Comic-Con Contraption Construction Consumption!
I am not nearly as prepared for Comic-Con as I was last year or any other year, but here are the million billion things I will try to do!
WEDNESDAY
Preview Night is still guaranteed to be ridiculous, even though they limit the number of people now. But it's still a good time to visit my favorite people! I assume they are at their usual places.
Wondermark, Dinosaur Comics: Exhibit Hall, TopatoCo Booth #1229
David Mack: Exhibit Hall, Image Booth #2729
John Layman and Rob Guillory: Exhibit Hall, Image Booth #2729
Christina Strain: Exhibit Hall, Artists' Alley, EE-20
Mark Waid: Exhibit Hall, Artists' Alley, HH-15
Scott Pilgrim stuff: Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
8:00-9:00 Signing with Javier Grillo-Marxuach- Must say hi and talk about fallen angels! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
And after Preview Night, I may meet up with Mark Does Stuff folk!
THURSDAY
Thursday is kind of unexciting, thankfully, and yet...still tough to decide where to go!
9:30-10:30 Signing with Jackson Lanzing and David Server- Must say hi and talk about freaks! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
10:00-12:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
10:00-11:00 Racebending.com: Creating Spaces for Diverse Characters and Representations- Creators and artists are developing engrossing characters from underrepresented groups. Panelists from different mediums will discuss their creative processes and how can fans support their diversity efforts. Featuring novelist and comic book writer Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), video game writer David Gaider (Dragon Age), comic book writer Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), showrunner and screenwriter Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman), writer Sarah Kuhn (One Con Glory), and Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms); moderated by Racebending.com. Room 23ABC
I'm not necessarily interested in, like, intellectual discourse and fandom rage, but I do like Javi and Sarah, and the morning Thursday panels are normally pretty easy to get into. I hope I can hit the Bryan Lee O'Malley signing first and then walk into the panel late.
10:00-12:00 Felicia Day Meet and Greet- So most of the Geek and Sundry events are way offsite, so I may not get to any of them, but...I will put them here anyway. Belo San Diego: 919 4th Avenue
11:00-12:00 Nickelodeon: Butt Biting & Magical Mischief!- Meet series creator/executive producer Butch Hartman along with the casts from both The Fairly OddParents and T.U.F.F. Puppy, including Nick talent Jerry Trainor (iCarly) as Dudley Puppy. This year's panel is totally interactive, with the fans interviewing the cast directly, plus a sneak peek from the Nickelodeon live-action movie A Fairly Odd Christmas, along with a chance to win prizes. On hand: Jerry Trainor (voice of Dudley), Tara Strong (voice of Timmy and Poof), Grey DeLisle (voice of Kitty and Vicky), Daran Norris (voice of Chief, Cosmo and Dad), Matt Taylor (voice of Snaptrap), Susanne Blakeslee (voice of Wanda and Mom), and Carlos Alazraqui (voice of Crocker). Moderated by Dana Cluverius, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 7AB
Grey DeLisle! Daran Norris! Tara Strong! And, um, lots of annoying kids.
11:00-12:00 X-Play- G4's X-Play is TV's longest running and most watched video game show in the galaxy.* Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, live demos of the biggest games, and of course intern humiliation. Hosts Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, and Kristin Adams and executive producer Wade Beckett make their triumphant return to Comic-Con and promise a no-holds-barred live panel. They'll take questions from the audience, debut a new comedy short, and give out prizes to a chosen few. This hour of reflection and finger pointing is guaranteed to be a life changing experience.** (*We think. **Probably.) Room 25ABC
I'm not going to bother to greenline this because if I go to Racebending, I'm not getting into this, but I have to put it on here for kicks.
12:00-1:00 Beyond: Two Souls: A New Breed of Interactive Storytelling from Writer/Director David Cage of Quantic Dream- David Cage, the co-CEO of Quantic Dream and writer/director of the 2010 hit Heavy Rain, discusses his latest project, Beyond: Two Souls. David will focus on the concept of creating innovative game play experiences that are woven together with emotion and story. Beyond: Two Souls is prepared to deliver an immersive interactive and cinematic experience based on emotional involvement and interactive storytelling. In developing a unique "interactive drama" to engross the audience, David and his team have introduced the concept of Virtual Performance Capture to videogames, where actors play the entire role in development of the game (from motion capture to dialogue). The session will cover techniques used to create an emotional and compelling experience, focusing on the company's award-winning titles as well as providing a deeper look into their Beyond: Two Souls. IGN.com's Greg Miller moderates with Cage and Academy Award nominee Ellen Page as they explore the "uncanny valley" of bringing realism and emotion to this current project. Room 25ABC
And if I don't get into X-Play, I won't be able to stay for this, which could be cool because A) Ellen Page and B) Heavy Rain was awesome. But I probably wouldn't go to this panel anyway because...
1:15-2:15 Not with a Bang, with a Bite- Great prophets, religious scriptures, and scientific evidence points to an apocalypse in 2012...but these authors envision the end of the world in the form of a zombie pandemic. With their decaying, disintegrating, and sometimes flesh-eating tendencies, zombies have lurched their way into science fiction and fantasy novels and are here to stay. Doomsday takes on a whole new meaning when losing limbs and lumbering across the earth are involved. Learn how to survive everything from zombie invasions to viral zombie infections from panelists Jeyn Roberts (Dark Inside), Michael Spradlin (Blood Riders), Mira Grant (Blackout), Diana Rowland (Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues), Stephen Blackmoore (City of the Lost), Dana Fredsti (Plague Town), Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly), and Max Brooks (World War Z), led by John Hornor Jacobs (This Dark Earth). Room 6A
I want to make it to a Mira Grant panel and see what people ask about Newsflesh!
2:15-3:15 USA Network's Psych- Psych returns to Comic-Con for a fourth consecutive year, with a fan-focused event that will invite the audience to be not just viewers, but active participants. Psych-O fans can look forward to a hilarious and uncensored experience with the creative team behind the hottest fake psychic detective agency on TV. Psych stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton "Gus" Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O'Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), along with Psych producers Steve Franks (creator/executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer) will dedicate the afternoon to answering fan questions and interacting with the audience, sharing secrets & stories from the set in this "chat" with 4,250 of their closest fans. Attendees will see video clips produced exclusively for Comic-Con, a never-before-seen "first look" at the Season 7 episodes currently in production, and a taste of Psych's milestone 100th episode, "100 CLUEs". Ballroom 20
Oh, Psych, I will never make it to one of your panels, but you put it all online anyway, so...there's that.
