If you are a Marvel fan headed to Wondercon this weekend in Los Angeles, we have everything you’ll want to know right here! The three day convention is full of marvelous panels that you won’t want to miss. Here is a full breakdown, by day and time.
12:00pm
Hear the latest on working on Extraordinary X-Men, drawing covers for Nova, and other projects in the works with WonderCon special guest and Marvel artist Humberto Ramos. Joined by Edgar Delgado (colorist, Extraordinary X-Men, Darth Vader), and moderated by Stephen Wacker (Marvel Animation). Q&A session to follow.
Friday March 25, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm
12:30pm
The Composers: Today’s Greatest Superheroes of Music
This panel of composer superheroes discuss creating the music that helps bring Marvel, Lucasfilm, and Disney movies and TV series to life. Scheduled to appear on the panel are Brian Tyler (Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron, Marvel’s Iron Man 3), Tyler Bates (Marvel’sGuardians of the Galaxy ), John Debney (Marvel’s Iron Man 2, The Jungle Book), and Kevin Kiner (Star Wars Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels).
Friday March 25, 2016 12:30pm – 1:30pm
12:30pm
Using Your Background: Latinos in Comics
One of the great appeals of comics has always been the ability of readers to see themselves reflected in the stories they read. Even if a character has supernatural abilities, or lives an extraordinary life, the reader is drawn to a comic because of its ability to resonate with them. This can be especially important for those who are underrepresented in mainstream media. What does this mean for Latino comics creators? Moderator Vince Hernandez (Aspen) discusses how background can affect one’s work with WonderCon special guests Gilbert Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Jaime Hernandez (Love and Rockets), Joe Quinones(Howard the Duck), and Paolo Rivera (Daredevil).
Friday March 25, 2016 12:30pm – 1:30pm
1:00pm
Geek & Sundry’s Drama Club Heroes Performs James Cameron’s Amazing Spider-Man
The hosts of Geek & Sundry Live are bringing the hilarious show Drama Club Heroes to WonderCon! Join this panel for a fun live reading of the planned but never executed script of James Cameron’s Amazing Spider-Man and a chance to win some G&S swag!
Friday March 25, 2016 1:00pm – 2:00pm
1:00pm
Hyperprolific comics writer (and WonderCon special guest) Charles Soule (over 200 published issues since 2012, including Daredevil, Poe Dameron, Death of Wolverine, Letter 44,Swamp Thing, and many more) stares into the bright light of justice for a full hour. Moderated by Shawn DePasquale, longtime friend and reader of early drafts who knows where all the bodies are buried. Bring the questions you’re too scared to ask anywhere else; nothing is off-limits. Free candy and legal advice for all! (There will be no candy, and legal advice will be billed at Soule’s standard hourly rate.)
Friday March 25, 2016 1:00pm – 2:00pm
1:30pm
CAC #2: Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology in Marvel’s Civil War and Beyond
Marvel Comics’ Civil War and the film Captain America: Civil War explore superheroes’ place in a post-9/11 world where some argue that civil rights conflict with public safety. Captain America leads superheroes fighting for liberty, while Iron Man leads others concerned about national and international security-but why? Travis Langley (Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology), Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia), Alan Kistler (The Unofficial Spider-Man Trivia Challenge), Patrick O’Connor(The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Kathleen McClancy (Texas State University), Lara Taylor Kester (Geek Therapy), Janey Tracey (Outer Places), and Billy San Juan (The Walking Dead Psychology: Psych of the Living Dead) discuss how character motivations on both sides of the Civil War arise from positive human qualities. Are any of them truly in the right?
Friday March 25, 2016 1:30pm – 3:00pm
2:00pm
Work Party: Living the Self-Employed Creative Life with Ming Doyle and Joe Quinones
Ever wonder what the glamorous comic book creator lifestyle is really like? Peek behind the paneled curtain with Ming Doyle(Constantine: The Hellblazer) and Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), two artists who also happen to be neighbors (and WonderCon special guests). They’ll discuss the pros and cons of living and working from home and the realities of being your own boss, who also has to answer to other bosses. Dress code: casual Friday, forever.
