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Marvel gave a little more context on the recently announced All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe during the Uncanny Inhumans panel (which was also heavy on X-Men news.) In attendance during the panel was a fan dressed up in a Medusa outfit who snagged a picture with Marvel Editor-In-Chief Axel Alonso before he took the stage proper — followed by The Uncanny Inhumans title Charles Soule, who did the same before stepping to the stage. Jeff Lemire graced the stage alongside Cullen Bunn and Humberto Ramos. The panel was moderated by Sales Communication and Event Coordinator Jake Friedfeld.

The first announcement of the panel was Uncanny X-Men #600 slated for October 7th, an important issue that is set to finish off previous writer Brian Michael Bendis’ last issue. A new volume of All-New X-Men is launching this fall with Dennis Hopeless and Mark Bagley, featuring the young mutants trying to find peace in the post-(Cylops getting the phoenix again and making everything terrible)X-Men world.

Extraordinary X-Men #1 is slated for October 14th, as Lemire noted he was really excited about the new direction of the book. Storm is confirmed to lead the team and “carry on the dream of Professor Xavier.” Lemire teased a “a ton of surprises” coming to the book. He also explained that new twists on familiar relationships were established in the relationship forming between Old Man Logan and Jean Grey. Soule stepped in and praised a moment between Colossus and Magik.

Jeff Lemire thought his Old Man Logan series starting this fall will be “pretty cool.” Fans can see the All-New, All-Different Marvel Universe through the “eyes of an outsider” when Old Man Logan debuts later on in the fall. A new cover was shown off for All-New Wolverine by Bengal the comic is being written by Tom Taylor and drawn by David Lopez — the new book is shipping on October 7th.

The brand new Uncanny X-Men comic was given the spotlight from Cullen Bunn and Greg Land. “It’s a dangerous time for mutants” said Bunn noting that he wanted to put a team together to fight off the dangerous world that the team inhabit. The team includes: Mystique, Sabretooth, Psylocke, Fantomex and Magneto. Fans received clarification that Sabretooth is retaining the good alignment.

Then…author Jeff Lemire stated something surprising: “Hey Cullen how does it feel knowing that Magic could kick everyone’s ass on your team.” The panelists shared a laugh, and Cullen Bunn retained a sense of good humor in his response.

A really quick mention of Deadpool was followed up by the big Karnak series from Warren Ellis and Gerardo Zaffino coming on October 7th. Alonso stated that editor Nick Lowe was the Warren “Ellis whisperer” at Marvel — able to get the writer on the title.

The Uncanny Inhumans is launching this fall starring the creative team of author Charles Soule and artist Steve McNiven. “After Death of Wolverine we were sort of looking for the next thing to do” said Soule “and they brought us the Uncanny Inhumans.” With the fallout of the terrigenesis crystals following the events of Infinity, the author noted that the Inhumans could be hiding in this very Comic-Con panel! Also referenced was The Uncanny Inhumans #0 issue will lead into the upcoming Uncanny Inhumans story. A fan asked about the disappearance of Cyclops and Emma Frost. Lemire stated that there is a reason for Cyclops’ absence as one the most prominent missing mutants.

Another fan questioned if Gordon hailing from the Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. television series would return to the comics. Soule stated that while he was excited that the character made the transition into the comics medium, he didn’t have any upcoming plans for the transmedia hero.

Soule teased a new relationship with Johnny Storm and Medusa — which is made more complicated regarding Johnny Storm’s past relationship with Medusa’s sister Crystal. Soule explained that he has written Storm into many upcoming scripts of the title and that he’s excited to script the sequence in which Crystal discovers the new relationship of Medusa and Storm.

A fan questioned where the Fantastic Four characters are in the Marvel Universe not including Storm. “Don’t believe everything you hear on the internet” stated Alonso.

DC Collectables Icons Line

by Harper W. Harris

One of the first panels of SDCC 2015 could have been for just hardcore collectors, but instead it was jam-packed with info on figures, comic series, and commercials along with loads of incredible giveaways.

Among the exclusive announcements was the inevitable confirmation that the Greg Capullo line of figures will be continuing, with the next wave including the Batman artist’s take on Wonder Woman and the Joker.

Kevin Kiniry (VP of DCE Creative Services) and Jim Fletcher (Creative Director of DCE Creative Services) showed off the first four series of the brand new Icon action figure line, which are also a new scale and include in most cases some really unique accessories. The first four waves include:

Series 1: Green Arrow, Deadman, Batman, and Mr. Miracle
Series 2: Flash, Lex Luthor, Black Adam, Hal Jordan (Deluxe)
Series 3: Aquaman, Harley Quinn, Superman, Atomica
Series 4: Firestorm, Joker, John Stewart Green Lantern

Particularly fun looking are the Deadman that includes a translucent hood to place over other figures for him to “control” them; Green Lantern with a full body sized armor projection accessory; and Atomica, which comes with miniature versions of Ray Palmer and Ryan Choi.

There were two new Bombshell statues show, a Killer Frost and a very classy looking safari adventurer version of Cheetah, and along with another Bombshell variant cover month coming in August, Marguerite Bennett was on the panel to talk about the upcoming Bombshells digital first comic series that she is writing. It will take place during an “alternate history World War II,” and will be drawn by the very talented Marguerite Sauvage. Bennett said she had fun basing the stories and characters around different stylistic ideas: for example, Supergirl will read like a propaganda film, while Zatanna is more like a Hammer Horror movie.

DC Designer Series Line: Darwyn Cooke

Along with the gorgeous Darwyn Cooke figures that are on display at the DCE booth, we were treated to a view of the Lee Bermejo figures from the same Designer Series line. Bermejo introduced his Green Lantern, Lex Luthor, Superman, and Batman figures, and noted that while working on the designs, Jim Lee told him that “none of our characters iron their clothes.” Bermejo was asked if DC Collectables might put out a Joker figure based on his OGN–there are no plans yet, but strong hints were given that it might show up in the Batman Black and White line very soon.

There was a lot of talk about the wonderful new series of Batman: The Animated Series figures, sculpted by Irene Matar who was in attendance. On top of showing off the newest additions to the line in Etrigan, Klarion, Gordan, Zatanna, and Ra’s Al Ghul, they showed a really fun commercial for the line that had to revive a level of nostalgia for anyone over 20 in the room. The ad featured the figures being played with by visible hands with a dramatic narrator full of puns in classic 90’s fashion, with Batman repeatedly crashing through brick walls and proclaiming, “It’s Batman!” In the end, it’s revealed that it is Paul Dini and Kevin Smith playing with the toys, and they insist on making the Batman and Catwoman figures kiss.

In addition to giving away boatloads of figures and statues during game show style games, DC also showed off Arkham Knight figures (Man-Bat, Azrael, Professor Pyg), Arrow and Flash figures (Arrow season 3, Black Canary, Malcolm Merlyn, Reverse-Flash, Heat Wave), and Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice statues (Superman, Batman, Armored Batman, with hints of a coming Wonder Woman).

Those at SDCC this year can pick up some convention exclusives in a cute Krypto the Superdog plush and a Jim Lee sketch version of a Batman figure. Some crowd questions elicited other light announcements, including some upcoming Central City police badges and more wooden figures.

For DC collectors new and old alike, there are lots of things to look forward to!

Okay… Thursday.  The first day of actual full-bore, you-can-sleep-when-you’re-dead programming.

Since we’re on the East Coast, we have a 3-hour difference, so much of the early Hall H stuff doesn’t really hit the Internet until around Noon our time. Generally, I ignore all the celebrity stuff, although Bill Murray was cool to walk up the aisle, greeting fans along the way.  (And, as an example of “you never may know”, Bruce Willis said Bill Murray and Gilda Radner were the only stars of Saturday Night Live to treat him nicely when he was a studio page at NBC many decades ago.)

1970 to 2015: Comic-Con’s Top 5 Changes Through the Years

David Glanzer is Comic-Con International’s Director of Marketing and Public Relations and a man who spends 365 days a year thinking about San Diego’s largest annual convention… now celebrating its 46th year.
Then (1970) vs. Now (2015): here are Glanzer’s top 5 changes over the last 4 ½ decades to Comic-Con.

(I tried to embed the video, but if that doesn’t work, click on the headline above.)

Supergirl Flies High as a Debutante at the Nerd Cotillion

RadioTimes has the Twitter reviews from last night’s premiere of the Supergirl pilot.

This Year’s Official Comic-Con Bags

Normally, I’d present this as a separate post… THIRTEEN different bags this year! 

The design on the reverse of the bag.

For the record (since the original post might disappear):

The ingenuity–and speedy sewing skills–of our attendees is amazing! Here’s a dress made out of this year’s Comic-Con 2014 Warner Bros. bags! Photo by Kevin Green © 2014 SDCC

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Marvel’s C.B. Cebulski Dishes on the San Diego Food Scene

Zagat’s + Cebulski = Con Food Guide

What’s the one restaurant you need to visit when you come to San Diego?

For me, it’s a tie between Hodad’s and Pizza Port.

Hodad’s is a San Diego classic first introduced to me by artist Jim Lee, who lives in the area. I always get the same thing, the Double Bacon Cheeseburger; it’s a monster, but it’s how I start every trip to San Diego. And for folks that don’t have wheels at the con, not to worry: Hodad’s opened a Downtown location within walking distance to the convention center.

As a big beer drinker, Pizza Port Ocean Beach is an oasis for me, brewing all kinds of eclectic beers right on the premises and baking great pizzas to pair with them. Last time I visited, their brewer, Nacho Cevantes, let me try this amazing tomato and basil beer he was working on. And do not miss their wings! Plus, Pizza Port embraces Comic-Con with theme nights and discounts for cosplayers, so it’s always an amazing time to visit them.

Why the “Future of Women in Comics” Thinks It Helps to Be Terrifying

Vanity Fair profiles Kelly Sue DeConnick and the new demographic shifts in comics:

DeConnick has been a comics reader since childhood, but she only came to the industry after earning a drama degree from U.T. Austin, writing copy for the nude photo spreads in dirty magazines (“I hate to break this to you, but that’s not actually the models talking”), and eventually posting her own stories on a message board for author Warren Ellis, of the Planetary series. Ellis then invited her to work on a new site, artbomb.net, where she wrote catalogue entries for comic-book issues. Later, she got a job re-writing Japanese manga comics for a small publisher. She worked alongside a translator, making sure dialogue and story arcs made sense in an English-speaking context. She did this for seven years, in which time she estimates she wrote more than 11,000 comic-book pages. “So when people say dialogue is the best part of my scripts, it’s because I had a lot of practice.”

How to write a strong female character? Be one.

Marvel Unlimited Offers Library Access for ONE PENNY

Not actual size

Get your first month for just a penny!

The first day of SDCC hasn’t even begun yet and there’s already a line for Friday’s Hall H panels.  According to SDCC’s policies, wristbands for these panels won’t be distributed until this evening, which means these poor souls will be spending their entire first day of the show waiting for tomorrow, as is the comic con way.

Just over 100 people in #NDL for Friday #SDCC pic.twitter.com/dPV1egay5W

— SDCC Unofficial Blog (@SD_Comic_Con) July 9, 2015

Wow. People already in line for Friday #HallH. #SDCC pic.twitter.com/69hkzlsBzl

— Christina Carrillo (@co_mommy99) July 9, 2015

Hall H line extending well past the Marriott. May the Force be with you! #SDCC2015 #ComicCon pic.twitter.com/v2IWtrHs2J

— Wes (@comicconster) July 9, 2015

Friday’s Hall H events include two The Walking Dead panels, a Game of Thrones Q&A, and a Star Wars: The Force Awakens preview, so it’s no wonder everything is already terrible.

Stay tuned to The Beat for SDCC coverage all weekend. We’ll let you know when the line reaches Manhattan.

Over the past few weeks, BOOM Studios has made a bevy of announcements to drum up excitement for their San Diego showings.  It’s their tenth anniversary, and they’re celebrating in style.

First off, Grant Morrison will be writing Klaus, which is what Morrison describes as “Santa Claus: Year One.”  He’ll be working with artist Dan Mora for the six issue run, focusing on developing the character’s Viking and Siberian mythological roots while shying away from the more corporate cola takes on the jolly red fellow.  Morrison describes the book as an all-ages title, but I’m not really sure I believe him.

Then, we have Ollie Masters, best known for his work on Vertigo’s The Kitchen, who recently announced that he’ll be writing a new BOOM series in the vaguest way possible.  Seems to be something about family and lies.  Maybe it’s The Sopranos.  Or Breaking Bad.  Oh god I hope it’s Breaking Bad.

Not to be outdone, Mike Carey and Mike Perkins have released a teaser image for their upcoming BOOM series.

Returning to the realm of specificity, Kris Wilson, Rob DenBleyker, and Dave McElfatric, creators of the hit webcomic Cyanide and Happiness, will be releasing a collected edition of works through BOOM.  This collection, entitled Stab Factory, will feature thirty new strips.  Four of them are available now on Comics Alliance.

