Comic-Con is going virtual this year, and though the 2020 installment of the annual event isn’t taking place in the usual San Diego Convention Center, the upcoming [email protected] festival will still feature plenty of panels and high-profile exhibitors.
Event organizers have begun to announce the schedule for the upcoming virtual event, which will be free and open to the public. Check below for the Comic-Con schedule (all times are Pacific Standard):
3-4 p.m.
GeekED: Re-storied: Re-imagining creative privilege: A discussion about getting more diverse voices into entertainment and how the narrative landscape is evolving in schools, life performances, and digital experiences.
Teaching and Learning with Comics: Susan Kirtley (Portland State University), and Antero Garcia (Stanford University) will lead a panel on the practical activities and theory involved in teaching with comics.
The Power of Teamwork in Kids Comics: Gene Luen Yang (“Dragon Hoops”) is joined by Chad Sell (“Cardboard Kingdom”) and science comics team Jim Ottaviani & Maris Wicks (“Astronauts”) to talk about collaboration in children’s comics.
Comics as a Conduit: A panel that will highlight comic books that tackle real world issues, be it environmental activism, civic engagement, physical and mental health awareness, and other topics.
GeekEd: “Watchmen” and the Cruelty of Masks: HBO’s “Watchmen” put forth the idea that “masks make one cruel”. On college campuses, many people, both students and non-students have taken up virtual masks to make statements and take actions that would not be acceptable if done in public. Educators will share their thoughts about the power of masks and how “Watchmen” and other comics show people a path towards heroism or villainy.
GeekEd: College and the Nerd Mind: Educators and mental health experts will share how they have applied their passion for fandom and the lessons they’ve learned from superheroes to develop new practices to students.
Comics on Campus: Fandom at Academia: This panel provides an inside look at new courses by the professionals and academics who are bringing geek culture to campuses nationwide
Teaching Graphic Novels Online: A discussion on how graphic novels can inspire and enrich online classroom lessons for students grades 3 and up.
10-11 a.m.
Art and the Holocaust: A sampling of artwork and propaganda done during World War II in the U.S. and Nazi Germany.
Causeplay – In Service to Others: How cosplayers and prop builders serve their communities through their love of pop-culture.
Crunchyroll Industry Panel: Previews of upcoming Crunchyroll content.
Graphix: Get Drawn In: Meet the authors of some of the hottest upcoming graphic novels for kids.
How to Get News Coverage: Comic journalists discuss what they look for in submissions.
P.S. NPC: Storytelling in Video Game: What’s writing for video games really like?
Star Trek Universe Virtual Panel: A panel featuring casts and producers from “Star Trek: Discovery,” new animated series “Star Trek: Lower Decks” and “Star Trek: Picard.”
Transforming Together Time: Family Gaming and the Future of Play: This panel will share real-world examples behind some of the most beloved family gaming experiences and latest announcements.
Virtual Fandom: Superhero Fandom Adapts to the Pandemic: Superhero artists and actors discuss adapting to the pandemic.
X-Men Fandom Surprise Party: Influencers, podcasters, and cosplayers experience the surprise of their lives with drop in visits by surprise celebrity guests from the “X-Men” universe.
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Alien Superstar with Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver: Hollywood legend Henry Winkler and children’s book veteran Lin Oliver discuss their New York Times bestselling book “Alien Superstar” and its forthcoming sequel, “Lights, Camera, Danger: Alien Superstar 2.”
Batgirls!: A discussion on the different versions of Batgirl.
Cartoon Network Studios: The Art of Storyboarding: Hear from artists behind some of Cartoon Network Studios’ hit series as they share their journeys, learnings and top tips for aspiring storyboard artists worldwide.
Hollyweird Science: Creativity, Correctness, and Collaboration: Panelists of scientists and Hollywood creatives explore the thought processes, motivations, and inspirations that drive their own careers.
James Bond – 007 in Comics!: A deep dive on Ian Fleming’s James Bond in comics past, present, and future.
Mega Construx Unveils New Halo Toy Line: MegaConstrux toy designer Mia Muscroft gives an inside look at the all-new line of Halo construction toys.
Shannon Messenger Keeper of The Lost Cities Spotlight Panel: Shannon Messenger will appear in conversation with J.C. Cervantes from their personal writing spaces to discuss this magical, blockbuster series that follows Sophie, a girl with incredible abilities.
Solar Opposites: A panel on the Hulu animated series.
The Art of Collaboration: Duos Behind Top TV Shows: Film, television, video game and esports experts talk about the process and importance of collaboration in popular projects.
Web Comics: Saving the Entertainment Industy, Four Panels at a Time: A discussion on the ongoing pandemic, Black Lives Matter, and how the rest of 2020 have affected professionals’ work.
12-1 p.m.
75th Anniversary of Moomin appreciation: An appreciation of Tove Jansson’s work.