Friday March 25, 2016 2:00pm – 3:00pm
2:00pm
The Her Universe Fashion Show Update
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 21, 01:09PM
For the last two years, Her Universe and Hot Topic have produced The Her Universe “Geek Couture” Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con. Each year two winners were chosen and given the unique professional opportunity to design a fashion collection to be sold in Hot Topic stores. Her Universe founder Ashley Eckstein, Cat Carson (SVP of Her Universe), Ed Labay (VP, merchandising), Andrea Lewis (director, brand marketing) from Hot Topic, Jennifer Tisdale (EVP Blondie Girl Productions) and 2015 fashion show winners Kelly Cercone and Leetal Platt take you behind the scenes of the making of their all-newStar Wars: The Force Awakens line for Hot Topic. Learn how these designers went from runway to retail! Plus, get an exclusive sneak peek at this new Star Wars collection and hear details about how to submit your designs for the 2016 Her Universe Fashion Show at San Diego Comic-Con!
Friday March 25, 2016 2:00pm – 3:00pm
2:30pm
Disney-ABC: Storytelling: What’s Your Medium
What do Marvel’s The Avengers, Disney XD’s Avengers Assemble, and Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D show about storytelling? They demonstrate that the tale of Earth’s mightiest heroes can be told through different mediums. Disney-ABC executives discuss storytelling in an ever-evolving creative landscape through live-action television, animation, and the digital space, along with the skill sets, trends, and challenges.
Friday March 25, 2016 2:30pm – 3:30pm
3:30pm
From Civil War II to Star Wars, this panel has you covered! Editor Wil Moss is joined by Brian Michael Bendis (Invincible Iron Man), Charles Soule (Obi-Wan & Anakin), and other Mighty Marvel guests as they take on questions about Marvel’s biggest series and events!
Friday March 25, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm
4:00pm
Artist and WonderCon special guest Annie Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye) does a live demo and open Q&A about her work, influences, and any important “would you rather” scenarios.
Friday March 25, 2016 4:00pm – 5:00pm
5:00pm
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 21, 11:17AM
For science fiction productions, there is an implied bargain between the screenwriter and the audience: “Suspend your disbelief on one or two fantastic notions, and other parts of the story will be grounded in the believable.” The genre is predicated on the expectation of one or two key inaccuracies per story. In recent years, however, both experts and fans have been nitpicking even the fundamental story conceits of films such as Gravity, Interstellar, and The Martian. From the “anything goes” storytelling approach of 1950s and 1960s sci-fi, these panelists will explore whether or not the science accuracy pendulum of audience expectation has swung too far in the other direction. Panelists are Jaime Paglia (showrunner Eureka,Scream), Kevin R. Grazier, Ph.D. (science advisor, Gravity, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales), Jessica Cail, Ph.D. (science advisor, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Zootopia), Deric Hughes (Warehouse 13, The Flash) and Andrea Letamendi,Ph.D. (clinical psychologist The Arkham Sessions, Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics).Moderated by Christina Ochoa(ScirensI).
5:30pm
Not all heroes travel the straight and narrow. Between right and wrong, there can be a great deal of gray area and some of our favorite heroes navigate this gradient terrain. Being a hero is not always easy, and moderator Jessica Tseang (The Comic Book Girl/Little Geek Girls) gets to the root of these dark heroes with WonderCon special guests Jason Fabok (Batman: Detective Comics), Terry Moore (Rachel Rising), and Bill Sienkiewicz (Elektra).