Finally, BOOM is working with Philip K. Dick’s estate to bring cartoonist Tony Parker’s 24 issue Eisner-nominated adaptation of Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? back to print as a collected hardcover.  Jay Shaw will provide the edition with a brand new piece of cover art.  The collection will also feature essays from prolific comics professionals including Warren Ellis, Ed Brubaker, and Matt Fraction.

Last year it was Gotham, which was mad cool, but this year you can get free Uber rides via Colony, the new TV show starring Lost’s Josh Hollway and The Waling Dead’s Sarah Wayna Callies about the struggle of one family in an occupied future LA. You’ll be able to hitch a ride in various vehicles including “military vehicles.” Free rides and atmosphere PLUS Josh Holloway? You know what, maybe Comic-Con is cool.

USA Network announced today an unprecedented Uber partnership and largest transportation domination stunt to ever hit San Diego’s Comic-Con® for its highly-anticipated drama series, COLONY. 
 
The COLONY “Transportation Domination” will provide Comic-Con attendees with complimentary rides using a fleet of hundreds of COLONY branded units including military vehicles and SUVs, bicycles from 23 DecoBike stations and pedicabs, beginning Thursday, July 9 and continuing through Saturday, July 11 from 10:00 AM –10:00 PM PT daily.  The massive squadron of custom-designedCOLONY branded military vehicles and SUVs will be available for request via the Uber app by selecting the COLONY option.   Additionally, one lucky participant will win a ride with COLONY creators Carlton Cuse (“Lost,” “Bates Motel”) and Ryan Condal (“Hercules”).  Fans can enter by following @ColonyUSA on Twitter and using the hashtags #ColonySDCC and#UberColonySweeps. 
 
In addition, an army of the series’ Transitional Authority enforcers, known as the “Redhats,” will patrol the streets of the Gaslamp District, recruiting fans to take selfies and collaborate using the hashtag #RedhatRewards on Twitter and issuing postcards for the Redhat rewards that can be redeemed at local retailers for free food.
 
“The idea behind the COLONY ‘Transportation Domination’ was to bring the iconic symbols of a fictionalized ‘Occupied Los Angeles’ to the streets of San Diego,” said Alexandra Shapiro, Executive Vice President Marketing and Digital, USA Network.  “Through our Redhat street teams, the Uber partnership featuring armored vehicles and the Decobike takeover, we wanted to give the Comic Con attendees a flavor for what the futuristic military occupation looks like in our highly anticipated new series.”
 
Fans will also have several opportunities to catch the cast and executive producers of COLONY while attending Comic Con.  Events throughout the weekend will feature executive producers Cuse and Condal and stars Josh Holloway (“Lost”), Sarah Wayne Callies (“The Walking Dead”) and Peter Jacobson (“House”).
 
Friday, July 10
COLONY Autograph Signing
Begins: 2:45- 3:15 p.m.
Convention Center Floor at the Legendary Booth 3920
 
Comic-Con Panel Featuring Sneak Preview of COLONY
Begins: 4:30 p.m.
San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Dr., San Diego, Room: 6BCF
 
Saturday, July 11
COLONY Premiere Pilot Screening and Q&A
Begins: 12:00 p.m.
Horton Grand Theatre, 444 4th Ave., San Diego 
 
Set in the very near future, COLONY centers on one family’s struggle to survive and bring liberty back to the people of an occupied Los Angeles.  SAG winner Josh Holloway (“Lost”) stars as former FBI agent Will Bowman and Satellite Award winner Sarah Wayne Callies (“The Walking Dead”) stars as his wife, Katie, in the series which takes place in a dangerous world of divided ideologies.  While some choose to collaborate with the occupation and benefit from the new order, others rebel and suffer the consequences.  After being separated from their middle son during the invasion, Will and Katie are willing to do whatever is necessary to be reunited with him.  So when the powerful Proxy Snyder (Peter Jacobson, “House”) offers Will a chance to get his son back if he will collaborate with the occupational government, Will and Katie find themselves faced with the toughest decision of their lives.  They will have to go beyond whatever they thought possible, risking their lives and their relationship to protect their family.  COLONY is a co-production between Legendary Television and Universal Cable Productions.   

Comic-Con is said to be the biggest pop culture event in North America, and if you’re one of the more than 130,000 attendees, you’re likely to purchase and wear some of one-of-a-kind comics, art and action figures from the many vendors at the show. Whether it’s a Optimus Prime collectible or a Boba Fett action figure or even your vintage Star Wars costume, keeping your Comic-Con treasures safe and sound doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive.

Using FedEx Office to get all kinds of stuff to and from Comic-Con is a tradition. And now they’ve made it a little easier. New this year, FedEx Pack Plus helps you pack and ship those big, bulky and fragile valuables to and from the show. And it’s conveniently available at the FedEx Office Kiosk right inside the Convention Center Hall “D” lobby.

You can read all about it by clicking to my post on the FedEx Office blog here, but just for Beat readers here are two coupons to save you money on both your packing and shipping…just in time for Comic-Con! Simply click on the two coupons to redeem, and either print off of save to your mobile device and bring to the FedEx Office location inside the Convention Center Hall “D” lobby to start saving!

*This blog post was sponsored by FedEx Office

Covers of Souvenir Guides arranged into an artpiece

By Nick Eskey

It’s one week and counting until the geek fest known as San Diego Comic-Con, a celebration of popular culture in television, comics, movies, cartoons and more, begins. Once known as “San Diego’s Golden State Comic-Con” which took place in the basement of U.S. Grant Hotel’s basement, the then three-day event has become the juggernaut that we all know today.

Much of Comic-Con is self-contained within the convention center. In recent years however, festivities related and unrelated to the C.C.I. have spread outward into downtown. There will be many offsite parties and exhibits coinciding with everything.

The Art of Comic-Con is right now on display at the Downtown San Diego Library. Situated on the 9th floor, it encompasses artwork spanning the life of the convention. The room is a history of artistry that have either been used for Comic-Con, or featured in their accompanying souvenir guides. Upon entering the space, a collage of artwork used for the Comic-Con guides covers a wall and spills to the floor. As the convention grew, so did the scope of the guides. It gives a glimpse into how things have changed for the convention. Simpler artwork and font begin to evolve, becoming edgier and commanding attention.

Logos throughout the years

The exhibit officially kicked off on June 20th with a reception featuring legendary cartoonist Sergio Aragones. In his usual fashion, he was more than willing to sign for autographs and pose for pictures.

Sergio Aragones, looking friendly as always

Going clockwise, more art is displayed. A timeline shows how the logos changed through the years, featuring much of the whimsical toucan. Posters used for hyping big movies and shows that were coming out that particular year are on display, flanking the logo used for Comic-Con today made in Lego bricks. At the end of the opposite wall, a giant mural made in 2009 by Sergio himself to celebrate 40 years of the convention commands the space. And to the right of that, framed in glass is some of the original artwork used for the convention guides. One of my absolute favorites is Dave McKean’s rendition of Morpheus (“Sandman”) used for 2013.

Dave McKean’s Sandman cover for 2013’s Souvenir Book

In the center of the room however is probably the most exciting stuff. In class cabinets, over 60 artists are featured; the likes of Sergio Aragones, William Rotsler, Joyce Farmer, and more have their work on display. Work celebrating the rise and existence of Comic-Con. After all, San Diego Comic-Con came into being with the purpose of celebrating the artistry of those that entertain us with their work.

Yesterday, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer used this room as a platform for an announcement. He stated that Comic-Con’s stay has been extended into 2018. Not only that, the mayor assured that there are plans to expand the convention center.
It only makes sense that he’ll do what he can to keep the convention here. It brings millions of direct and indirect money to the city, and with the possibility that the Chargers football team will be relocating, we want to keep it here even more.

Next week as many will be engaged at the convention, we should all keep our ears peeled. It’ll be very likely that the details of Comic-Con’s future and the conventions development will be talked about more in depth. When it comes down to it though, it’s not the money or the tourism that we care about, is it? As fans of various genres, we want to keep the convention here so we may continue to celebrate our love of geekdom as one community.

So if you have the time, I highly encourage you to check out The Art of Comic-Con, if at least to remind yourself what it’s all really about.

From the PR…  [I’ve highlighted the more exciting events. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments!]

IDW Publishing (Booth #2743) and Top Shelf Productions (Booth #1721) will host an amazing list of talent this year at both their booths. Come by and meet some of the biggest and brightest stars working in comics today!

IDW Publishing – Booth #2743

Wednesday July 8^th Preview Night

6:00 – 8:00  Mike Zeck’s Classic Marvel Stories Artist Edition Launch Party! – Mike Zeck (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
6:00 – 8:00  Don Rosa’s Life & Times of Scrooge McDuck Artist Edition Launch Party! –  Don Rosa (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)

8:00 – 9:00  TMNT: Casey & April!  –  Irene Koh, Mariko Tamaki (*Check out the show exclusive!)
8:00 – 9:00  Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas Sneak Preview – Troy Little 
                   (*Get a free preview of the upcoming Top Shelf release!)

Thursday July 9^th

10:00 – 11:00 Skylanders – Fico Ossio
10:00 – 11:00 WEIRD LOVE & YOE BOOKS! – Craig Yoe (Forelock the Warlock), Clizia Gussoni (Madam Clizia)

11:00 – 12:00 3A Presents – Ashley Wood, William Wray
11:00 – 12:00 My Little Pony – Agnes Garbowska, Tony Fleecs, Thom Zahler, Jeremy  Whitley, Bobby Curnow (*Check out the show exclusive!)

12:00 – 1:00 Little Nemo, Onyx, Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez, Eric Shanower, Chris Ryall (*Check out the show exclusives, including a limited edition free poster for the upcoming Locke & Key audiobook from audible.com!)
12:00 – 2:00 TMNT – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow

1:00 – 2:00 SUPER SECRET PROJECT* – John Barber, Dan Schoening, Erik Burnham, and SPECIAL GUEST

2:00 – 2:30 Scorpion Cast Signing – Elyes Gabel, Robert Patrick, Katharine McPhee, Eddie Kaye Thomas,  Jadyn Wong  (*Get a free Scorpion comic!) (*ticketed signing – See employee for Details)
2:00 – 3:00 Bloom County and Beyond, Academia Waltz – Berkeley Breathed

3:00 – 4:00 Jem and the Holograms – Samantha Newark (original Jem voice talent!), Sara Richard, Amy Mebberson, M. Victoria Robado (*Check out the show exclusives!)
3:00 – 4:00 V-Wars, Rot & Ruin – Jonathan Maberry

4:00 – 5:00 X-Files – Joe Harris, Joe Corroney
4:00 – 5:00 Transformers – Brendan Cahill, Corin Howell, Marcelo Matere, John-Paul Bove, Brian Shearer (*Check out the show exclusive!)

5:00 – 6:00 Mike Zeck’s Classic Marvel Stories Artist Edition – Mike Zeck (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
5:00 – 6:00 Don Rosa’s Life & Times of Scrooge McDuck Artist Edition – Don Rosa (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)

6:00 – 7:00 Ghostbusters – Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado (*Check out the show exclusive!)
6:00 – 7:00 Walt Disney Comics, Powerpuff Girls – Derek Charm (*Check out the show exclusives!)

Friday July 10^th

10:00 – 11:00 TMNT – Irene Koh, Caleb Goellner, Landry Walker, Erik Burnham, Bobby Curnow (*Check out the show exclusives!)
10:00 – 11:00 Red Light Properties – Dan Goldman

11:00 – 12:00 3A Presents – Ashley Wood, William Wray
11:00 – 12:00 Orphan Black – Graeme Manson, John Fawcett, Jody Houser, Cat Staggs

12:00 – 1:00 Dirk Gently, Chew card game Launch Party! – John Layman, Rob Guillory, Chris Ryall (*Check out the show exclusive!)
12:00 – 2:00 TMNT – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Bobby Curnow

1:00 – 2:00 Star Trek/Green Lantern Launch Party! – Mike Johnson, Freddie E. Williams III (*Check out the show exclusives!)

2:00 – 3:00 Little Nemo, Onyx, Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez, Eric Shanower, Chris Ryall (*Check out the show exclusives!)

3:00 – 4:00 Star Trek – Scott Tipton, David Tipton, J.K. Woodward, Joe Corroney
3:00 – 4:00 Eric Powell’s The Goon Artist Edition Launch Party!  – Eric Powell (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)

4:00 – 5:00 Judas: The Last Days – W. Maxwell Prince
4:00 – 5:00 Wild Blue Yonder – Zach Howard, Austin Harrison

5:00 – 6:00 Mike Zeck’s Classic Marvel Stories Artist Edition – Mike Zeck (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
5:00 – 6:00 Don Rosa’s Life & Times of Scrooge McDuck Artist Edition – Don Rosa (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)

6:00 – 7:00 Jem and the Holograms – Samantha Newark (original Jem voice talent!), Sara Richard, M. Victoria Robado (*Check out the show exclusives!)
6:00 – 7:00 Transformers – John Barber, Andrew Griffith, Livio Ramondelli, Sara Pitre-Durocher (*Check out the show exclusives!)