All the Starfleet Ladies: Then and Now: An examination of the ladies of “Star Trek” from its inception to the present.
Amazon Prime Video: Truth Seekers: Prime Video’s “Truth Seekers” panel will feature Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, James Serafinowicz, and Nat Saunders. The 8-episode series centers on a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the United Kingdom.
Cartoon Network Studios First Look: Exclusive clips from upcoming Cartoon Network shows.
Comics During Clampdown: Creativity In The Time of COVID:
Duncanville: Executive producers Mike & Julie Scully, executive producer and star, Amy Poehler, along with stars Ty Burrell, Riki Lindhome, Joy Osmanski, Yassir Lester, Betsy Sodaro, and guest stars Rashida Jones and Wiz Khalifa discuss their favorite moments from the season.
From Script to Screen: Behind-The-Scenes of Your Favorite Film & TV Shows: Entertainment creatives discuss on how they bring your favorite film and television projects from script to screen.
Legion M: How We’re Opening the Gates to Hollywood: Learn more about Legion M’s upcoming films.
Mattel & WWE Elite Squad Fan Panel: The superstars of WWE and the Mattel action figure design team reveal the most exciting, authentic, upcoming WWE figure releases.
Oddball Comics Not-So-Live!: Scott Shaw will present his digital slideshow of “the craziest comic book covers ever published!”
Paperfilms’ Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner: A discussion on reinventing DC Comics’ Harley Quinn for a new generation of fans.
1-2 p.m.
A Look Inside “Marvel’s 616” on Disney+: “Marvel’s 616” explores how Marvel’s rich legacy of stories, characters and creators exist within the “world outside your window.” Each documentary, helmed by a unique filmmaker, explores the intersections of storytelling, pop culture and fandom within the Marvel Universe.
Amazon Prime Video: Utopia: Prime Video’s “Utopia” panel will feature John Cusack, Gillian Flynn, Rainn Wilson, Sasha Lane, Ashleigh LaThrop, Dan Byrd, Desmin Borges, Javon Walton, and Jessica Rothe. The 8-episode thriller centers on a group of young comic fans who discover that a conspiracy in a graphic novel is real and team up to save the world.
Comics Satire and The New Political Cartoon: Cartoonists discuss their approaches to making relevant, critical comics in a time where there’s no shortage of political and social satires.
His Dark Materials Virtual Panel and Q&A Session: Talent from the HBO/BBC show discuss the hit drama series.
How Every Epic Fantasy Can Be . . . Epically Different: A discussion on literary fantasy, which provides a multiverse of fictional prisms, imagined against mythic elements, world folklore, and reimaginings of actual history.
Insider Art: A Compendium of Comics, Crafts & Cats for All Ages: A discussion on how to raise funds for female and non-binary comic book retailers who faced financial hardships under quarantine.
Legendary Comics 2.0: Sci-Fi, YA, Romance, and More!: The Legendary Comics team chat to find out who they are and what they publish.
So you want to make an Action Figure, a Conversation with today’s Indie Toy Makers: How crowdfunded toys are a possibility for indie creators.
Terry Moore Is Still Drawing Comics: Terry Moore discusses his work and what’s next, plus offers thoughtful answers to questions.
The Future of Entertainment: How emerging technologies will shape everything, from Hollywood to the educational experience.
The Women Behind Mythic Quest: Raven’s Banquet – Collaboration Across Gaming & Television to Create A Successful Crossover: A discussion featuring women who are leaders in their respective fields in historically male-dominated industries and their advice for the next generation.
This is Not the Apocalypse You’re Looking For: Real Life Disasters, Fictional Recovery: A discussion about how disaster events and emergency management are often handled in pop-fiction and in the real world.
Wonder Women: Superstars of Paranormal: The Women of Paranormal unite in this powerful panel, presented by Travel Channel.
2-3 p.m.
Amazon Prime Video: Upload: Prime Video’s “Upload” panel will feature Greg Daniels, Robbie Amell, Andy Allo, Kevin Bigley, Allegra Edwards, and Zainab Johnson. The panelists will discuss what fans can expect in Season 2 of the comedy.
Artist Bootcamp by DeviantArt: DeviantArt artists discuss tips on improving one’s art.
Collider: Directors on Directing: A panel featuring Robert Rodriguez (“Alita: Battle Angel”), Colin Trevorrow (“Jurassic World: Dominion”), and Joseph Kosinski (“Top Gun: Maverick”).
Comic-Con Museum, It’s a Thing
Draw Along With Dark Horse: A panel featuring Gabriel Bá (“The Umbrella Academy”), Naomi Franquiz (“Tales From Harrow County: Death’s Choir”), Tyler Cook (“Colonel Weird: Cosmagog”), and Mike Deodato (“Berserker Unbound”).
