Friday, Mar 8, 2019

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 10:00AM

Basics of Digital Illustration (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Ryan Magnusson

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 11:00AM

One Book, One San Diego: Literacy, Education and Comics! (Lunar Cafe)
One Book One San Diego, is the local literacy outreach program brought together by over 80 local libraries over the course of 12 years. Last year, March by Congressman John Lewis was selected to be the book for adult readers, a milestone for graphic novels. Take a look behind the scenes with some of the people who bring One Book, One San Diego to the community. Brenda Bell, Erwin Magbanua, Alonso Nunez, Clare Pister

Those Fabulous Fleischer Brothers Cartoons - 1930s to 50s (Montgomery Theater)
Max and Dave Fleischer. More than just ground breaking animation pioneers. These two have left an astounding library of timeless animation. Popeye, Betty Boop, Koko the Clown and even Superman. You will see prime examples of their legacy. Including a lot of rare, and seldom seen cartoons. John Field

Urban Geography and Comics (Palm A)
Urban Geography is the study of the way that space is used in cities. Professor Lisa Chaddock will discuss using comics for both urban design and story telling, and will explain how many of the things we now see in cities were shown in comics many years before. Professor Lisa Chaddock

International Superhero Comics (Palm C)
American Superheroes are easily some of the most recognizable characters all over the world. However, many international editions of American superhero comics aren't what we expect. Join N. Scott Robinson from Globo Comico as he takes a look at international editions of American superhero comics. Dr. N. Scott Robinson

Getting Started With 3D Printing (Digital Arts Workshop Friday) (Palm D)
Chris Cox

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 11:30AM

The 50th Anniversary of Jim Steranko's Captain America: An Arlen Schumer VisuaLecture (Palm B)
2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of writer/artist Jim Steranko's Captain America trilogy that many still consider the greatest Captain America story ever told, for both its story and its art. The impact of Steranko's three issues, a tour-de-force of the firebrand's verbal and visual storytelling skills and talents that branded him the Jimi Hendrix of Comics during Steranko's similar meteoric rise to fame in the late-'60s, is in converse proportion to their small number. Join comic book art historian Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) as he revisits, and revels in, Steranko's Captain America magnum opus. Arlen Schumer

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 12:00PM

Fantastic Vignettes: Scenes from Fantasy and Science Fiction (Lunar Cafe)
In this one-person show, Ian Duckett presents scenes from plays and stories of the Science Fiction and Fantasy genres. The show will include selections from Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, H.P Lovecraft's Fungi From Yuggoth, the plays of Ray Bradbury and others. (Ian is a classically trained actor and performance artist, a graduate of San Diego's School of Creative and Performing Arts, and New York's National Shakespeare Conservatory who has performed in both Off Broadway and regional productions.) Ian P. Duckett

The Worst Sci-Fi TV episodes of All Time! (Montgomery Theater)
A vastly entertaining hour featuring specially edited highlights from several classic t.v. series. What makes a t.v. show bad? You will see examples of less then good, from Star Trek, Superman, Batman, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Land of the Giants and some shows you never heard of!....and for good reason. John Field

How to Make a Living Being Creative (Palm A)
Working as an artist is the dream of many people. But staying in the business as a successful artist is another story. Industry professionals Lee Kohse, Joe Phillips and Little Fish Comic Book Studio's Alonso Nunez to tell you just what it takes to make a living as a creative. Lee Kohse, Alonso Nunez, Joe Philips

Frank Reade Dime Novels: The Origins of Science Fiction (Palm C)
Frank Reade Library magazines were the world's first science fiction periodicals, enthralling millions of readers with tales of fantastic inventions and adventures in the late 1800s. Globe-trotting inventor Frank Reade Jr. flew helicopter airships, drove electric cars, and built robots long before the word "robot" even existed. We'll examine this lost legacy of science fiction history, talk about how it influenced the Golden Age of SF and pulp heroes, and show spectacular vintage steampunk engravings scanned from original Frank Reade dime novels. Anina Bennett, Paul Guinan

Digital Painting For Comics (Digital Arts Workshop Friday) (Palm D)
Anthony Washington

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 1:00PM

Graphic Novels in Libraries (Lunar Cafe)
Local libraries have been a fundamental part of building communities and education outreach. Lately, graphic novels have achieved a growing presence in libraries to readers of all ages. Join this gathering San Diego County area Librarians -- Pamela Jackson (San Diego State University Library), Erwin Magbanua (Chula Vista Library), Amy Kleman (Oceanside Library), and Monica Barrette (Escondido Library) -- as they discuss the use of graphic novels in the libraries. Monica Barrette, Pamela Jackson, Amy Kleman, Erwin Magbanua, Alonso Nunez

Batman - On the Big and Small Screen and everywhere in between (1942-today) (Montgomery Theater)
A look at all incarnations of the Caped Crusader. You will hear a segment from the long-running Batman radio show. The first look at Batman on the Big Bat-Screen in a Columbia Super Serial. Batman's journey to TV, both live action and animated. The big-budget mega-hits of 1989 to today and beyond. Rare commercials and a special interview with Bob Kane, one of Batman's creators. Come see a Very Bat-Special Program. John Field

Marvelmania: The 50th Anniversary (Palm A)
50 years have passed since Marvelmania International made its debut. The iconic fan magazine featured art from some of the comic industry's biggest icons and resonated with the fans. However, there are many stories to be told about the rise and fall of the iconic fan magazine. Join Mark Evanier, Mike Royer and Arlen Schumer for Marvelmania: The 50th Anniversary. Mark Evanier, Mike Royer, Arlen Schumer

Spotlight on Joe Phillips (Palm B)
Joe Phillips is an artist who has worked in and about comics for over 30 years. He spent his career drawing superheroes, cheesecake pinups, self-publishing books and even released his own set of tarot cards. Sit back and enjoy all things Joe, past, present, and future. Matt Dunford, Joe Philips

The Moon from Apollo and Beyond: What We've Learned (and Have Yet to Learn) About Our Enigmatic Sate (Palm C)
Although it's been 50 years since humans first visited the Moon, few people appreciate how our understanding of the Moon has been transformed as a result of the Apollo missions. Equally few know that a number of robotic spacecraft have orbited, landed on, and crashed into the Moon in the decades since Apollo. In this nontechnical talk Dr. Roger Freedman will explain our present-day understanding of how the Moon formed and evolved, and describe some outstanding questions that planned future missions may help answer. Dr. Roger Freedman

Comic book Layout in Adobe InDesign (Digital Arts Workshop Friday) (Palm D)
Avery Caldwell

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 2:00PM

The Beginnings of Modern Mythology, Pop Culture, and Modern Superheroes and Villains (Lunar Cafe)
David Lemmo

Spider-Man: The Animated Series 25th Anniversary with Producer/Writer John Semper (Montgomery Theater)
In 1994, Spider-Man: The Animated Series made its debut to audiences all over the world. The show was met with critical acclaim, an Annie Award nomination, a successful toy line and is still held in high regard among fans. Spider-Man producer and head writer John Semper leads the discussion with San Diego Comic Fest Chairman Matt Dunford. Matt Dunford, Karen Kahler, John Semper

Bud Plant's Highest Recommendations (Palm A)
Dealer Guest of Honor Bud Plant has twice been on the Spectrum Jury panel and is on the advisory board. He's helped publishers assemble books using his own collection as source material, and he provides input or advice to publishers on new projects. He is pleased that his enthusiasm and interest can help introduce customers to new as well as vintage artists and collections. He uses "Recommended," "Highly Recommended," and "Our Highest Recommendation" to show his personal endorsement and enthusiasm for items that he is most excited about. Join Bud as he shares some of his favorite art and talks about the artists. Bud Plant

Jack Kirby's Fight against Evil - When the Gods were Real (Palm B)
Where did Kirby-Krackle come from? Thor? Galactus? Black Panther? Hulk? the Avengers? Mike Royer and Barry Ira Geller will discuss the continuous stream of Jack Kirby's Gods who fought Evil throughout Jack's career and how this all led up to Jack working with Barry in 1979 on the proposed film of Roger Zelany's Lord of Light and theme park Science Fiction Land. Barry Ira Geller worked hand in hand with Jack Kirby for almost two years co-designing Illustrations for a film about Immortal Gods of the Hindu Pantheon, blending Kirby and Geller's visions of other worlds throughout the Universe of the novel Lord of Light, where Gods are Real and personally run Earth. The Drawings became Jack Kirby's most powerful and celebrated foray into Fantasy-as-Real Architecture. Mike Royer, who was Jack Kirby's favorite inker, believes the Lord of Light drawings to be Jack's very best work. Barry Ira Geller, Mike Royer

The Cthulhu Mythos Turns 100 (Palm C)
In 1919 H.P. Lovecraft's short story "Dagon" was published, featuring the first appearance of an element of what would come to be known as the Cthulhu Mythos, in this case the sea deity Dagon. The Cthulhu Mythos, widely considered one of the greatest influences on weird science and fantasy fiction, would go on to comprise numerous classic stories by Lovecraft as well as many by other noted authors writing in Lovecraft's universe. Join authors, artists, and fans Jason Brock, Pete Von Sholly, and David Clark as they discuss the Cthulhu Mythos. Greg Bear, Jason Brock, David Clark, Pete Von Sholly

