WonderCon 2016

UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 02:26PM
Explore what has made the Harry Potter series a global phenomenon such as the meaning behind the books, Harry Potter in the classroom, life lessons, magical beasts, etc. Additionally, panelists will also cover the different areas of fandom still going strong since the end of the series such as events, theme parks, travel to filming locations, merchandise, etc. During the panel, we will also speculate where the fandom is going with the upcoming release of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on November 18th starring Eddie Redmayne which was written by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling and takes place in the Wizarding World. Panelists include Dr. Melissa D. Aaron (Professor of English and Foreign Languages at Cal Poly Pomona), Di Valentine (Esquire), Kelly King (educator, California Credential - Secondary English & Drama), Jenny Mendoza (graphic designer & illustrator), Jessica Zipay (administrative support specialist) and moderated by Adrienne Alwag (multicultural & niche marketing expert). All of the women featured on the panel are members of The Los Angeles Dumbledore’s Army, the 2nd largest Harry Potter fan group in the world since 2008 who produces the annual Harry Potter Roller Skating Night.

Centuries of mythology inform speculative fiction storytelling; how do authors pick and choose what they incorporate and what they alter? Classic heroes and heroines, deities, and sea creatures and monsters (terrestrial and extra) play roles in the works of Rachel Marks (Dark Cycle series), Randy Henderson (Arcana Familia series), Judd Winick (HILO series), Tobie Easton (Mer Chronicles series), and Kathryn Rose (Metal & Lace series). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Yturralde of Mysterious Galaxy.

Tolkien fandom existed before Peter Jackson's LOTR and Hobbit films, and will remain long after; but what now? Are they still vital in the digital age, or will they fall to the fringes? A brief (and exciting) look at its history and what is next for fans of the man who laid the foundation for so much else in popular culture, including most everything at WonderCon. After $6 billion in box office revenue, is Hollywood done with Middle-earth? Audio, visuals, facts, and opinions from the staff of TORn, followed by a Q&A.

New York Times bestselling novelist Scott Sigler (The Generations trilogy) interviews bestseller and WonderCon special guest Peter Clines (the Ex-Heroes series) in a talk about superheroes, superpowers, books, Hollywood, and H. P. Lovecraft. Join Peter and Scott for the one-on-one interview and a Q&A session.

Have you ever wanted your novel published? Her Universe brings together experts to help you prepare a winning pitch. Hear advice from published authors on their professional journey. Hosted by actress (voice of Ahsoka Tano, Star Wars Rebels), entrepreneur, and Her Universe and Her Universe Press founder Ashley Eckstein. Joining her are author Heather Nuhfer (Weirdest), author E. Anne Convery (The Confidence Chronicles), and New York Times USA Today #1 bestselling author Christina Hobbs (writing under the penname Christina Lauren with her writing partner).

What is it about grim and gritty, dark and dystopian, that readers crave? And how can humor exist in the midst thereof? Tap into the noir side of existence with R. S. Belcher (The Six-Gun Tarot, The Brotherhood of the Wheel), Robert Brockway (The Unnoticeables), Stephen Blackmoore (Heroes Reborn: Dirty Deeds), Scott Sigler (Generations Trilogy), Amber Benson (The Echo Park Coven novels), and David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.

Acclaimed children's book author/illustrators Barney Saltzberg (Beautiful Oops!), Bruce Hale (Clark the Shark), Jon Klassen (Caldecott winner, New York Times bestseller), Antoinette Portis (New York Times bestseller), and Dan Santat (Caldecott winner, New York Times bestseller) will share their insights into the KidLit industry, how to get started, and lessons learned. Moderated by Henry Herz (Monster Goose Nursery Rhymes).

WonderCon special guest V. E. Schwab, author of the Shades of Magic series, and fan writer Mark Oshiro, creator of the wildly popular Mark Does Stuff, discuss everything from books, shows, and movies to Marvel, anime, fandom, what it's like to live on the Internet, and finding one's place in fantasy. Q&A following interview.

Accomplished authors and actors discuss romance in science fiction and fantasy. Crush, heartthrob, or love at first site. Attraction, compatibility, offspring, love, society, (extremely) long-distance relationships, close quarters, customs, rituals, religions, marriage, and more. Join panelists Rebekah R. Ganiere (Fairelle series, president of Fantasy Futuristic & Paranormal RWA chapter), Mira Furlan (actress, Lost, Babylon 5), James Kyson (Heroes, Nobility), Gigi Edgley (actress, Farscape, Star Trek Continues), and Mark O'Bannon (author, The Dream Crystal, Star Raiders). Moderated by James Ganiere (chief editor, Fallen Angel Press, CEO-Rio Vista Universal).

In George R. R. Martin's fantasy world, where almost everyone fights for power over the realm or simply over their own lives, how do love and hate, good and evil, need and greed, altruism and narcissism drive the very best and the very worst human behavior? Join the knights of the psych table as they diagnose characters, explore all these questions, and more. Psychologists Travis Langley (Game of Thrones Psychology; Batman and Psychology), Janina Scarlet (The Walking Dead Psychology; Superhero Psychology), and Erin Currie (MyPsychgeek; Doctor Who Psychology) come together with Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia; Star Wars Psychology), Kieran Dickson(Outer Places), Matt Munson (The Project Workbench; Star Trek Psychology) and Kyle Maddock (A Podcast of Ice and Fire). What kind of person can even survive the game of thrones, much less hope to win?