10:00-11:00 Click & Clack’s As the Wrench Turns— Behind the scenes at PBS's hilarious new primetime toon, based on the famous radio show Car Talk, direct from Car Talk Plaza! Catch a sneak peek of a new episode, plus Q&A with the creators: Tom Sito (The Lion King, Osmosis Jones), Bill Kroyer (Tron, Garfield the Movie), Stephen Silver (Kim Possible), Floyd Norman (101 Dalmatians), Helen Jen (TMNT), Tom Minton (Pinky and the Brain), and executive producer Howard Grossman. Extra bonus feature: a special message for Comic-Con from the real Tom & Ray, the Tappet Bros! Room 2
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Noel Neill— She's celebrating her 60th anniversary as America's favorite superhero sweetheart! Comic-Con special guest Noel Neill first took on the role of ace reporter Lois Lane in the 1948 Superman serial from Columbia, and she went on to provide the definitive depiction of the character in the popular 1950s TV show, Adventures of Superman, with George Reeves. Superman historian John Field interviews Ms. Neill about her life with the man in the cape and the rest of her amazing career! Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Television

11:00-12:00 Professional Writing: Threat or Menace?— Let's talk writing, creativity, and selling (and selling out), and what the world of professional writing is like. Questions that you've always wanted to ask? Creative blocks bugging you? Wondered what the H*O*L*L*Y*W*O*O*D life is really like? Show up and get answers to those questions. This no-holds-barred talk is moderated by J. Michael Straczynski. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Seminars & Workshops | Television | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 The Comic Art of J. G. Jones— It's the summer of J.G.! Come celebrate with Comic-Con special guest J.G. Jones, the artist behind the summer blockbusters Wanted and Final Crisis as he discusses his work on everything from 52 and Marvel Boy to some hidden movements from earlier in his career. Hosted by DC Comics senior story editor Ian Sattler. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Neil Googe— From Welcome to Tranquility to WildCats: World’s End, it’s no secret that artist Neil Googe is a talent on the rise!  Find out all you want to know about this up-and-coming star artist with moderator and WildStorm senior editor Ben Abernathy, including plans that will surely change the WildStorm Universe! Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Paul Gulacy— One of the most exciting artists working in comics, Comic-Con special guest Paul Gulacy has a career spanning over 30 years. Famous for his cinematic style on books such as Master of Kung Fu, Gulacy talks about his work, past, present, and future. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Eddie Campbell— Comic-Con special guest Eddie Campbell talks about his books, including From Hell, The Fate of the Artist and his latest, due for release at Comic-Con, The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard, His co-writer on the latter, Dan Best, will also be on hand to answer questions. Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 DC: Superman: Man of Tomorrow— The groundwork is being laid now for the next phase of Superman's heroic career. The architects of Superman's future are here to give you a glimpse of what is to come. Featuring Superman senior editor Matt Idelson, Geoff Johns (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room 6B
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Steve Purcell— Join Sam & Max creator—and Eisner Award winner and Comic-Con special guest—Steve Purcell on a visual tour from his first scratchy Sam & Max strips through his career as an illustrator, game designer, and concept artist to his current role as a Pixar storyteller. Q&A to follow. Room 2
Categories:  Animation | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Gaming

1:00-2:00 Mark and Sergio— The world’s fastest cartoonist joins forces with the Comic-Con 2008 weekend record holder for panel moderation! Yes, it’s Mark Evanier and Sergio Aragonés together again. Expect lots of talk on Groo and anything else these two whirlwinds are conspiring to bring us in the near future. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:45-2:45 Marvel: X-Men— The X-Men have a new home and a new direction in Manifest Destiny. Join this star-studded, must-attend panel with the writers of the X-Verse, including Ed Brubaker (Uncanny X-Men), Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), Chris Yost (X-Force), Craig Kyle (X-Force), C.B. Cebulski (X-Men: Manifest Destiny), Daniel Way (Deadpool), Marjorie Liu (NYX), Axel Alonso (X-Men group editor), Nick Lowe (X-Men editor, and more as they lay out the plans for this bold new direction! Room 6B
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Signe Wilkinson— Middle-aged white woman humor. Comic-Con special guest Signe Wilkinson, editorial cartoonist for the Philadelphia Daily News and creator of the new comic strip, Family Tree, answers the eternal questions, "Where do you get your ideas?", "Can I have your job?", and "How do you answer your hate mail?" Introduced by Ted Rall. Room 4
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Todd Klein— Eisner Award-winning letterer and logo designer Todd Klein (Sandman, Fables) is joined by moderator Mark Evanier (Fanboy, Kirby: King of Comics) for a discussion of his 30-plus years in comics, from early days on staff at DC and lettering by hand to his present-day freelance career on many titles for DC, Marvel, and others, mainly on the computer. Focus will be on the intricacies of lettering, logo design, and more, as Todd and Mark show and discuss images of classic comics logos. Todd will also cover his recent self-published signed prints by Alan Moore and Neil Gaiman and give away several copies of each. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Jim Woodring: Please Stand By— Comic-Con special guest Jim Woodring (The Frank Book) presents a slide show with commentary providing a rare overview of his life, career, motivations, methods, and dark personal secrets. Q&A session to follow. Room 10
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham— Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his books. His credits range from DCU's Salvation Run and Shadowpact to the already classic Vertigo Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Hosted by superstar Fables artist Mark Buckingham, this panel is sure to thrill! Room 2
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Ed Brubaker— The Comic-Con special guest Ed Brubaker is the Eisner Award–winning writer (Best Writer 2007, Best New Series 2007—Criminal) whose work on Captain America, Daredevil, X-Men, and Criminal has catapulted him into the upper echelon of today's best comic writers. Ed talks about what's next in this Spotlight presentation. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries: Comic Creators— Jim Lee (All-Star Batman & Robin), John Cassaday (The Astonishing X-Men), Matt Fraction (Casanova), Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Colleen Doran (A Distant Soil), and Grant Morrison (Final Crisis) are the writers and artists blazing a path into the future of comics. Coming from both the mainstream and the independent worlds, these men and women can provide unique insights into the comics landscape. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly staff editor Nisha Gopalan. Room 6A
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-5:00 Golden and Silver Age of Comics— It's the amazing annual gathering of the resident greats from the Golden and Silver Ages of comics! Moderated by Mark Evanier, this year's list of luminaries includes Comic-Con's special guests Al Feldstein (EC editor/writer/artist), Victor Gorelick (Archie Comics), Al Jaffee (MAD Magazine), plus Marvel comics writer/artist Larry Lieber, and artists Russ Heath (G.I. Combat, Sgt. Rock) and Jerry Robinson (Batman). Filled with personal reminiscences and anecdotes, this panel promises to be a treasure trove of comics history! Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00-5:00 Dark Horse Horror— Dark Horse Comics is home to some of the best horror comics ever produced, from Mike Mignola’s Hellboy and Steve Niles’ Criminal Macabre to upcoming collections of the classic horror magazines Creepy and Eerie. Dark Horse editors Scott Allie and Shawna Gore and a handful of our top creators take a look ahead at their spookiest projects for 2008, including a sneak peek at the 25th anniversary edition of Bernie Wrightson’s Frankenstein and a special appearance by the artist. Room 2
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense

4:45-5:45 Marvel: Mondo Marvel— 2008 has already been a huge success for Marvel in all corners of the Universe. Now, join the industry's top editors and creators like Greg Pak (Skaar, Son of Hulk), Matt Fraction (Invincible Iron Man), Ed Brubaker (Captain America), Jeff Parker (Agents of Atlas), C.B. Cebulski  (Loners), Warren Simons (editor), Mark Paniccia (editor), Jim McCann (Marvel Publishing) and special guests to find out what's to come for Iron Man, Hulk, Daredevil, cosmic, the FF, and all things Marvel! Room 6A
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Floyd Norman— Comic-Con special guest Floyd Norman talks about his long and varied career in feature film and television animation. His work includes Disney's Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Pixar's Toy Story 2 and Monsters Inc., and many more fan favorites. Moderated by cartoonist and animation artist Scott Shaw! Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00-6:00 Looking at Our World: Eye on the Past— Authors discuss how they use and abuse history to inform their fictional stories. Panelists include Connie Willis (Passage), Jacqueline Carey (Kushiel's Legacy), Max Allan Collins (Deadly Beloved), Peter David (Tigerheart), Naomi Novik (Victory of Eagles), and Jess Winfield (My Name Is Will: A Novel of Sex, Drugs, and Shakespeare). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 8
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Mike W. Barr— What would comics in the '80s and '90s have been without Camelot 3000, Batman and the Outsiders, The Maze Agency, and Mantra. The creator of those titles, Comic-Con special guest Mike W. Barr, will answer that question and pretty much any others, as well as what he's up to nowadays. (Just don't ask him what the "W." stands for.) With a special guest moderator...maybe. Room 10
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Frank Beddor— Comic-Con special guest Frank Beddor, author of the best-selling "Looking Glass Wars" series, and creator of the Hatter M graphic novel, talks about the creation of his books, gives the story behind the story, and presents concept art from a wide array of artists who have visualized his text: Ben Templesmith (30 Day of Night), Doug Chiang (Star Wars), and Stephan Martiniere (I, Robot). He'll reveal the new online game The Card Soldier Wars, show a special effects trailer for The Looking Glass Wars movie, and discuss how each of these mediums connect and extend The Looking Glass Wars universe. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Gaming | Movies | Writers & Writing

6:00-7:00 DC Nation— DC Senior VP/executive editor Dan DiDio hosts this gabfest with Keith Giffen (Reign in Hell, Ambush Bug: Year None), Geoff Johns (Action Comics, Green Lantern), Brad Meltzer (DCU: Last Will and Testament), and some of the top talent in the industry, talking and teasing upcoming stories! Come learn the secrets behind the most talked about events of the summer! Room 6A
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

6:25-8:00 Independents: A Guide for the Creative Spirit— What does it really take to be a successful comic book creator? This documentary explores the personality traits and driving passions of the successful writer/artist, through interviews with dozens of acclaimed comic book creators. Post-screening Q&A participants include Wendy Pini (Elfquest), Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Jim Woodring (Frank), Shannon Wheeler (Too Much Coffee Man), Keith Knight (The Knight Life), Dr. James Kaufman, and director Chris Brandt. Screening as part of the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival (CCI:IFF). Room 26AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Max Brooks— America's favorite zombie expert is a Comic-Con special guest for the first time! Author Max Brooks, whose groundbreaking work in the walking dead genre could possibly save your life some day (see his The Zombie Survival Guide), talks about his work and what's up next for him. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