What it takes to be an Artist for Games and Movies (Digital Arts Workshop Friday) (Palm D)
Anthony Jones

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 3:00PM

James Robinson's Starman 25th Anniversary (Lunar Cafe)
Take a trip back to Opal City as we celebrate 25 years of the Eisner Award winning 'STARMAN' with co-creator James Robinson. A quarter of a century later and we're still enamored by the exploits of Jack, David & Ted Knight and the entire Starman legacy. Join us as we talk about the groundbreaking tales of the Knights, the O'Dares, The Shade, and all your favorite supporting characters from Bobo Benetti to Hamilton Drew. Who knows? There might even be discussions about View-Masters or Bakelite radios. And expect too to hear something about DC's new Stargirl show that James is working on. James Robinson, TJ Shevlin

Fanciful (And Real) Moon Missions (Montgomery Theater)
We start off with the recently restored A TRIP TO THE MOON (1902) by George Melies. Then a behind the scenes look at the first big budget "Moon" film by George Pal, DESTINATION MOON (1950). Robert A. Heinlen wanders about the amazing Moon set and gives his opinion of when we might actually land on the moon. Ray Harryhausen's take on what "Lives" on the Moon from FIRST MEN IN THE MOON (1964). We also look at various Moon related shorts and cartoons. And of course who can forget CAT WOMEN ON THE MOON, MISSILE TO THE MOON etc. We end the program with actual Moon landing footage. Joining our panel will be N.A.S.A. Contractor Greg Koudoulian. Who will talk about working on Moon Projects as well. He has some great stories. John Field, Greg Koudoulian

Scott and Mark Comic Stories (Palm A)
Scott Shaw! and Mark Evanier are longtime friends who have shared many experiences in the comic industry. These guys are always informative and entertaining so we thought we should give them an hour to talk about comics. Mark Evanier, Scott Shaw!

The 1950s made Kurtzman Mad (Palm B)
The good news is that Harvey Kurtzman created Mad in the 1950s. The bad news is that it was the 1950s, when an atmosphere of falsehoods, fears, and apprehension infested our nation. Harvey's comic book transformations of mid-century's mad-nesses not only provided entertainment, comfort, and hope to post-war baby boomers but also revolutionized American society. Join Bill Schelly and Michael Dooley as they explore the funnies, movies, TV shows, and culture of the times that inspired many of Harvey's most innovative and memorable satires and parodies. Michael Dooley, Bill Schelly

The Work and Worlds of Philip K. Dick (Palm C)
Philip K. Dick's work may be most widely known from adaptations for film (Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, A Scanner Darkly, The Adjustment Bureau, Blade Runner 2049) and television (The Man in the High Castle, Electric Dreams) but he was first and foremost a writer of science fiction novels and short stories who explored themes of alternative universes, societies, and states of mind while contemplating the nature of reality, identity, and transcendental states. Jason Brock, William Nolan, Paul Sammon

Drawing Fundamentals For The Computer (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Tom Luth

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 4:00PM

Spotlight on Mike Friedrich (Lunar Cafe)
Mike Friedrich sold his first professional comic script, a 10-page Robin backup story titled "Menace of the Motorcycle Marauders", on May 10, 1967, and thus was launched a multi-decade career that would see him writing for both Marvel (Iron Man, for which he co-scripted the introduction of Thanos and Drax the Destroyer, Captain America, Captain Marvel, Ant-Man) and DC (Justice League, Detective Comics, The Flash, Teen Titans). He also edited and published, from 1974 to 1979, the landmark Star*Reach science-fiction and fantasy anthology comic, which was one of the first mainstream independent comics that bridged the gap between underground comix and traditional comics, with stories aimed at an adult audience. Star*Reach featured contributions by such well-known comics creators as Howard Chaykin, Jim Starlin, and Barry Windsor-Smith as SF authors such as Roger Zelazny. Mike, with a partner, also owned and operated WonderCon for 15 years before it was acquired by Comic-Con in 2001. Mike will be interviewed by Jackie Estrada. Jackie Estrada, Mike Friedrich

Comic Art During The Holocaust (Montgomery Theater)
Sandra Scheller examines the art and propaganda that was seen during WW2 and the Holocaust. Art was used in so many ways along with the Nazi propaganda that destroyed so many innocent lives. They drew what they saw, and this was the universal language that told the stories of the Holocaust as it happened daily. Sandra is the daughter of Ruth Goldschmiedova Sax who survived three concentration camps between the ages of 13 and 17, including Auschwitz who passed last year. Sandra Scheller is the award-winning author of Try to Remember: Never Forget, a book describing her mother's holocaust experiences. Matt Dunford, Sandra Scheller

Scott and Mark Animation Stories (Palm A)
Scott Shaw! and Mark Evanier have worked together a lot in comics but they have also spent a lot of time together working in animation. We love these guys and we love their stories so sit down with them for an hour and hear some great stories about their time in animation. Mark Evanier, Scott Shaw!

James Warren, Empire of Monsters (Palm B)
Bill Schelly, author of the newly-published book James Warren: Empire of Monsters, and Mike Catron of Fantagraphics, discuss the life and career of James Warren, the publisher of Famous Monsters of Filmland, Creepy, Eerie, Vampirella, Help!, and much more. Mike Catron, Bill Schelly

Hunting for Dark Matter: the underground search for the missing universe (Palm C)
Did you know that more than 95% of the universe remains a complete mystery? One of the biggest unsolved puzzles in physics is that a substance called dark matter binds together galaxies and stars, but we don't know its true identity. In this talk, Dr. Sally Shaw will explain why dark matter matters, what we think it might be and how teams of scientists are trying to detect our very own Milky Way dark matter here on earth. Dr. Shaw will also describe the experiment she works on - the world's biggest dark matter detector, currently being built 1 mile beneath the ground in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and what we are hoping to learn from it. Dr. Sally Shaw

3D integration Into Your Creative Work Flow (Digital Arts Workshop Friday) (Palm D)
Stephen Burns

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 5:00PM

Games are for girls (Lunar Cafe)
Carla Daniela Hidalgo

TV Animation Classics (Montgomery Theater)
Join Buzz Dixon (Thundarr, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Tiny Toons), Tony Benedict (The Jetsons, The Flintstones), Willie Ito (Beany and Cecil, Hanna-Barbera), and John Semper (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) as they talk about the classic animated TV series you know and love. With moderator TJ Shevlin. Tony Benedict, Buzz Dixon, Willie Ito, John Semper, TJ Shevlin

Depicting Dinosaurs in Art, Comics, and Film (Palm A)
Though dinosaurs have long been extinct, their images as rendered by artists and researchers, continue to evolve. With many new discoveries being made in previously under-explored fossil deposits, our understanding of what dinosaurs looked like appears to be undergoing significant change. Were many or most dinosaurs actually fuzzy or feathered like birds? Paleoartist Bill Stout (who painted the prehistoric-life murals at the San Diego Natural History Museum), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic Tales), and Ricardo Delgado (Age of Reptiles) discuss the art and science of depicting dinosaurs today. Ricardo Delgado, Mark Schultz, William Stout

Spotlight on Shannon Wheeler (Palm B)
Shannon Wheeler is a renowned New Yorker cartoonist and award-winning graphic novelist. But not too long ago he spent his days firing bullets into xeroxed copies of his comics. So how did he turn things around? Join San Diego Comic Fest Chairman Matt Dunford for Spotlight on Shannon Wheeler. Matt Dunford, Shannon Wheeler

Logan's Run: Everything you wanted to know about the books, movie, TV show, and the saga of the rema (Palm C)
In 1976, the dystopian novel Logan's Run (1967) by William Nolan and George Clayton Johnson, was adapted as a successful science-fiction film starring Michael York and Jenny Aguttur, and the following year became a television series on CBS, to be followed by a number of comic book adaptations. Nolan went on to write the sequels Logan's World, Logan's Search, and Logan's Return. Join William Nolan and Jason Brock as they discuss the Logan Series, its adaptations, and maybe let us know the status of the long-awaited Logan's Run remake. Jason Brock, William Nolan

Druids, Dark Elves, and d20s: A Super-Fun Guide to Dungeons & Dragons and Tabletop RPGs (Palm D)
A panel of dashing Dungeon Masters will discuss the wonderful world of Tabletop RPGs, including getting started for the first time, creating characters you'll love to play, crafting cool campaigns, and making sure everyone at the table is having fun! A great panel for both new and veteran players. Plus join us for a gaming session immediately after the panel. So gather your party and join the adventure! Matt Acevedo, Jeff Burns, Kevin Cousineau, Chris Czerniak, Lisa Karimi-Naser, Max Thomson

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 6:00PM

Gamacon: A Mexican Video Gamer's Dream (Lunar Cafe)
Gamacon is currently one of the most important video-game non-governmental organizations in Mexico generating business opportunities, working closely with educational institutions, promoting Mexican culture and art, and linking artists from Mexico and the US. But the road hasn't been easy. Hear some of the stories from its founder, and learn the key aspects that have kept him going throughout 11 years and made possible the Mexican video gamer's dream! Hugo A. Castro

