SDCC Preview

The San Diego Comic-Con schedule is out again and I have been combing through it to find the Disney/ABC/Marvel/Lucas panels that I will be seeing this year.  The Walt Disney Studios is not doing a formal presentation this year, probably saving their big guns for the D23 Expo, but Marvel Studios will be in Hall H on Saturday.  The other big panel will be in Ballroom 20 on Friday, when ABC showcases Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.  Also, there is no big Star Wars song and dance, probably owing to the fact that Star Wars Celebration Europe II it occurring later the month in Munich.

As far as programming goes, Thursday seems light but Friday and Saturday are jam packed for TWDC fans.  Sunday is historically lightly programmed, but if you are a Disney Afternoon fan there is some neat stuff planned.  I have included the schedule of Disney panels bellow.  While there are many more panels tangentially connected to Disney brands, I have picked the most obvious.  You can visit the Comic-Con website for a full listing, but beware that it is quite a daunting schedule.  I am providing the official description, followed by my personal comments.

Thursday:

Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way

10:00am – 11:00am

Room 7AB

Have a passion for the inner workings of the comics industry? Curious about breaking into the field as a writer or artist? Sit down with a group of Marvel professionals from every corner of the business and get insider tips, advice, and firsthand accounts of what it takes to start a career in comics today! Panelists include editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and a slew of great Marvel talent!

This is an annual panel where the Marvel folk discuss how they broke into the comic industry and tips on how to follow in their footsteps.  I have no desire to break into comics, but hearing the panel’s stories and advice can be interesting.

 

Marvel: House of Ideas

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 7AB

Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you love? Want to learn more about Infinite Comics? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from Ryan Penagos (executive editorial director of digital), C. B. Cebulski (SVP, creator and content development), and Arune Singh (director of communications) on what’s happening with the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Dot Com, Marvel’s vast social media presence, and more in this can’t-miss panel!

This is another perennial panel discussing Marvel’s digital efforts.  While a lot of the news will be familiar to those that follow Marvel online, you won’t find a cooler bunch of people who definitely love their job.

 

Marvel: Superior Spider Man

4:30pm – 5:30pm

Room 6DE

Calling all Spider-Fans: This July is Superior Spider-Month! Get the inside scoop on Spider-Man’s new allies, new foes, and new look, and get ready for some exciting announcements! This is one panel no true fan of the web-slinger will want to miss. Featuring senior editor Steve Wacker, Chris Samnee (Daredevil), Nick Spencer (Superior Foes of Spider-Man), Arune Singh (director of communications), and other Marvel guests.

Spider-Man has been a controversial character as of late as Doctor Octopus has switched his mind with Peter Parker.  There is no doubt that Superior Spider-Man has changed the status quo, so it will be interesting to see where the team behind the web-slinger takes this core title.

 

Friday:

Star Wars Comics: Here and Now

10:00am – 11:00am

Room 7AB

What is the current state of Star Wars comics? Join Dark Horse editor Randy Stradley and Star Wars creators Carlos D’Anda, Corinna Bechko, Gabriel Hardman, Doug Wheatley, Gabe Eltaeb, Tom Taylor, Zack Giallongo, and others for the lowdown on what’s up, what’s coming up, and why you should be reading!

Room 7AB is home to various Star Wars licensing products on Friday and kicks off with a state of the union on Star Wars comics.  Expect lots of questions regarding whether the license will move from Dark Horse to Marvel after Disney acquired Lucasfilm.  Also look for a lot of side stepping that question.

 

Star Wars: Collectibles Update

11:00am – 12:00pm

Room 7AB

Join eFX, Gentle Giant Studios, Kotobukiya, and Sideshow Collectibles for product development insights and exclusive previews of the latest in Star Wars collectibles. Moderated by Chris Spitale of Lucas Licensing.

Various Star Wars collectibles licenses are exhibiting their wares.  Paul Pressler would be proud

 

Writer’s Studio: Behind the Scenes with Star Wars Authors

12:00pm – 1:00pm

Room 7AB

Hear a variety of authors talk about the rewards and challenges of writing Star Wars, whether it’s through novels, making-of nonfiction, or cartoons. New York Times bestselling authors Jeffrey Brown, Troy Denning, John Jackson Miller, and J. W. Rinzler, as well as editors Frank Parisi of Random House and Jennifer Heddle of Lucasfilm, will participate in a roundtable discussion on writing in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Emceed by Lucasfilm Holocron keeper Leland Chee.