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
3:00-4:00 Graphic Novels: The Bookstore Crowd- The comics world looks at "mainstream comics" as the superhero crowd, the ones available in comic book stores every Wednesday. But the real mainstream comics and graphic novels are in bookstores and created by a whole different crowd, one that lacks, for the most part, capes, powers, and spandex. Comics journalist Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) talks to Comic-Con special guests Kate Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant!), Alison Bechdel (Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama), Brecht Evens (The Making of), Jennifer and Matthew Holm (Babymouse series), Nate Powell (Any Empire), and Jason Shiga (Empire State) about their popular graphic novels that appeal to a more diverse audience in bookstores all over the world. Room 23ABC
Kate Beaton, Alison Bechdel, and Jason Shiga! This sounds like it will be very interesting.
4:30-5:30 Bringing Comics to Life in the Library- Five super-librarians discuss how they have reached readers of all ages through comics-based library programming. Hear about developing shared collections, get valuable resources and craft ideas, learn to schedule author visits, and more. They'll cover all the nitty-gritty of programming in school and public libraries from the inside out. Featuring Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights), Jessica Lee (Willard Middle School), Scott Robbins (Toronto Public Library, author of A Parent's Guide to the Best Kids' Comics), Susan Rodgers (Palo Alto Public Library), and Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights). Room 26AB
And I figure I will be able to walk right into the librarian panel, featuring my friend Jessica!
5:30-6:30 Batman's Biggest Secret: The Bill Finger Story- Based on five years of research for the new book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, Marc Tyler Nobleman (Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman) reveals startling, never-published information about Bill Finger, uncredited co-creator of Batman-including the game-changing discovery of Finger's lone heir. Michael Uslan, executive producer of The Dark Knight Rises, on the book: "Purposefully and meaningfully (and beautifully) written." Room 26AB
And maybe stay for this business? Because, seriously, why is it always "Created by Bob Kane" with no mention of Bill Finger??
6:00-7:15 Showtime: Dexter- The gasps from last season's finale can still be heard among Dexter fans as their worst fears were realized, Dexter got caught and by none other than Deb! What will he do? What will she do? What's next for America's Favorite Serial Killer? If the suspense is killing you, don't miss this incredible panel, where you'll be the first to see the Comic-Con exclusive first two minutes of the season premiere. Moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ Entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), and special guest star Yvonne Strahovski (Hanna). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Plus Dexter fans will be the first to see the world premiere trailer of one of the hottest series on television, Homeland, presented by executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The new season of Dexter premieres September 30, at 9pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom 20
8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Sing-Along- Join the fun as the California Browncoats screen Internet sensation Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog-coming back with call back sheets so you can play along during the screening. Enter our costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE. Room 6BCF
8:30-10:30 Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope- San Diego Comic-Con premiere screening of the ultimate fanboy documentary from executive producers Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Harry Knowles, and Thomas Tull. Q&A to follow with director Morgan Spurlock (Warrior Poets) and special surprise guests. Ballroom 20
9:00-2:00 Disco party- Um, possibly dance with Felicia Day? Belo San Diego: 919 4th Avenue
Possible nighttime events! Or, you know, meet people for dinner and parties and shit.
FRIDAY
Oh, Friday. *cries* So, see, here's what the fucking deal is:
7:30 - 9:00 Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con Discussion Group- Discuss EW, EW.com, and other stuff with EW/EW.com editors, and get paid a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate. Possibly see celebrities hanging around the EW Photo Booth. Hard Rock Cafe
Okay, so, there are never any interesting panels on Friday morning. So I thought I was safe. Then this happened:
10:00-11:00 Community: School is Back in Session- Joel McHale (The Soup), Gillian Jacobs (The Box), Danny Pudi (Chuck), Yvette Nicole Brown (Family Guy), and Alison Brie (Mad Men) from the hit Sony TV comedy have graduated to the Convention Center in advance of their fourth season. Join your favorite Greendale study group for a panel and Q&A to find out firsthand what surprises are in store for the show's return to NBC this fall. Ballroom 20
10:00-11:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
11:15-12:15 Join the Revolution! Nickelodeon's Legend of Korra- The cast and crew of Legend of Korra offer an in-depth discussion of Nickelodeon's hottest new series. Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are joined by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as they discuss the creative process that brought the first book in the Korra series to life. You'll also get to hear from your favorite characters as talented voice actors Janet Varney (Korra), David Faustino (Mako), P. J. Byrne (Bolin) and Seychelle Gabriel (Asami) will be featured on the panel and renowned voice director Andrea Romano (Avatar: The Last Airbender) will direct the actors in a live performance from the series. And if you're extra nice, Mike and Bryan may even drop a hint or two about Book 2. So don't miss out! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon. Ballroom 20
12:30-1:30 Firefly 10-Year Anniversary Reunion- Calling all Browncoats to unite! It has been 10 years since the crew of the Serenity took flight in the now infamous show Firefly. Science Channel will reunite, for the first time ever, Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship. Join Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, and many more for a trip down memory lane, some special surprises, and exclusive Science Channel giveaways. SHINY. Ballroom 20
Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me? Three of the panels I would MOST care about, all on Friday morning? Godfuckingdammit! I am not even sure that is worth $100! Oh, but they will all be online even though I will never take the time to watch them, right? And there will be write-ups and stuff. Currently the plan is to get in line stupid early with a friend to secure my spot, go to the EW thing, and hope to make it back before they start letting people into Ballroom 20. And if I do make it in, oh, there will be some decisions to make too.
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Kate Beaton- Comic-Con special guest Kate Beaton, the cartoonist behind the wildly popular webcomic Hark! A Vagrant and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, presents an overview of her work. Room 5AB
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
2:30-3:30 Legend of Korra Signing- Should I even try? I mean, I want to make the Chew panel, so. But still. Exhibit Hall, Nickelodeon Booth #4113
2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Chew: John Layman and Rob Guillory- Writer/letterer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory discuss the past, present, and future of their New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-winning cannibal cop crime comedy Chew from Image Comics. Marvel over Layman's preternatural handsomeness, while Guillory engages the audience with his sardonic wit. Room 8
I am considering ducking out after Firefly (ergh, I would have to stay until 1:45 to get a bathroom pass for Bones...) because Chew is my favorite comic right now and I try to go to at least one actual comics panel at Comic-Con and I really want to go to it. But I would miss the rest of Ballroom 20...
4:00-5:00 Signing with Gabriel Bá and Fabio Moon-Technically, it's for De: Tales, but I want my Daytripper signed! Exhibit Hall, Dark Horse Booth #2615
4:15-5:15 Entertainment Weekly: Powerful Women in Pop Culture (aka Women Who Kick Ass!)- Fan-favorites Kristin Bauer van Straten (True Blood), Sarah Wayne Callies (Walking Dead), Kristin Kreuk (Beauty and the Beast), Nikki Reed (Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), and Anna Torv (Fringe) open up about the power and privilege of playing characters that have redefined the rules for women. Basically, a discussion with women who kick ass. Moderated by EW's Lynette Rice. Ballroom 20
Um, this should be a good panel, except Anna Torv is really the only one who kicks ass.