Cartoon Character Cereal Boxes: Served by Mikal and Duane (Montgomery Theater)
Eat up cereal box adventures of Mickey Mouse, Moon Mullins, Mighty Mouse, Superman, Batman, Powder Puff Girls, The Incredibles, Hulk, Finding Nemo, Spiderman, Flintstones, Simpsons and more. All these characters would end up at our breakfast table....on cereal boxes. Those devious characters would catch your eye while roaming the grocery store aisles, then cast a spell on mom.... until she submitted to your vocal suggestions. We examine these clever cartons with mind controlling commercials, alluring free inside toys, large pictures, real boxes and facts showing how its a hot new collectible. Duane Dimock, Mikal Vollmer

Bernard Krigstein: Master of Design (Palm A)
To commemorate Bernard Krigstein's 100th birthday year, Mike Catron, editor of The Fantagraphics EC Artists' Library, will present a visual retrospective of Krigstein's art and his revolutionary approach to comics storytelling. Mike Catron

Pioneers of Comix (Palm B)
Yes, there WERE women in the early days of underground comix and here to prove it are four women comix pioneers discussing what they did then, and what they're doing today. Mary Fleener, Lee Marrs, Willy Mendes, Trina Robbins

GET NAKED WITH STEVEN T. SEAGLE (Palm C)
The author of the Man of Action/Image Comics book GET NAKED, a collection of 19 graphic essays, will discuss his work on the book, what a graphic essay is, and present two live performances of the essays - text and visuals - in person. If you are a fan of travel writing, autobiographical comics, David Sedaris, or getting naked, this is the panel for you! No nudity, all ages welcome. Steven T. Seagle

Tabletop RPG and Board Game Extravaganza (Palm D)
Join Jeff Burns and the Super Geeked Up crew as they show people how to play some of their favorite Tabletop RPG and Board Games. Featured games will include sci-fi adventure game Starfinder and new Fate-based game Shadow of the Century, a gonzo game of kung-fu masters, computer hackers, and maverick comps set in the 1980s. Plus we'll have plenty of board games available to play, including Small World, Above and Below, Ex Libris, Dice Throne, The Grimm Forest, Inis, and Mission: Red Planet. Beginners totally welcome! Matt Acevedo, Jeff Burns, Max Thomson

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 7:00PM

Party at the Fest: Come Time Travel with Me - Galactic Journey presents the Silver Age of Comics (Lunar Cafe)
Party at the Fest kicks off with a Blast back to March 1964: Camelot has ended in a hail of gunfire; southeast Asia is in turmoil. But in geekdom, there's the Twilight Zone and the Outer Limits. The Doctor has flown to Mongolia and defeated the Daleks. Marvel and DC are bursting with new titles: -- The X-Men, the Doom Patrol, The Avengers, and many more. Join Hugo-nominated Galactic Journey for a whirlwind trip through time featuring comics, films, books, music, politics, fashion -- we cover it all with our unique brand of educational stand-up in a question-driven presentation. Don't miss this unique, interactive event -- your chance to time travel! Gideon Marcus

Ditko: An Arlen Schumer VisuaLecture (Montgomery Theater)
Hall of Fame comic book artist, writer and storyteller Steve Ditko passed away in 2018, after a 7-decade career that spanned multiple genres and publishers, creating or co-creating legacy characters like Spider-Man, Dr. Strange, and so many others. Author/designer Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) presents an overview of Ditko's career highlights in his new VisuaLecture. Arlen Schumer

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 8:00PM

The Party Continues with the Digital Lizards of Doom (Lunar Cafe)
The Digital Lizards of Doom (Gabriel Valentin, Gallie Fisher, and friends) keep the Friday-night festivities going with some nerd-friendly music, fun, and good cheer. Gallie Fisher, Gabriel Valentin

Tabletop RPG and Board Game Extravaganza (continued) (Palm D)
Join Jeff Burns and the Super Geeked Up crew as they show people how to play some of their favorite Tabletop RPG and Board Games. Featured games will include sci-fi adventure game Starfinder and new Fate-based game Shadow of the Century, a gonzo game of kung-fu masters, computer hackers, and maverick comps set in the 1980s. Plus we'll have plenty of board games available to play, including Small World, Above and Below, Ex Libris, Dice Throne, The Grimm Forest, Inis, and Mission: Red Planet. Beginners totally welcome! Matt Acevedo, Jeff Burns, Max Thomson

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 9:00PM

The Gerry Williams Space (and Spacey?) Films Show (Montgomery Theater)
Gerry Williams knows space and films and here presents a specially curated collection of space films, some spacey films, and a few surprises. Gerry Williams

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 10:00PM

Tabletop RPG and Board Game Extravaganza (even more continued) (Palm D)
Join Jeff Burns and the Super Geeked Up crew as they show people how to play some of their favorite Tabletop RPG and Board Games. Featured games will include sci-fi adventure game Starfinder and new Fate-based game Shadow of the Century, a gonzo game of kung-fu masters, computer hackers, and maverick comps set in the 1980s. Plus we'll have plenty of board games available to play, including Small World, Above and Below, Ex Libris, Dice Throne, The Grimm Forest, Inis, and Mission: Red Planet. Beginners totally welcome! Matt Acevedo, Jeff Burns, Max Thomson

Friday, Mar 8, 2019 11:00PM

Late Night: Psychotronic Film Fest 2019 (Montgomery Theater)
Shorts, Rare Previews, Feature Films, Cartoons and LOTS of other cool stuff. All from the realm of Sci Fi, Horror and Fantasy. A short attention span festival. One of the fastest paced assortments of the Weird, Unusual and best of all entertaining programs ever. Spend your late night sharing in the fun! John Field

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 10:00AM

Spotlight on Fan Guest of Honor Bill Schelly (Lunar Cafe)
Bill Schelly is a historian of cinema, comic books, and comics fandom, as well as fan himself for decades. A prolific author, his books include The Golden Age of Comic Fandom, biographies of such comic book greats as Otto Binder, Joe Kubert, L. B. Cole, John Stanley and Harvey Kurtzman. His book Harvey Kurtzman, The Man Who Created Mad received an Eisner Award in 2016. He is the associate editor of Alter Ego magazine where he writes the popular Comic Fandom Archives series. His most recent books are the memoir Sense of Wonder, My Life in Comic Fandom and his new biography James Warren, Empire of Monsters. He will be interviewed by his good friend, Jeff Gelb. Jeff Gelb, Bill Schelly

Legends of Hanna-Barbera (Montgomery Theater)
Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera brought a host of classic, beloved cartoon shows to TV in their heyday and there are a lot of stories to be heard from behind scenes at Hanna-Barbera, so why not hear it from guys who were there? Please welcome Hanna-Barbera greats Tony Benedict and Willie Ito. Tony Benedict, Mark Evanier, Willie Ito

Superfight (Palm A)
Comic fans get into fights every now and it's all in good fun. IDW Publishing President Chris Ryall and TJ Shevlin are pretty knowledgeable about their comic characters and they are always up for a heated debate. Hear these guys flex their powerhouse comic knowledge against each other. It's Ryall vs. Shevlin in Superfight! Chris Ryall, TJ Shevlin

Putting the Thrill in Thriller (Palm B)
What makes a thriller thrilling? Authors Jonathan Maberry (Joe Ledger, Rot & Ruin, and the Dead of Night series) and Alan Russell (Gideon and Sirius series, Multiple Wounds, Shame) explain what works and what doesn't. Jonathan Maberry, Alan Russell

Science in the 21st Century: What's Coming Between Now and 2100 (Palm C)
The first two decades of the 21st century have seen amazing advances in science, including the fist detection of gravitational waves from colliding black holes, the mapping of all the genes of the human genome, the discovery of the Higgs boson, and the successful construction of the first self-replicating, synthetic bacterial cell. We'll ask our panel of scientists and science-fiction writers to speculate about what new discoveries will be made in the decades to come. Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, Dr. Michael Ravine, Dr. Sally Shaw, Dr. Lisa Will

Getting Started With 3D Printing (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Palm D)
Chris Cox

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 11:00AM

The Enduring Artistic Legacy of EC Comics (Lunar Cafe)
Take a visual tour of the artists that not only made EC great but inspired the generations of comics artists that followed. Included will be spectacular examples from the work of Harvey Kurtzman, Wallace Wood, Jack Davis, Al Williamson, Graham Ingels, Johnny Craig, Al Feldstein - and that's just in the first ten minutes! Presented by Mike Catron (editor of The Fantagraphics EC Artists' Library) and Thommy Burns (moderator of the Facebook EC Fan-Addict Club). Thommy Burns, Mike Catron

