levy, Tokyopop's founder, producer of The Dreaming, and director of Van Von Hunter discusses the production of Tokyopop's America's Greatest Otaku, an upcoming reality TV show that searches for the biggest fan of manga, anime, and Japanese pop culture. Levy will be joined by the Otaku Six, the show's energetic cast, who are traveling across America, documenting various otaku culture hotspots as they search for the nation's greatest fan. The panel will be followed by a prize giveaway and Q&A session. Room 8
Categories:  Anime & Manga | Comics | Fandom | Games | Nighttime Programming | Television

7:30-8:30 Udon: 10 Years of Comics and Games— Celebrating Udon's 10th anniversary, Erik Ko (Udon chief), Jim Zubkavich (Udon project manager), Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends, Robotech), Chamba (Street Fighter II Turbo), Joe Ng (Street Fighter IV, Transformers), and others share tips and tricks they've learned working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Capcom, Marvel, Hasbro, and Blizzard. Find out how to break into the biz, and get a sneak peek at Udon's upcoming projects. Room 3
Categories:  Comics | Games | Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:30 Machinima: The Artform and Opportunity— Future filmmakers and animators are embracing Machinima as a way to make movies they otherwise couldn't create, and with unprecedented success! Machinima has matured as an artform and an exciting storytelling medium. Panelists Hutch (Machinima Respawn), Adam Kovic (Inside Gaming), Khail Anonymous (Critical Flaw), Lyle Burress (Sanity Not Included), Ralph Sanchez (Dragon Age: Warden's Fall) and moderator Jeremy Azevedo share the why and how of their accomplishments. Also, learn how Machinima.com can help you "Greenlight Yourself!" Room 4
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Nighttime Programming | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

7:30-8:30 Klingon Lifestyles: IKV Stranglehold— The latest mission of the Stranglehold finds the crew pitted against Starfleet in trying to posses a mysterious object that could mean the possible death of anyone. Can the return of Eeba and Merkin help or hinder this? All species are welcome to experience the ongoing voyage and adventure of life aboard a Klingon vessel. Room 6A
Categories:  Fandom | Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:30-8:30 Discovery Channel's Reign of the Dinosaurs— Immerse yourself in next spring's TV blockbuster, as an all-star crew reveal the secrets behind Discovery Channel's genre-busting journey back to the Prehistoric. Confirmed panelists include Iain McCaig (Star Wars), David Krentz (Disney's Dinosaur), and Ricardo Delgado (Dark Horse Comics' Age of Reptiles), all of whom will be pitching their stories live! Hosted by producer Erik Nelson (Grizzly Man), the panel goes deep behind the scenes for an in-depth look at how this landmark production is creating stories, characters, and digital models for the new standard in realistic dinosaur storytelling. A once-in-a-decade opportunity to be present at the creation of an epic miniseries. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Nighttime Programming | Seminars & Workshops | Television

7:30-8:30 30 Days of Night: Dark Days— This highly anticipated sequel to the box office hit 30 Days of Night is based on the second book of the cult graphic novel series and will debut on Blu-ray and DVD this fall from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Director/co-screenwriter Ben Ketai (Dusk to Dusk), graphic novel creator/co-writer Steve Niles, stars Keile Sanchez (Lost), Diora Baird (TCM: The Beginning), and Rhys Coiro (Entourage, upcoming Straw Dogs), and producer J. R. Young (Ghosthouse) are on hand for an exclusive sneak peek, panel, and Q&A session. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comics | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:30 Grant Morrison: Talking with Gods— Get a first look at the upcoming feature-length documentary chronicling the life and work of one of comics' greatest writers, Grant Morrison. Featuring extensive interviews with Morrison himself as well as key collaborators, the film takes you inside Morrison's creative process and explores how his life and work have become inextricably intertwined. Moderated by FJ De Santo (producer, The Spirit), the panel features Patrick Meaney (director), Jordan Rennert (DP/producer), and a special guest! Room 9
Categories:  Comics | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Writers & Writing

7:45-9:15 The Totally Rad Show: Live— Hosts Alex Albrecht (Diggnation), Dan Trachtenberg, and Jeff Cannata (Weekend Confirmed, Reviews on the Run) bring their Webby and Podcast Award-winning geek culture show back to Comic-Con for the third straight year. Join the guys for an explosion of movie, video game, TV, and comic book news and reviews, and see what makes this Revision3 show such an Internet phenomenon. Room 5AB
Categories:  Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Anime & Manga | Comics | Fandom | Games | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Television

8:00-9:00 Anthropology of Twilight Zone— Daryl G. Frazetti (anthropologist, Western Nevada College) and Curtis Webster (Spirit of Star Trek host) examine Rod Serling's exploration of the ambiguity of reality as it relates to the human condition, exceeding cultural space/time constraints. This panel examines questions such as: What is the deeper cultural meaning of "perception"? What is the cultural meaning of myth? How might Twilight Zone function as myth? How do Sterling's insights speek to concepts of cultural and linguistic relativism? Don't miss this enthralling discussion on the mix of Serling's magic and science fiction as the presenters follow each twist and turn that moves the meanings of his stories into the mythical realm. Participation highly encouraged! Room 8
Categories:  Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

8:00-10:00 World Premiere: Batman: Under the Red Hood— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present the World Premiere of Batman: Under the Red Hood, the eighth entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original PG-13 movies. In the film, Batman faces his ultimate challenge as the mysterious Red Hood takes Gotham City by firestorm. One part vigilante, one part criminal kingpin, Red Hood begins cleaning up Gotham with the efficiency of Batman, but without following the same ethical code. Killing is an option. And when The Joker falls in the balance between the two, hard truths are revealed and old wounds are reopened. The stellar voice cast is led by Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek), Jensen Ackles (Supernatural), Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), John DiMaggio (Futurama), Jason Issacs (the Harry Potter films), and Vincent Martella (Phineas & Ferb). Executive producer Bruce Timm (DCU films), director Brandon Vietti (Superman: Doomsday), award-winning comics writer Judd Winick, casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano (DCU films) and members of the voice cast will be around for a postscreening panel that will reveal details behind the making of the film, a glimpse of the 2011 DC Universe Animated Original Movies slate, and a first look at the next DCU film, Superman/Batman: Apocalypse. Warner Home Video will distribute Batman: Under the Red Hood on Blu-Ray and DVD, OnDemand and For Download on July 27, 2010. Note: a second encore screening will take place in the same room beginning at 10:15. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Animation | Comics | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes

8:15-9:15 Marvel: Iron Man Anime— Witness the dawn of Marvel Anime with the world premiere of the highly anticipated full-length pilot episode of Iron Man! Also: an exclusive first look at upcoming designs produced by the world-renowned Japanese animation studio Madhouse, whose notable films (to name a few) include hits such as Ninja Scroll and The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comics | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes

8:30-9:30 Ironclad Panel and Footage— A medieval Magnificent Seven that combines the visceral action of 300 with the impassioned heroism and romance of Braveheart, Ironclad is a violent action thriller that tells the true story of a motley crew of tough, battle hardened warriors, who withstood several brutal and bloody months under siege, in a desperate bid to defend their country’s freedom. Starring James Purefoy, Paul Giamatti, Brian Cox, Kate Mara, Jason Flemyng, and Derek Jacobi. Filmmakers Jonathan English (Minotaur), Andrew Curtis (Lost In La Mancha), and Rick Benattar (Shoot 'em Up) will screen an 11-minute battle sequence from the film and host a Q&A afterward. Special surprise guests to appear! Room 7AB
Categories:  Action/Adventure | Movies | Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards— The 22nd annual Eisner Awards, the "Oscars" of the comics industry, will be given out at a gala ceremony at the Indigo Ballroom at the Hilton Bayfront. This year's special theme is "Comics Fiesta." The masters of ceremony are Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison and voice actor Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama). Presenters include writer/actor Thomas Robert and Ben Garant (Reno 911, Balls of Fury), cartoonist Berkeley Breathed (Bloom County), comedian/voice actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Family Guy, MadTV), comics writer James Robinson (Starman, Justice League of America), with many more to be announced. Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees -- just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pro and VIP seating at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15. All those who attend will receive a free Will Eisner graphic novel. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Awards Ceremonies | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Nighttime Programming | Writers & Writing

8:45-10:45 Syfy Friday Night Screening: Eureka and Haven— Just because it's Comic-Con doesn't mean you have to miss your favorite Syfy shows. Join Syfy fans for this week's all-new episodes of Eureka (guest-starring Wil Wheaton) and Haven, featuring a special introduction from Jaime Paglia (co-creator/executive producer/writer, Eureka). Room 6A
Categories:  Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

9:00-10:00 Worst Cartoons Ever— Animation historian Jerry Beck (Cartoon Brew) returns with an all-new program of some of the worst cartoons ever made, including the Phys Ed super-hero Mighty Mr. Titan, space cadet Johnny Cypher, and a canine crime fighter named Bat Beagle. Have a ball with the best/bad animation ever! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Nighttime Programming | Television

9:30-10:30 The Blood Factory— To unlock the bone-chilling secrets of The Blood Factory, join Danny De Vito (actor/director/star of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia), John Albo (writer/director of Flexing with Monty), Nick Bonamy (art director of The Blood Factory), "Tkay" Raul Garcia (website developer), Frank Ippolito (effects makeup, Pirates of the Caribbean 2 & 3), and William Mesa (visual effects, Army of Darkness). Relish new short films from The Blood Factory: tales of horror that will conjure nightmares to disturb your sleep for nights to come. Room 5AB
Categories:  Horror and Suspense | Nighttime Programming | Television

10:00-12:00 Spike & Mike's Festival of Animation: Sick and Twisted— Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation blasts back to Comic-Con with the venerable cult classic festival "Sick and Twisted," chock full of new and classic downright wrong cartoons. Come join the fun and meet Spike! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming

Channel Surfing: HBO's Miraculous Year Lands Lee Pace, Team Darlton Talk Lost, Friday Night Lights, and More

Welcome to your Friday morning television briefing.

According to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, HBO's drama pilot Miraculous Year, from executive producer Kathryn Bigelow just got even more miraculous. The project, which is described as "an examination of a New York family as seen through the eyes of a charismatic, self-destructive Broadway composer," just signed a slew of stars to round out its cast, including former Pushing Daisies star Lee Pace, Linus Roache (Law & Order), and Stark Sands (Generation Kill)... who will join the already high-wattage cast of Eddie Redmayne, Hope Davis, Frank Langella, and Patti LuPone. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

E! Online's Megan Masters spoke to former Lost showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse about the ABC drama's Emmy nominations now that the series has wrapped up its six-season run... and why they chose to break their radio silence. "Every year after the finale we've always gone into radio silence just because we're pretty sick of ourselves, so we can't even imagine what everybody else thinks of us," said Lindelof. "And we've always broken our radio silence at Comic-Con, and this year we're obviously not going to Comic-Con because it's about promoting something to come. The idea of looking back on the show is not something we were particularly interested in, looking back at ourselves. But around a week ago, Carlton and I had both been on vacation and received an email from someone at ABC asking [if we would] be willing to do some press. And that was our first contact with each other where it was like, alright, of course. If the show gets recognized, it feels totally appropriate for us to express out feelings about how awesome that is. There's no reason to not talk about Lost ever again, it's just not in our DNA. Had the show not been nominated for anything, I'm sure Carlton and I would have emerged at some appropriate time over the summer to talk about—" "To begin begging for work at Starbucks," Cuse cut him off, laughing. (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)

Elsewhere, Deadline's Nellie Andreeva also caught up with Team Darlton to discuss the 12 Emmy nominations that Lost racked up yesterday and on the divisive series finale. "I do feel we spent so much time talking about how we were gonna end the show (we started getting questions about that right after the pilot) so the fact that we ended it on our own terms makes us feel absolutely no regrets," said Lindelof. "We acknowledge that it was always a polarizing show that created many theories and made fans passionate about it. It wouldn’t be Lost if everyone loved the finale, but we’re pretty pleased." (Deadline)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello caught up with Friday Night Lights's Connie Britton, who received an Emmy nomination alongside her co-star Kyle Chandler yesterday and who thought that "there must be some mistake." (Aw.) Asked whether she had received an interesting phone calls after the nomination, Britton replied, "I just had a really fun phone call with our executive producer Sarah Aubrey. She works with Peter Berg and has been involved with Friday Night Lights since the movie, and is arguably one of the most passionate people ever about this show. She was like, 'I was doing Pilates and I just unabashedly started jumping up and down!' It’s just exciting. We’re about to wrap the show—we’re two weeks away from wrapping the show—and it’s been really melancholy. I’m just feeling it. I’m feeling it approaching—the end is near. So this just feels like such an unexpected surprise and present." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Remember the rumor floating about the other day that the star of Vicky Cristina Barcelona would be dropping by Glee as a rock star who befriends Artie? Apparently, there's no truth to that story whatsoever, according to Los Angeles Times's Maria Elena Fernandez. A 20th Century Fox Television spokesperson has denied reports that Javier Bardem--and Snoop Dogg--would be appearing on FOX's Glee next season. (Los Angeles Times' Show Tracker)