5:30pm
Streaming Success: Behind the Scenes of Your Favorite Binge-Worthy Shows
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 21, 04:41PM
Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon have exprienced a rapid ascent through their innovative original content. If you want to know what goes into making such unique and successful content, come and hear it from the creative professionals themselves. Join SHADE VFX’s David Van Dyke (Jessica Jones, Daredevil), composer Sean Callery (Jessica Jones), composer James S. Levine (BloodlineSeason 2), costume designer Stephanie Maslansky (Jessica Jones, Luke Cage), costume designer Roland Sanchez (11.22.63), production designer Catherine Smith (Transparent), and production designer Drew Boughton (The Man in the High Castle,Hemlock Grove) as they discuss their contributions to some of the most successful original series on our favorite streaming services! Moderated by Janina Gavankar (Pee-Wee’s Big Holiday, The League) and digital artist and filmmaker Gabriel Valenciano (VMA nominee for Beyonce’s 7/11).
Friday March 25, 2016 5:30pm – 6:30pm
6:00pm
The Psychology of the Marvel TV Universe
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 22, 03:37PM
They’re heroes from different eras. They operate in different parts of the world, not to mention occasionally different dimensions! And they fight different villains, sometimes reluctantly. Yet, they’re all very much connected through the same universe and many of the same experiences, including trauma, adversity, and self-discovery. Writers D. J. Doyle (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Jose Molina and Lindsey Allen (Agent Carter), Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones) and Christos Gage (Daredevil) join Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) to explore the dramatic psychology of the Marvel TV Universe. Moderated byBrian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
Friday March 25, 2016 6:00pm – 7:00pm
6:30pm
Have you noticed the rise of popularity with musical episodes and musical live broadcasts on television? Anne Cecere of BMI and Chandler Poling of White Bear PR explore this growing fad with some of the music industry’s leading composers and creatives in a lively discussion of how to bring that Broadway feeling to the small screen. Panelists include composerChristopher Lennertz (Galavant), composer and songwriter Gabriel Mann (School of Rock), director Jeffrey Hornaday (Teen Beach movie), VP of event series on FOX Rachel Rusch (Grease Live!), and VP of music & soundtracks at Disney Channel Steven Vincent (High School Musical).
Friday March 25, 2016 6:30pm – 7:30pm
7:00pm
Not Your Sidekick: Heroes of Color Take Center Stage
From Marvel’s Kamala Khan to Star Wars’s Finn, characters of color are finally taking on the pilot’s seat/captain’s chair/chosen one’s mantle and being positioned front and center in entertainment. But how far has it come and how far does it still have to go? A dynamic group of creators and expert commentators who have all had a hand in crafting powerful protagonists of color will discuss issues of representation and authenticity, writing from their experiences, the unique pressure put on diverse characters, and how audiences can best support these characters to usher in a whole new era of POC heroes. With Marc Bernardin (Genius), Shalisha Francis (Minority Report), Javier Grillo-Marxuach (The 100, The Middleman), Sarah Kuhn(Heroine Complex) and Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions).
Friday March 25, 2016 7:00pm – 8:00pm
8:00pm
WonderCourt: The Trial of Ben Grimm
UPDATED: Tue, Mar 22, 09:25AM
It’s prosecutin’ time! The Thing will be put on trial by two funny comics fans, Alex Firer (Onion News Network) and Mike Levine (The Onion). Is his character dumb as rocks or the most fantastic? Honorable judges Jon Schnepp (The Death of Superman Lives) Jeff Loveness (Marvel’s Groot), and Ify Nwadiwe (@midnight) preside over WonderCourt! Which characters will appear as “surprise witnesses?” WonderCon’s geek comedy courtroom is now in session with Baliff Joan Ford (Funny or Die). Presented by comedy press The Devastator.
Friday March 25, 2016 8:00pm – 9:00pm
SATURDAY
12:30pm
Spotlight on Brian Michael Bendis
Civil War 2, Jessica Jones, Powers TV and comic, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. WonderCon special guestBendis has a ton going on and this spotlight panel will give exclusive first looks to a lot of the big goings on all spring and summer long.
Saturday March 26, 2016 12:30pm – 1:30pm
1:30pm
Join industry legend and Superman artist, John Romita, Jr. for an in-depth look at his storied career and journey. The superstar DCE artist comes to Los Angeles for an all-access and in-depth discussion. From his marvelous start to his distinguished rise and all things in between, be here for this exclusive panel that will give you insight into one of the genre’s most influential people.