Spotlight on Allen Bellman (Montgomery Theater)
Allen Bellman began working in comics in 1942 at Timely (Marvel) when he did the backgrounds for Syd Shores' Captain America. Over the years he drew The Patriot, The Destroyer, The Human Torch, Jet Dixon of the Space Squadron, All Winners Comics, Marvel Mystery, Sub Mariner Comics, Young Allies, and so much more. San Diego Comic Fest invites you to the spotlight on our very-special Golden Age of Comics Guest, Allen Bellman. Allen Bellman

Marry Fleener's First Graphic Novel, "Billie the Bee" (Palm A)
Mary Fleener talks about her first graphic novel, "Billie the Bee". Fleener will have pictures of the bees that inspired her and preliminary sketches showing the process of how she crafted the story and will be joined by honeybee expert, James Nieh, PhD from UCSD, to discuss their society and behaviors. Mark Habegger will moderate. Mary Fleener, Mark Habegger, James Nieh, PhD

The Editors Panel (Palm B)
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes when you're working with the biggest names in comics? Well, you came to the right place. We are bringing together some of the comic industry's most seasoned editors to tell some very cool tales. Mark Evanier, Barbara Kesel, Chris Ryall

Authors and Hollywood: Writing Scripts and Being Adapted (Palm C)
Authors often dream of seeing their work adapted for the big screen or television, and perhaps becoming screenwriters themselves. Learn about the reality of such experiences from authors William Nolan (Logan's Run), David Brin (The Postman), Jonathan Maberry (V-Wars), and Alan Russell (Gideon and Sirius). David Brin, Jonathan Maberry, William Nolan, Alan Russell

Digital Painting For Comics (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Palm D)
Anthony Washington

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 12:00PM

Comics, Cartooning, & Politics: Making Lemonade (Lunar Cafe)
In the age of fake news, do satire and fiction still have the power to persuade? Is humor an essential element of political commentary in comics and cartooning? How is it used differently in single-panel cartoons, comic strips, and graphic novels? Award-winning political cartoonists and comic book creators Shannon Wheeler (Eisner Award, Best Humor Publication); Paul Guinan (Emperor Norton Award); David G. Brown (NNPA Merit Award, Best Editorial Cartoon); Anina Bennett (Eisner Award, Best Single Issue Editor), and Lalo Alcaraz (Southern California Journalism Award, Best Cartoon in Weekly Papers) will help us make sense of it all--or at least crack a few jokes. Lalo Alcaraz, Anina Bennett, David G. Brown, Paul Guinan, Shannon Wheeler

Spotlight on Sergio Aragones (Montgomery Theater)
Sergio Aragones is a man who needs no introduction but we'll give him one anyway. Few would argue with calling him the world's greatest cartoonist, he has worked at Mad Magazine for nearly 60 years, he has won just about every major industry award, he is an amazing entertainer and storyteller. Join us for the spotlight panel for our Guest of Honor, Sergio Aragones. Sergio Aragones, Mark Evanier

Gothic Blimp Works 50th Anniversary (Palm A)
Gothic Blimp Works, the ground-breaking all-underground-comix tabloid, turns fifty this year. First published in 1969 by Peter Leggieri and the East Village Other, it was billed as "the first Sunday underground comic paper." Enjoy a rare insider's look at this landmark publication from panelists Mark Bode (son of founding editor Vaughn Bode) and contributing cartoonists Trina Robbins and Willy Mendes. Mark Bode, Willy Mendes, Trina Robbins

Spotlight on Dealer Guest of Honor Bud Plant (Palm B)
Bud Plant has been actively collecting, buying, and selling comics, art, and art publications since 1968, which is the year he opened his first comic store (with six partners). He co-owned a chain of seven comic stores from 1972-1988, and distributed comics and specialty items from seven warehouses in four states until he sold that portion of the business to Diamond Comic Distributors in 1988. Bud exhibited at every San Diego Comic Con since the first in 1970 through 2017 and received a San Diego Comic-Con Inkpot Award in 1994. He is in Fifty Who Made DC Great (1985), Founders of Comics Fandom (2010), and Comics: Between the Panels (1998). Please join us in honoring Bud Plant as Comic Fest's Dealer Guest of Honor. Bud Plant

A first glimpse at a new, extremely rare galaxy (Palm C)
Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil is searching for the most peculiar objects in the Universe. Her research has led to the discovery of an extremely rare galaxy with a unique circular structure, which is now commonly referred to as Burçin's Galaxy. Her work has provided the first description of a double-ringed elliptical galaxy, challenging current theories and assumptions about how the universe works and how galaxies start and evolve. Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil

Zbrush for comic artists (Digital Arts Workshop from Bixelium Entertainment) (Palm D)
We will be walking through the process of creating a digital sculpture for use in a comic strip using pixologic's ZBrush and setting up a comic book page with it in Adobe Photoshop. With Max Salazar from Bixelium Entertainment. Max Salazar

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 1:00PM

True Origins of the Spider-Verse (Lunar Cafe)
Recently, the film Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm. But fans of Spider-Man: The Animated Series may recognize a few key plot points here and there. Join Spider-Man producer and head writer John Semper as he takes us back through Spider Wars the final episodes of the series and how spawned the Spider-Verse. Matt Dunford, John Semper

An Invisible History: Trailblazing Women of Animation (Montgomery Theater)
From the earliest pioneers of hand-rendered animated films, to the advent of digital technology, women have been at the forefront of the animation medium, yet their extraordinary contributions have largely gone unrecognized. Join Mindy Johnson, author of the landmark volume Ink & Paint - The Women of Walt Disney's Animation (Disney Editions Deluxe) and Pencils, Pens & Brushes - A Great Girls Guide to Disney Animation (Disney Press) as she raises the celluloid curtain on the remarkable 'her-story' of women in animation. Joining Mindy will be Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer - Studio Owner & Trailblazing Animator on Sleeping Beauty, The Rescuers, Fox & The Hound, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? Mindy Johnson, Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer

Spotlight on James Robinson (Palm A)
A look at James Robinson's career from his early days on Terminator and Grendel to making his name on The Golden Age and Starman all the way to reinvigorating The Invaders and the Fantastic Four. From comics to Hollywood screenplays, James Robinson has done it all. Come listen to this Inkpot Award winning author talk about his career in the fresh and straightforward way you expect! You might even get some insider news on DC's new Stargirl show that James is working on. James Robinson, TJ Shevlin

Entering the Indian Marketplace: Opportunities and Strategies for Comics, Motion Picture & Digital S (Palm B)
Panelists Harish Rao and Sam Nangia of Bulletproof Entertainment will answer the question "Why India?", with background on India, its demographics and growth trends, youth population, and Western influences and trends. They will look at the history of comics in India and the challenges faced by comics distributors in the vast subcontinent, as well as the opportunities and challenges related to movies (Bollywood, of course) and digital streaming, including the digital streaming "wars" in India and the current streaming landscape. As insiders active in this space, the panelists will discuss their current developments and plans for India. Sam Nangia, Harish Rao

Elon Musk: Building the Future — The visionary ideas and projects of Elon Musk (Palm C)
PayPal, Tesla electric cars, SpaceX reusable rockets, Boring Company tunnels, Hyperloop high-speed transportation, Solar City solar power, OpenAI to minimize dangers of AI, Neuralink brain-computer interfaces, colonization of our Solar System: Elon Musk seems always to be thinking about the future and working to build it. Join a fascinating discussion of Elon Musk's projects and vision for the future. David Brin, Ryan Brodsky, Eli Burton, Nitish Kannan, Tim Lussier

Comic Book Creation & Digital Workflow in Adobe Illustrator (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Howard Simpson

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 2:00PM

Remembering Batton Lash (Lunar Cafe)
Batton Lash was a cartoonist that the comic book community adored. Sadly, he left this world too early, but his legacy endures. We invite all of you to hear stories from friends and collaborators as we celebrate the life of the late, great Batton Lash. Anina Bennett, Jackie Estrada, Mark Evanier, Paul Guinan, Rob Salkowitz, Arlen Schumer, Scott Shaw!