Star Wars books have kept the Star Wars universe alive between films.  With the films looking to be released more frequently, it would appear that novels will transition from carrying the torch of the brand, to supporting the storylines of the films.  Expect questions on whether the continuity in the novels will mesh with J.J. Abrams upcoming film.

 

Marvel: Ultimate Universe

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Room 6DE

Find out what’s happening in the Ultimate Comics Universe when editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and writers Joshua Hale Fialkov (Ultimate Comics Ultimates) and Brian Michael Bendis (Ultimate Comics Spider-Man) unveil the future of the Ultimates, the Ultimate X-Men, and everyone’s favorite web-slinger Miles Morales! Plus: A startling announcement about the future of the Ultimate Universe!

Anyone that read the final chapter of Age of Ultron, would expect that the Ultimate Universe is getting ready for some change.  Expect some insight into the future of the Ultimate Universe.

 

Hasbro: Star Wars

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 7AB

Members of the Hasbro brand and design team, including Derryl DePriest (VP, global brand marketing), Jeff Labovitz (director, global brand marketing), discuss the popular Hasbro StarWars and Angry Birds Star Wars line. Attendees will also get a sneak peek at upcoming action figures. Derryl, Jeff, and team will also host a Q&A for your burning StarWars action figure questions!

This will be one of the last years where Hasbro is struggling to find new characters to make action figures on.  If anyone likes additional IP supporting a franchise, it’s the toy licensee. 

 

Phineas and Ferb

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 6A

“Mom! Phineas and Ferb are doing a Comic-Con panel again!” Join show creators Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, along with voice talent Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris), Alyson Stoner (Camp Rock), Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad), and Olivia Olson (Adventure Time) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what’s to come for Disney Channel’s hit animated series, including a sneak peek at this summer’s epic crossover event Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel.

I have a feeling this will be a tough panel to get a seat at.  Phineas and Ferb have proved very popular with the Comic-Con set.  As the Marvel Universe is about the crash land in Danville, this should be an especially fun edition of this panel

 

They Spoke Out: The Disney/Neal Adams Motion Comics on America and the Holocaust

1:00pm – 2:00pm

Room 4

Neal Adams (Batman, X-Men, Green Lantern/Green Arrow) and Holocaust historian Dr. Rafael Medoff launch the new DVD of They Spoke Out: American Voices Against the Holocaust, produced by Disney Educational Productions. Session includes screening of one of the episodes. Q&A moderated by veteran comics journalist Susan Karlin.

Comics legend Neal Adams is partnering with Disney Educational Production on motion comics that deal with Americans that spoke out against the Holocaust.  This project is probably flying under most Disney fans radar, but is definitely worth checking out. 

 

Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. on ABC

1:45pm – 3:00pm

Ballroom 20

Jeph Loeb (Marvel’s head of television), Joss Whedon (Marvel’s The Avengers), and surprise guests reveal top-secret new information about the first live-action television series from the House of Ideas. No Comic-Con attendee can afford to miss this historic panel!

This is the must-see panel.  Clark Gregg has been confirmed as attending Comic-Con and his portrayl of Agent Coulson is a fan favorite.  The moment when Kevin Feige and Joss Whedon announced that Coulson Lives at New York Comic-Con quickly became the most-buzzed about moment of the con.  With a panel time of over an hour, expect some fun surprises.

 

Star Wars Origami

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Room 7AB

Origami Master folder Chris Alexander (author of Star Wars Origami) demonstrates and teaches the master folding techniques to make Star Wars origami figures. Attendees will fold an exclusive Comic-Con model along with other art from the Star Wars universe. Materials included!

This seems like a fun diversion from some of the most in-demand panels.  Too bad I am very overbooked during this time period. 

 

Marvel: Cup O’ Joe

3:15pm – 4:15pm

Room 6BCF

Here is your chance to Q&A with Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada, for this no-holds-barred exposé on everything Marvel. Got a question about a favorite hero? Want to hear groundbreaking news straight from the source? Need a rundown on breaking developments in Marvel comics, film, and TV? This panel is for you! Plus, don’t miss out on the exciting developments in the biggest new series of the year, Guardians of the Galaxy! Featuring panelists editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, David Gabriel (SVP, print and digital publishing), writers Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers) and Brian Michael Bendis (Guardians of the Galaxy), and some other Mighty Marvel guests!

This is the major Marvel comics panel of the whole convention.  It is filled with announcements across the Marvel Universe, but also features a lengthy Q&A portion. 

 

GEEK Star Wars Roundtable Live!