10:30-11:30 10 Years of DC Direct— Celebrate DC Direct's tenth anniversary with the creative minds behind your favorite action figures, statues, and busts! Panelists including VP—design/DC Direct creative Georg Brewer, DC Direct design director Jim Fletcher, a sculptor Jim Shoop and others discuss the first ten years of DC Direct and take a look into the future with the DCU, Watchmen movie, and World of Warcraft. Room 8
Categories:  Action Figures, Toys and Collectibles | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:00-12:00 Print The Legend: Mike Grell and Mark Ryan— Comic-Con special guest Mike Grell (Legion of Superheroes, The Warlord, Green Arrow: the Longbow Hunters, Jon Sable, Freelance) and actor-writer Mark Ryan (Robin of Sherwood, The Prestige, King Arthur, voice of Bumblebee in Transformers), swap outrageous yarns and discuss the secret world behind their new Comicmix.com project The Pilgrim with editor Mike Gold. Join Mike, Mark and Mike for a bit of insanity and Q&A session. Room 2
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Image Comics Studio Space— Howard Chaykin, Tommy Lee Edwards,  and Bryan Talbot discuss Image's hit Studio Space book, moderated by the book's editor and co-writer Joel Meadows. Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Hey Kids, the First One's in the Library— Children's authors discuss the joys of writing for that audience and ways to captivate their young readers. Panelists include Frank Beddor (The Looking Glass Wars), Martin Baynton (Jane and the Dragon), PJ Haarsma (The Softwire), D.J. MacHale (Pendragon: Raven Rise), Rebecca Moesta (Crystal Doors), James Owen (Here, There Be Dragons), and Michael Reisman (Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Kids | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Jim Starlin— The most cosmic comics creator of them all is a Comic-Con special guest. In Jim Starlin's 30+ years in comics he's produced some of the great cosmic sagas—Captain Marvel, Warlock, Dreadstar—and shown a penchant for death—The New Gods, Robin, and...well, Captain Marvel and Warlock! Starlin talks about his career and what's coming up for this talented writer and artist. Room 10
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Jim Lee: The Art of DC Universe Online (DCUO)— Jim Lee (All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder, Batman: Hush, Superman: For Tomorrow) and Carlos D'Anda (Brass, WildC.A.T.S, Bionicle, The Outsiders, JLA: Classified, Deathblow) of WildStorm Productions fame join with Chris Cao, Jared Carr and Jason Smith of Sony Online Entertainment's DC Universe Online game development team to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced in adapting the rich comic book art of the DC Universe to a 3D game world and delivering the same emotional impact online as the brand evokes in its other mediums; moderated by Mat Broome (Batman: No Man's Land, WildC.A.T.S) Room 6B
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Gaming

12:30-2:00 That ’70s (Comics) Panel— It started with Nixon and ended with Carter, but in between the 1970s showcased an incredible influx of new comics talent unheard of since the beginning of the industry in the 1930s. Moderator Mark Evanier (who worked with Jack "King" Kirby on DC’s "Fourth World" books in the ’70s) hosts Comic-Con special guests Mike W. Barr (Camelot 3000, Batman), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!), Mike Grell (Warlord, Green Arrow), Paul Gulacy (Master of Kung Fu, Sabre), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar, Captain Marvel), Joe Staton (Green Lantern, E-Man), Len Wein (Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk), and Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing, Frankenstein). Wow! That’s almost one panelist for each year in the decade! Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Connie Willis— Time travel, hula hoops, flying saucers, church choirs, and other proofs of Chaos Theory in action! Multiple Nebula and Hugo Award–winning science fiction author and Comic-Con special guest Connie Willis (Doomsday Book, To Say Nothing of the Dog) reveals the outer reaches and inner secrets of writing science fiction. Room 10
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Victor Gorelick— One of the most prolific editors in comics, Victor Gorelick has entertained readers since 1958. Victor started as an art assistant at Archie Comics, since then he has served as production manager, art director, and managing editor before being named editor-in-chief. On hand to provide a retrospective of Victor's career are Fred Mausser, Archie Comics, VP sales; Mike Pellerito, Archie Comics managing editor; Betty & Veronica writer/artist Dan Parent; "Archie Freshman Year" writer Batton Lash; Jughead writer Craig Boldman; and Archie inker Rich Koslowski. The moderator is Finger Award–winning Archie writer George Gladir. Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Editorial Cartoons— Top newspaper editorial cartoonists talk about their cartoons, today's issues and the political cartooning profession. Panelists Steve Breen (San Diego Union Tribune), Mike Peters (Dayton Daily News), Signe Wilkinson (Philadelphia Daily News), Michael Ramirez (Investor's Business Daily), Mr. Fish (LA Weekly, Village Voice), and Bill Schorr (United Media) chat with moderator/fellow cartoonist Daryl Cagle (msnbc.com). Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire

2:00-3:00 The World of Graphic Novels— International is part of Comic-Con’s name for a reason! An impressive roster of worldwide talent who create graphic novels—Nick Abadzis (UK, Laika), Eddie Campbell (Australia by way of Scotland, The Amazing Remarkable Monsieur Leotard), Rutu Modan (Israel, Exit Wounds), Alex Robinson (U.S., Too Cool to be Forgotten), and Adrian Tomine (U.S., Shortcomings)— join moderator good ol’ American Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) to discuss graphic novels and why they make the world go ’round. Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00-3:00 That ’70s (Animation) Panel— Comic-Con special guest Mark Evanier talks to animation legends Joe Ruby and Ken Spears—of Ruby-Spears Productions—about their amazing output of television cartoon shows in the '70s, '80s, and beyond.Meet the men who gave you Thundarr the Barbarian, Scooby Doo, Dynomutt, Fangface, Jabberjaw and so many more. Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

2:00-3:30 Dynamic Drawing: Demonstration from Life— Renowned teachers demonstrate the Watts Atelier Method of Drawing. Jeff Watts and Erik M. Gist demonstrate the skills that have allowed them to excel as professional artists, as they explain the essentials of working from the live model and its importance to every working artist. Jeff founded Watts Atelier of the Arts some 16 years ago in hopes of preserving the tradition of master artists of the past. Jeff and Erik will share their thoughts on what it takes to train and perform at peak professional levels. A must for professionals and aspiring professionals alike. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on James Warren— he legendary publisher of Famous Monsters of Filmland, Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella joins Comic-Con in a rare convention appearance! Jim Warren celebrates the 50th anniversary of FM along with the legendary Hollywood makeup artist Verne Langdon, also a Comic-Con special guest! Famous Monsters fans will recognize Langdon’s name from the pages of that beloved magazine. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Lynda Barry— Iconic alt-cartoonist and Comic-Con special guest Lynda Barry is the author of the recently released—to much acclaim—graphic-how-to-memoir, What It Is. Barry has been at the forefront of alternative comics since Matt Groening published her first comics while they were both students in college. This presentation takes an inside look at Barry's creative energy, genius, and approach to making art. "The ordinary is extraordinary" in Barry's world, and everyone can write and be creative—we just have to ask ourselves the right questions. Have your pencils ready and your mind prepared to be blown with this once in a lifetime chance to meet the! Lynda! Barry!, creator of Ernie Pook's Comeek, One! Hundred! Demons! and The! Greatest! of! Marlys!. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Al Jaffee— He's definitely one of "MAD's maddest artists!" Al Jaffee's work—including his incredible "Mad Fold-Ins" that grace the inside back cover of the magazine—has appeared in more issues of MAD than any other artist. Mark Evanier interviews this comics legend, who is making his first-ever appearance as a Comic-Con special guest. (We promise not to try and fold him.) Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Geoff Johns— His ideas have breathed new life into Flash, Teen Titans, Green Lantern, the Justice Society of America, and now Superman. Is there anything writer Geoff Johns can't do? Probably not, but come ask anyway. Don't miss this panel hosted by Ian Sattler, senior story editor—DCU, interviewing one of the brightest minds behind the magic of the DC Universe. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Drawing Demo: Spotlight on Dean Yeagle— Comic-Con special guest Dean Yeagle has had his cartoons regularly published in Playboy for the past nine years. Most of his career has been in animation, and he has had his own animation studio for the past 22 years. He's also recently designed and drawn the first two issues of the Return of the Gremlins comic, for Dark Horse and Disney, written by Mike Richardson. Earlier this year he had a one-man gallery show in Paris, and he also publishes his own books with his pinup character Mandy, which, you may rest assured, he'll have for sale at Comic-Con. Join Dean and moderator/interviewer Craig Yoe (Comic Arf) to see some of Dean's work and ask questions about Playboy, animation, comics, and how to draw pretty girls for fun and profit! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Robert J. Sawyer— Comic-Con special guest Robert J. Sawyer is one of only seven writers in history to win all three of science-fiction's top awards for best novel of the year: the Hugo, the Nebula, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. His latest novel, Rollback, has earned him his 11th Hugo nomination. Join him for a one-on-one Q&A session about the world of print SF. Room 4
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Al Feldstein— Continuing our mini "Al's at MAD magazine" programming theme, the dean of EC Comics, triple threat editor/writer/artist Al Feldstein returns to Comic-Con. Feldstein—who edited the EC line in its glory days and took MAD to new heights of popularity—talks with Mark Evanier about comics, painting, that magazine, and much more! Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