5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon- Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse's line of Season 9 comics. Ballroom 20
6:00-7:00 Girls Gone Genre- Listen to and talk with women who write, read, game, and perform in arenas that are statistically dominated by men. What happens when traditionally "male" genres are reinvented by female writers and embraced by female fans? Sex and the City (or for that matter, Girls), it ain't. Meet the women who like to play with trucks and Barbies. And Wolverine action figures. And flux capacitors. Panelists: Marti Noxon (Buffy, Angel), Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood), Karyn Kusama (Jennifer's Body), Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood), Angela Robinson (True Blood) and Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead, The Terminator). Room 7AB
Marti Noxon and Jane Espenson on a panel together?? Oh, this could be fun again.
6:45-7:45 AMC's Breaking Bad-- Executive producer and showrunner Vince Gilligan appears with the cast of Breaking Bad, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, R. J. Mitte, and Jonathan Banks. In a panel moderated by TV Guide's Mike Schneider, Vince and the cast talk about what it's like to shoot one of the boldest and most intense dramas on television, and how they are preparing for the final 16 episodes of the series. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of Breaking Bad season 5, premiering Sunday, July 15 at 10ET/PT. Ballroom 20
So this would normally be a redline, but given the likelihood of my being in Ballroom 20 at this time, I might as well accept that I will probably miss it. They're going to show the premiere!!
7:00-8:00 And Then What Happened? Serialized Shows That Ended Too Soon- You saw every episode, you followed every storyline, you hoped against hope that they'd get another season...and they didn't. What would have happened if the show had kept going? Hear writer/producers Andrew Chambliss (Once Upon a Time), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead), Ian Goldberg (Once Upon a Time), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost), and Jose Molina (The Vampire Diaries) talk about the stories that weren't to be on such shows as Dollhouse, FlashForward, Firefly, and The Middleman. Room 7AB
And if I make it into Girls Gone Genre, then I might as well stay for this!
SATURDAY
Oh, Saturday, you are so silly. It's like Friday and Saturday switched this year.
10:00-11:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
10:00-11:00 Attack of the Show- G4's Attack of the Show is your ambassador to the information age-from the technology you want, what you watch, listen to, and play to what the world is talking about right now. Whether it comes from 140 characters, from a 30-second video, or straight from the mouths of today's trendsetters, visionaries, and pop-culture icons, panelists will tell you what is happening, why you should care, and what will happen next. Candace Bailey, Sara Underwood, Matt Mira, Blair Butler, Attack of the Show executive producers Vinny Rutherford and Joshua Brentano, along with special guests, bring you the closest thing to being on a LIVE Attack of the Show, an interactive Comic-Con panel! You'll also get a chance to grill the hosts and producers and find out the dirty secrets and television tricks behind Attack of the Show. With over 1,000 shows to choose from, there's got to be something you wanna know! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
What, no Kevin Pereira? Huh! In any case, I wouldn't normally make an attempt to go to this panel, except that it's right before...
11:00-12:00 Geek & Sundry- Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), Wil Wheaton (Big Bang Theory, Eureka), director Daniel Strange (Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis), and the cast of The Guild -- Vince Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parkih, and Robin Thorsen -- make some big announcements and offer an exclusive sneak peek at what's to come. Moderated by Kim Evey (producer, Geek & Sundry). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Time to support the Felicia Day media empire!
11:00-12:00 Avatar the Last Airbender: Beginning and Beyond- For over 5 years, the organizers of this fan panel have been bringing together both fans and professionals. Moderated by Avatar_Mom, this year's panel will include Bobby Rubio (Avatar the Last Airbender, Pixar, Alcatraz High), freelance concept artist DJ Welch (Dark Kenjie), Kevin Coppa (Puppet Benders), Dark Horse artists Gurihiru (Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano), and actor/voice actor Dante Basco (Avatar the Last Airbender), and a few more surprise guests. If that isn't enough, there will be a cosplay contest to showcase the fandom's talented "fabric benders." Room 28E
Or it might be fun to go see Dante Basco.
12:00-1:00 Nerdist Channel- Chris Hardwick (the host of BBC America's The Nerdist and AMC's Talking Dead) and some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from the Nerdist Channel on YouTube will engage in lively conversation about the current channel lineup and upcoming shows and specials, and also reveal some exclusive footage and surprise announcements about the future of Nerdist Industries. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
And if I'm in Indigo, I might as well stay for Chris Hardwick, who will certainly be entertaining.
1:00-2:00 A Conversation with Bryan Fuller- Acclaimed television writer/executive producer Bryan Fuller (Heroes), the creative force behind Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls, and Dead Like Me, for a Q&A with fans as he discusses two of his highly anticipated projects, Hannibal and Mockingbird Lane, both at NBC. In the midseason drama Hannibal, one of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The recently shot pilot Mockingbird Lane is an imaginative reinvention of the 1960s comedy The Munsters. Room 7AB
Or I can try for this one?
1:00-2:00 TV Guide Magazine: Fan Favorites- TV Guide magazine returns with another all-star panel. Moderated by editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum, Fan Favorites brings together stars from TV's hottest shows for a lively discussion filled with behind-the-scenes scoop. Panelists (subject to change) include Nathan Fillion (Castle), David Giuntoli (Grimm), Joel McHale (Community), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), Maggie Q (Nikita), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), and others. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Wait, no, this is why I'm staying in Indigo!
2:00 - 3:00 Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra Signing with Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, Joaquim Dos Santos, Ki Hyun Ryu, and Gurihiru Studios artists Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano- This is a ticketed signing, so I don't even know this is worth thinking about. Exhibit Hall, Dark Horse Booth #2615
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
3:00-4:00 The Write Stuff V- Meet the writers and producers who make sci-fi, horror and fantasy entertainment what it is today, and get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets to getting TV shows made and how to break in and break out in today's highly competitive broadcast environment, the deep dark secrets (and, more important, fat-free snacks) of the writer's room-and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards and Twitter. No canned speeches and press releases here-get the straight scoop and candid skinny from television's most talented writers and producers, including Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Transformers, The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Steve Kriozere (NCIS, Femme Fatales), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, The Gates), Dave Simkins (Grimm, Human Target), Jose Molina (Firefly, Terra Nova), Amy Berg (Eureka, Leverage), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Necessary Roughness). Room 24ABC
Some good people in here!
5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Mark Waid- Comic-Con special guest Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Daredevil, Thrillbent) hosts a Q&A retrospective on his long career and on his new digital comics venture, Thrillbent -- how it's gone so far and what big developments will be announced at the show. Talk with one of the industry's most notoriously outspoken figures about the past and future of comics! Room 8
Having recently become a Mark Waid fan, I could go to this panel! Or I could skip out after 2 and wander the floor and stuff!
9:00-12:00 Kabuki "Pen and Ink" Drawing Event with David Mack- 2-3 models in fun Kabuki and Asian styled outfits, make up and props! Trickster: The Wine Steals/Proper, 795 J St.