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Room 7AB

Sense a great disturbance in the Force? Don’t worry, it’s only the cover story of GEEK magazine coming to the stage of the San Diego Comic-Con as panelists convene their own Jedi Council roundtable to discuss their new hopes for the saga and the astounding developments in a galaxy far, far, away. Kyle Newman (director, Fanboys), Steve Melching (writer, The Clone Wars), Christian Gossett (artist, Tales of the Jedi), Jonathan Rinzler (author, The Making of Return of the Jedi), and GEEK founding publisher and Sith Lord Mark A. Altman (writer/producer, Free Enterprise) discuss the return of Han, Luke, and Leia; the prequels; the end of The Clone Wars; and J. J. Abrams’s epic challenge as Star Wars strikes back.

The folks at GEEK magazine are showcasing a roundtable on the state of Star Wars.  With so much content coming down after the Disney/Lucasfilm acquisition, it would be interesting to hear what the Star Wars faithful have to say on the current state of the saga. 

 

Making Roger Rabbit: 25th Anniversary

5:45pm – 6:45pm

Room 6BCF

The making of Who Framed Roger Rabbit is revealed with a world class panel of animators led by legendary producer Don Hahn and featuring a special appearance by the voice of Roger Rabbit himself, Charles Fleisher. The panel includes animation masters Andreas Deja and James Baxter, animator/writer/historian Tom Sito, and special effx wizard Dave Bossert, along with incredible clips and stories from the making of this classic film.

Another day, another Roger Rabbit 25th anniversary panel.  I am sure this will follow the format of the other recent retrospectives, but is still quite an experience.  Beware: Charles Fleisher has A LOT of energy.

 

Saturday:

 

Once Upon a Time in Wonderland: Down the Rabbit Hole!

10:15am – 11:00am

Ballroom 20

Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost and Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost and Tron: Legacy) introduce the world premiere screening of their newest series, Once Upon a Time in Wonderland. This strange new land takes you to the other side of the rabbit hole, where you’ll meet Alice, the Knave of Hearts, the White Rabbit and a host of other characters. Q&A as well as surprise guests will follow the screening. You won’t want to miss who shows up at this panel!

The Once Upon a Time spinoff leads off Ballroom 20.  As little information has been revealed regarding this show. OUAT fans will definitely want to check out this first look.

 

Marvel Television Presents

10:30am – 11:30am

Room 6BCF

It’s the biggest, most animated Marvel Television panel ever! Join Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, for the latest from inside Marvel Universe on Disney XD, including what’s next for Marvel’s Ultimate Spider-Man, a new episode of the hit series Marvel’s Avengers Assemble, and the world premiere of Marvel’s Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.

Marvel will discuss the programs that comprise the Marvel Universe programming block on Disney XD.  Jeph Loeb is great at these panels and is great with fans, so I would definitely check this out if you have room on your schedule. 

 

Gravity Falls

11:00am – 12:00pm

Room 7AB

Creator and executive producer Alex Hirsch (Grunkle Stan), creative director Michael Rianda, and series stars Jason Ritter (Dipper) and Kristin Schaal (Mabel) uncover the mysteries of Disney Channel’s hit series Gravity Falls. Find out what’s in store for television’s spookiest town with an exclusive clip from the show’s exciting season finale and an audience Q&A. The panel will feature a sneak peek of Wander Over Yonder, the new series coming from Craig McCracken (Powerpuff Girls).

I first heard of Gravity Falls at Comic-Con two years ago where they showed a sneak peek at the Fish Hooks panel.  Last year, I saw a lot of Gravity Falls fandom, despite its just having premiered on Disney Channel.  I’d expect this panel to be a sleeper hit if the shows following has continued to grow.  You also get a sneak peek of Wander Over Yonder, which could be the next Gravity Falls.

 

Once Upon a Time: Off to Neverland!

11:00am – 11:45am

Ballroom 20

Co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost and Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost and Tron: Legacy) take you on a journey to Neverland. If the season finale left you wanting more, you will not want to miss this opportunity for an exclusive sneak peek at what’s to come. Questions will be answered. Secrets will be revealed. And Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Morrison (House), Robert Carlyle (SGU: Stargate Universe), Josh Dallas (Thor), Emilie de Ravin (Lost), Colin O’Donoghue (The Rite), and Michael Raymond James (True Blood) will all join in the fun. It’s time for you to get hooked on Once Upon a Time.