Star Trek, Disney Animation and Avatar — The Last Airbender: The movie art of Ricardo Delgado (Palm A)
In addition to being a comic-book creator (Age of Reptiles), Ricardo Delgado has long worked in the film industry doing storyboards, visual development, design, illustration, and concept art. His film and television credits include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014), the Disney animated series Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero, Wreck-It Ralph, John Carter, Battle Los Angeles, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, WALL-E, Eragon, Avatar: The Last Airbender (TV series), How to Train Your Dragon, Elektra, The Incredibles, The Matrix Revolutions, The Matrix Reloaded, X2, Jurassic Park III, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, The Emperor's New Groove, The Mummy, Men in Black, and many more. Join Ricardo as he discusses his career in film. Ricardo Delgado

Spotlight on Luis Fernando (Palm B)
Mexico City's Luis Fernando is the only Mexican comics creator to be considered in the book 1001 Comics you must read before you die (Paul Gravett, ed., 2011). That book says of him the following: Luis Fernando, a pioneer of graphic storytelling in his country, "perhaps best represents the feel and ethos of the alternative Mexican comics scene in the late twentieth century." His black-and-white comics "combine Mexican folkloric iconography and myths with a visual tradition that is deeply rooted in the U.S. and European experimental comics scenes." "His human and animal characters, like Edward Gorey's, are deceptively cute but reveal a darkness infused with the bloodiness of Catholic martyrdom. With its combination of modernity and enlightenment and tragicomic, barbaric violence and injustice, Comixtlán" (as well as the rest of his body of work) "provides a graphic synthesis of what it is to be Mexican." Luis Fernando will be interviewed by fellow Mexico City cartoonist Juanele. Luis Fernando, Juanele

The Killer B's Panel (Palm C)
The Killer B's — Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, and honorary "B" Vernor Vinge — talk about the present, the future, and what they are working on while we get to listen in and maybe ask a question or two. Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, Vernor Vinge

What it takes to be an Artist for Games and Movies (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Palm D)
Anthony Jones

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 2:30PM

Did Arkham Asylum violate Harvey "Two Face" Dent's 8th-Amendment rights? (A mock trial based on the (Montgomery Theater)
Joshua Gilliland

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 3:00PM

Grading: A 20 Year Upgrade (Lunar Cafe)
What has happened to grading your comic books in the last 20 years? In 1998, three panelists spoke at The San Diego Comic Con on grading... this was Pre-CGC slabbing. Gary Carter "coauthor of the Overstreet Grading Guide", David Grisez, Greg Pharis(the 3) and Jamie Newbold "author of The Forensic Comicologist" will give u perspectives and realities in grading. The facts may chill your sitting brain. duane dimock will moderate and help thaw your minds. What is the "official standard" to grade your treasures. Will all 3 dimensional comics, become 2 dimensional, non-readable and encased comic papers? Are your graded comics pieces of stock, that are controlled by one company? Where does the grading term, "it has an ouchy" come from? Who was Howard D Rogofsky and what standards did he set in comic grading. Where did grading come from and where might it go? Will grading companies start putting out exclusive, pre-slabbed editions. Secrets exposed! Gary Carter, Duane Dimock, David Grisez, Jamie Newbold, Greg Pharis

Steve Rude and Nexus (Palm A)
In 1981, artist Steve Rude and writer Mike Baron created Nexus, a popular and highly-regarded independent science-fiction comic. Steve subsequently received the Russ Manning Outstanding Newcomer Award in 1984 and he has won several "Best Artist" awards including the Kirby Award, the Eisner Award, and the Harvey Award, as well as an Inkpot Award from Comic-Con. Steve will be joined by Anina Bennett, his editor for Nexus at First Comics and Dark Horse Comics. Anina Bennett, Steve Rude

Splashing Ink On Museum Walls: Comic Art on Display (Palm B)
Comic art and comics are finally being recognized as worthy of display in galleries and museums. What are the best ways to present it to the public? How are new facilities like the Comic-Con Museum approaching their mission of education and entertainment? What does it mean for artists and the medium? Join Comic-Con Museum Director Adam Smith, author/scholar Kim Munson, and award-winning artist Mark Schultz for a wide-ranging exploration of the issues, moderated by Rob Salkowitz (Forbes, Full Bleed). Kim Munson, Rob Salkowitz, Mark Schultz, Adam Smith

Spotlight on William Nolan (Palm C)
Though best known for coauthoring Logan's Run, Science Fiction Guest of Honor William Nolan is the author of more than 2000 published pieces (fiction, nonfiction, articles, and books), has edited twenty-six anthologies, and has over twenty produced scripts to his credit. He has received numerous awards, among them: voted a Living Legend in Dark Fantasy by the International Horror Guild, twice won the Edgar Allan Poe Award from the Mystery Writers of America, was awarded the honorary title of Author Emeritus by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and was named a World Horror Society Grand Master in 2015. William Nolan will be interviewed by his good friend and fellow author, Jason Brock. Jason Brock, William Nolan

Comic Book Production - The Digital Workflow (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Sean Glumace

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 4:00PM

The Many Worlds of Jonathan Maberry (Lunar Cafe)
Author Jonathan Maberry -- NY Times Bestseller, 5-time Bram Stoker Award winner, creator of V-WARS (coming soon as a Netflix original series), the Joe Ledger thrillers, the Rot & Ruin series, and the Dead of Night series -- talks about the many worlds he's created and what we can look forward to seeing come our way from the Maberry-verse. Jonathan Maberry

Celebrating 70 Years of Bob Clampett's Beany and Cecil (Montgomery Theater)
In 1949, Warner Bros. animation great Bob Clampett created a puppet-based television program about a boy in a beany cap and a seasick sea serpent. Audiences all over the world were hooked and even Albert Einstein would cut lectures short when it was Time for Beany. A decade later the animated The Beany and Cecil Show premiered. Bob Clampett's son Rob Clampett and daughter Ruth Clampett are joined Mark Evanier, Scott Shaw! and Willie Ito to celebrate the 70th and 60th anniversaries of these beloved shows. Rob Clampett, Ruth Clampett, Mark Evanier, Willie Ito, Scott Shaw!

DC Comics' Chronos: The Man Out of Time's 20th Anniversary (Palm A)
What's it like to create a character for DC Comics? Go behind the scenes with Chronos co-creator/penciller Paul Guinan and inker Steve Leialoha. In 1998-1999, they teamed with writer John Francis Moore to launch a completely new version of the time traveler Chronos, revamping him from supervillain to antihero. Learn what it was like working with legendary editor Archie Goodwin, get a look at some of Guinan's rarely seen pencil art, hear untold tales of Chronos, and more! Anina Bennett, Paul Guinan, Steve Leialoha

MAN OF ACTION ENTERTAINMENT TAKING COMICS FROM PAGE TO SCREEN (Palm B)
Man of Action Entertainment's Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven. T. Seagle, the creator/writer/executive producers who created Ben10, Mega Man: Fully Charged, Generator Rex and Zak Storm will discuss how they translated their work from the Man of Action imprint at Image Comics (and others), into hit TV shows and films. Rouleau and Seagle created the team and characters of Big Hero 6, Casey is the screenwriter/producer of the Officer Downe film based on his graphic novel and Kelly is the screenwriter/producer of the I Kill Giants film based on his graphic novel. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle

Sixty Years of Imaging the Moon — A Personal Perspective (Palm C)
Both before and after the Apollo missions, scientists have explored the Moon using spacecraft with increasingly sophisticated on-board cameras. In this talk Dr. Michael Ravine, Advanced Projects Manager at Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, will describe how technology for imaging the Moon's surface has evolved, how imaging helped select landing sites for Apollo, and how a new generation of cameras will soon help scientists look for evidence of ice in the permanently shadowed regions at the lunar poles. Dr. Michael Ravine

Advanced Digital inking Techniques (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Brian Haberlin

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 5:00PM

Man of Action (Montgomery Theater)
Joe Casey! Joe Kelly! Duncan Rouleau! Steven T. Seagle! All amazing writers in their own right, but together they form the unparalleled creative force that is MAN OF ACTION! Come listen to the four members of the MOA team as they talk some of their biggest team projects like BEN 10 and ULTIMATE SPIDER-MAN to individual works like GØDLAND, I KILL GIANTS, THE GREAT UNKNOWN, and AMERICAN VIRGIN! Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle, TJ Shevlin

Fantastic Worlds: The Art of William Stout (Palm A)
A multi-talented artist, designer, and writer for comics, films, books, paintings, murals, album covers, trading cards, and Disney and Universal theme-park attractions, William Stout's professional career started in 1971, when he began to assist Russ Manning on the Tarzan of the Apes comic strip. He has done posters and advertising art for over 120 films, worked on over 40 feature films (including both Schwarzenegger Conan films), and his concept design on Guillermo del Toro's Pan's Labyrinth contributed to its winning two of its Academy Awards. He is especially noted as an illustrator of prehistoric life in books, film, murals and paintings (including the murals on permanent display at the San Diego Museum of Natural History). In November, 2018, was published the 300-page hardcover book Fantastic Worlds: The Art of William Stout, a beautiful retrospective of an amazing, prolific career. William Stout

Afro Futurism (Palm B)
The profile of Afro-futurism has risen sky-high with the advent of the landmark, internationally popular Black Panther film. Afro-futurist artist Jessi Jumanji will moderate a discussion of Afro-futurism in the arts and popular culture. Jessi Jumanji

Comics Space Travels, to the Moon and Beyond (Palm C)
75 years ago Max Gaines founded EC Comics, which forever expanded the potential of the medium. 50 years ago NASA's Apollo astronauts first landed on our lunar landscape, decisively advancing the frontiers of our imagination. And now, in tribute to both monumental events, Columbia Memorial Space Center's President Ben Dickow and Art Center's Comics History Professor Michael Dooley take off from Feldstein and Company's Weird Science Fantasies to survey more than a century of outer space exploration as depicted by many of the world's most visionary comics artists. Benjamin Dickow, Michael Dooley

Blade Runner: November 2019/Los Angeles 2049 (Palm D)
During a 40 year career, writer/filmmaker Paul M. Sammon has written approximately 20 books and worked on over 100 films. His most famous project is the book Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner, which has gone through three continually revised & expanded editions (in 1996, 2007, 2017). Future Noir has achieved classic status as one of the best film-history texts ever written, and Paul is considered the world authority on Blade Runner. Now join him as he hosts a free-wheeling talk/Q&A session about all things concerning BR, including Ridley Scott's original groundbreaking 1982 film (which takes place in Los Angeles 2019-this year!), and its excellent 2017 sequel, Blade Runner 2049! Paul Sammon