4:15-5:15 Spotlight on Jim Butcher— In a short period of time, Comic-Con special guest Jim Butcher has become one of the most popular names in fantasy fiction. His two series of books, The Dresden Files and Codex Alera, are New York Times bestsellers. Butcher talks about his books and his recent foray into the comic book adaptation world with the Dabel Brothers. Room 6CDEF
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Vertigo: View of the Future— Vertigo is a more than a name. It’s the imprint that delivers smart, provocative, and edgy books. Be here to find out what’s in store for your favorite Vertigo titles as well as some major new projects that will be announced here for the first time! Hosted by senior VP—executive editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, group editor Shelly Bond, and senior editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent in tow: Brian Azzarello (100 Bullets, Joker), Mark Buckingham (Fables), David Lapham (Young Liars), Grant Morrison (Seaguy),—Matt Sturges (House of Mystery), Matt Wagner (Madame Xanadu), Bill Willingham (Fables, House of Mystery), G. Willow Wilson (Air), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), and others! Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Keith Giffen— Comic-Con special guest Keith Giffen talks about his long career as writer and artist with friend and collaborator Robert Loren Fleming. Plus get the lowdown on their latest project: the return of Ambush Bug for DC Comics! Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Bernie Wrightson— Comic-Con special guest Bernie Wrightson brought a whole new face to horror comics when he broke into the industry in the late 1960s. He went on to co-create Swamp Thing and produce numerous work in both the horror and superhero genres. His magnum opus is his illustrated version of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, to be reprinted later this year by Dark Horse Comics. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Kim Deitch— Underground and alternative comix legend Kim Deitch (Boulevard of BrokenDreams, Alias the Cat) presents work from his new book Pictorama and a sneak peek at an upcoming project. As Kim puts it, he'll be showing "a touch of the past, a whole lot of the present, and a pretty generous look at the future as well!" Room 10
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:00-7:00 DCU: Final Crisis Management— The Final Crisis is here! Senior VP-executive editor Dan DiDio talks with Grant Morrison (Batman, Final Crisis), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Geoff Johns (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds), Brad Meltzer (DCU: Last Will and Testament), Greg Rucka (Final Crisis: Revelations), Phillip Tan (Final Crisis: Revelations), and others! Catch a glimpse of what will be one of the most talked-about events of the summer! Room 6A
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

6:30-7:30 What's Up with Penguin— Anne Sowards (senior editor, Ace/Roc), Lisa DeGroff (marketing manager, Penguin Young Readers), and Jessica Wade (associate editor, Ace/Roc) give you the dish on forthcoming books from Penguin's exciting authors, including Jim Butcher, Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Charles Stross, Kelly Link, Robin McKinley, Allegra Goodman, and many others. Plus, lots of giveaways, including free advance reading copies! Room 10
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Forrest J Ackerman— The mayor of Horrorwood, Karloffornia returns to Comic-Con after a two-year absence. The beloved Forry celebrates the 50th anniversary of his seminal movie monster magazine, Famous Monsters of Filmland. Room 3
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Fandom | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 Looking at Our World: Eye on the Future— Speculative fiction authors discuss shaping the future through their fiction and shaping their fiction to the future. Panelists include Robert J. Sawyer (Rollback), Ann Aguirre (Grimspace), Tobias S. Buckell (Ragamuffin), William C. Dietz (When All Seems Lost), Alan Dean Foster (author of more than 100 books), Charles Stross (Saturn's Children), and John Zakour (Dangerous Dames). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 8
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

10:15-11:15 Spotlight on Ralph Bakshi— On par with such auteurs as Walt Disney, Tex Avery, Chuck Jones, and art spiegelman, Comic-Con special guest Ralph Bakshi redefined animation and became a hero to countless generations of fans and filmmakers. His name is synonymous with the great tradition of American cartooning. Bakshi is responsible for such memorable films and television shows such as Fritz the Cat (the first X-rated animated feature film), The New Adventures of Mighty Mouse, Spider-Man, Heavy Traffic, Wizards, Cool World, and The Lord of the Rings, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year. Join Ralph Bakshi for a rare, in-person appearance as he discusses his legendary career. Moderated by Jon M. Gibson and Chris McDonnell, co-authors of Unfiltered: The Complete Ralph Bakshi, the only book chronicling the career of one of the pioneers of animation. Room 6B
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Television

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Ethan Van Sciver— His stunning visions of the Flash and Green Lantern have made him one of the most popular artists working in comics today. Comic-Con special guest Ethan Van Sciver talks about his work and what’s next up on his drawing board. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

11:00-12:00 IDW Publishing: Ideas and Dreams 2008— DW publisher Chris Ryall presides over a superstar panel including writer Joe Hill; artists Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key), Ben Templesmith (Welcome to Hoxford), and Darwyn Cooke (announcing a surprise new project and offering up an exclusive signature card available only at this panel); writers Brian Lynch (Angel: After the Fall), Steve Niles (Epilogue), Rick Remender (Legion of the Supernatural), and David Lapham; actors Shawnee Smith and Ken Foree; IDW special projects editor Scott Dunbier, and others. And they all guarantee at least a few surprise announcements of things to come! Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 50th Anniversary Famous Monsters— It's a celebration of your favorite movie monster magazine! Famous Monsters of Filmland started in 1958, spiraling out of the huge interest in classic monster movies being shown on TV to a brand new audience. Editor/writer Forrest J Ackerman, who gave FM much of its charm and wit with his "punny" style of writing and amazing collection of photos and anecdotes, joins publisher James Warren, and Hollywood makeup artist Verne Langdon—whose incredible masks were a staple of FM's "company store," Captain Company, in the back of each issue—to talk about this big anniversary. Moderated by Phil Kim. Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Costuming | Fandom | Horror and Suspense | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

11:15-12:30 Quick Draw!— It’s the battle of the cartoonists, featuring the one artist who may be the match for the reigning champs! Join Sergio Aragonés (the world’s fastest cartoonist), the quick-witted and quicker-penned Scott Shaw!, and the new kid, editorial and syndicated cartoonist Mike Peters (Mother Goose and Grimm), as they place their pens to paper to do their fastest, most clever work, while you watch them draw on the big screen. Host Mark Evanier puts them through their paces in one of Comic-Con’s most popular annual events. Room 6CDEF
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire

11:30-12:30 Sam & Max, Strong Bad, and the Secrets Behind Turning Comics into Games— Sam & Max may have their roots in indy comics, but the crime-fighting duo is right at home starring in a successful series of episodic games. The cast of the popular Homestarrunner.com web cartoons are following suit this summer in Strong Bad's Cool Game for Attractive People. Why do comics make for such great games? Telltale designers Mark Darin, Chuck Jordan, and Mike Stemmle, artist Mai Nguyen, and Sam & Max creator Steve Purcell will tell you all about the fun (and work) of bringing comics to life. Plus, get a first look at a third, completely new episodic game series! Room 4
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Gaming | Webcomics

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Matt Busch with Drawing Demo— Notorious artist Matt Busch (Star Wars) spills a plethora of secrets on both drawing and how to break into the business. You can expect a brand new episode of How To Draw Star Wars to be shown, a look at The Worlds of Matt Busch art book, and some exclusive videos that go behind the scenes. Director Tracy Wayne (How To Draw Star Wars) will be joining Matt for a Q&A session, with other surprises planned! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:45-12:45 Spotlight on Dean Koontz— Dean Koontz (In Odd We Trust) has had 48 novels on the New York Times bestseller lists, many in the number one position, and has been published in 36 languages. Find out more about what makes him tick in this talk and Q&A session. Ballroom 20
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Humor & Satire | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on John Howe— Join acclaimed fantasy artist John Howe for an amazing look at his career, including never-before-seen concept artwork from The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and a Q&A session. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Howard Chaykin— One of the most popular writer/artists in comics celebrates the 25th anniversary of his signature creation, American Flagg! Comic-Con special guest Howard Chaykin discusses his career in comics and can be counted on to be candid in his views on comics and the industry. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Television | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Rutu Modan— Rutu Modan exploded into North American comics with her 2007 graphic novel Exit Wounds which immediately made her one of the top literary cartoonists from around the world. A portrait of modern Israel, a place where sudden death mingles with the slow dissolution of family ties, Exit Wounds was selected by Entertainment Weekly as the best comic of 2007 and made countless “best of” lists. At this program, Modan will visually present how she made the book and her comics with an engaging slide show that focuses on both Exit Wounds and her new short story collection Jamilti. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

12:30-2:00 Cartoon Voices I— It's the first of two gatherings this weekend of actors who lend their voices to animation, as they discuss and demonstrate their craft.  Co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress welcome Jason Marsden (Fairly OddParents, Loonatics Unleashed), Wally Wingert (The Garfield Show, Family Guy), Phil LaMarr (Justice League, Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends), Alicyn Packard (The Mr. Men Show, World of Warcraft), TV legend Chuck McCann, Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants), and a few surprises. Room 6CDEF
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

12:45-2:00 DC: A Guide to Your Universe— Dan DiDio (senior VP/executive editor, DCU), Jann Jones (senior coordinating editor, DCU), and Ian Sattler (senior story editor, DCU), and countless DCU talent gather for a panel that’s not to be missed. Now that the Final Crisis is upon us, what lies ahead for your favorite heroes? Join Keith Giffen  (Reign in Hell, Ambush Bug: Year None), Geoff Johns (Action Comics, Green Lantern), Aaron Lopresti (Wonder Woman), Brad Meltzer (DCU: Last Will and Testament), Grant Morrison (Batman, Final Crisis), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), Phillip Tan (Final Crisis: Revelations), Peter Tomasi (Green Lantern Corps), Judd Winick (Titans), and others to get the answers. Room 6B
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:15-2:00 Spotlight on Tite Kubo— VIZ Media welcomes prolific manga (graphic novel) creator Tite Kubo for a series of rare in-person appearance. Mr. Kubo is the creator of the wildly successful manga series Bleach and ZOMBIEPOWDER. Both series are published domestically by VIZ Media, and Bleach is currently serialized in Shonen Jump. This is the first time the artist will appear at a North American convention. Mr. Kubo, along with his editor, Mr. Atsushi Nakasaki, will provide insight regarding his past, current, and future projects. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Things That Go Bump— Monsters and haunts continue to fascinate authors and readers alike. Authors who’ll be talking about these supernatural themes include Joe Hill (Heart-Shaped Box), Max Brooks (World War Z, The Zombie Survival Guide), Adrienne Barbeau (Vampyres of Hollywood), Chris Marie Green (Vampire Babylon novels), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (River Runs Red), and Natasha Rhodes (Dante's Girl). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Bryan Hitch— Superstar penciller Bryan Hitch, the artist with the wide-screen movie style, talks about his work on titles such as The Ultimates and Fantastic Four,  plus his design work on Doctor Who and Star Trek 2009. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:00-3:00 Lettering Roundtable— Lettering is the invisible art's invisible art—a crucial element of comics that often tries not to call attention to itself. Potentates of penmanship, including 14-time Best Lettering Eisner Award winner Todd Klein (Fables), Jared K. Fletcher (The Spirit), John Roshell (Astro City), Tom Orzechowski (Spawn), and others will discuss what's new and what's constant in the world of drawing words with moderator Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:30-4:00 Painting Dynamic Portraits: Demonstration from Life— Nationally renowned portrait painter and fine artist Jeff Watts demonstrates oil portrait painting from a live portrait model. Jeff will discuss technique, methods and procedures as he demonstrates. A great program for anyone looking to work on furthering their skills and those who want to know more about where to obtain the strong fundamentals essential to becoming a working professional artist. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Vertigo Voices Fables Forum— It's the Fables forum with extras: Featuring the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, and House of Mystery: Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond is joined by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, and Matthew Sturges. It's a Q&A unlike any other, where you'd better come armed with your best questions, because all of the panelists are sure to be feeling giddy and very candid by day three of the big show. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:00-4:30 MAD in the ’60s— Comic-Con special guests Sergio Aragonés, Al Feldstein, and Al Jaffee join Mark Evanier for this free-wheeling discussion about the go-go years of one of America's biggest publishing success stories, the one and only—but often imitated—MAD magazine! Room 8
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Joe Staton— In this show-and-tell with Q&A, writer Mike W. Barr (The Outsiders) talks with fellow Comic-Con special guest, artist Joe Staton about Joe's nearly 40-year career, including his current project Femme Noir, his co-creation of E-Man, and lots of other stuff, including Hulk, JSA, LSH, GL, Guy Gardner, Batman, Huntress, those 100 issues of Scooby Doo, and the "New Look" Jughead. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Ray Bradbury— The legendary science fiction and fantasy author has been a perennial guest at Comic-Con since the first show in 1970. Ray Bradbury talks with interviewer Arnold Kunert about his career and what's up next. Room 6CDEF
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Joe Hill— Comic-Son special guest Joe Hill, author of the New York Times bestseller Heart-Shaped Box, talks about his critically acclaimed comic Locke & Key (IDW) and why so many novelists are losing it for comics these days. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 The Story of an Image— Comic-Con special guests Kim Deitch (Shadowland), Jim Woodring (Frank), Jim Ottaviani (Two-Fisted Science), and Kyle Baker (Nat Turner) will each show and discuss a single comics panel from their own work—how it came together and how it resonates in its context. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Mike Peters— You may have seen them match wits at “Quick Draw!” earlier in the day. Now Mark Evanier and Pulitzer Prize winning editorial cartoonist Mike Peters sit down for an hour-long talk covering Mike’s incredible career, including the hugely popular syndicated comic strip Mother Goose and Grimm (and cartoon show, better known as Grimmy). Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