With Steve Carell set to leave NBC's The Office at the end of next season, one of the show's producers has her sights on his replacement. Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello talks to co-executive producer Mindy Kaling about her pick to take over as the boss in Scranton. "I’d love to see Rainn Wilson in that position,” said Kaling. “Dwight has become so nuanced — you actually care about him now. I think if [we did a good job laying the groundwork] this coming season, he would be a fantastic boss... But that’s my dream. It certainly hasn’t been approved by people that are more powerful than me and who make those kinds of decisions." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

ABC has announced premiere dates for all of its new and returning fall series (except, that is, for Body of Proof and Secret Millionaire):

September 20th:
Dancing with the Stars
Castle

September 21st:
Detroit 1-8-7

September 22nd:
The Middle
Better With You (formerly known as Better Together)
Modern Family
Cougar Town
The Whole Truth

September 23rd:
My Generation
Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice

September 24th:
20/20

September 26th:
America's Funniest Home Videos
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Desperate Housewives
Brothers & Sisters

September 28th:
No Ordinary Family
Dancing with the Stars Results Show

You'll notice that while ABC did change the the title of one of its series, that series isn't Cougar Town, which will keep its title going into its sophomore season after all. (via press release)

Comedy Central has ordered a script for multi-camera comedy Brothers From Another Mother, which will feature comedians Ralphie May and Lavell Crawford as long-time friends who discover that, despite their racial differences, they are actually brothers when their father dies and leaves them his barbeque business. (Hollywood Reporter)

Lewis fans, take heart: ITV has ordered a fifth season of Lewis, comprised of four episodes. (Broadcast)

File under litigious: Hayden Christensen is using USA, claiming that the network stole his idea about a concierge doctor who makes house calls to his wealthy patients and turned it into its dramedy series Royal Pains, now in its second season. Christesen and his brother Tove filed the lawsuit in New York District Court. "The brothers allegedly brought the idea for a concierge doctor show titled Housecall to USA and met with Alex Pepiol, who at the time was manager of original scripted series programing at the network," writes The Hollywood Reporter's Eriq Gardner. "They say they also sent him materials including a treatment, character biographies and show ideas." (Hollywood Reporter)

Season Four of reality series LA Ink will kick off on TLC on Wednesday, August 11th at 10 pm ET/PT. (via press release)

Stay tuned.

San Diego Comic-Con 2010: Thursday Schedule Live

Huzzah! With just two weeks to go before the start of San Diego Comic-Con 2010, the convention has finally begun to release its full schedule.

Continuing its trend of releasing single-day lineups over four days, the convention has today announced the programming schedule for Thursday, July 22nd. Among the offerings on the first day of Comic-Con 2010, Tron: Legacy, Caprica/Battlestar, Charlaine Harris, Burn Notice, Salt, Battle: Los Angeles, White Collar, Psych, JJ Abrams/Joss Whedon, Transformers Prime, The Expendables, Look Around You, Children's Hospital, Dexter, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and much more.

The big ticket event will likely be Entertainment Weekly's JJ Abrams and Joss Whedon nerdvana panel, likely to be one of the toughest sessions to gain admission to. It's now officially set for 3:30-4:30 pm in Hall H.

The full schedule for Thursday can be found below. Be sure to come back tomorrow for Friday's lineup...

Continue reading full story...




Thursday, July 22
10:00-11:00 Jeff Smith— The perfect way to start off Comic-Con 2010's program schedule is with a visit with Jeff Smith! Jeff discusses his current sci-fi adventure series, Rasl, as well as the upcoming Bone books from Graphix. Highlights include plans for the upcoming 20th anniversary celebration of Bone and all the latest on the Warner Bros. Bone feature film! Room 5AB
Categories: Anniversaries | Comics | Humor & Satire | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 Anarchy In The USA: 2000 AD Invades Comic-Con— Pat Mills (2000 AD creator) and Keith Richardson (2000 AD graphic novels editor) discuss all things 2000 AD related with a focus on the new mass-market U.S. graphic novels line. Room 9
Categories: Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 The Spark of Imagination— Peek inside the minds of leading authors and filmmakers to explore how imagination informs the creative process. New York Times bestselling children's author Tony DiTerlizzi (The Spiderwick Chronicles) details the precedent-setting augmented reality used in his new Simon & Schuster novel The Search for Wondla; LAIKA president/CEO Travis Knight (lead animator on the Oscar-nominated stop-motion movie Coraline) explains how his studio will continue to take bold chances in the animated feature film world; and graphic novelist and Comic-Con special guest Doug TenNapel (Earthworm Jim) describes exactly how a blank page comes to be inhabited with his compelling imagery. Geoff Boucher, reporter and HeroComplex.com blogger with the Los Angeles Times, moderates this fascinating panel discussion and Q&A. Room 25ABC
Categories: Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Fan's Guide to Comic-Con— Wesley Strawther, Matthew Jeffrey, and Jesse Lopez present their own version of Comic-Con survival tips with an hour of helpful hints any fanboy or fangirl will enjoy. Hear what these three convention veterans (with more than three decades of attendance combined) have to say about getting through your weekend with as few headaches -- and as much fun -- as possible. Room 32AB
Categories: Fandom

10:00-11:00 DreamWorks Animation: Megamind— DreamWorks Animation makes its Comic-Con debut with Megamind. The characters Megamind and Metro Man are jettisoned to Earth as babies when their home planets are destroyed. Megamind crash-lands inside a maximum-security prison, where he evolves into the wicked and diabolical genius he is today, while the dashingly handsome superhero Metro Man grows into the universally adored savior of Metro City, beloved by every man, woman and child -- and especially the city's ace reporter Roxanne Ritchi. These life-long archenemies will rewrite superhero movie lore when they challenge each other to the ultimate showdown of Good vs. Evil! Megamind stars Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, and Jonah Hill and director Tom McGrath join forces to unveil footage from DreamWorks Animation's November 5 release. Hall H
Categories: Animation | Movies | Superheroes

10:15-11:15 DC Comics Writers Unite!— Originally a successful panel at WonderCon 2010, "Comics Writers Unite!" (see the Comic-Con Souvenir Book for a transcript) brought together a number of special guests to talk about the art of writing. Part of a series of programs at this year's Comic-Con celebrating "The Year of the Writer," this panel features special guests Paul Levitz (Legion of Super-Heroes), Dennis O'Neil (Batman, The Question), and J. Michael Straczynski (Superman, Wonder Woman), along with Gail Simone (Birds of Prey, Secret Six), Judd Winick (Justice League: Generation Lost, Power Girl), and moderator James Robinson (Starman, Justice League of America). Room 6DE
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 Tripwire Magazine— Editor-in-chief Joel Meadows, U.S. editor Andy Grossberg, and staff writer/artist Jeff Carlisle from Tripwire magazine discuss the present and future -- digital and otherwise -- of comics, movies, and our genre culture. There may be treats for a lucky few. Room 3
Categories: Comics | Fandom | Movies

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search— DC's editorial art director Mark Chiarello presents an informative orientation session that will explain how DC's Talent Search works and discuss the different needs of DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm and MAD magazine publications. If you want to learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional, this is the panel for you! To have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
Categories: Comics | Seminars & Workshops

10:30-11:30 Danny Elfman— From Pee-Wee's Big Adventure to Alice in Wonderland, composer Danny Elfman discusses his 25-year collaboration with director Tim Burton. Their legendary partnership includes such films as Beetle Juice, Batman, Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Joining Mr. Elfman will be Warner Brothers Records executives to announce their plans to celebrate this quarter-century milestone. Room 6BCF
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:30-11:30 TheOneRing.net Talks The Hobbit movies— Chris Pirrotta, Cliff Broadway, and Larry D. Curtis, staff members from TORn (the gold standard of fansites and a consistent breaking news source) talk about the latest on the two coming Hobbit films, including mainstream news, spy reports, and rumors. Special guests are a possibility; audio and visuals are a given with a Q&A and all sorts of fun. Room 7AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:30-11:30 Divas and Golden Lassoes: The LGBT Obsession with Super Heroines— Why do LGBT comic book fans, especially gay men, worship female superheroes? Going beyond just collecting the comics of Wonder Woman, Batgirl, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Donna Troy, Saturn Girl, and many more, LGBT fans intensely identify with and take great inspiration from these iconic heroines. To discuss this phenomenon, moderator Charles "Zan" Christensen (Mark of Aeacus) has assembled an esteemed panel featuring Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), Phil Jimenez (The Essential Wonder Woman Encyclopedia), Andy Mangels (founder, "Wonder Woman Day"), and Michael Troy (The Blonde Squad). Room 8
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

10:30-11:30 The Power of Myth— Fantasy authors discuss claiming world mythology to shape one's own stories. Authors include Comic-Con special guest Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series), Amber Benson (the Calliope Reaper-Jones Novels), Esther Friesner (Sphinx's Princess), Thomas Greanias (The Promised War), Lev Grossman (The Magicians), Les Klinger (editor, The New Annotated Dracula), Seanan McGuire (the October Daye novels), Michael Scott (the Secret of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series), and Thomas Sniegoski (Where Angels Fear To Tread). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 24ABC
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Comics in the Classroom— Lisa Vizcarra (Carquinez Middle School) explores the pedagogy for creating a middle school biology curriculum based on the book Becoming Batman by E. Paul Zehr, who will join the discussion. Kathy Hall (El Camino College) gives an overview of techniques and assignments for teaching Watchmen in the first-year composition course. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Bill McGrath (National University) provides illustrations and examples of how comics formats can be used for differentiated instruction to English learners. Room 26AB
Categories: Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 101: Start Your (Creative) Engines!— Any racer will tell you that the key to winning is preparation. The same is true for creative enterprises—rushing a new property out the door without the proper IP protections in place could be costly. Luckily, help is close by, as the Comic Book Law School series returns to Comic-Con, brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book. This interactive lecture series provides a basic foundation for understanding copyright and trademark law. Up first, the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, and names from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as new decisions and changes in the law and how they could affect those rights. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.] Room 30CDE
Categories: Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Comics Law School | Writers & Writing

10:45-11:45 Cuckoo Nest Films: Hoohah! Heroes Behind the Heroes— This preview of the new film Hoohah! Heroes Behind the Heroes delves into the lives of the creators responsible for writing and drawing some of comics' most beloved heroes and villains, from the whimsical and humorous to the terrifying. It's through their stories in comic books that we come to know these writers and artists on a personal level. Panelists Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Mark Evanier (Groo the Wanderer), Bill Morrison (Simpsons Comics), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), and Scott Shaw! (Captain Carrot and His Amazing Zoo Crew!) engage in a discussion and Q&A session with director Jerry Hogrewe. Room 6A
Categories: Comics | Movies | Superheroes

11:00-12:00 That Chris Gore Show— Attack of the Show's film expert Chris Gore promises a glimpse into geekdom and a raucus Q&A. Gore will show a preview of his upcoming documentary, present a sneak peek of his new show, and finally answer the burning question, what is the greatest DVD of all time? Room 5AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies

11:00-12:00 The Clockwork Girl— The Clockwork Girl is in production as a stereoscopic 3D computer generated feature film based on the comic book series published by Arcana. Producer Sean O'Reilly will talk about how CJ Entertainment financed Dreamworks Animation in 1995 and is now behind The Clockwork Girl through Luximation Animation. Alexa Vega (Spy Kids) and Sean Covel and Doc Wyatt (Napoleon Dynamite) talk about the feature film and show an exclusive featurette for The Clockwork Girl. Room 9
Categories: Animation | Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:00-12:00 BOOM! Irredeemable/Incorruptible Panel— Mark Waid's bestselling/multiple sellout Irredeemable took comicdom by storm last year, becoming one of the top-selling independent comics of 2009. Writer Mark Waid and Irredeemable artist Peter Krause look back at the series' beginnings, its future, and its sister series, Incorruptible. Big announcements will be made at this not-to-be-missed panel for any fan of these books! Room 32AB
Categories: Comics