This panel on the OUAT mothership, follows directly after the panel on it’s spinoff.  Expect a tease of what is going to occur after last season’s cliffhanger. 

 

Marvel Video Games

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Room 6A

You’re in for an hour of fun and surprises in the most ambitious Marvel video games panel to date! Hear the latest on all upcoming Marvel video games, including the highly anticipated LEGO Marvel Super Heroes! Find out what’s next for Marvel Avengers Alliance, Marvel Heroes, Marvel Pinball, and Marvel War of Heroes. This panel wouldn’t be the same without a few special guests, so stop by and see who takes the stage!

I have never seen this panel due to scheduling conflicts.  That trend will continue.

 

Marvel Minimates: Ten Years of Awesomeness

1:30pm – 2:30pm

Room 8

Chuck Terceira (director) and Zach Oat (marketing supervisor) preview upcoming Minimates from Marvel, Walking Dead, Aliens, Ghostbusters, and a new license, with a Q&A to follow.

All I have to say is…. Minimates have been around for 10 years!?!?  Wow, I am old.

 

Marvel’s INFINITY

1:45pm – 2:45pm

Room 6A

It’s the Avengers versus their greatest galactic foe, Thanos! Get the lowdown on Jonathan Hickman’s six-issue event that pulls in your favorite heroes from all corners of the Marvel Universe. Plus, get the 4-1-1 on all your other favorite Avengers titles! Featuring editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and writers Sam Humphries (Avengers A.I.), Rick Remender (Uncanny Avengers), Charles Soule (Thunderbolts), and Nick Spencer (Secret Avengers)!

Marvel’s INFINITY is the next big comic event coming this August.  If I ever wrote my article on this big crossover event, you would know more about it.

 

Comic-Con How-To: Disney Comic Creation Workshop

3:00pm – 5:00pm

Room 2

Participants will assist in the scripting and layout of a six-page Donald Duck story using the same methods used by Patrick and Shelly Block for their freelance Duck Tales. Patrick will rough draw the story from scratch in front of the panel to show the procedures used in the creation of a short comic narrative.

This intimate panel looks at the construction of a Disney comic.  This would be a neat panel to see.

 

Hasbro: Marvel

4:00pm – 5:00pm

Room 25ABC

Adam Biehl (vice president, Global Marvel line at Hasbro), Jesse Falcon (Director of Hardlines, Marvel), Dwight Stall (senior Marvel product design manager, Hasbro) and Maalvika Mantraprigada (senior manager, Global Marvel line) discuss Hasbro’s popular Marvel action figure lines. Attendees will also get a sneak peek of upcoming action figures. Adam, Jesse, Dwight, and Maalvika will also host a Q&A for your burning Marvel action figure questions!

I’d expect lots of Thor and Captain America talk…but that’s just me.

 

Storytellers: Disney/ABC Knows Talent!

5:00pm – 6:00pm

Room 30CDE

Along with Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm, Disney/ABC Television is home to some of the most creative storytellers in entertainment. Talent development executives and other panelists will share experiences and insight about the creative process and the necessary steps needed to break into television and land the job of your dreams. Discussion points include pitching and writing a compelling script, directing a solid episode of television, and the essentials of networking. Moderated by Ken Choy (Hyphen Magazine).

ABC is trying to show that it is just as creative as its corporate siblings by discussing their talent development process.   

 

Marvel Studios: Thor: The Dark World and Captain America: The Winter Soldier

6:00pm – 7:00pm

Hall H

Marvel Studios president and producer Kevin Feige and many surprise guests provide an inside look at the ever-expanding Marvel cinematic universe.

The granddaddy of them all.  Marvel always owns Comic-Con, and I have no reason to expect this year will be any different.  Last year, they revealed the titles of all of their Phase 2 films and showed off some test footage of Ant-Man.  Plan on some surprises at this panel.

 

Star Wars Trivia Game Show

8:00pm – 9:00pm

Room 23ABC

Members of the San Diego Star Wars Society — Brendan Prout, Jessica Woods, Linda Crispien, and Dean Amstutz — veteran hosts of trivia game shows at Comic-Con International since 2002, have prepared an even bigger challenge this year for all fans who think they know their stuff about the galaxy far, far away. Returning this year will be one-game rounds for kids 12 and under, in addition to rounds for ages 13 to adult. Test your knowledge and win one of the many valuable prizes!

The answer is Greedo. 

