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Friday, March 28
 

1:00pm PDT

Beastly Powers: Exploring Science, Magic, and Mythology in Comics and Pop Culture
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
From science to magic to mythology, animals have long been a source of inspiration in comics and pop culture. This panel delves into the fascinating portrayal of animal powers, whether derived from scientific principles, magical realms, or ancient myths. Panelists will discuss how animal abilities shape characters, the intersection of nature and the supernatural, and how these stories inspire both wonder and empowerment.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs

1:00pm PDT

Bootleg Cosplay
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Are you a cosplay goblin? Have you thrown together more than one cosplay on a hope and a prayer? Or are you perhaps a cosplay perfectionist trying to embrace the "perfect is the enemy of good" philosophy? SheProp shows how to create amazing cosplays on a budget, as well as how to make sustainable crafting choices while building. The panelists are pros at creating amazing cosplays without breaking the bank (or even without knowing how to use a sewing machine). They will talk about garment hacking, thrift cosplay, and other sustainable costuming practices. Bring your questions and get ready to learn; audience participation is highly encouraged.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Education

1:00pm PDT

Build Your Community: The Importance of Community for Comics Creators
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
In these challenging times within the shifting comic book landscape, community is more necessary and valuable than ever. Led by Bryant Dillon (president, Fanbase Press), comic book creators Corinna Bechko (The Space Between), Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger), Charlie Stickney (White Ash), and Arthur Ebuen (California, Inc.) speak to the value of the comic book community, how one can maximize its positive aspects, and how we can all help the comic book community grow and prosper.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, LGBTQIA+

1:00pm PDT

DSTLRY: The Future of Sci-Fi
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Cosmos sculpted by mech warfare. Cellular metal petri monsters. Vendettas that span light years. Welcome to a future of glorious atrocities designed to raise pulses and ask questions, all rooted in modern anxieties. Join the most provocative, merciless voices in speculative fiction as they vivisect the timelines we’re all desperately avoiding. Chuck Austen (Defiant) and Scott Hoffman (Warm Fusion) gaze into the stars and the chaos to come. Moderated by Sami DeMonster.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

1:00pm PDT

It’s a Time Machine, Baby!: 900 1970s El Cortez SDCC Photos from the Shel Dorf Archives
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
Comic-Con founder Shel Dorf used two 35mm film cameras and a medium-format film camera to shoot pictures at Comic-Con in its early years. Greg Koudoulian has digitized over 900 of Shel's photos. Shel was a photojournalist at the Detroit Free Press from 1953 to 1968 and created the Detroit Triple Fan Fair before moving to San Diego. David Glanzer and Greg will discover old pals from decades ago during this photo slide show presentation and discussion.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cosplay, Kids, Superheroes

1:00pm PDT

Small Print Comics 101
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210
TBA.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs

1:00pm PDT

Spiders-Men: Multiversal Storytelling
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
Spider-Man has become the exemplar for how the multiverse can reinvigorate the superhero genre, thanks to the Spider-Verse films, the Ultimate Spider-Man books, and now Disney’s Friendly Neighborhood revamp. James Thompson (People’s History of Comics), Patrick A. Reed (co-curator, Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing), and Peter Coogan (Institute of Comics Studies) explore this new landscape where continuity is no longer king, but canon events carry over, no matter the Spider iteration—Peter Parker, Peter B. Parker, or Peter Porker.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs

1:00pm PDT

Crowdfunding Best Practices for Tabletop Games
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
North 151
Kickstarter crowdfunding continues to be an effective way to finance tabletop games. Industry experts Kimi Hughes (founder, Golden Lasso Games), Peter Vaughan (co-founder, Cardboard Alchemy), and Andrew Marks (director of product, Kickstarter) discuss the best practices and trends, as well as share stories from the latest tabletop game Kickstarters and crowdfunding campaigns. Moderated by Ruel Gaviola.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
North 151
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference   1: Programs

1:30pm PDT

AAPI Representation in Comics and Media
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Creators in the industry about the progression of Asian representation and where it stands today. Christopher Sean (actor, Days of Our Lives, Ultraman Rising), Tony Moy (artist, 4Forty2nd Lost Battalion), Anjali Bhimani (actor/author, Overwatch, Ms. Marvel), and Mog Park (artist, storyboard, Game of Thrones) will discuss what inspired them growing up and what they hope to see going forward. Moderated by Justin Otero (cosplayer).
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

Animals on Screen: Live Animals vs. CGI
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Bobbi Brink (founder, Lions Tigers & Bears) leads the discussion about the longtime fascination, and sometimes atrocious history, of animals trained to perform for film or video game development. Panelists discuss new realism technologies and remaining challenges for the entertainment industry. Filmmakers and animal rights voices share ways audiences can celebrate the humane treatment of Hollywood’s greatest stars.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs

1:30pm PDT

Mondo Toy Talk Live
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208
Mondo’s creative team goes behind the scenes for an exclusive look at their latest collectibles! Based on Mondo’s YouTube livestream Toy Talk, this panel features Hector Arce (sr. creative director, product development), Alex Brewer (creative manager, sculpting), and Nolan Fleming Smith (sr. graphic designer) as they dive deep into the artistry and vision behind Mondo’s must-have collectibles and exclusives. Get insider insights into the design process, enjoy special sneak peeks and reveals you won’t find anywhere else, and score some incredible prizes.
Friday March 28, 2025 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Music |   U: Updated, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Music

2:00pm PDT

A Career in Card Games
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 207
Billy San Juan (TCG writer) hosts a panel of experts who discuss how they've made a career out of playing, selling, creating, and streaming trading card games. Panelists include Frank Lepore (Magic: The Gathering, game designer), Tim Shields (owner, Cascade Games), Damyan Brunson (owner, Tier1 Games), and others.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs

2:00pm PDT

Building Accessibility in Fandom
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300A
A staple of pop culture and fandom is the idea of how everyone is welcome in fandom spaces—but what can be done to make the space even more accessible? Chelsea Schwartz (actor and pop culture creator), Kiah Amara (founder, IndieVisible; accessibility creator), Crystal Rivers (cosplayer, entertainment journalist), Rebecca Faith Quinn (influencer), and other accessibility advocates in the entertainment space discuss the small and big actions that can be taken to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. Topics include accessibility faux pas that may be perpetuated, what to look for to consider your workspace and/or event accessible, and practical actions and resources that film sets, TV productions, and fandom spaces can take advantage of.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Seminars & Workshops

2:00pm PDT

Cosplay Is a Drag
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Chad Hatter (Queer for Fear, Robot Chicken) is bringing back some of your favorite queens to WonderCon. Come escape with Pam Demic (costume designer, Workaholics; drag performer since 1989) and Broadway diva headliners Claire Voyance (Voyance Productions, Broadway Divas SCFTA), Leeko Rae (headliner at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts), Mama St. Merman (headliner, Broadway Divas, Hamburger Mary’s), and April Showers (Showers Productions, Late-Night Divas at Hamburger Mary's) to discuss the crossroads where cosplay meets drag.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

2:00pm PDT

Keep Bans Off Our Books
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
Book banning and censorship continue to be a serious issue for many communities, as more and more good graphic novels and books are being taken out of the hands of children and teens. Moderator Grace Sheehy (librarian II at Mission Viejo Public Library) and authors Jen Wang (Ash's Cabin), Marcie Colleen (Time Buddies), Jose Pimenta (Halfway to Somewhere), and Gabriel Valentin (Digital Lizards of Doom Volume 4: Fat Cat Rogers) address this issue.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Robot Invasion! Featuring The Rupert Wars (and SIGNA)
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Pan-Universal Galactic Worldwide launches its first wave of all-new comics, and the machines are leading the charge. Who is the World War II android called Rupert? What is the post-apocalyptic AI nightmare of SIGNA? And why is the company called PUG-W? The Rupert Wars creators Livio Ramondelli (The Kill Lock, Transformers) and Yuri Ramondelli (Joker: Put on a Happy Face) are joined by PUG-W founder John Nee (Cryptozoic, Marvel, DC, Wildstorm) and moderator Maryelizabeth Yturralde to get down to the nuts and bolts of it all.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:00pm PDT

Spiritual Themes in Comics
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
Spiritual themes continue to be an essential element in comic books, television, and movies, ranging from the Netflix series Arcane to the Disney+ series Agatha All Along. This panel examines how these themes have influenced the entertainment industry and the culture at large. Panelists are B. Dave Walters (actor), Scott Marcano (Diablo Publishing), Casey Robin (Disney), Matthew Agosto (pastor), and Ralph Miley (New Creation Comics), moderated by Kyle Keene.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

2:00pm PDT

How to Design Tabletop Games
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 151
With over 5,000 tabletop games coming out each year, the need for new games is strong. Are you designing a tabletop game or want to know how to get started? Industry experts Juliana Moreno (game designer, Wild Optimists), Kami Mandell (game designer, The Op), and Matt Forbeck (game designer, Marvel RPG) share their best practices, ways to get started, and stories from their game designs. Moderated by Christopher Castagnetto.
Special Guests
avatar for Matt Forbeck

