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The Marvel Report’s Guide To San Diego Comic Con

Fans of San Diego Comic Con can remember Jack Kirby and Stan Lee both coming to San Diego in the early days of the convention.  Times have changed and while Jack and Stan have achieved legendary status, the comics remain the same.  This year has brought us a little bit of everything from a brand new Ghost Rider in both comics and on Agents of SHIELD to a renewed focus on the X-Men with films like Logan in theaters.  If you’re a comic book fan and you’re looking for fun things to do we have a list of every single marvel themed comic panel happening at the convention.
Don’t forget to swing by the booths of your favorite writers and artists, many of whom will be making the trek to San Diego, to thank them for bringing characters like Black Panther, Carol Danvers, and Steve Rogers to life. Also be sure to check out the Marvel booth which is sure to be stocked full of costumes, props, goodies, giveaways, signings, and much much more.

THURSDAY

Jack Kirby’s Consciousness, Roger Zelazny’s Lord of Light, Barry Ira Geller and the Real Argo

10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Room 5A

Finally, the fascinating truth about the real CIA Argo mission! Hear how Jack Kirby and Barry Ira Geller’s script and production designs for Lord of Light made the actual Argo mission successful, as recently testified to by the “Sons of the Iranian Revolution.” The Kirby/Geller work, though not mentioned in the Oscar-winning film, rests in the International Spy Museum forever. Discover the unbelievable awareness and consciousness of Jack Kirby as remembered by Barry Ira Geller, one of the last people to have creatively partnered with Jack. Kirby was the Rembrandt of comic art, the Einstein of superhero visions, and the creator of the modern romance genre. Hear Mike Royer, arguably the best Silver Age inker-certainly Jack Kirby’s favorite-give the real story behind the inking of these fantastic series!

Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way!

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM

Room 25ABC

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 talent scout Rickey Purdin and mighty Marvel guests to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door and make your job Marvel!

Cartoon Art Museum Workshop: Mastering the Art of Jack Kirby

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM

Room 2

Ever wondered how the legendary Jack Kirby created his signature style? Now you can learn the tricks of his trade and those he collaborated with to draw Captain America, the Fantastic Four, and the X-Men among many other iconic characters. Celebrate Jack Kirby’s 100th birthday with Kirby fan and cartoonist Mark Badger(Batman, Just Draw) leading this workshop, with guidance from the Jack Kirby Museum. Supplies provided by Sakura.

New Mutants Retrospective

2:30 PM- 3:30 PM

Room 24ABC

Before the release of next year’s Fox film, look back at the creation of the team of teenage heroes that brought the X-Men franchise back to its core roots. Inkpot and Eisner Award winner Bill Sienkiewicz discusses his revolutionary art designs for the team, his collaboration with Chris Claremont, and the evolution of Marvel’s Mutant Universe. Moderated by John Siuntres (host of the Word Balloon podcast).

Breaking Into Comics

4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Room 11

With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your invaluable guide to breaking into the world of comics: what it takes, whose attention you’re vying for, and how to get it in a productive way. Comics Experience founder and publisher Andy Schmidt is joined by Dave Marshall (EIC, Dark Horse), writer Erica Schultz (M3, DC Comics’ New Writer Talent Showcase), and Rickey Purdin (Marvel talent manager).

Marvel’s Next Big Thing

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Room 5AB

Get a sneak preview of what the rest of the year holds in store for your favorite Marvel heroes, as well as the upcoming Generations weekly series featuring the heroes of today teaming up with their counterparts from yesterday! Editor-in-chief Axel Alonso and editors Nick Lowe and Sana Amanat will be on hand with Cullen Bunn (Generations: The Phoenix) and Margaret Stohl (Generations: The Bravest) for a look forward (and backward) toward some of Marvel’s greatest heroes.

25 Years of Rob Liefield’s Creations

5:00 PM- 6:00 PM

Room 5AB

Comic book legend Rob Liefeld celebrates his illustrious career with a celebration of the 25th anniversary of his Extreme Studios and Image Comics. Rob will discuss his spectacular tenure at Marvel Comics, where he not only revitalized the New Mutants and X-men franchises but also created some of the most beloved characters in Marvel history, including Deadpool, Cable, and Domino, as well as X-Force. And as if celebrating 25 years of Rob Liefeld creations isn’t exciting enough, the panel will be moderated by The Walking Dead ‘s Robert Kirkman. Also on hand are special guest Extreme Studios alum, including Dan Fraga, Marat Mychaels, Andy Park, Todd Nauck, Dan Panosian, Norm Rapmund, Art Thibert, and many more.

Disney Kingdoms: Theme Park Stories with Marvel Comics

6:00 PM-7:00 PM

Room 7AB

The creators of Disney Kingdoms by Marvel discuss in depth the history as well as future titles of this popular family comic book series.

Superhero Family Feud

6:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Horton Grand Theater

Bestselling, award-winning, comic-loving, authors Margaret Stohl (Black Widow, Captain Marvel), Rainbow Rowell (Fangirl, Runaways), Jason Reynolds (Miles Morales: Spider-Man, Ghost), Cecil Castellucci (Tin Star, The Plain Janes), Shannon and Dean Hale (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl: Squirrel Meets World), Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), Nick Lowe (Marvel Comics editor), and other special guests battle to the finish in this superhero-centric Family Feud -style game.

Femme Magnifique: Amazing Women in Comics

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Room 2

Learn about the groundbreaking women featured in the new anthology Femme Magnifique and the creative teams that turned the real-life adventures of these women into comic book stories. Women from politics, art, science, and pop will be featured, as co-curators Shelly Bond (Black Crown) and Kristy Miller (Femme Magnifique) provide sneak peeks at the art and stories. Femme Magnifique creative team members Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Elsa Charretier (The Unstoppable Wasp), Eva Cabrera (KIM & KIM), Tess Fowler (Rat Queens), Gail Simone (Red Sonja), and more share their experiences creating comic stories based on real-life female heroes. Q&A session.

It Gets Geekier: Why Queer Representation Matters

7:30 PM- 8:30 PM

Room 24ABC

Joshua Yehl (IGN Comics) brings It Gets Geekier back to discuss the importance of including LGBT+ characters in comic books, TV shows, and movies. Host Bryan Pittard (Flame On! Podcast) will lead the talk including Sina Grace (Iceman), Kris Anka (All-New X-Men), Megan Townsend (GLAAD), Marc Andreyko (Love is Love) and more.

FRIDAY

Spotlight on Majorie Liu

10:00 AM-11:00 AM

Room 29AB

Engage in a wide-ranging conversation on publishing, race, and gender with Marjorie Liu, the New York Times bestselling and Eisner-nominated author of Monstress, Han Solo, X-23, and many other titles.

Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends 

10:30 AM- 11:30 AM

Rppm 24ABC

Swing by this panel to see what’s in store for all of your favorite spider-heroes! Join editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, Spider-editor Nick Lowe, writer Cullen Bunn (Venomverse), and other mighty Marvel guests for a spectacular discussion about Spider-Man, Venomverse, and more.

Marvel: Secret Empire

12:30 PM- 1:30 PM

Room 5AB

Hail Hydra! Things are heating up as Secret Empire races toward its startling conclusion. Join Mark Waid (Avengers), Humberto Ramos (Champions), and Matthew Rosenberg (Secret Warriors) along with Hydra double agents (and editors extraordinaire) Nick Lowe and Alanna Smith for all the latest news about the blockbuster series

Stan Lee and Friends

12:30 PM- 1:30 PM

Room 6DE

Hot off immortalizing his hand and footprints in cement at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, 95-year-old comics legend Stan Lee heads to San Diego Comic-Con for an intimate Q&A with Felicia Day, Mythbuster Adam Savage, and Stan’s longtime manager Max Anderson. Hear little-known anecdotes about Stan’s life, career, and hilarious encounters with fans and celebrities. The panel will also premiere footage from Icons: Face to Face, a cutting-edge VR project featuring Stan and Kevin Smith, coming soon from Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned media company.

