The schedule for this year’s events for Wonder-Con 2012 have been announced by comic-con.org.
Check out the list below (subject to change):
Celebrity appearances and program schedule are subject to change. All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if the venue has reached its capacity. Rooms are not cleared between events. Most autograph signings are limited — your badge does not guarantee autographs at any signing event. Please…absolutely no recording of the video footage or images presented by the studios on the screens.
SUNDAY, MARCH 18
11:30-1:00 Secret Origin of Good Readers— Talking comic books, why we need them in our classrooms and libraries, and how to use them with Bill Morrison (The Simpsons, Bongo Comics), Steve Rotterdam (Bonfire Agency), Nancy Silberkleit (anti-bullying and literacy advocate), David Rojas (education consultant), and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). An overview of the comic book medium will include helping educators and librarians navigate the wonderful world of comic books, highlighting specific ways comic books and graphic novels can be used to engage a variety of learners while promoting reading and literacy. Educator comic book packages will be provided for attendees on a limited basis (or until supplies last) at the conclusion of this presentation. Free online 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book [PDF] and other exciting materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin courtesy of XMission.com. Room 203
Tags: Comic Books
11:30-12:30 MARVEL: The Next Big Thing— From the Marvel U to the Ultimate Comics U and everything in between, Marvel’s top talent is on hand to talk about all your favorite heroes and villains as well as make a few surprise announcements! Room 207
Tags: Comic Books
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Carol Lay— Weird enough to have stories in Weirdo and straight enough to illustrate for The Wall Street Journal, WonderCon special guest Carol Lay has been contributing stories, strips, and drawings to a variety of media outlets for over three decades. Cartoonist Lay will discuss “Story Minutes,” The Big Skinny, and her current work for Bongo Comics (The Simpsons). Room 208
Tags: Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
11:30-12:30 CAC Session 8: What’s the Matter with Batman?— Batman clearly has “issues.” Aside for running around in a form-fitting costume, he’s got an alter ego, he broods a lot, he can be a bit neurotic, and he at times experiences alarming flashbacks — not to mention the problems he has in his relationships with women. Psychologists Robin Rosenberg (Psychology of Superheroes, What’s the Matter with Batman?), Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), and surprise guests explore Batman’s issues and determine whether he has a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, and if so, which one(s). Room 210
Tags: Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference
11:30-12:30 Tribute to the Legends: Kirby, Simon, Robinson, and Eisner— We salute four greats of the comic book field. They may not be with us any longer, but their creations will live forever. Mark Evanier, Marv Wolfman, Len Wein, Batton Lash, Scott Shaw!, and others discuss the lives, times, and genius of Jack Kirby, Joe Simon, Jerry Robinson, and Will Eisner. Room 211
Tags: Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes
11:30-12:30 Steampunk 101— H.,G. Wells, leather corsets, goggles, gears and steam-powered blasters: these are all marks of the genre, but what exactly is Steampunk? Explore the answer to this basic question and much more with scintillating steampunk experts Donna Ricci (Clockwork Couture), Joe Benitez (Lady Mechanika); Thomas Willeford (Brute Force Studios); Nick Bauman, Andrew Fogel and Duane Matthews (The League of S.T.E.A.M.); and moderator Dina Kampmeyer (The Manticore Society). Room 213
Tags: Costuming | Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy
12:00-1:00 Avatar Press and Max Books— Max Brooks (Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z) joins the folks from Avatar Press to discuss the latest zombie news and horror comics. Enjoy Brooks’ fan-favorite lecture on the zombie genre and tips for surviving the holocaust, while simultaneously learning about the industry’s most risk-taking comics publisher, Avatar Press. Room 204
Tags: Comic Books | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy
12:00-1:00 Alcatraz Special Video Presentation and Q&A— Don’t miss this classified session with stars Sarah Jones (Sons of Anarchy), Jorge Garcia (Lost), Jonny Coyne (Lara Craft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life), and Parminder Nagra (ER); executive producers Jennifer Johnson (Lost), Daniel Pyne (Lost), and Jack Bender (Lost); and co-creators/co-executive producers Bryan Wynbrandt and Steven Lilien (both Kyle XY). They’ll dish the ultimate insider information about the mysterious 1963 disappearance of the Alcatraz inmates, guards, and staff. Fans will learn about where they’ve been and why they are returning, and the creative team will reveal exclusive information about the remaining episodes of the first season. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Bad Robot Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Alcatraz airs Mondays at 8/7c on FOX. Ballroom, Third Level
