Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Amy Berg (writer, Da Vinci's Demons) (The Originals), Shawna Benson (The 100), Susan Kresnicka (anthropologist, Troika), Eric Goldman (writer, IGN), and Jo Garfein (executive director, Cancer Gets LOST) will discuss the evolution of fandom and how social media have been both a blessing and a curse to fans, content creators and entertainment journalists. This panel seeks to bring this debate out into the open, to discuss how the rules of fandom have changed and what creators and fans can do to make the fan/creator interaction positive and enriching.
Sunday March 27, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 502B
Founder Huston Huddleston has compiled some of the greatest names in sci-fi and horror to create the 2016 traveling exhibit, and 2018 permanent location for the Hollywood Science Fiction Museum and Hollywood Horror Museum. What began as restoring the Star Trek Enterprise Bridge set has expanded into what will be the world's largest nonprofit educational museums for both genres. Board members include Ronald D. Moore, David Gerrold, Andrew Probert, Joe Dante, Clive Barker, Tom Holland, Sean S. Cunningham, Mick Garris, Sara Karloff, and Greg Nicotero.
Sunday March 27, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 151
Do you want to know what it takes to build your own Star Wars droid? Southern California R2 builders Chris Romines,Michael McMaster,William Miyamoto, and Victor Franco (moderator) discuss how their robots were built and how they work. Topics include materials, blueprints, building techniques, tools, and the electronics used to bring R2's to life.
Sunday March 27, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 411
Did you ever want to be a superhero? Did you ever wish you had super powers? This panel of psychologists and writers discuss the benefits of comics and how they can potentially be therapeutic. Psychologists Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; Star Wars Psychology) and Dr. Patrick O'Connor (Comicspedia; Walking Dead Psychology), peer counselor Travis Adams (Department of Veterans Affairs), and writer Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History; Walking Dead Psychology) discuss your favorite superheroes. Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia; Star Wars Psychology) moderates.
Sunday March 27, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 502A
Ron Diamond (program curator and producer) presents a handpicked selection of many of the best in new internationally acclaimed animated shorts from Australia, Iran, Ireland, the UK and the USA, including new works by Don Hertzfeldt and Amanda Palmer. Following the screening, Diamond will conduct a Q&A.
Sunday March 27, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 403AB
Fiberglass? Foam? 3D-Printing? Lasers? Looking to build your own Halo armor and props but don't know where to start? The members of the 405th Pacific Regiment are here to help! They will be discussing many of the methods used to create props and armor from the Halo universe, followed by a Q&A to help you get started on your armor-building journey. Panelists include J.P. Pollio and Cary Gunnar Lee (pepakura and painting), Ian Milward (3D-printing), Alec Richter (vacuform), and Kenneth Miller (foam and rigging). Moderated by Benedict Choy (405th Pacific CO).
Sunday March 27, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central's @Midnight, AMC'sTalking Dead) is joined by Jessica Chobot (Nerdist News), Nerdist Industries president Adam Rymer, and the Nerdist editorial team: editor-in-chief Rachel Heine,Dan Casey (The Dan Cave), Malik Forté (Nerdist Play), Kyle Hill (Because Science), Matt Grosinger (Celebrity Playlist), and managing editor Alicia Lutes. The panel will talk sci-fi, superheroes, and what it's like to work at Nerdist.
A psychologist created the world's most famous superheroine. A psychiatrist attacked that psychologist and the character as part of his war on the comic book industry. One helped bring the Golden Age of Comics to life, one helped end it. Their repercussions have lasted to this day. After them, comics psychology largely died until the 21st century, when a growing number of psych pros resurrected it in books, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. Join psychologists Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Captain America vs. Iron Man), Elizabeth Ann (Star Wars Psychology), Patrick O'Connor (Comicspedia), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), along with Alan Kistler (Agents of Style) and Matt Munson (The Project Workbench) for a look at the comic book psychos.
Sunday March 27, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 411
Some of the greatest artistry in comics today can be found not in the books but on the outside. What goes into designing a memorable, magnificent cover? This topic is discussed with examples by folks who've done it, featuring Paolo Rivera (Daredevil, The Valiant), Bill Sienkiewicz (Stray Toasters, Elektra: Assassin), and Annie Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye). Presiding over the discussion is Mark Evanier.
Sunday March 27, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 502A
Photographers and photojournalists Bill Watters (Bleeding Cool), Dave Luchessi (Disney), Geri Kramer, Jon York (York in a Box Photography), Mike Tuffley (Disney), and Deborah Kountz (DebShots Photography) discuss tips and tricks on getting the most out of photography at conventions. The conversation will cover tricks of the trade, changes in technology, how to get great shots at conventions, working with cosplayers and groups, and the ever-evolving legal aspects that surround photography. Experienced photographers as well as those shooting with their smartphones will all find something new to take away from the panel.
