A Look Back at WonderCon 2007
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A Look Back at WonderCon 2007
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A LOOK BACK AT WONDERCON 2007

Saturday, March 3 SATURDAY
Friday, Mar 2 | Saturday, Mar 3 | Sunday, Mar 4
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Ratatouille
The Reaping 300
Resident Evil: Extinction Spider-Man 3

Also on Saturday:

The first-ever WonderCon Robert A. Heinlein Memorial Blood Drive, held in conjunction with the Heinlein Society and the Blood Centers of the Pacific, in Room 232. Be a part of this worthy cause!

SATURDAY

10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Nick Cardy WonderCon is blessed this year with two of the top artists of the Silver Age (and beyond): Nick Cardy and Gene Colan (see Gene's Spotlight panel at 12:30, below). Comics historian and moderator extraordinaire Mark Evanier talks to the comics legend who brought us Bat Lash, Teen Titans, Aquaman and an incredible run of DC Comics' covers throughout the sixties and seventies. Room 220

10:30-11:30 Comic Art Conference #1: The Duck Man and The King— Thomas Andrae makes the case that Carl Barks' work offers one of the most profound visions of a communal, ecological utopia in popular culture, and deconstructs the notion of progress and development as dystopian. Randy Duncan traces how Jack Kirby's kid gangs of the 40s evolved into Silver Age superhero teams. Room 228

11:00-12:30 Monsters of Shock 2: The Return of the TV Horror Hosts— Legendary horror hostess Cassandra "Elvira" Peterson is joined by San Francisco Bay Area favorites, John Stanley of Creature Features, TV horror movie host expert Doktor Goulfinger, Mr. Lobo currently seen on KTEH Channel 54's Cinema Insomnia, and two newcomers to Wondercon; Reno, Nevada's syndicated horror host, Zomboo,  and Sara Karloff daughter of legendary actor Boris Karloff. This all-star panel of ghouls will let all the skeletons out of the closet and talk about their careers, show rare clips of America's most infamous macabre emcee's, share details on their new shows and projects and do a scary Q&A with the audience. A must for monsterkids and the kids of monsterkids. Room 200

11:00-12:00 ComicBase/Atomic Avenue— Join ComicBase, the world's #1 program for managing comic collections, as we reveal our newest products and developments for a WonderCon exclusive event. Be there for the unveiling of Atomic Avenue, the revolutionary new online system that will allow you to buy and sell your comics online, powered by our massive ComicBase database. And don't miss the chance to hear creator Pete Bickford chat about special ComicBase program features, tips and tricks, or get all the behind-the-scenes dirt on the making of the program—or your chance to win limited edition prizes and giveaways! Room 236

11:30-12:30 Mad Magazine Madmen— And they were madmen in their day: Mark Evanier (author of Mad Art: A Visual Celebration of Mad Magazine and the Idiots Who Create It) talks to the world’s fastest cartoonist, Sergio Aragonés, and the man who shepherded Mad Magazine through its most popular days, editor/writer/artist Al Feldstein, about their lives and times at the magazine which corrupted young minds for many years. Numerous references to “the usual gang of idiots” are likely to ensue. Room 220

11:30-12:30 Comic Art Conference #2: Literature in Graphic Form— Michael P. Jensen attempts to create a context for assessing the various comic book series that have adapted Shakespeare. Alison Mandaville addresses the challenges of teaching controversial political and sexual content in graphic literature by Sacco, Gloeckner, and others. Room 228

Updated!
12:00-1:00 Disney-Pixar Presents: Ratatouille After transporting audiences worldwide on incredible journeys into the never-before-seen world of cars, superheroes, fish, and toys, only the amazing storytellers at Disney-Pixar (Cars, Finding Nemo, The Incredibles) could create an entirely original world that follows the impossible dream of one rat's passion to become a chef in the human world at one of Paris' most exclusive restaurants. Faced with unbelievable odds, the rat, Remy, forms an unlikely partnership with Linguini, the garbage boy, who inadvertently discovers his amazing talents. They strike a deal, ultimately setting into motion a hilarious and exciting chain of extraordinary events that turns the culinary world of Paris upside down. Academy Award-winning director and animation guru Brad Bird (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) will appear in person to introduce the must see comedy of the summer, Ratatouille. Famed comedian and the voice of  "Remy," Patton Oswalt, will join Bird on stage. They will answer your questions and debut an exclusive, extended sequence from the film. Ratatouille opens June 29. Esplanade Ballroom