Matt Forbeck

WonderCon Special Guest
Matt Forbeck is an award-winning and New York Times–bestselling author and game designer of over 35 novels and countless other books and games. His projects have won a Peabody Award, a Scribe Award, and numerous ENnies and Origins awards. He is also the president of the Diana Jones... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
North 151
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Fandom, Games, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Video Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Fandom, Games, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Video Games, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #1: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility . . . and Trauma
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 210
“With great power comes great responsibility," according to Spider-Man comics. However, it also comes with great trauma as well. Spider-Man faces a great deal of trauma that he must overcome, both in and out of his mask. This panel considers how Spider-Man handles his trauma and builds his resiliency. Using the classic Amazing Spider-Man story "Spider-Man No More!," Daniel J. Kim (PopMythology.com) will discuss how Peter Parker's dilemma in the story reflects the tendency of neoliberal ideology to place the burden of endless resilience onto individual heroes, many of whom are already overburdened with the trauma of surviving in an individualist society. Alex Langley (Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs) will discuss issues of resilience and trauma in The Amazing Spider-Man #33, "If This Be My Destiny," and Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man #310. Shelly Clevenger (Sam Houston State University) will discuss how Peter Parker dealt with the death of his beloved Gwen Stacy and how trauma played a role in his ability to cope with that loss. Panelists will identify the unique ways in which trauma and resiliency are linked in these comics.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs

2:00pm PDT

Giants’ First Steps: Glimmer of Greatness
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 100B
Be inspired by the early works of several masters of animation from Hollywood's second animation renaissance. Curator Ron Diamond presents a selection of digitally restored student films by celebrated directors, including John Musker and Ron Clements (The Little Mermaid, Hercules, Aladdin, Treasure Planet, Moana), Brenda Chapman (Brave, The Prince of Egypt, Come Away), Kirk Wise (Beauty and the Beast,The Hunchback of Notre Dame), Mike Mitchell (Shrek Forever After, Trolls, The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part, Kung Fu Panda 4), and other notable directors' early films.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs

2:00pm PDT

Los Angeles International Children's Film Festival
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
The annual Los Angeles International Children’s Film Festival begins three full days of short films from around the world for all ages, featuring animation, live action, and documentaries. Animators and filmmakers will talk to the audience following their films, including giving advice for kids on how to become a professional animator or filmmaker. For the full LAICFF schedule, click here.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Education, Kids, Movies

2:30pm PDT

Comic-Con: The Cruise: An Immersive Fan Experience
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 200A
Comic-Con is legendary, but have you ever imagined taking your fandom beyond the Convention Center and onto the open seas? Key figures behind Comic-Con: The Cruise, an official licensee of San Diego Comic Convention, share how this immersive fan adventure brings the spirit of Comic-Con to life in a whole new way. From intimate celebrity moments and themed cosplay nights to fan-driven experiences you won’t find anywhere else, find out why this is the most unique, welcoming, and unforgettable way to celebrate your fandom!
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs

2:30pm PDT

Eisner Noir: The Spirit and Beyond
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Often spoken of in the same breath as directors Orson Welles and Sam Fuller, Will Eisner was influenced by, and an influence on, the dark, moody cinema genre known as Film Noir. From the innovative storytelling in the pages of TheSpirit as he stalked the shadows of Central City to the dramatic storytelling found in the recently revived John Law, and even to the dramatic flavor of graphic novels like To the Heart of the Storm, Eisner infused his stories with intense visual and thematic mood. Discussing Eisner’s walk on the dark side are Charles Hatfield (CSU Northridge), Scott Dunbier (Act 4 Publishing), and Jim Thompson (Duke University). Danny Fingeroth (Jack Ruby: The Many Faces of Oswald’s Assassin) moderates.
Special Guests
avatar for Danny Fingeroth

Danny Fingeroth

WonderCon Special Guest
Danny Fingeroth is a cultural historian and commentator. His books include Superman on the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Society and Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero. His 2019 biography of Stan Lee, A Marvelous... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Historical, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Franchise, Studio, Industry: What Will Shape Star Trek’s Future?
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Never before has the creative direction of the Star Trek franchise felt so tied up in so many factors beyond its creators’ control. What do fans want to see, and what are the likely real-world possibilities of Trek’s TV and film worlds? "Dr. Trek" Larry Nemecek (The Trek Files, TNG Companion) leads a panel of pundits and industry observers to peer into this dilithium-crystal ball, including Rico Anderson (Star Trek 2009, The Orville), John Champion (Mission Log, Mission Log Live), and James Kerwin (Yesterday Was a Lie, ST Continues).
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Fandom, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