4:30-5:30 Treasures of ASIFA Archive— Legendary animation director Ralph Bakshi along with ASIFA-Hollywood president Antranig Manoogian and ASIFA-Hollywood archivist Steve Worth will be screening rare films and discussing the finer points of story, animated filmmaking, and the history of animation and what it means to be an artist in today's world. Room 10
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies

4:45-5:45 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski— Yes, it's him again. Somehow—we have no idea how—he's gone from writing comics and TV to working with Tom Cruise, Clint Eastwood, Ron Howard, Paul Greengrass, Tom Hanks, the Wachowski Brothers, and Angelina Jolie. His long career (he's also known for Babylon 5, Twilight Zone, and others) stands as proof positive that there is no such thing as a just God. What's he up to now? What's coming next? What secrets remain yet untold? How did he achieve this (well, okay, we know that and let's just say it has something to do with a contract signed with Ba'al)? Come and ask the man responsible—J. Michael Straczynski—for Thor, The Twelve, and such upcoming movies ass Changeling, World War Z, Proving Ground, The Flickering Light, The Grays, and Lensman. Room 6B
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Television | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Legion of Super-Heroes 50th Anniversary— Fifty years ago, a trio of new super-heroes appeared on the cover of Adventure Comics no. 247. That humble beginning spawned the first great super team of the Silver Age of Comics: The Legion of Super-Heroes. Set in the 30th and 31st centuries of a DC Universe that may—or may not—happen, the Legion captured the hearts and minds of comic fans right from the start. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of this legendary team are DC’s president and publisher—and Legion writer—Paul Levitz, who moderates the panel featuring fellow Legion storytellers Geoff Johns, Colleen Doran, and Comic-Con special guests Mike Grell and Keith Giffen. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 The World of Steve Ditko Panel Discussion— Author Blake Bell (Strange and Stranger: The World of Steve Ditko) presents a slide show and discusses the artwork and career of Steve Ditko (co-creator of Spider-Man and Dr. Strange) with panelists Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Dreadstar), Kim Deitch (Shadowland, The Stuff of Dreams), Carl Potts (Alien Legion), Dean Mullaney (IDW's Library of American Comics), and Gary Groth (co-publisher, Fantagraphics). Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Len Wein— The writer who gave us Swamp Thing, The New X-Men, Wolverine, Brother Voodoo, memorable runs on all the top DC and Marvel titles and many more, was one of the first fans to become a professional writer...and editor at both companies. Comic-Con special guest Len Wein joins moderator Mark Evanier for a discussion on Len's 30+ years in the industry as one of comics' most popular talents. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Adrian Tomine— New Yorker illustrator and Optic Nerve cartoonist Adrian Tomine is the author of one of 2007's most critically lauded graphic novels, Shortcomings. For this Spotlight, Tomine will be interviewed by the first editor ever to give him an actual paying gig, Marc Weidenbaum, editor-in-chief of magazines at VIZ Media. The two will discuss what it was about the then UC Berkeley student's comic that attracted Weidenbaum to offer him a regular spot in Tower Records' Pulse magazine and how Tomine has matured over the last decade to become one of North America's leading literary cartoonists. Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:00-7:00 Playing God— Authors discuss creating the rules and deities of their fantasy worlds. Panelists include Jim Butcher (The Dresden Files), Chris Evans (A Darkness Forged in Fire), Lynn Flewelling (Shadows Return), David Keck (In a Time of Treason), Jenna Rhodes (The Elven Ways), and Eldon Thompson (Asahiel). Moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 WildStorm Brewing— Get the inside scoop on what’s coming up from DC’s wildest imprint from VP Hank Kanalz, superstar artist Jim Lee, editorial director Christos Gage (WildCats: World’s End), and creators Neil Googe (WildCats: World’s End), Wes Craig (Wildstorm Revelations), Brian Denham (X-Files), Joshua Ortega (Gears of War), and Jason Craig (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash). Find out about WildStorm’s newest creator-driven books, plus the latest on The Authority, WildCats, Stormwatch, Gen 13, The Lost Boys, X-Files, J. J. Abram’s Fringe, and much, much more! Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Television