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Doll owners and enthusiasts gather to discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Volks, Fairyland, Iplehouse, and many others. Whether a seasoned collector or someone just starting out, you'll have the opportunity to learn basics and share tips. Come to share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just to see the dolls on display, from tiny to towering. It's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin!
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 515B
Meet the women whose work changed what's possible for free expression in comics! In the Golden and Silver Ages, pioneering cartoonists challenged gender and color barriers to establish a place for women in comics. In the turbulent 1960s and 1970s, underground cartoonists used the comics page to advance feminism and teach public health, while the alternative cartoonists of the 1980s and 1990s produced groundbreaking personal and political narratives. This panel will also explore the editors and publishers who blazed new trails for mainstream and alternative comics and examine the creators who made the graphic novels that inspired today's landscape of increasingly diverse and empowering comics storytelling. Moderated by CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez.
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 502A
Working in teams always has its challenges, but imagine how hard it must be when that challenge is to save the world! When our favorite characters team up, it makes for some amazing stories. WonderCon special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Uncanny X-Men) and Charles Soule (Inhuman) discuss group dynamics in comics with moderator Jessica Tseang.
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 152
Erika Rothberg (Loyola Marymount University) demonstrates the ways in which Watchmen can be used to teach introductory Foucauldian power theory to undergraduate students and keep them engaged with (instead of afraid of) critical theory. Derek Heid (Temecula Valley High School) shows how to use Dan Walsh's Garfield Minus Garfield to introduce the notion of "formalism" and literary theory in high school English classes and to demonstrate how adherence to rules and the perversion of those rules works within genre. Matthew Hoffman (Florida State University), and Sara Kolmes (Florida State University) examine the heteronormative and amatonormative shift in the transformation of Superman and Wonder Woman's relationship from platonic to romantic.
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 411
Star Wars VII: The Force Awakens's huge success has brought out fans of all ages to the theaters to see the first live action Star Wars film in 10 years. Hear the fans speak about what they loved, what they were surprised about, and what failed to live up to their expectations-all while the next wave of Star Wars fans explore advances made in the Star Wars Universe 39 years after its original release. Plus enjoy a special review of the incredible fan art inspired by The Force Awakens that has added a new layer and depth to your favorite characters. Panelists include Shawn Crosby (Rebel Legion), Kevin Pere (501st Legion), Jessica Woods (501st Legion), Ralph RJ Perez ( Star Wars fan), and moderator Anastasia Hunter.
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Once more, with feeling! You're invited to the fourth celebration of toe-tapping, floor-stomping cartoon music, including the immensely popular sing-along with the Batman: The Brave and the Bold episode "Mayhem of the Music Meister." Join a bevy of special guests, from composers and songwriters to the voices carrying the tunes, as well as Warner Archive Collection podcast hosts Matt Patterson,D. W. Ferranti, and a few surprise guests for an entertaining, interactive look & listen at some of the great cartoon music of the past 50 years.
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 408AB
Kyle Hill (Because Science, Nerdist Science editor) and a group of scientists, engineers, and mega nerds discuss the secret science behind everything from Starkiller Base to lightsabers to BB-8. A large portion of the panel will be devoted to an audience Q&A, so get ready to geek out.
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 403AB
Explore what it's like be a geek, working in a geek culture vocation, while raising a geekling. Join panelists for a rousing discussion of modern-day parenting, attending conventions, using devices, cosplaying, online privacy, and using tech to make you a better parent, as well as when is best to introduce kids to the Star Wars movies (and in what order?), and more! Bring your kids and your questions! The panel will have some coloring books to keep kids occupied so you can try to focus! Panelists include Melody Mooney (writer, Geekmom.com), Kendra Moras (Photography by Kendra Jean), Heather Pritchett (technical director, Disney Animation), and Cris Moras (lighter, Disney Feature Animation). Moderated by Theresa Wollenstein (organizer, Geeklings & Parental Units playdate group).
Sunday March 27, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Rod Roddenberry (executive producer, son of Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek),Trevor Roth (COO/head of development, Roddenberry Entrainment), and Tory Mell (producer, Roddenberry Entertainment) celebrate the sci-fi giant's golden anniversary! Join this panel for fun, prizes, and more! Rod and Trevor will partake in a Q&A session moderated by a surprise guest.
Sunday March 27, 2016 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 403AB
Ladies unite to create more female-driven content. Accomplished female creators will discuss how to cultivate your ideas and bring them to life. Leave with inspiration, confidence, a solid plan of action, and tons of new ideas. All genders and ages welcome! Panelists include Patty Robinson (Pike & Trident), Jenny Lorenzo (Buzzfeed, Geekgasm), Heidi Cox (Stalking LeVar), Stephanie Thorpe (Elf Quest, Ladies & The Gents), and Kristen Nedopak (The Geekie Awards, The Skyrim Parodies).