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 5:30PM

San Diego Comic Fest Auction (Lunar Cafe)
Don't miss the 2019 Comic Fest auction. There will be rare comics, signed original art work, toys, DVD's, and so much more. Auctions start as low as $1, so there are bargains to be had. This is a LIVE auction and loads of fun to check out. Auctioning gets underway at 5:30 PM. If you would like to donate to the auction, see Alex at Offworldtoys in the exhibit room. All proceeds go to benefit San Diego Comic Fest's IPACE League, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 6:00PM

20 Years of IDW Publishing (Montgomery Theater)
For the past 20 years, IDW Publishing has been San Diego's local comic book publisher. Things have been shaking up with Chris Ryall rising to the rank of President, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer. There are some big things in the works so hear from the IDW crew about their past, present and future. Jonathan Maberry, Joe Philips, Chris Ryall, Rob Salkowitz, Shannon Wheeler

Weird Cereal Boxes from Around the WORLD (Palm A)
How superheroes and cartoons, took over kids cereal boxes on earth. duane will force u to laugh, contemplate, exclaim and be totally okay being duped by Supes. A duane(of your choice) will start you in 1869, fly to 1940s superman boxes and examine the 60s to the 00s while showing big pictures of domestic or foreign cereal boxes. Over the past 25 years, duane hand picked the funniest foreign cereal boxes from shelves in Iceland, Hungry, Japan, Norway, Mexico, Taiwan, Scotland, China, England and Czechoslovakia. These images, will make your Hand, scratch your Head. PLUS, included free inside this show r video commercials, facts, racism, beautiful packaging art and insane looking characters. The last topic from the files of deceased cereal boxes, is SEX and DRUGS. Ohhh.... those 2 words, anyone under 2 years old, should cover their ears. After leaving the room, you'll head straight to a cereal aisle or jump into your time machine. This panel pushed on u, by DuanEdwarDimock. Duane Dimock

Diversifying our Human Portfolio (Palm B)
This very special panel will share insights of South Asian talent who are changing the landscape of entertainment. They will be exploring a few topics relevant to the entertainment industry and changes currently happening throughout the industry. Harish Rao (Director of Bulletproof Entertainment), moderator, will be joined by panelists Pornsak Pichetshote (Image Comics, Infidel graphic novel), Zehra Fazal (voice actor, Young Justice, Voltron), Yasmine Al-Bustami (Orbital Redux), and Reena Dutt (producer, actor, director). Yasmine Al-Bustami, Zehra Fazal, Ray Felipe, Pornsak Pichetshote, Harish Rao

Aliens Are Us (Palm C)
Since the later half of the twentieth century, African American and African Diaspora film actors have portrayed extra-terrestrials, pivotal characters (mythological or "real"), minor exotic diversions, and have given voice to animation personas from the big screen to video games. Time travelling through select TV shows, box office hits and grade B- to C+ films, pulp-culture mavin Ian Duckett and blogger-lecturer Delores Fisher will discuss several African American actors and their characters' visual representations in genres such as Sci-fi, Superhero, Ethno-horror, Fantasy, Video games, and TV shows. Ian Duckett will discuss Ivan Dixon, Roscoe Lee Brown, Angela Bassett, and Whoopi Goldberg while Delores Fisher will discuss Rae Dawn Chong, Gina Torres, Idris Elba, and Laurence Fishburne. Ian P. Duckett, Delores Fisher

Artful Agitator: Paul Verhoeven's Explosive SF Trilogy (RoboCop, Total Recall, Starship Troopers) (Palm D)
Between 1987-1997, three popular, provocative SF films - RoboCop, Total Recall, and Starship Troopers - were released to box-office success and critical acclaim. But although the titles of this trio remain known to the general public, only serious film fanatics seem to recall that the same man directed all three of them - and that these often savagely satirical motion pictures weren't even made by an American. Instead, they were directed by the legendary Paul Verhoeven, a confrontational Dutch director who went straight from making controversial art films in his native Netherlands to equally outrageous, sex-and-violence filled Hollywood blockbusters. Now join writer (Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner) and filmmaker (producer/CG Supervisor/photographer) Paul M. Sammon as he discusses Verhoeven himself, offers behind-the-scenes insights regarding the two Verhoeven films on which Sammon personally worked - Robo & Starship - and tells all about Recall. Plus, Sammon will tackle the question about that still notorious scene in the still outrageous erotic thriller Basic Instinct (which Verhoeven also directed); did Sharon Stone know she was being filmed sans scanties? Come to Artful Agitator for the answer - even if you don't understand the question! Paul Sammon

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 7:00PM

The 60th Anniversary of the Twilight Zone: An Arlen Schumer VisuaLecture (Montgomery Theater)
Author/designer Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) traces The Twilight Zone's roots in 20th Century surrealism, and its influence on psychedelia, televison, film, modern art and popular culture, in a unique multimedia presentation that combines the words, images, and music of the legendary television series! Arlen Schumer

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 7:30PM

Party at the Fest with Super Geeked Up: Geeky Improv LIVE! (Lunar Cafe)
Party in the Fest's Tranquility Base Cafe with the Super Geeked Up crew as they discuss your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, superhero, and gaming topics and play fun geek-themed improv games like Superhero Sound Effects, Universal Translator, and the Let's Geek It On Dating Game! Featuring Super Geeked Up creator/host Jeff Burns and special guest Chris Bramante from Thank You For Questing! If you like Whose Line Is It Anyway? you'll love these geektastic shenanigans! Don't miss this super-interactive, award-winning show! Matt Acevedo, Chris Bramante, Jeff Burns

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 8:30PM

More Untold Tales of Hollywood (Lunar Cafe)
Paul Sammon and William Stout have worked in Hollywood for decades and they've seen it all. This is a great chance to listen in on two film-industry veterans telling insider stories about the crazy, wicked, and wonderful world that is Hollywood. Film fans, don't miss this one: you will hear things you've never heard before! Paul Sammon, William Stout

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 9:00PM

But Wait, There's More Psychotronic Films (Montgomery Theater)
Shorts, Rare Previews, Feature Films, Cartoons and LOTS of other cool stuff. All from the realm of Sci Fi, Horror and Fantasy. A short attention span festival. One of the fastest paced assortments of the Weird, Unusual and best of all entertaining programs ever. Spend your late night sharing in the fun! John Field

Saturday, Mar 9, 2019 11:00PM

Late Night Oddball Comics (Montgomery Theater)
Scott Shaw!'s fan favorite Oddball Comics gets a late night twist, where he pulls out the comics that he doesn't show to the daytime audience. Leave the kids at home for this one. Scott Shaw!

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 10:00AM

Spotlight on Lee Marrs (Lunar Cafe)
Since the 1970s, Lee Marrs has been a cartoonist, animator, and one of the first female underground comix creators. She was a frequent contributor to underground comics and one of the "founding mommies" of the Wimmen's Comix collective, doing stories for such comix as Wet Satin, Manhunt, El Perfecto, and Gates of Heaven. She also was a regular contributor to Mike Friedrich's landmark independent F&SF comics anthology series and did SF stories as well for Heavy Metal, Epic Illustrated, and Imagine. Lee is perhaps best known for her comic book series The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp, which appeared from 1973 to 1977, and is about an overweight seventeen-year-old girl named Pudge whose adventures and experiences address themes of feminism, sexual orientation, racial diversity, and body positivity. Lee also did mainstream work for DC (Wonder Woman, The Viking Prince, Zatanna, Plop!, Weird Mystery Tales, House of Secrets) and Marvel's Crazy magazine, for which she created "Crazy Lady," a series about growing up female. Lee also is an Emmy-Award-winning animation director, running Lee Marrs Artwork, whose clients have included Disney/ABC, Apple Computer, IBM, Time Warner Inc., Children's Television Workshop, Nickelodeon, Electronic Arts, and MTV. Lee will be interviewed by Jackie Estrada. Jackie Estrada, Lee Marrs

Usagi Yojimbo 35th Anniversary (Montgomery Theater)
35 years ago, Usagi Yojimbo debuted in the pages of Albedo Anthropomorphics. Miyamoto Usagi went on to star in his own solo series, made cameos on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and featured in video games. The Ronin Rabbit has appeared in over 200 comics and won 5 Eisner Awards and shows no signs of slowing down. Join us for a chat with Stan Sakai as we look back on the history of Usagi Yojimbo. Stan Sakai

Man of Action Entertainment Workshop for Kids: Create Your Own Comic Book (Palm A)
Man of Action Entertainment's TV/film/comic book/graphic novel creator/producer/writers Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau and Steven T. Seagle debut their workshop on creating a new comic book/comic universe at SD Comic Fest. They'll share how they developed their hit creations: BEN 10, MEGA MAN: FULLY CHARGED, GENERATOR REX, ZAK STORM, the team/characters from BIG HERO 6. Then Man of Action will guide everyone in creating their own new comic universe, including exercises to help everyone build a brand new comic together over the course of the panel. Family friendly, parents welcome. Joe Casey, Joe Kelly, Duncan Rouleau, Steven T. Seagle