Saturday March 26, 2016 1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:00pm
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D
Join executive producer and Marvel’s head of television, Jeph Loeb, as well as the cast and creators of Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. for their first WonderCon panel as a cast! Get a sneak peek at a new episode from season 3 and find out what’s ahead for the team this season from the cast and producers!
Saturday March 26, 2016 2:00pm – 3:30pm
We have a separate article about the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. appearance at Wondercon right here: Don’t Miss Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. at Wondercon!
3:30pm
With Great Power: Making a Super Hero
To be able to fly, to have super strength, invisibility, and every other super power imaginable are the stuff kids of all ages dream about. But power alone does not make a hero great. What goes into creating some of our favorite characters? What makes a hero super? Moderator Amy Ratcliffe (Nerdist) finds out what goes into creating some of our favorite heroes with WonderCon special guests Kyle Baker (Plastic Man: On the Lam), Brian Michael Bendis (Jessica Jones), Russell Dauterman (Thor), Jason Fabok (Batman: Detective Comics), Charles Soule (She-Hulk), and Annie Wu (Black Canary).
Saturday March 26, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm
3:30pm
TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites Showrunners
UPDATED: Mon, Mar 14, 10:52AM
TV Guide Magazine returns to WonderCon with an all-star panel of TV’s hottest showrunners. Moderated by TV Guide Magazine/TVInsider.com chief content officer Michael Schneider, the session brings together top producers for a look behind the scenes of your favorite shows. Panelists (subject to change) include: Ali Adler (Supergirl), Craig DiGregorio (Ash vs. Evil Dead), Scott M. Gimple (The Walking Dead), Damon Lindelof (The Leftovers), Melissa Rosenberg (Marvel’s Jessica Jones) andPaul Scheer (Party Over Here).
Saturday March 26, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm
4:30pm
Talk about super powers! Here’s a panel with heroes who can put voices into the mouths of your favorite animated characters. They’ll tell you how they do it and present an unrehearsed reading to show how they do it! With Townsend Coleman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Tick), Maurice LaMarche (Pinky and the Brain, Futurama), Chuck McCann (Duck Tales, The Fantastic Four), Candi Milo (Curious George, Jimmy Neutron), and others! Your host is Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show).
Saturday March 26, 2016 4:30pm – 5:30pm
5:00pm
Jim Lee (DC Entertainment), writer/producer Maurissa Tancharoen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), actor Yoshi Sudarso (Power Rangers Dino Charge), and graphic novelists Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex), Amy Chu (Poison Ivy), and Christine Dinh (brand manager, BOOM! Studios) discuss the origin stories of iconic Asian American superheroes on screen, on the page, and behind the scenes. Moderated by Racebending.com‘s Dariane Nabor.
Saturday March 26, 2016 5:00pm – 6:00pm
6:00pm
Inside the Writers’ Room: Pilots, Production and Post, Oh My
If writer’s rooms were like superhero teams, this panel combines the Justice League and The Avengers for an all-star insider look at your favorite TV series. Some of the scribes behind today’s hottest genre shows share their candid thoughts on how to sell, write and rewrite the series you love (and sometimes loathe). Find out the deep, dark secrets (and low-calorie snacks) of the writers’ room, and learn why network executives actually care about what you write on message boards. Panelists includeGabrielle Stanton (The Flash, Haven, The Vampire Diaries), Amy Berg (Counterpart,Da Vinci’s Demons, Eureka), Jose Molina(Agent Carter, Firefly, Sleepy Hollow), Ashley E. Miller (Black Sails, Fringe, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles), Sarah Watson (Parenthood, The Middleman), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels, Guardians of the Galaxy TV, The Clone Wars), and moderator Mark A. Altman (The Librarians, Agent X, Castle).
Saturday March 26, 2016 6:00pm – 7:00pm
6:00pm
Crossing over into every genre, Steampunk has transformed many Marvel characters into some of the steamiest superheroes and villains in the galaxy. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with everyone from Ant-Man and Deadpool to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they are reimagined in the Steampunk style! Panelists include Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam), Crystal Rose Schaefer (cosplayer), Mac Beauvais (Strange Like That Cosplay), Anastasia Hunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering), and Oakley Boren (cosplayer).