10:00-11:00 Jack Kirby Tribute— As we do every year, friend and family of the great Jack Kirby to remember the man some call The King. Participating this year are animation producers Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, and comic book legend Jerry Robinson. And it's all hosted by—who else?—Mark Evanier, author of the recent book, Kirby: King of Comics. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Jim Ottaviani— Join Jim Ottaviani (Levitation; Bone Sharps, Cowboys, and Thunder Lizards; Fallout; Two-Fisted Science) for a Sunday morning combination of interview and Q&A. He'll discuss nuclear engineering, comics about scientists, upcoming projects, how to stay calm when Buzz Aldrin calls (hint: you don't, but he's used to that), and what to do when the Nobel Museum asks you to speak (hint: you say yes). Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Kyle Baker— Between the rich history of Nat Turner, the family hijinks of The Bakers: Babies & Kittens, and the wild war in Special Forces, it’s been a busy year so far for Kyle Baker! The Eisner Award–winning writer/artist talks about all this stuff and what’s next. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Growing up with Archie— Archie Comics creative staff share inside perspectives on the creation of Archie, how Archie Comics has evolved, and why it dominates the newsstands and supermarkets in comic sales. Panelists include Victor Gorelick, editor-in-chief (celebrating his 50th year with Archie Comics); Fred Mausser, VP sales; Mike Pellerito, managing editor; George Gladir, Archie writer; Dan Parent, Betty & Veronica writer and artist; Tania del Rio, Sabrina writer and artist, Bill Galvan, “Archie Freshman Year” artist; Batton Lash, “Archie Freshman Year” writer; Craig Boldman, Jughead writer; and moderator Rik Offenberger, public relations coordinator. Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:00 The Business of Cartoon Voices— Lots of people think they can do them...but how does one go about making a living as a voiceover actor?  Co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress gather together a panel of agents, casting directors and performers to explain all about agents, casting directors, demos, classes, what to do and (most important) what not to do. If you've ever been interested in a career in the field, this is the panel you've been waiting for. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Steve Breen— Pulitizer Prize–winning editorial cartoonist Steve Breen (San Diego Union Tribune) is part of Comic-Con's special editorial cartoons theme this year. The cartoonist talks about creating topical cartoons, his comic strip, Grand Avenue, and his children's books, Stick and Violet the Pilot, with moderator Bob Kittle. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

1:15-2:30 Cartoon Voices II— It's another one of those panels where folks who do animation voice work demonstrate their craft and dazzle you with their talents.  Co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress welcome Chris Edgerly (Harvey Birdman, Celebrity Deathmatch), Dee Baker (American Dad, SpongeBob SquarePants), Cheryl Chase (Rugrats, All Grown Up), Katie Leigh (Dungeons & Dragons, Totally Spies!), Billy West (Futurama, Ren & Stimpy) and a few surprises. Room 6B
Categories:  Animation | Anime & Manga | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 30 Years of Pointed Ears: Elfquest— Join Comic-Con special guest Wendy Pini (Elfquest, Masque of the Red Death), Richard Pini (CEO Warp Graphics) and Rawson Thurber (director/writer/producer) for a visual presentation celebrating Wendy's pioneering career as writer/artist, plus—of course!—the upcoming Elfquest movie! Q&A for sure! Room 2
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:30-4:00 Pro/Fan Trivia Match— The Purple Pros—Len Wein (Wolverine creator), Mark Waid (BOOM! Comics editor-in-chief), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), and Robert N. Skir (animated X-Men)—again take on the Black Ink Irregulars (Tom Galloway, Terence Chua, David Oakes, and John Sardegna), this time seeking to regain their youth by answering questions about young comics characters, those college age or below, including the convention theme Legion of Super-Heroes. This match is dedicated to longtime scorekeeper John Simpson, who passed away last October. Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Fandom | Superheroes

2:30-4:00 Cover Story: The Art of the Cover— It’s our annual soul-searching question: whether or not you can tell a book by its cover. Moderator Mark Evanier interviews four of the top cover artists in comics (and all Comic-Con 2008 special guests): Jim Starlin (Captain Marvel, Warlock), Bryan Hitch (The Ultimates, Fantastic Four), J.G. Jones (52, Final Crisis), and Ethan Van Sciver (Flash, Green Lantern). Evanier presents examples of each artist’s cover work and talks to them about the covers and the process of creating them. It’s a fascinating look at what many regard as the most important part of any comic. Room 5AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes