Mister Fanboy

Updated: Comic Fans In Need: Donate to Help Carla and Lance Hoffman

2008-11-30T16:40:00.000-08:00

Update: There's an update over at the http://blog.newsarama.com/2008/11/29/info-on-carla-and-lance-and-some-auctions-to-help-them-out/ and more information here.

A few weeks ago, the fires in Montecito, California took the home, possessions and nearly the lives of Carla and Lance Hoffman. The couple is currently in critical condition and news reports indicated that theirs were the most serve injuries as result of this particular fire. This story is well known and documented well here and here. On the off chance that you didn't hear about it, please consider donating to the Lance and Carla Fund at this address:

The Lance and Carla Burn Fund

Santa Barbara Bank and Trust

1483 East Valley Road

Montecito, CA 93108-1248

We were able to make our donation last week and even persuaded a coworker at the place that pays the bills and our mother to pony up as well. Every little bit helps.

We had hoped to blog about it a while back, but we have a personal connection here and sometimes it's hard to verbalize when the personal is involved. We know Carla and wish her and her husband Lance speedy recoveries. Although we do not know Lance, we are sure that if Carla chose to spend her life with him that he's a stand-up guy.

Carla is a manager at Metro Entertainment in Santa Barbara, CA, which just happened to be our local comic book shop for 2 years before we headed out to the desert. Metro is the friendliest and most helpful local comic book shop that we've ever encountered. In fact, nearly 2 years later we are still receiving most of our books via mail order from Metro. One of the reasons we like Metro so much was that Carla was ever-helpful, constantly offering suggestions on great books to read. Sometimes we agreed on this storyline or that, and other times we disagreed. But it was always entertaining chatting with Carla. If I recall correctly, we agreed that Cable and Deadpool was best on the pages without Cable. Little things like that add flavor to memories. The last time we saw Carla was about 6 months ago.

We wish a speedy recovery for Carla and Lance and the return of some semblance of normal as soon as possible. We hope you will consider helping them get on their feet. Metro is also accepting donations for the couple if you happen to be in town.

Batman Dead?

2008-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

Yeah, right.

Besides the obviousness of this as a PR stunt, there's no doubt in our mind that the cash cow that is the Bruce Wayne Batman will not be eliminated by cash-strapped DC Comics. A few weeks ago DC "cancelled" Robin, Nightwing, and Birds of Prey (particularly offensive to Mister Fanboy, in addition to jettisoning Manhunter) while at the same time teasing about a new non-Bruce Wayne Batman coming from within the ranks of the Bat-family. Whatever. Lazarus Pit anyone?

But wait, if we may be all MPD about it, isn't that exactly what happened when the Steve Rogers Captain America died and Bucky Barnes took his place as Cap? It worked there, why not here?

We suggest the reason that the Captain America identity switched worked was because Steve Rogers, although an important part of the Captain America mythos, never transcended the actual hero as an individual. The intertwining of Batman and Bruce Wayne on the other hand is so integral to the whole motivation of the character. To take away one, how can the other survive a healthy, long time (in the publishing world, that is)?

But then again, there are many who know, swear and scream that Steve Rogers is not dead. Perhaps he's hanging out with Jean Grey.

UPDATED: And Now For Something Completely Different

2008-11-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

UPDATE: The missing #6 term - hot sweet potato tits - has now been added to the story. Where's my Newberry Award?

It’s been a while since I’ve felt all that creative, which accounts for the sheer lack of posting lately. But tonight, I visited Tits List, one of my favorite places to go on the net. From time to time Tits McGee, said sites web madam, sorts through the search terms that led people to her site. The list this go-around was:

1) fucking my mom's tits all night long

2) undead tit photos

3) big christian tits

4) bring it on sex tits

5) my favorite tits

6) hot sweet potato tits

7) pissing fatty

8) vaginal hump day

9) tits in my pants

10) titty parade

I was so inspired by the list (which oddly lacked a #6) that I wrote you a short story with each term in the list, in order. I hope you enjoy it.

As I turned the corner I heard a man in the bar say, "I was fucking my mom's tits all night long." I was stunned. Not so much because someone was fucking their mom's tits all night long -- which is just ewww- but that someone was saying it so matter-of-factly. I mean, if I was fucking my mom's tits all night long, I wouldn't be telling anyone, if you know what I mean. And I think you do.

On my left were a table of goths. In high school, goth kids always kind of reminded me of demon mimes – you just can’t take them seriously. The goths were looking at pictures of women’s breasts on one of their I-Pods. One particularly surly one remarked that the pix were nice, if you liked “undead tit photos or big Christian tits."

I hustled away before we moved into necrophilia territory. I’m open-minded, but I do like to sleep at night.

But then again, this club was filled with all kinds of fun and clearly disturbing degenerates. Bondage gear was de rigueur, except for posers like me. Over in one corner I heard raised voices. An oafish man who looked entirely out of place in the bar was bearing down on a small woman in her early thirties. He cursed up a storm. The woman calmly looked at him and snarled that if he didn’t leave her along she would take him out. Angry beyond belief for reasons that were not clear to me, he exclaimed “bring it on sex tits.” Moving with unbelievable speed the woman grabbed a beer bottle, smacked it in half on the table like you see in the movies, and pounced on him in a way that said die motherfucker, die. Note to self: Never call a woman “sex tits.” Thankfully, Security was on them in no time, dragging the bloody and cursing combatants out of the club. Whatever kind of tits are your favorites, my favorite tits do not belong to women wielding weapons, regardless of the provocation. Unless it's a James Bond movie. And with that, I am sure you would totally agree.

As I moved out to the outside deck, which inexplicably had a beach volleyball court that served no purpose other than that of a very large ashtray, I headed to the bar and got a drink. Since I was feeling a bit peckish, I went to a small hole in the wall to order from the kitchen. Not your typical "hole in the wall," but a real wall where a trannie named Tits took your order. "I'll have a hot sweet potato, Tits," I said before I was handed a backed sweet potato oozing with butter. Yes, real butter. I was in heaven.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw a woman of mythical proportions in the corner pushing her body between two potted pants, crouching and clearly peeing. This pissing fatty – a behemoth of a woman dressed like a Valkyrie and showing way too much skin – then fell into the puddle of her own piss. Wow, I thought. This is going to be a fun night or one where I will regret ever leaving the house.

Perhaps it was the sight of her peeing, but I now needed to pee badly. If I could have held it would have. I knew the bathroom would be disgusting and likely a place where, let’s call it shenanigans of various sorts, took place. But I had to pee and I couldn’t pee in the plants, Helga was blocking the way. So into the bathroom I went. Eyes forward, head slightly down and breathing through the mouth, I made it to a urinal. I looked forward and saw “Wednesday is vaginal hump day” etched into the metal sheet covering the wall. What did that mean? All sorts of off ideas popped into my mind. I remembered this commercial from the 70s where it said “Wednesday is spaghetti night.” That random memory made me laugh and brought me back to the task at hand. After finishing my business I went to wash my hands and hurried out the door and back into the club.

While I waited at the bar for another drink, I was next to two older women dressed in full biker gear. But instead of talking about Harleys or drunken bar fights in Sturgis or Hollister, they were talking about their grandchildren. This was just one of those places, were all sorts of people congregate. The night was looking better. But then I was yanked back to reality when one of the women loudly exclaimed that her ass was getting “flabby.” It was like I have “tits in my pants.” Okay, I heard enough. Time to move along.

On the stage, women and men/former men somewhere on what I call the “pre-and post-op continuum,” were lining up while the crowd hooted and hollered. The emcee, a large black man in drag doing his damnedest to channel Pam Grier in Coffey, announced a “titty parade.” At that point, tops came off, except from the drag queens without real fake breasts. The “titty parade” left the stage and soon after a conga line snaked through the bar with more than a few men and women from the bar joining in the festivities. Of course, I was one of them. Nights like tonight are the reasons that you go out at night, just to join the fun and the freaks.

VOTE

2008-11-03T09:04:00.000-08:00

If you live in the US, don't forget to vote tomorrow. If you don't, you know you're a slacker.

Wow. We Do Not Approve

2008-08-24T23:49:00.000-07:00

Rarely are we disgusted. Rarely are we offended by comics. Rarely are we disgusted by violence. Rarely are we offended by violence in comics. However, we saw this image from Avatar Press' first issue of Crossed and it pretty much damn near freaked us out:

So, what's up with our reaction? For one, it is worth knowing that we knew nothing about this upcoming title beyond the solicitation in Previews. It so shocked, no disturbed us, that we did a bit of sleuthing and found this article on Newsarama. Okay, interesting premise ... but the images of people being thrown alive from what appears to be a moving plane, we could do without. Flying is disturbing enough, we just don't need this kind of imagery floating around our grey matter at 30,000 feet. Some of you might be freaked out at the more obvious murder angle, or perhaps violence against women (or the elderly, or anyone else for that matter). Others may cheer for violence in all it's forms. Even we wonder how this differs from the senseless violence not shown, but usually understood, in many of the superhero books we crave. Another caveat: We've always liked Garth Ennis's writing, but this seems to have gone too far for us. Not our cup of tea. Still, it does point to the diversity of markets for graphic fiction that something like this could be published. So, what say you? Where does this fall in your acceptability continuum? Perhaps we are getting old. Sigh.

Comic-Con 2008 Goodness

2008-07-25T17:36:00.000-07:00

It's day 2 and we are already whipped. Here's a smattering of what we've seen so far, and takes into account Thursday and most of Friday. Note that we have only attended one panel yet - the X-Men Panel and, quite frankly, didn't learn all that much.

Isn't that Natalie from Facts of Life?

Doogie!

A Kabuki fan who has it going on!

Screw you Tony Stark!

S'annataz yxes!

G'Kar sporting some shades.

Poor Han!

T'was the Nighmare Before Christmas in Lilliput!

Run Nick. It's the Skrull Queen!

Where's Destro?

David Mack, the most innovative artist working in comics today, and some slacker who really should be let go from the Mister Fanboy editorial staff.

Lou Ferrigno getting ready to regulate!

Gail Simone signing for us. Our dear friend Amy Reads will be very, very pleased with a special treat we got for her from Gail. She loves your blog Amy, by the way.

Barbara Gordon before the fateful meeting with the Joker.

Paris Hilton is looking goood.

Two members of the Trinity. Jesus is nowhere to be seen.

Iron Man from the Marvel booth- it's the movie's version of an early Iron Man so he's not an asshole (yet).

Gary Busey makes a con appearance.

A Black Widow fan.

The Bat-Cycle with the robin sidecar.

A bad image from the upcoming Watchmen film.

Comic-Con Bound

2008-07-23T19:24:00.000-07:00

As we write this, we are stranded in the airport, bound for San Diego. We will make it there tonight (supposedly), though too late to go through registration tonight. That means we'll have the privilege of waiting in line with thousands of our new best friends tomorrow morning. Sigh. Nonetheless, we'll try our best to post our pix during the con with as many (lamely) witty captions as we can muster - that is if we feel like lugging our way-too-heaving laptop through the convention hall.

We can tell you that we only brought 29 comics to get signed this year, over a 50% reduction from last year. That will free us up for more panels and pop-culture goodness. We hope to issues from the following titles signed: Sword, Spider-Woman: Origin, Girls, Wonder Woman, Manhunter, Secret Invasion, Kabuki, White Tiger, Ultra and more that we can't recall at the moment. Airports completely sap all energy away from us for reasons we can't explain. It's like they pump anesthesia into the air conditioning. If it sounds like we are babbling, it's because we are: We are waiting for out laptop to charge and are sitting on very uncomfortable industrial carpet ... On that note our ass hurts and it's time to move to a pleather chair.

Marvel's Con Signing Schedule

2008-07-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

It took some sleuthing, but we found it. Click here for the schedule.

Gearing Up For the Con

2008-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

Greetings faithful readers from your not-so-faithful editors. Shame on us. We know, we've slacked. We wish there was a good excuse, but suffice it to say life, work, travel, etc. have intervened. However, in the last week our mind has turned almost exclusively to comics.

For one, in years past when we went to Comic-Con were were a little unprepard. We knew which issues we wanted to get signed, but sometimes they were diffiicult to locate. Our filing system alphabetically seperated each title in one of two categories: ongoing or limited and cancelled series. That proved to be unworkable. So, about two weeks ago we merged those two cetergories into one. Then we downloaded a free copy of Comic Collector Live, a free software which tracks and organizes your collection, and allows collectors to purchase and sell to each other, among other features. Although we found the software a bit clunkly, it was still useful. Perhaps after more time using the program, it'll become more workable. We've yet to try any of the features beyond the organization of the collection. Now we have a grand total of 4125 comics, a respectable # but nothing that will win us any awards. It took us, on average, 3 hours to do 4 longboxes. What really slows you down are variant covers - do you have them or not? Noting signed comics is truly a pain, though we have relatively few of those so it wasn't all that overwhelming.

Comic-Con 2008 is completely sold out, so if you don't have your tickets yet and you are planning on heading down to San Diego, it's probably not worth your trouble. In all the years we have gone, we have yet to notice folks trying to pawn off tickets. Logistically, that would be difficult unless the person is selling the laniard and pass. This isn't like a Grateful Dead Show where you can just hope for a "miracle."

The Programming Schedule is up and complete. Click here to find out more. For our money, Sunday's pretty lackluster this year, so perhaps we'll plan a trip back to the Zoo, Wild Animal Park, Sea World or various museums. We've already got all day Monday as well, so it'll be a nice change of pace from moving like cattle through the convention center. Also be sure to check out the film pages too to help plan your visit.

Our signing plans aren't complete. Although DC and Marvel haven't yet published their signing schedules as far as we know, we've got our last batch of David Mack comics to get signed. This will get us through the present and all the random past issues we have acquired over the years (one of the positives of organizing the collection) Mack, for our money, is the most innovative artist working in comics today and a genuinely nice guy. Check out his Kabuki series, as well as work on a recent New Avengers cover. Mack will be at the Image booth.

Also at Image will be the Luna Brothers, creators of Ultra, Girls, and the Sword, some of the most originally and engaging comics of the last 5 or so years. We'll be sure to get some of their work signed too.

This year we got a hotel closer to the con. Last year we were out at the Sheraton. Although a nice hotel and on the free shuttle line, it was very far removed from the action. This year we happened to make reservations at the Sofia Hotel, an historic hotel about 8 blocks from the convention center. We're really looking forward to taking advantage more of the downtown core during this trip.

Now for the bad news: We're 75% sure that we won't be attending the con in 2009. Why? The cost of hotels. Between our flight and membership, we spent about $200. Our hotel- to be sure one of the most reasonable con hotels out there - is running $165/night + tax. After 5 nights, that really adds up. We're looking at international travel next year for about the same price. Depending on exchange rates, we may avoid Europe and look to Peru, Costa Rica or some other great opportunity. The con will still be there in 2009. All of this wouldn't be necessary if there were more competitive hotels in the mix. We firmly believe that the Con needs to move to Las Vegas, and not because we live there, but because of the amount of convention space (allowing the Con to grow) and the availability of rooms. Sure it'll be hot, but that's what air conditioning's for.

That's about all from us. Look for pictures from the Con, and perhaps even posting directly from the convention floor as Wi-Fi is free there this year.

Thanks for being faithful readers.

Regards,

Your Slacker Editor Mister Fanboy

Special Effects Pioneer Stan Winston Dies

2008-06-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

You know his work from Terminator, Aliens, Jurrasic Park and more. Truly an innovator. Read a story from the LA Times here. Sorry, no snark today.

Catwoman Book to Be Put Down?

2008-04-20T22:42:00.000-07:00

We found this little of giblet of craptacularness on Newsarama today buried in their coverage of the New York Comic-Con:

"I heard a rumor online - is Catwoman getting cancelled?" DiDio: "That is true, actually." He added that doesn't mean you won't be seeing the character in the DC Universe.

If it's true, that just plain sucks. It's a great book that's solidly written and drawn. Whereas I think most of DC's uber -events suck, because I find them long-winded, confusing, and unsatisfying, it's little books like Catwoman that are in the trenches dealing with more personal issues that are so much more gratifying. Perhaps that's why my pull list has been heavier on the Marvel side than DC for the last few years.

Secret Invasion Mini Haiku Review

2008-04-03T19:14:00.000-07:00

Skrulls here and Skrulls there

Heroes Beside Themselves

Ignore Snarkers Read

I Want One

2008-02-17T16:40:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. There's was an infinite crisis at work that involved a secret invasion of sorts. On the plus side, I was one of the very few who managed to nab a hotel room for Comic-Con. Anyone going? I mean, besides the 125,000 of you.

Best of 2007

2007-12-23T17:47:00.000-08:00

In our attempt to mimic the ideas of others (see Amy's list over at Arrogant Self Reliance), and our need to be just like the very vapid VH-1, we present our very own Best of 2007 list. Why, because it's the end of the year and it seems the right to do. Not to mention we've had way too much nog.

Best Album: Sonic Youth Daydream Nation 2 Disc Reissue

Best Novel: An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England by Brock Clarke

Best Nonfiction Author: Simon Winchester

Best Movie (tie): No Country for Old Men and the Simpson's Movie

Best Performance in a Movie: Javier Bardem in No Country for Old Men

Best Discovered DVD: Lady Vengeance

Best New Television Series: None

Best Ongoing Television Series (Drama): Battlestar Galactica

Best Ongoing Television Series (Reality - Tie): Project Runway and So You Think You Can Dance

Best Ongoing Televisions Series (Comedy): 30 Rock

Best Comic (DC/Vertigo/Wildstorm- tie): Birds of Prey and Fables

Best Comic (Marvel/Icon- tie): Daredevil, Powers, and Kabuki

Best New Comic: The Luna Brothers' Sword (Image)

Best Reliable Comics Writers (tie): Brian Michael Bendis, Ed Brubaker, Luna Brothers, David Mack, Gail Simone, and Bill Willingham

Best Artist Working in Comics: David Mack

Best Mainstream News Organization (tie): NPR, Newshour on PBS, Washington Post

Best Media (Indy): The Huffington Post

Best Bullshitter: Pres. George Bush

Gail Simone's Wonder Woman Profiled in the New York Times

2007-11-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

We clicked on the New York Times website this afternoon and lo and behold, we find a feature on Gail - one of our fave comics writers - front and center. The article focuses on both Gail's career and her taking over the sometime troubled (my opinion) Wonder Woman title. To read the article, click here. It will appear in tomorrow's edition of the paper.

One reason we love Simone's work is that it is pure and unabashed fun. Topical yes, but not mired in the grit that so many of our other fave comics seem to wallow in. It's great to just enjoy yourself -and we do- when we read her books. We loved her runs on Agent X and Birds of Prey, which she has since sadly moved on from. We truly dig Welcome to Tranquility. And her first issue of Wonder Woman, bodes well. We tried for years to get into the title and haven't been able to in the past. If anyone can do it, it's Gail.

Comics as Neoconservative Talking Points?

2007-11-11T11:51:00.000-08:00

The American Prospect, a politically liberal magazine, recently published an article by Julian Sanchez entitled "Revolt of the Comic Books." In it, the author argues that all too often the mechanics and practicality of American superhero comics tend to fall into the worldview of so-called neoconservative Republicans - knowingly or unknowingly, the author seems to be saying. It's certainly food for thought for self-avowed liberals like Mister Fanboy. However, we can't seem to buy into the author's final analysis. Perhaps that's because we don't think everything is as cut and dry as the author contends, or as we argued vehemently with our high school American literature teacher, not every author has an agenda; he or she may be just writing a good story. (However, we're not so naive to think that personal opinions don't become part of an author's work on purpose or otherwise either.) Either way, the article provides much food for thought. Found via Blog At Newsarama.

10+ Hottest Male Supervillains/Bad Guy Comic Characters (This One's For The Ladies - A Beefcake Counterpoint to Last Week's Cheesecake)

2007-10-29T18:18:00.000-07:00

Ladies (or our gay friends), lest it be said that we were sexist, here is our list of the hottest male supervillain comic characters. Last week we presented our 10+ Hottest Women Supervillians/Bad Girl Comic Characters, just in time for the devilish Halloween holiday. That was done in reaction to last year's list of 10+ Hottest Women Superhero/Good Gal Comic Characters, which itself was a reaction to Kalinara and Ragnell's (from When Fangirls Attack fame) request for Cheesecake Appreciation Week. But wait, there's more -- We even provided our own list last year of the hottest male heroes with our Belated Cheesecake/Beefcake Week Posting. So this list is sort of a follow-up to that one. For what it's worth, we did include some self-professed and former heroes on the list. If you don't like, write up one yourself or make a comment. Let's move away now from the most belabored introduction ever, embrace the cliches, and get one with the list.

Gambit

Gambit, you say? Yes, the man from the big easy has been very naughty of late. Not sure what’s going on with him, but I know man of you wish taking him to bed would be the “Big Easy.”

Hans from Fables

This butcher has the naughty Puritan look down pat.

Iron Man

This one may be controversial (in calling him evil), but this ladies man is as soulless as Dick Cheney.

Deathstroke

This assassin still has “it” after all these years.

Lex Luthor

Bald is beautiful.

Namor

Depending on whom you ask, this guy is a villain or a hero. But you got to give him credit, he can pull off a Speedo.

Doctor Octopus

Just imagine what he could do with different appendages (or that cigar).

Ozymandias

He’s always Mr. Right … and Mr. Right now.

Purple Man

Always dapper, he can convince you that you’re having the time of your life.

Kingpin

There’s just so much more of him to love.

Fin Fang Foom

Because we all know how much you love the shorts!

Snark Free: Superheroes Anonymous

2007-10-29T14:45:00.000-07:00

Great article in today's New York Times about real-life do-gooders. Click here to see it (sometime the Times makes you register to see articles, but it's free to register).

Birthday Day! Shuffling Off Into Oblivion - Leaving the 18-34 Demographic

2007-10-27T09:31:00.000-07:00

Today, we turn a ripe old age of 35. To some that may sound old, and to others young. Either way, we are fading into oblivion. By that we mean that now that we have passed out of the 18-34 demographic, we fear that we will now longer be seen as a decision-maker (read= large waster of "discretionary income") by the powers-that-be (read= PR and pop culture decision-makers). But we refuse to go quietly. We will reclaim our relevance! Perhaps that means shilling for Audi instead of Jeep or Good Earth Tea instead of Red Bull. We refuse to go the way of Tina Yothers or Andrew McCarthy!

Comic-Gate: Hillary Clinton Smear Job

2007-10-26T22:29:00.000-07:00

Fair warning. We are getting political.

Mister Fanboy constantly receives politically themed emails from one of its parental units. Fair enough. Said parental unit has - as far as Mister Fanboy is concerned - an almost illogical dislike of Hillary Clinton. By no means is she our favorite Democrat on the block, but if it were to come down to her or any of the crop of Republicans, she would get our vote for president.

At any rate, said parental unit passed along this clip from a film made by one of her detractors that - to our surprise - has a comic book connection. Basically, it involved Peter Paul of Stan Lee Media, who was a fundraiser for her first Senate run, and how she distanced herself from him once the Washington Post revealed that he had a previous felony convinction. From there, her campaign made some missteps in terms in how his contributions here reported. Clearly Mr. Paul is bitter. Perhaps he should be. At the same time, he is also being used by operatives of her enemies. Dare I say it? A vast right wing conspiracy? Check it out for yourself. Please note that Stan Lee is not coming across as a Republican shill.

Click here or on the photo above to see Video (Yet again we fail in our attempts to embed it here-sorry).

Who knows if this thing will gain traction or not? Anyone know more about this?

Top 4 Reasons I Don't Care That Big Barda Is Dead

2007-10-26T13:19:00.000-07:00

This past week there's been quite the kerfuffle about Big Barda's death (appearing off panel, apparently, which I agree, is a total cop out and cheat). Perhaps I will get flack for this, but here are the top 4 reasons why I don't care.