Saturday March 26, 2016 6:00pm – 7:00pm
SUNDAY
11:00am
Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way
Are you a writer or artist? Ever dream of working for Marvel? Do you find yourself thinking, “I could do that . . . if I knew how!” Well, here’s your chance! Join editor Wil Moss, as well as superstar writers and artists, including WonderCon special guestsRussell Dauterman (The Mighty Thor), Humberto Ramos (Extraordinary X-Men), Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck), andCharles Soule (Daredevil) to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door and make your job Marvel!
Sunday March 27, 2016 11:00am – 12:00pm
11:30am
Some of the greatest artistry in comics today can be found not in the books but on the outside. What goes into designing a memorable, magnificent cover? This topic is discussed with examples by folks who’ve done it, featuring Paolo Rivera(Daredevil, The Valiant), Bill Sienkiewicz (Stray Toasters, Elektra: Assassin), and Annie Wu (Black Canary, Hawkeye). Presiding over the discussion is Mark Evanier.
Sunday March 27, 2016 11:30am – 12:30pm
12:30pm
Teaming Up: Superheroes at Work
Working in teams always has its challenges, but imagine how hard it must be when that challenge is to save the world! When our favorite characters team up, it makes for some amazing stories. WonderCon special guests Brian Michael Bendis (Uncanny X-Men) and Charles Soule (Inhuman) discuss group dynamics in comics with moderator Jessica Tseang.
Sunday March 27, 2016 12:30pm – 1:30pm
1:00pm
Getting into Comics and Staying There
UPDATED: Fri, Mar 18, 04:16PM
Breaking into comics panels are among the most popular at comic conventions throughout the country. Aspiring writers and artists are as in demand with publishers as social media wizards and Excel-loving number crunchers. Listen to the origin stories of Felipe Smith (All-New Ghost Rider), Sam Humphries (Jonesy), Chrystin Garland (Steven Universe and the Crystal Gems), andMairghread Scott (Toil and Trouble), and the behind-the-scenes professionals they work with to make the comics you love to read! Moderated by Matt Gagnon (BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief).
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:00pm – 2:00pm
1:30pm
Live Art Demo with Ming Doyle and Joe Quinones
Join Ming Doyle (Constantine: The Hellblazer) and Joe Quinones (Howard the Duck) for a casual, audience heavy Q&A and live-art presentation. Joe and Ming will draw while they field any and all questions, suggestions, and Twitter mentions. Their original sketches will be given away to lucky attendees at the end of the panel!
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:30pm – 2:30pm
1:30pm
The Writer’s Journey: Breaking into Comics and Hollywood Scriptwriting
This panel addresses the question every aspiring writer wants answered: “How do I break into the business?” Hollywood screenwriters and graphic novel producers share insider information, publishing secrets, and the professional realities on how to develop your ideas into a viable property. Moderated by 2015 Disney/ABC Writing Program winner and 2014 Eisner Award nominee Brandon Easton (Marvel’s Agent Carter, ThunderCats), the panel includes Geoffrey Thorne (Leverage, The Librarians), Erika Alexander (Concrete Park, Living Single), and Tony Puryear ( Concrete Park, the Schwarzenegger film Eraser). Topics will include how to hire artists and build a strong contract, how to seek out a publisher, and how to navigate the tough new world of intellectual property management in the digital frontier.
Sunday March 27, 2016 1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:30pm
Spotlight on Russell Dauterman
Join WonderCon special guest Russell Dauterman, artist of Marvel’s Thor and The Mighty Thor, for this panel about his career in comics. Russell will be talking about his digital art process, female Thor, breaking in, and more with moderator Sam Humphries (writer, Star-Lord). Plus, Russell will answer your questions and give a sneak peak of his upcoming work.
Sunday March 27, 2016 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Which panels do you plan on attending?