I do enjoy watching one of my favorite artists draw.
SUNDAY
Sunday, what the hell, you are supposed to be easy, but you are just fucking with me, geez!
10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Jason Shiga- Comic-Con special guest Jason Shiga is best known for his interactive comics, including Meanwhile and Knock Knock. He will present a career retrospective detailing his unlikely journey from math genius to cartoonist. Jason will discuss past, present, and future projects including an exclusive peek at his latest comic, Demon. Come and see some of his crazier interactive comic creations that have never been published, including the only known comic with movable parts. Room 4
10:00-11:00 Fringe Screening and Q&A- Fringe returns to Comic-Con for its farewell panel to celebrate its fifth and final season. Series stars Anna Torv (The Pacific), Josh Jackson (Dawson's Creek), Lance Reddick (Lost), Blair Brown (Altered States), Jasika Nicole (Take the Lead), and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), along with executive producer J. H. Wyman (Keen Eddie), offer a Q&A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Don't miss the discussion about the climactic conclusion of this critically acclaimed thriller. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Fridays at 9/8c on FOX. Fringe: The Complete Fourth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 4. Hall H
This would normally be a redline, but, what the hell, I want to see the Shiga panel too!
10:00-12:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
11:30-12:45 Cartoon Voices II- It's the second of two panels this weekend featuring folks who supply the voices of your favorite animated characters. Moderator Mark Evanier will interrogate them about how they do what they do, ask them how they came to do what they do, and make them demonstrate what they do. Their ranks this time will include Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad, SpongeBob SquarePants), Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Audrey Wasilewski (The Garfield Show, My Life as a Teenage Robot), Fred Tatasciore (Kung Fu Panda, The Hulk), Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show, Transformers), and Misty Lee (The Garfield Show, Spider-Man). Room 6A
Hall H means sitting through the Supernatural panel, but if I go non-traditional, maybe I can see Dee Bradley Baker?
12:00-1:00 The Fine Line of Inking- Inking is far more than just tracing, as these superstar artists have proven again and again, on their own work and others. The Cartoon Art Museum's Andrew Farago talks with Comic-Con special guests Gary Gianni, Klaus Janson, Rudy Nebres, and Mark Schultz about the ins and outs of inking and how that thick, velvety India ink can make all the difference in the world. Room 4
Or this panel, which I am actually interested in because I still don't really understand what an inker does!
12:00-1:00 Espenson: an Anagram for Openness- Writer Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thrones, Husbands) discusses past and current work with moderator Jenna Busch (Zap2It). Artwork from an upcoming Buffy comic will provide the first look at an anticipated new character, and Husbands' Brad Bell (Pop-Up Videos), Sean Hemeon, and Jeff Greenstein (Will and Grace, Desperate Housewives) will be on hand to discuss the upcoming season 2. Attend to learn which sci-fi superstar is joining the Husbands cast. Room 7AB
Except, given the choice, I would have to go see Jane Espenson!! I just watched Husbands, and it's pretty cute, so this could be fun...as long as there aren't any Game of Thrones spoilers.
12:30-1:30 BBC America's Doctor Who- The Doctor and the Ponds land in San Diego. BBC America's Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill join award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat (Sherlock) and award-winning executive producer Caroline Skinner (The Fades) for a Comic-Con panel and Q&A. As fans eagerly await the new season's premiere, BBC America is making sure Steven Moffat brings new footage to reveal on the big screens in Hall H. Ahead of the new season, BBC America will premiere new Doctor Who specials-The Science of Doctor Who, The Women of Doctor Who, The Timey-Wimey Stuff of Doctor Who, and The Destinations of Doctor Who-as part of the Supernatural Saturday programming block starting Saturday, August 4 at 9pm/8c. For those new to Who, the previous two seasons from Steven Moffat are available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download. Hall H
Unngghh, another obvious redline except for the conflicts! Everyone is here this time!!
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Alison Bechdel- The award-winning graphic novelist and Comic-Con special guest Alison Bechdel talks about her work, from Dykes to Watch Out For through Fun Home and her latest, this year's smash Are You My Mother? Room 23ABC
Holy Christ, everything not in Hall H is in a different room. What is this day.
2:15-3:15 Buffy Turns 20: Celebrating 20 Years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer- Once upon a time, Buffy Summers became the Slayer, the Chosen One who proved a young heroine could battle the forces of darkness instead of playing damsel in distress. Stars from the hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer) join forces with Dark Horse editor Scott Allie, writer/producer Jane Espenson, illustrator Georges Jentry, and the original Buffy herself (Kristy Swanson, star of the 1992 motion picture), not to mention a surprise guest or two, to celebrate 20 years of slayage. Room 6BCF
Only an hour between the Espenson panel and this one! And there's sure to be overlap! Although MySched puts this at 1000+ and the Espenson panel at 200+, so the latter will be easier to get into. Errgh, too many choices today.
2:30-3:30 Signing with Jackson Lanzing and David Server- Must say hi and talk about freaks! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
3:30-4:30 Buffy the Musical "Once More with Feeling"- Let's end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Fandom Charities Inc. and Whedonopolis.com present a screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode "Once More With Feeling"! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffyverse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin'-back, that is -- and singing and shouting and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: It isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Room 6BCF
Well, if I do make it into the Buffy panel, it only makes sense to stay for this.
Now, if only fucking Marvel would release its signing schedule, I could figure out how much worse this is all going to be.
WEDNESDAY
Preview Night is still guaranteed to be ridiculous, even though they limit the number of people now. But it's still a good time to visit my favorite people! I assume they are at their usual places.
Wondermark, Dinosaur Comics: Exhibit Hall, TopatoCo Booth #1229
David Mack: Exhibit Hall, Image Booth #2729
John Layman and Rob Guillory: Exhibit Hall, Image Booth #2729
Christina Strain: Exhibit Hall, Artists' Alley, EE-20
Mark Waid: Exhibit Hall, Artists' Alley, HH-15
Scott Pilgrim stuff: Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
8:00-9:00 Signing with Javier Grillo-Marxuach- Must say hi and talk about fallen angels! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
And after Preview Night, I may meet up with Mark Does Stuff folk!
THURSDAY
Thursday is kind of unexciting, thankfully, and yet...still tough to decide where to go!
9:30-10:30 Signing with Jackson Lanzing and David Server- Must say hi and talk about freaks! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
10:00-12:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
10:00-11:00 Racebending.com: Creating Spaces for Diverse Characters and Representations- Creators and artists are developing engrossing characters from underrepresented groups. Panelists from different mediums will discuss their creative processes and how can fans support their diversity efforts. Featuring novelist and comic book writer Marjorie Liu (Astonishing X-Men), video game writer David Gaider (Dragon Age), comic book writer Brandon Thomas (Miranda Mercury), showrunner and screenwriter Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman), writer Sarah Kuhn (One Con Glory), and Comic-Con special guest N.K. Jemisin (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms); moderated by Racebending.com. Room 23ABC
I'm not necessarily interested in, like, intellectual discourse and fandom rage, but I do like Javi and Sarah, and the morning Thursday panels are normally pretty easy to get into. I hope I can hit the Bryan Lee O'Malley signing first and then walk into the panel late.