1) After the fiasco that was Infinite Crisis, I have foresworn all DC crossovers. I skipped 52 -- even though from what I gather there were a plethora of interesting story threads, and won't touch Countdown or the Death of the New Gods with a 10 foot pole. I know this is controversial, but I find DC's crossovers too convoluted and steeped in way too much continuity to be enjoyable; as such, I prefer Marvel's. The irony of this being said on a blog called Mister Fanboy is not lost on me. Because her death happened in one of the aforementioned DC crossovers, I have doubts that it matters one wit and won't be retconned during the next big event in such a way that it causes even more confusion. Say what you will about Marvel's big events - and I am sure you will - but theirs tend be much more finite and self-contained.

2) Big Barda means nothing to me (sadly, the same goes for her husband, Mr. Miracle). Sorry, but for one reason or another, her storylines/books were never the ones that I read. That by no means implies that she wasn't a worthwhile character, but it means I'm not all that familiar with her. Even when a gifted writer such as Gail Simone featured her in her last Birds of Prey arc, I didn't get much of a feel for her - or why I should really like her. Perhaps that was due to the fact that there were so many other female heroes in the story and it was hard to make Barda shine, but she vaguely came across as like the Hulk - Barda Smash!

3) I liked Knockout better. Using the work of Simone again, through Villains United, Secret Six, and then Birds of Prey (again), I really learned to like Barda's fellow New Godsian (?, or whatever). The cynical amongst you might say that because I am a guy, and because Knockout was in a same-sex relationship with Scandal, of course I would like her. However, that's not really the case. I appreciated her brashness (which I got the sense that Simone was getting at with Barda herself, but just didn't work for me). I bring up Knockout for two reasons. A) She had a similar origin to Big Barda and I learned to like her and appreciate her first, without being exposed to what I have come to learn is a confusing backstory for all of the New Gods and B) I was actually sad when she got killed (although super-miffed that there was no follow-up in Birds of Prey - thanks Editors!)

4) It's fiction. Character's die. They are then often resurrected. Phoenix. Psylocke. Ice. And the list goes on and on. Perhaps it's finite, but that doesn't mean the writer is directing this at you (reader) specifically. But then again, if Dazzler were to truly bite the dust in continuity, I would be pissed as all get out too and therefore happily be wearing the label of a true hypocrite. I think this goes back to my 2nd point in that the character never really resonated for me.

I was going to include a 5th reason, but I just couldn't think of one.

So, there you have it. Give me a reason why I should care. Seriously. Why am I wrong? Or am I right? Why is the world shaped like a triangular burrito? Discuss.

Breaking News ... This - Part Deux

2007-10-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

In honor of the coming Halloween Holiday, we thought it would be good idea to repost this little treasure from just over a year ago.

This is so important that I do not know how to explain it thoroughly. If you already know about this, then you know how very important this is. For the rest of you, I cannot explain how important this would be to you if you took the time to learn about this.

Thanks to our dear friend Tits McGee for bringing this to our attention. Oh, and Happy Birthday to Steve, which started all of this.

10+ Hottest Women Supervillians/Bad Girl Comic Characters

2007-10-22T15:27:00.000-07:00

From time to time, we like to see how people are finding their way here by checking out the nifty referral feature on our Sitemeter. One post that consistently sends travellers here was our 10+ Hottest Women Superhero/Good Gal Comic Characters post from August 2006 (which was picked up by When Fangirls Attack and then Blog at Newsarama). Seeing as how we are swinging into the Halloween season when all things devilish are celebrated, we thought it was high time we pointed out those bad girls we love so much. So in no particular order whatsoever, let the cliches begin!

Mystique

The woman of a thousand faces and body parts recently got super two-faced in X-Men and has embraced her evil roots.

Scarab

From the Kabuki series, this is one bad ass assassin who would squash you like the dirty bug that you are.

Cheshire

This French-Vietnamese beauty is a mercenary with a penchant for poison and will make you smile.

Giganta

Size Matters.

Ultimate Black Widow

One of the best exits for any evil character ever (courtesy of Ultimate Hawkeye), this is one case where the male of the species turned the tables on the female.

Poison Ivy

Tragic, yes, but you gotta love the scenery.

Lumi, the Snow Queen

From Fables and Jack of Fables, we guess the old saying is right: evil is best served cold.

Deathbird

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha ... Lilandra, Lilandra, Lindra! This is one woman with a serious case of sibling rivalry.

Dark Phoenix

Pure evil, but unlike the mythical creature she is named after, she should stop rising from the ashes and stay dead like Elvis.

Madeline Pryor

Jean Grey's clone counterpart (don't ask), with a major chip on her shoulder.

Talia

Given many chances to be good, she chose her father's evil path rather than Bat or the Man.

Pray For Me

2007-10-14T21:11:00.000-07:00

At this very moment, Mister Fanboy is enduring a living hell. Mamma Mister Fanboy is visiting and demanded the television for Desperate Housewives. Please send liquor.

Found on the Net - Great Art

2007-10-08T20:42:00.000-07:00

Today we were trolling around and visited Project Rooftop, a site we don't visit enough these days. The site presents re-imaginings of characters in comics (and other genres) from mostly amateur artists/fans. The current feature is that of the late Stephanie Brown/Spoiler/Robin from the Batman comics. These images are by Ming Doyle (or here), who I could easily see breaking into comics big time- you should check out her work. Enjoy.

Pop Culture Diarrhea

2007-10-07T15:41:00.000-07:00

We’re back. It’s been a long while, we know. You pined for our return – we got the gifts and loved them, thank you very much. The stalkers – we weren’t too fond of them, but that’s what we bought Charles Montgomery Burns’ new litter of hounds for.

So where do we start? We’ve consumed lots of pop culture since Comic-Con. So we shall steal a page from our friend Amy over at Arrogant Self-Reliance and give you a brief recap of what we’ve seen, liked, disliked, etc.

From the files of Mister Fanboy Comics

Killing Girl

This mini tells the story of a young girl snatched from her family and trained to be a mob assassin. Throw in some stunning artwork and you’ve got yourself a keeper.

Superman/Batman

It’s official: I am dropping this from my pull. I’ve kept it going 2 years longer than I should have. Nothing was better than the 1st 6 issues. I just wasted over $75. Good for me!

World War Hulk

Hulk Smash! Sure it’s like summer blockbuster movie fluff – but it’s fluff that works. The art is awesome and the characterizations make sense. Wish it could have been scheduled weekly, however, as to keep it’s punch. No pun intended.

Birds of Prey

Gail Simone has left writing the book. A moment of silence please.

The Secret Six’s Knockout is dead? Say it isn’t so. But what about the follow-up? I hate DC crossovers. They just SUCK! I will not Countdown nor did I play 52 pick-up (until the library gets the trade paperbacks of course).

From the files of Mister Fanboy Movies:

First Run Movies

Except for the Simpsons Movie, which I loved, I’ve only seen one other flick in the theaters since July, and well, it was much-less-than-meets-the eye.

DVDs

Lady Vengeance

This Korean revenge flick is one of the best I’ve ever seen. It’s not as violent as its name implies, though is by no means for the squeamish. Take one part Kill Bill Vol. 1 and equal parts of indescribable drama and revenge and you get this masterpiece. And we don’t use that word frequently. It tells the story of a woman who spends 13 years in a prison for a murder she didn’t commit. Then she seeks revenge … with a twist I didn’t see coming. Oddly, we found it by way one of those workplace time killers somewhere on the web with one of those 10 Best Lists about women that kick ass in movies. This came in at #2 (behind Sigourney Weaver in Aliens). However, it being ahead of Beatrix Kiddo in Kill Bill intrigued me. I am so glad I got. Get it yourself.

Old Boy

Another great Korean film, this tells the story of a man snatched off the street and imprisoned in a room for 15 years as part of an elaborate plan of revenge. The first 2/3 of the movie and the ending are great, but there’s a little bit just before the ending where it loses its way. Still, it’s well worth your time.

From the files of Mister Fanboy TV

Heroes

The first episode seemed a bit ho-hum. The 2nd episode was much better and I hope it hits its stride soon, though I can’t for the life of me really care about the Northstar-Aurora brother and sister archetype knockoffs traveling through Central America.

Bionic Woman

The first episode set the stage, but was so obviously a pilot in terms of craptacular character development. If it wasn’t for the Sarah Corvis character (played by Battlestar Galactica’s Katee Sackhoff) we can’t say that we’d care. The lead is pretty enough but she needs more of a personality. Loved the cameos by the other BSG actor (see for yourself) and the episodes playing on the DVD player. And someone please take the blonde psychologist woman to a salon to do something about her hair. Please. We’re so glad to see that Isaiah Washington is being duly reprimanded for his anti-gay slurs … by getting a recurring role here. WTF?

From the files of Mister Fanboy Music

Sonic Youth’s Daydream Nation Deluxe Edition

Full disclosure: Daydream Nation is one of our favorite albums ever! Not only is it digitally remastered in the first disc, but the 2nd is a live recording before an audience. Throw in some live covers … Ecstasy!!!!!

PJ Harvey’s White Chalk

Depressing as all get out … but like opium, and the rest of her albums – addictive. Not like her previous hard hitting work. This one is decidedly low key.

Vegas Celebrity Sightings: Seal, John Oates (Daryl Hall was no where insight), Andre Agassi, Stefi Graf, and Gwen Ifil.

Still to come ... review of Kathy Griffin's live show next Friday night at Mandalay Bay.

Comic-Con Photodump Part 2

2007-08-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Anderson Cooper gets his geek on

Julia Roberts sporting a new do

Snark free: Milla Jovovich was absolutely charming!

Sam Raimi apologizes for Spider-Man 3

We didn't know Michael Jackson was at Comic-Con

Fan of Chinese manufactured toys

Tim Curry's lost weight

The latest in sex toy technology

Maria Shriver diet plan ...

Turn on your heartlight ...

Amadala's baby's daddy

Comic-Con 2007 Photodump Part 1

2007-08-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Big Boy delivers?

Who is watching for the Watchmen? We are! Filming for the big screen adaptation begins soon!

Jeph Loeb

Brian Michael Bendis signing for fans

David Mack signing for fans

David Mack and a member of the Mister Fanboy Editorial Staff (Aquaman? What a loser!)

Comic-Con Day 4 Report

2007-08-01T22:34:00.001-07:00

We apologize for our brevity ...

The final day of Comic-Con was Kids Day and only ran through the late afternoon. Regardless, the crowd was hopping. Some of our highlights ...

We got our "Death of Captain America" issue signed by scribe Ed Brubaker

We attended the X-Men panel, though we can’t report anything that other blogs already haven’t

We got a sweet pic of Matt Groening, Simpsons creator, signing autographs

We also were present for the unveiling of the Iron Man armor from the upcoming film. Truth be told, we pretty much could care less, but the armor has a nice retro look.

From there we bailed and went to the San Diego Zoo. You can’t go to San Diego without visiting the zoo, can you. Pandas, monkeys, birds of all kinds, and reptiles were the highlights of our all too brief sojourn before we headed back to the airport and the heat of Vegas.

Comic-Con Day 3 Report

2007-07-31T20:28:00.001-07:00

Note: Blogger hates us as it's not letting us add images. Pix at a later date.

Day 3 was a blast. Our interepid Mister Fanboy Staff photographers were out and about. No doubt about it. The crowds were not nearly as thick as last year’s Saturday at Comic-Con, and thankfully the AC stayed on this year as well (if not a bit too cold).

We finally got the entire run of Alias signed by scribe Brian Michael Bendis and cover artiste David Mack. Bendis also signed some choice New Avengers issues for us. Mack also completed signing our entire collection of Kabuki issues, and his DVD. Additionally, we made some fine purchases of Kabuki related merchanside includeing a poster and a black tee, as well as a print of a Mack cover piece from Daredevil.

Rosario Dawson struck a funny pose while signing issues of her own comic.

My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way caused quite a stir with his appearance.

Jeph Loeb did some signings as well, but was off the beaten path in this pic away from Marvel (we forget where).

Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddie Krueger was out and about as well.

We totally enjoyed the Babylon 5 panel about today’s release of the direct-to-DVD feature, which featured Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, and Peter Woodward along with JMS. The crowd was huge. Sadly, our pix were stolen by the Shadows.

We also ran into Ghostbuster’s Ernie Hudson in the line at Starbucks, but the Shadows stole those pictures as well.

Milla Jovovich was very gracious and friendly while promoting the upcoming release of the 3rd installment of Resident Evil. Heroes’ Ali Larter, also in the film, seemed to really be eating up all of the attention she’s been getting of late, and we don’t mean that in a good way.

A clip of Sam Raimi’s upcoming adaptation of the excellent comic 30 Days of Night scared us shitless – and we already know what happens in the film. It stars Josh Hartnett and Ben Foster (X-Men’s Angel).

We also attended the Masquerade Ball, for which we will have a seperate post.

Wondering where our sense of humor went? Ali Larter ate it.

Comic-Con Day 2 Report

2007-07-30T18:50:00.000-07:00

Curse you Blogger. We wrote this post once already and then it disappeared when doing a Spell Check.

As a result, here’s a brief version.

Lots of comics signed by:

Our favorite, David Mack

Peter David, including information on upcoming
hardcover from IDW of Fallen Angel and goings-ons in X-Factor

Gail Simone where we professed our sadness over her leaving Birds of Prey, our fondness of Welcome to Tranquility, and the excitement a certain female blogger has over her penning Wonder Woman (you know who you are).

Also of interest:

Dan Slott showed us images from an upcoming issue of She-Hulk and discussed a brief cameo of Squirrel Girl in the animated Fantastic Four.

We attended the Mondo Marvel panel, but there’s nothing we could tell you that other blogs haven’t already reported, except that Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada has lost a ton of weight since last year.

The Babylon 5 panel, regarding the direct to DVD film to be released tomorrow, was a blast. Bruce Boxleitner, Tracy Scoggins, JMS, and Peter Woodward, among others, were present.

All of Comic-Con officially sold out all 4 days today.

Although it’s crowded here, the organizers seem to have done a nice job considering. We still think they should consider relocating it to Vegas.

We pretty much dropped the ball on Photos for Friday, but the crack Mister Fanboy Photographic Team was in full force on Saturday. Look for a post and more photos tomorrow.

Simpons Movie Opens Today

2007-07-27T10:13:00.000-07:00

We take a brief respite from our Comic-Con hoopla to remind you that the Simpsons Movie opened today, as if you didn't already know that. The Washington Post described it as one of the best movies of the year, and even has a fun checklist of goings-ons! Because of the Con we may not get to see it until Monday, but you never know... D'Oh! Off to the Con!

Comic-Con day 1 Report:

2007-07-26T23:11:00.000-07:00

Day 1 has come and gone and we’re not sure what we’ve got to show for it. Perhaps it’s because we only visited one full and two half panels. Perhaps it was the early flight, checking into our hotel and the late arrival. Or maybe it was the ½ mile line just for pre-registered attendees to register. On top of all of that, we totally dropped the ball in taking photos and the ones we did pretty much sucked. Whatever our problems were, here’s a blow by blow …

The line to register sucked. We did not encounter nearly as many problems and we cannot tell you why. Let’s be honest. Comic-Con needs to consider a different location. It’s grown way too unwieldy for San Diego to handle – and we really like San Diego. Perhaps Vegas? And we’re not just saying that because we live there. We’re saying that because there’s lots more convention space and accommodations.

The exhibit hall was packed, as we expected. Saturday will just be insane. Last we heard they had less than 2000 tickets for tomorrow left, so we wouldn’t be surprised if it already sold out.

David Mack continued to be very gracious and signed about 15 issues for us. We also bought his new children’s book The Shy Creatures, which spun out of Kabuki: Alchemy in a way.

It’ll be out in bookstores and ye oldde comic shoppes soon. We warned him that we had more to bring each day this weekend. He truly is the nicest and one of the most talented guys in the industry today. He’s at the Image booth if you’re able to attend. His significant other – her name escapes me unfortunately – is very kind as well. We’ll be back there tomorrow and will hopefully get some pix.

Mondo Marvel Panel: Oddly, it seemed anticlimactic. Sure they announced a new Captain Marvel title, but after Civil War: The Return who didn’t see that coming. JMS was interesting … but we’re more interested in his panel on the new Babylon 5 direct-to-DVD title out next week.

It was announced that Marvel beat DC at their annual softball game 16-9, which oddly mirrors Marvels recent sales dominance in terms of $’s. Other things we’re announced that we didn’t care too much about. Way too much discussion of the Iron Man movie for our tastes (we admit, we never warmed up to the creator, regardless of his sheer disckishness a la Civil War).

Film director and well known actor Jon Favre stopped by. Machine Man will be showing up as a supporting character in Ms. Marvel and will be drinking a lot (yippee). That’s about all we remember.

We also accidentally went to the 1st half of a panel on the new Demon’s of Mercy game, for which Marvel did an exclusive comic that we got.

Amber Benson (Buffy’s Tera) did one of the voices. She looked stoned as a goat.

Marvel handed out variant editions of New Avengers #31 (the Skrull issue), but it’s basically a B and W rendering of the original cover. But still, it’s nice.

After a very leisurely dinner, we couldn’t get a seat for the upcoming Superman/Doomsday DVD, which didn’t sadden us too much. We did attend the Kung Fun/Superhero Film Extravaganza which we truly liked. However, all of the walking and traveling of the day really hit us and we had to take the shuttle back to our hotel for some shuteye, but we thought we’d do this post for you all first.

Finally we did pick up some swag for our dear friend Amy Reads over at Arrogant Self-Reliance, that we’ll give her the details about next week. Sorry we’ve been so bad about visiting the blog lately Amy. More swag updates tomorrow.

That’s all for today. Not too sure if we’ll have internet access during the rest of the stay or not. If not, look for an update on Monday.

Comic-Con Countdown Part 7

2007-07-25T19:09:00.000-07:00

Due to time constraints, this will likely be our last pre-Con post.

Want to get an autograph or a fave comic signed? If so see below. For us, our first stop will be the Image Comics booth were David Mack - creator and artist extraordinaire - will be signing all weekend. Woo-hoo.

Located upstairs in the Sails Pavilion, the Autograph Area is the place to go for a special memento from a variety of artists, authors and actors from every era of popular culture. Some are signing right after their spotlight panel, so check the program grid daily.
The Autograph Area is open from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday. No autograph sessions will be held before or after these times, but fans are welcome to come on up and get in line when the convention hall opens.
Due to high demand and the limited time available from notables appearing to sign autographs, the Autograph Area Coordinator may at any time shut down a line, even if people are still waiting for an autograph. We apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment.
Changes and surprise additions will occur throughout the show, so be sure to check the daily newsletter and the information boards located throughout the center. Schedules will be posted at the Autograph Area Information Desk, staffed 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM Thursday through Saturday, and 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM Sunday.
Most people attending Comic-Con International are fans who want to meet professionals and take away a souvenir of that meeting. If you would like to sign autographs at the convention we require that you sign one Souvenir Program Book, free of charge, for each fan who asks during your signing. However, if you buy exhibit space at Comic-Con you may charge for your autograph (beyond the one required Souvenir Program Book autograph) while you are at your booth or table. If you are awarded free space in the upper level Sails Pavilion, you may not sell your autograph but you may sell autographed items, and we require that you sign one Souvenir Program Book free of charge for any fan who asks during your signing. Please read the information below for other important information regarding selling autographs and autographed items.
General Guidelines
Anyone signing at Comic-Con, in the Sails area or on the Exhibit Hall floor, even those exhibitors who will be charging a fee, must sign one copy of the Souvenir Program Book for any fan at no charge. You may sign one other item instead of the program book, if the fan would prefer and you agree.
Autograph Area
If you receive free space from Comic-Con, in the Autograph Area in the Sails Pavilion, you are not allowed to charge for your autograph. You may charge for any item that you supply and will be signing for free. You must sign one Souvenir Program Book per person (or other item of your choice) at no charge if requested, and you may not require a purchase to sign the Souvenir Program Book. You are not expected to sign anything you deem offensive or that violates any contractual agreements you may have.
Limited Signings
Linked notables are Comic-Con Special Guests!Click their name to go to their bio.(Updated July 20)
Ray Bradbury and Ray Harryhausen
Drawing for line ticket at 11:30 AM Saturday
Saturday
AA2
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Warren Ellis
Drawing for a line ticket at 10:30 AM Friday
Friday
AA3
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Neil Gaiman
Drawing for a line ticket at 12:00 PM Friday
Friday
AA1
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Matt Groening
Drawing for a line ticket at 12:00 PM Saturday
Saturday
AA2
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Laurell K. Hamilton
Drawing for a line ticket at 10:00 AM Saturday
Saturday
AA1
1:15 pm - 2:15 pm

Hot Fuzz
Edgar Wright (director), Nick Frost (actor)Limited signing of a special edition Comic-Con 2007 Hot Fuzz DVD sleeve; drawing for a line ticket at 1:00 PM Friday
Friday
AA2
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Stan Lee
Drawing for a line ticket at 10:00 AM Thursday
Thursday
AA2
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Todd McFarlane
Limited signing of apecial edition HBO Spawn lithograph; drawing for a line ticket at 11:00 AM Friday
Friday
AA5
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Todd McFarlane with R. A. Salvatore and Robert Kirkman
Spawn creator and McFarlane Toys Founder, Todd McFarlane with special guests, R.A. Salvatore (38 Studios' Creative Content Director, Book III of The Hunter’s Blade Trilogy) and Robert Kirkman (Walking Dead, Invincible)Limited Signing of Special Edition McFarlane-Kirkman signing plate and 38 Studios T-shirtsDrawing for a line ticket at 1:00 PM Saturday
Saturday
AA1
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Dylan Sprouse and Cole Sprouse
Drawing for a line ticket at 10:00 AM Sunday
Sunday
AA1
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Stargate: Atlantis
Depending on availability - Robert Cooper; David Hewlett; Joe Mallozzi; Amanda Tapping; Marin WoodDrawing for line tickets at 9:00 AM Friday
Friday
AA6
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Stargate: SG1
Depending on availability - Ben Browder; Robert Cooper; Chris Judge; Joe Mallozzi; Michael Shanks; Amanda Tapping; Martin WoodDrawing for line tickets at 9:00 AM Friday
Friday
AA6
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

TATUA
Paul Jenkins (Wolverine Origin, Frontlines), Rob Prior (Spawn The Impaler, Buffy the Vampire Slayer TV Show EFX), C. Thomas Howell (The Outsiders, Soul Man), Michael Madsen (Reservoir Dogs, Thelma & Louise), and Page Hamilton (Unsung, Milquetoast)Drawing for a line ticket at 10:45 AM Friday
Friday
AA5
4:30 pm - 6:00 pm

TV Guide's Hot List
Michelle Ryan — subject to availabilityDrawing for a line ticket at 10:00 AM Saturday
Saturday
AA3
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance: Subgenres Readers Love
Laurell K. Hamilton, Jeanne Stein, Laura Anne Gilman, Carrie Vaughn, Marjorie Liu, and Samantha Sommersby)Drawing for a line ticket at 11:00 AM Thursday
Thursday
AA4
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

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Group Signings
(most follow panels with the featured titles)Linked notables are Comic-Con Special Guests!Click their name to go to their bio.(Updated July 20)
Attack of the Show
Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, and Blair Butler
Friday
AA4
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

BBC America’s Torchwood
Noel Clarke, actor/writer (Doctor Who, Torchwood)
Thursday
AA3
3:15 pm - 4:15 pm

Blade Runner
Depending on availability: Joanna Cassidy, Joe Turkel, Syd Mead, Mark Stetson, James Hong, Daryl Hannah, Sean Young, Paul Sammon, John Alvint
Thursday
AA11
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA12
11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Saturday
AA11
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA6
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Code Monkeys
Adam de la Pena and Dana Snyder
Thursday
AA6
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