12:00-1:00 Christopher Moore— Best-selling author Christopher Moore answers questions about turkey bowling, giant shaved cats, The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's childhood pal, beta males and his newest book, You Suck (the sequel to Blood Sucking Fiends). Described by Carl Hiaasen as "a very sick man, in the best sense of the word", Chris has published ten very strange and terribly funny novels and has never been incarcerated for his own safety … at least not yet. Moderated by Diana Gill, Senior Editor, Eos Books. Room 236

12:30-2:00 DC Universe 2007: Great Expectations— Dan DiDio, Senior VP—Executive Editor DCU, and Bob Wayne, VP—Sales, are joined by Matt Idelson, Senior Editor—DCU, Jann Jones, Coordinating Editor—DCU, Judd Winick (Green Arrow, Outsiders), Mark Waid (52, Supergirl & The Legion of Super-Heroes), Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis) and others for a panel that’s not to be missed. Catch up on the secrets of 52 and what lies ahead for the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes! Room 200

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Gene Colan In the middle of the Marvel Age of Comics, a new artist emerged whose work combined the dynamic Marvel storytelling style with his own moody, shadowy pencils. That artist was Gene Colan, and he went on to thrill us with his own renditions of Sub-Mariner, Iron Man, Daredevil, and the book some regard as his best work, Tomb of Dracula. Mark Evanier talks to Gene about the artist's career as one of comics' most popular storytellers. Room 220

Updated!
1:00-1:30 Trailer Park— Our "Big Movie Saturday" begins with the return of a WonderCon tradition, Trailer Park, featuring the very best in new trailers, coming soon to a theater near you! Esplanade Ballroom

1:00-2:00 Comic Art Conference #3: When Women Flew— A scintillating slide presentation by Trina Robbins revisits 1940, a time when women flew in the cockpits of their own planes, both in the form of the real-life WASPS and comic book aviatrixes such as Sky Girl, Valkyrie, and Flying Jenny. Room 228

1:00-2:00 VIZ Media Manga and Anime— VIZ Media talks about its new manga and anime product releases for 2007-2008 and highlights for the rest of 2007! All your otaku questions will be answered, plus a chance to win VIZ Media products and prizes! Panelists will include Cammie Allen, Product Manager, Publishing; Gonzalo Ferreyra, Vice President of Sales, Books and Home Video; Wendy Shimamura, Marketing; Joel Enos, Manga Editor; and Bill Germain, Director, Animation Production & TV Sales. Room 236

Just Added!
1:30-2:45 Warner Bros. Presents: The Reaping, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles It's a special presentation on the Warner Bros. film The Reaping. Producer Joel Silver, and stars Hilary Swank (Million Dollar Baby) and Idris Elba (28 Weeks Later) take the WonderCon stage to talk about the film, debuting in theaters April 6. Plus: They're back! Those fan-favorite Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return to the big screen with an all-new computer-animated adventure. Writer/director Kevin Munroe and producer Tom Gray talk about the new film, in theaters March 23. Esplanade Ballroom

1:30-3:00 Scott Shaw! Oddball Comics— A rollickingly hilarious presentation of some of the craziest comic books ever published. This standing-room-only tradition has audiences doubled over with laughter as cartoonist Scott Shaw! skewers such actual titles as, Ricky and Debbie in Sardineland, It’s Fun to Stay Alive, and Manuel Pacifico: Tuna Fisherman. You don’t have to be a comic book fan to appreciate this show. Just come and let Scott guide you through some of the weirdest and wackiest comic books of all time! Room 220

2:00-3:00 Spotlight on Jeph Loeb The Eisner Award winning writer is a WonderCon 2007 special guest. Jeph Loeb discusses his comics work, including his new exclusive gig at Marvel Comics, with Wolverine, Ultimates 3 and Ultimates 4, and Ultimate Wolverine. Oh, and then there's that new little show on NBC, on which he's co-executive producer. Maybe you've heard of it? It's called Heroes. Jeph will let you know if you're on the list. Room 200

2:00-3:00 Comic Art Conference #4: Cinematic Superheroes— Dru Jeffries attempts to answer the question: What is the genesis of the film superhero compared to its comic book counterpart? He posits an answer that has roots both in the classical noir detective and the Reagan-era action hero. Ludovic Graillat assess the influence of Jules Verne on comic books, steampunk fiction, and The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, in particular. Room 228

2:00-3:00 Cartoon Art Museum Presents: Worlds of Wonder— San Francisco's Cartoon Art Museum (located at 655 Mission Street, just two blocks from WonderCon) presents a gathering of four amazing artists currently featured in its original art exhibition “Worlds of Wonder.” Join Gene Colan (Daredevil, Batman, Tomb of Dracula), Pia Guerra (Y The Last Man), Linda Medley (Castle Waiting, and Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, Three Angels) as they discuss the creative process involved in creating science fiction and fantasy comics. Room 236

Updated!
3:00-4:00 Warner Bros. Presents: 300 It's the first big buzz movie of 2007! You've seen the startling commercials and trailers, literally torn from the pages of Frank Miller and Lynn Varley's graphic novel about the Spartans. 300 director Zack Snyder talks about this eagerly awaited Warner Bros. film, in theaters March 9, joined by stars Gerard Butler (The Phantom of the Opera), and Lena Headey (The Sarah Connor Chronicles). Esplanade Ballroom

3:00-4:00 Cartoon Network: The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy Movie!— Join Maxwell Atoms (creator, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy) for an exclusive preview of the Cartoon Network movie, Billy and Mandy’s Big Boogie Adventure” Grim is stripped of his power by the denizens of the underworld and Billy, Mandy and Irwin must take matters into their own hands! Mr. Atoms will answer questions regarding the movie and the series after the screening. Room 200

3:00-4:00 Image Comics: Brian Posehn and the Gang— It's been a whirlwind of a year for the creators of Image Comics' The Last Christmas and they have the stories to prove it! Join co-writers Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn (star of The Sarah Silverman Show, Mr. Show, and The Comedians of Comedy), and artist Rick Remender as they tell some hilarious stories about creating and promoting the most offensive Christmas story ever written. Room 220

3:00-4:00 Comic Art Conference #5: Reconceptualizing Superheroics— Robert O'Nale considers superheroes within a larger genre of stories that focus on the notion of exceptionalism, and argues the current focus of superheroes is compelled by contrasting the exceptional individual with the outside world. Jeffrey Kahan and Stan Stewart will focus on two of Marvel's earliest "black" heroes, Luke Cage and the Falcon, to make the case that using superheroes to argue for equality is misguided because the very idea of the superhero presupposes racial purity and ethnic inequality. Room 228

3:00-4:00 The Animation Production Process— What goes into bringing an animated script to screen? Join Adam Beechen (Johnny Test, Teen Titans), Stan Berkowitz (Legion of Super Heroes, The New Frontier), Dwayne McDuffie (Static Shock, Justice League Unlimited) and WonderCon special guest Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H.) as they take you behind the scenes. Moderated by Shannon Muir (Invader ZIM, Extreme Ghostbusters), author of Gardner's Guide to Animation Writing and Production from GGC, Inc. Room 236

Just Added!
4:00-4:45 Screen Gems Presents: Resident Evil: Extinction The third big film based on the hugely popular videogame series, Screen Gems' Resident Evil: Extinction debuts September 21. Stars Ali Larter (Heroes) and Oded Fehr (The Mummy) appear in person on the WonderCon big stage to talk about this exciting new film! Esplanade Ballroom

4:00-5:00 Vertigo: Looking Ahead— With Pride of Baghdad, Fables, the V for Vendetta movie and continued, critical acclaim of monthly books, Vertigo had a 2006 to remember! Come see how 2007 is poised for success with new projects that will amaze you!  DC’s John Cunningham, VP—Marketing, and Jonathan Vankin, Editor—Vertigo, talks with Brian K. Vaughan (Y: The Last Man, Ex Machina), Pia Guerra (Y: The Last Man), and others for this look at the world of Vertigo. Room 200

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Patrick McDonnell Every day, millions of newspaper readers around the globe turn the page to the adventures of Earl and Mooch, those lovable Mutts. WonderCon welcomes special guest Patrick McDonnell, the creator of the charming comic strip characters for a discussion with noted author Glen David Gold (Carter Beats The Devil) about dogs, cats, comic art, and the people who love them. Room 220

4:00-5:00 Comic Art Conference #6: New York City and the Marvel Universe— In this visual tour of the "fictional universe right outside our window," Kent Worcester highlights the dense cultural interdependence of Marvel comics and New York's distinctive streets. Room 228

4:00-5:00 Spotlight on Greg Weisman One of the creators of Disney's first animated drama series—and its most popular animated TV show—Gargoyles, Greg Weisman is now writing brand new tales based on the series for SLG Publishing. SLG head honcho Dan Vado interviews Greg about his career in animation and his new comics work. Room 236

Just Added!
4:45-5:30 Sony Pictures Presents: Spider-Man 3 and Surf’s Up Okay, we'll say it: It's the most eagerly awaited sequel since … well, Spider-Man 2! WonderCon and Sony Pictures present a sneak peek at some of the web-slinger's wonderment in Spider-Man 3,  in theaters May 4. If this doesn't get your Spidey sense all a-tingly, nothing will! Plus a look at the new animated film, Surf's Up. Esplanade Ballroom

Just Added!
5:00-6:00 Nickelodeon Presents: Sneak Peeks!— It’s an hour of brand new, never before seen cartoons from our friends at Nickelodeon. See what’s coming in 2007: Great episodes from our new shows, El Tigre and The Mighty B! Including an exclusive sneak peek at an 11-minute SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon “Fungus Among Us,”  and three never before seen shorts in a super deformed art style that bring the fun and fantasy of Avatar: The Last Airbender to a whole new level! Room 200

5:00-6:00 Emily the Strange Get ready to enter the world of the Strange! Meet the behind-the-scenes talent on the Dark Horse comic, hear about what the future holds for Emily, and come prepared with your deepest questions about life's biggest mysteries. It also never hurts to have a great a capella arrangement of your favorite Black Sabbath song ready to show off, or a killer stupid dance move. Prizes will be awarded for no good reason at all! Room 220

Updated!
5:00-6:00 Steve Oliff: Coloring for Comics— Artist Steve Oliff has been at the forefront of changing the way comics have been colored. This presentation includes a brief history of color in comics during the transition years (1978-1994), as the industry changed from 64 flat colors to full color. Steve’s company, Olyoptics, introduced computer coloring in comics and he’ll explain how that changed the industry. The presentation also includes ways to better see and understand color, and Steve will show how he approaches storytelling with color, using examples from some of his famous jobs. (Akira, Spawn, The Maxx, Sandman.) Room 228

5:00-6:00 IDW Publishing: 2007— Editor Dan Taylor presents what’s in store from IDW Publishing in 2007. Learn up-to-the-minute declassified information regarding Transformers, including projects associated with this summer’s blockbuster movie. Find out how vampires will continue to frighten with new titles and October’s release of the 30 Days of Night movie. And Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Space Between and Star Trek: Year Four scribe David Tischman is on hand to help reveal what the future holds for Star Trek in comics. Room 236

5:30-6:30 DC Universe: Super Heroes Go DVD— DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video have joined forces to create a new series of DVDs based on DC Comics' popular graphic novels. Join animation legend Bruce Timm (Batman Beyond, Superman: The Animated Series) and DC Comics luminaries Dan DiDio (Senior Vice President/Executive Editor) and Gregory Noveck (Senior Vice President/Creative Affairs) as they guide you through the intricacies of translating these iconic characters, revered stories and dazzling artwork from acclaimed graphic novels to animated life. In addition to a captivating Q&A, the panel will include a sneak peek of the animation triumvirate's first DVD release ... featuring a caped wonder and rumors of his early demise. Esplanade Ballroom

6:00-7:00 Vaughan, Harris, and Guerra— The American comic book is a collaborative art form, and these three WonderCon special guests exemplify that. Writer Brian K. Vaughan and artist Tony Harris bring us the super-hero political saga, Ex Machina, featuring Mitchell Hundred, formerly known as “The Great Machine,” as the Mayor of New York City. In a world just as startling, but completely different, Brian collaborates with artist Pia Guerra to tell the tale of Y: The Last Man, currently hurtling towards its conclusion. Brian, Pia and Tony talk about their work together in this very special collaborative effort. Room 200

6:00-7:00 Spotlight on Matt Wagner Superstar writer/artist Matt Wagner is a special guest at this year's WonderCon. 2007 marks the 25th anniversary of one of Wagner's most popular creations, the enigmatic anti-hero Grendel. Matt talks about Grendel's past and future, plus his other work, including a certain Caped Crusader. Room 220

6:00-7:00 Costuming for Conventions— Ever wonder how to make those cool costumes that you see the fans wearing at conventions? Here’s your chance to find out how they do it, with tips and advice from those very same fans. You'll hear how to create costumes from simple to extravagant, from novice to professional, and with every budget in mind. See examples and procedures on sewing, vacuum forming, mold making, fiberglass, metalwork, working with off-the-shelf items and more. Panelists include Ian Hiebert, AJ Wu, Judy Grivich, Keith Carter, and Ryan Goff. Room 228

6:00-7:00 Game Design for Smarties— Have you ever played a game and thought, “I could make a better game than this!” Join veteran designer Alex Jimenez (Enigma: Rising Tide, Battletanxs) as he answers your questions and takes you behind the scenes for a developer’s eye-view of the video game industry. Learn who decides what games are made and how, and most importantly how the industry works and what you need to know to get in. Whether you love games or blame them for the fall of civilization, here’s your chance to see if you’ve got what it takes to make it in the biz! Room 236

Nighttime Programs

Just Added!
7:00-7:30 WonderCon Talkback, Session II— Here’s your chance: tell us what we’re doing right, wrong or not at all. Representatives from the WonderCon staff will be present to answer your questions and hear your comments. Room 228

8:00-10:00 The Third Annual WonderCon Masquerade The gala event, a costume competition with judges, featuring costumes re-created from movies, TV, comic books, and anime, plus completely original designs inspired by fantasy, science fiction, and more. Trophies and other prizes will be awarded to the most outstanding entries. Prepare to be dazzled! Award-winning writer/cartoonist Phil Foglio is the Master of Ceremonies. No flash photography is allowed. Doors will open for audience seating beginning at 7:40 PM. Esplanade Ballroom

10:00-11:30 Star Wars Fan Films: Return of Dark Side Vs. Light Side— (Time Approximate after the Masquerade) Back by popular demand after a capacity show at WonderCon last year, Lucasfilm presents a friendly competition between "Dark Side" and "Light Side" Star Wars fan films. Look for a different slate of films this year, selected from the best finalists in Lucasfilm and AtomFilms' Star Wars Fan Film competition (www.starwars.atomfilms.com). Now in its sixth year, the competition recognizes outstanding achievements in fan films, with the top prize each year chosen by Star Wars writer/director George Lucas.

Representing the Dark Side:

Trooper Clerksby Jeff Allen. Join slacker stormtroopers at the Death Star Quick Stop as they attempt to plot a win for the Rebellion and their own job security. Winner of the 2003 Best Animation award.

Star Wars Gangsta' Rap Special Edition—by Jason Brannon, Chris Crawford, & Thomas Lee. For years the most-viewed Star Wars fan film on www.starwars.atomfilms.com. Winner of the 2002 Audience Choice award.

Recruitment—by Scott Zier. Do you have what it takes to join the Empire? And what's in it for you? Winner of the 2004 Best Comedy award.

Wampa—by Andreas Peterson. The big, bad Wampa might not be as evil as he seems. Winner of the 2004 Best Animated Film award.

Real Men of the Empire—by Scott Zier. A tribute to the fighting troopers who keep the Empire running, and who want to crack open a cold one every now and then. 2005 Finalist.

Sith'd—by Brian Silva. Never trust a Sith Lord with a giant lightsaber. Winner of the 2006 Best Comedy award.

Dark Side Switch Campaign—by Daniel Johnson. Short and wicked. A perfect movie for the dark side. Winner of the 2003 Best Commercial Parody.

Battle of Hoth—by Marc Kimball & Michael Harnois. The great victory of the Empire over the Rebellion, captured on film as you've never seen it before. 2003 Finalist.

Representing the Light Side:

Pink Five Strikes Back—by Trey Stokes. Join intrepid Rebel Pilot Stacy as she journeys to Dagobah. Winner of the 2004 Audience Choice award.

Ewok—by Ryan Simmons. It's always a good thing when Ewoks go bad. 2005 Finalist.

Memoirs of a Padawan—by Michael Q. Yowhan. Put away those Imperial credits! There are some memories that credits can't buy. Winner of the 2006 Spirit of Fandom award.

Pitching Lucas—by Shane Felux. George takes care of pesky studio execs. The first Star Wars fan film ever to win the two top awards in a competition. Winner of the 2006 George Lucas Selects award and the 2006 Audience Choice award.

For Love of the Film—by Barry Curtis. DIY Star Wars rules in this touching move. Winner of the 2005 George Lucas Selects Award.

Cheap Seats—by Robert Reeves. Got a bad seat at the award ceremony? Make the best of it with this Rebel Pilot. Winner of the 2005 Best Comedy award.

Walk in a Bamboo Bush—by Tetsuro Saiki. Things are not what they seem in this animated galaxy populated by Japanese origami. Winner of the 2005 Best Animated Film award.

Blue Milk—by William Grammer. Young Princess Leia gets her first taste of commercial success, and of Imperial rules. Winner of the 2006 Best Commercial Parody award.

Come and show your support for the Light side of the Force or the Dark! Those on the winning side will take home a Star Wars souvenir of the evening.

Esplanade Ballroom

Please note that all programs have limited seating and are on a first-come, first-served basis. Because of the number of attendees, simply having a badge does not guarantee a seat in programs and events, nor an autograph from a specific celebrity. We do not clear rooms between programs, however, we will clear the Esplanade Ballroom after the end of the WB Animation panel on Saturday at 6:45 PM, to get ready for the Masquerade at 8:00 PM.

This schedule is subject to change without notice. For last-minute additions and changes, please check the complete schedule signs posted in the programming Room hallways. Panelists scheduled to appear at each event are subject to change.


 

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