11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Nicola Cuti— Writer, artist, editor, filmmaker Nicola Cuti is a first-time Comic-Con special guest. Famous for his comics work at Charlton Comics and on E-Man (co-created with artist Joe Staton), among others, Nic talks with his daughter Jaymee Rose Cuti, formerly of the Pasadena Weekly and Arts and Entertainment editor for Just Out, and Michele Brooks, former marketing director of America II Electronics, and Renaissance Fair and Gasparella Pirate Festival actress, in this career-spanning Spotlight event! Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Writers & Writing

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Leinil Francis Yu— Join Comic-Con special guest Leinil Francis Yu for this free-for-all discussion with fans and aspiring artists about global warming, the Swine flu pandemic, and of course, comics. A quick drawing demonstration, Q&A with fans, and tips on how to make a killer portfolio and break in to comics—all in one hour! Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

11:45-12:45 DC: Superman: Two Worlds— Torn between New Krypton and Earth, the Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You've seen the stories: a new planet of Kryptonians; scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman's future are here to face the most trying times in his life. Meet the talented folks behind Superman as they give you a glimpse of what is in store for our favorite Super-family. Featuring Superman group editor Matt Idelson, writers Geoff Johns (Adventure Comics, Superman: Secret Origins), Greg Rucka (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bryan Lee O'Malley— Comic-Con special guest Bryan Lee O'Malley (winner of the Doug Wright, Joe Shuster, and Harvey Awards) talks with legendary comics scholar Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics, Zot!) about Bryan's groundbreaking slice-of-life graphic novel series Scott Pilgrim. From its genesis to the production of the upcoming film version, O'Malley speaks frankly about where Scott Pilgrim came from and where the series is going from here. With a fan Q&A to close the discussion, this is the must attend event of Comic-Con 2009! Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:00 Bongo Comics Sneak Peek— Bongo Comics offers a mouth-watering preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons and Futurama. Managing editor Terry Delegeane and creative director Bill Morrison host this panel featuring the writers and artists who create the comics and books based on Matt Groening's phenomenal TV shows. Find out what's in the future for Futurama Comics and what to expect in Simpsons Comics. Plus, Sammy Harkham (Kramer's Ergot) and Ben Jones (Paper Rad) will be on hand to talk about their wholly unique approach to The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror! And special guest and world famous cartoonist Sergio Aragonés will explain to all just what he's doing on the Bongo panel. This is a "must-attend" panel for all fans of The Simpsons and Futurama and anyone looking for a place to sit down! Room 10
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Television

12:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: The Painter's Process with Jill Thompson and Charles Vess— Bring your sketchbook and your questions to this first-hand view of the creative process of two of comics' greatest painters! Jill Thompson (Magic Trixie) and Charles Vess (Sandman) take you step by step through the painting process at this live art demonstration. Witness how each artist brings a painting to life on the big screen. The original art from this session will be auctioned off on Saturday night in the CBLDF's auction! Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | CBLDF Events | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Kevin Eastman— TMNJ co-creator Kevin Eastman not only reflects on his Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle years (with a preview his Comic-Con exclusive 25th Anniversary hardcover collection of favorite TMNT stories!), but also shares sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes teasers or trailers for his upcoming animated film projects—War of The Worlds: Goliath! and Underwhere—and introduces the new Tor Books Novel line Heavy Metal Pulp and the in-development Biz and Buzz animated series. Last but not least, Kevin will give you an update on the new David Fincher/James Cameron–produced Heavy Metal film! Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Television

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Jimmy Gownley— How did Comic-Con special guest Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules!) go from creating comics in his basement to landing an eight-book deal with Simon & Schuster? Find out how he and his marketing-director wife, Karen Gownley, turned a pipedream into reality, and how you can do it, too! Session will include Q&A. Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Jerry Robinson— One of the true legends of comics, Comic-Con special guest Jerry Robinson is a writer, artist, comics historian, museum show curator, and creator rights activist. Noted comics writer and editor Mark Waid (BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief) interviews Jerry about his life in comics, from his early days on Batman to his founding of the Bill Finger Excellence in Comic Writing Award. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

