Can caped crusaders inspire you to find your inner courage? The Pop Culture Hero Coalition presents a powerful discussion about real-life heroism with a spotlight on Paul Dini and his powerful, soon to be released autobiographical graphic novel Dark Night: A True Batman Story (Vertigo, June 2016). Dini (Batman: The Animated Series, Batman Beyond) will be joined by experts in psychology, education, and human rights activism. The panel will explore topics such as bullying, online harassment, hate crimes, and other interpersonal adversities. For the first time, Amnesty International USA will attend a pop culture convention, with Ann Burroughs (Amnestychairman of the board, former apartheid prisoner of conscience) joining United Nations Associationpresident Bettina Hausmann, Global Ted Fellow Suleiman Bahkit (founder, Aranim Comics, Hero Factor), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (host, The Arkham Sessions, Under the Mask), and coalition founder Chase Masterson (Star Trek, The Flash). Join this riveting discussion on how fictional characters in comics, film, and TV can teach us to overcome bullying and become heroes in our everyday lives!
Friday March 25, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 502B
The hosts of Geek & Sundry Live are bringing the hilarious show Drama Club Heroes to WonderCon! Join this panel for a fun live reading of the planned but never executed script of James Cameron's Amazing Spider-Man and a chance to win some G&S swag!
Friday March 25, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 151
Tom Hodges (comic artist and illustrator),"Artist Abe" Lopez (artist and illustrator), Joey "Joebot" Spiotto (Alien Next Door, Storytime Gallery 1988), Danny Haas (designer and illustrator), John "Captain Ribman" Sprengelmeyer (award-winning illustrator, syndicated cartoonist), Pauline Acalin (pixel artist,72 Pins), and Jason "JangoSnow" Wong (graphic designer and illustrator) discuss tapping into your favorite fandoms for inspiration, how pop culture has influenced the course of their work, and the rise of pop-parody apparel culture. Moderated by Tom Kurzanski (art director for TeeFury).
Friday March 25, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 502B
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 21, 01:09PM For the last two years, Her Universe and Hot Topic have produced The Her Universe "Geek Couture" Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. Each year two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein,Cat Carson(SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (VP, merchandising), Andrea Lewis (director, brand marketing) from Hot Topic, Jennifer Tisdale (EVP Blondie Girl Productions) and 2015 fashion show winners Kelly Cercone and Leetal Platt take you behind the scenes of the making of their all-newStar Wars: The Force Awakens line for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Star Wars collection and hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2016 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!
Friday March 25, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 502B
This panel covers what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup to go with it. It will cover beauty makeup, appliance application, special fx makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. The panelists include Dawnielle Banks (Makeup By Siryn, Batgirl Spoiled lead makeup designer), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters, winning look SDCC Her Universe Fashion Show), Kelton Ching (SDCC 2014 Apocalypse makeup demo, Blizzcon 2015 4th place winner), and Chrissy Lynn(Super Power Beat Down's Darth Maul, League of Steam's White Wolf), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds. They will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay, as well as offer tips and tools of the trade to use. Moderated by cosplayer Mac Beauvais(Monstrous Makeup Manuals 1&2 model, actress in The Gloaming).
Friday March 25, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Panelists confirm it was "a bad call, Ripley, a bad call" as their Algonquin Geek Table twists and shouts about the glorious moviegoing nirvana of 1986 includingAliens, Top Gun, Stand By Me, Ferris Buellers Day's Off, Back to School, Big Trouble in Little China, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Fly,Labyrinth,9½ Weeks, andHoward the Duck. Starring Ashley E. Miller (writer,Big Trouble in Little China remake), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels), Steve Kriozere (The Librarians, NCIS), Robert Meyer Burnett (Agent Cody Banks, ST: TNG Blu-Rays), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP, director's edition VFX supervisor), and Charles de Lauzirika (Crave, The Alien Anthology). Moderated by Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood).
Friday March 25, 2016 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 152
In the Star Wars cinematic universe, traditional father and son dynamics become twisted and turned. Is this a result of nature or nurture? Why does Ben Solo turn to the Dark Side of the Force, becoming Kylo Ren, while Luke Skywalker chooses to remain with the Jedi? Does Kylo Ren have any chance at redemption like his grandfather before him? What does the style of killing and torturing others say about Darth Vader and Kylo Ren? Would they, or even Han Solo, have any psychiatric diagnoses if they existed in our world? Forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., and H. Eric Bender, M.D. tackle these questions and explore psychopathy, personality disorders, adolescent development, unhealthy relationships, and more in a galaxy far, far away.