10:00-12:00 Felicia Day Meet and Greet- So most of the Geek and Sundry events are way offsite, so I may not get to any of them, but...I will put them here anyway. Belo San Diego: 919 4th Avenue
11:00-12:00 Nickelodeon: Butt Biting & Magical Mischief!- Meet series creator/executive producer Butch Hartman along with the casts from both The Fairly OddParents and T.U.F.F. Puppy, including Nick talent Jerry Trainor (iCarly) as Dudley Puppy. This year's panel is totally interactive, with the fans interviewing the cast directly, plus a sneak peek from the Nickelodeon live-action movie A Fairly Odd Christmas, along with a chance to win prizes. On hand: Jerry Trainor (voice of Dudley), Tara Strong (voice of Timmy and Poof), Grey DeLisle (voice of Kitty and Vicky), Daran Norris (voice of Chief, Cosmo and Dad), Matt Taylor (voice of Snaptrap), Susanne Blakeslee (voice of Wanda and Mom), and Carlos Alazraqui (voice of Crocker). Moderated by Dana Cluverius, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 7AB
Grey DeLisle! Daran Norris! Tara Strong! And, um, lots of annoying kids.
11:00-12:00 X-Play- G4's X-Play is TV's longest running and most watched video game show in the galaxy.* Each episode is packed with brutally honest reviews, live demos of the biggest games, and of course intern humiliation. Hosts Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, and Kristin Adams and executive producer Wade Beckett make their triumphant return to Comic-Con and promise a no-holds-barred live panel. They'll take questions from the audience, debut a new comedy short, and give out prizes to a chosen few. This hour of reflection and finger pointing is guaranteed to be a life changing experience.** (*We think. **Probably.) Room 25ABC
I'm not going to bother to greenline this because if I go to Racebending, I'm not getting into this, but I have to put it on here for kicks.
12:00-1:00 Beyond: Two Souls: A New Breed of Interactive Storytelling from Writer/Director David Cage of Quantic Dream- David Cage, the co-CEO of Quantic Dream and writer/director of the 2010 hit Heavy Rain, discusses his latest project, Beyond: Two Souls. David will focus on the concept of creating innovative game play experiences that are woven together with emotion and story. Beyond: Two Souls is prepared to deliver an immersive interactive and cinematic experience based on emotional involvement and interactive storytelling. In developing a unique "interactive drama" to engross the audience, David and his team have introduced the concept of Virtual Performance Capture to videogames, where actors play the entire role in development of the game (from motion capture to dialogue). The session will cover techniques used to create an emotional and compelling experience, focusing on the company's award-winning titles as well as providing a deeper look into their Beyond: Two Souls. IGN.com's Greg Miller moderates with Cage and Academy Award nominee Ellen Page as they explore the "uncanny valley" of bringing realism and emotion to this current project. Room 25ABC
And if I don't get into X-Play, I won't be able to stay for this, which could be cool because A) Ellen Page and B) Heavy Rain was awesome. But I probably wouldn't go to this panel anyway because...
1:15-2:15 Not with a Bang, with a Bite- Great prophets, religious scriptures, and scientific evidence points to an apocalypse in 2012...but these authors envision the end of the world in the form of a zombie pandemic. With their decaying, disintegrating, and sometimes flesh-eating tendencies, zombies have lurched their way into science fiction and fantasy novels and are here to stay. Doomsday takes on a whole new meaning when losing limbs and lumbering across the earth are involved. Learn how to survive everything from zombie invasions to viral zombie infections from panelists Jeyn Roberts (Dark Inside), Michael Spradlin (Blood Riders), Mira Grant (Blackout), Diana Rowland (Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues), Stephen Blackmoore (City of the Lost), Dana Fredsti (Plague Town), Susan Dennard (Something Strange and Deadly), and Max Brooks (World War Z), led by John Hornor Jacobs (This Dark Earth). Room 6A
I want to make it to a Mira Grant panel and see what people ask about Newsflesh!
2:15-3:15 USA Network's Psych- Psych returns to Comic-Con for a fourth consecutive year, with a fan-focused event that will invite the audience to be not just viewers, but active participants. Psych-O fans can look forward to a hilarious and uncensored experience with the creative team behind the hottest fake psychic detective agency on TV. Psych stars James Roday (Shawn Spencer), Dulé Hill (Burton "Gus" Guster), Maggie Lawson (Juliet O'Hara), Tim Omundson (Carlton Lassiter), Kirsten Nelson (Chief Karen Vick), and Corbin Bernsen (Henry Spencer), along with Psych producers Steve Franks (creator/executive producer), Kelly Kulchak (executive producer), and Chris Henze (executive producer) will dedicate the afternoon to answering fan questions and interacting with the audience, sharing secrets & stories from the set in this "chat" with 4,250 of their closest fans. Attendees will see video clips produced exclusively for Comic-Con, a never-before-seen "first look" at the Season 7 episodes currently in production, and a taste of Psych's milestone 100th episode, "100 CLUEs". Ballroom 20
Oh, Psych, I will never make it to one of your panels, but you put it all online anyway, so...there's that.
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
3:00-4:00 Graphic Novels: The Bookstore Crowd- The comics world looks at "mainstream comics" as the superhero crowd, the ones available in comic book stores every Wednesday. But the real mainstream comics and graphic novels are in bookstores and created by a whole different crowd, one that lacks, for the most part, capes, powers, and spandex. Comics journalist Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) talks to Comic-Con special guests Kate Beaton (Hark! A Vagrant!), Alison Bechdel (Are You My Mother? A Comic Drama), Brecht Evens (The Making of), Jennifer and Matthew Holm (Babymouse series), Nate Powell (Any Empire), and Jason Shiga (Empire State) about their popular graphic novels that appeal to a more diverse audience in bookstores all over the world. Room 23ABC
Kate Beaton, Alison Bechdel, and Jason Shiga! This sounds like it will be very interesting.
4:30-5:30 Bringing Comics to Life in the Library- Five super-librarians discuss how they have reached readers of all ages through comics-based library programming. Hear about developing shared collections, get valuable resources and craft ideas, learn to schedule author visits, and more. They'll cover all the nitty-gritty of programming in school and public libraries from the inside out. Featuring Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights), Jessica Lee (Willard Middle School), Scott Robbins (Toronto Public Library, author of A Parent's Guide to the Best Kids' Comics), Susan Rodgers (Palo Alto Public Library), and Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights). Room 26AB
And I figure I will be able to walk right into the librarian panel, featuring my friend Jessica!
