WonderCon 2016

One of the great appeals of comics has always been the ability of readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Even if a character has supernatural abilities, or lives an extraordinary life, the reader is drawn to a comic because of its ability to resonate with them. This can be especially important for those who are underrepresented in mainstream media. What does this mean for Latino comics creators? Moderator Vince Hernandez (Aspen) discusses how background can affect one's work with WonderCon special guests Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), and Paolo Rivera (Daredevil).

Hyperprolific comics writer (and WonderCon special guest) Charles Soule (over 200 published issues since 2012, including Daredevil, Poe Dameron, Death of Wolverine, Letter 44,Swamp Thing, and many more) stares into the bright light of justice for a full hour. Moderated by Shawn DePasquale, longtime friend and reader of early drafts who knows where all the bodies are buried. Bring the questions you're too scared to ask anywhere else; nothing is off-limits. Free candy and legal advice for all! (There will be no candy, and legal advice will be billed at Soule's standard hourly rate.)

Go behind the scenes of DC Entertainment for an in-depth look at some of the most exciting stories and exhibits across DC Comics, Vertigo and MAD! New and veteran fans alike are welcome for a tutorial on the essential stories, videos, and products that make up the immersive DC Universe. Panelists include Shelly Bond, Ming Doyle, Jay Fabok, JT Krul, Annie Wu, and Nathan Sawaya.

UPDATED: Mon, Mar 21, 02:17PM
Sit in with Sierra Hahn (BOOM! Studios senior editor) as she leads a discussion on the roles editors can play in the comic industry with Jamie Rich (Vertigo senior editor, Lady Killer), Eric Harburn (BOOM! Studios editor), Joëlle Jones (Lady Killer), Leigh Luna (Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems) and Mairghread Scott (Toil and Trouble). Listen as they explore the differences between working with or without an editor, at an indie publisher or the Big Two, and how editors can partner with talent to put creators' visions to paper.

Whether it's far-flung futures or fantastical stories, the worlds that authors build are complex. How do storytellers create new worlds and unexplored universes? What is it like to become an architect for expansive mythos treasured by the masses? What's the process for developing exciting new protagonists and working with established icons? Cecil Castellucci (Moving Target: Princess Leia), Aditi Khorana (Mirror in the Sky), Caragh M O'Brien (Vault of Dreamers), Lisa Yee (Author, DC Superhero Girls series), Margaret Stohl (Black Widow: Forever Red), and Victoria Schwab (A Gathering of Shadows) discuss how they create their worlds, the process involved in creating nuanced characters, and working with licensed properties.