Horizon Zero Dawn Comes To Comics: A discussion on the PlayStation 4 “Horizon Zero Dawn” game being adapted into a comic.
How to Build a Girl Squad: How to build a cast that featured more than just a token female character.
IDW: G.I. Joe: Snake Eyes with Rob Liefeld: A first look at Rob Liefeld’s take on G.I. Joe.
Music for Animation: Find out what it takes to create the sonic worlds of popular animated shows.
Shaenon Garrity in Conversation with Andrew Farago: A panel featuring Shaenon K. Garrity and Andrew Faraggo.
Shaman King: Then, Now & Tomorrow: Kodansha Comics experts Misaki Kido, Ben Applegate, and Ivan Salazar offer an in-depth look at Hiroyuki Takei’s supernatural battle manga masterpiece, past, present, and future
SYFY: The Roast of Todd McFarlane: Todd McFarlane is going to get roasted.
The Adventure Zone: Petals to the Metal Graphic Novel: Learn more about the graphic novel.
The Brave New World of TwoMorrows: How the pandemic is changing the way TwoMorrows Publishing produces its books and magazines, its current challenges, and updates on release schedules and new projects.
3-4 p.m.
The Boys Season 2: Prime Video’s “The Boys” panel will feature Eric Kripke, Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty, Jessie T. Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer Capon, Karen Fukuhara, and Aya Cash. The superhero show is returning for a sophomore season later in the year.
Afro-Futurism and Black Religion: Connecting Imaginations: A conversation on the connections between Afrofuturism and Black Religion and the way in which comics, graphic novels, and animation are capturing the rich dynamic that spawns new ways in which popular culture is being impacted by these forces.
Artist as Brand, Rise of the Artist Entrepreneur: A panel discussion on art career sustainability.
Brandon Sanderson Spotlight: New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson returns with the newest book in his Stormlight Archive series, Rhythm of War, coming in November from Tor Book.
Dubbing American into Latin American – A Chat with Dub Actors: Meet some of Mexico’s biggest dubbing stars.
HBO Max and Cartoon Network Studios: Close Enough: JG Quintel, creator of the Emmy Award-winning “Regular Show” discusses his new show HBO Max series “Close Enough” with a panel and table read.
Humanoids Legacy: Famed creators Mark Waid, Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Russell, and Tula Lotay talk with Humanoids CEO Fabrice Giger about the influence “Humanoids” has had on the comic book and film world for the last four decades.
NBC’s Superstore: The cast and showrunners of “Superstore” come together for a fun-filled hour stocked with their favorite shared moments over the past five years.
Prototype and Game Pitches: Publishing Your Tabletop Game: Learn from tabletop game industry professionals as they share tips and experience on how to publish your tabletop game.
Soundtracks to Fandom: Z2 Comics and the Graphic Album: A panel featuring Dave Chisholm (“Chasin’ the Bird: Charlie Parker in Los Angeles”), Chris Miskiewicz and Noah Van Sciver (“Grateful Dead: Origins”), Leah Moore (“Morrison Hotel”), and musician Yungblud, rock legend Robby Krieger of The Doors, and Grateful Dead archivist David Lemieux, with a special appearance by 2D of the Gorillaz.
The Science of Back to the Future: The creative team behind “Back to the Future,” “Transformers,” and the new crossover will share how they dream up their fantastic stories and discuss with local scientists if and how the science in their stories might work.
ThunderCats Roar
4-5 p.m.
Action Figure Insider – 15 years of Talking About Toys: A panel featuring Randy Falk (VP & general manager of product development at NECA), Jim Fletcher (creative director at DC Direct, DC Entertainment), Brian Flynn (owner and principal of Super7), Jeremy Padawer (partner at Jazwares, LLC), and Andrew Perlmutter (president of Funko).
ASC: Sketch-to-Screen: VR/AR/Gaming & Beyond: Aaron Sims and his Aaron Sims Creative artist team reveal the secrets behind their character and world-building concept designs, previsualizations, and visual effects for some of the most iconic film and television franchises of our generation.
Bugs Bunny’s 80th Anniversary Extravaganza: Take a trip through eight decades of laughs and carrots when Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents an all-encompassing look at one of the world’s most beloved and recognizable stars.
Graphic Novel or Illustrated Book: You Make the Call: A discussion on what constitutes a graphic novel.
Inside the Voice Actors Studio – Home Edition: Inside the Voice Actors Studio will give an inside look at what it really takes to become a voice actor in this day and age, with a focus on the new challenges facing the profession as a whole.
Manga Publishing Industry Roundtable: What are the factors contributing to manga’s resiliency, and what are its prospects for the future? Get a taste of what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s next from the perspective of top publishing pros.
MARVEL HQ: The destination for all young Marvel fans (and their families). Check out everything Marvel HQ has to offer about popular superheroes, with a comics read-along, an epic LEGO battle, and a behind-the-scenes look at the animated series, Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Maximum Venom.”