5:30-6:30 Batman's Biggest Secret: The Bill Finger Story- Based on five years of research for the new book Bill the Boy Wonder: The Secret Co-Creator of Batman, Marc Tyler Nobleman (Boys of Steel: The Creators of Superman) reveals startling, never-published information about Bill Finger, uncredited co-creator of Batman-including the game-changing discovery of Finger's lone heir. Michael Uslan, executive producer of The Dark Knight Rises, on the book: "Purposefully and meaningfully (and beautifully) written." Room 26AB
And maybe stay for this business? Because, seriously, why is it always "Created by Bob Kane" with no mention of Bill Finger??
6:00-7:15 Showtime: Dexter- The gasps from last season's finale can still be heard among Dexter fans as their worst fears were realized, Dexter got caught and by none other than Deb! What will he do? What will she do? What's next for America's Favorite Serial Killer? If the suspense is killing you, don't miss this incredible panel, where you'll be the first to see the Comic-Con exclusive first two minutes of the season premiere. Moderator Ralph Garman (KROQ Entertainment reporter) presides over a revealing interview and Q&A session with the stars and executive producers of Dexter. Featured panelists include series star/executive producer Michael C. Hall (Dexter), Jennifer Carpenter (Deb), and special guest star Yvonne Strahovski (Hanna). Also appearing are executive producers John Goldwyn, Sara Colleton, Scott Buck, and Manny Coto. Plus Dexter fans will be the first to see the world premiere trailer of one of the hottest series on television, Homeland, presented by executive producers Howard Gordon and Alex Gansa. The new season of Dexter premieres September 30, at 9pm ET/PT only on Showtime. Ballroom 20
8:30-10:00 Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog Sing-Along- Join the fun as the California Browncoats screen Internet sensation Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog-coming back with call back sheets so you can play along during the screening. Enter our costume contest: horrible prizes awarded to the best version of each character from the show. DO NOT BOUNCE. Room 6BCF
8:30-10:30 Comic-Con Episode IV: A Fan's Hope- San Diego Comic-Con premiere screening of the ultimate fanboy documentary from executive producers Stan Lee, Joss Whedon, Harry Knowles, and Thomas Tull. Q&A to follow with director Morgan Spurlock (Warrior Poets) and special surprise guests. Ballroom 20
9:00-2:00 Disco party- Um, possibly dance with Felicia Day? Belo San Diego: 919 4th Avenue
Possible nighttime events! Or, you know, meet people for dinner and parties and shit.
FRIDAY
Oh, Friday. *cries* So, see, here's what the fucking deal is:
7:30 - 9:00 Entertainment Weekly Comic-Con Discussion Group- Discuss EW, EW.com, and other stuff with EW/EW.com editors, and get paid a $100 Amazon.com gift certificate. Possibly see celebrities hanging around the EW Photo Booth. Hard Rock Cafe
Okay, so, there are never any interesting panels on Friday morning. So I thought I was safe. Then this happened:
10:00-11:00 Community: School is Back in Session- Joel McHale (The Soup), Gillian Jacobs (The Box), Danny Pudi (Chuck), Yvette Nicole Brown (Family Guy), and Alison Brie (Mad Men) from the hit Sony TV comedy have graduated to the Convention Center in advance of their fourth season. Join your favorite Greendale study group for a panel and Q&A to find out firsthand what surprises are in store for the show's return to NBC this fall. Ballroom 20
10:00-11:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
11:15-12:15 Join the Revolution! Nickelodeon's Legend of Korra- The cast and crew of Legend of Korra offer an in-depth discussion of Nickelodeon's hottest new series. Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are joined by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as they discuss the creative process that brought the first book in the Korra series to life. You'll also get to hear from your favorite characters as talented voice actors Janet Varney (Korra), David Faustino (Mako), P. J. Byrne (Bolin) and Seychelle Gabriel (Asami) will be featured on the panel and renowned voice director Andrea Romano (Avatar: The Last Airbender) will direct the actors in a live performance from the series. And if you're extra nice, Mike and Bryan may even drop a hint or two about Book 2. So don't miss out! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon. Ballroom 20
12:30-1:30 Firefly 10-Year Anniversary Reunion- Calling all Browncoats to unite! It has been 10 years since the crew of the Serenity took flight in the now infamous show Firefly. Science Channel will reunite, for the first time ever, Captain Mal Reynolds and the crew from the ship. Join Joss Whedon, Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher, Summer Glau, and many more for a trip down memory lane, some special surprises, and exclusive Science Channel giveaways. SHINY. Ballroom 20
Are. You. Fucking. Kidding. Me? Three of the panels I would MOST care about, all on Friday morning? Godfuckingdammit! I am not even sure that is worth $100! Oh, but they will all be online even though I will never take the time to watch them, right? And there will be write-ups and stuff. Currently the plan is to get in line stupid early with a friend to secure my spot, go to the EW thing, and hope to make it back before they start letting people into Ballroom 20. And if I do make it in, oh, there will be some decisions to make too.
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Kate Beaton- Comic-Con special guest Kate Beaton, the cartoonist behind the wildly popular webcomic Hark! A Vagrant and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, presents an overview of her work. Room 5AB
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
2:30-3:30 Legend of Korra Signing- Should I even try? I mean, I want to make the Chew panel, so. But still. Exhibit Hall, Nickelodeon Booth #4113
2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Chew: John Layman and Rob Guillory- Writer/letterer John Layman and artist Rob Guillory discuss the past, present, and future of their New York Times bestselling and multi-Eisner Award-winning cannibal cop crime comedy Chew from Image Comics. Marvel over Layman's preternatural handsomeness, while Guillory engages the audience with his sardonic wit. Room 8
I am considering ducking out after Firefly (ergh, I would have to stay until 1:45 to get a bathroom pass for Bones...) because Chew is my favorite comic right now and I try to go to at least one actual comics panel at Comic-Con and I really want to go to it. But I would miss the rest of Ballroom 20...
4:00-5:00 Signing with Gabriel Bá and Fabio Moon-Technically, it's for De: Tales, but I want my Daytripper signed! Exhibit Hall, Dark Horse Booth #2615
4:15-5:15 Entertainment Weekly: Powerful Women in Pop Culture (aka Women Who Kick Ass!)- Fan-favorites Kristin Bauer van Straten (True Blood), Sarah Wayne Callies (Walking Dead), Kristin Kreuk (Beauty and the Beast), Nikki Reed (Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn-Part 2), and Anna Torv (Fringe) open up about the power and privilege of playing characters that have redefined the rules for women. Basically, a discussion with women who kick ass. Moderated by EW's Lynette Rice. Ballroom 20
Um, this should be a good panel, except Anna Torv is really the only one who kicks ass.
5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon- Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse's line of Season 9 comics. Ballroom 20
6:00-7:00 Girls Gone Genre- Listen to and talk with women who write, read, game, and perform in arenas that are statistically dominated by men. What happens when traditionally "male" genres are reinvented by female writers and embraced by female fans? Sex and the City (or for that matter, Girls), it ain't. Meet the women who like to play with trucks and Barbies. And Wolverine action figures. And flux capacitors. Panelists: Marti Noxon (Buffy, Angel), Jane Espenson (Battlestar Galactica, Torchwood), Karyn Kusama (Jennifer's Body), Deborah Ann Woll (True Blood), Angela Robinson (True Blood) and Gale Anne Hurd (The Walking Dead, The Terminator). Room 7AB
Marti Noxon and Jane Espenson on a panel together?? Oh, this could be fun again.
6:45-7:45 AMC's Breaking Bad-- Executive producer and showrunner Vince Gilligan appears with the cast of Breaking Bad, including Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, R. J. Mitte, and Jonathan Banks. In a panel moderated by TV Guide's Mike Schneider, Vince and the cast talk about what it's like to shoot one of the boldest and most intense dramas on television, and how they are preparing for the final 16 episodes of the series. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of Breaking Bad season 5, premiering Sunday, July 15 at 10ET/PT. Ballroom 20
So this would normally be a redline, but given the likelihood of my being in Ballroom 20 at this time, I might as well accept that I will probably miss it. They're going to show the premiere!!
7:00-8:00 And Then What Happened? Serialized Shows That Ended Too Soon- You saw every episode, you followed every storyline, you hoped against hope that they'd get another season...and they didn't. What would have happened if the show had kept going? Hear writer/producers Andrew Chambliss (Once Upon a Time), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead), Ian Goldberg (Once Upon a Time), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (Lost), and Jose Molina (The Vampire Diaries) talk about the stories that weren't to be on such shows as Dollhouse, FlashForward, Firefly, and The Middleman. Room 7AB
And if I make it into Girls Gone Genre, then I might as well stay for this!
SATURDAY
Oh, Saturday, you are so silly. It's like Friday and Saturday switched this year.
10:00-11:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
10:00-11:00 Attack of the Show- G4's Attack of the Show is your ambassador to the information age-from the technology you want, what you watch, listen to, and play to what the world is talking about right now. Whether it comes from 140 characters, from a 30-second video, or straight from the mouths of today's trendsetters, visionaries, and pop-culture icons, panelists will tell you what is happening, why you should care, and what will happen next. Candace Bailey, Sara Underwood, Matt Mira, Blair Butler, Attack of the Show executive producers Vinny Rutherford and Joshua Brentano, along with special guests, bring you the closest thing to being on a LIVE Attack of the Show, an interactive Comic-Con panel! You'll also get a chance to grill the hosts and producers and find out the dirty secrets and television tricks behind Attack of the Show. With over 1,000 shows to choose from, there's got to be something you wanna know! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
What, no Kevin Pereira? Huh! In any case, I wouldn't normally make an attempt to go to this panel, except that it's right before...
11:00-12:00 Geek & Sundry- Felicia Day (The Guild, Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog), Wil Wheaton (Big Bang Theory, Eureka), director Daniel Strange (Between Two Ferns with Zach Galifianakis), and the cast of The Guild -- Vince Caso, Jeff Lewis, Amy Okuda, Sandeep Parkih, and Robin Thorsen -- make some big announcements and offer an exclusive sneak peek at what's to come. Moderated by Kim Evey (producer, Geek & Sundry). Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Time to support the Felicia Day media empire!
11:00-12:00 Avatar the Last Airbender: Beginning and Beyond- For over 5 years, the organizers of this fan panel have been bringing together both fans and professionals. Moderated by Avatar_Mom, this year's panel will include Bobby Rubio (Avatar the Last Airbender, Pixar, Alcatraz High), freelance concept artist DJ Welch (Dark Kenjie), Kevin Coppa (Puppet Benders), Dark Horse artists Gurihiru (Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano), and actor/voice actor Dante Basco (Avatar the Last Airbender), and a few more surprise guests. If that isn't enough, there will be a cosplay contest to showcase the fandom's talented "fabric benders." Room 28E
Or it might be fun to go see Dante Basco.
12:00-1:00 Nerdist Channel- Chris Hardwick (the host of BBC America's The Nerdist and AMC's Talking Dead) and some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from the Nerdist Channel on YouTube will engage in lively conversation about the current channel lineup and upcoming shows and specials, and also reveal some exclusive footage and surprise announcements about the future of Nerdist Industries. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
And if I'm in Indigo, I might as well stay for Chris Hardwick, who will certainly be entertaining.
1:00-2:00 A Conversation with Bryan Fuller- Acclaimed television writer/executive producer Bryan Fuller (Heroes), the creative force behind Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls, and Dead Like Me, for a Q&A with fans as he discusses two of his highly anticipated projects, Hannibal and Mockingbird Lane, both at NBC. In the midseason drama Hannibal, one of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The recently shot pilot Mockingbird Lane is an imaginative reinvention of the 1960s comedy The Munsters. Room 7AB
Or I can try for this one?
1:00-2:00 TV Guide Magazine: Fan Favorites- TV Guide magazine returns with another all-star panel. Moderated by editor-in-chief Debra Birnbaum, Fan Favorites brings together stars from TV's hottest shows for a lively discussion filled with behind-the-scenes scoop. Panelists (subject to change) include Nathan Fillion (Castle), David Giuntoli (Grimm), Joel McHale (Community), Tyler Posey (Teen Wolf), Maggie Q (Nikita), Matt Smith (Doctor Who), and others. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Wait, no, this is why I'm staying in Indigo!
2:00 - 3:00 Avatar: The Last Airbender and Legend of Korra Signing with Michael DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko, Joaquim Dos Santos, Ki Hyun Ryu, and Gurihiru Studios artists Chifuyu Sasaki and Naoko Kawano- This is a ticketed signing, so I don't even know this is worth thinking about. Exhibit Hall, Dark Horse Booth #2615
2:30-7:00 Signing with Clare Kramer- I don't really need to get her autograph (well, not lugging my DVDs down just for her), but I could say hi to Glory and get a picture. Autograph Area, AA33
3:00-4:00 The Write Stuff V- Meet the writers and producers who make sci-fi, horror and fantasy entertainment what it is today, and get an incredible insider look from the scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows as they share their candid thoughts on how to make the series we love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the highly classified secrets to getting TV shows made and how to break in and break out in today's highly competitive broadcast environment, the deep dark secrets (and, more important, fat-free snacks) of the writer's room-and why network executives actually care about what you say on message boards and Twitter. No canned speeches and press releases here-get the straight scoop and candid skinny from television's most talented writers and producers, including Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The Middleman, Lost), Ashley E. Miller (Fringe, Transformers, The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Steve Kriozere (NCIS, Femme Fatales), Steve Melching (Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Transformers: The Series), Gabrielle Stanton (Haven, The Gates), Dave Simkins (Grimm, Human Target), Jose Molina (Firefly, Terra Nova), Amy Berg (Eureka, Leverage), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Necessary Roughness). Room 24ABC
Some good people in here!
5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Mark Waid- Comic-Con special guest Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Daredevil, Thrillbent) hosts a Q&A retrospective on his long career and on his new digital comics venture, Thrillbent -- how it's gone so far and what big developments will be announced at the show. Talk with one of the industry's most notoriously outspoken figures about the past and future of comics! Room 8
Having recently become a Mark Waid fan, I could go to this panel! Or I could skip out after 2 and wander the floor and stuff!
9:00-12:00 Kabuki "Pen and Ink" Drawing Event with David Mack- 2-3 models in fun Kabuki and Asian styled outfits, make up and props! Trickster: The Wine Steals/Proper, 795 J St.
I do enjoy watching one of my favorite artists draw.
SUNDAY
Sunday, what the hell, you are supposed to be easy, but you are just fucking with me, geez!
10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Jason Shiga- Comic-Con special guest Jason Shiga is best known for his interactive comics, including Meanwhile and Knock Knock. He will present a career retrospective detailing his unlikely journey from math genius to cartoonist. Jason will discuss past, present, and future projects including an exclusive peek at his latest comic, Demon. Come and see some of his crazier interactive comic creations that have never been published, including the only known comic with movable parts. Room 4
10:00-11:00 Fringe Screening and Q&A- Fringe returns to Comic-Con for its farewell panel to celebrate its fifth and final season. Series stars Anna Torv (The Pacific), Josh Jackson (Dawson's Creek), Lance Reddick (Lost), Blair Brown (Altered States), Jasika Nicole (Take the Lead), and John Noble (The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King), along with executive producer J. H. Wyman (Keen Eddie), offer a Q&A with fans and an exclusive video presentation. Don't miss the discussion about the climactic conclusion of this critically acclaimed thriller. From Bad Robot Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Fringe airs Fridays at 9/8c on FOX. Fringe: The Complete Fourth Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 4. Hall H
This would normally be a redline, but, what the hell, I want to see the Shiga panel too!
10:00-12:00 Signing with Bryan Lee O'Malley- I have more Scott Pilgrim things to get signed! Exhibit Hall, Oni Press Booth #1833
11:30-12:45 Cartoon Voices II- It's the second of two panels this weekend featuring folks who supply the voices of your favorite animated characters. Moderator Mark Evanier will interrogate them about how they do what they do, ask them how they came to do what they do, and make them demonstrate what they do. Their ranks this time will include Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad, SpongeBob SquarePants), Rob Paulsen (Pinky and the Brain, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Audrey Wasilewski (The Garfield Show, My Life as a Teenage Robot), Fred Tatasciore (Kung Fu Panda, The Hulk), Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show, Transformers), and Misty Lee (The Garfield Show, Spider-Man). Room 6A
Hall H means sitting through the Supernatural panel, but if I go non-traditional, maybe I can see Dee Bradley Baker?
12:00-1:00 The Fine Line of Inking- Inking is far more than just tracing, as these superstar artists have proven again and again, on their own work and others. The Cartoon Art Museum's Andrew Farago talks with Comic-Con special guests Gary Gianni, Klaus Janson, Rudy Nebres, and Mark Schultz about the ins and outs of inking and how that thick, velvety India ink can make all the difference in the world. Room 4
Or this panel, which I am actually interested in because I still don't really understand what an inker does!
12:00-1:00 Espenson: an Anagram for Openness- Writer Jane Espenson (Once Upon a Time, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Battlestar Galactica, Game of Thrones, Husbands) discusses past and current work with moderator Jenna Busch (Zap2It). Artwork from an upcoming Buffy comic will provide the first look at an anticipated new character, and Husbands' Brad Bell (Pop-Up Videos), Sean Hemeon, and Jeff Greenstein (Will and Grace, Desperate Housewives) will be on hand to discuss the upcoming season 2. Attend to learn which sci-fi superstar is joining the Husbands cast. Room 7AB
Except, given the choice, I would have to go see Jane Espenson!! I just watched Husbands, and it's pretty cute, so this could be fun...as long as there aren't any Game of Thrones spoilers.
12:30-1:30 BBC America's Doctor Who- The Doctor and the Ponds land in San Diego. BBC America's Doctor Who stars Matt Smith, Karen Gillan, and Arthur Darvill join award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat (Sherlock) and award-winning executive producer Caroline Skinner (The Fades) for a Comic-Con panel and Q&A. As fans eagerly await the new season's premiere, BBC America is making sure Steven Moffat brings new footage to reveal on the big screens in Hall H. Ahead of the new season, BBC America will premiere new Doctor Who specials-The Science of Doctor Who, The Women of Doctor Who, The Timey-Wimey Stuff of Doctor Who, and The Destinations of Doctor Who-as part of the Supernatural Saturday programming block starting Saturday, August 4 at 9pm/8c. For those new to Who, the previous two seasons from Steven Moffat are available now on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download. Hall H
Unngghh, another obvious redline except for the conflicts! Everyone is here this time!!
1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Alison Bechdel- The award-winning graphic novelist and Comic-Con special guest Alison Bechdel talks about her work, from Dykes to Watch Out For through Fun Home and her latest, this year's smash Are You My Mother? Room 23ABC
Holy Christ, everything not in Hall H is in a different room. What is this day.
2:15-3:15 Buffy Turns 20: Celebrating 20 Years of Buffy the Vampire Slayer- Once upon a time, Buffy Summers became the Slayer, the Chosen One who proved a young heroine could battle the forces of darkness instead of playing damsel in distress. Stars from the hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer (Nicholas Brendon, Clare Kramer) join forces with Dark Horse editor Scott Allie, writer/producer Jane Espenson, illustrator Georges Jentry, and the original Buffy herself (Kristy Swanson, star of the 1992 motion picture), not to mention a surprise guest or two, to celebrate 20 years of slayage. Room 6BCF
Only an hour between the Espenson panel and this one! And there's sure to be overlap! Although MySched puts this at 1000+ and the Espenson panel at 200+, so the latter will be easier to get into. Errgh, too many choices today.
2:30-3:30 Signing with Jackson Lanzing and David Server- Must say hi and talk about freaks! Exhibit Hall, Ape Booth #1804
3:30-4:30 Buffy the Musical "Once More with Feeling"- Let's end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Fandom Charities Inc. and Whedonopolis.com present a screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode "Once More With Feeling"! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffyverse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin'-back, that is -- and singing and shouting and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: It isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Room 6BCF
Well, if I do make it into the Buffy panel, it only makes sense to stay for this.
Now, if only fucking Marvel would release its signing schedule, I could figure out how much worse this is all going to be.