1:30-2:30 Avatars, Icons, and Antiheroes— The new hero is the anti-hero: twisted fairy tale icons, magicians turned hitmen, and avatars of both Good and Evil are cold-blooded killers and worse in the pages of these writers' imaginations. Moderator Diana Gill (executive editor of Eos Books) leads a discussion on this phenomenon with Kevin J. Anderson (Enemies & Allies), Brom (The Child Thief), Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim), Vicki Pettersson (City of Souls), S. J. Day (Eve of Chaos), and Holly Black (Ironside). Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Bill Sienkiewicz— The Eisner Award–winning writer/artist is a Comic-Con special guest. Bill Sienkiewicz is best known for his comics work such as Elektra: Assassin and Stray Toasters, but he's also a film designer and writer/director. Bill talks about his career in this special Spotlight panel. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns— He is the mastermind behind the smash-hit, critically acclaimed Flash: Rebirth and DC's most anticipated book of the year, Green Lantern: Blackest Night. Wondering what makes Geoff Johns tick? Don't miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, group edito–DCU, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in comics. Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Gene Yang— Only three years ago, Comic-Con special guest Gene Yang (American Born Chinese) was making his reputation on minicomics. Now he's an award-winning graphic novelist. Hear him in conversation with fellow comic artist and collaborator Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile). Room 4
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:30-3:30 Sergio and Mark— They're back! Sergio Aragonés and Mark Evanier reunite for their yearly discussion on all things Groo and beyond. Joining them are their Groo-horts Stan Sakai and Tom Luth. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Brian Herbert— The famed science fiction author (and son of Dune creator Frank Herbert) talks about his career and what's next. Brian Herbert is a Comic-Con special guest. Room 2
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Oni Press: Panelmonium 2009— Get up close and personal with trend setting indie comic powerhouse Oni Press. Join in the Q&A with your favorite Oni creators, including Ross Campbell (Wet Moon), Jamie S. Rich (You Have Killed Me), Greg Rucka (Whiteout), Bryan Lee O'Malley (Scott Pilgrim), and Chris Schweizer (The Crogan Adventures). Get sneak peeks at upcoming Oni projects, news on Oni Press fan initiatives, free Oni comics, prizes, and more! Guaranteed by Oni Press's totally biased employees to be "the most fun you'll ever have at a panel." Room 10
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 J. Michael Straczynski: Professional Writing— Ideas are a dime a dozen. Executing those ideas (instead of assassinating them) is what separates pro from wannabe. But only you know what steps you need to take to get there, so if you show up for this talk, bring questions to ask J. Michael Straczynski, who has created a massively successful cross-platform writing career in movies, television, comics, and print. Room 7AB
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Television | Writers & Writing

3:30-5:00 Golden and Silver Age of Comics— A Comic-Con tradition: the yearly gathering and discussion of the clan of some of the finest comic book creators ever to put pen or typewriter to paper! This year's panel—moderated by Mark Evanier—includes Comic-Con special guests Murphy Anderson (Hawkman), Gene Colan (Tomb of Dracula), Ramona Fradon (Aquaman), Russ Heath (The Haunted Tank), Jack Katz (The First Kingdom), Jerry Robinson (Batman), and Leonard Starr (Mary Perkins On Stage). Both Katz and Starr, known best for their underground comix and comic strip work, respectively, also worked in comics in the Golden and Silver Ages. The stories these people can tell are the stuff of legend...be a part of the yearly magic of this panel. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Richard Thompson— Comic-Con special guest Richard Thompson (Cul de Sac, Richard's Poor Almanac) has been doing the syndicated daily comic strip Cul de Sac for less than two years and it's already gotten raves from Bill Watterson, Art Spiegelman, and comics fans just about everywhere. Join him as he shows his work, answers questions and proves he never sang with Fairport Convention. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Gail Simone— One of the most popular writers working in comics today, Gail Simone is a Comic-Con special guest. Mark Waid interviews Gail about her work in comics, including Wonder Woman, Secret Six, and her much beloved run on Birds of Prey. Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Imagination in Illustration: a Brief History of Fantastic Art— Catch Comic-Con special guest Charles Vess's intriguing visual presentation on the history of Fantastic Art (1850 to present day). Featuring his favorite English fairy tale artists, American pulp masters and visionary painters, many not found in textbooks. Prepare to be swept away. Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

5:00-6:00 DC JSA: The Great Society— DC's legendary super-team enters a new era with top talent and explosive storylines in the second half of 2009! Get the inside scoop on everything JSA right here, including info on the exciting spin-off title Magog and the main series Justice Society of America from the creative minds behind the franchise. Hosted by DC's senior group editor, Mike Carlin, with top talents Bill Willingham (JSA), Matt Sturges (JSA), Freddie Williams (Final Crisis Aftermath: Run), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Power Girl), and more! Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Lew Sayre Schwartz— One of the fan-favorite artists of Batman in the '40s and '50s, Lew Sayre Schwartz is a Comic-Con special guest. Schwartz left comics to forge an incredible career in animation, filmmaking, and advertising, for which he won numerous awards. Cartoonist and Bat-fan Batton Lash (Supernatural Law) interviews Lew about his life and times in comics and beyond. Room 8
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

5:45-6:45 Spotlight on John Kricfalusi— He's the wild man of animation, the groundbreaking genius behind Ren & Stimpy and The Ripping Friends, whose creations have become inspiration for practically every animated show on TV today. John Kricfalusi (AKA John K) is a Comic-Con special guest and in this Spotlight event he'll talk about his career in animation and what's coming next. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

6:00-7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line— It's a new beginning for Vertigo with the launch of such ongoing titles as The Unwritten, Greek Street, and Sweet Tooth. In addition to these titles DC will be launching the highly anticipated Vertigo Crime Line with some of the top talents in the industry. Moderated by senior VP/executive editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger and senior editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent present: Peter Gross (Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Nobody), Jason Starr, Chris Gage, Gabriel Bá, Fábio Moon, and others! Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense

10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Charles Vess— Comic-Con special guest Charles Vess presents "Part Seen: Part Imagined," a visual presentation spanning his 35-year career as a freelance artist in the comics and book publishing industries. Featuring cover work ranging from National Lampoon to Spider-Man and Sandman comics, plus Peter Pan stage sets, illustrated books with Charles de Lint and George R.R. Martin, Stardust the movie and Neil Gaiman, and all the way up to his latest project, a 16' Midsummer bronze sculpture fountain. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Mike Allred— Comic-Con special guest Mike Allred (Madman) makes a rare San Diego Comic-Con appearance to discuss his entire body of work, from Dead Air to Madman, Red Rocket 7 to X-Statix and his recent Image Comics series, Madman Atomic Comics. The discussion will give fans a rare look into Allred's creative process, including never-before-seen art and a unique chance to pick the brain of one of comics' most creative minds! Moderated by Stardust the Super Wizard collaborator Joe Keatinge (PopGun) and featuring a number of surprise guests! Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Darick Robertson— Whether he's illustrating Leatherface, reigniting super-teams like The Authority, or launching videogame adaptations like Prototype, artist Darick Robertson has become synonymous with gritty, exhilarating artwork. Now's your chance to hear the fan-favorite creator talk about his process and career alongside WildStorm senior editor Ben Abernathy. There's no telling what these two might say! Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Games

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Gene Colan— He’s the dean of comic book artists, the master of shadows and a hallmark of the Marvel Age of Comics! Comic-Con special guest Gene Colan is back at the big show, talking with Mark Evanier and co-host Marv Wolfman about his legendary career in comics. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #6: Can College Prepare Creators for Comics Careers?— Hope Larson (Chiggers), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Nick Langley (Rocket Llama), Jaque Nodell (Super Human Resources), Marko Head (Marko's Corner), and Steve Lieber (Whiteout) discuss whether college education can really help people pursuing comics careers. Room 30AB
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics Arts Conference

12:00-1:30 That '70s Panel— Comic-Con started in the nostalgic decade of the 1970s, and this panel—moderated by Mark Evanier—takes a look at the comics industry way back then. Joining Mark are comic book superstars writer/editor Marv Wolfman, and Comic-Con special guests Steve Leialoha (Howard the Duck), Mike Royer (inker, Jack Kirby's Fourth World books), Doug Moench (writer, Moon Knight, Master of Kung Fu), Nicola Cuti (writer, co-creator, E-Man), and a few surprises. Bell-bottoms optional. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Fábio Moon— Meet Eisner Award–winning Brazilian cartoonist Fábio Moon  (Sugar Shock!, 5) as he shares his love for comics and talks about working with his twin brother Gabriel Bá (Umbrella Academy), collaborating with high-profile creators Matt Fraction (Casanova), Joss Whedon (Buffy), and Mike Mignola (Hellboy) and what's next. Lots of images to show, with a fun Q&A to follow. Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:00-2:00 Archaia/The Jim Henson Company: The Perfect Publishing Partnership— Learn about the fantasy titles the publisher has in store, including a new Mouse Guard volume (with creator David Petersen), Artesia (with creator Mark Smylie), Okko, and Primordia. Then find out more about the partnership The Jim Henson Company and Archaia have formed to create comics and graphic novels based on such beloved properties as Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, MirrorMask, and Fraggle Rock, as well as all-new, original concepts! Hear more about this venture with Henson's director of publishing and development Joe LeFavi, Archaia's director of development Stephen Christy, and a few surprise guests as creative teams are announced and publishing plans are discussed. All attendees will receive a free Archaia/Henson poster featuring a new piece of art! Room 4
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Patrick Oliphant— Comic-Con special guest Patrick Oliphant—one of the world's leading political cartoonists—is interviewed by well-known cartoon authority and author Harry Katz, in a freewheeling one-on-one discussion of the political cartoonist's work, interspersed with live drawing demonstrations (including unpublished cartoons) and the interviewer's exhibition of slides. Room 6A
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Comic Strip Reprints Revolution— We lucky comic strip fans are living in the Golden Age of comic strip reprints! Join Dean Mullaney (IDW: Terry and the Pirates, Dick Tracy, Little Orphan Annie, Scorchy Smith, Rip Kirby), Eric Reynolds (Fantagraphics: Peanuts, Popeye, Captain Easy, Prince Valiant, Pogo), Tom Devlin (D&Q: Moomin, Oh Skin-nay!), Terry Nantier (NBM: Mutt and Jeff, Bringing Up Father), Charles Pelto (Classic Comics Press: Mary Perkins On Stage, The Heart of Juliet Jones, Big Ben Bolt), Daniel Herman (Hermes Press: Buck Rogers, The Phantom), plus Comic-Con special guest, legendary comic strip artist Leonard Starr (Mary Perkins, Annie) in discussion with comics journalist Tom Spurgeon (ComicsReporter.com). The revolution will be reprinted! Room 3
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-3:00 Legends of The Batman— Seventy years ago Bob Kane and Bill Finger introduced the second great superhero in comics: Batman. On the anniversary of this momentous occasion Mark Evanier talks to legendary Batman artists—and Comic-Con special guests—Sheldon "Shelly" Moldoff, Jerry Robinson, and Lew Sayre Schwartz about their time with the Caped Crusader. Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

1:30-2:30 After the First 1,000 Pages— It takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert at something. Art teachers say that you have to make 100,000 bad drawings before you can make a good one. Gene Colan (Tomb of Dracula), Becky Cloonan (Demo), Zander Cannon (Top 10), Bryan Talbot (Grandville), and Matt Kindt (Super Spy) will discuss how they've developed as artists since their early work and the creative breakthroughs that took them a while to reach. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Dwayne McDuffie— In his website's infamous Ask The Maestro column, he's answered thousands of questions about the creation of comics and TV. More recently, at the DC Comics Forum, he's answered at least one too many. Now's your chance to ask him anything you want, live, and see if he can't get himself in any more trouble. Emmy, Eisner, and Writers Guild award-nominated writer Dwayne McDuffie has created comic books (Marvel's Damage Control, Milestone's Icon, Hardware and Shadow Cabinet), and a hit TV show (Static Shock). He's written and produced animated favorites including Ben 10: Alien Force, Justice League Unlimited, Teen Titans, and Scooby-Doo. He's written top-selling comics including Fantastic Four and Justice League of America. And he's here to answer your questions. Room 2
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

2:00-3:00 A Chalk Talk with Jack Katz— Comic-Con special guest Jack Katz (The First Kingdom) demonstrates the technique of dynamic page layout and storytelling as it relates to the graphic novel. Study the anatomy of page design from Jack as he dispenses knowledge gained from over 50 years in the comic book business! Moderated by Charlie Novinskie. Room 30CDE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Kevin J. Anderson— Kevin J. Anderson has written many novels in numerous universes (Star Wars, Dune, X-Files) as well as his own epics "The Saga of Seven Suns" and The Edge of the World, and he's also produced a recent crossover CD with some of the biggest names in progressive rock music. Kevin will be interviewed by Steven L. Sears, well-known scriptwriter (A-Team, Riptide, She Spies) and producer (Xena: Warrior Princess, Sheena Queen of the Jungle). Room 2
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 DC Nation— Calling all Nation recruits! Bring your friends and hear top talent discuss where the DC Nation is heading from 2009 and beyond. senior VP/ executive editor Dan DiDio hosts this exciting discussion with Ian Sattler, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and more! Join them for a VIP look into the most talked about stories and events of the summer! Room 6DE
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Steve Epting— Join Comic-Con special guest Steve Epting (Captain America/The Marvels Project) for an exploration of his 20-year career in comics, from his early days at First, Marvel, DC, and Crossgen to his return to Marvel and the death of Captain America. Plus a special look into the much-anticipated upcoming Marvels Project. Join Steve for this rare one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

3:30-4:30 The Care and Feeding of a Series— Readers love series and the opportunity to revisit their favorite characters and worlds. Moderator James Frenkel (senior editor, Tor Books) leads a discussion of what it takes to meet the readers' exacting standards when writing a series, whether in one's original universe or someone else's. Panelists include Comic-Con special guest Brian Herbert (Paul of Dune), Eoin Colfer (And Another Thing: HHGTTG), Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie (Wicked: Resurrection), D. J. MacHale (Pendragon: The Solders Of Halla), Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (Beyond The Spiderwick Chronicles—A Giant Problem). Room 5AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

3:30-4:30 Two Funny Frebergs— Hunter Freberg and Stan Freberg appear around the world as a comedy team. They have been married only eight years but are together personally and professionally 24/7. They feel that each year equals ten in Freberg years, so last month was their 80th anniversary! They will interview each other about their varied careers and will relate stories about the world of comics, animation, advertising, radio, television, comedy, music, and the Internet. Introduced by Mark Evanier. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Humor & Satire | Television

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Stephan Pastis— Cartoonist Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine) shares his unlikely tale of how he went from being a full-time lawyer to one of the most popular syndicated cartoonists in newspapers today, including a rundown of some of his most popular strips, and some that weren't so popular. Room 2
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00-5:00 Graphic Novels— Moderator Tom Spurgeon (ComicsReporter.com) talks to some of the superstars of graphic novels in this lively panel discussion. Joining Tom are Lewis Trondheim (Kaput and Zosky), Bryan Lee O'Malley (Scott Pilgrim), Seth (George Sprott 1894–1975), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese), Jason Lutes (Berlin), and Derek Kirk Kim (Eternal Smile). Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Landry Walker and Eric Jones— The creative team behind SLG Publishing's Little Gloomy series and the recent Supergirl: Cosmic Adventures in the 8th Grade for DC Comics discuss all of their work, past and present, including the upcoming run on Batman: The Brave and the Bold series. Landry Walker and Eric Jones discuss the pitfalls of working on all-ages books as well as developing their own properties for animation. Room 3
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

4:30-5:30 Underground Comix— Comix were underground comic books that reflected a generation's dissatisfaction with the government, cultural "norms," and the status quo. The late 1960s saw the emergence of these underground comix, a new wave of humorous, counterculture-inspired comic books that dealt with social and political subjects like sex, drugs, rock 'n' roll, and war protest. While the works of members of the movement such as Robert Crumb and Art Spiegelman are well known, the art of many of their comix-era contemporaries, including Gilbert Shelton, Trina Robbins, Justin Green, Kim Deitch, and S. Clay Wilson, remains unacknowledged. Moderated by Comic-Con special guest Denis Kitchen-cartoonist, editor, publisher and co-author of Underground Classics (Abrams ComicArts)—who was present at the birth of the underground comix movement, this discussion will engage expert James Danky (co-author of Underground Classics), and comix artists Trina Robbins and William Stout in a conversation about the history and significance of this period in comics history. Room 10
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:30-6:30 Spotlight on Kazu Kibuishi— Almost single-handedly revitailizing the comics anthology format with his work as editor of Flight (now in its sixth volume), Comic-Con special guest Kazu Kibuishi also writes and draws his own comics, such as the Amulet series and Daisy Kutter. Kibuishi talks about his work as both creator and editor in this Spotlight panel. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Webcomics | Writers & Writing

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future— Discover what's going on at the imprint that birthed The Sandman, Preacher, Y: The Last Man, Fables and more. Wait 'til you hear about what new projects the Vertigo team is going to thrill you with next! Hosted by senior VP/executive editor, Vertigo Karen Berger, group editor Shelly Bond, and senior editor Will Dennis, with Jason Aaron (Scalped), Mike Allred, Mark Buckingham (Fables), Josh Dysart (Unknown Soldier), Peter Gross (Unwritten), Amy Hadley (Madame Xanadu), Jeff Lemire (The Nobody), Chris Roberson, 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:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Horror and Suspense | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

6:30-7:30 Four Color Reality: Making Comics Relevant to Readers Across Cultures— Comic book stories have become the core of American pop culture—is there a big-budget spectacular that doesn't in some fashion owe its existence to comic book roots these days? But sales of traditional-format comic books themselves have been in decline for years. This panel explores one reason for this shrinking market: the divergence between the identities of mainstream comic icons, who are typically straight, white, male, and American, and the demographic makeup of a new generation of readers. How can the comic book industry connect with changing audiences—not just of diverse races and backgrounds, but of different cultural and national origins as well? Moderated by Jeff Yang (editor-in-chief, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology). Panelists include Dwayne McDuffie (Milestone Comics, JLA, Ben 10: Alien Force), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, The Eternal Smile), Stuart Moore (Wolverine: Noir, The 99), and Jai Nitz (Blue Beetle, El Diablo). Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

10:00-11:00 Spotlight on Lewis Trondheim— French comics luminary and Comic-Con special guest Lewis Trondheim (Kaput and Zosky) talks about his career as one of Europe's top cartoonists with Mark Siegel (First Second Books). Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Dune— The legacy of legendary science fiction author Frank Herbert lives on, in the safe hands of his son Brian Herbert and co-author Kevin J. Anderson, both Comic-Con special guests this year. Brian and Kevin will talk about the ongoing series of novels and all things Dune: past, present, and future. Room 7AB
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

11:00-12:00 Terry Moore— Don't miss this always entertaining and informative chat with the creator of Strangers in Paradise and ECHO. Terry Moore will be talking about the limited-edition Strangers In Paradise Omnibus debuting at Comic-Con, his Eisner-nominated series ECHO, and his upcoming projects! Terry always has a surprise up his sleeve—don't miss this year's! Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

11:15-12:30 Quick Draw!— We say it each and every year, but it's true: Quick Draw is the most fun panel you can visit at Comic-Con. Mark Evanier puts Sergio Aragonés, Scott Shaw!, and this year's guest artist, Disney Legend Floyd Norman, through their paces as they draw on the big screen. If you haven't seen this amazing display of cartooning magic, this is the year for you: join the fun! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Francis Manapul— The hot up-and-coming artist Francis Manapul takes the stage to discuss his kinetic art on one of the most anticipated projects of the year: Adventure Comics with Geoff Johns! Hosted by group editor Matt Idelson, see what it's like illustrating the return of Superboy. Come find out from one of the freshest artists in the biz! Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

11:30-12:30 The Stories of DC Universe Online featuring Jim Lee and Marv Wolfman— Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) and Marv Wolfman (The New Teen Titans) have joined forces to help create DC Universe Online. Jim, Marv, and key members of the development team from Sony Online Entertainment talk about how storylines are being built into this upcoming online action game at every level. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Games

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Sheldon Moldoff— Golden and Silver Age comics great Sheldon "Shelly" Moldoff is once again a Comic-Con special guest! The prolific artist (Hawkman, Batman) talks with comic book writer/editor Mark Waid (Amazing Spider-Man, 52, editor-in-chief of BOOM! Studios) about Shelly's long career in comics. Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

11:45-12:45 Ben 10— It's all about Ben 10 at this panel featuring director Alex Winter and cast members from the upcoming live-action movie Ben 10: Alien Swarm coming this fall to Cartoon Network. Also appearing are Ben 10 Alien Force producer Glenn Murakami, story editor Dwayne McDuffie, and Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Ben). Make sure not to miss an exclusive look at what's coming next with a sneak peek at Generator Rex and the first images from the upcoming series, Sym-Bionic Titan, by creator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory). Room 6DE
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Kids | Superheroes | Television | Writers & Writing

12:00-1:00 Comic Strip Syndication Is Dead: Long Live Syndication!— This Q&A session with Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine), Richard Thompson (Cul De Sac) and Keith Knight (The K Chronicles) looks at the pros and cons of comic strip syndication and the challenges and options for aspiring comic strip creators in this era of declining newspaper readership. Room 7AB
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Webcomics

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Gary Gianni— "Monsters, Cowboys, Ghosts and Pirates" is the theme of a chat and slide show presented by Comic-Con special guest Gary Gianni (The Monster Men). Geof Darrow (Shaolin Cowboy) and Mike Mignola (Hellboy) will also be on hand to add commentary. Comics, books, and movies will be discussed. Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Writers & Writing

12:30-2:00 Cartoon Voices I— Another annual gathering of the cream of the voice acting business. Co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress bring you the vocal stylings of Laraine Newman (As Told by Ginger), Bill Farmer (Goofy), James Arnold Taylor (Johnny Test), TV legend Chuck McCann, and others. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Television

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Brom— Marvel at this multimedia presentation by dark fantasy artist—and Comic-Con special guest—Brom (Dungeons and Dragons, Magic the Gathering, WOW, The Plucker), chronicling his earliest artistic endeavors up to his latest projects, featuring many never-before-seen images and lots of behind-the-scenes material, followed by a Q&A with the audience. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on James Jean— The Eisner Award–winning artist and painter is a first-time Comic-Con special guest. James Jean has won multiple awards and acclaim for his work as a comics cover artist, on titles such as Fables and Umbrella Academy. Now he's entered a new phase of his career, as he concentrates on gallery shows, book projects, and painting. Room 7AB
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:00-2:00 Will Eisner's New York— Did you know that New York City played a central role in much of Will Eisner's writing and artwork? Learn about the life-long relationship between Will Eisner and New York City from Charles Kochman (executive editor, Abrams ComicArts), Paul Levitz (president & publisher, DC Comics), Diana Schutz (executive editor, Dark Horse Comics), Denis Kitchen (Will Eisner's publisher, agent, and long-time friend), and Carl Gropper (Will Eisner's nephew and manager of Will Eisner Studios). Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes

1:30-2:30 The One-Panel Panel— A single image can hold an entire world in miniature. Comic-Con special guests Charles Vess (Stardust), Hope Larson (Chiggers), and Michael Allred (Madman), plus Larry Marder (Beanworld) will each show and discuss one particularly meaningful panel from their own comics—how it came together, and where it led them as cartoonists. Moderated by Douglas Wolk (Reading Comics). Room 4
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Ramón Valdiosera— One of the true legends of the Mexican comics industry, Ramón Valdiosera Berman comes to Comic-Con for the very first time. Mr. Valdiosera is the creator of such famed Mexican comics titles as Ladro de Bagdad (Bagdad Thief) and Medio Litro (the little version of a "valiant prince," which was created with Prince Valiant's Hal Foster's blessing). Joining Mr. Valdiosera will be Arturo Said, his assistant. Moderated by Sergio Aragonés, don't miss this special talk with one of Mexico's most famous comic book creators! Room 10
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Denis Kitchen— Writer, cartoonist, publisher, agent, and comics historian Denis Kitchen is a Comic-Con special guest. From his early days as a staple of the Underground (both as artist and publisher), to his current books (Harvey Kurtzman: The MAD Genius of Comics, Underground Comix), and his friendships with legends Kurtzman and Will Eisner. Kitchen has had a 40-year career that is a history of comics in and of itself, including his founding of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. And let's not forget his cartooning prodigy daughter, Alexa Kitchen, who created her first published book when she was 7! Moderated by Michael Dooley. Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

2:15-3:15 DC: Green Lantern: Blackest Night— The dead are rising in the DCU — who will survive when the Blank Lantern Corps attacks? This is your only chance to hear what's coming up in Blackest Night, the most anticipated comic event of the year! Featuring all the key figures behind the biggest, coolest threat to the DCU in years!  Hosted by group editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern), Pat Gleason (Green Lantern Corps), and others! Room 6BCF
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes | Writers & Writing

2:30-3:30 Using Comics in the Classroom— Calling all teachers, school librarians, all-ages publishers and kid-friendly cartoonists! Help cultivate the next generation of comic readers with a practical guide on the hows and whys of using comics in the classroom courtesy of this panel of Certified Awesome experts. Teachers will learn how to win over skeptical administrators, integrate comics into the curriculum, and find the best books for their students, while publishers will be given strategies for getting their titles into this burgeoning new market. Panelists include Jimmy Gownley, Peter Gutierrez, Gina Gagliano, and David Serchay, with moderator Josh Elder. Room 4
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on June Foray— She's the first lady of cartoon voices! Comic-Con special guest June Foray, known for her memorable work with a certain moose and squirrel (Bullwinkle and Rocky, the Flying Squirrel, that is), returns to Comic-Con for the 40th show. Mark Evanier and Earl Kress interview June about her career as a voice actress, author, and Hollywood legend. Room 5AB
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Television

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Doug Moench— The prolific comics writer Doug Moench (Moon Knight, Batman, Master of Kung Fu) is a Comic-Con special guest. Doug talks to famed writer/editor Len Wein about his career in comics and beyond. Room 3
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Superheroes

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on Seth— Palookaville cartoonist, New Yorker illustrator, and book designer Seth presents an elegant, fascinating, and wry slide show composed of a dozen vignettes, each punctuated by the sound of a bell, that touch on a variety of topics including storytelling, poetry, loneliness, comics, art, friends, youth, aging, and the creative process. Traveling from Canada, Seth is the author of the graphic novels George Sprott (serialized in the New York Times Magazine), Wimbledon Green, Clyde Fans, and It's a Good Life if You Don't Weaken, and is the designer of The Complete Peanuts, The Collected Doug Wright, and the John Stanley Library (including Melvin Monster, Nancy, and 13 Going On 18). Room 8
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 Wildstorm: This is WildStorm!— Get the inside scoop on what's upcoming with DC's wildest imprint from VP Hank Kanalz, senior editor Ben Abernathy, and creators Fiona Staples (North 40, Trick 'r Treat), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), Adam Beechen (Killapalooza), Christos Gage (Wildcats, Dante's Inferno), Darick Robertson (Prototype), David Tischman (Red Herring), Liam Sharp (Gears of War), Jason Craig (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash), Brian Wood, Rebecca Isaacs, and more! Find out about what's new in the WildStorm Universe! There will be tons of info and sneak peeks for Wildcats, The Authority, Gears of War, World of Warcraft, Ex Machina, and much, much more! Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Ray Bradbury— The legendary fantasy and science fiction writer is once again a Comic-Con special guest, as he was for the very first show in 1970. Ray Bradbury will discuss his new books, plays, and other projects with his long-time friend, writer and producer Arnold Kunert, and biographer Sam Weller. Room 6BCF
Categories:  40th Anniversary | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Leonard Starr— Batton Lash and Joe Jusko (and perhaps a mystery guest or two) interview Comic-Con special guest Leonard Starr (Mary Perkins On Stage, Annie, Kelly Green, Thundercats, and Golden/Silver Age comics artist) about his career spanning over 50 years in comic books, comic strips, and television. This Starr-filled panel promises to be both insightful and engaging. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Hope Larson— Cartoonist and Comic-Con special guest Hope Larson (Chiggers) and author Cecil Castellucci (The P.L.A.I.N. Janes series) discuss Larson's career, her upcoming graphic novel Mercury, and the joys and frustrations of making comics for a young adult audience. Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

4:45-5:45 Spotlight on J. Michael Straczynski— Triple Eisner-nominated and Comic-Con special guest J. Michael Straczynski presents a freewheeling discussion about his work in comics (Brave and the Bold, Thor, Amazing Spider-Man), television (Babylon 5), movies (Changeling, Ninja Assassin, Forbidden Planet, Lensman and more) and anything else that comes to mind. Every year JMS's talks are a focus of heated conversation, and that's just between us and law enforcement when they show up midway through... Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Superheroes | Television | Writers & Writing

4:45-5:45 Vertigo Voices: The Fables Forum— It's the Fables Forum, San Diego style! Come armed with your best questions and find out everything you want to know about Fables. Featuring Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond and the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, House of Mystery: Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Matthew Sturges, Steve Leialoha, Lee Loughridge, Shawn McManus, Andrew Pepoy, Chris Roberson, Chrissie Zullo, and Todd Klein. Room 6DE
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Writers & Writing

5:00-6:00 Comic-Con: El Cortez Memories— People who've been attending Comic-Con since its early days look back most fondly at the shows held at El Cortez Hotel in the 1970s. What made it special? Those who were there can tell you. And if you were there, come along to reminisce! Panelists include Sergio Aragonés, Mark Evanier, Mike Friedrich, George Clayton Johnson, Jack Katz, Lee Marrs, Mike Royer, and William Stout, with David Scroggy as moderator. Room 2
Categories:  40th Anniversary | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Fandom

5:00-6:00 Graphic Novels: Sense of History— There's a wonderful world of history awaiting you in numerous graphic novels available now. Whether it be real life stories adapting historical events to the comics form or fiction taking place in a specific time, these practitioners of the historical graphic novel are all presenting work at the top of their form. Moderator Randy Duncan (co-chair of the Comics Arts Conference) talks to Rick Geary (Treasury of XX Century Murder: Famous Players), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Jason Lutes (Berlin), Chris Schweizer (Crogan's Vengeance), and Eric Shanower (Age of Bronze) about their individual takes on history. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:00-7:00 Harvey Kurtzman/MAD— The creator of MAD and Playboy's "Little Annie Fanny," Harvey Kurtzman was called "one of the most important figures in postwar America" by the New York Times. Kurtzman discovered Robert Crumb and gave Gloria Steinem her first job in publishing. Terry Gilliam started at Kurtzman's side, met an unknown John Cleese in the process, and the genesis of Monty Python took place. Art Speigelman has said that he owes his career to Kurtzman. And Kurtzman is one of Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner's favorite artists. Harvey was an astonishingly talented and influential artist, writer, editor, and satirist without whom treasures such as Saturday Night Live, Airplane!, and The Simpsons may never have been conceived. This panel promises to be a lively discussion about the life and work of "The MAD Genius of Comics," led by comics historian Mark Evanier and featuring Kurtzman's daughter, Nellie Kurtzman; the author of the just released The Art of Harvey Kurtzman the MAD Genius of Comics, Denis Kitchen; Paul Levitz (president/publisher of DC Comics/MAD); William Stout (a colleague of Kurtzman who worked on "Little Annie Fanny"); and Charles Kochman (executive editor of Abrams ComicArts). Room 3
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes

10:00-11:00 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel— Fifteen years ago, Jack Kirby left us, but his vision and creations live on to inspire everyone who comes into contact with his work. Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics) moderates this annual tribute to the King. Joining Mark this year will be actor Bill Mumy, Kirby inker Mike Royer, editor Steve Saffel, and members of the legendary "5-String Mob," a group of Comic-Con founding members who Kirby immortalized in the pages of Jimmy Olsen: Barry Alfonso, Roger Freedman, William R. Lund, Scott Shaw!, and Mike Towry. Room 4
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Tributes

11:00-12:00 How-To Session: Charles Vess— Comic-Con special guest Charles Vess is best known for his extensive work with Neil Gaiman on Sandman and Stardust. He is the winner of several Eisners and other awards. Early in his career, Charles worked on superhero comics, such as Spider-Man and Swamp Thing, and has successfully transitioned his career into book publishing. He has published his own works through Green Man Press. He has collaborated with writer Charles de Lint on many books, including Seven Wild Sisters, A Circle of Cats, and Medicine Road. Charles' presentation will cover the creative process and how it translates to print and film. Room 18
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Seminars & Workshops

11:15-12:30 Cartoon Voices II— It's yet another gathering of top cartoon voice actors, and co-hosts Mark Evanier and Earl Kress are there to put them through their paces. Come hear Hank Garrett (G.I. Joe), Susan Silo (Biker Mice from Mars), Greg Cipes (Teen Titans), Tom Kane (Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends) and several more. Room 6A
Categories:  Animation | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Movies | Television

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on David Petersen— Cartoonist David Petersen talks about his Eisner Award-winning series Mouse Guard, how it came to be, the process that makes it happen, and what the future holds for his mice. An audience Q&A will follow the discussion, moderated by Nick Tapalansky. Room 8
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham— Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his bestselling books. His credits range from the DCU's Justice Society of America, Salvation Run and Robin to the already classic Vertigo titles Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Moderated by Vertigo group editor Shelly Bond with Fables cohorts Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha. Room 2
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

12:30-1:30 25 Years of Usagi Yojimbo: Spotlight on Stan Sakai— Learn the history of the ronin rabbit and his supporting cast, and find out what is in store this year. Comic-Con special guest Stan Sakai will do a step-by-step demonstration on his creative process and take questions from the audience. Room 8
Categories:  Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

1:00-2:30 Comics Arts Conference Session #15: Comics in Museums— How do comics bridge the worlds of popular art on the stands and fine art on museum walls? Kim Munson (Munson Art Consulting) revisits the 1983 "Comic Art Show" at the Whitney. Michael Dooley (Art Center College of Design) covers two MOMA shows, the 1990 "High and Low" exhibit and the 2005 "Masters of American Comics," with emphasis on the works of Kurtzman and Spiegelman. Denis Kitchen (Underground Classics) discusses new trends in museum exhibitions and the just-concluded "Underground Classics" show at the Chazen Art Museum and other shows he has worked on. Room 30AB
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Comics Arts Conference

2:00-3:00 How-To Session: Kevin J. Anderson and Brian Herbert— Kevin J. Anderson has published a hundred books, many of them bestsellers, and many of them in collaboration with Brian Herbert or Doug Beason, as well as his wife, Rebecca Moesta. His solo novels include the Terra Incognita fantasy series and the science fiction epic Saga of Seven Suns. Brian Herbert, the son of Frank Herbert, has published the international bestselling Dune prequels and sequels with Kevin J. Anderson and is the author of his own Timeweb series. He wrote Dreamer of Dune, the Hugo-nominated biography of his illustrious father. Kevin and Brian will conduct a how-to regarding the creative process of writing as a team. They will cover the fundamentals of writing science fiction. A brief history of this writing team will uncover the original premise for the new Dune series of novels, as well as their new series from Tor Books coming out in 2010. Scott Brick, narrator for many of the Dune series audio novels, will moderate this session. Room 18
Categories:  Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Seminars & Workshops | Writers & Writing

2:30-3:30 The Cultural Shift— Graphic novels and comics have been finding a louder voice in American culture. From the movies to television shows, the influence of comics is now working its way into classrooms and onto the New York Times bestseller lists. How is this happening, and where can it go from here? Join our panel of industry insiders on this insightful conversation: Hillary Chang, Jimmy Gownley, Peter Gutierrez, Nick Smith, and Anne Stockwell, moderated by Snow Wildsmith. Room 3
Categories:  Cartooning and Comic Strips | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Writers & Writing

3:30-5:00 How-To Session: Jim Lee— End Comic-Con with a bang watching the most popular artist in comics draw anything he wants! Jim Lee (Batman: Hush) creates art before your very eyes on the big screen. Follow his creative process as he explains what he's doing while he's drawing. Room 6BCF
Categories:  Art and Illustration | Comic Books | Comic-Con Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | Seminars & Workshops