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
12:30-2:00 Cover Story: The Art of the Cover— It’s WonderCon’s yearly look at what makes a great cover. This year moderator Mark Evanier talks to special guests Arthur Adams (Monkeyman and O’Brian), Michael Golden (The ‘Nam), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Eric Powell (The Goon), and Fiona Staples (Saga) on their individual approaches to cover design and illustration. Room 207
Tags: Art & Illustration | Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
12:30-1:30 Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101— Need tips on how to market your comic? Have questions about doing PR? This is the panel for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today present a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing marketing and PR for your comics. comiXology marketing and PR maven Chip Mosher is joined by Dark Horse’s director of PR Jeremy Atkins; creators Sam Humphries (writer, Our Love Is Real, CBGB, Fraggle Rock) and Ben McCool (writer, Choker, Superman, Memoir, JLU); and Marvel’s senior VP of sales David Gabriel. Room 208
Tags: Comic Books
12:30-2:00 CAC Session 9: History and Continuity— Kane Anderson (UC Santa Barbara) recognizes the emotional toll of having whole decades of “truth” eradicated, and reframes DC’s “New 52” initiative as a kind of story genocide. With the ongoing publishing of stories collected in trade paperbacks and digital comics, DC’s “older” stories become refugees from this event — ghosts of fictional universes that no longer exist but somehow still continue to emerge from the publisher that perhaps disavowed them. Nick Langley (GeekNation) examines the history of the Man of Steel to explore what compels the last son of Krypton to act as Earth’s savior and what has shaped his relationship with humanity. Dr. John M. Ulrich tracks the history of the literary hero Beowulf through comics, arguing that these re-envisionings of Beowulf as a superhero align well with the poem’s complex representation of its hero and monsters. Room 210
Tags: Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference
12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Steve Niles— WonderCon special guest Steve Niles (creator, 30 Days of Night), talks about his career, including his new ventures in film (Remains, based on his zombie comic story and appearing on Chiller Network) and what’s coming up next for him with fellow writer Joshua Fialkov (I, Vampire). Room 211
Tags: Comic Books | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Jim Lee— DC’s co-publisher and one of comics’ hottest artists, Jim Lee takes the spotlight to talk about his art, DC’s New 52, his role as the executive creative director for the DC Universe Online (DCUO) massively multiplayer action game, and anything else he wants to talk about. Room 213
Tags: Art & Illustration | Comic Books | Games | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Marv Wolfman— Writer/editor, Eisner Hall of Fame inductee, and WonderCon special guest Marv Wolfman talks about his 45-year career in comics, animation, novels, and videogame writing. He’ll discuss his work, the companies he’s worked for, and the many characters he’s worked on. Marv will also answer all questions (well, maybe not all!) Room 203
Tags: Animation | Comic Books | Games | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
Tue, Feb 28, 01:35PM 1:00-2:00 Behind the Music with CW3PR: Composing for Fan-Favorite Projects— Featuring the musically creative minds behind this year’s top sci-fi/fantasy/action/animated television series and highly anticipated films. A group of talented composers describe how they elevate scoring to new heights, provide sneak peaks to their projects, and participate in WonderCon’s exclusive debut of a LIVE composing demo. Prolific composers include Nathan Barr (True Blood), Robert Duncan (Castle), Jim Dooley (Wilfred), David Ari Leon (The Avengers: Earth’s Mightiest Heroes), and Danny Jacob (Phineas and Ferb). A special guest moderator will be announced. A Q&A session and exclusive giveaways will follow the discussion! Room 204
Tags: Animation | Comic Books | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
1:00-2:00 Fringe Special Video Presentation and Q&A— Join the producers and cast of the mind-bending, universe-crossing series Fringe for a Q&A session and get a sneak peek of what is to come, as the fates of all your favorite characters hang in the balance between two universes, two timelines, and too many creepy bad guys to go around. Talk doppelgangers, shapeshifters, Observers and whatever Walter is cooking up! Now in its fourth season, Fringe continues to explore new cases with endless impossibilities. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Fridays at 9/8c on FOX. Ballroom, Third Level
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
1:30-2:30 How to Write Action for Kids’ TV— Writing action for kids presents unique and exciting challenges. Dani Michaeli (The Aquabats Super Show!) moderates as the secrets and mysteries are explored by veteran writers Nicole Dubuc (Transformers: Prime), James Krieg (Green Lantern: The Animated Series), Joelle Sellner (Teen Titans), Eugene Son (Iron Man: Armored Adventures), and Matt Wayne (Ben 10). Room 208
Tags: Animation | Comic Books | Television
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Todd Nauck— WonderCon special guest Todd Nauck (Young Justice, Amazing Spider-Man) is a popular comic artist working for Marvel, DC, and Image Comics with 18 years of credits. Meet Todd and discuss his comic book art, breaking into the business, his past and current projects, and what’s he has to come for 2012 during this Q&A! Room 211
Tags: Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
1:30-2:30 Cityscapes AKA Picking on Los Angeles— How does setting inform story? Travel through Victorian London to contemporary Southern California to a postapocalyptic landscape with special guest Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim) and fellow authors Greg Van Eekhout (The Boy at the End of the World), Daniel Wilson (Robopocalypse), and Tim Powers (Hide Me Among the Graves) in discussion with Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 213
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
2:00-3:00 Stump Mark Waid— Superstar comics writer Mark Waid (Daredevil, Irredeemable, Kingdom Come, Spider-Man, Fantastic Four, and more) is joined by Jonah Weiland of ComicBookResources.com in a contest of wits! Drawing on questions submitted by CBR readers, and throwing in some of his own, Weiland will desperately try to “Stump Mark Waid” on a variety of comics trivia. Will the comics Internet prevail or will Mark Waid stand triumphant? Show up and find out! Room 203
Tags: Comic Books | Fandom | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
2:00-3:00 DCE: Meet the Publishers— As co-publishers of DC Entertainment, Jim Lee and Dan DiDio are the driving forces behind DC Comics — The New 52, DC’s digital initiative, and much more, as well as being the artist of Justice League and the writer of O.M.A.C.! This up-close-and-personal panel gives you a chance to step up and ask questions! Room 204
Tags: Comic Books
2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Humberto Ramos— WonderCon special guest Humberto Ramos talks about his 20-year career as one of comics’ most sought-after artists, including his work on Spider-Man and his own creator-owned properties, such as Crimson, Out There, and Fairy Quest! Room 207
Tags: Art & Illustration | Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
2:00-3:00 CAC Session 10: Adaptation and Media— Karma Waltonen (University of California, Davis) examines the newest trend in graphic novel adaptation, in which the graphic novel becomes a sequel to familiar stories from other genres. Using the Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly series comics, she investigates this new trend in adaptation, questioning and commenting on the genre’s ability to serve as a sequel to television. Rachelanne Smith compares The Wizard of Oz and Alan Moore and Melinda Gebbie’s Lost Girls, focusing on how the adaptation of Dorothy’s story portrays her adventures as the hallucinations or imaginations of a sexually abused girl. Kathryn M. Frank (University of Michigan) discusses the controversy surrounding the casting of M. Night Shyamalan’s The Last Airbender to uncover industry logics regarding casting and the potential success of comics/animation-to-live-action adaptations. Liam Burke (National University of Ireland, Galway) asks why the first decade of the 21st century became the “comic-book movie decade.” He examines multiple factors to understand what fostered and shaped this trend in modern Hollywood filmmaking. Room 210
Tags: Animation | Comic Books | Comics Arts Conference | Movies | Television
2:00-3:00 Once Upon a Time— A must-see event for LOST and Once Upon a Time fans! Master storytellers Eddy Kitsis (LOST and Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (LOST and Tron: Legacy) bring you an exclusive advance screening of “Heart of Darkness,” an all-new episode of ABC’s Once Upon a Time. After the screening, Join Eddy and Adam for Q&A and lots of great surprises. You won’t want to miss it! Ballroom, Third Level
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
2:30-3:30 Roddenberry Presents— Eugene “Rod” Roddenberry (CEO, Roddenberry Productions), Trevor Roth (head of development, Days Missing) and Tory Mell (producer/writer, White Room: 02B3) are taking the name that created Star Trek and bringing it to levels not seen since the original days of the genre-changing TV series. Join them for new exciting Roddenberry news and a sneak peek of the sci-fi short White Room: 02B3, followed by a Q&A with director Greg Aronowitz (Room: 02B2, Labou). Room 208
Tags: Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
2:30-3:30 Editing Comics the BOOM! Way— Top creators Michael Alan Neslon (Valen The Outcast) and Sam Humphries (Fanboys vs. Zombies) join BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon to talk about the ins and outs of creating comics at BOOM! Studios. Don’t miss this in-depth look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry’s leading independent publishers as they discuss editing dos and don’ts at one of today’s hottest comic book companies. Room 211
Tags: Comic Books
2:30-3:30 Meet the Creatives Behind Dan Vs.— Chris Pearson (creator/executive producer) and Dan Mandel (creator/co-executive producer), along with Brian Sheesley (supervising producer/director) and Chris Battle (lead character design) talk about the genesis of this hidden gem, now in its third season on The Hub. Join them for a special sneak peak screening of an upcoming episode, followed by a Q&A. Room 213
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
Wed, Feb 29, 02:57PM 3:00-4:00 Comics for Kids— Despite the fact that most of us fell in love with the comics medium when we were children, good comics for kids seem few and far between…or are they? Join moderator and APE Entertainment editor Aaron Sparrow, artist James Silvani (Darkwing Duck, Richie Rich), artist Amy Mebberson (The Muppet Show, Strawberry Shortcake, Toy Story), Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther, Casper Scare School), Archaia editor Paul Morrissey, Beanworld creator Larry Marder and more for a lively discussion on kids comics, their place in the industry, and how to break into the business! As a bonus, children attending the panel will be eligible to win comic books and sketches the artists will draw during the panel! Room 203
Tags: Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Kids
Tue, Feb 28, 10:34AM 3:00-5:00 Starship Smackdown Anaheim: The Happiest Place in the Cosmos Edition (Now in 3D)— The must-see panel of Comic-Con and WonderCon returns for another action-packed year as the greatest spaceships in the history of the universe converge in the ultimate cosmic conflagration for the highly coveted Smackdown title in WonderCon’s most scholarly and serious panel. Will the Enterprise once again defeat an Imperial Star Destroyer? Can the Serenity make mincemeat out of the Battlestar Galactica? Can you get cell reception in the TARDIS? And what exactly is the “Captain’s Courageous” lightning round anyway? Join our panel of expert spaceshipologists as they outwit, outplay, and outphaser starring Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Special Edition, Real Steel), Chris Gossett (The Red Star), Ashley E. Miller (X-Men: First Class, Thor), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise, The Hills Run Red), and the Richard Dawson of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Castle), along with some special surprise guests, and the lovely spaceship chaperone, Madison Dylan (Femme Fatales). End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all-time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown. All new ships, all new quips as the Smackdown lands in Anaheim for the first time! Room 204
Tags: Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
3:00-4:00 Shivers, Shakes, and Swoon: the Young Adult Books We Can’t Put Down— Come along for a Q&A session and chat about the hottest new titles in YA fiction. Moderated by Andrea Cremer (The Nightshade Series) and featuring Ann Aguirre (Enclave), Kami Garcia (co-author of the Beautiful Creatures novels), Gretchen McNeil (Possess), Lissa Price (Starters), Ransom Riggs (Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children), and Veronica Rossi (Under the Never Sky). Room 207
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy
3:00-4:00 Community— Info to come! Ballroom, Third Level
Tags: Television
3:30-4:30 Full-Time Creative Work on a Part-Time Schedule— Learn the secrets to using part-time collaboration to achieve full-time results! No matter which industry (comics, illustration, movies, design, animation, costuming/cosplay or podcasting), breaking into today’s media is a full-time job, even if you have only part-time hours to accomplish it. To meet that goal you have to find or form then work with a team of people while avoiding mortal casualties. Topher Davila (art director, GeekdomWear.com), Aleister Gilgrim (head of product for Readz/Star Labs Ltd), Sean Glumace (digital arts instructor at Golden West College), Kevin Flessing (TomatoTV.net), Mario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV.net), Ron Coleman (molecular geneticist and writer), Jonelle Cobb (creative director, GeekdomWear.com), Jody Patterson (main contributor, RatBoxProductions.net), and moderator Cat Smith (voice actress) talk about how they successfully juggle time between their creative and business sides and discuss the process, pitfalls, and potential of part-time collaboration from their experiences in illustration, writing, design, animation, and other fields from a variety of levels of administration and sizes of organizations. Whether you’re a hobbyist or looking to go pro, if you struggle with deadlines, need help finding collaborators, want to know how to effectively work with a team, or simply want to know how to get your foot in the door, this panel is not to be missed! Room 208
Tags: Animation | Anime & Manga | Art & Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books
3:30-4:30 Art Masters: Drawing DC— What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! DC Comics artists Mike Choi, Jim Lee, and Dustin Nguyen offer a unique peek into their visual approach in shaping DC Comics! Room 210
Tags: Art & Illustration | Comic Books | Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances
3:30-4:30 Costuming with the Rebel Legion— Meet the Rebel Legion and its local chapter Sunrider base. Join Rachel Williams (Rebel Legion member and Sunrider Base CO), and fellow Rebel Legion members Donna Keeley, Lisa Curtis, Jenna Lindeke, Victoria Schmidt, and Jon Paulson (Rebel Legion member and Starfighter Command CO) as they discuss the process of creating a movie-quality hero costume that would be accepted into the Rebel Legion to troop in the many and various events they participate in Southern California, and around the world. Room 211
Tags: Costuming | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
3:30-4:30 The Godzilla Films of Ishiro Honda— Honda historian Peter H. Brothers, author of Mushroom Clouds and Mushroom Men, will discuss the director’s eight Godzilla films and the circumstances leading to the monster’s metamorphosis from powerful social commentary to pop-culture icon. Room 213
Tags: Anime & Manga | Fandom | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy
4:00-5:00 Jane Espenson: Sci Fi and Beyond— A TV writing fixture for the past 20 years, Jane Espenson has written episodes for Sci-Fi and fantasy shows including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Firefly, Dollhouse, Battlestar Galactica, Caprica, Torchwood: Miracle Day, Game of Thrones, and ABC’s current hit Once Upon a Time. Her work in TV comedy includes work on Dinosaurs, Ellen, Jake in Progress, Andy Richter’s Andy Barker PI and Gilmore Girls. Espenson has also made online inroads with Battlestar Galactica webisodes and her current web series, Husbands. The panel is a moderated discussion and lively Q&A about her work in different genres and across different platforms. She will be joined by Husbands co-writer, co-creator and star, Brad Bell. Room 203
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television
Wed, Feb 29, 11:00AM 4:00-5:00 NAMCO BANDAI Games Celebrates NARUTO SHIPPUDEN: Ultimate Ninja STORM Generations— With over 10 million units in the NARUTO franchise sold worldwide by NAMCO BANDAI Games, all fans of NARUTO are encouraged to attend this celebration of the series. With a special appearance by Production Head Director Hiroshi Matsuyama of CyberConnect 2, fans will be treated to a panel covering all things NARUTO in games, along with a special guest host, Urian Brown, master of all things video games at SJAlpha.com. Don’t miss your chance to catch all of the action happening live on-stage with this exciting and breakthrough franchise. Believe it!! Room 207
Tags: Anime & Manga | Games
4:00-5:00 Bandai— TBA Room 207
Tags: Games
4:00-5:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog— WonderCon’s going out on a high note! FandomCharities.org and Whedonopolis.com, the folks who bring you the Comic-Con Buffy sing-along of “Once More With Feeling,” present a screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog! This will be an event to remember, so come to the show and revel in the musical genius of the Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer — or whatever — for “Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool”! Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. Audience participation: it isn’t just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Ballroom, Third Level
Tags: Comic Books | Fandom | Science Fiction & Fantasy
4:30-5:00 WonderCon Talkback— So how’d we do on our maiden voyage of WonderCon at the Anaheim Convention Center? Here’s your chance to talk to the WonderCon and Comic-Con management teams about what you didn’t like — and hopefully what you really liked — about WonderCon 2012! Room 208
Tags: Fandom | Talkback
Celebrity appearances and program schedule are subject to change. All event and program rooms have limited capacity as set by the fire marshal. Even though your badge is needed to get into all events, it does not guarantee you access to any event if the venue has reached its capacity. Rooms are not cleared between events. Most autograph signings are limited — your badge does not guarantee autographs at any signing event. Please…absolutely no recording of the video footage or images presented by the studios on the screens.