Sunday March 27, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Once relegated to the fringe of society, LGBTQ culture has shifted dynamically into the mainstream over the last 15 years, as witnessed by the acceptance of marriage equality, a transgender Olympian receiving standing ovations, and more positive LGBTQ characters in film and television than ever before. Even the geekosphere, a traditionally straight boy's club, is increasingly crossing over into the queer realm with gay comic book characters like Midnighter, lesbian characters on Gotham andAdventure Time and Ryan Reynolds admittedly bisexual as Deadpool. Join Prism Comics and moderator Mike Ciriaco (Hype, writer for LA Weekly, Frontiers) as he discusses the origins, trends, and benefits of the overlap of geek and gay with panelists Josh Trujillo (Love Machines, Death Saves), Sina Grace (Self Obsessed), Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Anything That Loves), Mike Manning (An Act of Love, Youthful Daze, Delirium), Jim McCann (Return of the Dapper Men, Mind the Gap), Ted Biaselli (The Haunting Hour, Spooksville), and Gordon Bellamy (game developer).
Sunday March 27, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 515A
WonderCon is going out on a high note! The powers that be behind Whendopolis 2016, aka the folks who bring you the Buffy musical "Once More With Feeling" to close out San Diego Comic-Con, present an interactive screening of Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! Come and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer, or whatever, for "Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool!" Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. There will be audience participation; it isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore.
Sunday March 27, 2016 3:00pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 151
They call him the King of the Comics and his influence is inescapable around the industry and around this convention. Today, 22 years after he left us, there's still so much to say about him, and some of it will be said by Steve Sherman (former Kirby assistant), Charles Hatfield (author, Hand of Fire: The Comics Art of Jack Kirby), Paul S. Levine (Kirby family attorney), and your moderator, Mark Evanier (former Kirby assistant; author, Kirby: King of Comics). Including another special guest or two.
Sunday March 27, 2016 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 502A
The must-see panel of Comic-Con and WonderCon, as profiled on NPR's "All Things Considered," returns for another action-packed year of scholarly debate in a very special WonderCon edition: Wars vs. Trek, as only ships from Star Wars and Star Trek will compete. The winners will go on to duke it out at San Diego. Who will battle for the highly coveted Smackdown title this year? Can the Starship Enterprise defeat an Imperial Star Destroyer? Will the Millennium Falcon be assimilated by the Borg Cube? Will the Reliant be taken over by Rathars? Join this panel of sage spaceshipologists who've seen a lot through these eyes as they outwit, outplay, and out-phaser. Starring Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels, The Clone Wars), Bobak Ferdowski ("Mohawk Guy" and actual spaceship builder), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, Power Rangers), Daren Dochterman (VFX supervisor,Star Trek: The Motion Picture: Director's Edition), Robert Meyer Burnett (ST: TNG blu-rays, The Hills Run Red), Jose Molina (Firefly, Agent Carter), and the Howard Cosell of the stars, moderator Mark A. Altman (50 Year Mission, The Librarians), along with what will inevitably be some very special surprise guests. End your weekend with the geekiest and most beloved panel of all-time in this or any other dimension, known or unknown.
Sunday March 27, 2016 3:30pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 403AB
This panel presents the vital basics of group management and networking, so covered topics can apply to any project, from hobbyist to professional purposes. Knowing the basics of group organization, forming and then working with a group without mortally wounding each other, is the difference between success or failure of your projects, and possibly friendships. No matter which industry (comics, illustration, TV/movies, webseries, webcomics, design, animation, costuming, cosplay, or blogging), breaking in has never been more apt a term than in today's media. The panelists are from a wide array of media so they can speak to a variety of topics and answer questions specific to your projects. Topher Davila (art director,Geekdom Wear),Sean Glumace (Adobe education leader),Brendan Creecy (Radio BrendoMan podcast), Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (Molecular Geneticist),Renah Wolzinger (higher education leadership: statewide technical assistance provider for data tools, California community colleges), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author and lecturer),Gene Turnbow (general manager, Krypton Radio), andMario Martinez (co-creator, TomatoTV) will speak, answer questions, and provide short interactive exercises where the audience can directly apply the topics covered. As an added bonus for attendees, there will be a giveaway of one-year subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud.
Sunday March 27, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 515A
Back by popular request, this panel focuses on the psychology behind the most recent seasons of your favorite TV shows, including Doctor Who, Supernatural, Sherlock, Jessica Jones, Daredevil, Castle, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, and others. Join psychologists, Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; Star Wars Psychology), Dr. Travis Langley (Doctor Who Psychology; Star Trek Psychology), actors Maurice La Marche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama), and Chase Masterson (Star Trek, The Flash) and host Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia, Star Wars Psychology) in geeking out and discussing your favorite TV shows. Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History; Walking Dead Psychology) moderates.
Sunday March 27, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 502B