The Crow: Stairway to Heaven
Mark Dacascos, Bryce Zabel
Friday
AA4
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Costume Designers Guild
Mary Vogt, Michael Wilkenson, Deborah Nadoloolman
Saturday
AA4
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The Dead One
Tony Plana, actor (Ugly Betty), Joel David Moore, actor (Dodgeball, Avatar)Signing a Limited Edition The Dead One mini movie poster
Friday
AA2
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Demons, Devils and Evil Dictators
Jon Lewis & Derek Benz, Holly Black, Tony DiTerlizzi, D. J. MacHale, James Owen, Frank Beddor, Laini Taylor, Kevin J. Anderson, Rebecca Moesta, Nancy Holder, and William Boniface
Friday
AA1
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm

Farscape
Gigi Edgley, David Franklin, Lani Tupu, Virginia Hey
Friday
AA7
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA11
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Kill Your Darlings
F. Paul Wilson, David Morrell, Max Allan Collins, Richard Morgan, Josh Conviser, Joe Schreiber, and Elizabeth Forrest
Friday
AA11
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

Moonstone
Peter David, Joe Gentile, Nancy Holder, Andy Mangels, Ruben Procopio, Richard Dean Starr, Guy Williams, Jr.
Thursday
AA2
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

The O.C.T. (Occult Crimes Taskforce)
Rosario Dawson, Tony Shasteen, David Atchison
Thursday
AA12
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Friday
AA12
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm
Saturday
AA5
3:30 pm - 6:00 pm

Remembering Caniff/Canyon
Harry Guyton, R. C. Harvey, Denis Kitchen, Russ Maheras, Diana Doalson, and John Ellis
Saturday
AA3
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Rewriting History
Jacqueline Carey, David Anthony Durham, David Keck, Harry Turtledove, R. A. Salvatore, and Mel Odom
Friday
AA11
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

The Scribe Awards
Donald Bain, Marv Wolfman, David R. George III, Jeff Mariotte, Nathan Long, Christina York, Alice Henderson, Max Allan Collins, and Andy Mangels
Sunday
AA3
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Southland Tales
Richard Kelly, writer (Southland Tales, Donnie Darko)
Friday
AA12
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Spumco Artists
Kali Fontecchio, caricaturist/BG painter (for John K., Tenacious D and Raketu); Marlo Meekins, cartoonist/BG painter (for Tenacious D, Classico video) and Eric Bauza, voice actor/cartoonist (voice of Stimpy)
Friday
AA7
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday
AA7
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Storytelling With and Without Pictures
David Morrell, Christopher Golden, Richard Morgan, Tad Williams, Barbara Hambly, Orson Scott Card, and Mike Carey
Saturday
AA4
3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Super (Natural) Women
Allison DuBois(real-life inspiration for Medium; author, Don't Kiss Them Good-bye)
Sunday
AA2
11:45 am - 12:45 pm

Trailer Park of Terror
Michelle Lee, actor (Pirates of the Caribbean III); Ed Corbin (Chrystal); Todd Tucker (Special effects makeup, Drac Studios)
Friday
AA26
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA17
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Where Did That Come From?
F. Paul Wilson, David Morrell, Jeff Mariotte, Simon Wood, Christopher Golden, Stephen Woodworth, Mike Carey, and Richard Kadrey
Thursday
AA3
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Where Do They Get Those Marvelous Toys
Cory Doctorow, Greg Bear, Austin Grossman, Vernor Vinge, Kevin J. Anderson, and Mike Shepherd
Saturday
AA12
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Who Wants To Be a Superhero
Matthew Atherton (Feedback), Alison Wilson (Fat Momma), Chris Watters (Major Victory)
Thursday
AA8
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA10
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA8
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA4
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

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Individual Signings
Linked notables are Comic-Con Special Guests!Click their name to go to their bio.(Updated July 20)
Crystal Allen, actor (Star Trek: Enterprise, Desperate Housewives)
Friday
AA21
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA19
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Delilah Andre, actor (Veronica Mars)
Friday
AA13
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA15
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Gigi Fast Elk Bannister, actor/SFX artist (Phantasm IV, Bubba Ho-Tep, Carnies)
Friday
AA19
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA18
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA21
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Reggie Bannister, actor (Phantasm I-IV, Gangs of the Dead, The Rage)
Friday
AA19
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA18
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA21
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Holly Black, author (The Spiderwick Chronicles, Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale)
Sunday
AA3
11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Jeffrey Breslauer, voice-over actor (Nemesis Rising, Batman Show at Six Flags)
Thursday
AA18
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA18
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA13
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA23
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Claudia Christian, actor (Babylon 5, Highlander)
Saturday
AA19
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Bobby Clark, actor (Star Trek, Black Sunday, Running Scared)
Thursday
AA20
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA24
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA24
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cory Doctorow, author (Boing Boing/Craphound)
Thursday
AA4
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Darwyn Cooke, writer/artist (New Frontier, The Spirit)
Thursday
AA5
3:30 pm - 5:00 pm

Daeg Faerch, actor (Rob Zombie's Halloween)
Friday
AA15
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA22
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Ken Foree, actor (Dawn of the Dead, Black Santa's Revenge)
Thursday
AA19
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA22
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA25
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA10
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Menina Fortunato, actor (Mad TV, Star Trek: Enterprise)
Saturday
AA7
11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Richard Hatch, actor/writer (Battlestar Galactica, Gwom Graphic Novels)
Thursday
AA13
12:45 pm - 5:00 pm
Friday
AA14
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA14
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA15
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jonathan Halyalkar, actor (Veronica Mars)
Friday
AA13
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA15
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Kane Hodder, actor (Friday the 13th, Hack!)
Thursday
AA9
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA10
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA10
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA13
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

James Horan, actor/voice artist (Lost, 24, Star Trek-Enterprise, Starship Troopers)
Friday
AA23
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA18
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Herbert Jefferson, Jr., actor (Battlestar Galactica)
Thursday
AA26
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Friday
AA26
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Saturday
AA26
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Sunday
AA26
12:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Irwin Keyes, actor (House of 1000 Corpses, Intolerable Cruelty)
Thursday
AA18
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA20
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA20
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Martin Klebba, actor (Pirates of the Caribbean, Scrubs)
Saturday
AA13
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Lela Lee, creator (Angry Little Girls)
Thursday
AA20
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA24
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA24
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA22
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

BarBara Luna, actor (Star Trek: New Voyages, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century)
Thursday
AA22
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA17
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA22
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA9
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Million Dollar Man, actor (Monday Nitro, Thursday Thunder)
Thursday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA8
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Kelli Maroney, actor (Night of the Comet, Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Nightmare Carnival)
Thursday
AA9
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA9
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA9
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Chase Masterson, actor (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Manticore)
Saturday
AA7
11:00 am - 1:30 pm

Denny Miller, actor (Tarzan the Apeman, The Hulk)
Friday
AA22
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA17
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA19
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Erin Moran, actor (Happy Days, Galaxy of Terror)
Thursday
AA17
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA17
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA22
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA20
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Cindy Morgan, actor (Caddyshack, Tron)
Thursday
AA21
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA23
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA17
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Charles Napier, actor (Star Trek, Silence of the Lambs)
Friday
AA15
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA25
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Michael J. Nelson, Riffmaster (www.rifftrax.com) and host/writer (Mystery Science Theater 3000)
Thursday
AA23
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA19
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA16
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Larry Nemecek, author (Star Trek: TNG Companion)
Friday
AA25
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA17
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Jovi Olivas, actor (Veronica Mars)
Friday
AA13
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA15
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Cassandra Peterson, actor (Movie Macabre, Elvira's Haunted House)
Saturday
AA4
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Saturday
AA6
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Jeff Rector, actor/writer/producer/director (Revamped, Winged Creatures)
Saturday
AA20
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA18
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Brande Roderick, actor (Baywatch Hawaii, Surreal Life)
Saturday
AA21
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Katey Sagal, actor (Futurama, Married With Children)
Friday
AA8
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA10
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Tura Satana, actor (Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, The Astro Zombies)
Thursday
AA17
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA20
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA21
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA25
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Harvey Scales, musican (Disco Lady, The Simpsons, That 70's Show)
Friday
AA26
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA17
2:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Dave Shelton, creator/director/writer/cartoonist (Stephen Furst's Alien House, First Take MPG's Snuggy Bear & the T-Shirt Kids, Nightmare Carnival)
Thursday
AA9
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA9
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA9
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Cliff Simon, actor (Stargate: Continuum, Stargate SG-1)
Saturday
AA23
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA24
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Marc Singer, actor (Beastmaster, The Highlander)
Thursday
AA21
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA25
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA16
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Brinke Stevens, actor (November Son, Blood Siblings)
Friday
AA23
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA15
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

J. Michael Straczynski, writer/creator (Babylon 5, Amazing Spider-Man)
Thursday
AA5
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Sunday
AA5
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Patricia Tallman, actor/stuntwoman (American Scary, Babylon 5)
Thursday
AA24
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA16
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA16
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Tim Thomerson, actor (Left in Darkness, The District)
Thursday
AA25
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA16
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Rob Van Dam, actor (WWE, ECW)
Saturday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm

Virgil, actor (No Holds Barred, Lets Get Ready to Rumble)
Thursday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Friday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA8
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday
AA8
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Jane Wiedlin, musican/actor (Go-Go's, The Surreal Life, Star Trek IV)
Thursday
AA19
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Friday
AA13
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA9
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA14
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Guy Williams, Jr., actor (Reflections of a Sensitive Man), son of Guy Williams (Disney’s Zorro, Lost in Space)
Thursday
AA10
1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Friday
AA14
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Saturday
AA26
4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Sunday
AA7
11:00 am - 2:00 pm

F. Paul Wilson, author (Repairman Jack novels)
Friday
AA11
4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Stan Winston, sfx creator (Aliens, Jurassic Park) Signing The Winston Effect
Friday
AA3
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday
AA5
11:00 am - 1:00 pm

Peter Woodward, actor/writer (Babylon 5, Crusade, Charmed)
Friday
AA21
11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Saturday
AA14
3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

back

Please note that this schedule is subject to change. Panelists scheduled to appear at each event are also subject to change. Please check the schedule signs outside each door for updated information. Seating in all event rooms at Comic-Con is on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of the sheer number of attendees, simply having a badge does not guarantee a seat in programs and events, nor an autograph from a specific celebrity.

Comic-Con Countdown Part 6

2007-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Our apologies for not posting yesterday. Blogger was down most of the evening.

So far we’ve highlighted some of the great opportunities for Comic-Con programming. Today, we’ll point out some tips for the first time Con-goers.

If you haven’t already picked up your tix, the 4 day pass and Saturday are already sold out. Go here to get tickets.

Do not drive. Take public transportation. We repeat do not drive. Imagine Manhattan rush hour in the movies – with less parking – and you get an idea of what you’re up against.. Click here for information on the shuttle. Click here for information on parking, if you must drive (there are satellite lots with shuttle service).

Bring cash to buy goodies.

Bring your own water or lunch to save money.

Bring your comics to get signed.

We'll try for one more post tonight before we head out early tomorrow morning. Look for photos during or following the Con and let us know if you're a regular reader. Perhaps we can meet up and divulge our secret identities.

Comic-Con Countdown Part 5

2007-07-23T17:34:00.000-07:00

We're ratcheting up the post count today with a look at the Comic-Con Independent Film Festival. From the looks of it, it appears to be a great way to augment your Con-going experience. If you see any of the films listed below (or any of the premiers on the other days), feel free to email us a review and we'll post it for all to see.

There will also be a number of theatrically released films screened at Comic-Con. However, they are in the "attendee only area" of the site and haven't been released to the general public yet. They will be distributed at preview night (July 25), so in the spirit of the Con organizer's intent, we won't post them for all to see until then.

Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival Strikes Back!

The Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI:IFF) returns this year with a slate of 55 films. The CCI:IFF celebrates independent film, with the accent on genre-related entries. Featured genres include action/adventure, animation, comics-oriented, documentary, horror/suspense, humor/parody, and science fiction/fantasy. Room 26AB is solely devoted to the Film Festival and its events!
Now in its eighth year, the CCI:IFF is a juried event. Respected principals in the fields of film and popular arts view the submissions and decide which films are most deserving of awards and prizes, in addition to inclusion in the Festival.
All films and programs are in Room 26AB, on the south side of the Convention Center, above Hall H.

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Action/Adventure

12:15-12:50 Razor Sharp—It’s anything but business as usual for corporate thief Veronica Sharpe when she’s hired to battle her way through a high-security skyscraper and steal an exotic codebreaker. However, Veronica’s morality and skill are put to the ultimate test when she’s confronted with the dark reality of the codebreaker itself. Loaded with as much humor as edge-of-you-seat action, this is one adventure that’s criminal to miss. Participating panelists include Marcus Perry, writer/director of Razor Sharp; Jeff Henderson, 30 Days of Night; and Jamie Hardt, Spider-Man 3, Fantastic Four, Equilibrium.

12:50-1:10 The Tyrants of Nazca— Westhavenbrook reintroduces the classic serial adventure with the continuing adventures of Travis Brown. In this introductory episode, Brown faces the consequences of being caught grave-robbing. Panelists include Ben Beames, writer/director of Tyrants; John Soares, Sockbaby; and Justin Spurlock, Sockbaby. Room 26AB

1:10-1:25 Fission—A man sees himself as a graffiti on the wall. Credits include Kun-I Chang, director; Jamil Shamasdin, main actor; Ayesha, actress; Johnny Gou, DP; and Peter Clagett, music and sound design.

1:25-1:45 The Cocktail Party—A bizarro animated short. Featuring Brandon Duncan, animator/director; and Courtney Nienke, musician.

1:45-2:05 Rindin The Puffer—When our story begins, three young fish make fun of Rindin for being different. However, when the same fish get themselves into trouble, Rindin inadvertently saves their lives. With a newfound respect for Rindin, they all become best of friends. Participating panelists include Len Simon, animation director Titan A.E.; Carmen Oliver, Titan A.E.; Eric Simmons, Curious George; Joe Hernandez, Curious George; and David Rabbitte, Titan A.E.

2:05-2:25 Kuro Kumo—This wildly animated short film concerns Nomura, an old woman racked by nightmares of a ronin (masterless samurai). The recurrent bad dreams ultimately convince Nomura that she was this ronin in a former life. Deeply disturbed, she arrives at the conviction that violence is unavoidable in the modern world. Her therapist makes valiant attempts to steer her away from this perception; then her reality shifts altogether. The Fates.com crew crafted the film by employing an unusual and innovative method of digitally hand-drawn animation, without the use of a single sheet of paper. Panelists include Jesse Norton, director; Ben McSweeney, lead animator; and Leopoldo Gout, producer.

2:25-2:50 Approximately—A tree, a house, a post office box with so many birds. A girl is waiting for her father while her mother is weaving images of birds. Years and seasons go on, birds start flying but still, no news of her father.

2:50-3:05 Paper Hearts—In a dark world, one small girl battles the creatures that stole her heart. A traditionally animated surreal fantasy, drawn in both America, at California institute of the Arts, and France, at Gobelins Lécole de L’Image. Creator Kelly Matten will be on hand for discussion.

3:05-3:25 Edgar Allan Poe's The Pit and the Pendulum—A tale of judgment, condemnation, and redemption. A victim of the Spanish Inquisition is brought before a tribunal where he is condemned and sentenced to the dungeons. Awaiting his death, he struggles with hope and faith, while his captors employ fiendish machinations in their efforts to unhinge him. Participating panelists include Ray Harryhausen, executive producer; Arnold Kunert, co-producer; Susan Ma, producer; and Marc Lougee, director.

3:25-3:35 The Struggle—One man tries to get ahead. Animated traditionally in Flash. Participating panelists include director and animator Frank Forte (Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi, Re-Animated, The Mr. Men Show).

3:35-3:50 Guy’s Guide to Zombies—Zombies. Shambling scourge of the modern world? Or just a little misunderstood? If in doubt, check out Guy's Guide To Zombies, the definitive A to Z guide to living with the dead!

3:50-4:10 Creepers—A group of clumsy rainforest creepers secretly become superheroes who stumble through rescuing their fellow creatures from the sabotage of the sinister creeper at the local festival.

4:10-4:25 Who Saved the Moon—Berpunzel is a simple yet lovable fellow who has nothing but the world’s best interests at heart. It just so happens that on his merry journey he comes across what appears to be the moon in trouble. Will our fearless little friend be able to save the moon? This is truly a feel-good film that will cheer you up and leave you feeling “warm and fuzzy” inside. Participating panelists include Luke Feldman, creator of Who Saved the Moon and founder of Skaffs.

4:25-4:40 Assignment: Moon—A lighthearted, nostalgic short film involving an active imagination and the launch of the legendary Saturn V rocket, the vehicle that eventually took America to the Moon. Presented in black and white and heard in glorious mono sound, Assignment: Moon is an animated adventure that pays homage to a bygone era. To answer questions about the movie, creator Brian Simpson will be present following the screening.

4:40-5:00 Teddy Scares—Witness the deranged cyclops teddy bear Cyrus struggle to find meaningful companionship in the junkyard. His affections for inanimate objects prove calamitous as the rest of the Teddy Scares are driven mad by his loud and proud exclamations! Together they must scheme to obliterate their new enemy, Toasty the toaster. Panelists include Joe DiDomenico, Applehead Factory creative director; and William Vaughan, animation director, The D.A.V.E. School.
5:00-5:15 Golf Cart Caper—A group of three unlikely animal friends attempt to hijack a golf cart from two old men in order to get to a nearby Frosty Queen. Director and animator Kerri Jaworski answers questions after the film.

5:15-5:50 Destiny—Queen Adelea must discover who is at the center of the plot to end her reign before it is too late. Participating panelists include Markcus Dunn, director.

Documentary Night I

6:00-7:30 Done the Impossible—See this vivid Browncoat film, hosted by Adam Baldwin, that features interviews with Joss Whedon, creator of Firefly and Serenity, the cast, crew, and most important, the fans themselves. The story chronicles the rise, fall, and rebirth of the cult TV show Firefly as told from the perspective of the fans who helped save it. Join filmmakers Brian Wiser and Jeremy Neish for a brief Q&A after the film.

7:30-9:15 American Scary—A look at the nation's tradition of television horror hosts, from Zacherley to A. Ghastlee Ghoul. Follow this American folk art form from its beginnings, through repeated waves of popularity, to its scrappy resurgence and survival in the age of cable access and the Internet. Participating panelists include John Hudgens, director; Jerry G. Bishop, Svengoolie; Patricia Tallman, Babylon 5; Malena Teves, 13 Nights of Fright with Neil Gaiman; and Trey Stokes, 2nd unit director.

9:15-10:45 Vampira: The Movie—The new documentary by director Kevin Sean Michaels chronicles the life of the ever-flamboyant Maila "Vampira" Nurmi, who lived on the very edge of show business (she knew Marlon Brando and James Dean) and rose to celluloid cultdom some 50 years later. Pinup queen Nurmi began her short career in the 1950s as Vampira, the first "horror host" on television. Her spooky look was inspired by The Dragon Lady from Terry & The Pirates and the drawings of Charles Addams. After her TV series, the character loomed again in the 1956 low-budget horror/sci-fi film Plan 9 From Outer Space, directed by the notorious Edward D. Wood Jr. Vampira: The Movie features interviews with Nurmi, Sid Haig, and Bill Moseley (The Devil's Rejects), Forrest J. Ackerman, Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson, Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Jerry Only of The Misfits and others. Original score by Ari "Jason Voorhies" Lehman. Participating panelists include Kevin Sean Michaels (producer/director), Alexia Anastasio (editor), Michelle Osorio, and Cristopher Spencer, all with VAMP Productions, and Jezebelle X, fetish model who played young Maila.

Friday, July 27, 2007

Comics-Oriented

12:15-12:40 Rocketboy—Roger Lange, a depressed, middle-aged accountant, gets a visit from a strange boy who mysteriously crash-landed on the moon in a homemade spacecraft. Roger’s world is turned upside down as Rocketboy attempts to remind him of his forgotten dreams of space adventure. Filmmakers include Justin Guerrieri, writer and director; Veronica Shamo-Garcia, producer; Arvin Chen, producer; and Joseph Guerrieri, co-writer.

12:40-1:00 Goggles—An adolescent girl runs away in search of the truth when she discovers her parents have taken extreme measures to protect her from the real world. This is the prologue to the forthcoming webisode series “Goggles.” Participating panelists include writer/director Crystal Page plus cast members Kathryn Acton, Ronn Jerard, Marie-Françoise Theodore, and Chayne Andrews.

1:00-1:25 When We Were Bengs—Two brothers, Heng and Bee, live in a rough neighborhood. One day Bee is kidnapped by a notorious gangster and Heng finds himself caught in a ridiculous "Mexican" standoff. Will Heng be able to free his brother and save himself? Join these fumbling brothers on a hilarious journey of brotherhood and self-sacrifice. Alaric Tay, producer/director/writer and star of When We Were Bengs is unable to attend but wishes everyone a bloody good laugh at his expense.

Humor/Parody

1:30-1:50 Pinkerton—You've never seen a film quite like this one about a violent cop out for revenge who meets an unexpected obstacle. Winner: Most Original Film UCLA Film Festival; Official Selection: Los Angeles Shortsfest LA Showcase. Discussion afterward with writer/director Aleem Hossain, actor James Black (Six Feet Under, The Closer), actor Brian Silverman (Jericho, Monk, 24), and producers M. Scott Veach and Jenn Kao.

1:50-2:10 How to Talk Like a Pirate—Presented in the style of a high school film reel, this is an informational video for the less nautically inclined among us. After all, you wouldn't want to look stupid. Participating panelists include Graham Stark and Paul Saunders (producers for How to Talk Like a Pirate and creators of LoadingReadyRun) and Morgan vanHumbeck, James Turner ,and Matt Wiggins (members of LoadingReadyRun).

2:10-2:35 The Sparkle Lite Motel—The Sparkle Lite Motel is the story of a newlywed couple played by Richard Kahan (The 4400) and Sarah Edmondson (Scary Movie 4) who check into a questionable motel expecting a night of marital bliss. They soon learn that their honeymoon suite has other plans for them when visions of their hypercritical parents, played by Gwynyth Walsh (Star Trek: TNG) and Dean Paul Gibson (Andromeda), begin to appear and all hell breaks loose. Will the couple’s marriage survive the night? Will they? Director/co-writer/producer Cory Kinney and executive producer Nicholas Tabarrok (Weirdsville) will be in attendance to speak about the film.

2:35-3:00 Raven Gets a Life—Sometimes life just sucks, even when you’re dead. Eternally trapped in the body of a 12-year-old girl, a vampire is diagnosed with manic depression and seeks comfort from prescription pills, Bela Lugosi, and the Grim Reaper. Participating panelists include actors Circus-Szalewski (ToonDisney's Squash & Stretch), Kenny Dusek (trippin'), and Molly Emmons (Meat is Murder).

3:00-3:15 Pimp My Casket—Join Xhibitionist and the West Coast Casket Crew as they pimp out Mrs. Walker's casket, the animated short parody based on the popular MTV show, Pimp My Ride. Room 26AB

3:45-4:00 Wheeled Migration—A look at what shopping carts do at night when no one else is around. Have you ever wondered how a shopping cart makes it to the curb at the edge of the parking lot? He's trying to escape and that's how far he made it the night before. What happens in the complicated social order of this mysterious species? Robert Reeves, director, will be present to talk about his film.

4:00-4:20 A Fellowship of Excellence—On his first day as a temp worker, Davey Delisio quickly discovers that his job duties include much more than filing and faxing, in this parody of Lord of the Rings. A great evil threatens the office, and middle management believes he is the one with the power to defeat it. As darkness draws closer, Davey embarks on an assignment that will not only test his positive attitude and people skills but also determine if he really is the chosen one. Participating panelists include Jack Cornett and Adam White, directors; Joey Garcia, actor; and Scott Jones, executive producer.

4:25-4:50 07—When a mysterious package ends up in the hands of a feared terrorist, only special agent Jack Dour can save the day. Now Jack and his partner, Soulpatch, have just 7 minutes to find a secret warehouse and save the world. Good thing they brought the Jack Sack! Participating panelists include Peter Sullivan, director; Benjamin Sztajnkrycer, writer; Sean Robert Olson, editor; Jason Brandt, composer; and Joe Vandelsem, visual effects.