11:15-12:45 Walt Disney Pictures: TRON: Legacy— Returning for an unprecedented third year to the fans and convention that started it all, Walt Disney Pictures is pleased to present a special insider look at the upcoming TRON: Legacy. Panelists include filmmakers and talent from the film: director Joe Kosinski, producers Sean Bailey and Steven Lisberger, and cast members Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen, and Bruce Boxleitner. The discussion, moderated by Patton Oswalt, is set to include exclusive glimpses of the film, as well as a Q&A involving all panel participants, along with special surprise guests. Hall H
Categories: Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:30-12:30 Dumbrella— Artists from Dumbrella, one of the most popular online comic collectives, discuss webcomics, independent publishing, and subverting popular culture. Feel free to quiz Andrew Bell (The Creatures in my Head), Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie), Jon Rosenberg (Goats), Richard Stevens III (Diesel Sweeties), and Chris Yates (Chris Yates Studios) about anything your Internet heart desires. Room 3
Categories: Comics | Webcomics

11:30-12:30 Action Webcomics— Does this sound like you: you love action comics but the big companies aren't hiring you. So you decide to make your own but have no cash for printing and distribution. Web comics could get you past those hurdles but you can't find many action-based comics on the web. Where can you find the tools and inspiration to make your high-octane dream come true? John Van Fleet (Marvel, DC), Dave DeVries (Marvel, DC) and Alex Jimenez (Capcom, Seed Studio) -- the creators of the action packed webcomic Blueshift -- join forces to answer and inspire you to full-throttled Internet expression! Whether your story is science fiction, superhero, fantasy or horror, this seminar will turn the hurdles of creation, promotion, and team building into manageable speed bumps. Q&A session! Room 4
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Webcomics

11:30-12:30 DC Nation Convention Kickoff!— The DC Nation invades San Diego and you're invited along for the ride! Celebrate the start of what promises to be an unforgettable convention experience. Your hosts, DC co-publishers Dan DiDio and Jim Lee get the party started here! The Nation welcomes all. Room 6DE
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

11:30-12:30 Mattel and WWE: The Ultimate Tag Team— Take a peek behind the curtain of two of the world's top entertainment companies to learn how WWE's exciting storylines come together and get translated into Mattel's all-new action figure toy line! Get a sneak peek at upcoming products and be the first to hear exciting announcements for the 2011 line. Don't miss out! Join WWE Superstars The Miz and Eve, WWE SVP of creative writing Brian Gewirtz, WWE lead writer Ed Koskey, WWE VP of global licensing Florence DiGiorgio, Mattel toy designers Bill Miekina and Derek Handy, and Mattel WWE brand manager Enrique Ruvalcaba for an action-packed Q&A! Room 7AB
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Television

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Kurt Busiek— The Eisner Award–winning writer and Comic-Con special guest discusses his career -- past, present, and future -- in comics. With a résumé that includes Superman, Justice League/Avengers, Conan, and his own creator-owned projects Astro City and Arrowsmith, Kurt Busiek is one of comics most popular writers! Room 8
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Iron Man and Rocket Men: Is Stark Industries an Appropriate Model for Private-Industry Space Exploration?— Leading New Space entrepreneurs Mark Street (XCOR Aerospace) and John Hunter (Quicklaunch) discuss realistic options for future space exploration. Presented by the San Diego Space Society (SD Space), the panel also includes Chris Radcliff (SD Space) and Dave Rankin (The Mars Society - San Diego cofounder). Jeff Berkwits (former Amazing Stories editor and two-time Hugo Award nominee) moderates. Room 24ABC
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

11:45-12:45 Spotlight on Stan and Hunter Freberg— He's the icon who has been at the forefront of pop culture for over 60 years; she's the popular media personality who has entertained audiences on TV and in personal appearances. Stan and Hunter Freberg were such a hit at last year's Comic-Con we brought them back for a return appearance as special guests. Comic-Con stalwart -- and friend of the Frebergs -- Mark Evanier introduces this special spotlight panel. Room 6BCF
Categories: Animation | Humor & Satire | Television

12:00-1:00 X-Play LIVE: A Show on Television— Through 12 years, three name changes, and over 1,000 episodes, X-Play has persevered as the most watched video game show on television. Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, previews, hands-on demos, and the occasional off-hand reference to early David Cronenberg movies. Hosts Adam Sessler and Morgan Webb, with correspondents Blair Herter, Abbie Heppe, and the X-Play crew, take questions from the audience, reveal world exclusive behind-the-scenes stories, and mock whoever dares ask about the infamous "Crisis Core" review. You'll find out what it really feels like when you win a Telly, how deep cable is a life-changing experience, and why having a career playing video games can actually be as fun as it sounds. Room 5AB
Categories: Fandom | Games | Television

12:00-1:00 Caprica, Battlestar, and Beyond— Hosted by actor/author Richard Hatch (Tom Zarek, Capt. Apollo, So Say We All), this panel features composer Bear McCreary (Battlestar, Ureka, Caprica), producer/writer Michael Tayler (Battlestar, Caprica, Star Trek), science consultant Kevin Grazier (Battlestar, Ureka), and special guests. Richard and the panelists will proide reviews, discussion, and Q&A of Caprica, Battlestar Galactica, and the upcoming BSG movie, including trailers. Room 6A
Categories: Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

12:00-1:00 Oni Press Presents Panelmonium 2010— Often imitated but never duplicated! Get up close and personal with trend-setting indie comics powerhouse Oni Press. Join in the Q&A with your favorite Oni creators, including Cullen Bunn and Brian Hurtt (The Sixth Gun), Jarrett Williams (Super Pro K.O.), Rafael Albuquerque (Mondo Urbano), and many more! Get sneak peeks at upcoming Oni projects, news on Oni Press fan initiatives, free Oni comics, prizes, and more! Guaranteed by Oni Press's totally biased employees to be "the most fun you'll ever have at a panel." Room 9
Categories: Comics

12:00-1:00 Dead Rising 2— Dead Rising 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Capcom's multi-million-selling zombie action video game is here! Dead Rising 2 executive producers Keiji Inafune and Shinsaku Ohara unveil development stories, provide a live demo of creating new weapons, and reveal other exclusive content. Followed by a Q&A session. Room 25ABC
Categories: Action/Adventure | Games | Horror and Suspense

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: So You Think You Can Make Transmedia Entertainment?— Over the past few years, the American entertainment world has discovered the power of transmedia entertainment, with more and more stories getting integrated across film, television, games, the web, and of course, comics. Each new franchise -- from The Matrix to Heroes and Lost, from District 9 to Avatar -- has shown us something new about the ways transmedia franchises can be organized. In a talk addressing fans and media producers alike, Henry Jenkins (USC), author of Convergence Culture: Where Old and New Media Collide, offering a vocabulary for discussing how we can tell if it is done well or not. Room 26AB
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Games | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television | Webcomics

12:00-1:00 CBLDF Master Session: Paul Pope: Inking with Speed and Precision— Paul Pope became an art icon by building unforgettable characters and worlds with his fearlessly fluid and singular line art. Each of his pages appears to be tightly composed but rapidly executed. Bring your sketchbooks and learn the secrets of a fast, but precise approach to inking at this CBLDF Master Session. The original art from the session will be auctioned off on Saturday night in the CBLDF's Art Auction. Room 30CDE
Categories: Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

12:00-1:00 Gamera, The Invincible!— Author August Ragone (Chronicle Books' Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters) presents a visual tribute to Godzilla's No. 1 rival, the original Mutant Flying Turtle himself: Gamera! This program celebrates the first official DVD release of the original 1960s–1970s film series from Shout! Factory, with commentary on how Gamera was created and how the films were made, as well as rare, behind-the-scenes photographs and clips. Find out if Gamera is really full of turtle meat in the Q&A and win copies of Shout!'s latest release Gamera vs. Barugon -- all in one colossal presentation guaranteed to knock you right out of your shell! Room 32AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies

12:30-1:30 Bongo Comics Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics offers a mouth-watering preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons and Futurama and a few other surprises. Managing editor Terry Delegeane and creative director Bill Morrison hosts a panel featuring the writers and artists who create the comics and books based on Matt Groening's phenomenal TV shows. Find out what's in the future for Futurama Comics and what to surmise about Simpsons Comics. And stay tuned for an announcement about the newest addition to the wonderful world of humor comics. This is a "must-attend" panel for all fans of The Simpsons and Futurama and anyone looking for a place to sit down! Room 3
Categories: Animation | Comics | Humor & Satire

12:30-1:30 Batman: The Widening Gyre— As Bat-fans know, Batman: The Widening Gyre revealed a previously untold period in Batman's life. DC group editor Michael Marts, series artist Walt Flanagan, and inker Art Thibert reveal secrets behind the highly anticipated conclusion. Room 4
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comics | Superheroes

12:30-1:30 Sci-Fi That Will Change Your Life— What makes sci-fi great, other than awesome explosions and hot aliens? Sometimes it makes you reimagine your place in the universe. Join io9.com staff and friends as they recommend sci-fi from the past year that will entertain you -- and then change your life. Panelists include io9 staff writers Annalee Newitz, Charlie Jane Anders, Meredith Woerner, and Cyriaque Lamar, plus io9 pals Marc Bernardin (The Authority, The Highwaymen), Bonnie Burton (StarWars.com), and Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 7AB
Categories: Animation | Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Manga for Grown-Ups: Garo, Ax, Gekiga, and the Alternative Manga Revolution— Sean Michael Wilson (editor of Top Shelf's new Ax anthology) and friends present a visual and verbal tour of the past, present, and future of alternative comics from Japan. Featuring rare images, this talk spotlights such gekiga giants as Yoshihiro Tatsumi, Yoshiharu Tsuge, and Masahiko Matsumoto, as well as modern alt-manga from Ax creators such as Imiri Sakabashira, Kazuichi Hanawa, Akino Kondo, Yusaku Hanakuma, and Takashi Nemoto. Plus a special announcement about another exciting gekiga book to come! Room 8
Categories: Anime & Manga | Comics | Fandom

12:30-1:30 City of Heroes Going Rogue: Reinventing a Superheroic MMO— Find out how the world's most popular super-powered MMO is redefining the online gaming experience with City of Heroes Going Rogue. New content and features will allow players to enter a new world with true moral challenges. Fans have been reading stories about heroes dangling on the edge of evil or villains seeking redemption. Now they can live those adventures. Jesse "Ghost Falcon" Caceres (development producer), Melissa "War Witch" Bianco (lead game designer), Matt "Positron" Miller (lead systems designer), and David "Noble Savage" Nakayama (art lead) establish the innovations that will allow your hero or villain to experience the ultimate adventure. Room 24ABC
Categories: Games | Superheroes

12:45-1:45 Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way— Welcome to the House of Ideas, where the doors have never been more open to new talent than today! Talent liaison C. B. Cebulski is joined by special guests Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Skottie Young, Humberto Ramos, and more to talk about what it takes to make yours Marvel as a profession, from writer to artist to editor and more! Do you have what it takes? Come find out! Room 6DE
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

1:00-2:00 Video Game Comics: The Next Big Thing— Are video games the biggest thing to hit comics since superheroes? Richard George from IGN explores this phenomenon, along with representatives from Dark Horse, EA, IDW, and WildStorm. Featuring some of the hottest video game properties in comics: Mass Effect, Dragon Age, Gears of War, Fallout: New Vegas, Army of Two, God of War and more, this is one panel fans of either medium won't want to miss! Room 5AB
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Charlaine Harris— Author and Comic-Con special guest Charlaine Harris gathered a huge fan base with her novels and stories featuring her characters mystery-solving librarian Aurora Teagarden; Shakespeare, Arkansas resident Lily Bard; and the telepathic barmaid who befriends vampires, werewolves, and various other odd creatures, Sookie Stackhouse. Once Sookie and company moved to the small screen with HBO's True Blood, Harris entered the superstar realm. Be a part of the very first Spotlight panel devoted to Charlaine and hear what she has to say about what comes next for Sookie and everyone else! Room 6BCF
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

1:00-2:00 Ape Entertainment— Learn about Ape Entertainment's current and upcoming Dreamworks Animation line featuring Shrek, Penguins of Madagascar, and Megamind, as well as other Kizoic all-ages brand titles, including Pocket God, based on the bestselling iPhone application. And don't miss out on the big announcements of properties coming to Ape Entertainment/Kizoic in 2011, and receive a free comic book simply for showing up at the panel. Room 9
Categories: Animation | Comics