 

Sunday:

 

DuckTales: Remastered

10:00am – 11:00am

Room 25ABC

How do you take a beloved 24-year-old NES game and update it for today’s gamers while doing your best not to ruin anyone’s childhood? Go behind the scenes with Austin Ivansmith (director/designer), Matt Bozon (creative director), and Rey Jimenez (Capcom producer) for an in-depth look at how a great video game is made — from design, to art, to music, and more. Followed by a Q&A session, plus maybe a surprise or two.

If I don’t have the chance to sing the DuckTales theme song during this panel, I will be sorely disappointed.

 

501st Costuming 101: Dressing to Serve the Empire

11:00am – 12:00pm

Room 29A

Join presenters Sam Hornedo, David Biffath, Kevin Weir, Felix Weliver, and Eddie Dennis to learn the essentials about what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. They will provide an overview of what is involved in creating a costume, the various costume categories, and how much time is needed to create a costume that is screen accurate. Panelists will demonstrate tips and techniques for their costume specialty.

I actually stumbled in to this panel last year.  While I have no desire to serve the empire in costume, I found the attention to details and dedication presented to be quite interesting. 

 

Women of Marvel

11:15am – 12:15pm

Room 5AB

From Captain Marvel to the X-Men, from Twitter to tumblr, women in comics has been one of the most talked-about topics in comics. Join the conversation as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry! Panelists include writer Louise Simonson (New Mutants), editor Jeanine Schaefer, Marvel AR producer and photographer Judy Stephens, and some other special guests!

On a tangent, if you have not been reading the new Captain Marvel, you are missing out.  She is one of the best written female character in all of comics right now.

 

X-Men

12:30pm – 1:30pm

Room 6DE

Get the lowdown on X-Men: Battle of the Atom, the massive X-Men event that will forever change the landscape of the X-Universe! What happens when the original five X-Men come face-to-face with the future X-Men? Heads will roll in this fateful time-space showdown! Plus, find out the latest on all the other corners of mutant-dom! Editor Jeanine Schaefer, senior editor Nick Lowe, and writers Brian Michael Bendis (All-New X-Men), Paul Cornell (Wolverine), Gerry Duggan (Deadpool), Sam Humphries (Uncanny X-Force), and Brian Posehn (Deadpool) bring you your definitive one-stop shop for all things X-Men!

I have just stated reading X-Men after the fallout of AvX.  It has been quite a fun ride and I am looking forward to seeing where Battle of the Atom will take the franchise.

 

Avengers, X-Men, Dr. Strange and Sgt Fury 50th

1:45pm – 2:45pm

Room 5AB

Marvel Comics’s first wave of superhero creations in the 1960s have proven to have remarkable staying power and worldwide appeal. The Avengers, X-Men, Dr. Strange, and Sgt. Fury and His Howling Commandos (which introduced Nick Fury) all celebrate their 50th anniversaries this year. When Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Steve Ditko created the characters half a century ago, little did they know what they brought into the comics world. Since then numerous writers and artists have told the tales of these heroes, including Comic-Con special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers and X-Men), Frank Brunner (Dr. Strange), John Romita, Jr. (just about every Marvel hero), and Roy Thomas, who was there almost at the beginning with Stan, Jack and Steve and contributed his own memorable takes on the Avengers and X-Men.

50 years?!?!  This means Disney only has the copyright for another 45 years.  We better get started on milking these franchises for all they got

 

25 Years of the Disney Afternoon: The Continuing Legacy

2:00pm – 3:00pm

Room 7AB

Life is like a hurricane! Spin it! When there’s trouble, you call D.W.! It’s been more than 25 years since Disney Afternoon debuted on television screens, and the impact of “the golden age of Disney TV Animation” is still felt today. Let’s get dangerous with Tad Stones (creator, Darkwing Duck, Chip n’ Dale Rescue Rangers), Jymn Magon (DuckTales, creator of Talespin), Bob Schooley (co-creator, Kim Possible, co-ex producer Penguins of Madagascar), Rob Paulsen (voice actor, Darkwing Duck, Animaniacs), and Aaron Sparrow (Darkwing Duck: The Duck Knight Returns) for raucous recollections and never-before-heard stories!

YES! YES! YES! YES!

 

History of Disney Pins: The Tradition of Disney Pin Trading and Collecting

3:00pm – 4:00pm

Room 29A

A fun discussion with a panel of Disney pin experts featuring actor Holland Hayes and pin author Austin Badgett. Learn about the history, variety, and culture of the miniature works of art at the heart of the most interactive of Disneyana collectibles. Moderated by Jennifer Colyn (PinPics event director).

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