4:50-5:40 Zombie Love—This musical extravaganza tells the story of Dante, a 200-year old zombie, who tries to change his flesh-eating ways in order to gain the love of a mortal girl. Filled with singing, dancing, blood, and gore, it will have you laughing all the way to your grave! Participating panelists include Darren Herczeg, writer; Seth Stewart, assistant director and “Grave Robber Harry”; and Taylor Greeson, DP.

5:40-6:15 Back Issues—Peter, a wannabe comic book letterer, has just proposed to his girlfriend. Instead of saying yes, she gives him an ultimatum: give up comics and get a real job, or they’re through. The pressure is on and Peter must choose by the end of the workday between his girl or his passion for comic books. Panelists include Todd Brotze, actor (last seen on the cutting room floor of Scrubs); Stephen Pawley, actor (Faith); Diane Karagienakos, producer; Chris Graybill, creator of Zebraton; and Jonathan Parra, director.

6:15-6:50 Orion Slave Girls Must Die!!!—Fanboy or Fratboy? There can be only one. Jules and Matt lead lives devoted to Star Trek and devoid of girls. When Matt falls for Stacey, a sorority girl, he hides his love of Trek to pledge to a fraternity. Outraged, Jules takes drastic measures to return his best friend to the Trekkie fold. Panelists include Eric Kallevig, director and producer; Stuart C. Paul, writer; Chris Billig, producer; Nicholas Downs, Jules; and Hilary Holmes, Stacey.

6:50-8:20 The Adventures of Death—Charlie Bergman, Grim Reaper and UnderWorld outcast, has accidentally killed a few too many people and unbalanced the universe to the brink of self-destruction. Fired from his Reaping Post and sentenced to be incinerated, he must escape the UnderWorld in order to save lives up Topside and rebalance the supernatural energy of the world. Filmmakers Christopher John Fetherolf, writer/actor/director/producer; Matt Godecker, actor/producer/co-creator; Anne Braam, creative consultant; Jeff Bassetti, production assistant; and Beth Burns, actor.

Documentary Night II

8:30-10:15 The Secret World of Superfans—What drives the passion of people who choose to follow or emulate popular culture heroes to a level where it becomes all-consuming? As this film explores the motivations of "fantasy fans" ranging from the uncontrollable collector to the compulsively driven obsessive, it also examines what drives these fantasies—mere memories of childhood or a need for control or escapism? One of the key storylines follows a Superman lookalike who survives off tips from tourists on Hollywood Boulevard. We reveal the fans and their stories to be as diverse as the fantasy heroes themselves. And with input from the celebrity participants, we see how the two worlds coexist with one another and how they can eventually become one in the same. The film features interviews with Gary Oldman, Malcolm McDowell, Margot Kidder, Elvira, Samantha Mathis, Roger Corman, John Carpenter, Forrest J. Ackerman, Bob Burns, and many more. Participating panelists include Sam Okun, director/producer; Constantinos Yiallourides, co-producer; Mark Silverman, psychiatrist and cast member; Christopher Dennis, aka Superman and cast member; and Diane Vincent, aka Lucy and cast member.

Saturday, July 28, 2007

Science Fiction/Fantasy

12:15-12:40 Smart Card—Smart Card is a tale of a utopian future where every aspect of people lives is intergraded into one system. Convenience and simplicity is the product and Smart Corporation does the packaging. Robert Sharpe (David Kreigel) has been living this carefree life. Everything is perfect until he encounters a philosophical vagrant (Bret Roberts) at a local fueling station who steals the one item you cannot do without, his “Smart Card.” James Oxford, director and executive producer, will be present to discuss the film.

12:40-12:55 Repressing Tansy—Repressing Tansy is the story of a little girl who has a very little problem . . . named Tansy. Scott Russell will share his 5-minute film about a girl and her fairy and will be available to discuss how he made the film for the price of a good meal, along with his cinematographer Carly Lyn, effects coordinator Sean Dollins, and stars Leslie Stevens and Blaine Saunders. Also in attendance will be Aaron Hendricks, co-founder of Group 101 films and the GeeksOn podcast.

12:55-1:20 Transgressions—Carl and Sophie Phillips and their two young children live in a utopian society that idolizes celebrity assassins called “Agents.” Celebrity Agents torture and execute “transgressors” on prime-time TV as entertainment for the masses, young and old alike. Carl, a human garbageman dreaming of a better life, has enrolled his son in Agent Training Camp. Sophie disapproves, but as a woman in this society has no right to use force. She must use the only way she knows how to keep her son from going. Panelists include director Valerie Weiss and Robert Johnson.

1:20-1:40 Descendents of Eden—Time folds back on itself when a stranger from the future warns punk hairstylist Juno Diaz her descendents may cause a coming holocaust. Now Juno fights to stay alive long enough to discover the truth about the Descendents of Eden—and those who want them dead. Participating panelists include Kam Miller (Law & Order: SVU), Tom Kopache (The X-Files, Star Trek TNG and DS9), Cara Santana (Lipshitz Saves the World, Strong Medicine), and Richard Tillman (Notes from the Underbelly, Jack & Bobby).

1:40-1:55 Tomten Hollow—While searching for his lost baseball in the woods, a young boy encounters a mysterious gnome who transports him to a magical world beyond our reality. Filmmakers include Evan Daugherty, writer/director of Rusty Forkblade; Erik Desiderio, composer for Slammo and Sloshie; Philip Schaeffer; James Darling, writer/director of Citizen; and Andrew Lobel, writer/director of Delirium and the Dollman.

1:55-2:20 Algesia—Alice is a weird and lonely girl who works with strange little creatures by day and peeks on her neighbor at night, but she also lives with a bizarre secret that leads to a bloody climax. Participating panelists include Cathy Alberich, director; Aaron Soto, director, Omega Shell; Edgar Guerra, music and sound; and Ursula Velarde, lead actress.

2:20-2:45 Man Vs. Woman—Four scavengers—a man, a woman, a cloned velociraptor, and a robot—fight to the death over a puddle of water on a desolate desert planet. What species—or gender—will end up on top? Filmmakers include writer/director Juan Carlos Vargas, visual effects artist on 300; and composer David James Nielsen, orchestrator for Star Trek: Enterprise.

2:45-4:30 Jerome Bixby’s The Man From Earth—An impromptu goodbye party for Professor John Oldman becomes a mysterious and intense interrogation after the retiring scholar reveals to his colleagues he is an immortal who has walked the earth for 14,000 years. Participating panelists include director/producer Richard Schenkman (The Pompatus of Love), producer Eric D. Wilkinson (The Violence Movie), executive producer Emerson Bixby (Welcome To Hollywood), and cast members Tony Todd (Clive Barker’s Candyman), William Katt (The Greatest American Hero),Richard Riehle (Star Trek Voyager), and Ellen Crawford (ER).

4:30-6:10 Automatons—Somewhere in the distant future, The Girl is alone. After a generations-long war she is the last of her people, determined to continue the fight using her small army of antiquated robotic soldiers. Men started this war, but the machines will finish it. Panelists include James Felix McKenney, writer/director; and Lisa Wisely, producer. Room 26AB

Horror/Suspense

6:10-6:40 Eli—A man awakens on an operating table with no idea where or even who he is. Armed with only one memory of a girl on a beach and a tattoo on his hand that reads "ELI,” he must elude his captors and unravel the sinister truth behind his missing identity. Participating panelists include Josh Lee Kwai, director/producer/editor; Tyler Erskine, writer/producer; Ron Beyers, writer/producer; Simon Heselev, composer; and Ron Erskine, associate producer.
6:40-7:00 Shut Eye Hotel—A cartoon noir murder mystery that takes place in a sleazy hotel. As cops investigate the gruesome murders, they become victims of this evil force. Shuteye Hotel will do for sleeping what Jaws did for swimming. Bill Plympton, animator of The Tune, Mutant Aliens, and Hair High, will discuss his latest film.

7:00-7:30 By Appointment Only—Jane has left the big city behind in search of a more peaceful country life. But when Jane finds the perfect old house for sale, she will learn that buying a house can kill you. Participating panelists include John Faust, writer/director; Matt Ryan, Lyle; Nancy Sinclair, Lillian/Mother; Belen Greene, Jane; and Howard Heard, supervising editor.

7:30-7:55 Eye of the Beholder—Natalie is intrigued by a picture at a garage sale and just has to buy it. As the story unfolds, it becomes obvious that there is something strange about the picture. She apparently bought more than she bargained for and becomes entwined in the mystery behind the picture. Filmmakers include Robert Michael Conrad, producer; Tim Russ, writer/director; Chase Masterson, Natalie; Menina Fortunato, Natalie’s friend, Sharon; and David Anderson, technical consultant.

7:55-8:20 The Cabinet—In this suspenseful retelling of the Bluebeard fairytale, a young woman discovers her lover's macabre secret when she is left alone in his home overnight. Participating panelists include Karen Lam (The Bone Snatcher) and Karen Wong, Mustard Pancakes Productions.

8:20-8:35 Crazy Love—Charlie believes in love at first sight. From the moment his eyes fixed on Brenda, he knew she had to be his girl. Now, Charlie must overcome all obstacles on his way to winning Brenda’s heart. Panelists include William Van Cuyck, writer/director; Robert Ashe Jr., Charlie, and the film’s editor; Kristin Van Cuyck, producer; A.J. Gardner, Girlfriend #2 and script supervisor; and Adam B. Gardner, Crazy Love’s hard working 12-year old production assistant.

8:35-9:05 Watcher—A retelling of the classic “monster in the closet” story—with a twist. The horrifying and unexpected ending will be sure to shock you! Director Eli Sasich (Dead West), composer Michael Sasich, and actor Chris Sasich will be on hand to answer questions after the screening.

9:05-9:25 Into the Maelstrom—In the outer reaches of space, a long-lost communications vessel has just been found. Investigating a distress signal onboard, two detectives, Weller and Ford, make a gruesome discovery: the entire crew has been brutally slaughtered. And the killer is still on board! Participating panelists include Marc Ferrero, producer; Peter Sullivan, director; Eric Etebari, actor Witchblade); George Reasner, director of photography; and Patrick Tsao, visual effects.

9:25-9:50 Revenge—Julie, a young attorney, becomes a new partner in a law firm. An accountant hired by the firm finds evidence of her shady past and confronts her. Julia's reaction to the confrontation leads to unpleasant results. Panelists include Robert Michael Conrad, co-producer; Crystal Allen, Julie; and David Anderson, technical consultant.

Sunday, July 29, 2007

Documentaries

1:00-2:25 Moebius Redux: A Life in Pictures—French artist Jean "Moebius" Giraud—co-founder of Heavy Metal magazine, designer of The Fifth Element film, and massive influence on the medium—is one of the most influential comic creators of all time. This mind-bending tour of imagination past, present, and future also features interviews with Stan "The Man" Lee, Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Jim Lee (X-Men, WildC.A.T.S.), H.R. Giger, and more, with a soundtrack by industrial legend Karl Bartos (Kraftwerk). Producer Bart Simpson (Sundance-winning documentary The Corporation) will be present to discuss the film.

SEE THE WINNERS!

2:25-5:00 2007 Festival Award Winners—Did you miss the CCI:IFF award winners? Or maybe you want to see them again? This year for the first time we’ll re-screen the winning films from each category, as announced at the 12:00 Festival Awards

Comic-Con 2007 Countdown Part 4

2007-07-23T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today we take a look at the final day of Comic-Con 2007 programming, Sunday, July 29, 2007. The day takes a decidedly family-friendly bent and has been dubbed "Kid's Day." Here's what we consider to be the best of the best. For the full schedule, click here.

10:30-11:45 Jack Kirby Tribute— Let’s face it: when it comes to comics, it’s Kirby’s World and we just live in it. 2007 has seen a bumper crop of Kirby projects, including the first volume of DC’s deluxe chronological reprinting of all the Fourth World stories, a major documentary about Jack on the Fantastic Four DVD, and Mark Evanier’s upcoming art book Kirby, King of Comics. Join Evanier as he talks to Neil Gaiman, Erik Larsen, Darwyn Cooke, Mike Royer, and members of the Kirby family about the lasting influence of the undisputed King of comics. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

10:30-11:30 TOKYOPOP: The Creators— A diverse and talented panel of artists and authors discuss the creation of their original and innovative TOKYOPOP manga titles. Featuring Becky Cloonan (creator, East Coast Rising, artist, American Virgin), Brandon Graham (author, artist King City), Tricia Hale (author, Grand Theft Galaxy), David Hine (creator, Poison Candy; writer, Son of X, Daredevil, and Spawn), Jim Pascoe (author, Undertown), and Felipe Smith (creator, MBQ). Room 2 Categories: Anime & Manga

10:30-11:30 Archie Comics— Archie comics creators Craig Boldman (Archie newspaper strip, Jughead), Tania del Rio (Sabrina), Bill Galvan (Jughead & Friends), George Gladir (Archie, Betty, Betty & Veronica), Rich Koslowski (Archie & Friends, Jughead, Sonic), Dan Parent (Betty & Veronica, Veronica), Andrew Pepoy (Archie & Friends: Katy Keene, Betty & Veronica, Sonic) and staff members Victor Gorelick (VP/managing editor), Fred Mausser (VP/director of circulation), and Rik Offenberger (public relations coordinator) discuss upcoming plans at Archie Comics, talk about comics for kids, and take questions from the audience. At the conclusion of the panel there will be free copies of Archie Digest #236 for fans, while supplies last. Room 4 Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

10:30-12:00 CBLDF Live Art Jam— Did you ever want to look over a legendary artist's shoulder while he or she created a great piece of art, then add it to your collection? Well, here's your chance to do just that and support a great cause! See Jim Lee (Batman), Matt Wagner (Grendel), Jeff Smith (Bone), and Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise) draw live art projected onto the big screen at the first ever CBLDF Live Art Jam at Comic- Con! Watch these comics legends make stunning drawings of your favorite comics characters that you can bid on to support the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund! (Please note, you will need a bidder number to bid on art in this event, which you can pick up throughout the con at Booth 1831, or at the start of the event.) Room 5AB Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Comics Law School Educators/Outreach

10:30-11:30 DC Big Guns— Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. Green Lantern. The Flash. They stand for more than Justice. Each, in his or her own way, is the archetypal hero. Listen in as their top creators discuss where they’ve been and—more important—where they’re going in the year to come. See what’s in store for the World's Greatest Super- Heroes with the new iconic architects Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Geoff Johns (Action Comics, Green Lantern), Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Batman), Jesus Merino (Superman), Dustin Nguyen (Superman/Batman), Carlos Pacheco (Superman), Ivan Reis (Green Lantern), Mark Verheiden (Superman/Batman), group editors Eddie Berganza and Bob Schreck, and senior editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts. Room 6A Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

10:30-11:30 The Graphic Novel Explosion— Up until the last few years, graphic novels were published primarily by specialty houses that produced only comics and related works. Now, however, traditional mainstream publishing houses are producing graphic novels and even setting up graphic novel divisions, spurred by bookstore sales trends, library demand, and critical recognition. What has led to this trend? What sorts of books are these publishers looking for? Who is the audience? What role has manga played? And is the graphic novel market going to continue to expand, or will the bubble burst? Panelists include Charles Kochman, senior editor, Harry N. Abrams; David Saylor, creative director, Scholastic/Graphix; Karen Berger, executive editor, Vertigo/Minx/DC; Mark Siegel, senior editor, First Second; Dallas Middaugh, associate publisher, Del Rey Manga; Chris Schluep, editor, Ballantine/Del Rey/Villard; and Calvin Reid, news editor, Publisher’s Weekly, and co-editor, PW Comics Weekly. Moderated by Jackie Estrada, Eisner Awards administrator and consultant to Foreword magazine’s Comique graphic novel supplement. Room 8 Categories: Anime & Manga Comic Books

10:30-5:00 Kids’ Day Special: San Diego International Children’s Film Festival— Comic-Con is pleased to offer a full-day of special Kids’ Day film screenings in conjunction with the San Diego International Children’s Film Festival. Click here for the complete schedule! Room 10 Categories: Animation Kids Movies

10:30-11:30 Christian Comic Arts Society— Hear about the 2007 explosion of Christian themed projects from major publishers, and network with other Christians. Panel features Buzz Dixon (Serenity, Goofyfoot Gurl, Realbuzz Studios), Eric Jansen (Foursquare Missions Press), Robin Parrish (Fearless—The Dominion Trilogy, INFUZE magazine), and Thom Parham (The Gospel According to Super-Heroes). Moderated by Robert Flores (Christian Comic Arts Society). Room 24A Categories: Comic Books

10:30-12:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #13: Cultural Continuity— Anne Hoyer (German Society of Research on Comics) traces the decline of Scots-specific features in Oor Wullie, a Scottish newspaper strip published since 1936 whose protagonist was voted Scottish icon of the year in 2004, and the increasing Englishness of the strip. Kristy Boney (Ohio State University) explores how many modern comics such as Bill Willingham’s Fables, and Ted Naifeh’s Courtney Crumrin take their cue from the Friedrich Schlegel and the Brothers Grimm and discusses the extent to which they stay faithful to the Volksmärchen (folk tradition) or follow the Kunstmärchen (artistic tradition) and become more subversive, expanding the collective folk tradition. Kotaro Nakagaki (Tokiwa University, Japan) reexamines the cross-fertilization of Japanese manga and American popular culture and analyzes cultural identity and globalization within the global market context of American and Japanese circulation. Room 30AB Categories: Anime & Manga Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

10:30-11:30 Kid’s Drawing Day Workshop: Basic Skills— To be a good cartoonist you must know the basic skills of cartooning. Whether you're drawing animals or people, facial expressions or body action, knowing these basic skills is a must. This session is designed to illustrate and assist young artists in applying these basic skills into their cartoon drawings. Gil McCue is a cartoon art teacher, NCS member, and author-illustrator of the book Cartooning—The Basic Skills, now available online. Room 30CDE Categories: Art and Illustration Kids Seminars & Workshops
: Animation Kids Television

10:45-11:45 TV Guide: Super(Natural) Women— When it comes to supernatural, fantasy, and sci-fi shows these days, more women than ever are kicking ass and saving souls. Some of prime time’s most fantastic females will tell all about how they’ve been able to make it in what has traditionally been a (super) man’s world. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Jenni Baird (The 4400), Allison DuBois (real life inspiration for Medium), Lisa Klink (Painkiller Jane), Lucy Lawless (Battlestar Galactica, Xena Warrior Princess), Marti Noxon (Private Practice, Buffy The Vampire Slayer); and several others. TV Guide’s West Coast Bureau Chief Craig Tomashoff moderates. Room 6CDEF Categories: Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

10:45-11:30 Nicolas and Weston Cage Talk Comics— Academy Award winning actor Nicolas Cage is one of the biggest stars in Hollywood, but he's also one of us: a big-time comics fan. Nic and his son Weston Cage have created their own comic, Voodoo Child, published by Virgin Comics. Father and son will talk about their mutual love of comics and what it's like to collaborate on this brand new book! Ballroom 20 Categories: Comic Books Movies

11:30-12:30 Emily the Strange— Are you Strange? Or maybe just Strange-curious? Do you prefer sun down to sun up? Do you wear black stockings in the summer and sunglasses at night? Are you a dork for the dark? Are you entertained by lots of stupid questions and even stupider answers? If you answered yes to even just one of these questions, Dark Horse's Emily the Strange Panel is the one for you! This is your chance to meet the creative loonies behind the world's strangest girl, get answers to your oh- so-dire Emily questions, and participate in some of the weirdest Comic-Con hi- jinks you'll ever experience. Attendees are required to bring a sack lunch, a bucket of licorice ice cream, six veggie corn dogs, two feral cats, and some eye of newt. Oh, and wear black socks or we'll all laugh at you. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Kids

11:30-12:30 Graphic Novels in Libraries— Get practical advice about graphic novels and anime in libraries! Programming, collection development, review resources, bibliographies, and more will be discussed by Jill Patterson (La Habra Branch Library), Merideth Jenson-Benjamin (Glendale Public Library), Kearsten LaBrozzi (Glendale Public Library), and Hillary W. Chang (McCully-Moiliili Public Library). Room 3 Categories: Anime & Manga Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

11:30-1:00 Comics Are Not Literature— For years, comics have presented themselves as a new kind of literature—but cartooning isn't prose, and graphic novels aren't novels. What if conflating comics with "literary" storytelling is a terrible mistake? Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) moderates what should be a contentious discussion with Cecil Castellucci (The PLAIN Janes), Dan Nadel (PictureBox Inc.), Austin Grossman (Soon I Will Be Invincible), Paul Tobin (Spider-Man Family), and Sara Ryan (The Rules for Hearts). Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-1:00 Friends of Lulu Annual Meeting— President Shannon Crane and directors Leigh Dragoon, Marion Vitus, Shawnelle Gibbs, and Shawnee Gibbs discuss Friends of Lulu's past year as well as future plans. Learn what Friends of Lulu is all about and how you can help further FoL’s goals of increasing diversity within the comic book industry as well as breaking down stereotypes about women and comics. Nominations will be taken for the new Board of Directors for the 2007–2008 year. The meeting is open to all. Room 24A Categories: Comic Books

11:30-12:30 Kids’ Day Drawing Workshop: Kids’ Cartoon Studio— Watch as six fantastic kid-friendly cartoonists draw their hearts out, right in front of you! Scott Morse (Magic Pickle), George O’Connor (Journey into Mohawk Country), David Nakayama (Marvel Adventures Hulk), Amy Kim Ganter (Sorcerers and Secretaries), Ted Naifeh (Courtney Crumrin), and Nick Bertozzi (Houdini: The Handcuff King) will be showcasing a diversity of styles from manga to superheroes and everything in between. They’ll talk about their backgrounsd and then hit the drawing boards. Moderated by Janna Morishima, Diamond Kids Group. Room 30CDE Categories: Art and Illustration Kids Seminars & Workshops

11:45-12:45 Marvel X-Men— “Endangered Species” is underway, and “Messiah Complex” is looming. Ed Brubaker, Craig Kyle, Chris Yost, Mike Carey, and executive editor Axel Alonso are unveiling huge plans and unleashing some mutant mayhem that you’ll have to see to believe! Room 6A Categories: Comic Books

12:00-1:15 Cartoon Voices II— Back for more with some of the greatest voice talent in cartoons today! Moderator Mark Evanier talks with Tom Kenny (Spongebob Squarepants), Michael Bell (Rugrats), Gregg Berger (Transformers), Joe Alaskey (Duck Dodgers), and others in this second installment. Room 6B Categories: Animation Fandom Television

12:00-1:00 The 4400— Get a sneak peek of upcoming scenes from The 4400, CBS Paramount Network Television’s hit sci-fi series for USA Network, during a panel discussion led by TV Guide West Coast editor Craig Tomashoff, with series stars Billy Campbell (Jordan Collier), Chad Faust (Kyle Baldwin), Megalyn Echikunwoke (Isabelle Tyler), and Jenni Baird (Megan Doyle), executive producer Ira Steven Behr (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), and supervising producer Craig Sweeny (Medium). In season four of The 4400, widespread distribution of the drug promicin has created a dangerous new world, a world in which special abilities are no longer the exclusive province of the 4400. Fifty percent of those who take the shot pay the price with their lives, while those who survive are now ostracized by a government determined to rid the world of promicin forever. Room 6CDEF Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

12:00-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #14: Wolf Gal and the Feral Women of Li’l Abner— Cartoonist and historian Trina Robbins (From Girls to Grrrlz) presents a slideshow talk on the feral girls—Pig Girl, Hawk Girl, and Wolf Gal—of Li’l Abner’s Dogpatch, a bloodthirsty lot with no compunction about turning Dogpatchers into dinner. Wolf Gal, the starring wild girl of Dogpatch, is strong, beautiful, independent, and—don’t laugh—a feminist. When the little girls of Dogpatch imitate Wolf Gal by taking no guff from the boys, the citizens of Dogpatch react. They want their daughters to grow up as "overworked, wore-out, respectable married drudges," not "wild an' happy an'f ree, like th' wolf gal!!" Robbins connects these cartoon wild women with mythical feral children and more contemporary figures like Misha Defonseca, a Jewish orphan during World War II, who hid from the Nazis in the forests of occupied Europe for four years and eventually teamed up with a family of wolves. Recounting her experiences years later, she wrote, "the only time I ever slept deeply was when I was with wolves... Those were the most beautiful days I had ever experienced." Room 30AB Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