1:00-3:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Steve Rude— Award-winning comics illustrator and Comic-Con special guest Steve Rude will paint a realistic portrait of a beautiful blonde heroine from his imagination. Learn valuable illustration techniques and how to draw the human figure. Recommended for all ages and experience levels. Room 18
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 USA Network's Burn Notice— Bruce Campbell (Sam Axe), Matt Nix (creator and executive producer), and Alfredo Barrios, Jr. (executive producer) host a panel discussion and answer questions about the creative process of evolving an embryonic idea into a finished episode of cable's #1 show. Fans will gain an intimate look inside the world of Burn Notice, complete with war stories from the writer's room and filming on location in Miami. Exclusive video content will include tips on how to survive Comic-Con from your favorite burned spy, Michael Westen (played by Jeffrey Donovan), highlights from all four seasons and an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming episodes. Ballroom 20
Categories: Action/Adventure | Television

1:00-2:00 Hasbro GI Joe— The Hasbro design and marketing teams and representatives from Hasbro Studios -- including Derryl DePriest (Hasbro Marketing), John Warden (Hasbro Design), Aaron Archer (Hasbro Brand IP Development), Jeff Kline (executive producer, G.I. Joe Renegades), and Michael Vogel (Hasbro Studios) -- discuss new initiatives for Hasbro's G.I. Joe brand. Fans won't want to miss details from the showrunner and members of the creative team for the new G.I. Joe Renegades animated television series coming to The Hub network this fall! Also includes Q&A time. Room 25ABC
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Action/Adventure | Animation | Television

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #3: New Fun About Siegel and Shuster— Gerard Jones (Networked: Carabella on the Run) leads Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson Brown (grand-daughter of Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson), Brad Ricca (Last Son), and copyright expert Lauren Agostino in a discussion about the creative influences and legal issues surrounding Siegel and Shuster's early characters. Also, Mel Gordon (California State University East Bay) shares insights about Jewish superheroes from his new book Siegel and Shuster's Funnyman: The First Jewish Superhero, co-authored by Thomas Andrae. Room 26AB
Categories: Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Rob Liefeld: Designing Iconic Characters— Learn what it takes to design a character that's lasting, iconic, and cool. Using his legendary creations Deadpool, Cable, and Youngblood as examples, Rob Liefeld shows you the values that go into creating a character who can leap from the comics page and into games, film, television, and merchandise. The original art from this session will be auctioned off on Saturday night at the CBLDF's Art Auction! Room 30CDE
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | CBLDF Events | Comics | Movies | Television

1:00-2:00 Digital Bits: Blu-ray Producers 2010— Bill Hunt, Adam Jahnke, and Todd Doogan (of TheDigitalBits.com) drill down on the latest DVD and Blu-ray developments with some of the leading special-edition producers in Hollywood! Panelists include Cliff Stephenson (Rambo: Director's Cut, Expendables), Charles de Lauzirika (Robin Hood, Alien Anthology), Javier Soto (Predators, Mimic, The Devil's Backbone), and Brian Ward (Transformers, G.I. Joe, Max Headroom). Don't miss out on all the insider scoops, audience Q&A, and sneak peeks at great upcoming discs! Room 32AB
Categories: Action/Adventure | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Sony Pictures Entertainment: Battle: Los Angeles and Salt— Two great new films from Sony Pictures Entertainment are showcased in this Hall H presentation!
Battle: Los Angeles—When unknown forces suddenly and mercilessly attack the City of Angels out of nowhere, it's up to a local Marine staff sergeant (Aaron Eckhart) and a new platoon of unseasoned soldiers to meet the threat. As the invasion hits the streets of LA, these Marines become our first and last line of defense in an intense battle against an enemy unlike any they've ever encountered before. Appearing in person are Michelle Rodriguez, Aaron Eckhart, Neal Moritz, and director Jonathan Liebesman.

Salt -- Opening in theaters everywhere tomorrow, Columbia Pictures brings an exclusive and surprising look at Salt to Comic-Con today, featuring some very special guests. As a CIA officer, Evelyn Salt (Angelina Jolie) swore an oath to duty, honor and country. Her loyalty will be tested when a defector accuses her of being a Russian spy. Salt goes on the run, using all her skills and years of experience as a covert operative to elude capture, but her efforts to prove her innocence only serve to cast doubt on her motives as the hunt to uncover the truth behind her identity continues and the question remains: "Who is Salt?"
Hall H
Categories: Action/Adventure | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:15-2:15 World Premiere of the First Game From 38 Studios— Be among the first in the world to see the video game debut from Curt Schilling's 38 Studios. Hear from the visionaries who have teamed up to create this highly anticipated RPG and the rich world it is set in, including 38 Studios' executive art director Todd McFarlane (Spawn, Spider-Man), executive creator of worlds R. A. Salvatore (Forgotten Realms), lead designer Ken Rolston (Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion), and founder and chairman Curt Schilling. Learn all about this ambitious new project as 38 Studios unveils the name of the game along with the world premiere of the game's first trailer directed by McFarlane. Attendees will also receive a limited-edition poster. Room 6A
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Games

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Dusty Higgins and Van Jensen— Pinocchio the Vampire Slayer creators and Comic-Con special guests Dusty Higgins and Van Jensen are spotlighted in a panel moderated by Heidi MacDonald. The pair talk about the origins of their project, their reactions to the positive feedback -- which included having their debut graphic novel from SLG Publishing named as one of the top 10 best graphic novels for teens by the Young Adult Library Service -- and show art from the upcoming sequel. Room 3
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Beanworld and the Leguminous Life of Larry Marder!— What is Beanworld? Where does it come from? How did it all begin? Comic-Con special guest Larry Marder and moderator Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics) celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marder's most peculiar comic book experience with a visual presentation and a lively dialogue about his many influences. This is your opportunity to discover why Beanworld has captivated readers from grade school to grad school over several generations. Be the first to get a glimpse into Marder's next Dark Horse Books original Beanworld graphic novel, Something More! Room 4
Categories: Anniversaries | Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Comic Book Sunday!— Comic book, film, and video game industry professionals Jhonen Vasquez (Invader Zim), Marv Wolfman (Blade), James Waugh (Blizzard Entertainment), Aaron Mason (Panzer 88), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Chris Prynoski (Titmouse Animation), Jim Kruger (Avengers), Oscar A. Torres (Breakthrough Films), and Benjamin Jackendoff (Carr Miller Entertainment) discuss how the Comic Book Sunday! group emerged and how they are actively changing the way the entertainment industry works. Panel topics include how to build an idea to create a universe or franchise; the importance of being well versed in genre, video games, comics, etc.; and how groups like Comic Book Sunday! empower creators and have birthed new projects. The panel will also announce future plans for the group and brand, as well as new film and comic book projects. If you have a passion for cutting-edge comic books, films, and games, please join us for this panel and Q&A session! Room 7AB
Categories: Animation | Comics | Games | Movies

1:30-2:30 Bill Plympton's Hair High and Adventures in Plymptoons— Meet "King of the Indie Animators" Bill Plympton (Idiots & Angels) and celebrate the release of his classic hand-drawn animated feature Hair High on DVD. This award-winning film features the voice talents of Sarah Silverman, Dermot Mulroney, David Carradine, Martha Plimpton, and Justin Long in an outrageous romantic zombie comedy that tells the story of a teenage couple murdered on prom night, who return for revenge. This is one "rom-zom-prom-com" you don't want to miss! Also, see clips from Adventures in Plymptoons, a documentary being made about the life and works of this Oscar-nominated animator, featuring interviews with Tom Kenny, Matthew Modine, Michael Showalter, and many more! Filmmakers Alexia Anastasio (Salome) and Kevin Sean Michaels (Vampira: The Movie) will be on hand to discuss the film. Everyone who attends will receive a free Bill Plympton drawing! Room 8
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Humor & Satire | Movies

1:30-2:30 Once Upon a Time— Fantasy authors discuss whether Epic Fantasy requires bigger-than-life heroes and heroines. Authors include Lynn Flewelling (The White Road), Christopher Paolini (the Inheritance cycle), Patrick Rothfuss (The Name of the Wind), Brandon Sanderson (The Way of Kings, Book 1 of The Stormlight Archive), Megan Whalen Turner (the Queen's Thief series), and Brent Weeks (the Night Angel Trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 24ABC
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Walt Disney Animation Studios: Character Creation!— Throughout the years, Walt Disney Animation Studios has brought us some of the most memorable, unique, and appealing onscreen characters. Disney Animation's upcoming release Tangled introduces a fresh and irresistible new bunch. Nathan Greno and Byron Howard (directors), Glen Keane (animation supervisor), and other artists from Tangled discuss the creation of their unforgettable characters. Room 5AB
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Movies | Seminars & Workshops

2:00-3:00 DC Focus: Geoff Johns— Geoff Johns's storytelling and creativity fueled event blockblusters Blackest Night and the new Brightest Day and the character rebirths of Green Lantern and The Flash. As the new chief creative officer of DC Entertainment, Geoff can be expected to deliver even more thrills and excitement as his focus shifts to bringing the DCU to life outside of the comics, starting with the Green Lantern film and many other surprises! Don't miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, group editor, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in comics. Room 6DE
Categories: Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Tom Palmer— Comic-Con special guest and legendary comics inker and artist Tom Palmer will be joined by Dean White, color artist on the Kick-Ass comics series, and possibly another member of the creative team for a Q&A session and discussion of the new Kick-Ass series about to be published. Moderated by Mark Waid. Room 9
Categories: Action/Adventure | Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

2:00-3:00 Hasbro Transformers— Aaron Archer (Hasbro Brand IP Development), Matt Proulx (Hasbro Marketing), and Hasbro Design's Michelino Paolino, Brian Wilk, Eric Siebenaler, Alan Roach, and Miyaki Tomoya are joined by Activision's Matt Tieger to talk about what's new with Transformers. The design and marketing teams will present all the latest toys from the new line as well as details about the Transformers: War for Cybertron video game from Activision. Also includes Q&A time. Room 25ABC
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Games | Movies | Television

2:00-3:30 Animation on a Shoe String— Learn the down and dirty tricks on how to create your own animation studio on a low budget, from the author of Animation on a Shoe String. Find out how to assemble the equipment you will need, how to build or buy equipment, and what software to use to edit and composite your project. Featuring Larry Loc, animation educator and author. Room 30CDE
Categories: Animation | Seminars & Workshops

2:00-3:00 Radical Publishing Panel— Hosted by Ain't It Cool News's very own Harry Knowles, Radical Publishing presents an all-star panel lineup with plenty of surprises, special announcements, and a free raffle ticket for everyone who attends. Panel guests include Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), co-creator and co-writer of Time Bomb; Rick Remender (Punisher), creator and writer for The Last Days of American Crime, soon to be a major motion picture produced by and starring Avatar's Sam Worthington; Peter Milligan (Hellblazer), writer for After Dark, co-created by director Antoine Fuqua and Wesley Snipes; Arvid Nelson (Rex Mundi), writer for the upcoming Oblivion from TRON: Legacy director Joseph Kosinski; Nick Percival (Judge Dredd), creator and artist for Legends: The Enchanted, soon to be a major motion picture from Ron Howard's Imagine Entertainment; David Hine (Spider-Man Noir), writer of Ryder on the Storm and FVZA; Matt Cirulnick (True Crime: New York City), creator and co-writer for Earp: Saints for Sinners; and Keith Arem (Call of Duty series), one of the gaming industry's leading director/producers as well as co-creator for the upcoming Exile. Room 32AB
Categories: Comics | Games | Movies | Writers & Writing

2:15-3:15 World of Warcraft: Epic Loot— Get your game on outside of Azeroth! A panel of Blizzard Entertainment creative decision makers and licensed partners are on hand for a discussion and unveiling of World of Warcraft-inspired products. In attendance: Chris Metzen, Blizzard Entertainment SVP of creative development; Micky Neilson, Blizzard Entertainment publishing lead; Hank Kanalz, VP/GM of WildStorm and World of Warcraft comic editor; Julian Rignall, Future Plus editorial director of World of Warcraft Official Magazine; Jim Fletcher, DC Direct design director; and Cory Jones, Cryptozoic Entertainment president and chief creative officer. Moderated by Kat Hunter, Blizzard Entertainment licensing project manager and host of BlizzCon coverage on DIRECTV. Room 6BCF
Categories: Comics | Games

2:15-3:15 USA Network's White Collar— Moderated by White Collar's very own conspiracy theorist, Willie Garson (Mozzie), the audience will have a chance to interact with creator Jeff Eastin, stars Matt Bomer (Neal Caffrey), Tim DeKay (FBI Agent Peter Burke), Marsha Thomason (Agent Diana Barrigan), Sharif Atkins (Agent Clinton Jones), and co-EP Jeff King. Fans will get an insider's look into the challenges of writing in Los Angeles while shooting on the streets of New York. In addition to having questions answered about the exciting upcoming season, fans will also view exclusive video content featuring a sneak peek at new episodes in season 2, as well as a video of Neal explaining the ins and outs of how to pull off the perfect con. Ballroom 20
Categories: Action/Adventure | Television