Teaching and Making Comics: A panel featuring Ebony Flowers (“Hot Comb”), Roman Muradov (“Vanishing Act”), Trina Robbins (“Flapper Girls”), Sophie Yanow (“The Contradictions”), and James Sturm (“Off Season”).
The Blacklist Draws on Animation to Complete Season 7 Amid Covid: NBC’s “The Blacklist” series creator/executive producer Jon Bokenkamp, executive producer John Eisendrath, series stars Diego Klattenhoff (Donald Ressler), and Harry Lennix (Harold Cooper), will be joined by Proof, Inc’s visualization supervisors Adam Coglan and Matt Perrin to discuss how they stepped up to the challenge of completing the season with partial animation after production was shut down due to the pandemic.
The Rise and Rise of the Australian Comic and Toy Collectibles Market: Neville Howard (comics and reprints), Ben Gee (toys and collectibles), and Mike Speakman (retro games and indie comics) explore the world of Australian collecting trends, whether it’s Australian price variants, reprints, or print errors of sourcing those pesky grails from the United States.
Twenty Years of Harry Dresden: Celebrate 20 years of “The Dresden Files” with Jim Butcher.
5-6 p.m.
Breaking Into Comics and Staying In!: Comics Experience founder Andy Schmidt (Marvel, IDW), Comics Experience creators workshop director Bon Alimagno (Marvel), and artist Sanford Greene (“Bitter Root”) present an invaluable guide to breaking into the industry.
Go Fish!, Ultraduck and Miskatonic: Arcanamation Nation: A panel featuring previews of “Go Fish!” and “Miskatonic.”
LGBTQ Characters on Television – What’s Next?: A panel featuring Jamie Chung, Jamie Clayton, Wilson Cruz, Tatiana Maslany, Anthoyn Rapp, J. August Richards, Harry Shum, Jr., and Brian Michael Smith.
Nerd Up or Shut Up Live: A live show of Nerd Up or Shut Up, the podcast where the only wrong opinion is yours.
Orbit’s New Voices in SF&F: Get to know seven exciting new voices in science fiction and fantasy, whose debut novels are being published by Orbit in 2020 and early 2021: K.S. Villoso, Luke Arnold, Constance Sayers, Devin Madson, Andrea Stewart, Essa Hansen, and M.A. Carrick.
The Science of Star Trek: Three Generations of Advice: A panel featuring Larry Nemecek, Naren Shankar, , André Bormanis, and Erin Macdonald.
The State of the Industry: Animation Superstars: ASIFA-Hollywood and some of the brightest talents in animation will assemble for a lively discussion about the inner workings of the animation biz
The Three Act Story Arc – Writing the Perfect Story
Van Helsing Season 4 – [email protected] Panel Discussion: A panel featuring the cast of “Van Helsing.”
Image Comics Spotlight: Get the exclusive scoop on an exciting new project by a best-selling powerhouse creative team returning to Image for an all-new series.
6-7 p.m.
23rd Annual San Diego Comic Con Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza: A panel featuring Ric Meyers, Frank Djeng, Eric Jacobus, Chris Mancini, Jan Lucanus, Peter Pham, and Scott Adkins.
Dispatches from Middle-earth: What’s new for Tolkien fans: TheOneRing.net (TORn) staffers Clifford Broadway (host of TORn Tuesday), Nicole Roberts (TORn outreach coordinator), Abie Ekenezar (filmmaker), and special guest John Garth (Tolkien biographer) talk about the new book from Garth referencing real world places that inspired Tolkien’s Middle-earth.
Heavy Metal: Forging The Future of Genre: Heavy Metal CEO Matthew Medney is joined by partner, publisher, and chief creative overlord David Erwin the future of storytelling that no else dares to publish.
How To Thrive as an Indy Comics Creator Now!: Brian Pulido details his eight rules on how to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of indie comics.
How To Write And Create Manga: A panel featuring Barbra Dillon, Frederick Luis Aldama, Theresa Rojas, Peter Murrieta, and Sebastian Kadlecik.
Mystery Science Theater 3000: A Panel Panorama: A Q&A with Joel Hodgson, Bill Corbett, and J. Elvis Weinstein.
Shudder: ‘Horror is Queer’: A panel on how horror cinema is queer cinema, featuring Same Wineman, Nay Bever, Bryan Fuller, Don Mancini, and Lachlan Watson.
The League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers: More Science in Your Fiction: A discussion on how comics and science fiction push scientists and engineers to rocket past what we know is possible at any given moment and into an otherwise unimaginable future
The Most Dangerous Women at Comic-Con: Building a Better Heroine: A discussion on everyone’s favorite female/nonbinary characters of the past decade, and what people can learn from them.
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