Working on Disney Animation in the '50s (Palm B)
When first hired to work on Disney animated films in the 1950s, Jane Baer, Willie Ito, and Floyd Norman were starry eyed kids and thus saw the studio in a different light thant Disney's famed "Nine Old Men." They were witness to a growing trends and big changes at Disney, with Disneyland on the drawing board, live features such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea being shot, and future plans being developed that expanded the scope of the studio. Join Jane, Willie, and Floyd as they talk about those magic days at Disney. Willie Ito, Floyd Norman, Jane Shattuck-Takamoto-Baer

How Fictional is Science Fiction? Real Talk with Three Neuroscientists on the State of Neuroscience (Palm C)
Stark Industries. Ghost in the Shell. Inception. In science fiction, the lines between what is real brain science and technology and what is fiction become unclear. While we're a long way from being able to upload a brain to a machine body, researchers in neuroscience are working to understand how the brain functions. In this panel, Junmi Saikia, Anja Payne, and Ege Yalcinbas from UC San Diego Neuroscience Outreach talk about some of the tools they use daily in their neuroscience labs, and how far we have yet to go to bridge the gap between biology and science fiction. They will also demonstrate concepts such as brain-machine interfaces, hijacking motor control of others, and more! Anja Payne, Junmi Saikia, Ege Yalcinbas

Girl Scout Comics Merit Badge Workshop (Palm D)
Alonso Nunez (Little Fish Comic Book Studio) will lead a Girl Scout merit badge comics-making workshop. Please note: attendance is limited to Girl Scouts who have pre-registered with workshop organizer Pamela Jackson. Pamela Jackson, Alonso Nunez

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 11:00AM

The Fantastic, Incredible Vaughn Bode (Lunar Cafe)
Vaughn Bode was inducted into the Will Eisner Award Hall of Fame in 2006. His comics career began in 1964 with an early self-published underground comic and lasted to his too-early passing in 1975. Along the way, he created his best-known character, Cheech Wizard, illustrated science fiction paperbacks and magazine stories, became the founding editor of the first underground comix tabloid, Gothic Blimp Works (after meeting comix-creator Trina), created the post-apocalyptic series Cobalt 60 (for which he won a Hugo Award), and in 1974 won the Yellow Kid Award from the International Congress of Cartoonists and Animators at the Italian Lucca comics festival. Beginning in 1972, Vaughn toured with his "Cartoon Concert" show, which he performed throughout the U.S. and even at The Louvre in Paris. French comics legend Moebius wrote of him, "What can I say about Vaughn? The only thing I can say is that Vaughn was one of the lights of America. When he brought his show to France, I went to see him. It was incredibly fantastic. He made a lecture fantastic... Vaughn really was a star. He was the only artist who was like a star in that sense." Vaughn's comics and career will be discussed by his son, Mark Bode, also a cartoonist, comix creator Trina Robbins, and cartoonist/publisher Phil Yeh. Mark Bode, Trina Robbins, Phil Yeh

Thundarr The Barbarian (Montgomery Theater)
In the early 1980s, Steve Gerber joined forces with Ruby-Spears Productions and brought forth the fan favorite cartoon, Thundarr the Barbarian. The short-lived show attracted a cult following and was celebrated for its creative storylines and characters. Join series writers Mark Evanier and Buzz Dixon as they tell everything and anything about crafting the stories behind Thundarr the Barbarian. Buzz Dixon, Mark Evanier, TJ Shevlin

Law Enforcement in Popular Culture: The Good, the Bad, and the Ridiculous (Palm A)
Award-winning crime-fiction and mystery author Alan Rusell and Jamie Newbold, owner of Southern California Comics and former San Diego Police Department officer assigned to the Gangs Unit, will discuss how law enforcement is portrayed in comics, books, and films/TV. They'll point out what pop culture gets right, what it gets wrong, and when it's just plain ridiculous. Jamie Newbold, Alan Russell

Disney Comic Strips and Consumer Products (Palm B)
Back in the day, Mike Royer, Floyd Norman, and Willie Ito worked on Disney Comic Strips. However, when the studio realized newspaper, syndicated comics trips were no longer doable, the department assigned the comic work to King Feature's bull pen. The department then became Disney Consumer Products where Mike and Willie worked for years while Floyd moved on to feature animation. With the advent of 800 plus Disney Stores worldwide, consumer products became one of the busiest departments at Disney. Join Mike, Floyd, and Willie as they share stories of those days at Disney. Willie Ito, Floyd Norman, Mike Royer

The Group (Bradbury, Beaumont, Nolan, Matheson, Johnson, et al.) (Palm C)
Join William Nolan, Sunni Brock, and Jason Brock in a discussion of "The Group", the legendary association of Southern California writers that became a dominant force in science fiction and fantasy in print, movies, and television (particularly Twilight Zone). At the core of The Group were Charles Beaumont (Twilight Zone), George Clayton Johnson, and William Nolan -- all great friends and admirers of Ray Bradbury -- with associated writers including Richard Matheson, Rod Serling, Robert Block, and Harlan Ellison. This is your chance to learn first hand about this wonderful and influential group of writers. Jason Brock, Sunni Brock, William Nolan

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 12:00PM

Little Fish Comic Book Studio: Comics, Community and Collaboration (Lunar Cafe)
Little Fish Comic Book Studio has been grown as San Diego's premier center for comic book education. Now as Little Fish enters its 7th year, it continues to grow with the help of a strong community. Learn how Little Fish helps nurture a community and keep going strong with a love of comic creation. Karen Coutts, Matt Dunford, Alonso Nunez, Adrian Perez

Bob Clampett's Classic Warner Brothers Cartoons (Montgomery Theater)
Fifty years ago this year, Warner Brothers closed its animation studio, thus bringing a great age of animation to an end. One of the outstanding creators at Warner's was Bob Clampett, who directed many of the most-loved cartoons. Join Bob's son Rob Clampett, daughter Ruth Clampett, and friend, admirer, and fellow animator Milt Gray in taking a look back at some of the finest cartoons ever made. Rob Clampett, Ruth Clampett, Milt Gray

Spotlight on Mark Schultz (Palm A)
While no doubt best known for his speculative comics series Xenozoic Tales, which spawned the animated television series Cadillacs and Dinosaurs, Mark Schultz also has produced illustrations for Robert E. Howard's Conan stories and many comics book covers, as well as scripts for The Stuff of Life, a guide to Genetics and DNA, the Prince Valiant comic strip, and various Superman comics. Rob Salkowitz will interview Mark in a review of his outstanding work to date as well as finding out what he is up to now and his plans for the future. Rob Salkowitz, Mark Schultz

50 Years of Neal Adams' Batman: An Arlen Schumer VisuaLecture (Palm B)
2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of Hall-of-Fame comic book artist Neal Adams beginning his four-year-plus stretch of stunning solo Batman stories that, following the damage done to the character by the campy TV series, rebooted Batman back to his original roots as a creature of the night, transforming the "Caped Crusader" into the "Dark Knight" we have known and loved ever since. Teamed with DC Comics writer Denny O'Neil and others, Adams' dynamic draftsmanship and visual virtuosity birthed a body of Batman stories that many consider the definitive version of the 80-year-old character. Join comic book art historian Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) as he revisits, and rejoices in, the fabulous first year of Adams' historic Batman run. Arlen Schumer

SpaceX: Into Orbit, Back to the Moon, and On to Mars (Palm C)
Elon Musk has said he was influenced by Isaac Asimov's Foundation series and views space exploration as an important step in preserving and expanding the consciousness of human life, and that multiplanetary life may serve as a hedge against threats to the survival of the human species. To those ends, Musk is said to have founded SpaceX in 2002 with the long-term goal of creating a true spacefaring civilization. The impressive progress that SpaceX has made since its founding includes becoming the largest private producer of rocket engines in the world, the holder of the record for the highest thrust-to-weight ratio for a rocket engine, the first privately funded liquid-fueled vehicle to put a satellite into Earth orbit, the first commercial company to launch and berth a vehicle to the International Space Station, landing, and advancing the prospects for lower-cost reusable rockets by recovering a rocket's first stage on 16 missions in a row where a landing and recovery were attempted. Join our panelists as they take a look at SpaceX's and Elon Musk's plans for space exploration, development, and colonization. Bryce Allen, Gregory Benford, Ryan Brodsky, Eli Burton, Bill Carton, Chris Griffith

Mark Kistler's "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" Sunday Workshop (Palm D)
Beloved host of PBS how-to-draw shows The Secret City Adventures (as Commander Mark) and Mark Kistler's Imagination Station and author of such best-selling how-to-draw books as You can draw in 30 Days, Mark Kistler presents a wonderful family-oriented "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" workshop. Mark Kistler

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 1:00PM

Spotlight on John Semper (Lunar Cafe)
Producer and head writer on the hit show Spider-Man: The Animated Series as well as writer and story editor for many other animated series, not to mention writer of Cyborg for DC, John Semper has brought many fan-favorite characters to life. San Comic Fest Chairman (and Spider-Man: The Animated Series superfan) Matt Dunford will interview John Semper and discuss highlights of his great career. Matt Dunford, John Semper

Oddball Comics (Montgomery Theater)
A perennial favorite at Comic Fest, attendees eagerly look forward each year to the funniest, craziest, most out of this world assembly of comic madness that is Scott Shaw!'s Oddball Comics show. What will Scott's theme be this year. There's only one way to find out: be there or be square. Scott Shaw!

Friends of Lulu: 1990s Feminism in Comics (Palm A)
Friends of Lulu was founded in 1993 with the goal of getting more women and girls involved in comics, as creators and as readers. And guess what? It worked! Join us for a look back at how 30 women meeting in a coffee shop during San Diego Comic-Con turned into a national nonprofit organization. Over the course of 16 years, Friends of Lulu published news, comics, reading lists, and a retailer handbook; established active chapters in four cities; organized mentoring programs, panel discussions, and three LuluCon conferences; gave out the annual Lulu Awards; and encouraged countless new female fans and talent such as Jessica Abel and Raina Telgemeier. Anina Bennett, Jackie Estrada, Mike Friedrich, Pamela Jackson, Lee Marrs, Trina Robbins, Phil Yeh

Visionary Comics: Spotlight on Barbara "Willy" Mendes (Palm B)
A pioneer among women underground cartoonists, Barbara "Willy" Mendes has had comix work appear in It Ain't Me Babe, All Girl Thrills, Slow Death Funnies, and Illuminations. Her brilliantly colored narrative paintings, epic in detail and scale, have been exhibited in the U.S. and Israel. She has been declared a "Los Angeles Cultural Treasure," and the corner featuring her "Angel Wall" outdoor mural is officially designated "Barbara Mendes Square." Her latest comics work is a new Queen of Cosmos Comix due out from Red 5 Comics. Willy Mendes

The Apollo Program and Von Braun's Lost Mars Architecture: Why Humans Were Not On Mars in 1982 (Palm C)
Professor Marc Murbach first reviews the evolution and triumph of the Apollo program - with much of the technology built in Southern California. The area was the 'silicon valley of aerospace' during the era - with many facilities pointed out and of primary importance. With the evolution of the Saturn V (Why was it called the Saturn V?), NASA was on the verge of rapidly building a remarkable capability on the Moon and Mars - according to a 30-year plan given to Congress 2 weeks after the Apollo 11 landing. Could we have done it.. If the answer is 'yes,' why then was it abandoned? Marc Murbach

Comic book Layout in Adobe InDesign (Digital Arts Workshop Sunday) (Palm D)
Avery Caldwell

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 2:00PM

What's Wrong With Comics and How Can We Fix It? (Lunar Cafe)
We all love comics, but there is no denying that comics have seen better days. Even as superheroes top the box office sales of comics are down and stores are closing. Join our panel of experts as we ask, "What's wrong with comics?" Barbara Kesel, Jamie Newbold, Chris Ryall, TJ Shevlin

San Diego's First Feature Animation Studio (Montgomery Theater)
In the 1980s two feature length cartoon movies were being produced in San Diego, at Lion's Den Productions. We will introduce some of the artists from that studio and screen a never before released cartoon in full animation that they produced. Milt Gray

Aztec Empire: Exploring History Through Graphic Novels (Palm A)
Comic books, once derided as subliterate, are now making serious inroads into classrooms and academic fields like graphic medicine, science, and anthropology. Using Paul Guinan's new graphic novel series Aztec Empire as an example, we'll talk about how comics can be entertaining while also helping us understand complex concepts and events. Guinan, who co-created Chronos for DC Comics, is bringing all his skills to bear on Aztec Empire: writing, layouts, lettering, coloring, and (of course) copious research. Through social media, he's getting real-time feedback on the first few chapters from native Nahuatl and Spanish speakers, archaeologists, anthropologists, historians, and fans. Read Aztec Empire online at www.BigRedHair.com. Anina Bennett, Paul Guinan

Developing alongside the Audience: An Indie Video-Game Studio's Experience (Palm B)
From video-game developer Hyperkinetic Studios, Yoshitomo Moriwaki (Co-Founder and CCO) and Sarah Blandy (Vice President of Strategy) discuss streaming game development through Twitch, interactive storytelling, and the perks of creative transparency across all forms of media. Sarah Blandy, Yoshitomo Moriwaki

How can I become a scientist? (Palm C)
In this panel for young people of all ages (and their parents, grandparents, and other family members), we'll ask some outstanding young scientists to describe the paths that they took to a career in science, and to give advice to the next generation of scientific superstars. Juanele, Dr. Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, Dr. Sally Shaw, Dr. Lisa Will

Creating Shorts in Adobe Character Animator (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
David Dodds

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 3:00PM

San Diego Comic Fest Auction: Part II (Lunar Cafe)
Take home a piece of Comic Fest 2019 history; posters, lunar lander, almost everything... including the moon. Most items you see in the Tranquility Base Cafe will be auctioned off Sunday with bids starting as low as $1, so there are bargains to be had. This is a LIVE auction and loads of fun to check out. Auctioning gets underway at 3:00 PM. All proceeds go to benefit San Diego Comic Fest's IPACE League, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

The First Super Heroes of the Serials (Montgomery Theater)
Hardly any film fan today, realizes that Batman starred in two action packed serials in 1943 and 1949! Superman as well premiered in the flesh in 1948. Clips shown at this fun filled presentation include Captain Marvel, Captain America, Rocketman etc. A Nostalgic look back at a time before big budget films. John Field

How Toys Shaped Animation (Palm B)
Toys and cartoons are a match made in heaven. But there was a when toys shaped the animation industry. Buzz Dixon and John Semper are joined by some of San Diego's biggest toy fanatics to chat about how toys influenced Buzz Dixon, Jordan Hammer (Toyshiz), Tawmis (The Toys That Made Us) Lounge, John Semper, TJ Shevlin

CAESAR vs. Dragonfly - Our Next Mission to the Outer Solar System (Palm C)
NASA is currently in the final stage of the competition for the next mission to the outer solar system. It's now down to two competitors: CAESAR (the Comet Astrobiology Exploration SAmple Return), which will fly to a comet out past Jupiter and bring back a piece of its nucleus, and Dragonfly (which isn't an acronym), which will land a nuclear powered quad-copter on Saturn's moon Titan to conduct an aerial survey among the ice sand dunes and ice volcanic flows. San Diego-based Malin Space Science Systems a member of both teams to provide all the cameras on each of the missions. Dr. Michael Ravine of MSSS will present an overview of each of these very cool missions and discuss what it's like to design sixteen different cameras for two competing space missions at the same time. Dr. Michael Ravine

Graphic Novel Creation & Digital Workflow in Adobe Illustrator (Digital Arts Workshop) (Palm D)
Howard Simpson

Sunday, Mar 10, 2019 4:00PM

Name That Movie! (Montgomery Theater)
Tired of your typical game show? Boring questions and even more boring things to look at? Here is something completely different. Film Fan Extraordinaire and Special Guest John Field will present and host this exciting game and you can be part of it! John has taken clips from fifty different Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy films. The contestant's job is to name as many clips as they can! Whoever names the most clips wins! Yes, John will have prizes for first, second, third and even fourth place winners! Put your name in the magic film can and you could play! The audience has a chance to win as well! Don't miss this entertainment packed show! John Field

Accidental Aliens (Palm A)
A few years ago here at San Diego Comic Fest, a group of artists crossed paths at San Diego Comic Fest and united to create Accidental Aliens. Topics include how a drawing group can inspire artists to hit deadlines on top of real 9-5 day jobs, promotion of individual talents through a group social media campaign, working together to tackle the logistics of a successful Kickstarter campaign, promoting diversity, group networking, and how a drawing group can improve your skills as a comics artist while having fun making new friends in your very own creative tribe! Andi Dukleth, Scott Lost, Terry Mayo, Travis Rivas, Emily Rocha, Tristan Whitehouse

The Kaiju Panel (Palm B)
There is just something about a giant monster that remains an interesting concept no matter how many times you do it. From King Kong to Godzilla, Cloverfield and Pacific Rim we love big freaky looking monsters that can smash our cities to bits. Join Hiroshi Kanatani (Toho Studios Japan artist) and Chris Mowry (Godzilla: Rulers of the Earth, Toho North American Brand Manager) and moderator Beth Accomando (KPBS pop-culture reporter) for this monster of a panel. Beth Accomando, Hiroshi Kanatani, Chris Mowry, Ramie Tateish

The Colors of Space (Palm C)
Why does our Sun appear yellow? Why is Mars called the red planet? Why are some nebulae red and others blue? What can colors tell us about the universe? Join us to find out! Dr. Lisa Will

Give your Manga a Home: Landscape Design and 3D Rendering For Unique & Animated Backgrounds (Digital (Palm D)
Philip Staiger