Friday March 25, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 502B
UPDATED: Fri, Mar 25, 08:52AM For science fiction productions, there is an implied bargain between the screenwriter and the audience: "Suspend your disbelief on one or two fantastic notions, and other parts of the story will be grounded in the believable." The genre is predicated on the expectation of one or two key inaccuracies per story. In recent years, however, both experts and fans have been nitpicking even the fundamental story conceits of films such as Gravity, Interstellar, and The Martian. From the "anything goes" storytelling approach of 1950s and 1960s sci-fi, these panelists will explore whether or not the science accuracy pendulum of audience expectation has swung too far in the other direction. Panelists are Jaime Paglia (showrunner Eureka, Scream), Kevin R. Grazier, Ph.D. (science advisor, Gravity, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Jessica Cail, Ph.D. (science advisor, Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Zootopia), Deric Hughes (Warehouse 13, Beauty and the Beast), Andrea Letamendi, Ph.D.(clinical psychologist The Arkham Sessions, Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics) and Ashley Edward (Thor, X-Men: First Class). Moderated by Gia Mora (Scirens, Einstein's Girl).
Friday March 25, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 502B
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 22, 03:37PM They're heroes from different eras. They operate in different parts of the world, not to mention occasionally different dimensions! And they fight different villains, sometimes reluctantly. Yet, they're all very much connected through the same universe and many of the same experiences, including trauma, adversity, and self-discovery. Writers D. J. Doyle (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Jose Molina and Lindsey Allen (Agent Carter), Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones) and Christos Gage (Daredevil) join Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) to explore the dramatic psychology of the Marvel TV Universe. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
Friday March 25, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Access Hollywood'sScott Mantz sits down with authors Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, The Librarians) and Edward Gross (Empiremagazine) as they discuss their upcoming book from St. Martin's Press,The 50-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek. Altman and Gross will share heretofore unknown stories, revelations, and candid admissions from the hundreds of actors, writers, producers, and artisans they spoke with in writing their book. Also, learn the latest news and speculation about Star Trek Beyond and the upcoming Star Trek TV series in 2017.
Friday March 25, 2016 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 403AB
From Marvel's Kamala Khan to Star Wars's Finn, characters of color are finally taking on the pilot's seat/captain's chair/chosen one's mantle and being positioned front and center in entertainment. But how far has it come and how far does it still have to go? A dynamic group of creators and expert commentators who have all had a hand in crafting powerful protagonists of color will discuss issues of representation and authenticity, writing from their experiences, the unique pressure put on diverse characters, and how audiences can best support these characters to usher in a whole new era of POC heroes. With Marc Bernardin (Genius), Shalisha Francis (Minority Report), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The 100, The Middleman), Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex) and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions).
Friday March 25, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 502B
In 1977, science fiction was not a popular genre for films. But Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox needed to find a way to get people into theaters to see Star Wars (and, later, The Empire Strikes Back). Craig Miller, who spent three years at Lucasfilm as a publicist and producer working on those two films, shows slides and talks about how they got fans (and the rest of the world) to come see them.
Friday March 25, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 151
Face off with your favorite Rotten Tomatoes critics when they join editor-in-chief Matt Atchity and senior editor Grae Drake of Rotten Tomatoes, along with their editorial team. As Matt and Grae invite audience members to share movies and TV shows they love, hate, or love to hate, everyone in the room uses their "Personal Tomatometer Paddle" to dis/agree with the score.
Friday March 25, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 408AB
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 22, 09:25AM It's prosecutin' time! The Thing will be put on trial by two funny comics fans, Alex Firer (Onion News Network) and Mike Levine (The Onion). Is his character dumb as rocks or the most fantastic? Honorable judges Jon Schnepp (The Death of Superman Lives) Jeff Loveness (Marvel's Groot), and Ify Nwadiwe (@midnight) preside over WonderCourt! Which characters will appear as "surprise witnesses?" WonderCon's geek comedy courtroom is now in session with Baliff Joan Ford (Funny or Die). Presented by comedy press The Devastator.
Friday March 25, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Ted Minette (10-year LARPer, writer/actor) will cover plot writing and character development. David Pulcifer (22-year LARPer) will discuss game design and plot writing. Kya Harris (avid LARPer, actress/artist) will speak to the art in LARP. Ben Jurek (11-year LARPer) will discuss weapon construction and foam combat. Lori Dansie (first-year LARPer, medical professional) will review the therapeutic aspects of LARP. Q&A session moderated by Tony Estrada (LARP enthusiast).