12:30-1:30 VIZ Media: You Oughta Know... About These Manga— Want to expand your manga reading list but don't know where to begin? Find out what the VIZ Media editors recommend. Editors will discuss series you've never heard of and series you may have heard of but aren't reading. Fans will also have a chance to ask questions about titles. Panelists include Joel Enos, editor of Naruto, Godchild, The Cain Saga, From Far Away; Nancy Thistlethwaite, editor of Absolute Boyfriend, The Gentlemen’s Alliance +, Ouran High School Host Club, Crimson Hero; Amy Yu, editor of Buso Renkin, Tail of the Moon, Muhyo & Roji’s Bureau of Supernatural Investigation; and Elizabeth Kawasaki, editorial director. Room 2 Categories: Anime & Manga

12:30-2:00 Secret Origin of Good Readers— It’s back, bigger and better than ever! The 7th annual Secret Origin of Good Readers panel features Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University, San Diego), Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Jesse L. McCann (noted children's author), Bill Galvan (creator/artist The Scrapyard Detectives, artist Archie Comics) and Frank Beddor (creator/author/producer, The Looking Glass Wars). The panelists will discuss how teachers, librarians, retailers, authors, artists, and publishers can work together to bring comic books into the classroom for use as an innovative and motivating cross-curricular teaching tool and a vehicle for promoting reading and literacy. Through a multimedia presentation, personal remarks, and a question-and-answer session, the speakers will present an overview of the medium and highlight specific ways that comic books and graphic novels have been used to engage a variety of learners. Breakout sessions will follow the main presentation. The 70-page resource book The Secret Origin of Good Readers is available online for free download - click here to download it, courtesy of XMission.com. Room 3 Categories: Comic Books Educators/Outreach

12:30-2:00 Pro/Fan Trivia Match: The Multiverse— The Purple Pros (Len Wein, creator of Wolverine; Mark Waid, writer of 52, and two versions from parallel worlds to be named later) take on the Black Ink Irregulars (Tom Galloway, Terence Chua, David Oakes, and Hal Shipman) in a contest of trivia about the Multiverses of both DC and Marvel, moderated by Keith DeCandido (Buffy The Vampire Slayer: The Deathless). Room 4 Categories: Comic Books Fandom

1:00-2:00 Vertigo: Fables Forum— The fan favorite panel from last year returns with a bigger cast of characters! Fables is not just another series; it’s an institution with successful spinoffs such as Jack of Fables and graphic novels such as Fables: 1001 Nights. Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond is joined by Bill Willingham (Fables, Shadowpact), Mark Buckingham (Fables), and Matthew Sturges (Jack of Fables) as they guide you trough the magic world of Fables. Room 5AB Categories: Comic Books

1:00-2:00 What’s Happening in Kids’ Comics Today?— Some of the most creative work in the industry is being done in kids’ comics. Svetlana Chmakova (Dramacon), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!), Debbie Huey (Bumperboy), Kazu Kibuishi (Flight, Amulet), George O’Connor (Journey into Mohawk Country), and Gene Yang (American Born Chinese) talk with moderator Dave Roman (Nickelodeon) about the importance of kids’ comics—and the fun they have creating them! Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Kids

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #15: What’s the Big Idea?— Alex Boney (Ohio State University) examines the origins of the absurdist “Godot Effect” of unchanging stasis without resolution as a necessary trope in the superhero genre and explores the darker undertones of tragedy that emerge from characters perpetually trapped in this state of arrested development. Clare Pitkethly (La Trobe University, Australia) lays out the dual vision of America as utopia and dystopia presented in Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman comic books and, treating them as post-colonial literature, examines the association between imperial ideology and post-colonial utopianism in the American imagination. Chuck Huber (UC—Santa Barbara) compares images of ultimate evil in Jack Kirby's "Fourth World" mythos and J. R. R. Tolkien's "Middle Earth" mythos that suggests that both authors saw free will at the core of humanity and located ultimate evil in the domination and subjugation of the will of others as symbolized by Kirby in the "Anti- Life Equation" and Tolkien in the One Ring of Sauron. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:30-3:00 Cover Story: Art of the Cover— They lied. You really can tell a book by its cover, and Mark Evanier is going to talk to some of the best cover artists in the comics biz about it. Join Mark along with fellow Comic-Con special guests Adam Hughes (Catwoman, Wonder Woman), Joseph Michael Linsner (Dawn), Joe Jusko (Tomb Raider, Marvel Masterpieces), Rowena (renowned fantasy cover illustrator), Matt Wagner (Grendel, Batman), J. H. Williams (Promethea), and others as they tell their own cover stories. Room 1AB Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:00-3:00 Secret Origin Breakouts— This year's Secret Origin of Good Readers program offers an extended opportunity for attendees to learn and network through select breakout sessions following the main presentation. Participants will be able to choose from two intriguing options: "Promoting Tolerance with The Scrapyard Detectives" with Bill Galvan (creator/artist), Jesse McCann (noted children's author), and Dr. Robyn A. Hill (teacher educator), or "Building Comics & Graphic Novels Collections in Classrooms and Libraries" with Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) and Nancy McCann (Comics Unlimited). Room 3 Categories: Comic Books Educators/Outreach

2:00-3:30 Scribe Awards Media Tie-in Writers— Attend the first annual presentation of the IAMTW "Scribe" awards, followed by a panel of nominees, including Donald Bain (Murder She Wrote), Marv Wolfman (Superman Returns), David R. George III (Star Trek Crucible: McCoy—Provenance of Shadows), Jeff Mariotte (30 Days of Night: Rumors of the Undead), Nathan Long (Warhammer: Orc Slayer), Christina York (Alias: APO: Strategic Reserve), Alice Henderson (Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Portal Through Time), and moderator Max Allan Collins (The Pink Panther). Andy Mangels (Star Trek: Excelsior) will present the awards. Room 5AB Categories: Animation Comic Books Gaming Horror and Suspense Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

2:30-4:00 Starship Smackdown Ultimate Episode 4: The Final Showdown— A Comic-Con favorite returns with ships, aliens, computers, and robots, oh my! The original Starship Smackdown is back in San Diego and it's never been smackier (or snarkier). Watch as the Enterprise battles Gort, Robby the Robot goes mano e mano with Hal 9000, and Death Star does the Klingon Empire. It's the ultimate conflagration for the supreme winner of Starship Smackdown. This time it's war, with an expert panel of spaceship-ologists, including Robert Meyer Burnett (director, Free Enterprise), Chris Gossett (creator, The Red Star), Steve Melching (writer, Star Wars: Clone Wars, X-Men Animated, The Batman), Daren Dochterman (Hollywood conceptual designer on Get Smart, X2, Master & Commander), Jeff Bond (editor, Geek Monthly), and the Richard Dawson of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (producer, DOA: Dead Or Alive). It's Starship Smackdown, Robot Rumble, Alien Armageddon, and Computer Crashdown all in one 90-minute panel! Our prediction for the fight: pain! Room 2 Categories: Fandom

2:30-4:30 Browncoats Fan Group Meeting— Browncoats are fans of Joss Whedon's Firefly and Serenity. Fans new and old are welcome to join the California Browncoats as they announce the prize drawing winners! Tickets for the drawing are available at tables, A7 and A8. After the winners are announced, stay to hear from some of the movers and shakers in the 'Verse as they tell you about upcoming events and products you'll really love. Be there for a special announcement about another joint campaign between the California Browncoats and Adam Baldwin. And last but not least, come to hang out with all the great Browncoats at the Con! Room 24A Categories: Fandom Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #16: The Culture of Popular Things: Ethnographic Examinations of Comic-Con 2007— Comic-Con offers students of popular culture an amazing venue to study how culture is marketed to and practiced by its fans. The presentation caps a weeklong for-credit field-study course and presents the trained observations of undergraduate students. Their instructor Dr. Matthew J. Smith (Wittenberg University) provided a framework, guidance, and transitions among the participants, and readings on popular culture and ethnographic methods as well as a number of on-site lectures and discussions. Students extended the analysis of Matthew Pustz (Endicott College) in Comic Book Culture: Fan Boys and True Believers (2000), which examined aspects of fan culture but did not include on-site analysis of cons. The students were encouraged to explore the intersection of fan practice (e.g., costuming) at the nexus of cultural marketing (e.g., the exhibit hall sales booths) and were free to select a number of aspects of fan culture to examine. Pustz himself serves as respondent on the panel. Students include Nicholas Langley (Henderson State University), Melissa Andrada (University of Washington), Cameron Catalfu (Wittenberg University), W. Stephen Combs (Wittenberg University), Pamela Geranios (Wittenberg University), Julia “Kit” Moran (Wittenberg University), and Karen Stover (Wittenberg University). Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books Costuming Fandom

3:00-4:00 San Diego Museum of Art: Contemporary Art and Animation— Recently, the San Diego Museum of Art has seen an increase in production of animation works by contemporary artists working within the gallery system. This panel considers one strand of this explosion, focusing on artists who are shifting painting and drawing to the time-based practice of handmade and digital animation, while also accessing popular culture and music. This panel is organized in conjunction with the San Diego Museum of Art’s upcoming exhibition Animated Painting, on view from October 13, 2007 to January 13, 2008, to include works by 14 international contemporary artists including William Kentridge, Julian Opie, Kota Ezawa, Jeremy Blake, and Ruth Gómez. Moderator Calvin Reid (artist, art critic, and co-editor of the online comics newsletter PW Comics Week) talks to panelists Betti-Sue Hertz (curator of contemporary art, San Diego Museum of Art), Lisa Cartwright (professor of communication, University of California), and Jody Culkin (artist and assistant professor of media arts, Borough of Manhattan Community College, New York). Room 3 Categories: Animation Art and Illustration Educators/Outreach

3:00-4:00 Comic-Con Talkback II— If there’s anyone present who has a complaint, a comment, a compliment, or just an FYI about Comic-Con, here’s your last chance. Speak now or forever hold your peace. Comic-Con representatives will be present to hear your feedback. Room 4 Categories: Talkback

Comic-Con 2007 Countdown Part 3

2007-07-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

No doubt about it, Saturday is definitely the busiest (and most crowded) day of all at Comic-Con. If you don't already have your ticket for Saturday, however, you're out of luck as tickets for Saturday have sold out, as have the 4-day discounted tickets. If we remember correctly, last year's tickets for Saturday sold out that morning. The fact that they've sold out a week prior are testament to the fact of the Con's increasing popularity. Below we list our some of the programming gems for that day. For the complete list, click here.

Saturday, July 28

10:00-11:15 Bionic Woman: Exclusive Pilot Screening and Q&A— Be one of the first to see this special version of the Bionic Woman pilot and participate in a Q&A panel session with series star and newcomer Michelle Ryan (EastEnders); executive producers David Eick (Battlestar Galactica), Glen Morgan (The X-Files), and Jason Smilovic (Lucky Number Slevin); co-stars Miguel Ferrer (Crossing Jordan) and Will Yun Lee (Witchblade); as well as a special guest appearance by Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), who portrays Sarah Corvis, and more. When a devastating car accident leaves Jaime Sommers (Michelle Ryan) at death's door, her only hope for survival is a cutting-edge, top-secret technology that comes at a hefty price. With a whole new existence and a debt to repay, Jaime must figure out how to use her extraordinary abilities for good, while weighing the personal sacrifices she will have to make. It's Jaime's journey of self-discovery and inner strength that will help her embrace her new life as the Bionic Woman. Ballroom 20 Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

10:30-11:30 Meet the Press: Writing About Comics— From blogs to books to magazines, the public conversation about comics is livelier—and faster—than it's ever been. Heidi MacDonald (Publishers Weekly), Nisha Gopalan (Entertainment Weekly), Tom Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter), Tom McLean (Variety), Graeme McMillan (The Savage Critics), and moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics) discuss the state of the art of comics criticism. Room 3 Categories: Comic Books

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search Orientation— Learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and find out how to improve your chances at becoming a working professional. Remember, diversity is the key with DC: DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine, Minx, and more! This informative orientation session will explain how DC's Talent Search works. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory, keep in mind that not all attendees are guaranteed a review. Room 4 Categories: Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

10:30-11:30 Black Panel— This year's Black Panel features Prodigal Sunn (The Wu Tang Clan), Ehrich Van Lowe (TV producer The Cosby Show, The Tom Joyner Show), Sidney Clifton (executive VP, Film Roman), Denys Cowan (senior VP, BET Animation), Andy Horne (producer, 24), Marv Wolfman (creator of Blade), and newcomer Korby Marks. Hear about their exciting new comics and animation projects! Moderated by Michael Davis. Room 5AB Categories: Animation Comic Books Horror and Suspense Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

10:30-12:00 Quick Draw— We've said it before and we'll say it again: Quick Draw is just about the most fun you can have at any comics convention panel. Host Mark Evanier keeps artists Sergio Aragonés, and Scott Shaw! on their toes through this rollicking cartoon improv event, while you get to see them draw their hearts out live on the big screen. Room 6CDEF Categories: Art and Illustration Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Fandom

10:30-12:00 Animation Writers Caucus: Holy Bleep, Batman! or Censorship and Animation— What can't you say in a cartoon? What can't you show? Why? Who says? Writers and producers of daytime and primetime animated television series tell tales out of school about what they didn't get to do and what they got away, in a panel sponsored by the Writers Guild of America's Animation Writers Caucus. Featuring panelists Alan Burnett (Batman), Aaron Ehasz (Avatar), Eric Kaplan (The Drinky Crow Show), Craig Miller (Curious George), Andrew Nichols (Jimmy Neutron, Will & Dewitt), and Patric Verrone (Futurama). Room 8 Categories: Animation Television

10:30-11:30 Spirituality In Comics— Spiritual themes weave a significant pattern in the story arc of our comics’ worlds. Hear from distinguished guests Doug TenNapel (Creature Tech), Holly Golightly (School Bites), Miriam Libicki (Real Gone Girl Studios), Christine Kerrick (Soul Trappers), and Leo Partible (Behind the Screen: Insiders on Faith). Moderated by Scott A. Shuford (Christian Comic Arts Society). Room 10 Categories: Comic Books

10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #9: Superheroes, Villains, and Vixens: A Discussion of the Top Pop-Culture Icons of 20th-Century Comicdom— Gina Misiroglu (Visible Ink Press), Peter Coogan (Fontbonne University), Alex Boney (Ohio State University), and Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent) discuss the popularity of the superhero and supervillain in popular culture (why some are fleeting, why some endure), the evolution of both heroes and villains in comics, characters who have alternately been hero and villains, and the unique dynamic between hero and villain and how that relationship has changed—and in many ways remained the same—since the early 20th century, when superheroes first made their mark on the comics pages. Specific characters are discussed and debated, with audience participation. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 102— Learn the basics of copyright and trademark law in this popular interactive lecture series brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book (soon to be expanded into a graphic novel). This second workshop will cover some of the more complicated issues facing creators who are looking to actually market their creations and ideas, including transfers and licensing of rights, marketing, merchandising and distribution, and what to do when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as we cover various means for profiting from your creations and (time permitting) to 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. Room 30CDE Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comics Law School Seminars & Workshops Webcomics

10:45-11:45 Marvel Ultimate Universe— It’s the beginning of something huge, true believers! The architects of the Ultimate U—including Joe Quesada and Jeph Loeb—are on hand to unveil the most shocking development in the six-year history of the Universe that redefined the industry! Room 6B Categories: Comic Books

10:45-12:00 The Simpsons— Having just aired its 400th episode, The Simpsons has now released its first feature film. Join members of the team responsible for both and find out how they did it, including Matt Groening (creator and executive producer), Al Jean (executive producer/head writer), David Mirkin (former executive producer), Matt Selman (executive producer), Michael Price (co-executive producer), David Silverman (director of The Simpsons Movie), Matt Warburton (supervising producer), Don Payne (consulting producer), and Yeardley Smith (voice of Lisa Simpson). Moderated by Bill Morrison. Hall H Categories: Animation Movies Television

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Paul Pope— This popular writer/artist moves easily between self-published personal works and more mainstream material (Batman: Year 100). Comic-Con special guest Paul Pope talks to friend and DC Comics editor Bob Schreck about his career in comics, his upcoming projects, and more, including a visual presentation. Room 1AB Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Reality-Based Graphic Novels— The rise of graphic novels in the past few years has seen the creation of some incredible work rooted in the real world. Some of these are personal autobiographical memoirs, while others are rooted in history. Moderator Andrew Farago (Cartoon Art Museum, San Francisco) interviews Comic-Con special guests Alison Bechdel (Fun Home), Guy Delisle (Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea), Rick Geary (The Bloody Benders), Miriam Katin (We Are On Our Own), and Joe Matt (Spent) about tales of their own lives and those of others. Room 3 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Newspaper Editorial Cartoonists— MSNBC.com's Daryl Cagle moderates a panel of eight top newspaper political cartoonists who will discuss their own work and the state of the editorial cartooning profession, where interest in politics, world events, and the work of political cartoonists is exploding as the newspaper industry is shrinking. Panelists include Steve Breen (Pulitzer Prize–winning editorial cartoonist for the San Diego Union-Tribune), Mr. Fish (AKA Dwayne Booth, LA Weekly and Village Voice), Patrick O'Connor (Los Angeles Daily News), Monte Wolverton (syndicated editorial cartoonist, Mad Magazine artist, and son of legendary cartoonist Basil Wolverton), Brian Fairrington syndicated editorial cartoonist, co-editor of the annual Best Political Cartoons of the Year books), Lalo Alcaraz (syndicated editorial cartoonist, LA Weekly, and the syndicated comic strip La Cucaracha), and Steve Kelley (New Orleans Times-Picayune). Room 4 Categories: Art and Illustration Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Webcomics

11:30-12:30 SLG Publishing— SLG staff and creators look ahead at their new releases, both digital and in print, and field any and all questions regarding the company, the industry, and all things SLG. Moderated by company president Dan Vado. Room 10 Categories: Comic Books

11:30-1:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #10: Comics as/and History— Vincent Tomasso (Stanford University) argues that Frank Miller’s 300 is a story designed and manufactured for an audience who is used to and expects the comic book framework, and as such it is inappropriate to devalue Miller’s work on the sole basis of historical accuracy. Thomas Schilz (San Diego Miramar College) asserts that Frank Miller’s 300, though historically inaccurate, manages to achieve a propaganda viewpoint that would have been embraced by the Greeks of the 5th century BC; that their struggle against Persia was the first ideological conflict in history and marked the birth of Western democracy and individualism. Phillip Troutman (George Washington University) revisits and extends Joseph Witek's path-breaking study Comic Books as History (1990) by examining Will Eisner's The Plot, discovering insights into Eisner's intentions and drafting process provided through interviews with Benjamin Herzberg, situating The Plot in the context of other modes of visual history. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

12:00-1:15 Cartoon Voices I— Such a Comic-Con favorite, we're doing it twice this year! Mark Evanier hosts his yearly panel with some of the greatest voice talent in the cartoon business. Today's panel includes Neil Ross (GI Joe), Wally Wingert (Invader Zim), Kathy Garver (Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends), Will Ryan (Disney voice artist), and more. Stay tuned for Part II tomorrow at noon in this very same room! Room 6B Categories: Animation Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Television

12:00-1:00 Minx: Evocative and Fearless— Learn more about DC’s newest imprint Minx, with Cecil Castellucci and Jim Rugg, the creators of the very first Minx book, The Plain Janes! They are joined by Mike Carey (Re-Gifters, Confessions of a Blabbermouth), Sonny Liew (Re-Gifters), Aaron Alexovich (Confessions of a Blabbermouth, Kimmie66), Minx group editor Shelly Bond, and some surprise new faces! Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:30 Wolfman and Kesel Writing Comics— Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel conduct a comics writing workshop, discussing how to create characters, story, and theme. If you've ever wanted to become a comics writer, this is for you. Room 30CDE Categories: Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

12:15-1:15 Spotlight on Laurell K. Hamilton— With two incredibly popular book series going stronger than ever (Anita Blake, 15 books, over 6 million copies in print; Merry Gentry, 5 books, over 1 million copies in print), Comic-Con special guest Laurell K. Hamilton is one of the most popular fiction authors working today. Laurell tells us what's next for Anita, Merry, and herself in this exclusive event. Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on J. H. Williams III— His Eisner Award–winning work with Alan Moore on Promethea made him one of the top artists working in comics today. Comic-Con special guest J. H. Williams is joined by writing partner Scott Johnson and writer Grant Morrison in this fully loaded panel moderated by Lauren McCubbin. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 TOKYOPOP and the Jim Henson Company Present Legends of the Dark Crystal and Return to Labyrinth— In 1982, Jim Henson released The Dark Crystal, a visionary fantasy film unlike anything seen on film before. Now, on the 25th anniversary of the movie, the story continues in Legends of the Dark Crystal, a multivolume manga prequel. Writer Barbara Randall Kesel (Meridian), artist Heidi Arnhold, editor Tim Beedle, and head of children’s television for the Jim Henson Company Halle Stanford preview and discuss the upcoming series. Joining them will be Jake Forbes, author of the Return to Labyrinth manga, who will be on hand to discuss the upcoming volume of this successful Labyrinth sequel. Room 10 Categories: Anime & Manga Kids Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:45-2:00 Heroes: Exclusive Volume II Clip and Q&A— Heroes chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities. Be the first to see an exclusive clip from Volume II and learn more about the DVD Heroes 360 and more. Participate in a Q&A session moderated by co-executive producer/comic book writer Jeph Loeb, with creator Tim Kring, comic book artist Tim Sale (Batman: The Long Halloween), and the entire cast—Jack Coleman (H.R.G.), Noah Gray-Cabey (Micah Sanders), Greg Grunberg (Matt Parkman), Ali Larter (Niki Sanders), James Kyson Lee (Ando), Masi Oka (Hiro Nakamura), Hayden Panettiere (Claire Bennet), Adrian Pasdar (Nathan Petrelli), Zachary Quinto (Sylar), Sendhil Ramamurthy (Mohinder Suresh), Dania Ramirez (Maya), Milo Ventimiglia (Peter Petrelli), and more. Read our Exclusive Interviews with Tim Kring, Masi Oka and Tim Sale! Ballroom 20 Categories: Comic Books Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

1:00-2:00 Where Do They Get Those Marvelous Toys?— Whether it's contemporary superheroes, future private investigators, fanatical plague bearers, or zombie fighters in an alternate reality, technology can be a curse and/or a cure for the world's evils in stories. Come discuss gadgets and gizmos with authors Cory Doctorow (Boing Boing/Craphound), Greg Bear (Quantico), Austin Grossman (Soon I Will Be Invincible), Vernor Vinge (Rainbows End), Kevin J. Anderson (Sandworms of Dune and The Last Days of Krypton), and Mike Shepherd (Kris Longknife—Resolute). Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Fandom Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #11: High Art and Low— Richard Becker (CSU Northridge) discusses the nature of the narrator and authorial self-insertions in comics, like those of Lee and Kirby, Gerber, and Morrison, and the schism between schools of storytelling in which the writer is very visible and another in which the writer seeks to be completely invisible. John A. Walsh (Indiana University) examines Grant Morrison’s Doom Patrol stories and their punctuation by appearances of and allusions to similarly fracture, damaged, and outcast artists and works and asks whether the members of the Doom Patrol are artists or heroes and if there’s a difference. Jason Mott (UNC-Wilmington) uncovers the history of comic book superheroes and traces their evolution from serving purely as devices of metaphor for poets to becoming the subject of extended development and progression by award-winning poets such as Brian Dietrich in Krypton Nights and Jeannine Hall in Becoming the Villainess. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on David Morrell— The popular author created a pop culture juggernaut with Rambo in his book, First Blood. David Morrell joins Comic-Con 2007 as a special guest for the first time. He’ll talk with fellow author Max Allan Collins about his career and his first-time venture into comics, writing Captain America: The Chosen for Marvel. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Renée French— Her strange and compelling art and stories have made her a popular indy comics mainstay since the early 1990s, with such disturbing books as Grit Bath, The Ninth Gland, Corny’s Fetish, and the multi-Eisner-nominated The Ticking. Comic-Con special guest Renée French talks about her work with Picturebox art director and editor Dan Nadel. Room 3 Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:45 DCU: New Worlds Order— The crisis is over, isn’t it? With 52 finished, the DCU is counting down and the Monitors are watching closely. Come play catch-up, have your questions answered, and learn what lies ahead for the DCU in this extensive slide show presentation moderated by Dan DiDio (senior VP/executive editor DCU) and Bob Wayne (VP, sales). Joining them will be coordinating editor Jann Jones, senior group editor Mike Carlin, group editor Eddie Berganza, plus Tony Bedard (Birds of Prey,), Adam Beechen (Robin), Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Justin Gray (Countdown), Geoff Johns (The All New Booster Gold), Dan Jurgens (Booster Gold), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Jesus Merino (Superman), Carlos Pacheco (Superman), Jimmy Palmiotti (Countdown), Grant Morrison (Batman), Ivan Reis (Green Lantern), and Gail Simone (The All-New Atom). Room 6B Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Family Guy— Back by popular demand, join creator/star Seth MacFarlane, showrunner/executive producer David A. Goodman and the creative team behind Fox’s number-one comedy Family Guy for an uproarious and uncensored hour of laughs and Q&A. Rumor has it they’ll even preview what is destined to become a Family Guy classic—this year’s season premiere episode, which retells the Star Wars story with the Griffins and their fellow residents of Quahog, Rhode Island, cast in the iconic roles of the legendary film. Stewie as Darth Vader? Victory shall be his! Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Television

2:15-3:15 Battlestar Galactica— Michelle Tauber of People Magazine calls it “an instantly addictive, girl-powered show that packs emotional punch, rip-roaring adventure and surprisingly sexy heat.” Come see what all the buzz is about as SCI FI celebrates the ladies of Battlestar Galactica. Panelists include Mary McDonnell (Laura Roslin), Katee Sackhoff (Kara “Starbuck” Thrace), Tricia Helfer (Number Six), Ronald D. Moore (executive producer), David Eick (executive producer), and Erik Storey (VP, original programming, SCI FI). Moderated by Mark Bernardin of Entertainment Weekly magazine. Ballroom 20 Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

2:30-3:30 Storytelling with and Without Pictures— Authors of prose and comics discuss how they write differently for different media—or do they? Find out with authors David Morrell (Captain America: The Chosen), Christopher Golden (The Myth Hunters, Talent), Mike Mignola (Baltimore, Or, The Steadfast Tin Soldier and the Vampire, Hellboy), Richard Morgan (TH1TRE3N, Black Widow), Tad Williams (Shadowplay, Aquaman), Barbara Hambly (Renfield: Slave of Dracula, Garden of Emptiness), and Mike Carey (The Devil You Know, Lucifer). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #12: Poster Session— Want to go in depth with a comics scholar? The poster session provides that opportunity. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday scholars' PowerPoint presentations will be available to read in printed "poster books," then the scholars will be on hand at the poster session to discuss their presentations in small-group and one-on-one discussions. Jennifer K. Stuller provides a critical history of the cultural effect of Peter O'Donnell's Modesty Blaise while exploring her contributions to comics narrative to elucidate the legacy of Britain's princess of spy-fi. Brad Ricca (Case Western Reserve University) unveils "The Secret Name of Lois Lane" by tracing early, never-before-seen Siegel and Shuster material and outlining a Lois whose character and name is indebted to various, previously neglected sources, as well as proposing the definitive identity of the "real" Lois and showing how this information critically informs our understanding of her early character as an idealized (but problematic) representative of 'higher' art. Gregory Bray (SUNY—New Paltz) examines the way adolescent trauma in Smallville is encoded through the principles' interactions with their parents—Jor El, Jonathan and Martha Kent, and Lionel Luthor—and asserts that Clark is defined by his trauma so fully that it's all that feeds his actions and drains the rest of who or what could be, while Lex is ultimately consumed with his destiny and enters a cycle of anti-humanism. Marc DiPaolo (Alvernia College) discusses the portrayal of the Punisher as insane Italian American crimefighter and Vietnam veteran. Robert Emmons (Art Institute of Philadelphia) explores the personal experiences of Alison Bechdel in Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic and Craig Thompson in Blankets and how they can be transposed to a young audience to teach an understanding of the "other" to create open and honest discussion that provides context for the "other" and ourselves. Hal Shipman (Northwestern University) examines the particular aesthetics that are consistently at work in the graphic memoirs such as Marjane Satrapi's Persepolis, Guy DeLisle's Pyongyang, Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, and Judd Winick's Pedro and Me to elucidate what it is about this most subjective of media that has made it so effective in telling these tales so explicitly presented as truth. Doug Highsmith (CSU—East Bay) traces the rise and fall of the American romance comic book. Travis Langley (Henderson State University) relates the conflict between pro-registration and anti-registration heroes in Marvel Comics' Civil War to Erich Fromm's basic human dilemma involving conflicting desires for freedom and security, examining how character motivations on both sides arise from positive human qualities because Fromm's image of human nature is ultimately optimistic, holding that people on either side are struggling to find what is best for all. Jason Strykowski (True West Magazine), Meg Frisbee (University of New Mexico), and Shawn Wiemann (University of New Mexico) use the failure of Marvel's NFL Superpro to show how representations of the fantastic in sequential arts are incompatible with the fantasies in professional sports and thereby reveal contrasts that cannot be resolved in a single form of American popular culture. A group of graduate students from the UC—San Diego present a poster panel on comics and the construction of identity: Marisa Brandt looks at memory and identity in Garry Trudeau's Doonesbury arc The War Within; Matthew Brown asks why the DC Universe should have crises of identity; Adam Streed and Amanda Brovold assert that the superhero is as good as dead; Sabrina Starnaman examines identity formation in David B.'s Epileptic; and Evan Moreno-Davis explores how Christopher Chance targets the human condition. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

3:00-4:15 Marvel: Spider-Man— This is the panel we’ve been teasing for months! Join Joe Quesada, Spidey editor Steve Wacker and the new creators on the thrice-monthly Amazing Spider-Man to find out what’s in store for Peter and his supporting cast, and why 2008 will see the dawning of a brand new day! Room 6B Categories: Comic Books

3:30-4:30 Radical Comics— With a combined experience of 60 years in comics, film, music, and photography, Dave Elliott (Atomeka) and Barry Levine (film producer for Rex Mundi) have joined together to bring the world of film to comics: pulp adventure, epic fantasy, horror, science fiction, all by the top creators of comics, film, and fantasy. See for yourself why so much excitement is building around Radical Comics’ first titles: Hercules, Legends, Orphan, and Caliber. When the company debuts its titles in 2008, you will learn the true meaning of Radical. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Movies

3:30-4:30 Simplicity: The Life and Art of Alex Toth— Featured for the first time will be the exclusive screening of the documentary Simplicity: The Life and Art of Alex Toth. The documentary will show what made Alex such a unique and beloved artist. Following the screening will be a brief panel discussion featuring Mark Chiarello, Ruben Procopio, Toth’s children, and documentary producers Alex Gray and Jon Mefford. Room 3 Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books

3:30-4:30 Futurama— Matt Groening is proud to announce the long-awaited return of the animated sci-fi comedy classic Futurama! Matt and executive producer David X. Cohen will be on the dais, accompanied by writer Ken Keeler, animation directors Peter Avanzino and Dwayne Carey- Hill, and for the first time together on stage in any universe, actors Billy West (Fry), Katey Sagal (Leela), John DiMaggio (Bender), and Maurice LaMarche (Kif Kroker)! The cast and crew will entertain your questions and present a sneak peek at Bender’s Big Score! in glorious wide-screen format! Moderated by Bill Morrison. Ballroom 20 Categories: Animation Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:30-5:00 The Costume Designers Guild Presents Costume Centric: Designing Icons— Deborah Nadoolman Landis (Raiders of the Lost Ark), president of the Costume Designers Guild, Local 892 will interview costume designers Mary Vogt (The Fantastic Four: The Return of the Silver Surfer), Michael Wilkinson (300), and Mona May (Enchanted). There will be a Q&A as part of the program. Later in the evening, the CDG designers will be awarding the first ever CDG Prize for Outstanding Costume at the Comic-Con Masquerade. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Books Costuming Fandom Movies

4:00-5:00 Two Rays: Bradbury and Harryhausen— Two of the living legends of science fiction and fantasy reunite in this Comic- Con exclusive event! Author Ray Bradbury and filmmaker Ray Harryhausen share a life-long friendship and passionate interest in all things fantastic. Joining them are Bradbury biographer Sam Weller and Harryhausen producer Arnold Kunert. Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Fandom Horror and Suspense Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:00-5:00 Jeff Smith— Join Jeff for an open Q&A about his latest projects, including Shazam: The Monster Society of Evil (DC Comics), the new Bone Volume 6 color edition (Scholastic), the new Art of Bone book (Dark Horse) and the Ohio State Wexner Center Bone Art Exhibit planned for 2008. Also get a sneak-peek at his upcoming new self-published comic: RASL. Room 8 Categories: Comic Books

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski— It's a big summer for popular writer/producer/director J. Michael Straczynski, as his new direct-to-DVD feature Babylon 5: The Lost Tales debuts and he brings back Thor to his rightful place in the Marvel universe. JMS talks about these projects and more, including his upcoming film Changeling for Imagine Entertainment, which is being produced by Ron Howard, starring Angelina Jolie, and directed by Clint Eastwood. And then there's World War Z, and Goliath: The Story of David and that Silver Surfer movie, too... Room 6B Categories: Animation Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

4:45-5:45 Dark Horse Presents: Joss Whedon— With the hugely successful release of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 8 for Dark Horse Comics, Joss Whedon (Fray, Astonishing X-Men) talks about picking up where the TV series left off, his other projects, future plans, and possibly even a few surprises. A sneak peek from the upcoming Serenity—Collector's Edition DVD will be shown. Ballroom 20 Categories: Comic Books Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

5:00-6:00 Ellen Forney: I Love Led Zepplin— This multimedia show features Ellen Forney performing as narrator with flash cartoon clips of her wildly amusing observations on contemporary urban culture, including her elegy to live-fast, die-young ethos “The Final Soundtrack,” which inspired the title of her book. The program will also include her collaboration with comedian Margaret Cho, “How to Be a Fabulous Fag Hag,” and her early brush with celebrity in “My Date with Camille Paglia.” Room 4 Categories: Fandom

5:15-6:30 The Sarah Connor Chronicles Screening and Q&A— Catch an exclusive screening of an extended cut — made especially for Comic-Con — of the pilot of The Sarah Connor Chronicles followed by a Q&A with stars Lena Headey (300), Thomas Dekker (Heroes), Summer Glau (Firefly), and Richard T. Jones (Event Horizon), along with executive producer/creator Josh Friedman (War of the Worlds) and executive producers David Nutter (The X- Files) and James Middleton (of C-2 Pictures, producers of Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines). Coming soon to FOX, The Sarah Connor Chronicles is produced by C-2 Pictures in association with Warner Bros. Television. Room 6CDEF Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

5:30-8:00 Gays in Comics Panel and Mixer: The 20th Anniversary!— Two decades of “Gays in Comics” is celebrated at its birthplace: Comic-Con! From DC's diverse roster that includes a lesbian Question and Batwoman and a gay Pied Piper and Midnighter to Marvel's Moondragon and Quasar or Hulkling and Wicca, super-hero comics have come a long way in representing gay characters. With Yaoi also exploding in the marketplace, the bravura graphic novel Fun Home winning awards worldwide, and TV shows such as Heroes tapping into the comic book closet, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered characters and fans are finally being represented. An all-star panel of GLBT creators (and a straight one) will offer startling insight and glimpses of surprises to come! Joining founding moderator Andy Mangels, best-selling author of Star Trek novels and director of She-Ra and Isis DVD documentaries, are Alison Bechdel, the writer/artist of the critical best-seller Fun Home and Dykes to Watch Out For; Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, the writer of Sensational Spider-Man and Nightcrawler; Chuck Kim, a writer for the Heroes TV series and many DC Comics titles; Charles "Zan" Christensen, the co-founder of PRISM and writer of the upcoming The Mark of Aeacus; Alonso Duralde, pop culture critic, author of 101 Must-See Movies for Gay Men, and former Advocate arts editor; and Megan Gedris, PRISM grant-winning artist of Yu+Me manga webcomic. Plus, a very important special guest may make an appearance! Afterward, stick around for the hour-long gay comics fan mixer/social, sponsored by PRISM Comics, with prizes and surprise special guests! Room 6A Categories: Anime & Manga Comic Books Fandom Webcomics

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Mark Verheiden— The popular writer of movies (The Mask, Timecop), television (Smallville, Battlestar Galactica), and comics (Superman Batman, The American) comes to Comic-Con as a special guest. Mark Verheiden talks to writer and friend Jeff Gelb about his career storytelling on the big screen, the small screen, and the printed page. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 Drawing the Line: The Untold Story of the Animation Unions from Bosko to Bart Simpson— Noted animation director and artist Tom Sito (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Lion King), discusses the secrets behind the animation labor movement, from his new book, Drawing the Line. Room 4 Categories: Animation Seminars & Workshops

6:00-7:00 The Pitching Hour— Jermaine Turner (director, original series, Disney/ABC Cable Networks Group), Jill Stewart (manager, original series, Disney Channel Animation), Dan Evans (network exec, Digimon), Jeremy Love (VP, Gettosake Entertainment), Laurenn McCubbin (producer, Showtime's Rent Girl), and Jonas Agin (senior VP, Tom Lynch Company) will take an idea from conception through production. 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 new creator should adapt 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 IP lawyer Brendan McFeely to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood! Room 5AB Categories: Movies Seminars & Workshops Television

6:00-7:00 The Goon— Independent and cult comic book icon Eric Powell discusses the past, present, and future of his Eisner Award–winning comic The Goon, from the ongoing series to the long-awaited Chinatown graphic novel. Room 8 Categories: Comic Books

6:00-7:00 Indyfans and the Quest for Fortune and Glory— Indiana Jones fans unite! Join the fans from the upcoming documentary Indyfans and the Quest for Fortune and Glory as they "moderate" this one-stop Indiana Jones information center for all the fans! Various "experts" will be on hand to embark on discussions about all things Indiana Jones, including the upcoming fourth film. And don't miss out on the Indiana Jones Trivia Contest; the winner will receive an Indy Magnoli Ceramic Holy Grail. Room 24A Categories: Fandom Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:00-7:00 Create Your Own Comics and Manga— Learn how to create comics and manga on your computer. Manga Studio, the leading Manga and comic art software, provides all the essential tools you need to create professional, ready-to-publish pages from start to finish! Manga Studio offers an intuitive interface and delivers the best suite of ready-to-use screen tones, content, and special manga and comic effects for hobbyists, experienced artists, and professionals. Featuring Steve Yatson (VP of marketing, e frontier America Inc.) and Lincy Chan (manga artist, TOKYOPOP). Room 30AB Categories: Anime & Manga Fandom Seminars & Workshops

6:00-7:00 The Hero Initiative: I'm Supposed to Retire on This?!— When you're a professional in comics, you are in charge of your own destiny, including paying your taxes and funding your retirement. But how are you supposed to save any money when Uncle Sam takes it all? And if you do have any money left over, where do you put it—IRAs, SEPs, savings accounts or bank CDs, what's the difference? Harlan Wenig (independent financial advisor) and Joe Davidson (registered tax preparer) explore the financial aspects of being a comic book professional. Room 30CDE Categories: Animation Art and Illustration Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

6:30-7:30 Troma's Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead— Troma's Fowl Movement Poultrygeist is the latest film from Troma Studios, was created and marketed in Troma's patented guerrilla style. This panel will show you how to make and market your indie film in an increasingly corporate age. See exclusive scenes and behind-the-scenes footage from the film MTV calls "Hilarious! Definitely something you need to see to believe!" Moderated by director Lloyd Kaufman, this panel will include special guests like Tim Seeley (Devil's Due) and Batton Lash (Supernatural Law). These creators will show you the fine art of transforming your movie characters into graphic novel heroes, as well as discuss their own Troma comic book projects. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Horror and Suspense Movies

6:30-7:30 Josh Howard/Dead@17— After its remarkable debut in 2003, plus a fistful of sequels, prequels, and spin-offs, the comics series Dead@17 has finally gone monthly. Join Josh Howard (The Lost Books of Eve) for this Q&A session, including a special sneak preview showing of the Dead@17 short film (by Mark Steensland) a month before its world premiere in England! Room 10 Categories: Comic Books Movies

Nighttime Programs

7:00-9:00 CBLDF Benefit Auction— This is the big one! The CBLDF holds its biggest auction of the year at Comic- Con, and this year brings some amazing one-of-a-kind items to raise money for free speech! Primo items include original art by Jim Lee, Jeff Smith, Terry Moore, Charlie Adlard, Norm Breyfogle, Rich Buckler, Brian Stelfreeze, and more! Plus a mind-blowing array of rare signed items, including signed portfolios and books by Frank Frazetta, Richard Corben, Hal Foster, Rebecca Guay, Neil Gaiman, Alan Moore, and many others! The Fund will also be auctioning off hot comics, including CGC 9.8 copies of Captain America #25, first printing and variants. Join auctioneer Chuck Rozanski and the CBLDF crew to support the Fund's current casework in Georgia, and help them shore up reserves to protect comics' First Amendment rights against any threat on the horizon. You will need a bidder number for this auction, which can be obtained, along with a full auction list, at the CBLDF booth #1831 or at the start of the event. Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Educators/Outreach Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:45 Comic Book Club— Iron your capes, unplug the Bat Signal, and set your decoder rings on awesome: the Comic Book Club is in session! The Comic Book Club is a weekly comic book talk show from New York featuring the best comedians in town talking shop with industry professionals from all corners of the comic book world. They're coming to San Diego to get to the bottom of all the news from the con! Featuring a panel of surprise guests from the con and your hosts Justin Tyler, Alex Zalben, and Pete LePage. Come, unwind, and talk comics—you're in the club! Room 5AB Categories: Comic Books Fandom Nighttime Programming Webcomics

7:45-8:45 Comedy Central's The Sarah Silverman Program— Sarah Silverman (Jesus Is Magic) plays a character (aptly named Sarah Silverman) whose absurd daily life is told through an array of scripted scenes and song. In each episode, Sarah manages to fall into unique, sometimes unsettling, and always hilarious predicaments, with her sister—played by real-life sister Laura Silverman (The Comeback), her geeky gay neighbors Brian (Brian Posehn, Just Shoot Me) and Steve (Steve Agee, Jesus Is Magic), and Officer Jay (Jay Johnston, Mr. Show with Bob and David) never far from her side. Silverman, Rob Schrab (Monster House), Heidi Herzon (Jesus is Magic) and Dan Sterling (The Daily Show) are the executive producers. Join the entire cast of the Comedy Central hit series for a Q&A session. Room 6CDEF Categories: Nighttime Programming Television

8:30-11:30 Comic-Con International Masquerade Broadcast— Can’t get into Ballroom 20 to see the big show? Don’t worry about it! We’ve got you covered with two big 1,000-seat rooms broadcasting the Comic-Con Masquerade LIVE on the big screen! Click here for complete details on the Comic-Con Masquerade. Room 6A and Room 6B Categories: Costuming Nighttime Programming

8:30-11:30 GameTap Presents: The Comic-Con International Masquerade— Fabulous original and re-created costumes crafted by our talented attendees appear on stage before an audience of thousands. Outstanding costumes will be awarded trophies and cash prizes. Doors will open for audience seating at 7:45, 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 4:30. Our Masters of Ceremonies will be writer/artists Phil Foglioand Kaija Foglio of Studio Foglio, and halftime entertainment will feature a dramatic performance by the JING Institute of Chinese Martial Arts & Culture. Click here for complete details on the Masquerade. Ballroom 20 Categories: Costuming Nighttime Programming

8:30-1:30 Comic-Con International Masquerade Party— Party into the night and watch the Masquerade LIVE via big screen projection. Dancing starts after 10:00 PM. Sails Pavilion Categories: Costuming Nighttime Programming

9:00-11:30 Buffy the Vampire Slayer 10th Anniversary Screening— Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a screening of two Buffy episodes, including the musical episode, “Once More with Feeling,” presented by Whedonopolis.com. There will be free keepsakes for attendees and a few other surprises! Stop by for some music, singing and "dancin' crazy." Room 5AB Categories: Fandom Horror and Suspense Nighttime Programming Television

9:00-11:00 Spotlight on Warren Ellis— Warren Ellis (Authority, Black Summer) is not only one of the most critically acclaimed writers of comic books but also one of the most outspoken. Don't miss this chance to see him talk about everything from modern technology to how he crafts a tale, and get special sneak peaks of his new Avatar titles Doktor Sleepless, Black Summer, and some amazing surprise project announcements! Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Fandom Nighttime Programming

Comic-Con 2007 Countdown Part 2

2007-07-21T08:33:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we looked at some gems from Thursday's programming, today we focus on Friday, July 27. For the full schedule, click here.

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search Orientation— Learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and find out how to improve your chances at becoming a working professional. Remember, diversity is the key with DC: DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine, Minx, and more! This informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory, keep in mind that not all attendees are guaranteed a review. Room 4 Categories: Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

10:30-11:30 Image Comics: The Founders— Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino reunite for Image's remarkable 15th anniversary. Join the conversation as they explore Image Comics' beginnings, impact, and future in the comics industry. Moderated by George Khoury (author of Image Comics: The Road to Independence from TwoMorrows Publishing). Room 6A Categories: Comic Books

10:30-11:30 Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles— Will there be a sequel to the Shadow Chronicles? Will there be more Robotech comics? Will there be Shadow Chronicles merchandise? Will there be a special edition DVD? Find the answers to these questions here! Room 6B Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Anime & Manga

10:30-11:30 Pixar Animation Studios' Short Films Collection: Volume 1— Join three of Disney•Pixar's most talented filmmakers, Ralph Eggelston, Oscar-winning director of For the Birds, Andrew Jimenez, Oscar- nominated co-director of One Man Band, and Katherine Sarafian, producer of Pixar's newest animated Oscar-nominated short Lifted, for a discussion about the Studio's acclaimed short films. Q&A session to follow. Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Kids Movies

10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #5: Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero— Superheroes were created by Jews. Is that significant, or a complete coincidence and no big deal? In a reading from his provocative new Continuum book, Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero, longtime Spider-Man editor and author of Superman on the Couch Danny Fingeroth explores the backgrounds of the young, largely Jewish men from Eastern European backgrounds who created the most well-known superheroes. Fingeroth will discuss how the creators' Jewish backgrounds may have helped make superheroes the most familiar popular culture icons of all—on TV, in movies, and in electronic media, as well as in comics. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School® 101: Let's Start at the Beginning— A very good place to start learning how to protect your intellectual property rights, that is. Learn the basics of copyright and trademark law in this popular interactive lecture series brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book (soon to be an expanded graphic novel). This first workshop will cover the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, characters, and their names from the point of creation forward. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, then have the opportunity to work together in developing a game plan to protect a new comic book series proposal in preparation of shopping the proposal to publishers. Plus, discussions about recent legal decisions affecting the field of popular culture and how these issues play an important role in your creative and business plans. And along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Room 30CDE Categories: Comic Books Comics Law School Seminars & Workshops

10:30-12:00 Warner Bros.— Warner Bros. presents a sneak peek at some of its upcoming major film releases!
The Invasion is a nightmarish journey into a world where the only way to stay alive is to stay awake. The mysterious crash of the space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery that there is something alien within the wreckage. Those who come in contact with it are changing in ominous and inexplicable ways. Producer Joel Silver appears in person.In the supernatural thriller One Missed Call, people receive terrifying cell phone messages of their own final fatal moments. Stars Edward Burns and Shannyn Sossamon will be on stage to introduce film footage and answer questions. In Whiteout, Kate Beckinsale stars as Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal assigned to Antarctica, whose investigation of the continent's first murder draws her into a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. Star Kate Beckinsale appears in-person. In the all-new action comedy Get Smart, Maxwell Smart (Steve Carell) is on a mission to thwart the latest plot for world domination by the evil crime syndicate known as KAOS. Written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Dave Gibbons, Watchmen was originally published by DC comics as a 12-issue comic book series between 1986 and 1987, before subsequently being collected into a trade paperback. It is the only graphic novel to win the prestigious Hugo Award or to be named among Time magazine's "100 Best English Language Novels from 1923 to the Present." Director Zack Snyder will appear in-person to discuss the upcoming film and answer questions.
Hall H Categories: Comic Books Horror and Suspense Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:00-12:00 She/He Who Understands History Gets to Rewrite It— Authors discuss how an appreciation of world history and modern events as well as mythology influences and colors their worlds of fantasy, science fiction, and alternate realities. Panelists Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Legacy series), David Anthony Durham (Acacia: Book One: The War with the Mein ), David Keck (In the Eye of Heaven), Harry Turtledove ( Settling Accounts: In at the Death), Peter David (Darkness of the Light), R.A. Salvatore (The Ancient), and Mel Odom (Quest for the Trilogy) adapt and build on world events for their own purposes. Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy moderates. Room 8 Categories: Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:00-12:00 Reaper: Exclusive Pilot Screening— Be among the first to see this special version of the Reaper pilot directed by Kevin Smith, introduced by Missy Peregrym (Heroes). For the first 20 years of his life, Sam (Bret Harrison, Grounded For Life, The Loop) has wondered why his parents went so easy on his slacker ways—until the day Sam turns 21 and discovers the ungodly reason his parents let him slide: They sold his soul to the devil before he was even born. Satan himself (Ray Wise, 24) drops by to personally explain that Sam must now serve as his bounty hunter, tracking down evil souls that have escaped and returning them to Hell. Bolstered by his love for co-worker Andi (Missy Peregrym) and with the goofball help of his friends and fellow slackers, Bert “Sock” Wysocki (Tyler Labine, Boston Legal, Invasion) and Ben (Rick Gonzalez, Coach Carter), Sam faces his destiny as the Reaper. Ballroom 20 Categories: Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

11:30-12:30 IDW Publishing— What's coming up for IDW in '07 and '08? Find out in this informative panel that will features big announcements, big guests (Cory Doctorow, Mike Baron, and Brian Lynch, among others), discussions of upcoming Angel, 30 Days of Night, and Transformers, and more, all presided over by IDW publisher Chris Ryall. Room 4 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Paul Dini— From introducing Batman to a new generation of fans with the now-classic Batman: The Animated Series to the resurrection of tabloid-sized comics with Alex Ross, and from Detective Comics to the current classic-in-the-making Countdown, there is no doubt that Paul Dini is one of the modern masters of superhero storytelling. Joined by DC's senior VP/executive editor DCU, Dan DiDio, this is one Spotlight that is sure to thrill! Room 5AB Categories: Animation Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

11:45-12:45 Marvel Comics: Cup O’ Joe— Join the EEK himself, Joe Quesada, as he unveils what's in store for all your favorite Marvel characters and creators, makes some surprising announcements, and takes on any and all questions! As always, this is the one, no-holds barred panel that everyone's gonna be talking about, and the one panel you don't want to miss! Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic Books

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Allen Bellman— Having started out doing backgrounds for Captain America in the 1940s, Allen Bellman went on to work on a number of other Timely Golden Age series, including Sub-Mariner and Human Torch. In the 1950s he worked with the legendary Charles Biro and Bob Wood and Lev Gleason Publications, before leaving comics for the newspaper world. Meet one of the unsung heroes of the Golden Age of Comics as Mark Evanier talks to Bellman about his career in comics. This is Mr. Bellman's first appearance as a Comic-Con special guest. Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:30 Impact University: How to Write and Draw Comics and Graphic Novels— Some of the biggest names in comics will teach you what it takes to make it in comics and graphic novels. This year’s star-studded faculty panel includes Peter David (She-Hulk, X-Factor), Orson Scott Card (Ender's Game, Wyrms), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Tom Nguyen (Batman, Justice League Elite) and Comics Buyer's Guide senior editor Maggie Thompson. Find out the best way to submit your work, learn the dos and don'ts of the business, and participate in a Q&A session. Room 30CDE Categories: Comic Books Science Fiction & Fantasy Seminars & Workshops

12:30-1:30 Star Wars Day: LucasArts— Celebrate 25 of LucasArts videogames and learn about the past, present, and future by attending this panel with key LucasArts producers. See what LucasArts has in store, then ask your own questions in a Q&A session. Room 1AB Categories: Fandom Gaming Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:30-1:30 Terry Moore: SIP RIP— Last month Terry Moore brought his Eisner Award–winning series Strangers in Paradise to an end with issue 90 and closed a chapter in comic book history. Now readers in 11 languages around the world are scrambling to read the conclusion to this epic series as the final trade paperbacks, pocketbooks, and hardcovers hit the market. So what now? If you think the cartoonist plans to retire and polish his many awards, think again! Find out what's next when Terry reveals his plans for the future and his next series! Room 3 Categories: Comic Books

12:30-1:30 Alter Ego Magazine— Started by Jerry Bails in the early 1960s, Alter Ego was taken to new heights as the top fanzine of its time Roy Thomas. Roy resurrected the publication in the 1990s as a slick magazine on comics of the Golden and Silver Ages, and its celebrating its 70th issue this month from TwoMorrows Publishing. Roy will be on hand to moderate a lively discussion of Alter Ego's past, present, and future, featuring regular columnist Bill Schelly and Fawcett Collectors of America (FCA) editor P. C. Hamerlinck, plus a surprise guest or two! Room 4 Categories: Comic Books

12:30-1:30 Vertigo: I Am Legend— Top sf/comic book writers and artists Orson Scott Card, Richard Christian Matheson, Mark Protosevich, Steve Niles, Bill Sienkiewicz, David Levy, and Jason Chan unveil and discuss their contributions to the I Am Legend–inspired comic book, as well as master sf author Richard Matheson's enduring influence. The limited-edition comic will be available at the panel and at designated times in the DC Comics booth. Room 5AB Categories: Comic Books Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Comics Arts Conference Session #7: Of Supermen and Kids with Dreams: The Secret Origins of Superman— Thomas Andrae (California State University, East Bay) traces the evolution of the concept of the superman and his transformation from a menace to a messianic hero. He looks at the emergence of the idea of the superman in the philosophies of Nietzsche and H. G. Wells and their critique in science fiction literature. Andrae discuss Jerry Siegel’s radical break with this tradition and the sources for his creation of Superman, including his first (unknown) superhero, the fiction of Edgar Rice Burroughs, the pulps, and films of the twenties and thirties. Last, he discusses Siegel and Shuster’s unpublished Superman work and its importance in revising our understanding of the Superman mythos. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

1:30-2:30 Kill Your Darlings— Writers of mystery and suspense discuss the satisfaction in (fictionally) killing victims who provide the world with a wealth of suspects and alibis through their daily behavior. Try not to draw the authors' attention as F. Paul Wilson (Repairman Jack novels), David Morrell (Captain America: The Chosen), Max Allan Collins (A Killing in Comics), Richard Morgan (TH1TRE3N), Josh Conviser (Echelon), Joe Schreiber (Chasing the Dead), and Elizabeth Forrest (At Twilight's Fall) plan their next victims. Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 4 Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense

1:30-2:30 The Image Comics Show— Your friend and ours Brian Posehn (The Sarah Silverman Show) hosts a panel featuring all your favorite Image Comics superstars! See what Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Mike Oeming (Mice Templar), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Matt Fraction (Casanova), Gerry Duggan (The Infinite Horizon), Phil Noto (The Infinite Horizon), and Jay Fotos (Frank Frazetta's Death Dealer) have planned for the future of creator-owned comics. Learn what gives them the drive to pour their energies into their own creations. You may get inspired to do some of your very own! Plus, some startling announcements and previews from many Image favorites! Room 5AB Categories: Comic Books

1:30-2:30 24— For the first time ever, the producers of the worldwide Fox phenomenon 24 come to Comic-Con for a discussion and Q&A about the hit series that rewrote the rules of television storytelling. Will Jack Bauer survive another harrowing day? Only executive producers Evan Katz, Manny Coto, David Fury, and Jon Cassar, director, know for sure, and with any luck they’ll divulge that and a lot more about how they intend to reinvent the Emmy Award–winning drama in its upcoming seventh season. Room 6B Categories: Horror and Suspense Television

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Jaime Hernandez/Love and Rockets’ 25th— Chat with Jaime Hernandez about his beloved comic book series Love and Rockets, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Fantagraphics publisher Gary Groth engages Jaime in a discussion (and audience Q&A) about L&R, Jaime's characters Maggie & Hopey (hailed as two of the great women characters in comics history) as well as other work, including his recent graphic novella, Maggie La Loca, serialized earlier this year in The New York Times Magazine. And what's going on with that long- discussed Love & Rockets movie?! Room 10 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 The Comic Art Prof Show: How to Create Successful Comics Page Layouts— Young comics artists focus on learning to draw. Great comic artists master the page. Good page design brings clarity, rhythm, accent, and life to your comics. Starting with the basics, such as balloons placement and panel shapes, and stepping up to more advanced layout concepts, such as pacing and style, The Comic Art Prof (aka Christian Hill, professor of illustration and sequential art at Cal State Fullerton) will show you the processes professionals use in mainstream and alternative comics, manga, and Eurocomics to lay out impeccable and unforgettable pages. Room 30CDE Categories: Anime & Manga Art and Illustration Comic Books Seminars & Workshops Webcomics

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Neil Gaiman— One of Comic-Con's most popular guests returns to spend his weekend with you. Neil Gaiman talks about this busy year, including upcoming films Beowulf, Coraline, and Stardust (set to premiere Comic-Con weekend in L.A.), that little ditty called Death looming on the horizon, and tons of other great stuff he has in the works. Read our extended interview with Neil Gaiman. Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

2:00-3:00 Marvel in the 60s and 70s— The Marvel Age of Comics was a magical time for both the people who created the books and fans who read them. Mark Evanier talks to Roy Thomas (Avengers, Conan), Gary Friedrich (Sgt. Fury, Ghost Rider), Dick Ayers (Sgt. Fury, Fantastic Four), Mike Ploog (Ghost Rider, Monster of Frankenstein), and Magazine Management's David George, about that magical Marvelous era. Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #8: Storytelling and Visual Language— Neil Cohn (Tufts University) reports the findings of a psychology experiment showing that readers navigate comic layouts by using systematic rules that rely on subtle cues of panel sizes and relationships while often defying the stereotypical Z-path, "left-to-right and down." Durwin S. Talon (Indiana University, IUPUI) explores the techniques of color theory to immerse the reader within a graphic narrative via changing emotion, clarifying detail, setting mood, creating environment, and defining character. Diana Green (Minneapolis College of Art & Design) traces Vaughn Bode’s creation of a catalytic gestalt of the comics form by examining the influence of cartoonists and writers as disparate as Harvey Kurtzman, Alex Raymond, e.e. cummings, and James Joyce on Vaughn’s work. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books
2:15-3:15 Halo Universe— The Eisner Award–winning team of Brian Michael Bendis (New Avengers) and Alex Maleev (Daredevil), as well as their Halo editor Ruwan Jayatilleke (Marvel's VP of development), give an inside scoop on Halo: Uprising, the comics miniseries, which occurs between the blockbuster video game Halo 2 and the highly anticipated Halo 3. Joining them for a Q&A session is best-selling author Eric Nylund (Ghosts of Onyx). Plus, Mark Tuttle (WizKids brand manager for Halo ActionClix) will give be on hand to discuss the Collectible Miniature Game, and John Williams (Topps creative director) will preview the Halo trading cards. Room 6A Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Comic Books Gaming

2:30-3:30 Dark Horse Comics— Be on hand for a special retrospective on Dark Horse Presents, the anthology series that started it all. Publisher Mike Richardson and editor Randy Stradley, along with a cast of creators, invite you to join them for a special trip down memory lane of who, what, when, where, and why. If that's not reason enough, make sure to stop by for an announcement so big, it will literally shake the foundations of the San Diego Convention Center! Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books

2:30-3:30 Legacy of Will Eisner— Even after his death, Will Eisner's legacy continues with the same intensity that marked his long and remarkable career. A major motion picture adaptation of The Spirit, new Spirit comic books and archival collections from DC Comics, new collections of Eisner's influential graphic novels from W. W. Norton, theatrical adaptations, art exhibitions and a never-before-published textbook are among the many projects in the works. Discussing this wide range of activity are Will's widow Ann Eisner, writer/artist Darwyn Cooke (DC Comics's Will Eisner's The Spirit), and movie producers Michael Uslan and Deborah Del Prete. Moderated by Eisner's long-time publisher and art and literary agent Denis Kitchen. Room 4 Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Gilbert Hernandez/Love and Rockets’ 25th— In this 25th anniversary year of the legendary independent comic book Love and Rockets, co-creator Gilbert Hernandez sits down with his longtime publisher, Fantagraphics' Gary Groth, for a frank discussion of Beto's work and his opinions about comics, touching on his recent Vertigo graphic novel, Sloth, his forthcoming Dark Horse miniseries, and the just released Chance in Hell from Fantagraphics. Ask your own questions in an audience Q&A. Room 10 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Alison Bechdel— Her autobiographical graphic novel Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic took both the comics and mainstream book worlds by storm late last year. Comic-Con special guest Alison Bechdel and Fun Home have been nominated for three 2007 Eisner Awards: Best Reality-Based Work, Best Graphic Album–New, and Best Writer/Artist. Alison talks about what's next for her and, of course, her Dykes to Watch Out For comic strip and collections, in this visual presentation. Room 1AB Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:15-5:45 The Jim Henson Company: The Skrumps, Puppet Up! Uncensored, and More— Join co-CEOs Brian Henson (Farscape) and Lisa Henson (MirrorMask) along with Halle Stanford (Muppets Tonight), Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), and John Chandler (creator, The Skrumps) to learn about the Henson Company’s newest gang of characters, The Skrumps, and see a live demonstration of the revolutionary technology that brings this animated troupe to life. Also featured will be a live performance of a sketch from the company’s stage show Puppet Up! Uncensored. Special guest performers Patrick Bristow (The Groundlings), Julianne Buescher (Puppet Up!), and Michelan Sisti (Dinosaurs). Ballroom 20 Categories: Kids Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

4:30-5:30 Demons, Devils, and Evil Dictators— Come on, villains are the best. Devising new and unique demons and devils is one of the best parts of a fantasy writer's job. Learn about some of the participants' favorite villains and what inspires their own evil imaginings. Watch authors Jon Lewis and Derek Benz (Grey Griffins series), Holly Black (Spiderwick, Ironside), DJ MacHale ( Pendragon: Pilgrims of Rayne), James Owen (Here, There Be Dragons), Frank Beddor ( Looking Glass Wars), Laini Taylor (Fairies of Dreamdark), Rebecca Moesta ( Crystal Doors #2: Ocean Realm), Nancy Holder (The Rose Bride), and William Boniface (The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy) rub their hands and cackle gleefully. Room 1AB Categories: Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:30-6:00 So You Want to Be a Comic Book Retailer— You do, don't you? You have that dream of opening a great comic book specialty store, right? Then this is the one panel at this year's Comic-Con you can't afford to miss! This is also the only retailer-specific panel open to the general public at Comic-Con! The panel is moderated by ComicsPRO President Joe Field from Flying Colors Comics & Other Cool Stuff (Concord CA) and includes retailers Joe Ferrara from Atlantis Fantasyworld (Santa Cruz CA), Nancy Trempe from Comics Unlimited (Westminster CA), and Derrick Taylor from Comic Oasis (Las Vegas NV). Also featured is Dave Hawksworth from Diamond Comic Distributors, who has probably seen more comic book stores than anyone alive! An essential part of ComicsPRO's mission is to grow the number of professional stores in the Direct Market, and the response to this panel over the last few years has been a good start. This is your chance to hear the "Comic Retailer Origin Stories" of the panelists and to ask the questions that will help you get your career in comics' retailing off the ground. Successful futures in comic book retailing start here! If you're already a retailer, click here for our complete track of programming for retailers only! Room 2 Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Comic Books Retailer Programming Seminars & Workshops

4:30-5:30 New Voices in Graphic Novels— The medium is exploding with new opportunities and new creative talent. Six graphic novel creators who have published their first books in the past year—Miriam Katin (We Are On Our Own), Leland Myrick (Missouri Boy), George O'Connor (Journey into Mohawk Country), David Peterson (Mouse Guard), Christian Slade (Korgi), and Jamie Tanner (The Aviary)—talk about their inspirations and about the place their books have in the changing graphic novel market. Moderated by Calvin Reid (Publisher's Weekly). Room 4 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30-5:30 Vertigo: Looking Over the Edge— Vertigo is a name that you have come to trust to deliver smart, provocative, and consistent quality books Be here to find out what's in store for your favorite Vertigo titles as well as some major new projects that will be announced for the first time! Hosted by senior VP/executive editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, with group editor Shelly Bond, editors Will Dennis and Jonathan Vankin, and creators Jason Aaron (Scalped), Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Loveless), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Mike Carey (Crossing Midnight, Lucifer), Joshua Dysart (Swamp Thing), David Lapham (Silverfish), Simon Oliver (The Exterminators), Matt Wagner (Sandman Mystery Theatre), Steven T. Seagle (American Virgin), G. Willow Wilson (Cairo), Bill Willingham (Fables, Jack of Fables), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), and others! Room 5AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy

4:30-5:30 Center for Cartoon Studies: How to Dramatically Improve Your Comics— Whether you are applying for a job at Marvel, are seeking a Xeric Grant to self- publish, submitting work to Drawn and Quarterly, or applying to the Center for Cartoon Studies, Tom Devlin and James Sturm from The Center for Cartoon Studies will give you ten simple ways to drastically, dramatically, and definitively improve your comics. They will offer one-on-one portfolio reviews for the final 30 minutes. Don't miss this rare opportunity! Room 24A Categories: Comic Books Seminars & Workshops

4:45-5:45 The Boondocks— A sneak preview from the show’s highly anticipated second season. Join creator Aaron McGruder and various members of the show’s crew to hear about what’s in store for viewers this fall. Room 6A Categories: Animation Television

5:00-6:00 Star Wars at 30 Years with Steve Sansweet— This summer marks the 30th anniversary of the Star Wars saga, and its indelible influence on popular culture. We’ve got 30 years of great memories thanks to the galaxy far, far away, but there are also great things to come, too. Join Lucasfilm’s Steve Sansweet for a little Star Wars nostalgia, a review of the 30th anniversary year so far, and a look at what’s new and what’s coming for Star Wars. Hall H Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Comic Books Fandom Gaming Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:30-6:30 Top Cow— Marc Silvestri (Civil War: The Initiative), Seth Green (RobotChicken), Hugh Sterbakov (Freshmen), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Stjepan Sejic (First Born), Matt Hawkins (president of Top Cow), Rob Levin (VP of editorial) and some special guests join moderator Filip Sablik (VP of marketing and sales) to discuss Top Cow's publishing plans for the rest of 2007 and explain why 2008 will be “The Year of The Cow!” Find out what “Pilot Season” is all about and what Top Cow has in store for the coming year! Plus every attendee will receive a free exclusive mini-lithograph. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Ben Templesmith— His evocative and downright scary art helped catapult 30 Days of Night into the major hit stratosphere. Now the vampire series is about to become a major motion picture, and the film's director, David Slade (Hard Candy), will interview Comic-Con special guest Ben Templesmith about his work. Templesmith, who has gone on to become one of comics' hottest young artists, will talk about his career and art with Slade, with special emphasis on those 30 Days that put him on the map. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Movies

6:00-7:00 Lost in Translation— Lately foreign comics, especially manga, have topped the bookstore graphic-novel sales charts. And in other media as well, foreign entertainment has been making a big push. See long-time translators, editors, and industry people answer questions and discuss the trials and triumphs of being in this exciting area of the media industry! Panelists include William Flanagan (Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle), Jonathan Tarbox (Angel Sanctuary), Jake Forbes (Fullmetal Alchemist), Jason Thompson (Manga: The Complete Guide), Shaenon Garrity (Overlooked Manga Festival blog), and Stephen Paul (Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad)! Room 3 Categories: Anime & Manga Comic Books

6:00-7:00 DC Nation— Come one, come all, rise up and join the DC Nation! Meet Dan DiDio, senior VP/executive editor DCU, as he invites you to be part of the revolution Discuss surviving 52, living in a multiverse guarded by Monitors, and trying to discover the secret of the cosmic chess game as the DCU counts down. Rise up and shout—The Nation is waiting! Room 6A Categories: Comic Books

6:00-7:00 Babylon 5: The Lost Tales— Created by J. Michael Straczynski in 1993, Babylon 5 became an sf cult fan favorite and a top rated show. Now in 2007, you are being taken to 2271 A.D. for Babylon 5: The Lost Tales, a made-for-video movie. See footage from the movie, with a panel to follow. Panelists include writer/director/executive producer J. Michael Straczynski and members from the original cast, including Bruce Boxleitner (President John Sheridan), Tracy Scoggins (Captain Elizabeth Lochley), and Peter Woodward (Galen) as well as executive producer Douglas Netter and producer Samm Barnes. Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

6:15-7:15 Kevin Smith— He’s back, and this time not even traffic can stop him! Comic-Con favorite Kevin Smith holds court in another of his no-holds-barred Q&A sessions, talking about just anything he damn well pleases. Hall H Categories: Comic Books Fandom Movies

6:30-7:30 Star Wars Day: Star Wars Trivia— Members of the San Diego Star Wars Society, veteran hosts of great Star Wars trivia game shows at Comic-Con International in 2004, 2005, and 2006, are planning another trivia challenge for all fans who think they know their stuff about the galaxy far, far away. Room 1AB Categories: Fandom Movies Science Fiction & Fantasy

6:30-7:30 Simpsons Fan Group Meeting— 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. This gathering is sponsored by the staff of the SimpsonsCollectors.com website. Collectors from all over the country will be here. Meet the other Simpsons collectors that you see on the message boards and put faces to the names. This gathering is a great chance to network with other collectors from across the country and share your hobby with others. Room 24A Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Animation Fandom Movies Television

Nighttime Programs
7:15-9:00 Doctor Strange World Premiere Screening and Panel— Lionsgate and Marvel Studios present the world premiere of the newest Marvel Animated Feature, Doctor Strange, with a film screening and Q&A panel featuring Marvel’s senior VP of creative development animation Craig Kyle, plus members of the cast and production team. Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Comic Books Movies Nighttime Programming

7:30-8:30 Klingon Lifestyle Presentation— Last year the IKV Stranglehold lost a valued member of the crew after a traitorous act. Their current mission forces them to travel a path few return from to regain what they lost. All species are welcome to experience the ongoing voyage and adventure of life aboard a Klingon vessel. Room 6A Categories: Costuming Fandom Nighttime Programming Science Fiction & Fantasy

8:15-10:15 SCI FI Friday Night: Eureka and Superhero Screenings— Don’t get SCI FI in your hotel room? Come to a commercial-free screening of Eureka and Who Wants to Be a Superhero! Come dressed as your favorite superhero! Colin Ferguson, star of Eureka, will open up the evening’s festivities. Catch up on Thursday’s premiere of Superhero and watch an all-new episode of Eureka before it airs on SCI FI. The first 1,000 attendees will receive Feedback’s Dark Horse comic book! Room 6B Categories: Fandom Nighttime Programming Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

8:30-11:30 Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards— The 19th annual Eisner Awards, the "Oscars" of the comics industry, will be given out by celebrity presenters, including Reno 911's Tom Lennon and Ben Garant, comedian Brian Posehn, cartoon voice actor Maurice LeMarche, British TV celebrity Jonathan Ross, and author Neil Gaiman. Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. The master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics' Bill Morrison, who will be aided by the Go-Gos' Jane Wiedlen. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic- Con attendees—just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15. Click for full details on the Eisners. Ballroom 20 Categories: Awards Ceremonies Comic Books Nighttime Programming

9:00-11:00 The Dead One: An American Legend—El Muerto Screening— On his way to a Day of the Dead celebration, Diego de la Muerte is taken by the Aztec forces of darkness in order to fulfill their evil prophecy. Now, trying to protect those he loves, he must struggle against the god of death that created him. Based on the comic created by Javier Hernandez (creator of comic book). Javier, Tony Plana (star), and Larry Rattner (producer) join members of the cast for a Q&A after the screening. Room 6A Categories: Comic Books Fandom Movies Nighttime Programming

9:15-10:15 Worst Cartoons Ever!— Animation historian Jerry Beck (Cartoon Brew.com) is back with another hilarious program of the worst cartoons ever made. And he should know, he's seen ’em all! The program consists of rare, lost animated shows—most produced for TV in the 1960s—that are not on video, not on YouTube, not shown anywhere, and now you'll know why. New episodes of audience favorites Mighty Mr. Titan (the physical fitness superhero), Rocket Robin Hood (a spandex-clad space cadet), and Super President (a nuclear-powered weapon of mass destruction) are joined by debut showings of Moon Mullins (a desecration of a classic comic strip), Sinbad Jr. (a sea sick superman), and another chapter of Spunky & Tadpole (a boy and his brain-damaged bear). It's crap-tastic! Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Nighttime Programming

10:15-12:15 Spike and Mike: The Gauntlet— Spike & Mike’s Sick & Twisted Gauntlet Screening is a yearly tradition at Comic-Con, the place where they screen most of the new material they’ve receive throughout the year. The audience votes via applause, and their reaction is the deciding factor of whether they keep playing it or whether it will make it into the next world tour. “Gift Girl” gives out prizes for whatever Spike deems a good reason. Can you survive “The Gauntlet”? Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Nighttime Programming

Comic-Con 2007 Countdown Part 1

2007-07-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Today we begin our countdown coverage. Sure, some folks might be more focused on the release of the next Harry Potter book. Not us. Today, we're focusing on what we see as some of the best or most interesting programming planned for the first day of Comic-Con 2007, Thursday, July 26. For the full list of programming, click here.

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search Orientation— Learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and find out how to improve your chances at becoming a working professional. Remember, diversity is the key with DC: DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine, Minx, and more! This informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory, keep in mind that not all attendees are guaranteed a review. Room 4 Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books

10:30-11:00 U.S. Postal Service Marvel Super Hero Stamps— U.S. Postal Service issues Marvel Super Heroes commemorative postage stamps. Please join Mickey D. Barnett, member, U.S. Postal Service Board of Governors, for this official first-day-of-issue ceremony! Room 6A Categories: Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles Comic Books

10:30-11:30 A Fan's Guide to Comic-Con— Be treated to a humorous and comprehensive guide to your favorite convention as told by veteran attendees Wesley Strawther, Jesse Lopez, and Johann Joseph, each with over a decade of experience in attending the event. They'll be discussing how to make the most of your Comic-Con experience and how you can prepare better for the convention next year. First-time attendees won't want to miss this panel, and seasoned vets just might learn something as well. Room 8 Categories: Fandom

10:30-11:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Comics in Educational Settings— Comics have long been stigmatized as a lesser medium of communication than text. However, for many years comics have been making inroads to classrooms as an effective medium for learning, from analyzing graphic novels as literature to using superheroes to teach philosophy and writing textbooks in the comic medium. Neil Cohn (Tufts University), Diana Green (Minneapolis College of Art & Design), Leonard Wong (Templeton Secondary School, Vancouver), and Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent) discuss the various roles comics and the comics medium can and do play in education. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

10:30-11:30 From Fan to Creator: Goal-Setting for Creative Types— Which side of the convention table do you want to be on, artist or fan? If it’s artist, what’s keeping you from getting there? If you have an idea in your head that you’ve had trouble bringing into reality, you might benefit from this practical goal-setting workshop. Teacher and leadership trainer Douglas Neff will show you techniques for setting and 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 workshop. Room 30CDE Categories: Fandom Seminars & Workshops

11:00-12:00 Spike TV’s Scream Awards: Frak the Oscars!— Celebrate Hollywood's often-ignored genres of horror, sci-fi, fantasy, and comic books with Spike TV's Scream Awards. Hear several masterminds of the genres discuss the challenges, surprises, and future of these categories. Be the first to hear as the recipient of the 2007 Comic Con Icon Award is announced. And Spike TV wants to hear from you, the fans! Let them know your ideas for categories that should be included at the 2007 Scream Awards. Room 3 Categories: Comic Books Fandom Horror and Suspense Science Fiction & Fantasy Television

11:30-12:30 Writing with Mark Verheiden— Comic-Con special guest Mark Verheiden, co-executive producer of Battlestar Galactica and writer of the upcoming live-action Teen Titans movie, offers advice to aspiring writers in a lively Q&A session. Want to write for television? Features? Comic books? Bring your best nuts-and- bolts questions! Room 4 Categories: Animation Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies Television

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11:30-12:30 Too Much Coffee Man Opera— The Too Much Coffee Man Opera is laid bare as Shannon Wheeler details his experience with the high art of opera. Is this the first opera to be based on a comic book? What does the opera community think of it? How did it come about? Is it in English or Italian? How did it get performed at one of the most respectable performance spaces in Portland? Will there be a sequel? Will it be go "on the road"? Does Shannon sing in it? Is there nudity? These questions and more will be answered by a whisky-drinking Shannon Wheeler. Click for complete details on FREE Performances of the Opera for Comic-Con Attendees! Room 8 Categories: Comic Books Fandom

11:30-12:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Comics and Literacy— Leonard S. Wong (Templeton Secondary School, Vancouver) investigates the ways the alternative views of culture, history, and human life made accessible through graphic novels aids the development of academic and critical literacy among students in multiethnic inner-city classrooms. Robyn A. Hill (National University) and Bill McGrath (National University) examine the effects of using comics and graphic novels within the juvenile court and community schools system to foster a greater interest in reading, stimulate creative writing and artistic expression, and improve overall literacy and academic success within this “at risk” student population. Jacqueline Bauder (Saint Louis University) illustrates how she uses the Punisher’s arguable status as superhero, vigilante, or supervillain to teach the principles of legal writing to law students. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

12:15-1:15 DC Countdown...to the End?— The DC Universe survived 52, but will it survive Countdown Dan DiDio and senior group editor Mike Carlin, the panel includes Countdown writers Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Tony Bedard (Supergirl and The Legion of Super-heroes), Adam Beechen (Robin), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Justin Gray (Jonah Hex), Jimmy Palmiotti (Superman Confidential), and more. Room 6B Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Mike Ploog— One of the great artists at Marvel in the early 70s, Mike Ploog produced inspired work on books such as Werewolf By Night, and The Monster of Frankenstein. Ploog spent many years in the film industry as a production artist and storyboarder, working for Ralph Bakshi and The Jim Henson Company, among others. Most recently, he's been drawing the Abazad children's book series scripted by J. M. DeMatteis. Room 8 Categories: Animation Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-2:00 Drawing Style and Storytelling— In a classroom-style workshop, Darwyn Cooke (The Spirit), Cameron Stewart (The Other Side), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and Colleen Coover (Banana Sunday)—and maybe another special guest—discuss design, look-and-feel, and how they develop the visual style of specific projects. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 30CDE Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #3: Gender: Bending Masculinity and the Image of the Hero— Using interviews with Brian K. Vaughn, Esther N. Kim (Johns Hopkins University) explores the relationship between Vaughan’s views on gender identity and relations, portrayals of gender identity and relations in Y: The Last Man, and 21st Century notions of gender identity, gender relations, and feminism. Eric Schlegel (Washington High School, Atlanta) uses the synergy of Queer Studies to examine the rich possibilities of sexuality, gender, and marginalization presentation in figures like Superman, Wonder Woman, and Nightcrawler to help us question, examine, and construct our own gender identities. Shawn O'Rourke (CSU Stanislaus) argues that the Rawhide Kid's recently revealed sexual orientation is not an aberration or a deconstruction of the western hero but a reconciliation of actual history with the myth of the west as it has been represented in popular culture. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

1:45-2:45 Stan Lee: True Believer— Featuring the new documentary currently being produced that looks at Stan Lee's Marvel-ous life both then and now. The film explores Stan's broad influence on modern pop culture and will try to discover the secret to Stan's youthful energy! Join Stan Lee, Chairman Emeritus Marvel Comics, and Chief Creative Officer/Chairman POW! Ent., along with Paul Levitz, President, DC Comics, Tom DeSanto, producer (X-Men, Transformers), legendary Marvel Comics artist Dick Ayers, and Michael Uslan, executive producer (Batman, The Spirit, The Shadow). Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic Books Fandom Movies

2:00-3:00 Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance: Sub-Genres Readers Love— Where are the borders between urban fantasy and paranormal romance? How did paranormal romance grow from a subgenre of romance to its current popular cross- genre status, and what does the future hold? Writers Laurell K. Hamilton (best-selling author of the Anita Blake and Merry Gentry series), Jeanne Stein (Anna Strong Vampire Chronicles), Laura Anne Gilman (The Retrievers series), Carrie Vaughn (Kitty Takes a Holiday), Marjorie Liu (Soul Song), and Samantha Sommersby (Forbidden: The Awakening) talk about love and monsters. Moderator: Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 5AB Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:00-3:00 LGBT New Creators— Who are the next LGBT comics superstars? With the astonishing breakthrough of Alison Bechdel’s award-winning Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, Phil Jimenez’s run as lead artist on Infinite Crisis, and Allen Heinberg’s big splash into comics with Young Avengers and Wonder Woman, LGBT creators have shown themselves to be a major force within the comics world. Prism Comics, a nonprofit organization that supports lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) comics, creators, and readers, not only champions these comics superstars but actively encourages, promotes, and develops tomorrow’s stars as well. Join moderator Terrance Griep (openly gay pro wrestler known as “SpiderBaby” and comic book writer of Scooby-Doo and Judo Girl) as he presents up-and-coming LGBT comics creators, including Steve MacIsaac (artist/writer of Shirtlifter, winner of Prism’s first annual Press Grant), Megan Gedris (writer/artist of YU+ME, winner of Prism’s second annual Press Grant), Tommy Roddy (writer of Pride High), and Sean McGrath (writer of Frater Mine). Room 10 Categories: Comic Books

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Darwyn Cooke — One of comics' most distinctive cartoonists, Comic-Con special guest Darwyn Cooke made his mark with the epic DC: The New Frontier. Now he's tackled an almost-impossible job with incredible skill and joy: updating Will Eisner's classic The Spirit for a whole new audience. Join Darwyn in this Q&A event as he discusses his work. Read our special extended interview with Darwyn Cooke. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Movies

2:30-3:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Reflecting and Refracting: Comics as a Social Mirror— Patrick Jagoda (Duke University) explores Brian K. Vaughan’s award-winning Y: The Last Man as a means of characterizing the political investments of dystopian narratives as commentaries on the present and the perverse counterforce within developed civilization that inspires the imagining of everything from sociopolitical decline to total destruction. Dana Anderson (Maine Maritime Academy) discusses the way comics generate meaning through the lens of Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology by examining the word/image interaction in E.C. horror comics and their suggestion that our capitalist system, with its emphasis on consumption, leads to a cannibalistic community. Room 30AB Categories: Comic Arts Conference Comic Books

2:45-3:45 Hanna Barbera Retrospective— Take a look back at the lives and times of two of the greatest characters in the history of animation, Bill Hanna and Joseph Barbera. Former colleagues and friends examine the toon titans’ nearly 70 years of creating some of the world’s most beloved animated characters. Animation author/historian Tom Sito moderates a panel that includes longtime Hanna-Barbera director Andrea Romano, the renowned Gary Owens (Space Ghost), Hanna-Barbera Cartoons author Michael Mallory, plus Spike Brandt and Tony Cervone, the producer-director team of the upcoming Tom and Jerry: A Nutcracker Tale, Joe Barbera’s final animated project. Room 6B Categories: Animation Kids Television

3:00-4:00 Fletcher Hanks: The Ed Wood of Comics?— Welcome to the bizarre world of Fletcher Hanks, Super Wizard of the inkwell. Hanks worked for only three years in the earliest days of the comic book industry and then...disappeared. Genius? Nutcase? Visonary? All of the above? Cartoonist Paul Karasik (co-adapter of Paul Auster's City of Glass) has spent years tracking down Hanks’ obscure buried stories and collected them in I Shall Destroy All the Civilized Planets: The Comics of Fletcher Hanks. But he saved one of the weirdest to present at this lecture. Hanks is the greatest Golden Age cartoonist that you never heard of—until now. Visit www.fletcherhanks.com for more information. Room 10 Categories: Comic Books

4:00-5:00 Where Did That Come From? Dark Fantasy and Suspense Authors Discuss Their Darkest Ideas— They’re the ones who made their parent/significant other/child/editor inquire, "Where did that come from?" Authors F. Paul Wilson (Repairman Jack novels), David Morrell (Captain America: The Chosen), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (Missing White Girl), Simon Wood (Accidents Waiting to Happen), Christopher Golden (The Myth Hunters), Stephen Woodworth (From Black Rooms), Mike Carey (The Devil You Know), and Richard Kadrey Butcher Bird) reveal their inner darkness with moderator Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 2 Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Guy Delisle— Guy Delisle is the cartoonist behind the bestselling and critically acclaimed Drawn & Quarterly graphic novels Pyongyang: A Journey in North Korea and Shenzhen: A Travelogue From China. In his first U.S. appearance, Delisle will be interviewed about his work by comicsreporter.com editor Tom Spurgeon. Room 3 Categories: Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Adam Hughes— Celebrating his 25th year in comics, Comic-Con special guest Adam Hughes is one of the premiere cover artists in the medium, and you need look no further than the cover of this year's Souvenir Book to see what we mean. Adam will talk about his career and art, including the upcoming All Star Wonder Woman. Room 5AB Categories: Art and Illustration Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:45-5:45 Mondo Marvel— 2007 has already been a major turning point for all things Marvel! Marvel creators, editors, and special guests discuss World War Hulk, Annihilation: Conquest, and all things Marvel! Room 6A Categories: Comic Books

4:45-5:45 Spotlight on George A. Romero— George A. Romero (Night of the Living Dead) is the undisputed master of zombie genre films, and Max Brooks (World War Z, Zombie Survival Guide) has written the best-selling zombie novels. Join these two titans of the undead as Max sits down for a personal interview with George, talking about everything zombies! Room 6CDEF Categories: Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances Horror and Suspense Movies
5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Brian Wood— Critically acclaimed creator Brian Wood is front and center in his first Comic-Con Spotlight. Whether it's his hit series DMZ or the highly anticipated Northlanders, Brian is here for you! With VERTIGO editor Will Dennis, this Q&A session that promises to entertain. Room 1AB Categories: Comic Books Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00-6:00 Cartoon Network Sneak Peek— Your first chance to catch a behind-the-scenes look at Cartoon Network’s newest project. Believe me, it’s going to me MASSIVE. Room 3 Categories: Animation Kids Television

5:00-6:00 Bill Plympton Goes to the Dark Side— Two-time Oscar-nominated animator Bill Plympton (The Tune, Mutant Aliens) will screen a couple of his brand new shorts, including Shuteye Hotel, and then show selected clips from his newest film, Idiots and Angels. A Q&A session will follow where he will discuss this truly dark and mysterious animated feature. Room 5AB Categories: Animation Movies

5:00-6:00 Masquerade 101— Thinking about taking your costume creations onto the stage? Looking for ideas on how to enhance your presentations? Curious what goes on behind the scenes for contestants, judges, and technical crew? Masquerade director Martin Jaquish hosts Nicole Miyamoto (award-winning fan costumer with 20 years’ experience) and Masquerade assistant John Ruff as they offer an overview of on-stage costume competitions and present tips for getting the most out of your costuming experience. Room 30CDE Categories: Costuming Fandom Seminars & Workshops

greatest super-heroes, and they have banded together in teams with one common goal in mind: justice. Whether they’re rambunctious teenagers from the future, WWII veterans teaching a new generation, the super-powered elite, or the sidekicks who have forged their own way, they are among the DCU’s greatest assets. Don’t miss this important panel featuring the best teams that define heroism in the DC universe Geoff Johns (Teen Titans, Justice Society of America), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Gail Simone (Birds of Prey) and Tony Bedard (Supergirl and The Legion of Superheroes) will be teamed with senior VP/executive editor DCU Dan DiDio, group editor Eddie Berganza, senior editor Mike Marts and editor Mike Siglain to bring you teamwork as you have never experienced before. Room 6A Categories: Comic Books

6:00-7:00 Fanboys— Fanboys is an uproarious comedy that follows a group of young friends on a cross-country quest to break into Skywalker Ranch and see Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace before it is released. Fanboys is a Weinstein Company presentation being released in theaters by MGM on January 18, 2008. Stars Dan Fogler (Balls of Fury), Sam Huntington (Superman Returns), Chris Marquette (Joan of Arcadia), and Kristen Bell (Veronica Mars) join writer/director Kyle Newman and producers Matt Perniciaro and Dana Brunetti for a Q&A session. Room 6CDEF Categories: Fandom Movies

6:00-7:00 How To Become an Internet Geek Super-Star— It is the age of video on the Internet, and geeks are leading the charge! If you have interesting stories to tell or a unique take on nerd culture, there is an audience out there for you. Ben Cote (DivX Stage6) will moderate a wide-ranging discussion on how some of the budding stars of the online world found a following of like-minded fans. Guests include Jarett Cale and Geoff Lapaire ("Jeremy" and "Kyle," PurePwnage), Jonathan London (Geekscape), and Zadi Diaz (JetSetShow). Room 30CDE Categories: Fandom

Nighttime Programs
7:15-8:45 The Pixar Story: To Infinity and Beyond— A look at Pixar, the amazing studio that revolutionized animation in a new film by Oscar nominated documentary director Leslie Iwerks (Recycled Life). The granddaughter of animation pioneer Ub Iwerks, Leslie continues the family tradition and legacy. Room 6CDEF Categories: Animation Fandom Movies Nighttime Programming

8:30-10:30 2007 Friends of Lulu Awards— Every year during Comic-Con, Friends of Lulu hosts their Lulu Awards as a way to bring honor and recognition to the most inspiring and noteworthy women in the comic book industry. Awards will be presented by Trina Robbins, Shaenon Garrity, and more. The 2007 Friends of Lulu Awards are sponsored by Minx/DC Comics. Room 10 Categories: Awards Ceremonies Cartooning and Comic Strips Comic Books Nighttime Programming

8:30-10:30 World Premiere! Superman Doomsday— Superman is dead—or is he? All will be revealed at Comic-Con's world premiere of DC Comics, Warner Bros. Home Video, and Warner Bros. Animation's Superman Doomsday. It's the highly anticipated first DC Universe made-for-DVD release presented by Warner Premiere and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Inspired by the best-selling graphic novel of all time, Superman Doomsday is an epic tale of heroism and tragedy, sacrifice and redemption. The film is rated PG-13 for action violence. The voice cast is led by Adam Baldwin (Serenity, Chuck) as Superman, Anne Heche (Men in Trees) as Lois Lane, and James Marsters (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) as Lex Luthor. DC Comics' Gregory Novek will moderate the post-premiere panel that includes executive producer/director/writer Bruce Timm (Justice League Unlimited, Batman: The Animated Series), directors Brandon Vietti (Legion of Super Heroes) and Lauren Montgomery (Legion of Super Heroes), writer Duane Capizzi (The Batman), and, quite possibly, members of the voice cast. And stay 'til the end—there might just be a glimpse of future DC Universe films. Click here for more information. Ballroom 20 Categories: Animation Comic Books Movies Nighttime Programming

9:00-12:00 8th Annual Kung-Fu Superhero Extravaganza— Martial art movie master Ric Meyers is back with his annual clip fest of the wildest, craziest, funniest, and most amazing live Asian action you've ever laid your lacerated eye orbs on. As always, get ready to laugh, gasp, cheer, and maybe even grab a freebie or two. Last year was standing room only, so don't miss out on the fun! Room 6CDEF Categories: Fandom Movies Nighttime Programming

10:30-11:45 Encore Presentation: Superman Doomsday— Missed it the first time? Want to see it again? Here's your chance as we re-present the new DVD film in a special second screening. Ballroom 20 Categories: Animation Comic Books Movies Nighttime Programming

Comic-Con Countdown Begins Tomorrow!

2007-07-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Greeting friends. We must apologize for the relative dearth of comics-related posts over the last few months. Moving and the new job have really eaten into our ability to be timely. However, we are now commiting to Comic-Con related posts every day for the next week. We will be heading down to San Diego Thursday - Sunday. Check back tomorrow for more comics, goodness, where we will spotlight next Thursday's programming highlights. Thanks for being loyal readers and let us know if you will be attending. Perhaps we may be able to reveal our secret identities to you and your sidekicks.

Vacation Pix

2007-07-15T16:45:00.000-07:00

As promised, click here to see pictures from last weekend's last minute trip up to Humboldt County, California. One of the most beautiful places in the world. Yeah, we know it's a departure from our usual drivel, but enjoy. Most posts tomorrow.

Mister Fanboy Movies' Prayer for Michael Bay's Death

2007-07-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Against our better judgement, we went to see the Transformers movie this weekend. Why against our better judgement, you ask? Because it was directed by Michael "Hack" Bay. This is the man who was not only responsible for the train wreck that was Armageddon, but with Pearl Harbor. So let's just get this out of the way. The movie sucked. It sucked so bad that at least 1/4 of the people walked out of the movie. We shit you not. And we don't mean sucked in a Spider-Man 3 kind of way. We mean sucked in a Bad Boys II kind of way (oh wait, that was also directed by Bay). The very best things about the movie? One, the trailer for the upcoming Simpsons Movie. If you've seen it, the Spider-Pig bit cracked me up? But why not Spider-Ham (copyright issue, perhaps)? Second, great thing about the movie: We saw it up in Arcata, CA at the Minor Theater, the longest continuously operating movie theater in the US during a last minute escape from 116 degree temperatures and embrace of the redwoods and the Humboldt Nation. We'll have pictures for you in a few days. It was an awesome escape.

The movie was so bad that we choose not to relive it by telling you why. It's entirely too painful. Therefore, we ask all of you to kindly pray for the end to Michael Bay's career. He took something that should have been good and ruined it. Much like George Bush, Jr. has taken the reputation of the United States and basically pissed upon it. Chew on that for a bit.

Finally, we want to apologize for our infrequent postings. We just got a DVR and haven't yet learned restraint. We'll be posting about our upcoming trip to Comic-Con soon, and maybe we can meet up with some of our readers. Ciao.

Mister Fanboy TV Haiku Mini-Review: Flight of the Conchords

2007-06-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Mister Fanboy TV has clearly not left the house as of late, as he graces us with yet another mini-review in Haiku..

Wry understated
Two slacker musicians
"Office" funny - watch

Mister Fanboy TV Haiku Mini-Review: Soprano's Final Episode

2007-06-18T14:23:00.000-07:00

Mister Fanboy TV is celebrating the resumption of cable TV in his home with a review of the final episode of Sopranos.

More death expected
Ending fucked with fans
It made us think - brain hurts

We're Back!

2007-06-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

We've finished relocating and have spent time at the spa to get some "work" done. Our collagen infused lips and shin implants are off the hook. Watch for more workday timewasters forthwith. Huzzah.