Saturday July 11^th

10:00 – 11:00 Ghostbusters – Erik Burnham, Dan Schoening, Luis Antonio Delgado (*Check out the show exclusive!)
10:00 – 11:00 Long Distance, The Dreamer – Thom Zahler, Lora Innes

11:00 – 12:00 Don Rosa’s Life & Times of Scrooge McDuck Artist Edition – Don Rosa (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
11:00 – 12:00 My Little Pony –Tony Fleecs, Andy Price, Jeremy Whitley, Bobby Curnow, Jay Fosgitt (*Check out the show exclusive!)

12:00 – 1:00 Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas Sneak Preview – Troy Little (*Get a free preview of the upcoming Top Shelf release!)
12:00 – 1:00 Littlest Pet Shop – Georgia Ball
12:00 – 1:00 Edward Scissorhands – Drew Rausch

1:00 – 2:00 Onyx, Little Nemo Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez, Chris Ryall (*Check out the show exclusives!)
1:00 – 2:00 In the Dark – Rachel Deering, Marguerite Bennett

2:00 – 3:00 Mike Zeck’s Classic Marvel Stories Artist Edition – Mike Zeck (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
2:00 – 3:00 Judge Dredd – Ulises Farinas, Douglas Wolk, Carlos Ezquerra

3:00 – 4:00 March – Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, Nate Powell
3:00 – 4:00 Nelvana of the Northern Lights – Hope Nicholson

4:00 – 5:00 God is Disappointed in You – Mark Russell, Shannon Wheeler

5:00 – 6:00 X-Files – Joe Harris, Joe Corroney
5:00 – 6:00 Transformers – John Barber, Mairghread Scott, Sara Pitre-Durocher, Corin Howell (*Check out the show exclusives!)

6:00 – 7:00 Cartoon Network – Van Partible (creator of Johnny Bravo)
6:00 – 7:00 Godzilla: Rulers of Earth – Chris Mowry
6:00 – 7:00 V-Wars, Rot & Ruin – Jonathan Maberry

Sunday July 12^th

10:00 – 11:00 X-Files – Sam “Mister Sam” Shearon, Joe Corroney

11:00 – 12:00 Skylanders – Fico Ossio

12:00 – 1:00 Onyx, Little Nemo Locke & Key – Gabriel Rodriguez, Chris Ryall (*Check out the show exclusives!)

1:00 – 2:00 Walt Disney Comics, Powerpuff Girls – Derek Charm (*Check out the show exclusive!)
1:00 – 2:00 Godzilla: Rulers of Earth – Chris Mowry

2:00 – 3:00 My Little Pony –Tony Fleecs, Katie Cook, Sara Richard, Jeremy Whitley, Christina Rice, Bobby Curnow (*Check out the show exclusive!)

3:00 – 4:00 Imaginary Drugs – Jeffrey McClelland & Eric M. Esquivel, Ally Cat, Alexis Ziritt
3:00 – 4:00 Star Trek/Green Lantern– Mike Johnson, Freddie E. Williams III (*Check out the show exclusives!)

Top Shelf Productions – Booth #1721

Swing by booth #1721 to find out when to meet these great creators:
Congressman John Lewis
Andrew Aydin
Nate Powell
Jeff Lemire
Eddie Campbell
Troy Little
Chris Sheridan
Julian Hanshaw
Mark Russell
Shannon Wheeler
Jess Smart Smiley

IDW and Top Shelf have an impressive list of panels that really has something for everyone! *Click on the panel names to be taken you directly to the official Comic-Con 2015 programs website where you can add them to your Schedule and sync them to your phone or calendar.

Thursday July 9^th

God Is Disappointed in You
Thursday, 7/9/15, 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., Room: 28DE
Hey, nothing personal — that’s what the book says! Writer Mark Russell (Prez) and Eisner Award winning artist Shannon Wheeler (The New Yorker, Too Much Coffee Man) bring to life their hilariously irreverent retelling of the Bible, God Is Disappointed in You (published by Top Shelf). They’ll perform their infamous “Bible in Ten Minutes” slide show and play a selection from the God Is Disappointed in You audiobook, as read by James Urbaniak (The Venture Brothers), recently nominated for an Audie Award for Best Comedy Audiobook. They will also give a sneak preview of the hotly anticipated sequel, Apocrypha Now.

The One and Only IDW Artist’s Editions Panel!
Thursday, 7/9/15, 3:30p.m. – 4:30p.m., Room: 4
Join Artist’s Editions Editor Scott Dunbier as he leads you on a tour of these big and beautiful books! There will be several announcements, a surprise guest or two, and some good old fashioned art talk—is there a better way for a comic art lover to spend a day at Comic-Con?! IDW President Greg Goldstein will once again moderate and add his own perspective on the AE phenomenon!

Friday July 10^th

Something Old, Something New! (or, The Revenge of Classic Comic Collections Panel)
Friday, 7/10/15, 11:00a.m. – 12:00p.m., Room: 32AB
Join President of IDW Publishing Greg Goldstein as he reunites the stalwarts (or culprits) of the unprecedented boom in archival publishing for a spirited discussion about the future of classic comic book collections! Joining Greg will be LOAC Founder and Editor Dean Mullaney, renowned comic book historian and editor Craig Yoe, VP of Book Trade Sales at Dark Horse Comics Michael Martens, founder of Sunday Press Peter Maresca, Associate Publisher of Fantagraphics Eric Reynolds and IDW Senior Editor of Special Projects Scott Dunbier. It’s the golden age of archival collections, and if you crave more — or want to beg these guys to stop— this is the panel for you. Free book for every attendee PLUS other giveaways— and, each and every guest has promised to announce a NEW PROJECT so top secret even we don’t know about it yet! Sponsored by the San Diego Comic Art Gallery!

Top Shelf Productions – Live!
Friday, 7/10/15, 12:00p.m. – 1:00p.m., Room: 32AB
Join marketing director Leigh Walton and a lineup of top-flight talent for an all-access look at the incredible new books from beloved indie publisher Top Shelf Productions! Hear and see Eisner-winner Nate Powell (Swallow Me Whole, March) on his powerful new collection You Don’t Say, Chris Sheridan on his over-the-top genre mashup The Motorcycle Samurai, Julian Hanshaw on his quietly staggering widower tale Tim Ginger, and Ray Fawkes (One Soul, Constantine) on his twisted cyber-sensual thriller Junction True (with Vince Locke). Plus the scoop on Eddie Campbell‘s Bacchus, the bestselling March series, and some truly incredible upcoming projects!

Women of Transformers
Friday, 7/10/14, 1:30p.m. – 2:30p.m., Room: 8
From Windblade and Arcee to Strongarm and the brand-new Combiner making her debut at SDCC, female Transformers characters have finally gotten their due—but behind the page and in fandom, even bigger changes have been happening. Join Transformers comics writers Mairghread Scott and Georgia Ball, artists Corin Howell and Sara Pitre-Durocher, Hasbro’s Sarah Carroll, and special guests!

Ghostbusters: Sony, IDW & Cryptozoic Entertainment
Friday, 7/10/2015, 2:00pm – 3:00 pm, Room: 25ABC
Join us in celebrating 30+ years of Ghostbusters, the classic supernatural franchise that defined an era. Learn about new products and plans firsthand from Sony Pictures Consumer Products, hear insight on the ongoing comic series by IDW Publishing, and see a demo of the successfully crowdfunded game by Cryptozoic Entertainment.

IDW: The Best Panel in Recorded History
Friday, 7/10/15, 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m., Room: 4
This is the big one! Join IDW Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall and VP of marketing Dirk Wood lay waste to a room of shocked comic fans. Panelists include Gabriel Rodriguez, Sarah Gaydos, Joe Harris, Mike Johnson, Derek Charm, James Tynion IV, Ulises Farinas, and a special guest with a special announcement.

Saturday July 11^th

MARCH with Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell
Saturday, 7/11/15, 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m., Room: 23ABC
His first visit to Comic-Con made national news — now the legendary civil rights icon, US congressman, and #1 bestselling graphic novel author John Lewis returns! Congressman Lewis, co-author Andrew Aydin, and artist Nate Powell re-team to share with you their award-winning March series. You’ll hear about the incredible tour that’s brought the message of March to schools, universities, libraries, and corporate headquarters from coast to coast. You’ll see glimpses of the much-anticipated March: Book Three, covering Mississippi Freedom Summer and the unforgettable Selma-Montgomery March. And of course, you’ll hear Congressman Lewis’s firsthand memories of sit-ins, Freedom Rides, the march on Washington, Selma, and beyond — and the vital power of his message of transformative nonviolence in our world today.

TMNT: The Big Turtle Panel
Saturday, 7/11/15, 1:00p.m. – 2:00p.m., Room: 25ABC
Join IDW Editor Bobby Curnow, writer Tom Waltz and more, for a look back at the past four years of TMNT comics— and a sneak peak at what is to come with new announcements and art!

IDW & Hasbro: Transformers, Jem, Ponies & More!
Saturday, 7/11/14, 2:30p.m. – 3:30p.m., Room: 24ABC
Join IDW Editors John Barber and Bobby Curnow, along with Michael Kelly, Hasbro’s Senior Director, Global Publishing—for a comprehensive overview of all things IDW & Hasbro! Transformers! My Little Pony! Jem! G.I. JOE! Dungeons & Dragons! The inside scoop on the latest news and announcements! Featuring writer Mairghread Scott, artist Agnes Garbowska, and more special guests!

IDW: So, You Want to Be in Comics?
Saturday, 7/11/15, 4:00p.m. – 5:00p.m., Room: 4
Ever wondered what it would take to create your own comic? Or find a publisher that wants it? Want to break into “The Biz”? Why not find out how, from some of those who have? IDW Chief Creative Officer/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall, VP of marketing Dirk Wood, artist supreme Gabriel Rodriguez (Locke & Key, Onyx), H.S. Tak (Boy-1), Ulises Farinas, Michael Benedetto (Drive), and other folks who’ve made the jump to “professional comic person” explain how they did it. Plus, some new project announcements.

Spotlight on Craig Yoe
Saturday, 7/11/15, 5:00p.m. – 6:00p.m., Room: 4 
Yo, Yoe! Comic-Con special guest Craig “The Indiana Jones of Comics Historians” Yoe is celebrating 50 years of writing and producing fanzines and books about the history of comic books and five years of Yoe Books. He will be interviewed by luminaries Ted Adams (CEO & Publisher of IDW Publishing) Kelley Jones (Batman), Jon Cooke (Comics Creator), Carol Tilley (Wertham debunker), and David Scroggy (Dark Horse). Plus, see a colorful visual slideshow of past highlights and many cool future projects. Free Weird Love and Haunted Horror comic books for all!

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund Comic-Con Art Auction Presented by IDW Publishing and the San Diego Comic Art Gallery
Saturday, 7/11/15, 7:30p.m., Bayfront Hilton – Sapphire SD
Bid on original art by some of comics’ greatest creators, including Jim Lee, Charlie Adlard, Kelley Jones, J. Scott Campbell, Jeff Smith, Stuart Immonen, Tula Lotay, Dan Brereton, Sam Kieth, Ming Doyle, Bill Sienkiewicz, Paul Pope, Matt Kindt, Gilbert Hernandez, Jeffrey Brown, Greg Ruth, Fabio Moon, John Livesay, Gabriel Ba, Tyler Crook, and dozens more! Plus, IDW is opening their vaults to provide rare, signed, or out of print items including Artist Editions and IDW Limited editions that feature Stan Lee, Kevin Eastman, Herb Trimpe, Roy Thomas, John Romita, Gerry Conway and more! All proceeds from this auction benefit the First Amendment legal work of the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. This auction is open to all – YOU DO NOT NEED A COMIC CON BADGE TO ATTEND!
Please RSVP for your bidder number at http://cbldf-auction-2015.eventbrite.com/

Sunday July 12^th

IDW: KIDS Comics!
Sunday, 7/12/15, 10:00a.m. – 11:00a.m., Room: 4
IDW loves comics as much as kids do, so come find out what’s new for 2015! My Little Pony, Disney, Angry Birds, TMNT, Transformers, Skylanders, and more! Want to learn how to make your own comics? Come prepared with questions for the panel, including CCO/Editor-in-Chief Chris Ryall (and daughter Lucy), editors Sarah Gaydos and Bobby Curnow, marketing marvel Rosalind Morehead, and writer/artist Derek Charm. Free comics for the kids!

Woot, now this is cool. The amazing artists Bengal and Tony Sandoval will be appearing at the Magnetic Press Booth (#5534) and many cool books will be on display. In case you’ve missed it, Magnetic has turned out some of the best looking books over the last year—Love The Tiger to name just one—and this booth is well worth checking out. Deets:
 
SIGNING AND EVENT SCHEDULE  
WEDNESDAY (Preview Night):
6:00pm  – 9:00pm BE THE FIRST TO GET YOUR HANDS ON OUR NEW STUFF!

THURSDAY:
12:00pm  – 1:00pm Catch TOM DELONGE (Poet Anderson, Blink-182, Angels&Airwaves) on CBR’s streaming “Con Yacht” channel! (online)
3:30pm  – 4:30pm DAVE DORMAN (Wasted Lands) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
5:00pm – 6:00pm: FRANCISCO HERERRA (Bitten) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
 
FRIDAY:
11:00am – 12:00pm: MP Publisher MIKE KENNEDY will be a panelist on PUBLISHERS WEEKLY’s PANEL “THE FRENCH COMIC INVASION” (room 29AB) more info here
1:00pm – 2:00pm: DAVE DORMAN (Wasted Lands) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
2:30pm – 4:30pm: TONY SANDOVAL (Doomboy) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
5:00 – 6:00pm – FRANCISCO HERERRA (Bitten) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
8:00pm – 10:00pm: MAGNETIC GOES TO THE EISNER’S!!! (Wish us luck!)
 
SATURDAY:
12:00pm – 1:00pm: DAVE DORMAN (Wasted Lands) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
1:15pm – 2:30pm: TOM DELONGE INTERVIEW & SIGNING (The Nerdist, Petco Park)
1:30pm – 2:30pm: FRANCISCO HERERRA (Bitten) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
3:00pm – 5:00pm: TONY SANDOVAL (Doomboy) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
5:30pm – 7:30pm: BENGAL (Naja, Meka, Luminae, Cassyno) SIGNING (Magnetic Booth)
8:00pm – 9:00pm: MAGNETIC PRESS PANEL “2015 AND BEYOND PREVIEW” (Room 28DE) more info here
 
SUNDAY:
11:30am – 1:30pm: BENGAL (Naja, Meka, Luminae, Cassyno) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
1:00pm – 3:00pm: TONY SANDOVAL (Doomboy) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)
3:00pm – 4:00pm: DAVE DORMAN (Wasted Lands) SIGNING (Magnetic booth)

THE MAGNETIC PRESS PANEL:
Saturday, July 11 • 8:00pm – 9:00pm
ROOM 28DC
Join us for this year’s ridiculously star studded Magnetic Press panel and hear all about what we have lined up for YEAR TWO. Join Magnetic Press Publisher MIKE KENNEDY and a murderers row of talent, including POET ANDERSON creator and multi-platinum recording artist TOM DELONGE (Blink-182, Angels & Airwaves), along with co-writer BEN KULL and NY Times best-selling author SUZANNE YOUNG, talking about the Poet universe and its many upcoming facets!  We also welcome superstar illustrator BENGAL (Batgirl, Naja, Cassyno) to SDCC for the first time, along with 2015 Eisner Nominees TONY SANDOVAL (Doomboy) and DAVE DORMAN (Wasted Lands Omnibus).  Also appearing will be FRANCISCO HERRERA (Bitten) and Euro-comics magnate and author PIERRE PAQUET (A Glance Backward)!
 
Here’s a little tease of YEAR TWO titles get you in the mood:



 CONVENTION EXCLUSIVES & DEBUTS:
THE WORLD OF CASSYNO PLAYING CARDS and GAME BOX with WORLD BOOK OF LORE


Beyond the plains of Collier Bluff and the glistening towers of Goldstaxx lies the land of Cassyno, a world of dark fantasy, magic, and games of chance created by French comic illustrator and concept artist Bengal. Far from just another deck of playing cards, this set is as much a gallery of original character art as it is the fantastic setting for numerous stories of deep mythology, magical intrigue, and medieval espionage, between four unique kingdoms. Alice in Wonderland meets Game of Thrones.


Featuring 54 original illustrations unique to each card in the deck (including 2 Jokers). The 64 page World Book includes character lore, world history, and rules for seven unique games you can play with this original deck of cards!

ONLY 30 GAME BOXES and 48 SINGLE DECKS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT SDCC!

Also available in limited quantities:CASSYNO ROYALS 8-plate lithograph portfolio!  Only 15 will be available at SDCC!!


BENGAL’S COSPLAY GIRLS PLAYING CARDS

A complete deck of 56 cards featuring a selection of never-before published works from Bengal’s Griseline sketch collection. Each card features a different girl in a different costume design, some of them familiar, others wholly original.
THIS ITEM IS LIMITED TO ONLY A SINGLE PRINT RUN of 500! WE WILL ONLY HAVE 50 AT SDCC!

Stay Tuned to learn about our SDCC COSPLAY COMPETITION to win an exclusive deck signed by BENGAL!

Also available in limited quantities:BENGAL’S COSPLAY GIRLS 6-plate lithograph portfolio!  Only 30 will be available at SDCC!!


BITTEN: THE FULL MOON BOOK

EXTRA-LIMITED Signed Book and Animation Cel
This is an EXTRA-LIMITED, unique B/W cover edition of the BITTEN: FULL MOON ART BOOK, which includes an EXCLUSIVE ANIMATION CEL and BACKGROUND PRINT byFRANCISCO HERRERA! ONLY 250 PRINTED!


THE SHADOW GAMBIT : A Basil & Moebius Adventure vol.2

SPECIAL ADVANCE BUNDLE
The second volume in the Basil & Moebius graphic novel series makes an advance debut at SDCC, a month ahead of stores!  This time, the thieving duo chase down ninjas, sunken uBoats, and Nazi UFOs!  We will only have limited quantities of volumes 1 and 2 at our booth at a special bundled price!

As usual Abrams Books will have some dandy books and signings at booth #1216, with authors including Cece Bell, Nathan Hale and Tom Angleberger. PLus many signed books and prints by the likes of Jules Feiffer. And if you’re luycky, you might even get a galley of Trahsed, Derf Backderf’s hilarious and disgusting account of a garbageman’s life. Other galleys and samplers will also be available from the likes of John Leguizamo and Tom Kinney.

Author Signings
 
Thursday, July 9
3:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m.
Nathan Hale will sign Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales at the Abrams booth #1216
 
Friday, July 10
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Tom Angleberger will sign  The Strange Case of Origami Yoda series at the Abrams booth #1216
 
Saturday, July 11
2:30 p.m–3:30 p.m.
Cece Bell will sign El Deafo in the Autograph Area AA09
 
Sunday, July 12
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Cece Bell will sign El Deafo at the Abrams booth#1216
 
1:30 p.m.–2:30 p.m.
Martin and Olivia Olson will sign The Adventure Time Encyclopaedia in Abrams booth #1216
 

 
Copies of our new title The Art of Rocksteady’s Batman—this book will have just gone on sale July 7, and we will be selling a limited number at a special discount while supplies last
 
Signed and numbered copies of the new Abrams ComicArts title The Age of Selfishness, the New York Times bestseller
 
Prints signed by Jules Feiffer with purchase of the new title Out of Line: The Art of Jules Feiffer
 
Free posters, galleys, and samplers for giveaway!
 
Galleys of the forthcoming graphic novel Trashed by Derf Backderf (author of the bestseller My Friend Dahmer) will be given away while supplies last
 
Samplers of the forthcoming graphic novel Ghetto Klown by John Leguizamo will be given away while supplies last
 
Free posters to promote the forthcoming book Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts. The Peanuts booth (#1637) will also be giving away a limited quantity of 50 free samplers of the new book every day, and co-author Chip Kidd will be on hand to sign them at the Peanuts booth on Thursday, July 9th at 4PM.
 
Samplers of the forthcoming book My Little Pony: The Art of Equestria will be given away at the Hasbro booth  #3213 at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10th.
 
Prints to promote the forthcoming Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel by Paul Levitz book will be given away while supplies last.
 
Samplers of the forthcoming book Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Old School by Jeff Kinney will be given away while supplies last
 
Galleys of the forthcoming book The Creeps: Night of the Frankenfrogs by Chris Schweizer will be given away

Galleys of the forthcoming book The Secrets to Ruling The School (Without Even Trying) by Neil Swaab will be given away at Abrams booth #1216 while supplies last
 
 
Panels!
 
Authors and artists associated with Abrams ComicArts and Abrams who are attending this year’s San Diego Comic-Con include Martin and Olivia Olson (The Enchiridion and Marcy’s Super Secret Scrapbook!!!), Chip Kidd (Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts), Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales), Cece Bell (El Deafo), and Tom Angleberger (The Strange Case of Origami Yoda).
 
All authors and artists are available for interviews in advance, or times can be scheduled at the show. Please contact Maya Bradford ([email protected]) for more info.
 
Thursday, July 9
 
2:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m.
Room: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Public Library
Content Literacy: Teaching History and Social Studies with Graphic Novels—with Nathan Hale
 
Friday, July 10
 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Room: 28DE
Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel
A breakthrough in the development of the graphic novel, Will Eisner’s A Contract with God was not the first, not the bestselling, and had no awards to win in those early days, but it is still in print and affecting the explosive growth of comics’ most vibrant format. Join us and learn why he’s Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel at a panel moderated by Eisner award winner and New York Times bestselling author Paul Levitz (with a forthcoming book of the same title), and with panelists Denis Kitchen (The Best of Comix Book, The Art of Harvey Kurtzman), Jeff Smith (RASL, Bone), Michael Uslan (The Boy Who Loved Batman, executive producer, Batman Films), Sergio Aragones (Groo, MAD’s Greatest Artists: Sergio Aragones) and Danny Fingeroth (The Stan Lee Universe, Superman on the Couch). Q&A session to follow.
 
11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Room: 4
Spotlight on Dave Roman (Tom Angleberger event set up by First Second)
A visual conversation between author Tom Angleberger (Origami Yoda) and cartoonist Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Teen Boat!) about self-publishing, dream jobs, graphic novels for kids, school misfits, and robot doppelgangers. Hosted by Noelene Clark (LA Times Hero Complex), this fun-filled panel will include interactive readings, improv drawing games, and surprise guests.
 
Saturday, July 11
 
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room: 28DE
Kid’s Graphic Novel Burgeoning Frontier: The Real Superheroes – Kids with Disabilities. Join Cece Bell (El Deafo), Doug TenNapel (Nnewts; Cardboard); Dave Elliot (A is for Autism; A1), John Sheblaski (Udon Entertainment), Talia Hurwich (Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth), and moderator Meryl Jaffe  (CBLDF Using Graphic Novels in Education) as we discuss the real-life heroes comics still need to embrace: kids with disabilities.  We’ll evaluate how graphic novels are beginning to tellstories about who kids with disabilities, illness and handicaps, and how others with great stories can be heard.
 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.
Room: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Public Library
Librarian/Educator Fall 2015 Kids Graphic Novels Buzz
A cross-publisher presentation of the biggest graphic novels for kids of the Fall 2015 season (September–December 2015) from Abrams ComicArts, Archie Comics, Boom, Dark Horse, First Second, IDW/Top Shelf, Papercutz, Scholastic, and Viz.
 
1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m
Room: 28DE
Diversity
Diversity—we demand diverse books! Ethnic, religious, gender, racial, physical ability, and sexual diversity are underrepresented in science fiction and fantasy but these authors are here to tell you that their stories speak for themselves; they seek to create worlds similar to our own, where people from various walks of life are represented and cross paths. Readers will find these authors and the tales they spin as empowering and fascinating as ever. Join authors Soman Chainani (School for Good and Evil series), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Scott Sigler (Alive), Judd Winick (Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth), and Cindy Pon (Serpentine) as they discuss diversity in science fiction and fantasy with David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy!
 
4:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. 
Room: 28DE
What’s New From Abrams ComicArts
Join Charles Kochman (editorial director), Chad Beckerman (creativedirector), Chip Kidd (graphic designer and author) and special guests as they talk about upcoming Abrams ComicArts projects from their exciting Fall 2015 list, including original graphic novels Trashed  by Derf Backderf (author of My Friend Dahmer) and Ghetto Klown by John Leguizamo (an adaptation of his award-winning autobiographical HBO stage performance); art monographs Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schultz and The Art of Peanuts by Chip Kidd, and Will Eisner: Champion of the Graphic Novel by Paul Levitz (former president and publisher of DC Comics), as well as the latest trading card collection from Topps, Star Wars: The Original Topps Trading Card Series, Volume One. Also find out what’s coming next year from Abrams ComicArts as they reveal some works in progress, including videos and never-before-seen titles and art. 
 
5:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
Room: Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Public Library 
Librarian Talkback
Moderator: Brigid Alverson, SLJ Good Comics for Kids
Description: In this town-hall session, librarians from the audience will share the good and bad of working with graphic novels in libraries with publisher representatives from Abrams ComicArts, Archie Comics, Boom, Dark Horse, First Second, IDW/Top Shelf, Papercutz, Scholastic, and Viz. 
 
Sunday, July 12
 
10:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. 
Room: 29AB
Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts
Celebrate the 65th anniversary of Peanuts with Chip Kidd (graphic designer, editor-at-large for Pantheon) and Paige Braddock (Creative Director at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates) as they preview their upcoming coffee table book, Only What’s Necessary: Charles M. Schulz and the Art of Peanuts. See rare and never-before-seen highlights from the extraordinary archives at the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, including unpublished strips andpreliminary artwork photographed by award-winning photographer Geoff Spear,revealing a rare glimpse into the creative process of the world’s most beloved and influential cartoonist, Charles M. Schulz. Moderated by Charles Kochman (editorial director, Abrams ComicArts)
 
10:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.
Room: 30CDE
The Girls Are All Right!
Female comic creators for kids and young adults are burning up the bestseller lists and winning awards. Listen in on this dynamic group of award-winning creators as they discuss the challenges and thrills of creating diverse heroines that appeal to a new generation of readers and hook them for a lifelong love of comics. A Q&A session and drawing will follow. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Sunny Side Up), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Jillian Tamaki (This One Summer), and Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck). Moderated by Eva Volin (Good Comics for Kids at School Library Journal).
 
12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m. 
Room: 7AB 
An Exclusive Sneak Peek Panel for Adventure Time: The Enchiridion & Marcy’s Super Secret Scrapbook!!!, Featuring The Lord of Evil and Marceline the Vampire Queen: A conversation with Martin Olson (voice actor, The Lord of Evil), Olivia Olson (voice actor, Marceline The Vampire Queen), Celeste Moreno (illustrator), Aisleen Romano (illustrator), Rick “Dienzo” Blanco (illustrator and vice president of Creative for Cartoon Network Enterprises), and moderated by Eric Klopfer (senior editor, Abrams), about the highly anticipated book Adventure Time: The Enchiridion & Marcy’s Super Secret Scrapbook!!!, out this fall from Abrams. Attendees will have a chance to see exclusive, never-before-seen art from the book and be first to witness the premier of the terrifying book trailer. Surprises may include musical numbers and surprise guests. Audience participation is encouraged! 
 

We already knew that Warner Bros. had a big presentation lined up for Saturday mid-morning at SDCC, and outside of the Star Wars showstopper on Friday, it’s the other “biggest ticket” of the weekend.

It was safe to assume that Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice was going to be the center-piece of that showcase, and no offense to Joe Wright, who is a fine director, but the amount of people that will show up for Pan is significantly less is my guess.

Yesterday afternoon Warner Bros. clarified just what films would comprise their Hall H panel, here’s the full press release below:

WARNER BROS. PICTURES REVEALS SUPERLATIVE LINE-UP

FOR THIS YEAR’S COMIC-CON

The Studio gets set to hit Hall H with Fan Favorites and a few surprises.

BURBANK, CA, July 1, 2015 – Warner Bros. Pictures continues its tradition of delivering its most anticipated tentpole properties and their biggest stars to Comic-Con International: San Diego with this year’s Hall H presentation.

On Saturday, July 11, beginning at 10:30 a.m., Warner Bros. will showcase several of its upcoming feature releases and offer up a surprise or two as well.

Keen to deliver a taste of one of next year’s most eagerly awaited pairings, director Zack Snyder and stars Ben Affleck and Henry Cavill take the main stage with “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” They are joined by castmates Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter and Gal Gadot for a sneak peek at the 2016 action adventure that brings the Super Heroes together on the big screen for the very first time, from Warner Bros. Pictures and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.

From “Pan,” Hugh Jackman, Garrett Hedlund and Peter himself, Levi Miller, together with director Joe Wright, soar into town with their high-flying adventure, coming to theaters this fall from Warner Bros. Pictures and RatPac-Dune Entertainment.

And Cavill once again takes the stage, this time with Armie Hammer, a duo with a very different dynamic in this summer’s fresh, über-stylish actioner from filmmaker Guy Ritchie, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” along with fellow stars Alicia Vikander and Elizabeth Debicki.

Sue Kroll, President, Worldwide Marketing and International Distribution, stated, “Comic-Con provides us a fantastic opportunity to interact with the fans and this year, as with every year, our aim is to surpass their expectations. We’re also thrilled to give our filmmakers and talent a chance to experience the unique energy and enthusiasm of Comic-Con.”

With “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” and “Pan” headlining the bill, Warner Bros. will also present some unexpected offerings that are sure to delight the crowd.

About “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice”

Fearing the actions of a god-like Super Hero left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante takes on Metropolis’s most revered, modern-day savior, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs.  And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film stars Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Jesse Eisenberg, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Jeremy Irons, Holly Hunter and Gal Gadot. Snyder directed from a screenplay written by Chris Terrio and David S. Goyer, based on characters from DC Comics, including Batman, created by Bob Kane, and Superman, created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. The film is produced by Charles Roven and Deborah Snyder, with Wesley Coller, Geoff Johns and David S. Goyer serving as executive producers. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, a Zack Snyder film, “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.” The film opens nationwide in 3D and 2D and in select IMAX theaters on March 25, 2016, and will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

About “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.”

Henry Cavill stars as Napoleon Solo opposite Armie Hammer as Illya Kuryakin in director Guy Ritchie’s action adventure “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.,” a fresh take on the hugely popular 1960s television series. Set against the backdrop of the early 1960s, at the height of the Cold War, the film centers on CIA agent Solo and KGB agent Kuryakin.  Forced to put aside longstanding hostilities, the two team up on a joint mission to stop a mysterious international criminal organization, which is bent on destabilizing the fragile balance of power through the proliferation of nuclear weapons and technology.  The film also stars Alicia Vikander, Elizabeth Debicki, with Jared Harris, and Hugh Grant. The screenplay was written by Guy Ritchie & Lionel Wigram, story by Jeff Kleeman & David Campbell Wilson and Guy Ritchie and Lionel Wigram, based on the TV series “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” John Davis, Steve Clark-Hall, Wigram and Ritchie produced the film, with David Dobkin executive producing. Warner Bros. Pictures presents, a Ritchie/Wigram production, a Davis Entertainment production, a Guy Ritchie film, “The Man from U.N.C.L.E.” It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. The film opens nationwide in theaters and IMAX on August 14, 2015.

About Pan

From director Joe Wright (“Atonement,” “Pride & Prejudice”) comes “Pan,” a live-action feature presenting a wholly original adventure about the beginnings of the beloved characters created by J.M. Barrie. Peter is a mischievous 12-year-old boy with an irrepressible rebellious streak, but in the bleak London orphanage where he has lived his whole life those qualities do not exactly fly. Then one incredible night, Peter is whisked away from the orphanage and spirited off to a fantastical world of pirates, warriors and fairies called Neverland. There, he finds amazing adventures and fights life-or-death battles while trying to uncover the secret of his mother, who left him at the orphanage so long ago, and his rightful place in this magical land. Teamed with the warrior Tiger Lily and a new friend named James Hook, Peter must defeat the ruthless pirate Blackbeard to save Neverland and discover his true destiny—to become the hero who will forever be known as Peter Pan. The film stars Hugh Jackman as Blackbeard; Garrett Hedlund as James Hook; Rooney Mara as Tiger Lily; newcomer Levi Miller as Peter; and Amanda Seyfried as Mary. Wright directed “Pan” from a screenplay written by Jason Fuchs. Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Paul Webster produced the film, with Tim Lewis serving as executive producer. Warner Bros. Pictures Presents, in Association with RatPac-Dune Entertainment, a Berlanti Production, a Joe Wright film, “Pan.” The film is set for a worldwide release in 3D and 2D on October 9, 2015. It will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

The Wrap is reporting that cast from Suicide Squad are expected to appear as well. So, at the very least, we’ll be getting two DC films focused on. My guess is, we end up getting a full trailer for Batman v Superman (that hopefully will end up online in short order) and a teaser for Suicide Squad.

In truth though, this is the bare minimum that Warners needs to meet. Hopefully those Green Lantern and Justice League cast gathering rumors end up being true though. This is the studio’s time to shine, especially with Marvel Studios having completely tapped out from the show altogether.

UPDATE: EW just posted a ton of images from their upcoming Batman v Superman featured issue:

The first issue the Invader Zim comics, based on Jhonen Vazquez’s cult cartoon, arrives on July 8th, and Oni is making a big deal out of it because…well it is a big deal. The alien conqueror’s return will be celebrated in several ways: A panel The Return of Invader Zim, Saturday 7/11 at 2 pm in Room 29AB with Vasquez, original show staff and creative staff on the new Zim comic Aaron Alexovich, original show writer and comic staff Eric Trueheart, Inker on the new Invader Zim comic Megan Lawton, and Oni Press Editor-in-Chief James Lucas Jones. And then you will be able to buy a SDCC exclusive variant at the Oni Booth  (#1833).

There will be signings but please note, tickets will be required for Friday and Saturday. Tickets will be given out at the Oni Press booth from the start of the show on respective days with fans selected for spots in those signings announced at the Oni Press booth and via Oni Press’ Twitter an hour before the Friday and Saturday signings. Attendees will be limited to signings for two items.

Thursday 7/9
11 am – Aaron Alexovich, Megan Lawton

Friday 7/10

4 pm – Jhonen Vasquez, Bryan Konietzko

Saturday 7/11

3:30 pm – Jhonen Vasquez, Aaron Alexovich, Eric Trueheart, Megan Lawton

Sunday 7/12

2 pm – Aaron Alexovich, Eric Trueheart, Megan Lawton

And here’s the variants!

This unique Jhonen Vasquez (creator of Invader Zim) cover (shown at top of post) for this first issue of Invader Zim #1 will be available at all retailers.

K.C. Green (Gunshow) variant available through Ghost Variant Partner Stores: http://bit.ly/1U95zbz

Vincent Perea (Where’s My Water?) variant available through Comics Dungeon: http://bit.ly/1GpfKo8

Aaron Alexovich (Invader Zim) variant available through Rebel Base Comics & Toys: http://bit.ly/1LDLzdv

Aaron Alexovich (Invader Zim) variant available through Midtown Comics: http://bit.ly/1ejTjEe

Julieta Colás (Rick and Morty) variant available through Books-a-Million stores :http://bit.ly/1JxsHx2

J.R. Goldberg (Jellyfist) variant available through Newbury Comics: http://bit.ly/1GPoTn1

Tyson Hesse (World of Gumball, Bravest Warriors) variant available through Hastings: http://bit.ly/1BZf5Ih

Mariel Cartwright (Skullgirls) variant available through GameStop: http://bit.ly/1U9alFN

Dave Crosland (Scarface) variant available through Hot Topic: http://bit.ly/1LDO6nT

Mariel Cartwright (Skullgirls) variant available through I Want More Comics:http://bit.ly/1FRXI7n

Ian McGinty (Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time) variant available through Diamond Comic Distributors: http://bit.ly/1FDMgAH

Bryan Konietzko (Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra) variant available through Oni Press at San Diego Comic-Con 2015

Standard retail cover by Aaron Alexovich (Invader Zim)

By: Nick Eskey

Welcome back toy enthusiasts to the last installment of exclusive Funko toys for the 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. Well known for their POP! line of figurines, Funko strives to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.”

Though there might be more Funko toys announced, these are the last of the exclusives for Comic-Con to be revealed. Remember, there will be no pre-buy option this year. If you see any merchandise that you want, then you need to buy them at the booth while supplies last.

Without further hullabaloo, here’s the last of the reveals:

Pop! Heroes: Batman v Superman – Batman v Superman 2-pack

What ever happened if the Man-of-Steel fought against the Dark Knight? With this Batman v Superman 2-pack, you can play-out this epic fight of fights for yourself. Maybe Batman’s batarang is made of kryptonite?

Pop! TV: Breaking Bad – Blue Crystal Heisenberg

Still reeling over the series end of Breaking Bad? Well this Blue Crystal Heisenberg (funny I know) will keep your withdrawals at bay. Just don’t upset the guy. He looks a little trigger happy.

Funko is excited to announce the debut of Pop! Tees at this year’s San Diego Comic-Con!

Steering away from the toy merchandise, Funko will also be selling the wearable variety. These shirts feature some of their best selling figures. Much like their POP! toys, these tees are displayed in fun colorful boxes.

Pop! Tees: SDCC Freddy Funko

Paying homage to the company’s mascot, this Freddy Funko tee has been made exclusively for San Diego Comic-Con. See Freddy in all of his splendor as he walks around the convention with collectibles, admittance badge, and light saber in hand.

Pop! Tees: Masters of the Universe – Disco Skeletor

All hail Disco Skeletor! This Masters of the Universe villain in his variant colors demands respect as he attempts to once and for all conquer Castle Grayskull.

Pop! Tees: Freddy Funko 8-Bit Pixelated

For you “old-school” types, this Freddy Funko 8-Bit Pixelated tee will be the perfect fit. Whether he’s on his way to rescue a princess, or jump on top of baddys’ heads, he’s sure to be super.

Pop! Tees: Ghostbusters – Burnt Stay Puft

Is there anything worse than burnt marshmallows? A gigantic Burnt Stay Puft marshmallow man, of course! Instead of having to clean this traveler off of every surface, best to stick to this shirt.

Pop! Tees: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Skyline Group

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Skyline Group tee shows the sewer-dwelling crime fighters on top of two buildings.

Pop! Tees: Marvel – Black Widow Shield (Women’s Sizes Only)

And last on our exclusives list, this Black Widow Shield tee flies onto the scene. Unfortunately for her male fans, this shirt is only available in women’s sizes. Though I’m sure this will not stop some fellas.

Thanks for faithfully tuning in everybody for these Funko updates everybody. I can’t wait to see all of you at Comic-Con ’15!

Titan has announced their full line-up of SDCC activities, and there’s lots to choose from with ten signing sessions and two panels, as well as a bunch of exclusive covers, merchandise and sneak-peaks of their upcoming titles.

Their Doctor Who line gets it’s own panel this year, where details of a brand new Doctor Who miniseries will be announced, including which of the Time Lord’s many regenerations will star in it. From Titan:

Titan Comics gives you a sneak peek at the next chapters for the Doctor in all his incarnations – including sneak peeks at the direction of Year Two featuring the Tenth, Eleventh and Twelfth Doctors! Writer Cavan Scott and artist Blair Shedd discuss the smash-hit Ninth Doctor mini series! Writer Paul Cornell gives you a sneak peek at August’s comics cross-over event! Writers George Mann and Cavan Scott and cover artist Alice X. Zhang take you behind-the-scenes of the Twelfth Doctor SDCC exclusive short story edition. Plus, we reveal the next brand-new mini series – which Doctor is it going to be? Come along to find out! All attendees receive a FREE Doctor Who comic + prizes to win!

The Titan Doctor Who Comic panel is on Saturday July 11th from 3:30PM-4:30PM in room 5AB.

Fans of Assassin’s Creed can look forward to Titan’s global premiere of  artwork from the upcoming comic series based on the hugely popular video game franchise at Titan’s other comics panel on Thursday July 9th from 2:30-3:30PM in Room 4. In addition, the panel features TV producers and writers from Heroes Reborn and The Blacklist who will discuss their work on series tie-in comics. Roman Dirge, creator/writer and artist of the cult-smash series Lenore will also be on hand to talk about his planned new work. From Titan:

Titan Comics takes you behind-the-scenes of major new projects including Assassin’s Creed, Heroes and The Blacklist! See the global premiere of artwork from the new Assassin’s Creed comics, plus be the first to find out about the launch storylines and the all-new Assassins! Heroes Reborn Supervising Producer Seamus Fahey gives you a sneak peek at the new Heroes comic and special SDCC ashcan. The Blacklist TV show writer Nicole Phillips talks about writing the new The Blacklist comic series, which debuts at SDCC! PLUS! The artists of the creator-owned hits of tomorrow will be in attendance! Cult writer Roman Dirge gives you a ghostly glimpse at Lenore and his upcoming new projects! Artist Des Taylor takes you undercover of hit series Scarlett Couture! Harvey award nominated writer Mark Wheatley discusses his new remastered edition of Breathtaker! Plus, more comics talent and prizes to win!

Want to grab an author-signed copy of that gorgeous, SDCC exclusive Heroes ashcan with art from Paul Pope? How about one of only 200 FREE Doctor Who: Four Doctors art cards signed by four Doctor crossover series writer Paul Cornell? Here’s the complete signing schedule, all signings taking place at the Titan booth #5537:

THURSDAY, JULY 9th

Writer/Artist DES TAYLOR signs copies of Scarlett Couture from 12:30PM – 1:30PM

Writer/Artist ROMAN DIRGE  will be signing copies of Something at the Window is Scratching, The Cat Really with a Really Big Head and Lenore Pink Bellies: 4:00PM — 5:00PM

FRIDAY, JULY 10th

Heroes Reborn Supervising Producer Seamus Kevin Fahey will be signing copies of the Heroes comic SDCC ashcan with exclusive art from Paul Pope from 12:00PM — 1:00PM

The Blacklist TV show writer Nicole Phillips and cover artist Alice X. Zhang will be signing copies of The Blacklist #1 from Time:  2:00PM – 3:00PM

Writers George Mann and Cavan Scott and cover artist Alice X. Zhang will be signing copies of Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor SDCC exclusive short story edition from 4:00PM — 5:00PM

Did you miss Roman Dirge’s 7/9 signing? No problem. he’s back at the Titan booth on 7/10 signing copies of Something at the Window is Scratching, The Cat Really with a Really Big Head and Lenore Pink Bellies: 5:30PM – 6:30PM

SATURDAY, JULY 11th

Writer Cavan Scott and artist Blair Shedd will be signing copies of Doctor Who: The Ninth Doctor series from 11:30AM – 12:30PM.

Writer Paul Cornell will be signing a FREE Doctor Who: Four Doctors art card. Only 200 available! From  1:30PM – 2:30PM.

Did you miss Writers George Mann, Cavan Scott and cover artist Alice X. Zhang on 7/10? Fear not, they’re back at the Titan booth signing more copies of Doctor Who: Twelfth Doctor SDCC exclusive short story edition from 5:00PM – 6:00PM.

SUNDAY, JULY 12th

Writer Max Davison, artist Matt Hebb, colourist Tracy Bailey and inker Jason Worthington will be signing copies of DreamWork’s Home #1 comic from 12:00PM – 1:00PM.

I remember the days when seeing a real live comic strip artist was rare indeed, but now they’re coming out of their shell! GoComics and Andrews McMeel (publisher of all those comic strips collections you love so much)will be at Comic-Con (Booth #1503) and lots of cool folks—from Dana Simpson to Stephen Pastis—and books—Peanuts! Cul de Sac!—will be there. Here’s the list:

• A selection of books for purchase, including the recently released “Exploring Calvin and Hobbes: An Exhibition Catalogue,” which includes a fascinating, in-depth interview with Bill Watterson; New York Times bestsellers from The Oatmeal (Matthew Inman), including his most recent release, “The Terrible and Wonderful Reasons Why I Run Long Distances”; “Breaking Stephan” by Stephan Pastis; and “Unicorn on a Roll: Another Phoebe and Her Unicorn Adventure” by Dana Simpson and “Big Nate: Say Good-bye to Dork City” by Lincoln Peirce, two recently released offerings from AMP! Comics for Kids, especially for middle-

• GoComics, the world’s largest online collection of syndicated and web-only comics, offers an online catalog and mobile app providing iconic comics such as Peanuts, Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, Garfield and FoxTrot as well as other popular comics, including The Argyle Sweater, Jim Benton Cartoons, Pearls Before Swine, Phoebe and Her Unicorn and Saturday Morning Breakfast Cereal (SMBC).

• Scheduled one-hour, free signings by creators including Brooke McEldowney (9 Chickweed Lane, Pibgorn), Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn), Greg Evans (Luann), Jason Chatfield (Ginger Meggs) and Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine).

• Daily giveaways featuring free GoComics PRO memberships, bookmarks, buttons and other comic-related promotional items, as well as daily drawings for major comic collections, including “The Complete Calvin and Hobbes,” “The Complete Cul de Sac,” “The Complete Far Side” and “Celebrating Peanuts.”

• In honor of the 30th anniversary of Calvin and Hobbes, archive-quality prints of the iconic first and last Calvin and Hobbes comic strips will be available for purchase. To celebrate the 65th anniversary of Peanuts, an archive-quality print of the first-ever comic strip (available in color or black and white) will also be

• GoComics will host daily Twitter giveaways (Thursday through Sunday) featuring the “Dear Mr. Watterson” and “Stripped” documentaries in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Calvin and Hobbes (while

• In partnership with Peanuts Worldwide, SDCC attendees are encouraged to visit the Peanuts booth (#1637) and ask for a “GoComics Ticket.” Attendees who present this ticket at the Andrews McMeel Publishing/GoComics booth (#1503) will receive exclusive commemorative Peanuts prizes, including a collectible 65th anniversary poster, Snoopy buttons, bookmarks, tattoos and a coloring sheet for kids (while

• GoComics T-shirts featuring the slogan “Read Comics Every Day” will be available for purchase for $20. Follow GoComics (@GoComics) and Andrews McMeel Publishing (@AndrewsMcMeel) on Twitter using #GoComics and #AndrewsMcMeel for real-time updates about giveaways, signings and the location of street teams distributing comic-related items. The on-site teams from GoComics and Andrews McMeel Publishing will also share photos via Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram and Pinterest.

Andrews McMeel Publishing/GoComics Signing and Event Schedule:

All creator signings will occur at the Andrews McMeel Publishing/GoComics Booth (#1503). Exclusive SDCC 2015 prints or posters will be provided for free at all creator signings.

Thursday, July 9
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Jason Chatfield (Ginger Meggs)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Jim Benton (Jim Benton Cartoons)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Lalo Alcaraz (editorial cartoonist; La Cucaracha)

Friday, July 10
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Greg Evans (Luann)
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Brooke McEldowney (9 Chickweed Lane, Pibgorn)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Dana Simpson (Phoebe and Her Unicorn)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Paul Trap (Thatababy)

Saturday, July 26
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Steve McGarry (Badlands, Biographic, KidTown, TrivQuiz)
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Stephan Pastis (Pearls Before Swine)
2:00 – 3:00 p.m.: Nick Seluk (The Awkward Yeti, Heart and Soul)
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Paige Braddock (creative director at Peanuts, Stinky Cecil, Jane’s World, The Martian Confederacy)

The people who work at Comic-Con International, the non-profit organization that put on next week’s extravaganza, keep a pretty low public profile—SDCC president John Rogers (who now works full time for CCI) and executive director Fae Desmond hardly ever do interviews. (This 2010 chat with Rogers is the only one I ever remember seeing) but the NY Times tried to dig in a little, and spoke with David Glanzer while looking at some of the numbers of the organization:

The nonprofit that puts on Comic-Con has a longstanding reluctance to discuss its affairs or even, for the most part, to share more than rudimentary details about its leaders. “It has always been about the event, and not about the people who do the event,” said David Glanzer, the group’s director for marketing and public relations.

But during an interview at the organization’s headquarters in mid-June, Mr. Glanzer agreed to part with past practice to address questions about its structure, resources and prospects. In addition to Comic-Con, the organization runs the similar but significantly smaller WonderCon in Anaheim, Calif.

He described a vibrant, if deeply conservative operation — it has largely eschewed growth in favor of preservation — that behaves less like a business or conventional nonprofit than a collective of shadowy guardians. The group began almost by accident, with 300 friends and acquaintances meeting in 1970 to swap notes and artifacts under the aegis of the comic strip artist Sheldon Dorf in the basement of San Diego’s U.S. Grant Hotel.

Among the nuggets gleaned: according to tax documents, CCI has a warchest of some $16.4 million as insurance against a catastrophe canceling the show with money left over to pay employees and get the show running again.

Other tidbits: the con costs $12 million a year to run and the 180 degree video screens in Hall H that Warner Bros. is expected to use for their panel this year cost $600,000 to turn on.

While the CCI staff may be viewed as “shadowy” to some, Rogers does do the annual “talk back” panel at all the CCI shows, and if you’ve ever dealt with the con on a business level, you know the staff is incredibly professional and helpful in getting stuff done. Perhaps the launch of next year’s SVOD service with Lionsgate will blow the doors open a little more, but the way CCI does business seems to be working.

I imagine some people will be excited about Rebecca Sugar (Steven UNiverse) and Noelle Stevenson (Lumberjanes) being at the BOOM! booth; others perhaps by Bryan Cranston and Mia Furlan. What are Walter White and Danielle Rousseau doing at BOOM!? I guess it has something to so with comics!

Also the Boom party returns Thursday to the Hilton this time with 10th Anniversary flair.

Award-winning comic book publisher BOOM! Studios and its imprints, KaBOOM!, BOOM! Box, and Archaia, announced today it will return to exhibit for the 10th straight year at Comic-Con International in San Diego, to be held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California July 8-12, 2015.
 
BOOM! can be found at Booth #2229 on the show floor and will host an army of talent for signings, including appearances by Alyssa Milano, Bruce Boxleitner, Bryan Cranston, Seth Green, David Petersen, Mark Waid, Frank Barbiere, James Tynion IV, Noelle Stevenson, Rebecca Sugar, Asaf Hanuka, and many more. BOOM! will also host its 10th Annual Comic-Con drink-up, which has been renamed the BOOM! 10 Year Birthday Bash to celebrate 10 years of publishing.
 
APPEARANCES
 
The following talent is scheduled to appear at the BOOM! booth throughout the weekend:
 
• Alyssa Milano (HACKTIVIST)
• Adam Smith (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA)
• Asaf Hanuka (THE REALIST)
• Bruce Boxleitner (LANTERN CITY)
• Bryan Cranston (SUPERMANSION)
• Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
• David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD)
• Frank Barbiere (BROKEN WORLD)
• Jackson Lanzing (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
• Jake Wyatt (LANTERN CITY)
• James Tynion IV (THE WOODS, UFOLOGY)
• Jen Wang (ADVENTURE TIME WITH FIONNA & CAKE: CARD WARS)
• Jillian Bell (SUPERMANSION)
• Joe Madureira (SUPERMANSION)
• Mark Waid (STRANGE FRUIT, IRREDEEMABLE)
• Matthew Fox (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA, UFOLOGY)
• Matthew Daley (LANTERN CITY)
• Matthew Senreich (SUPERMANSION)
• Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
• Mira Furlan (LANTERN CITY)
• Noelle Stevenson (LUMBERJANES)
• Olivia Olson (ADVENTURE TIME)
• Rebecca Sugar (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
• Seth Green (SUPERMANSION)
• Shannon Watters (LUMBERJANES)
• Thomas Willeford (LANTERN CITY)
• Trevor Crafts (LANTERN CITY)
• Zeb Wells (SUPERMANSION)

 
In addition, the BOOM! Studios booth will host sketch artists all weekend, including:
 
• Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES issues #9-12) will be sketching on our all-new LUMBERJANES sketch covers
• Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
• Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
For $30, fans can request and purchase custom sketches to be drawn on blank Get-A-Sketch covers at the show. Fans can also pre-order sketches in advance starting now on the BOOM! website and pick them up at the show. Supplies are limited so act now!
 
• To pre-order a LUMBERJANES sketch on our brand-new LUMBERJANES sketch covers from Carolyn Nowak, go to http://bit.ly/LJSketch.
• To pre-order an ADVENTURE TIME, BRAVEST WARRIORS, BEE AND PUPPYCAT or STEVEN UNIVERSE sketch from Ian McGinty, go to http://bit.ly/Iansketch.
• To pre-order an ADVENTURE TIME, BEE AND PUPPYCAT, STEVEN UNIVERSE,     or THE AMAZING WORLD OF GUMBALL sketch from Travis Hill, go to http://bit.ly/TravisSketch.
 
Listed below is the schedule of appearances at the BOOM! Studios booth, #2229. (Please note these are subject to change. Check at the booth for the latest updates.)
 
Wednesday, July 8th
Signing:
6:30-7:30pm Mark Waid (STRANGE FRUIT, IRREDEEMABLE)
 
Sketching all evening:
Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
Thursday, July 9th
Signing:
11am-12pm Jen Wang (ADVENTURE TIME WITH FIONNA & CAKE: CARD WARS)
3-4pm Olivia Olson (voice of Marceline on ADVENTURE TIME)
3-4pm LUMBERJANES with Carolyn Nowak, Noelle Stevenson, and Shannon Watters
 
Sketching all day:
Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
Appearing all day:
Adam Smith (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA)
Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
Frank Barbiere (BROKEN WORLD)
Jackson Lanzing (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS, UFOLOGY)
Matthew Fox (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA, UFOLOGY)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
 
Friday, July 10th
Signing:
11am-12pm LUMBERJANES with Carolyn Nowak, Noelle Stevenson, and Shannon Watters
1-2pm Asaf Hanuka (THE REALIST)
2-3pm David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD)
3-4pm Mark Waid (STRANGE FRUIT, IRREDEEMABLE)
 
Sketching all day:
Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
Appearing all day:
Adam Smith (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA)
Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
Frank Barbiere (BROKEN WORLD)
Jackson Lanzing (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS, UFOLOGY)
Matthew Fox (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA, UFOLOGY)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
 
Saturday, July 11th
Signing:
11am-12pm LUMBERJANES with Carolyn Nowak, Noelle Stevenson, and Shannon Watters
12-1pm Rebecca Sugar (STEVEN UNIVERSE)
 
Sketching all day:
Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
Appearing all day:
Adam Smith (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA)
Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
Frank Barbiere (BROKEN WORLD)
Jackson Lanzing (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS, UFOLOGY)
Matthew Fox (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA, UFOLOGY)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
 
Sunday, July 12th
Signing:
12-1pm David Petersen (MOUSE GUARD)
 
Sketching all day:
Carolyn Nowak (LUMBERJANES)
Ian McGinty (MUNCHKIN, BRAVEST WARRIORS)
Travis Hill (ADVENTURE TIME)
 
Signing all day:
Adam Smith (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA)
Collin Kelly (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
Frank Barbiere (BROKEN WORLD)
Jackson Lanzing (HACKTIVIST, MAZE RUNNER: THE SCORCH TRIALS OFFICIAL GRAPHIC NOVEL PRELUDE)
James Tynion IV (THE WOODS, UFOLOGY)
Matthew Fox (LONG WALK TO VALHALLA, UFOLOGY)
Michael Alan Nelson (HEXED, DAY MEN)
 
The following signing events are TICKETED. Tickets are FREE (though purchase of an item to be signed may be required) and are available for pick up on a first-come, first-served basis on the morning of the signing.
 
SUPERMANSION (Thursday, July 9, 1-2pm)
Stoopid Buddy Stoodios creators and members of the voice cast of the upcoming Crackle animated stop-motion comedy series will be signing FREE copies of the “SuperMansion” San Diego Comic-Con Exclusive comic book.
 
Bryan Cranston (voice talent)
Jillian Bell (voice talent)
Seth Green (executive producer)
Matthew Senreich (writer, executive producer)
Zeb Wells (writer, executive producer)
Joe Madureira (comic book cover artist)
 
ADVENTURE TIME (Thursday, July 9, 3-4pm)
Olivia Olson, the voice of Marceline on the Adventure Time animated series, will be on hand to sign Adventure Time comics!
Olivia Olson (voice of Marceline on Adventure Time)
 
LANTERN CITY (Saturday, July 11, 1-2pm)
Creators and cast members of the cast will be signing copies of the Lantern City #2 San Diego Comic-Con Variant ($10) and other Lantern City products.
Trevor Crafts (co-creator)
Bruce Boxleitner (co-creator)
Matthew Daley (writer)
Mira Furlan (Martha Ellen Gray in the upcoming LANTERN CITY TV series)
Jake Wyatt (cover artist of the SDCC variant)
Thomas Willeford (creative collaborator)
 
HACKTIVIST (Saturday, July 11, 4-5pm)
The creator and writers will be signing copies of the Hacktivist Vol. 2 #1 San Diego Comic-Con Variant ($10) and other Hacktivist products.
Alyssa Milano (creator)
Collin Kelly (co-writer)
Jackson Lanzing (co-writer)

BOOM! 10th BIRTHDAY BASH


On Thursday, July 10th from 9pm until close, BOOM! Studios will hold its 10 Year Birthday Bash at the Odysea Bar, located inside the Hilton Bayfront Hotel at 1 Park Boulevard, two blocks south of the Convention Center. It is open to the public and no RSVP is required.
 
Additional details about BOOM! Studios Panels and Exclusives will be released shortly.

By: Nick Eskey

Hello again toy enthusiasts, and welcome to another installment of San Diego Comic-Con Funko releases! You know Funko, the purveyors of the highly popular POP! series of collectible figurines, who also vow to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.”

Monday will be the last announcement for San Diego Comic-Con exclusives, so make sure to check back soon. And remember, there is no pre-buy option this year. So if you see any of these toys you want to get, you’ll have to visit the booth while supplies last, or cry into your Lean Cuisine.

Without any more procrastination, here’s the next installment:

Pop! TV: Arrow – The Arrow: Unmasked

We can’t get enough of the show “Arrow.” Feed the hunger with this ruggedly-handsome Arrow: Unmasked. His arrow will go straight… to your heart!

Pop! Disney: Big Hero 6 – Transluscent Glitter Emoticon Baymax

How would you rate the “kawaii” factor of this toy? The Translucent Glitter Emoticon Baymax from Pixar’s “Big Hero 6” always rates a big smiley face in my opinion.

Pop! Movies: Minions – Gone Batty

Can you imagine you’re life without a minion? Not only do they get the menial tasks done while you are plotting world domination, but they do it in historical style. Joining the large POP! minion collection is this Gone Batty. Wearing a purple cloak and showing off some pointy fangs, this blood sucker should be flying into your hands.

Pop! Disney: Tangled – Frying Pan Rapunzel and Burnt Pascal

Not too long ago, every Disney princess would be the equivalent of a damsel in distress; but not this feisty lady. Frying Pan Rapunzel and Burnt Pascal are ready for a fight. She’s got cookery, and she knows how to use it!

Dorbz: Marvel – X-Force Deadpool

The impending “Deadpool” movie has comic fans squealing with delight. Satisfy your Deadpool cravings with this X-Force Deadpool, dressed in his alternative grey onesie. If you don’t get it… well I just don’t know what this anti-hero will do to you. So, why chance it right?

Dorbz: Guardians of the Galaxy – Mossy Groot

And rounding it up, from the “Guardians of the Galaxy” we have this Dorbz Mossy Groot. We’ve already seen this fella on our list, but instead of the XL we are getting the regular size. Options are good to have.

Thanks for tuning it guys and gals, and don’t forget to come back for our last exclusive Funko releases post!

By: Nick Eskey

Hello again nerds and nerdettes, and welcome to another installment of San Diego Comic-Con Funko releases! You know Funko, the purveyors of the highly popular POP! series of collectible figurines, who also vow to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place. “

We have some exciting announcements this time, including an extremely limited edition POP! figurine. Reminder, this year Funko will not be doing any sort of pre-buying. The only way you can get this beauties is on site, so be sure to visit the booth. If you don’t have tickets to Comic-Con… well there’s always black magic?

Without any further distractions, let’s bring on the toys:

Pop! TV: Doctor Who – Eleventh Doctor holding Cyberman Head

Does the sight of a British police booth cause you to hyperventilate? This eleventh incarnation of Doctor Who holding a Cyberman head then is the right toy for you. Check him out with his chic purple jacket and debonair hair. *Swoon.*

Pop! Disney: Frozen – Barbershop Quartet Olaf

From Pixar’s “Frozen,” perpetuator of a few sickly cute and catchy songs, comes everyone’s favorite silly snowman Olaf. This Barbershop Quartet Olaf comes complete with a hat, cane, and similarly dressed seagull sidekick.

Pop! TV: The Flash – The Flash Unmasked

Fan’s of the series “Flash” should keep their eyes peeled for this POP! The Flash Unmasked. Be careful not to let this one slip by you.

Hikari: Star Wars – Darth Vader Matte Black

Another Star Wars collectible? No, never. Who could have predicted? Despite there already being a thousand other pieces of Star Wars merchandise however, this Darth Vader Matte Black figure by Hikari looks beautiful. It almost looks like if this famous Sith was made of copper. Better find some room on those already crowded shelves for this toy, which is limited to only 1200.

Hikari: Marvel – Frosted Groot

In this batch of announcements, Hikari will be also coming out with this Frosted Groot. Limited to 1000, it looks like this humanoid plant made out with Olaf. Oh the magic of warm hugs.

Dorbz: Batman – Thrillkill Batman

Nothing better strikes fear into the hearts of men more than a caped crusader in a mask. Well, maybe a caped crusader in full grin and an alternate costume. Dorbz’s Thrillkill Batman sports a red and black costume and a smiling face. A cute, yet disturbing addition to any collection.

Pop TV: Hannibal – Bryan Fulle

And rounding off our releases is this highly limited edition POP! It’s unfortunate that the show Hannibal was cancelled, but you can share the hurt with this Brian Fuller figure. Dressed to kill in his Hannibal like attire, the show’s creator also sports a pair of spectacles and a large kitchen knife. This bad boy comes in only 144 units and will be available during his signing at the Funko booth on Friday, July 10th at 2 p.m. The line for the signing won’t begin until 1p.m., so no early campers please. No other Funko items will be sold during this time.

We’re getting closer to Comic-Con, so stay tuned for more Funko exclusives!

A trip to Comic-Con with a good hotel room, two passes, dinner with the Suicide Girls and VIP access to a special burlesque show — sounds like a good deal. How much would you pay for it?

Suicide Girls, the website that offers saucy, consensual webcam girls as well as some excellent journalism and more, was going to find out.

With an auction that began with $7500 as an opening bid.

$7500 is quite a bit of cash…and it could have gone for even more.

I got the email blast about this yesterday, but by the time I checked it out, the auction had already been shut down. Comic-Con International, the non profit organization tat runs SDCC and WonderCon, does not like secondary market sales of passes and polices eBay, Craig’s list and elsewhere pretty religiously. I reached out to the Suicide Girls on why the auction was shut down, but haven’t heard back yet. So there could have been many reasons.

Here’s what you would have won in the auction:

Once in a lifetime opportunity to attend the world-famous San Diego Comic Con in all it’s geeky glory WITH the SuicideGirls! 

This package includes all of the following: 

-2 all access passes to Comic Con, good for all 4 days of the convention
-4 nights hotel accommodations, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday in a nearby 4-star hotel (the Manchester Grand Hyatt)
-Dinner with the SuicideGirls for you and your guest – Saturday night dinner with just you your guest and 20 SuicideGirls 
-Pair of VIP tickets to our special Comic Con Blackheart Burlesque show on July 9 
-Huge SuicideGirls prize pack, including a one-year membership to SuicideGirls.com for you and your guest, a t-shirt each for you and your guest, one copy of each of our books (SuicideGirls: Beauty Redefined; Hard Girls, Soft Light; and Geekology), our 4-issue comic series, the latest issue of our magazine, and a signed poster

The lucky winner of this package will attend Comic Con and stay in a hotel just blocks from the convention center. You’ll join the SuicideGirls for an exclusive dinner and get the VIP treatment at our Blackheart Burlesque show, including our pre-show meet and greet. You’ll have tons of awesome photo ops with the girls, AND we’ll send you home with a prize pack full of awesome SuicideGirls merch!

This SuicideGirls San Diego Comic Con Experience will be an unforgettable weekend of fun with our geeky, gorgeous girls – Bid now on this once in a lifetime opportunity!

*Winner and their guest must be over 18 years of age. Winner must provide own transportation to and within San Diego.

Money buys a lot of things, but it doesn’t necessarily but tickets to Comic-Con. If you had $7k to spend you could have just booked a hotel room at market prices and bribed someone to get you a pass for a lot less.

Anyway, file this under bad ideas.

DC Entertainment announced the outlines of what they’ll be presenting at Comic-Con, with 19 panels covering all the lines from MAD to Morrison. And they’ll have a variety of variant covers available on different days, so you’ll have to stay alert to collect ’em all.

• From iconic characters to emerging heroes, the expansive DC Universe allows for a wide range of tonalities and a rich universe of stories, enabling readers of all ages and interests to find their favorite series. Meet the top talent behind some of the most celebrated series including SUPERMAN’s new, award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang, BATGIRL artist Babs Tarr and writers Cameron Stewart and Brenden Fletcher, and BIZARRO writer Heath Corson, among others. Plus, get an advanced look at the highly-anticipated series CYBORG with writer David Walker ahead of its debut in July. Get ready for the New DC Universe with these panels: “Mysteries in Space” on Thursday, “Superman,” “Justice for All,” and “The Bad Guys” all on Friday, and on Saturday “The Lighter Side,” “Batman” featuring all-star creative team Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, and “The Upstarts” featuring the most cutting-edge writers and artists in the industry.
 
• Following the release of bestselling and Eisner-nominated mini-series THE MULTIVERSITY, writer Grant Morrison will explain how he redefined the DC Universe, giving fans a look back (and forward) to where the far-reaching effects of The Multiversity will be felt most. Don’t miss “DC Entertainment – Grant Morrison: The Multiversity.” DC Entertainment – Grant Morrison: The Multiversity and Beyond – Saturday
 
• Join superstar JUSTICE LEAGUE writer Geoff Johns for an all-access and in-depth discussion. From Earth One to Darkseid War to all things in between, be here for this exclusive panel that will give you insight into one of the genre’s most influential contributors.  DC Entertainment – One-on-One with Geoff Johns – Friday
 
• Dive into DC Entertainment – Page to Screen, a can’t miss panel celebrating DCE’s film, TV, game, and animation slates. Join talent behind the inner-workings, including moderator and TV GUIDE reporter Damian Holbrook, DCE Chief Creative Office Geoff Johns, Marc Guggenheim (Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow), Andrew Kreisberg (Arrow, The Flash) Heath Corson (Justice League: Throne Of Atlantis), and more! DC Entertainment – Page to Screen  – Friday
 
• Find out where some of your favorite Vertigo titles are heading, and also be the first to hear about the new series on deck for the fall fromcomics’ most innovative imprint. Vertigo: What’s the Story – Thursday
 
• See what “The Usual Gang Of Idiots” at MAD Magazine are up to at the side-splitting, must-attend annual panel helmed by SVP and Executive Editor John Ficarra and a hilarious cast of characters. Mad about MAD – Thursday
 
• Check out the latest action figures, statues, props and more from the creative minds of DC Collectibles and get an exclusive sneak peek at upcoming releases. DC Collectibles –Thursday
 
Make sure to stop by DCE’s 4,500 square foot booth (#1915) – the hub for DCE talent signings, hands-on video gameplay, and artist demos, where attendees will have a chance to mingle with some of the best writers and artists in the business. Fans will also get a chance to take photos with their favorite characters with the DCE green screen.
 
Also checkout highly collectible, exclusive variant comic books available for SDCC attendees only through the Graphitti Designs booth #2314.  Certain variants will only be available on specific days while others will be available throughout the convention. Variants include BLACK CANARY #1 (available Thursday, 7/9), BATMAN BEYOND #1 (available Friday, 7/10),  MIDNIGHTER #1 (available Saturday, 7/11), BIZARRO #1 (available Sunday, 7/12), and variants available on all days include ROBIN: SON OF BATMAN #1, HARLEY QUINN #17, SUPERMAN #41, BATMAN #41, and JUSTICE LEAGUE #41.  A special, rare, oversized gate-fold cover variant of JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 will only be available Saturday, 7/11.

Life as we know it is going back to normal next year as the dates for SDCC ’16 have been revealed and it’s back to the normal third week dates of July 21-14. Thank god. None of this post Fourth of July hell.

In even better news that will shock everyone, it looks like Con will be staying in San Diego, at least through 2018. It seems SD mayor Kevin Faulconer has been meeting with CCI peeps and hotel owners to personally make sure they can stay. The biggest issue was getting hotels to agree to setting aside large room blocks at discounted rates.

Comic-Con International and the San Diego Tourism Authority, which oversees convention center bookings, declined to comment this week on when a new two-year contract would be inked. Hoteliers, however, confirmed that they have been responding to a recent request from Comic-Con organizers that they write up addendums to their 2016 room block contracts committing to not raise their rates for 2017 and 2018 and to maintain the same number of discounted hotel rooms for the convention.

“We support the mayor’s efforts to keep Comic-Con in San Diego and have worked cooperatively with our hotel members to come to a reasonable agreement between the city and Comic-Con,” said Namara Mercer, executive director of the San Diego County Hotel-Motel Association. “By and large, the majority of the hotels are on board, and the only delays were with a few hotels that were evaluating the proposal.

According to Hilton sales and marketing dude Donovan Henson, “We feel like we’re in a very good place with Comic-Con on the hotel side for ‘17 and ‘18. And we know that in their hearts they want to stay so we have to work together to extend out as long as we can.”

Ya hear that Las Vegas? In their hearts, they want to stay!

I should note here that these “discounted rates” are sort of discounts. For instance, at the Hilton Bayfront, the con rate is is $299 a night. I did a random check of Hilton rates and found this on their own website for dates later in the summer:

However, to be fair, when I checked other rates  at other hotels, they were all around $300 a night for  summer weekends, which is a high demand time for what is, after all, a popular travel destination even without Trigun cosplayers and Travis Fimmel. When you add in supply and demand, $300 a night isn’t cheap but it is well within the market price. Keeping these rates for the next few years is definitely a good deal for the CCI folks and hotels, and by 2019 I’ll be too old to go so I won’t care.

As for other convention data, the Unofficial SDCC blog has news that last year’s wristband system will most likely be in place this year. This new policy was instituted to cut down on “line jumpers” who send a pal to camp out and fight off zombies during the long, hard night, and waltzed in as a gang of 12 or so to get in line for The Walking Dead panel as dawn breaks. Once again, I an by nature unable to understand this line waiting impulse, but the comments on the USDCCB post are full of complaints that the system made lines longer…why, yes. That was their intent. Some people also complain that the new system is dangerous because now children have to sleep outside in line instead of having dad wait for them, and the children are hungry and oh, papa why? My question is, WHY ARE YOU MAKING YOUR CHILDREN CAMP OUT TO SEE SOME DUMB PANEL ANYWAY?

Once again, I’m sure the kids are excited to see the cast of Kiss Meets Scooby Doo, so I’m not accusing anyone of bad parenting. The comments indicate that there was actually quite a bit of confusion over last year’s wristband system, so I’m not sure if these are just comment complainers or a general sentiment. Peanut gallery what say you?

The Homies are coming back to the comics! This hugely popular line of small collectible figures depicting various Latino characters started as a an underground comic strip by David Gonzales before morphing into a huge line of merchandise. Now Dynamite has signed a deal for all kinds of Homies publishing, including a “HISTORY OF THE HOMIES” comprehensive retrospective hardcover art book, with information on all of the toys ever released. They also have the license for original comics and graphic novels in all sizes, as well as reprints of existing comic material.

As you may know, Dynamite typically does not set up at Comic-Con—instead they run a series of announcements before the show, and this is just the first one. Look for more Dynamite news in the next few days.

The HOMIES first began as an underground comic strip created by artist David Gonzales that ran in Lowrider Magazine in 1978 and was based on his friends and lifestyle.  The merchandising of HOMIES began in 1994 when trend savvy retailer Hot Topic offered the shirts for sale, which soon became hot tees in their stores. Following on the heels of a successful T-shirt run, HOMIES was licensed for figurines in the vending machine toy industry, where all sales records were broken, with over 150 million figurines sold worldwide.  The licensing program soon spread to products such as action figures, remote and die-cast cars, notebooks, posters, plush, Halloween masks, video games, music and more, and were carried by specialty and mass retailers, such as Walmart, K-mart, Kay-bee Toys, Spencer Gifts, Walgreens and many others.  Today the HOMIES are enjoying a comeback with new T-shirts, toys and more in the works.        

“The Homies started as an underground comic strip back in the 70’s, and it has always been my dream to have them published in a comic book of their own. I have also, always wanted to create a Homies History book of sort, to establish the legacy of HOMIES, and to share the stormy and controversial and wild ride they have taken me on, “ says David Gonzales.  “I am very pleased that Dynamite has recognized something special in my creation, and will champion me and my Homies in this quest.”

“I remember the toys, and how nuts people were in collecting them, back in the 90’s” says Dynamite Director of Business Development Rich Young. “They were a phenomenon, and all the different characters they created were super cool.  I’m very happy that Dynamite is able to be the first publisher associated with the HOMIES and helping bring them to the printed page!”

“We’re not only excited to bring ‘HOMIES’ to the comics and book market, but we also get to kick this off at San Diego Comic Con! For fans who come to our panel Thursday, we’re going to give away a collectible “HOMIE” to each and every fan.  The panel is in room 6DE on Thursday, from 5:45 to 6:45, and we can’t wait to talk more about ‘HOMIES’ and our additional Dynamite projects!” states Dynamite CEO Nick Barrucci

As for the characters themselves, the HOMIES got started

as a group of tightly knit Chicano buddies, Hollywood, Smiley, Pelon, andBobby Loco, who grew up in the Mexican American barrio (neighborhood) of “Quien Sabe” (“who knows”), located in East Los Angeles. Over time, the Homies have expanded their crew to over 300 characters from all different cultures, genres and even species.  The wide-ranging personalities and characteristics, together, make up a single, composite entity that is the “HOMIES.” In an inner-city world plagued by poverty and oppression, the Homies have formed a strong and binding cultural support system that enables them to overcome the surrounding negativity and allows for laughter and good times as an anecdote for reality. The word “Homies” itself is a popular street term that refers to someone from your hometown or, in a broader sense, anyone that you would acknowledge as your friend. In use in the West Coast Latino community for decades, the word “Homies” has crossed over into the now mainstream Hip-Hop street culture that has taken America’s young people by storm.

“The Homies were a part of my childhood and I couldn’t be more excited to see them offered for a new generation of fans,” says Surge Licensing’s Elan Freedman.  “But even more so, there is nothing more exciting than being able to progress the evolution of the brand by offering a brand new experience to all fans, existing and new, through a publishing program.”

By: Nick Eskey

It’s that time again, legion of toy lovers; The Wednesday update for the Funko toy exclusives for San Diego Comic-Con 2015.

Well known for their super popular POP! Toy collection, Funko strives to “cover as many beloved licenses and characters as possible to remind every Comic-Con attendee why they fell in love with these stories in the first place.” As a reminder, there will be no pre-buy option available this year. So if you need or want any of these beauties, best to pick them up at the Funko booth, or see if you can bribe a random person (we do not condone the practice of bribery).

Not to hold out any longer, here are the latest additions:

Pop! Star Wars: Princess Leia [Boushh Unmasked]

Pop! Marvel: Avengers: Age of Ultron – Grinning Ultron

Just when you thought you saw every scary robot to date, this Grinning Ultron decidedly takes the cake. We don’t know why he’s so happy, but let’s hope we never find out. He’s sure to give a few nightmares.

Pop! Hanna-Barbera: Lil’ Gruesome (Red)

Before we know it, we’ll have an army of these Lil’ Gruesome figurines in a rainbow of colors. Joining his green and yellow brothers, this Red Hannah-Barbera character is my favorite so far.

Pop! Marvel: Guardians of the Galaxy – Nova Rocket with Potted Groot

At the end of the Guardians of the Galaxy movie, did you find yourself a little misty eyed? No? Just me? Well… I’m sure this Nova Rocket with Potted Groot will find a way to tug at those heartstrings.

ReAction: Terminator 2 – T1000 with Hook Arms

Any machine that can become liquid, a solid, or take the shape of any person is pretty sweet. This T1000 figure from the Terminator 2 movie is sporting his kick-butt Hook Arms, as well as vintage-esque packaging from when toys were simpler than the crazy articulated ones of today.

Vinyl Idolz: Ghostbusters – Marshmallowed Egon Spengler

And lastly, this Vinyl Idolz from the Ghost Busters movie is a gooey exclusive. Marshmallowed Egon Spengler comes with his ghost containment pack, ghost detector, and white marshmallow splotches. I hope that stuff can come out in the wash.

As we’re getting closer and closer to San Diego Comic-Con, expect a few more toy leaks on the way. Stay tuned doers of all things nerdy!