Saturday March 26, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 502B
Break out the Hawaiian shirts because Warner Archive Collection is throwing a party to celebrate Robby the Robot's 60 years of service. Join Warner Archive podcast hosts Matt Patterson and DW Ferranti, alongside noted robot aficionados, to celebrate the multi-decade career of this cybernetic cinema icon par exellence. Starting with the (not coincidentally) 60th anniversary of the landmark science fiction film, Forbidden Planet, fans will follow the voyage through Robby's storied career on both the big and small screens. And be prepared for some special messages from suprise mechanical guests.
Saturday March 26, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 408AB
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.
Saturday March 26, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 152
Jessica Chobot and the rest of the Nerdist News gang bring you the latest in movie, TV, comic book, gaming, and tech news. See how the magic happens behind the scenes, catch some surprise special guests, and join the conversation with a Q&A.
Saturday March 26, 2016 10:30am - 11:30am PDT
Room 515B
Edgar C. Samar (Ateneo de Manila University, Philippines) looks into the implications of monstrous appearances of female antagonists in Philippine comics artist Mars Ravelo's Darna and Dyesebel to locate the contributions of these imagined monstrosities to the imagination of what it means to be truly human. Tiffany Babb examines how Loki, in combining the characteristics of the trickster and the stereotypes of the comic book villain, addresses the repetitive and circular trap of the superhero genre narrative, which must both always change and never change. Deanna Rodriguez (Texas State University) investigates how comics provide a platform for Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie to explore fandom, celebrity culture, and the myth of the devil with the character of Lucifer in The Wicked + The Divine.
Saturday March 26, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 411
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.
Saturday March 26, 2016 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 502B
With her live-action debut in Batman v. Superman, Wonder Woman is arguably the most popular female superhero. Jessica Tseang (Little Geek Girls/The Comic Book Girl) leads a spirited discussion with Steven L. Sears (executive producer, writer Xena: Warrior Princess), Lisa Klink ( Star Trek Voyager, Roswell), Barbra Dillon (managing editor of Fanboy Comics), Eric Diaz (writer for Nerdist, Topless Robot), and Michael Fitzgerald Troy (Going Gaga!, Adele #1, Prism Comics) on the complexity of bringing the perfect portrayal of Diana Prince to live action.
Saturday March 26, 2016 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 502A
Ashly Burch (writer/director), Cherish Chen (creative producer), Lauren Haroutunian (cinematographer), and Kaitlyn Yang (VFX supervisor) discuss breaking into the traditionally male-dominated fields of film production. The panel will include a Q&A session moderated by entertainment publicist Brittany Sandler.
Saturday March 26, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 502B
UPDATED: Thu, Mar 10, 11:17AM Fans love to geek out, but they also like engaging in important culture topics. In this Star Wars edition of Geek Wars, professional nerds battle it out over Star Wars trivia while also discussing relevant social topics like stereotyping, feminism, body shaming, and much more. Plus, the panel will speculate about Episode VIII! This will be a lively and enlightening conversation that might challenge your view on the pop culture world. Panelists include Chris Gore (comedian, personality), Amy Ratcliffe (writer), Ivy Doom Kitty (professional cosplayer), Emily Ong (cosplayer), Tamara Brooks (writer) and Jennifer Landa (YouTube personality). Hosted by Tony B Kim (host, blogger).
Saturday March 26, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 502B
UPDATED: Fri, Mar 18, 11:58AM John Murdy (creative director), Don Burgess (show producer) and Chris Williams (art director/production designer) go behind the scenes with a sneak peek at the all-new, upcoming The Walking Dead Attraction. Q&A session moderated by John Murdy.
Saturday March 26, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 515A
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).
Saturday March 26, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 515A
NEW: Tue, Mar 22, 09:35AM Get an inside look at Star Trek like you've never seen before. Larry "Dr. Trek" Nemecek (Trekland's Portal 47, TNG Companion) gives fans unprecedented insights from 50 years of Star Trek. Panelists discuss archiving an in-depth history of what went on behind the scenes through rare print and audio interviews. Q&A session moderated by broadcaster Lisa Guetzkow (Trek Radio).
Saturday March 26, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 502B
John D. Callison (cosplayer and founder of Over30Cosplay), Bill Waters (national geek culture reporter/photographer at Examiner, editor/photographer at ComicsOnline),Patrica Tallman (actress, Lyta on Babylon 5 and Barbara from Night of the Living Dead),Joyce McCarthy (Over30Cosplay founding member, expert crafter), Kevin Williams (BSG Cosplayer, Over30cosplay founding member), Mary Ann Butler (Over30Cosplay founding member, bassist/vocals at Harkonnen Knife Fight, writer at The Ace of Geeks and Editor-in-chief at Aggressive Comix), Ian Whyte (501st cosplayer, founding member over30cosplay, member SoCal Garrison 501st, father to an excellent cosplayer), Barbara Roth (Over30Cosplay admin and co-founder), and Cindy Nelson (Over30Cosplay member, model, pirate and renaissance expert level cosplayer) discuss multiple topics appealing to the older cosplay crowd. Topics include costume choice, dating, marriage, and couples/family cosplay, societal mores/impact, marketing to the older cosplayer, social media and older cosplayers, bullying of older cosplayers, and the age of Hollywood characters and the impact on cosplay choices.