Spotlight on Marguerite Bennett

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM

Room 28DE

Do you like sassy broads in good dresses mouthing off about storytelling? If your answer is, “What a weird panel description,” then come see Ryan North interview Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics: Bombshells, Batwoman, Josie and the Pussycats, A-Force, Animosity) on comics, craft, work ethic, process, representation, feminist wrath, queer culture, comedy, kissing, storytelling, and more!

Jack Kirby: Friends and Family

1:30 PM- 2:30 PM

Room 8

 If Jack Kirby were as immortal as his work, he’d be 100 years old next month . . . and he’s still here in spirit and impact. Today a group of his family members and closest friends will talk about the man they knew, the man whose genius revolutionized the comic book industry again and again, and they’ll even tell you what he liked on his pizza. Your moderator is former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics).  

Bisexuality and Beyond: Deadpool Made Us Do It (Again and Again and…)

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM

Room 28DE

Definitions of gender and sexuality are becoming more and more open in popular media as comics, film, and television creators are telling stories with bisexual characters and affirming role models who are not limited to one definition. Join Prism Comics with moderator Faith Cheltenham (BiNet USA) for a spirited discussion of the present and future of sexuality in media with the real-life bisexual creators who draw, write, and perform these roles: Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Anything That Loves), R. J. Aguiar (YouTube’s TheNotAdam, NotAdamAndSteve.com), Lynnette McFadzen (BiNet USA), and Eliot Sutler, Esq. (BiWoCC). Last year, BleedingCool.com called this panel “One Of The Most Amazing Moments Of Affirmation At San Diego Comic-Con.”

Spotlight on Ron Wilson

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Room 9

Ron Wilson (former Marvel and Milestone Comics artist, illustrator of Marvel Two-in-One, Masters of the Universe, and Icon, among other works) discusses the Bronze Age, his 40-year comic book career (including what it was like to work at Marvel Comics during the 1970s and working with a number of editors, including Stan Lee) for this interview and Q&A session moderated by Mark Waid. 

 Apex Comics Group Universe

6:30 PM- 7:30 PM

Room 5AB

Stan Lee’s God Woke and William Shatner War Chronicles writer/artist/publisher Mariano Nicieza proudly announces the launch of a new comic book imprint! Special project previews by Fabian Nicieza (co-creator, Deadpool), Tim Walsh and Chris Robinson (A Daze Work), Jeff Slemons and Murphey Luedke (Nazis Vs. Vampires), Matt Murray (Stan Lee’s POW! Entertainment), Wilson Ramos Jr.,Tom Vargas(Factory Entertainment), Amy Fox (Stan Lee Box Boulevard), Jim Kaufman(Rackfest), and Linda Castillon (Card). Q&A session moderated by Nicole Kulovany(Miss New York).

Visual Storytelling and Comics Art Fundamentals

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Room 2

Take this crash course on how to create powerful, readable comic book art through understanding the basic fundamentals that make comic art different from illustration, painting, and storyboarding. Learn how to make a story flow, how to lead the eye, how to use the page to your advantage as a storyteller, what to plan for, and when to go big and when to go small. It’s all covered by the experts from Comics Experience, Andy Schmidt (Marvel, IDW) with Reilly Brown (Deadpool) and Rickey Purdin (Marvel’s talent manager).

SATURDAY

 Spotlight on Roxane Gay

10:30 AM-11:30 AM

Room 5AB

 New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Bad Feminist, Difficult Women, Hunger) comes to Comic-Con as a special guest! Roxane will discuss her skyrocketing career and literary stardom and will field some questions from the audience during a Q&A session. 
Comics Arts Conference #10: Feminist Marvels

11:30 AM- 12:30 PM

Room 26AB

J. Richard Stevens (University of Colorado, Boulder) examines how Marvel is positioning Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel in the lead-up to her film as a credible feminist icon in order to more explicitly address the interests of a rising female readership. Chris Richardson (Young Harris College) argues that Bourdieu’s notion of the field, a place in which actors compete for status through symbolic capital, allows us to better understand how Jessica Jones, as a strong, independent, heroic woman, a victim of abuse, a vulnerable and insecure lover, and the product of two men’s imagination, has dramatically reshaped the industry in subtle yet important ways. Samantha Langsdale (University of North Texas) sees Marvel’s new run of Spider-Woman as feminist in its defiance of the trend in mainstream superhero comics to characterize motherhood as untenable for superheroines by presenting a markedly woman-centered model of motherhood.

Jack Kirby’s Birthday Celebration with IDW

1:00 PM- 2:00 PM

Room 25ABC

Featuring an impressive library of more than 1,300 pages of Kirby original DC and Marvel artwork — the largest showing ever! IDW president Greg Goldstein hosts this stellar birthday tribute with a groundbreaking slide show, featuring art from eight different Artist’s Editions plus some surprises. The panel features superstar creators Walter Simonson and Kevin Eastman, who will share their Kirby remembrances and influences, along with senior editor Scott Dunbier and creative director at IDW PDX Dirk Wood. Everyone who attends will receive a “birthday” gift! One lucky fan will go home with an Artist’s Edition!

 The Centennial of The King Of Comics, Jack Kirby

2:00 PM- 3:00 PM

Room 29AB

Illustrator and comic book historian Arlen Schumer (The Silver Age of Comic Book Art) marks the centennial of Kirby’s birth with a multimedia retrospective about how a first-American generation son of European Jewish immigrants growing up in the Lower East Side of New York City named Ya’akov Kurtzberg became acknowledged by both professionals and fans alike as the single greatest artist and storyteller in the history of comic books, Jack “King” Kirby.

Marvel: Black Eyed Peas “Master of the Sun”

3:00 PM- 4:00 PM

Room 6A

From the mind of will.i.am comes this retro futuristic b-boy zombie thriller. Fusing together the unlikeliest of genres with ease, Masters of the Sun mixes LA gang culture, b-boy-ism, and Egyptology to tell the heroic tale of a hip-hop group from East LA who must battle an ancient god that’s turning black drug dealers and gangsters into zombies. Join will.i.am, Taboo, and apl.de.ap from the Black Eyed Peas to discuss the MOTS experience and the future of delivering immersive content.

Marvel’s “Cup O’Joe”

4:00 PM- 5:00 PM

Room 25ABC

Here is your chance to ask Marvel’s chief creative officer Joe Quesada about anything and everything Marvel. Got a question about your favorite hero? Want to hear the latest developments on Marvel’s Legacy or our up-and-coming heroes? This panel has you covered! Also featuring executive editor Nick Lowe, director of content and character development Sana Amanat, and creators Kris Anka (Runaways), Ryan North (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl), and Rainbow Rowell (Runaways)!

New Stories In Old Universes

4:00 PM-5:00 PM

Room 23ABC

Some fan-favorite characters and comic universes have been around for generations. As a creator, how does one continue to make exciting and new stories in worlds that comic readers are so familiar with? Moderator Mark Waid (Archie) aims to find out with Comic-Con special guests Marguerite Bennett (DC Bombshells), Tom King (Vision), Gail Simone (Batgirl), and Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl).

Gays in Comics Out In Comics: A 30 Year celebration

6:00 PM- 7:00 PM

Room29AB

The comic world’s longest-running panel celebrates its 30th year with an all-star panel and celebration that will spotlight creators, comics, and fans from 1988 to the present. What a difference 30 years makes! “Diversity” has become a rallying cry in the comics world today. Almost every comic company is looking toward LGBTQ or LGBTQ-friendly creators for work that reflects the world around us today-gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters as well as people of color, other cultures, and more. This year, founding moderator and bestselling author Andy Mangels (Wonder Woman ’77 Meets the Bionic Woman, Star Trek books) returns to chair the panel and welcomes Tara Madison Avery (Anything That Loves, Gooch, Alphabet), Roxane Gay (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Bad Feminist, SDCC special guest), Sina Grace (Iceman, Self-Obsessed, Burn the Orphanage), Phil Jimenez(Superwoman, Wonder Woman, Infinite Crisis), Steve Orlando (Midnighter and Apollo, Supergirl, Justice League of America), and Molly Ostertag (Shattered Warrior, Strong Female Protagonist, The Witch Boy). Showcased throughout will be special video messages from an array of Hollywood and comic book celebrities sending special 30th anniversary messages to their LGBTQ fans and allies, plus a Prism Comics Fan Mixer including cool swag giveaways and a silent auction of incredible comics items!

Creating Your Own Destiny: The New Comics Career

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM

Room 11

The traditional comics career used to be all about begging for work and turning your creations over to “the man.” Not anymore! The last decade has seen a complete change as comics creators are determining their own fates and blazing their own trails to more creative freedom and higher potential payoffs. “The New Comics Career” has arrived. Andy Schmidt (Comics Experience, Marvel, IDW, BOOM!) outlines all the ways to plot a course for your career that is tailored to your goals and needs. He’ll cover defining and setting your goals, setting yourself up for success, fan building, and marketing yourself to both fans and publishers alike. Take control of your own creative destiny!

SUNDAY

The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel

10:00 AM- 11:00 AM

Room 5AB

Continuing the celebration of the Kirby Centennial, this is the annual panel about Comic-Con’s first superstar guest, the man they call “The King of Comics,” Jack Kirby. Jack left us in 1994, but his influence on comics, film, and this convention has never been greater. Discussing the man and his work this year are Jim Chadwick (editor at DC Comics), Paul Levitz (former president at DC Comics), Mike Royer (Kirby’s favorite inker), attorney Paul S. Levine, and several highly surprising surprise guests. Naturally, it’s moderated by former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier. 

Marvel ResurrXion

11:15 AM- 12:15 AM

Room 5AB

The ResurrXion is upon us! The X-Men have been catapulted back to the forefront of the Marvel universe, and there’s still more to come! join editor-in-chief Axel Alonso,executive editor Nick Lowe, and writers Sina Grace (Iceman), Marc Guggenheim (X-Men Gold), and Christina Strain (Generation X) for an X-citing discussion about the past, present, and future of all things X-Men!

Spotlight on James Hudnall

12:00 PM- 1:00 PM

Room 28DE

James Hudnall (writer, letterer, publisher) has worked at Marvel, DC, Image, Malibu, and Eclipse. He created Harsh Realm, The Psycho, Espers, The Age of Heroes, and many others. He was also part of VIZ’s early slate of manga translations. Explore these and many other highlights of a diverse career with James and artists David Lloyd (V for Vendetta), and Greg Horn (Marvel covers). Moderated by Dr. Terry Cronin (writer, publisher).

Women of Marvel

12:30 PM- 1:30 PM

Room 6DE

From Ms. Marvel to the A-Force, from Twitter to tumblr, the subject of women in comics has been one of the most talked-about in comics recently. Join the conversation as women from multiple disciplines in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry. Panelists include content development director Sana Amanat, producer Judy Stephens, and more special guests to be announced.

Pro/Fan Trivia Match

3:30 PM- 4:30 PM

Room 26AB

Len Wein (creator, Swamp Thing, Wolverine) again leads Purple Pros Mark Waid (Archie, Kingdom Come) and Glenn Hauman (VP and editor, ComicMix) against fans Tom Galloway, David Oakes, and Peter Svensson in a clash of trivia titans and the best trash talk this side of Goody Rickles! Questions will asked by Derek McCaw (FanboyPlanet.com) about the work of Jack Kirby and characters that are celebrating anniversaries this year.

UP NEXT: ANIMATION AND VIDEO GAMES

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