2:15-3:15 Summit Entertainment: RED— Summit Entertainment presents a sneak peek of exclusive footage from RED. They used to be the CIA's top agents -- but the secrets they know just made them the Agency's top targets. Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John Malkovich, and Helen Mirren star in RED, an explosive action-comedy based on the cult DC Comics graphic novel by Warren Ellis. Join him, director Robert Schwentke, and the film's stars as they share footage from the film and debut the final trailer before it's ever in theaters. Hall H
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Humor & Satire | Writers & Writing

2:30-3:30 The Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide Turns 40— Celebrate the history and impact of the Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide with former CGC president and primary grader Steve Borock, CBG's Maggie Thompson, historian Jon McClure, Guide staffers J.C. Vaughn and Mark Huesman, and special guests. Guide creator Robert M. Overstreet is a Comic-Con special guest in celebration of the 40th anniversary. Room 3
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Anniversaries | Comics

2:30-3:30 State of the Geek Report: From Avatar to Zardoz— A panel of experts examine the state of science fiction, fantasy, and horror in film and TV, from the living-ever-longer-and-prospering Star Trek franchise to the future of Star Wars to what the success of Avatar means for the future of movies. Some of geekdom's biggest luminaries, including Steve Melching (The Clone Wars), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Steve Kriozere (Elvis Van Helsing), Jeff Bond (former Geek Monthly editor), and Bill Hunt and Todd Doogan (Digital Bits), talk about the lackluster state of sci-fi film and television, the rise, fall and rise of Star Trek, and the hits and misses of 2010 that made their midicholorian (and cholesterol) counts rise to dangerous levels this summer. Room 4
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

2:30-3:30 A Decade of Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies and More: The Animated Insanity of Radical Axis Studios— The team from Radical Axis -- animators, artists, and amateur magicians -- celebrate the studio's 10th Anniversary with a look back at its body of work that includes Aqua Teen Hunger Force, Squidbillies, and other cartoon insanity. Scott Fry (CEO), Craig Hartin (VP of production), and Todd Redner (animation director) are joined by friend/collaborator Matt Maiellaro (co-creator, Aqua Teen Hunger Force) for a no-holds-barred Q&A with USA Today's Whitney Matheson. Room 6A
Categories: Animation | Anniversaries | Humor & Satire | Television

2:30-3:30 BrickJournal: Looking at the LEGO Community— In the past decade, a community of adult LEGO builders has sprung up and created models, websites, and even conventions. The staff of BrickJournal, the magazine for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages, invites you to take a look at the community (and what it builds) at this presentation, with Brandon Griffith (top LEGO builder), Jonathan Bender (author of LEGO: A Love Story), Nathan Sawaya (LEGO certified professional builder), and Jim Foulds (community operations manager for the LEGO Group). The panel is moderated by BrickJournal editor Joe Meno. There will be a Q&A afterward, so if you have any questions about the community, events, builders, or even the LEGO company, this is the place to be! Room 7AB
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Fandom

2:30-3:30 The Sergio & Mark Show— They're back and they're bringing their friends! Comic-Con special guests Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier talk about all things Groo -- plus whatever else is going on -- with co-conspirators Tom Luth and Stan Sakai. Room 8
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Humor & Satire

2:30-3:30 I Can't Write, I Can't Draw, But I Love Comics!— There are tons of jobs in the comics, animation, and gaming industries besides writing and illustration. Companies still need computer programmers, motion-capture actors, retailers, agents, development executives, and publishers. Learn how to get your foot in the door without spilling any ink. Panelists include Rudy Coby (Labman), Jacob Melvin (DreamWorks), Joseph Gatt (God of War), Derek Douglas (Digital Development Management), Steve Goldstein (Stubbs Alderton & Markiles), Matt Cohen (Killspace Entertainment), Jud Meyers (Earth 2 Comics), and Filip Sablik (Top Cow Productions). Moderated by science/tech journalist Susan Karlin (Discover). Room 24ABC
Categories: Animation | Comics | Games | Seminars & Workshops

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Recapturing Copyright for Gold and Silver Age Comic Book Creators— Copyright lawyer Marc Greenberg (Golden Gate University School of Law) covers key developments in the Superman case (Siegel v. DC) and explores the claims filed by the Jack Kirby estate to the rights to the major Marvel Comics characters he created or co-created. Room 26AB
Categories: Comics | Comics Arts Conference | Comics Law School | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Jenette Kahn— For 27 years Comic-Con special guest Jenette Kahn steered the course for DC Comics as its president and publisher, the youngest female executive in Warner Brothers history. Her time at DC resulted in a renaissance of publishing for fans and creators alike. Former DC president and publisher -- and fellow Comic-Con special guest -- Paul Levitz interviews Jenette about her years at the company and her new career in the movie industry as a producer of such hits as Gran Torino. Room 5AB
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Movies

3:00-4:00 Dark Horse Horror— The publisher that brings you the best stories in horror comics also delivers Comic-Con's best panel on horror comics! Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, writer of the weird Steve Niles (Criminal Macabre, City of Others), and The Goon creator Eric Powell join Dark Horse editors Scott Allie and Shawna Gore for this behind-the-screams discussion. Plus, get a blood-curdling first look at the horror books Dark Horse will unleash in the coming year. Room 9
Categories: Comics | Horror and Suspense

3:00-4:30 Comic-Con How-To Session: Felipe Echevarria— Calling all artists! This session will open your eyes to a foolproof method for mixing color based on what actually happens when paint is mixed, rather than using elusive color theories and formulas. It's easy to learn and takes all the guesswork out of color mixing. This is the breakthrough Michael Wilcox Bias Color Wheelsystem. Felipe Echevarria is a registered teacher for the Michael Wilcox School Of Color, and is an accomplished comics/graphic novelist and fine artist. Room 18
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Kiss Them or Kill Them? Conflict Management for the Creatures Among Us— Urban fantasy and paranormal romance authors discuss when to kill the monster, date the monster...or both and in what order. Authors include J. F. Lewis (ReVamped), Maria Lima (Blood Line series), Adrian Phoenix (the Maker's Song series), Kat Richardson (the Greywalker novels), Diana Rowland (Kara Gillian—Detective and Demon Summoner series), Samantha Sommersby (the Forbidden Series), Anton Strout (the Simon Canderous urban fantasy series), Linda Thomas-Sundstrom (Wolf Moons series), and Rob Thurman (author of the Cal Leandros Novels and The Trickster Novels). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Masters of the Web— Hollywood writer/producer Roberto Orci (Cowboys & Aliens, Transformers, Star Trek) and AMC Theatres blog editor John Campea (AMCTheatres.com/ network/ scriptscreen), moderate a panel of the most popular movie website personalities as they come together to discuss how new media has influenced moviemaking and marketing, what it takes to run a popular site, and much more in a panel discussion and Q&A session. The panel consists of Jen Yamato (former senior editor of Rotten Tomatoes, now writing for Cinematical, Hitfix, Film.Com and FEARnet), Edward Douglas (Coming Soon.net), Vic Holtreman (Screenrant.com), Mike Sampson (Joblo.com), George "El Guapo" Roush (Latino Review.com). Erik Davis (Cinematical.com), and Devin Faraci (CHUD.com). Passes to the annual, highly anticipated "From Dusk til Con" party will be given out to a few lucky attendees, and one attendee will win a pass good for one year of free movies at any AMC Theatres location. Room 32AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies

3:15-4:15 Marvel: Mondo Marvel— It's the panel about all things Marvel! We've got top talent on hand to talk about all of your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Panelists include Jeph Loeb (Hulk), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Marvel's talent liaison C. B. Cebulski, Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (The Thanos Imperative), Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird), senior editor Mark Paniccia, and more as they take on all questions! Room 6DE
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Keith Knight— Keith Knight's reputation as a rabble-rousing hellion is in serious jeopardy with his first stint as a special guest at Comic-Con. The Harvey award–winning cartoonist and MAD magazine contributor will spill con secrets, show strips, and give out free stuff in celebration of his first collection of daily comic strips: The Knight Life: Chivalry Ain't Dead. Calvin Reid of Publisher's Weekly moderates. Room 3
Categories: Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 The Pitching Hour— Jermaine Turner (director, Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group), Derek Hoffman (Donner Company, X-men), Carina Schulze (Chatrone), Paula Gould (PEG PR), and moderator Dan Evans (Nickelodeon exec, Robot & Monster) take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that creators should adopt to make their way into the Hollywood creative battleground. Knowing that each project is unique, there will be a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Warren Zeger (entertainment lawyer) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood! Room 4
Categories: Animation | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Exclusive Live demo— LucasArts's executive producer Haden Blackman presents a thrilling look at the sequel to the fastest-selling Star Wars game of all time. Blackman will share the latest scoop on Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II and show attendees how to use the Force at a devastating level never seen before. Room 6BCF
Categories: Games | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:30-4:30 Assassin's Creed: Behind and Beyond the Brotherhood— Key members of the development team from Ubisoft Montreal discuss the next iteration of the critically acclaimed, multi-million-unit-selling franchise Assassin's Creed Brotherhood. Learn about the new Multiplayer mode, a first for Assassin's Creed, and get a preview of new multiplayer characters as they are revealed exclusively at this panel! Go behind the scenes with an in-depth look at the story and art of the Brotherhood and the return of Ezio, now a legendary Master Assassin, as he journeys into Italy's greatest city, Rome, to strike at the heart of the enemy. The session will also go beyond the Brotherhood to discuss the Assassin's Creed universe as a multimedia entertainment experience. Room 7AB
Categories: Action/Adventure | Games

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Howard Cruse— Comic-Con special guest Howard Cruse, author of the newly reissued Stuck Rubber Baby, the creator of Barefootz and Wendel, and the founding editor of Gay Comix, is interviewed by author Blake Bell, who profiled Howard's husband Ed Sedarbaum for Bell's 2002 book I Have to Live with This Guy! Questions from audience members will be welcome. Room 8
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 USA Network's Psych— They're back! Always an unpredictable and hilarious event with the creative team behind the most-watched comedy series on cable TV! Enjoy some face-time with series stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton "Gus" Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O'Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer). Joining the cast will be Steve Franks (creator and executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer), moderated by Psych's resident funnyman Andy Berman (co-executive producer, ex-actor, and longtime writer). The team will provide an all-access pass to USA's hit series, which launches its 5th season this summer. The stars and producers will share Season 5 secrets and stories from the set and answer questions about the show's development and production process. Expect special video presentations created exclusively for Comic-Con, never-before-seen outtakes, and a Season 5 exclusive preview. Two lucky audience members will find fame and fortune again this year when they win the honor of having a guest character named after them in a Season 5 episode! There will be exclusive surprise giveaways, including limited-run Comic-Con T-shirts designed by the creative team behind Psych! Ballroom 20
Categories: Humor & Satire | Television

3:30-4:30 Zenescope Presents: Charmed Comics— The Charmed Ones are back, and the creative minds bringing them from television screen to comic book pages are here to share their magic. Writers Paul Ruditis (Charmed novelist) and Raven Gregory (Zenescope's Wonderland, The Waking) discuss how they have taken on the task of translating the ultra-popular TV show into a comic book series. Paul and Raven will answer your questions, raffle off some prizes. and maybe reveal a surprise or two. Room 24ABC
Categories: Comics | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on James Sturm— Comic-Con special guest James Sturm has created award-winning graphic novels for early readers (Adventures in Cartooning), young adults (Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow, Fantastic Four: Unstable Molecules), and grownups (The Golem's Mighty Swing, Market Day) and co-founded the country's finest cartooning school (The Center for Cartoon Studies). Sturm will be speaking about his process and art with Tom Spurgeon of The Comics Reporter (comicsreporter.com). Room 26AB
Categories: Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Andrew Pepoy's Professional Networking Seminar— Get set for a weekend of pressing the flesh and selling yourself with this popular Comic-Con seminar! Being talented isn't enough; getting work and continuing to work in the comic book and comic strip publishing worlds often means knowing the right people as well! Eisner-winning and Hugo-nominated inker and writer/artist Andrew Pepoy (Fables, The Simpsons, Simone & Ajax), with over 20 years in the business, brings back his popular seminar to help teach you how to get out there and use Comic-Con to its fullest networking potential. Take advantage of this first-day slot to put some of Andrew's good advice to work over the remaining Comic-Con days! Room 30CDE
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Entertainment Weekly: The Visionaries— A discussion with geek gods J. J. Abrams (Star Trek) and Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) on the future of pop culture. EW presents an in-depth conversation with these two creative geniuses about how technology, gaming, and global culture are reshaping how we tell and consume stories on television, film and the web. Plus: Is the superhero movie waning, or is it on the cusp of reinvention? And what do they think the pop culture universe will look like a decade from now? Moderated by Jeff "Doc" Jensen. Hall H
Categories: Comics | Games | Movies | Television | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Robert Kirkman— He examines survival among The Walking Dead. He makes superheroes relatable in Invincible. He made lycanthropy dramatic in The Astounding Wolf-Man. Join Image Comics for an in-depth discussion and Q&A with writing juggernaut Robert Kirkman. Moderated by Sina Grace. Room 5AB
Categories: Comics | Horror and Suspense | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 From Screen to Comics— An in-depth look at what it takes to turn big-screen action into 32 pages. Talented creators from across the spectrum, including Max Brooks, Nancy Collins, Peter David, Tony Lee, and more, look behind the scenes at some of the biggest properties to come to comics, such as True Blood, Doctor Who, The A-Team, Transformers, and Star Trek. Room 9
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Twisting Genres— Fantastic fiction authors talk about pushing the envelope on genre, not confining it to one definition. Participants include China Miéville (Kraken), Justin Cronin (The Passage), Naomi Novik (Tongues of Serpents), Daryl Gregory (The Devil's Alphabet), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Cold Black Hearts), Robert Masello (Blood And Ice), Keith Thompson (The Leviathan trilogy), and Scott Westerfeld (The Leviathan trilogy). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC
Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Masquerade 101— This overview of fan convention costume competitions includes various genres of costumes, glimpses behind the scenes, a brief history of masquerades, how contests differ from one type of convention to another, an explanation of judging processes, and fabrication and stage presentation tips for taking your costume creation from beginning concept to stage-ready spectacle. Presented by Comic-Con Masquerade director for the past 19 years Martin Jaquish and award-winning convention costumers Allan Lavigne and Jeff Dullum. Room 32AB
Categories: Awards Ceremonies | Costuming | Fandom

4:30-5:30 The Best and Worst of Manga 2010— It's been a wild year for manga, with new publishers springing up while old ones fade away, and sometimes it seems like the one constant in life is that One Piece will go on forever. Join our five panelists—Deb Aoki (manga.about.com), Jason Thompson (Manga: The Complete Guide), Christopher Butcher (comics.212.net), Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com), and Kai-Ming Cha (Publishers Weekly) -- as they talk about the best and worst manga of the last year, the manga they want to see translated, and the most anticipated upcoming releases. Room 3
Categories: Anime & Manga | Comics

4:30-5:30 Digital Comics Now!— Digital comics are happening right now. A panel of the best and brightest in the new wave of digital comics engage in a wide-ranging discussion of everything from comics on the iPad and iPhone to digital comics on the web and day-and-date-releases. This is your one-stop panel for all the latest digital comics news! Panelists include David Steinberger (CEO of comiXology), Micah Baldwin (CEO of Graphic.ly), Michael Murphey (CEO of iVerse), and Wade Slitkin (CEO of Panelfly). Moderated by Chip Mosher (marketing director, BOOM! Studios). Room 4
Categories: Comics | Webcomics

4:30-5:30 DC Comics' 75th Anniversary— 75 years ago Major Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson started a comic book company (National Allied Publications) that pioneered the use of new material (as opposed to comic strip reprints) in its books. In 1938, Action Comics #1, featuring Superman, came along, and the rest—as they say—is history. And what a history it is! DC Comics celebrates its 75th anniversary this year. Moderator Paul Levitz (writer, editor, and former president and publisher of DC) starts the Comic-Con celebration with panelists Dan DiDio and Jim Lee (co-publishers, DC Comics), Geoff Johns (chief creative officer), and Comic-Con special guests Jenette Kahn (former president and publisher), Dennis O'Neil (writer/editor, Batman), and comics legend Jerry Robinson (Batman). Room 6DE
Categories: Anniversaries | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

4:30-5:30 Transformers Prime— The talent behind Transformers Prime -- executive producers Roberto Orci, Alex Kurtzman, and Jeff Kline -- the new animated series from Hasbro Studios, showcase exclusive footage and character reveals followed by a Q&A session. This original series will premiere in 2010 on the new television network The Hub. Room 7AB
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Animation | Television

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Phil Jimenez— Comic-Con special guest Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men) wants to talk to you about comics. Join him for some one-on-one time, ask him questions, and then bring your own rolodex of answers as he tries to get to the heart of some questions he's been thinking about a lot lately: "What do comic readers love about comics, and more importantly, why? What do they hate about reading them? And what would they change?" Room 8
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Writers & Writing

4:30-6:00 Comic-Con How-To Session: Zander Cannon— Learn the process of creating independent comics from Zander Cannon, who has been working in comics since 1993 and has done both writing and art duties on comics about knights, robots, spacemen, cops, superheroes, ghosts, and mythical creatures. Room 18
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Behind the Music: Composing for Sci-Fi, Horror, and Fantasy Film & TV— Award-winning composers Michael Giacchino (Lost), Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman (Heroes), Nathan Barr (True Blood), Jim Dooley (Pushing Daisies), John Ottman (Superman Returns), and Jeremy Zuckerman (Avatar: The Last Airbender) have all composed for Comic-Con's fan-favorite series and are here to share a behind-the-scenes perspective on creating music for television and film. Together they will discuss their respective projects and how they got their big break into the music composing industry. Q&A following the panel plus exclusive giveaways for attendees. Moderated by BMI executive Anne Cecere, director of film/television relations. Room 24ABC
Categories: Fandom | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

4:30-5:30 Graphic Novels 101— Graphic novels are now considered mainstream, so why aren't they already on your library branch's shelves? Jill Patterson (La Habra, CA Branch Library), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale, AZ Public Library), Kearsten LaBrozzi (Glendale, AZ Public Library), and Hillary W. Chang (McCully-Moiliili, HI Public Library) discuss ways to create and maintain a library Graphic Novel Collection. Room 26AB
Categories: Comics | Seminars & Workshops

4:30-5:30 Writing Workshop with James Hudnall— Comics writer James D. Hudnall (Espers, The Psycho) explains the fundamentals of writing effective fiction and characters. James details the core principals you will need in order to write strong, meaningful stories, including how to make your ideas work to their best effect, how to make a character believable, and how to make the reader care. Find out some of the most important things a writer can learn in just one hour's time. Room 30CDE
Categories: Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

4:45-5:45 Capcom 2010 and Beyond!— See the latest trailers and get the inside scoop on all of Capcom's most highly anticipated games for 2010 and beyond: Marvel Vs. Capcom 3, Sengoku Basara, Okamiden, Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, Ghost Trick, Dead Rising 2, and more. On top of all that, hear details on an exciting new game announcement by Capcom legend Keiji Inafune, the father of Mega Man! Room 6BCF
Categories: Action/Adventure | Games | Horror and Suspense | Superheroes

4:45-5:45 Our Heroes Have More Fun: the Anti-Heroes of Showtime— The 21st century anti-hero has become one of the driving forces in recent pop culture. When it comes to the television anti-hero, Showtime has the winning formula. Hear firsthand from the showrunners, creators, and actors who have helped define this phenomenon. Dexter's Michael C. Hall and showrunner Chip Johannessen (24) delve into the phenomenon of Dexter Morgan, the serial killer you can't help rooting for; David Duchovny and Tom Kapinos of Californication discuss why Hank Moody is the "bad boy" we love despite his obvious shortcomings; and Mary-Louise Parker and Jenji Kohanof Weeds interpret pot-dealing soccer mom Nancy Botwin's moral decisions, as the line between right and wrong is not always as simple as black or white. Plus: Nurse Jackie—despite a little pill-popping along the way—is a smart no-nonsense nurse, who if you're ever taken to the hospital, you had better hope she's the first person you see. With heroes like these, who needs villains? Breaking the occasional promise, law, or commandment is all in a day's work, and one thing's for sure - Showtime heroes never let doing the right thing get in the way of having a good time. Ballroom 20
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Movies | Television

4:45-5:45 Lionsgate: The Expendables— Prepare to have your ass kicked by The Expendables, the biggest action movie this summer! Lionsgate presents exclusive scenes and the inside scoop on every punch, kick, and bloodied lip from the most iconic cast of heroes and villains ever assembled, including the director, writer, and star Sylvester Stallone (Rambo), along with Dolph Lundgren (Universal Soldier), Steve Austin (The Condemned), Randy Couture (Scorpion King: Rise of the Warrior), and Terry Crews (Gamer). Hall H
Categories: Action/Adventure | Movies

5:00-6:00 SFX presents The British Invasion— Five top UK writers from the worlds of TV, comics, books, and movies discuss what makes modern British SF unique. Dan Abnett (Ultramarines), China Miéville (Perdido Street Station), Paul Cornell (Doctor Who), Kieron Gillen (Thor), Pat Mills (2000 AD), and Toby Whithouse (BBC's Being Human creator) talk to SFX magazine's Dave Bradley in this panel and Q&A session. Room 5AB
Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Look Around You— As their BAFTA-nominated show comes to BBC DVD, creators/stars Robert Popper (Peep Show, Hot Fuzz) and Peter Serafinowicz (Couples Retreat, Shaun of the Dead) are on stage to take questions from the fans on the nonsensical wonders of science and the series of gloriously deadpan experiments as presented by Jack Morgan (Popper) and Peter Packard (Serafinowicz). Matt Groening calls it "one of the funniest shows I've ever seen." Room 6A
Categories: Humor & Satire | Television | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 ComicBase User Group Meeting— See a presentation of the newest features in ComicBase 15 with ComicBase creator Peter Bickford. This is the perfect place to get all the answers you need about the world's premiere software for managing your comic book collection. Room 9
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics | Seminars & Workshops

5:00-6:00 Adult Swim: Childrens Hospital— Check out the Childrens Hospital panel and hear from the show's creative team led by Rob Corddry (Hot Tub Time Machine, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart) and Jon Stern (producer of The Ten and Scotland, PA). They will be joined by members of their ensemble cast of comedic heavyweights, including Lake Bell (How to Make It in America, It's Complicated), Erinn Hayes (Parenthood, Worst Week), and Rob Huebel (I Love You Man, Human Giant). Childrens Hospital explores the emotional struggles and sexual politics of a group of doctors charged with healthy libidos. Their dedication to their personal lives is relentless, interrupted only by the occasional need to treat sick children. Room 25ABC
Categories: Humor & Satire | Television

5:00-6:00 The 5th Annual Comics Podcasting Panel!— Five years ago, the comics podcasting stars came together on one panel for the first time in San Diego, and now they're back to discuss comics, podcasting, and how the comic book industry has changed since that first panel. Podcasters appearing on the panel include John Siuntres (Word Balloon), Josh Flanagan (iFanboy), Jimmy Aquino (Comic News Insider), Brian "Pants" Christman (Comic Geek Speak), Bob Bretall (The Comic Book Page), and Cameron Hatheway (Cammy's Comic Corner). Don't miss your chance to see all your favorite podcasters on one panel! Room 32AB
Categories: Comics | Fandom

5:30-6:30 Manga: Lost in Translation— The manga market has taken a big slump, and when money is tight, the freelancers are the first to feel the pinch. Long-time professional freelance translators, editors, and specialists in manga, anime, and related fields gather to answer questions about the work, life as a pro, and how they're managing in the translated-entertainment industry. Panelists William Flanagan (Kobato), Jonathan Tarbox (Fist of the North Star), Jason Thompson (King of RPGs), Shaenon Garrity (Skin Horse), Stephen Paul (Moyasimon), Mark Simmons (Mobile Suit Gundam Series) and Jake Forbes (Return to Labyrinth) will offer industry stories and Q&A. Room 3
Categories: Anime & Manga | Comics

5:30-6:30 Indie Comics Marketing 101— Need tips on how to market your comic? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of success in marketing your comics. Panelists include Sam Humphries (writer, Fraggle Rock and CBGB, creator of MySpace Comic Books), Laura Hudson (editor-in-chief, Comics Alliance), Ben McCool (writer, Choker, Superman, Memoir, JLU), and Chip Mosher (marketing director, BOOM! Studios). Room 4
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Ivan Reis— Comic-Con special guest Ivan Reis (Blackest Night, Green Lantern, Brightest Day) has established a name and a reputation as one of the most popular and prolific superhero artists in modern day comics. Join him and his friends Eddie Berganza (DC senior editor) and Joe Prado (artist on Brightest Day) as they talk about Ivan's career and how he made it to the top. Room 7AB
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

5:30-6:30 Geek Girls Exist— Really? Kristin Rielly (Geek Girls Network) leads a discussion about growing up geek, turning passions into careers, and who shot first. Representing the many awesome aspects of the geek culture, panelists Morgan Romine (The Frag Dolls), Bonnie Burton (The Star Wars Craft Book), Marian Call (singer/songwriter), Sarah Kuhn (One Con Glory), Jill Pantozzi (Has Boobs Reads Comics blog), Veronica Belmont (Qore), Kari Byron (MythBusters), and Kiala Kazebee (GeekWeek.com) school you on what it means to be a real geeky girl and even make you LOL IRL. Room 8
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga | Comics | Fandom | Movies | Television

5:30-6:30 Comics Academy and the Death of Captain America— Jeffrey Kahan (University of La Verne; author, Caped Crusaders 101) provide an example lesson plan and display how to use comic books in the classroom. David Rojas (founder of Comics Academy) lectures on "The Death of Captain America" and how to relate this story in the classroom and what it means for the future of comic book publishing. The Comics Academy seeks to foster an appreciation of comic books and graphic novels in academia; it promotes using comic books to spark investigation into academic subject areas and to teach abstract concepts in K-12 education. Room 24ABC
Categories: Comics | Seminars & Workshops | Superheroes

5:30-6:30 Acme Archives Ltd— This presentation focuses on the creative process used in producing limited-edition entertainment-based art and features a live performance from renowned Star Wars artist Christian Waggoner. He will be painting on stage while a panel of Acme representatives and Acme artists discuss limited-edition art and its creation. The entire procedure will be outlined, including finding new artists, discussing concepts, creating rough ideas, getting studio approvals, receiving finished art, preparing art for printing, and, ultimately, releasing the print on the Acme website. Questions will be taken throughout the program. Room 26AB
Categories: Art and Illustration | Seminars & Workshops

5:30-6:30 Creating the New Mythology— Top comic creators Peter David (Incredible Hulk, X-Factor) and Marc Guggenheim (Wolverine, Resurrection) reveal the ins and outs of working within creative teams—and how those relationships lead to the creation of today's modern myths and what it means to be working in mythology. Moderated by Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (X-Men, Annihilation). Room 30CDE
Categories: Comics | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

5:45-6:45 Marvel: What's Next: Welcome to the Digital House of Ideas— Get the inside scoop on the all-new, all-improved, all-awesome Marvel.com, Marvel Digital Comics, and Marvel Motion Comics. With the launch of the groundbreaking Marvel Comics app in the iTunes App Store, this has been a historic year for the Digital House of Ideas. Now, find out what's next! Meet fellow fans of Marvel Digital Comics Unlimited and find out which of the hundreds of completed series in the service everyone's talking about. Plus, get caught up on Marvel.com's free streaming animated shows, how to "Create Your Own Comic" and "Super Hero" original video productions, and the Marvel Audience Network, including our very own social network. Join members of the Marvel Digital Media Group for all the digital dynamite! Room 6DE
Categories: Comics | Webcomics

6:00-7:00 Abusing the Sci of Sci-Fi— Ever watched a science fiction movie and groaned when the science is spun, folded, and mutilated? Sure, outrageous science is fun, but so is making fun of it. Astronomer and Discovermagazine.com blogger Phil Plait moderates this panel of sci-fi movers and shakers as they pick their favorite moments in good and bad TV and movie science. Panelists include Jaime Paglia (Eureka), Zack Stentz (Fringe, Thor), Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory), Kevin Grazier (NASA scientist and Eureka advisor), and Sean Carroll (physicist and Discovermagazine.com blogger). Room 5AB
Categories: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 Halo: Reach— Bungie hosts this discussion around the biggest game of 2010, including an in-person look at the campaign mode and a debut of some exciting Halo: Reach news. Room 6BCF
Categories: Action/Adventure | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 Archaia: the Black Label Panel— The new Archaia Black Label specializes in co-developing intellectual properties with prestigious partners who are seeking to realize their ideas through the use of Archaia's resources. Panelists show exclusive preview images and discuss the first of the Archaia Black Label titles, including Days Missing: Kestus, with Roddenberry Productions' Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth, writer Phil Hester (Days Missing) and artist David Marquez (Syndrome); Moon Lake with creator Dan Fogler (Fanboys, Balls of Fury), writer R. H. Stavis (Demons of Mercy), and artist Robbi Rodriguez (Hazed); and Syndrome with Fantasy Prone's Blake Leibel (United Free Worlds), writers Daniel Quantz (Marvel Age: Spider-Man) and R. J. Ryan (Marvel Studios), and artist David Marquez. Room 9
Categories: Comics

6:00-7:00 Showtime's Dexter— What's next for America's Favorite Serial Killer? If the dramatic season finale left you in an, OMG-what-just-happened frenzy, you don't want to miss this killer panel! You'll see the exclusive world premiere of the new season's trailer, then moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include Michael C. Hall (series star/executive producer), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), Desmond Harrington (Quinn), and executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Chip Johannessen (24), and Manny Coto (Star Trek: Enterprise). The new season premieres September 26, at 9:00 pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom 20
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Television

6:00-7:00 FUNimation Entertainment— Representatives from FUNimation Entertainment, the leader in Japanese anime in North America, are on hand to talk about all the hot items and news coming up this year. Stop by to check out some of their latest products, see some trailers, and ask FUNimation folks any question you would like. Room 25ABC
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga

6:00-7:00 Writing Queer: Creating and Writing LGBT Characters— Creating genuine and well-rounded LGBT characters is a challenge for writers, as they must give voice to a population whose stories have been kept hidden for so long. How do writers, both queer and straight, as well as mainstream and independent, create narratives that reflect the diversity and humanity of LGBT individuals, as well as the obstacles they face? Moderator Justin Hall (Glamazonia, Prism Comics' talent chair) leads a spirited conversation with some of the best writers working in comics today: Paige Braddock (Jane's World), Howard Cruse (Stuck Rubber Baby), Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), and Judd Winick (Pedro and Me). Room 32AB
Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics

6:00-7:00 Universal: Scott Pilgrim vs. the World— Genre-bending filmmaker Edgar Wright (Hot Fuzz), graphic novel author Bryan Lee O'Malley, and the cast of Universal Pictures' Scott Pilgrim vs. the World provide a sneak peek of summer 2010's epic of epic epicness. Joining Wright will be our hero, Scott Pilgrim (Michael Cera of Superbad); Scott's two current girlfriends, Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead of The Thing) and Knives Chau (Ellen Wong of Unnatural History); his band, SEX BOB-OMB: Kim Pine (Alison Pill of Milk) and Stephen Stills (Mark Webber of Broken Flowers); SEX BOB-OMB super-fan Young Neil (Johnny Simmons of Jennifer's Body); Scott's awesome roommate, Wallace Wells (Kieran Culkin of Igby Goes Down); and four of Ramona's seven evil exes: Matthew Patel (Satya Bhabha of Fair Game), Todd Ingram (Brandon Routh of Superman Returns), Gideon Graves (Jason Schwartzman of Funny People) and Roxy Richter (Mae Whitman of Parenthood); plus Scott's younger sister, Stacey Pilgrim (Anna Kendrick of Up in the Air), and the obnoxious Julie Powers (Aubrey Plaza of Parks and Recreation). Q&A to follow. Hall H
Categories: Fandom | Humor & Satire | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:15-7:15 Vertigo: The New Classics— Over the years the Vertigo imprint has produced smart, shocking, and critically acclaimed series such as The Sandman, Preacher, Y: The Last Man, Hellblazer, and Fables, to name a few. Now, Vertigo's latest ongoing series are poised to join those legendary ranks with The Unwritten, American Vampire, Sweet Tooth, and iZombie. Get a peek at these future classics with your host, senior VP/executive editor Karen Berger, plus Rafael Albuquerque (American Vampire), Peter Gross (The Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth), Chris Roberson (iZombie), Scott Snyder (American Vampire), and others. Room 6A
Categories: Comics | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:30-7:30 Bandai Entertainment: 2010 and Beyond— Bandai Entertainment president Ken Iyadomi, marketing director Robert Napton, and marketing associate Loy Fruel discuss releases such as The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, Zeta Gundam Movies, Gurren Lagann, Lucky Star manga, and many more. Trailers, Q&A, and free stuff! Room 3
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga

6:30-7:30 From the Computer Screen to the Silver Screen— Learn how to build online audiences for your independent comic, film, and TV properties! With the spectacular success of indie projects like Sanctuary and Riese, independent producers are starting to use the web to break into mainstream media on their own terms. But how do you leverage that medium to turn your story into the property that all the studios want to acquire? It all comes down to understanding your audience. Social networking experts Matt Toner and Jessica Leigh Clark-Bojin (Zeros 2 Heroes Media), content creator Kaleena Kiff (Riese the Series), private investor Keith Turner (Meridian Capital), and digital distributor Jonathan Ford (Content Film) reveal some of the tricks of the trade that will help you get a leg up in making your web series a mainstream success. Room 4
Categories: Animation | Art and Illustration | Comics | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 Origins and Evolutions of a Video Game Super Hero— Sucker Punch Productions, the developer behind the critically acclaimed PS3 summer blockbuster inFamous, takes you behind the scenes in the making and evolution of superhero Cole MacGrath. Unlike most superheroes, Cole and the inFamous universe were designed from the ground up as a video game, rather than as a scripted linear book or show. Key members of the Sucker Punch team discuss how this video-game-first approach affects every aspects of the creative process -- including character designs, super powers, architecture, morality, and the narrative structure. Additionally, attendees will get a first look at the 2D graphic cut scenes from inFamous 2, as well as have an opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A. Room 7AB
Categories: Games

6:30-7:30 Still More Dirty Secrets of the Video Game Industry— Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the locked doors of the video game industry? Would you like to break into that industry? Is there anyone in the biz you can go to for help and straight answers? If you said yes to the first two questions, this program can help with the third! Industry veteran Alex Jimenez (Darkstalkers, Enigma) reveals the inner secrets of the game industry and answers your questions on cracking into this tough yet rewarding field. Whether your interest is art, programming, or design, he has the answers you're looking for and all the dirty secrets you need to know! Room 8
Categories: Art and Illustration | Games | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 Shocker Toys: From Print to Plastic— Geoff Beckett and Lance Buttiglieri discuss the latest plans from Shocker Toys, plus how they go from comic to 2D design to 3D print-out to sample injection to the final Indie Spotlight figures. New series and licenses will be announced and future toylines will be laid out along with a Q&A and prize giveaways. Joining them will be John Vegher from 3D Modeler, Tony Robles from Tonyz Customs, and a few comic creators to talk about going from print to plastic with their characters. Room 24ABC
Categories: Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles | Comics

6:30-7:30 Magic: The Gathering Panel— On the heels of Magic's most successful year in its 17-year history, some of the game's top creators share details on upcoming products as well as answer your questions. The panel, moderated by Mark Rosewater (head Magic designer), includes Aaron Forsythe (director, Magic R&D), Brian Tinsman (lead designer, Rise of the Eldrazi), Richard Whitters (lead magic concept artist), and others. Room 26AB
Categories: Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:30-7:30 Adventures in Voice Acting Workshop— Back by popular demand, this one-hour class about voice acting covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. Here's an opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic and exciting setting. Learn directly from some of the best voice actors and directors in the world. You'll also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like. This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans and aspiring voice actors to interact with some of the most accomplished members of the industry. Celebrity panelists and surprise guests will attend. Room 30CDE
Categories: Animation | Movies | Television

6:45-7:45 Robotech: The First Quarter Century— Robotech creative director Tommy Yune and Robotech screenwriter Steve Yun cover the history of the television series that introduced a generation to anime. They also pay tribute to the late Carl Macek, the original producer of Robotech, who started this whole phenomenon. Room 6DE
Categories: Animation | Anime & Manga

Nighttime Programs

7:00-8:00 The Antidote Trust's Indie Comics How To— Do you make comics? Want to make comics? Going the indie route? Well, The Antidote Trust has been doing it separately and collectively for a few years now, and they'd like to tell you how they do things. Bring your questions! The Antidote Trust will tell you why they make comics, particularly as indies in an industry that is branching out more and more every day. Featuring Robert Roach (The Roach), Dale Wilson (Magnificent Creatures), Richard Hamilton (Return of the Super Pimps), Vincent S. Moore (Omnium Gatherum), and Andre Owens (Force Galaxia) and moderated by Geoffrey Thorne (Prodigal). Room 5AB
Categories: Art and Illustration | Comics | Nighttime Programming | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

7:00-8:00 Comics on Comics Live!— ComicsonComics.com, the innovative web series that pits comedians against comic book creators in geek debates, comes to the San Diego Comic-Con with a special live show! Host Jonathan London (Geekscape.net) and comedian Ralph Garman (Family Guy) match wits with some surprising guests from the worlds of comic books and comedy! Room 9
Categories: Comics | Humor & Satire | Nighttime Programming

7:15-8:15 A New Generation of Spike & Mike— Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation is blasting back to Comic-Con with two mind-spinning shows! First up this year is the new genre show, A New Generation of Spike and Mike Animation, that premiered in La Jolla with rave reviews: Loft Cinema wrote "Spike and Mike's New Generation Animation Festival could easily be one of the best things to ever happen to modern animation." Come join the fun and meet Spike! Room 6BCF
Categories: Animation | Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:30 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog— Sing along with your fellow fans at this screening of the original three acts of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, hosted by the California Browncoats, complete with lyrics books and call backs! Dr. Horrible stars Neil Patrick Harris (How I Met Your Mother), Nathan Fillion (Castle, Firefly) and Felicia Day (The Guild) and was written by Joss Whedon (Serenity), Jed Whedon (Dollhouse), Zack Whedon (Fringe), and Maurissa Tancharoen (Dollhouse). Room 6A
Categories: Fandom | Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes

7:30-9:30 First Look! Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics— Behind the amazing tales of Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Watchmen is the equally impressive story of the challenges, creativity and triumphs of the company that brought those characters to life. Warner Home Video and DC Entertainment present a first look at the new documentary Secret Origin: The Story of DC Comics, a compelling insider's tale and a 75th anniversary celebration as seen through the inkwells of those who created and lived it, balanced with insights from key historians and filled with interviews, archival footage, and a dazzling parade of those forever riveting and splashy DC covers. Included in the premiere event is a panel of distinguished representatives of DC's storied history. Produced by the Academy Award–nominated team behind Spellbound, this documentary is narrated by Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern) and will be distributed by Warner Home Video in November 2010. Room 7AB
Categories: Anniversaries | Comics | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes

7:30-8:30 Transcending Trauma: From the Birth of Batman to the Rise of the Red Hood— Traumatic experiences are a common element in the origins of many comic book characters, but do these experiences alone explain the characters' paths to heroism or villainy? What drove Batman to become a hero instead of a "nemesis"? Was Robin destined to become a "hood"? Do characters such as the Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and Punisher meet criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? Returning to Comic-Con after their "Unlocking Arkham" panel last year, the physicians of Broadcast Thought explore how trauma has affected these and other characters. Examine comic book depictions of responses to trauma, evaluate their accuracy, and discover their real world correlates. Learn as H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. use their backgrounds in child/adolescent, adult, and forensic psychiatry to discuss responses to traumatic experiences and apply theories of attachment, development, and resiliency to the formation of the hero. Bring your questions and join the doctors as they lend their unique expertise to Comic-Con, exploring how comic book characters transcend trauma or descend into villainy! Room 8
Categories: Comics | Nighttime Programming | Superheroes

7:30-8:30 Penn + Teller: 35 Years of Magic & BS!— Penn Jillette and Teller (Showtime's Penn & Teller: BS!) share insights into their 35-year-long careers with audience Q&A, TV and film clips, and a few tricks. Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories: Anniversaries | Humor & Satire | Nighttime Programming | Television

8:00-11:00 BBC America: U.S. Premiere Screenings of Doctor Who and Being Human— Catch the all-new season opener of Being Human, written by Toby Whithouse and starring Russell Tovey, Lenora Crichlow, Aidan Turner and Sinead Keenan and the two-part finale of Doctor Who, written by Steven Moffat and starring Matt Smith and Karen Gillan. Room 6DE
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

8:00-9:00 GeekRoundTable/Geek-Tastic Live!— Where has GeekRoundTable been for the last 12 months? Find out what they've been up to. Check out the most racially diverse podcast on the net, now in partnership with Geek-tastic.com. Join in on a funny, information-filled discussion and maybe win a prize! Show creator and host Ned Cato Jr., executive producer Jesse C. Lopez, website creator and GRT producer Patrick Roach, and an incredible cast of geeks show you a time so good you'll have to keep it a secret...pinkie swear! Room 9
Categories: Comics | Fandom | Movies | Nighttime Programming | Television

8:15-9:15 The Sushi Typhoon: The Best in Japanese Genre Movies— Horror, sci-fi, action, and splatter comedy films from Japan have become the most popular new genre in fandom. From the creators of Tokyo Gore Police, The Machine Girl, Suicide Club, Ichi the Killer, Battlefield Baseball, Meatball Machine, and many others comes The Sushi Typhoon, an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of Japanese genre moviemaking about to hit U.S. shores in partnership with Funimation Entertainment! Director Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police), actor Masanori Mimoto (The Ultimate Versus), actress Mika Hijii (Ninja), and producer Yoshinori Chiba (Yatterman) are on hand for a special launch presentation introducing American audiences to the new label, featuring guest Q&A's, trailers for Alien vs. Ninja and Mutant Girls Squad (both screening on Friday night at SDCC), and an exclusive preview of Nishimura's upcoming zombie epic Helldriver, including an exciting first look at footage from the film! Room 5AB
Categories: Action/Adventure | Animation | Anime & Manga | Horror and Suspense | Nighttime Programming | Science Fiction & Fantasy

8:15-11:15 Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza— Author, scripter, comic book writer, editor, and professor Ric Meyers (Inside Kung-Fu) brings you the best in freaky, funny, fantastic film fighting for the 12th year running. As in the past, you'll laugh, gasp, and cheer, and you can also expect some surprise guest stars, rare freebies, and maybe even a world premiere sneak peek or two! Room 6BCF
Categories: Action/Adventure | Comics | Humor & Satire | Nighttime Programming | Writers & Writing

9:30-11:45 Night of the Living Dead: Reanimated Screening and Panel Discussion— NOTLD: R is a collection of animated and illustrated responses created by nearly 150 international artists/animators and arranged to the original 1968 film's audio track by curator Mike Schneider. Contributing artists John Chesnut and Josh Barnett (claymation and cut-out animation), Jacquelyn Bond (watercolor paintings), Grant Fuhst (mixed-media artwork), Sean Williams (hand-drawn animation), Zina Lahr (toy modification/ experimental animation), Brad Uyeda (stop-motion animation), Anthony Amos (digital animation), and Eric Schock (comic book illustration) meet to screen NOTLD: R (which comes out on DVD July 27), discuss their involvement with the project, and take questions. Moderated by Beth Accomando (KPBS film critic). Giveaways at the screening will include horror-hosted DVDs of NOTLD: R and limited-edition teaser posters. Room 5AB
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Movies | Nighttime Programming

10:00-12:00 World Premiere of Lost Boys: The Thirst— The Frog Brothers return to Comic-Con with holy water balloons ablazin' for the world premiere of Lost Boys: The Thirst, the latest high-energy, action-packed adventure in the ongoing franchise. Original cast members Corey Feldman and Jamison Newlander present the first-ever screening of the cult classic's third film, in which the lost boys and girls of San Cazador prepare to party under the Blood Moon -- while an alpha vampire conspires to turn these unsuspecting ravers into an army of undead. The only thing that stands between him and the annihilation of the entire human race are the infamous vampire-fighting Frog Brothers. Expect some serious bloodsucker butt kicking. And Warner Bros. is providing the free popcorn! Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
Categories: Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Movies | Nighttime Programming

Channel Surfing: Hugh Laurie's House Contract to Expire Next Season, Tilda Nabs Cast, Diane Farr to White Collar, 90210, and More

Welcome to your Wednesday morning television briefing.

Hugh Laurie's contract on FOX's medical drama House will expire at the end of next season, according to Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello, who talks to Laurie about the crossroads coming up. He claims that he's "open" to working past Season Seven but also feels that there's an ideal time to end a series and he hopes that moment becomes clear ahead of time. "I only hope we’ll know when the time is right [to close up shop]," said Laurie. "When people blunder on for five years after [they should have called it quits]… it gets taken out of your hands. Someone will say, 'That’s it.' But for now, I’m immensely proud of the things we did this season." (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

Loads of casting on HBO's upcoming comedy pilot Tilda, which may or may not be based on the life of infamous Hollywood blogger Nikki Finke. (Ahem.) Jason Patric (The Losers) has been added to the cast, where he will play Andrew Brown, the nemesis of Diane Keaton's titular character, who is described by Deadline's Nellie Andreeva as "the mastermind behind the media empire RMG, which Tilda is trying to expose the inner workings of." Also joining Keaton, Patric, and Ellen Page in the comedy pilot, a trio of actors: Wes Bentley (Ghost Rider), David Harbour (Royal Pains), and Leland Orser (24). (Deadline)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Diane Farr (Rescue Me, Desperate Housewives) will guest star in an upcoming episode of USA's White Collar, which returns in July for its second season. Farr will play Gina De Stefano, described as "a waitress Mozzie (Willie Garson) has a crush on. She drops a hint early in the episode that she’s in trouble and needs his help." [Editor: I'd love it if Farr could stick around White Collar for more than just one episode, personally.] (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

E! Online's Megan Masters takes a look at the season finale of the CW's 90210 and why it didn't feature the "juicy" twists that the series' stars had promised it would deliver, including the identity of who hit the homeless man at the end of Season One. "But come finale night, the only thing remotely left fieldish was the complete exclusion of said reveal. How do you explain that one, CW?!" writes Masters. "According to our reliable 90210 source, some story changes were made post-production (and post-press tour in Trevor's case), and the rumored "real" killer twist was canned. In the end, Annie made peace with her crime, largely due to an encouraging chat with Liam (Matt Lanter), and solemnly wandered home to confess everything to the 'rents. And that's it. If you're hoping to see more of Annie's hit-and-run issues in season three, don't. The Powers that Be are leaving the story as is from here on out: Annie was in fact the drunk driving guilty party." (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Jason Priestley (90210) has been cast in a multiple-episode story arc on ABC's upcoming summer drama series Scoundrels, where he will play "a prolific TV personality who is immediately smitten with Leven Rambin’s aspiring actress character, Heather," according to Ausiello. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

E! Online's Megan Masters talks to Life Unexpected stars Shiri Appleby, Kris Polaha, and Kerr Smith about what's coming up on Season Two of the CW drama. "Cate and Ryan are now married, and there are going to be some obstacles they're going to have to work through," Appleby tells Masters. "And Cate's job might be up in the air at some point... All I will say is that it's very common knowledge that the first year of marriage is very difficult. We are going to put that to the test. Just because she married him doesn't mean she doesn't still have feelings for Baze." (E! Online's Watch with Kristin)

ABC single-camera comedy pilot How to Be a Better American will get a second shot at placement on the schedule as it has received an order for a new pilot, with major recasting expected on the ABC Studios-produced project. (Deadline)

Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello is reporting that Liz Vassey will not be appearing on CBS' CSI next season after the network opted not to renew her contract for another year. "The show is going in a different creative direction in its 11th season," an unnamed source told Ausiello. (Entertainment Weekly's Ausiello Files)

NBC has finally scheduled its reality series Breakthrough with Tony Robbins, slating the premiere for July 27th at 8 pm ET/PT. The series, which features self-help guru Robbins, is described as an "inspirational, hour-long series starring Robbins and his team of experts who will help participants and their families overcome complex challenges and personal obstacles, and turn their lives around." Project is executive produced by Robbins, Howard T. Owens, Mark Koops, Shauna Minoprio, and Tom Forman. (via press release)

A&E has moved the premiere of its upcoming drama series The Glades from July 13th to July 11th at 10 pm ET/PT in order to avoid direct competition with TNT's Tuesday night drama Memphis Beat. (Deadline)

The remaining episodes of ABC's Wife Swap and Primetime: What Would You Do? may be held over until next season, according to The Futon Critic. Seven episodes of Wife Swap remain unaired at this point, along with three of Primetime: What Would You Do?. (Futon Critic)

Warner Bros. Television has promoted Clancy Collins White to SVP of drama development, while Stephanie Groves will now serve as SVP of current programming. Meanwhile, Lisa Roos was promoted to VP of drama development, Adrienne Turner as VP of comedy development, Odetta Watkins promoted to VP of current programming, and Matthew King has been hired as VP of drama. "We have tremendous strength throughout the executive ranks at our company, and I am pleased to announce these very deserving new appointments and promotions which reward the dedication and accomplishments of this outstanding team," said Peter Roth, president of Warner Bros. Television. (Variety, Hollywood Reporter)

Elsewhere, Bob Tuschman has been promoted to general manager of Food Network. (Variety)

Stay tuned.