Saturday March 26, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 502B
With the rise of spiritual themes in comics, movies, and television, panelists will delve into and explore how spiritual themes have influenced the entertainment industry and affected culture. Panelists include Dr.Thomas Parham (Azusa Pacific University), Scott Marcano (Diablo Publishing), Eric Jansen (Foursquare Mission Press), Dr. Jon Levin (Chapman University), Javier Hernandez (El Muerto, Maniac Priest), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), and moderator Josh Burns (Christian Comic Arts Society).
Saturday March 26, 2016 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 515B
Crossing over into every genre, Steampunk has transformed many Marvel characters into some of the steamiest superheroes and villains in the galaxy. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with everyone from Ant-Man and Deadpool to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they are reimagined in the Steampunk style! Panelists include Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam), Crystal Rose Schaefer (cosplayer), Mac Beauvais (Strange Like That Cosplay), Anastasia Hunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering), and Oakley Boren (cosplayer).
Saturday March 26, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Discover the groundbreaking comic book drama that's taken the wrestling world by storm! Headlocked is out to change the way you look at professional wrestling by using actual wrestlers as the artists. And by building their series completely outside of the direct market, they're changing the game for self-publishers as well! Ryan Satin (Pro Wrestling Sheet) leads a discussion with series creators Michael Kingston and Michel Mulipola, artist Ramon Villalobos (E Is for Extinction), and wrestlers/series contributors Christopher Daniels and Frankie Kazarian (Ring of Honor) as they discuss their contributions to wrestling, and comics and how they've been influenced by them.
Saturday March 26, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Jon Schnepp (The Death of "Superman Lives": What Happened?,Metalocalypse) hosts this panel about superheroes on the big and small screen, alongside guests Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise), Chris Gore (Film Threat), Umberto Gonzalez (Heroic Hollywood), Amy Dallen (Talkin Comics), John Campea (Movie Talk), and Steven Weintraub (Collider). A Q&A follows the discussion.
Saturday March 26, 2016 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 152
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?
Saturday March 26, 2016 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 515B
Jet Set Nerd Anastasia Washington (Anastationtv, Jet Set Nerds) and jet setters Stephanie Pressman (Fashionably Nerdy), Angelique Toschi (Nerds in La La Land), Stacy Renfroe (Nerds in La La Land), Michelle Chubby Bunny (Geek & Sundry), Yume Lee (Lootcrate), Marlon (Nerd Coolture), and Curious Joi (Curious Joi) chat about packing up your bags and finding Nerd Mecca wherever you go! Moderated by Jennifer Kretchmer (producer).
Saturday March 26, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 502B
Chris Gore​ ​(PodCRASH,Film Threat) returns for DVD-Duesday Live, his popular segment from G4TV's Attack of the Show. Join Chris and a panel of film experts including Charles de Lauzirika (Blade Runner: The Final Cut), Cliff Stephenson (Hannibal), and special guests for a heated movie discussion. The panel will discuss the best DVD commentaries, talk about the weirdest DVD special features, and battle over the best DVD of all time. Participate in movie trivia to win DVDs.
Saturday March 26, 2016 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 515B
TV is killing it right now when it comes to storytelling. But in the era of Peak TV, genre series are arguably having the biggest moment of all. From Game of Thrones to Orphan Black,Rick and Morty, The 100 and more, the lens used to dissect societal issues has always been most effective when removed enough from reality to see it for what it is. Nerdist managing editor Alicia Lutes and her panel of guests discuss why the most progressive stories are taking place in your favorite shows, and why you can't help but fan out about it.
Saturday March 26, 2016 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 515A
UPDATED: Sat, Mar 26, 11:38AM Join the Super Geeked Up crew as they discuss your favorite sci-fi, fantasy, and superhero topics and play super-fun geeky games like Character Cage Match, Universal Translator, and Let’s Geek It On! Plus a ton of audience participation and awesome prizes! Hosted by Jeff Burns with special co-host Kristen Nedopak (creator of The Geekie Awards) and special guests Christina Wren (Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Man of Steel) and Joanna Sotomura (Emma Approved, Video Game High School). Don't miss this super-interactive award-winning show!
Saturday March 26, 2016 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 502B
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