2:30pm PDT

Monstrous Horror in Comics, Film, and Beyond
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
At the intersection of film and comics, you'll find some creators not only comfortable operating in both spaces but thriving. Filmmakers and comics creators Rebekah and David McKendry (Barstow, Glorious), Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge, Return of the Monsters), Dirk Blackman (Underworld: Rise of the Lycans, Savager), David Hartman (Phantasm: Ravager, Kraken), and Kevin Grevioux (Underworld, I, Frankenstein) discuss horror's influence on their careers and their love of monsters.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs

2:30pm PDT

Creators Assemble: Charisma Check
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 152
Tabletop roleplaying game creators, publishers, performers, game shop owners, teachers, and library workers have brought greater acceptance to TTRPGS and fan culture. Take a break from hectic convention life to experience “speed dating” style networking with diverse TTRPG and board game enthusiasts from all backgrounds. This year’s lineup includes Reuben Bresler, Jeromy DeChant, Eddie Doty, Sarah Durnesque, Lemar Harris, Jason Patrick Galit (JPG), Jem Lugo, Cynthia Marie, Markeia McCarthy, Momo Meas, Ryan Omega, Jenni Powel, and Sidney Rubino, along with TTRPG educators and enthusiasts Joel Bakker, Joe Barrette, Moni Barrette, Janie Ghinazzi, and Dan Wood.
Friday March 28, 2025 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
North 152
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference, Education, Fandom, Games, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing |   1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Games, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Complex Cosplays and Influence: Mastering Cosplay Design and Presence
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Learn from the experts: Andy Holt is well known for his Hawkman cosplay and has built six different sets of articulated wings, each set improving on the previous. Julia Jenkins has cosplayed many characters including Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Kim Possible, and Talia. An avid seamstress and builder, she is also experienced in 3D printing. Anna Yeutter has cosplayed many Star Trek characters and is a skilled seamstress and builder. Joanie Brosas is a renowned cosplay model with a strong social media following, with expertise in branding, marketing, and engaging with fans.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

3:00pm PDT

Pitching and Planning Your Graphic Novel
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Graphic novels are hot, hot, hot! Whether you're an artist, a writer, or both, you've probably thought about making your own. But how to start? Or maybe you've started, but now you're stuck? Award-winning creators Amy Chu (Carmilla: The First Vampire, Sea Sirens), Thien Pham (Family Style, Sumo), and Jordan Morris (Youth Group, Bubble) share their experiences and advice for getting published.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

3:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Dan Slott: Playing the Long Game in a Shared Universe
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 207
From kicking off The Superior Spider-Man saga in Amazing Spider-Man #698-#700 from a story development seeded a hundred issues earlier in ASM #600 to paying off a clue set up in the first issue of Silver Surfer Vol.3 in the last issue of Silver Surfer Vol.4. Marvel & DC writer Dan Slott looks at all the pitfalls, pitfalls, rewards, and . . . mostly pitfalls of long-form storytelling in a shared comic book universe.
Special Guests
avatar for Dan Slott

Dan Slott

WonderCon Special Guest
Dan Slott has worked with Marvel for many years, giving fans an action-packed 10-year run on The Amazing Spider-Man! His writing credits include She-Hulk, Avengers, Batman, and The Silver Surfer. He recently finished working on a run of The Fantastic Four and Iron Man. Currently... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Success in Creativity Mixer: Meet Other Creatives and Get Time with the Experts
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 204C
Meet people in and outside of your field and talents and get dedicated one-on-one time with the experts who usually speak on the “Success in Creativity” panels. Among the experts who will be on hand are Luke Cheesman (director of media, TheConGuy.com; screenwriter), Heather Joseph-Witham, Ph.D. (The Proof Is Out There on History Channel; professor of folklore), Renah Wolzinger, Ed.D. (owner, Renzone Music), James Frye (managing editor, TheConGuy.com; screenwriter), Gene Turnbow (founder, SciFi.Radio), Sean Glumace (comic book letterer), Topher Davila (art director, TheJewelryDragon.com; illustrator; producer), Marsia Powers (Fandom Charities, Hellmouth Con), and Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (molecular geneticist and comics writer). As a bonus, each attendee will get a postcard of covered topics and solutions from past panels. Be sure to bring your business card or anything that has your name, email, and phone number on it.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 204C
  1: Programs

3:00pm PDT

The Jack Kirby Museum at 20
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211
Rand Hoppe (founder and director) and Tracy Kirby (Jack Kirby’s granddaughter) discuss the museum’s efforts, events, and impact. See videos of Kirby and scans of rare original art and pencil art photocopies. The museum’s new edition of the color Sky Masters Sunday strips and future Kirby Museum Press offerings will be shown as well.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs

3:00pm PDT

Toddlers to Teens: Writing Kidlit, from Picture Books to Young Adult
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Kidlit authors discuss the craft and business of writing for young audiences. Featuring Marcie Colleen (Penguinaut, Kitten Ninja), Jeffrey Harlan (Donner und Blitzkrieg: Book One of the Minutemen, Invasion: Book One of the Protectorate), Henry Herz (The Festival of Lights, I Am Gravity), Amber Morrell (The Alchemy of Letting Go), Dan Santat (A First Time For Everything, The Misfits series), Leanne Schwartz (To a Darker Shore, A Prayer for Vengeance), and Greg van Eekhout (Happy Town, Weird Kid).
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

Working with Editors
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Alexa Tanen (freelance editor), Lisa Kastner (founder, Running Wild LLC), and David Neuhausel (sci-fi/horror author) break down the author–editor relationship and how to navigate expectations on both sides.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

3:00pm PDT

The Dungeon Run: Mr Fated’s Fortuitous Fête
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 151
The Dungeon Run is a live interactive Dungeons & Dragons actual play with an incredible cast. This raucous tournament is filled with absurd arcane challenges and unpredictable magical mishaps, hosted by the enigmatic Mr Fated. In this enchanted arena, destiny is remixed through mystical divinations and live audience choices, leaving you to wonder if defeat means dire doom or merely another absurd twist of fate. Will our heroes fulfill their Fate, or will their memory fade into oblivion—you decide!
Friday March 28, 2025 3:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 151
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference   1: Programs

3:30pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #2: Comics Under Fire: Navigating Censorship and Resistance in Education
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 210
During the 2023–2024 school year, book bans in U.S. schools surged significantly, and a notable portion of these bans targeted graphic novels and comics. As censorship movements continue to escalate, comics educators face increasing challenges in integrating graphic narratives into curricula. From book bannings targeting beloved comics to navigating administrations and departments skeptical of their academic value, the landscape for teaching comics is fraught with obstacles. Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools), Susan Kirtley (Portland State University), and Antero Garcia (Stanford University) hold a discussion reflecting on these pressing issues and exploring strategies for resilience and advocacy in K–12 and post-secondary contexts. They’ll examine the evolving role of comics in education, highlight successes despite adversity, and brainstorm actionable solutions to ensure comics continue to inspire critical thinking and engagement for learners of all ages.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs

3:30pm PDT

Spotlight on Nicholas Meyer
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208
WonderCon special guest Nicholas Meyer’s Sherlock Holmes novel The Seven-Per-Cent Solution was a New York Times bestseller for 40 weeks. His screenplay for the film was nominated for an Academy Award. Six other Holmes novels followed. Meyer made his directing debut from his own screenplay, Time After Time (1979). He wrote and/or directed Star Trek II, IV, and VI and directed The Day After (1983), the most-watched movie ever made for television. His memoir, The View from the Bridge: Memories of Star Trek and a Life in Hollywood, was published by Viking in 2009. He recently published the acclaimed Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell. His seventh Holmes novel, Sherlock Holmes and The Real Thing, will be published this summer by the Mysterious Press. Today, Meyer discusses his career with writer and historian Danny Fingeroth (Jack Ruby: The Many Faces of Oswald’s Assassin).
Special Guests
avatar for Danny Fingeroth

Danny Fingeroth

WonderCon Special Guest
Danny Fingeroth is a cultural historian and commentator. His books include Superman on the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Society and Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics, and the Creation of the Superhero. His 2019 biography of Stan Lee, A Marvelous... Read More →
avatar for Nicholas Meyer

Nicholas Meyer

WonderCon Special Guest
Nicholas Meyer’s Sherlock Holmes novel The Seven-Per-Cent Solution was a New York Times bestseller for 40 weeks and won the British Gold Dagger award for crime fiction. His screenplay for the film was nominated for an Academy Award. Six other Sherlock Holmes novels followed. Meyer... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Books, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Writers & Writing

3:30pm PDT

The Greatest Cartoons Ever!
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
North 100B
Grab your popcorn and watch Mighty Mouse, Popeye, and other vintage animated classics come to life on the big screen! ASIFA-Hollywood teams up with animation historian Jerry Beck to bring you iconic theatrical shorts from Hollywood’s legendary golden age. You’ll see a Fleischer Popeye classic, masterpieces from Chuck Jones and Tex Avery, and plenty more! Dive into the fascinating backstories of how these brilliant filmmakers brought these cartoons to life.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Animation, Historical, Movies

3:30pm PDT

Threads of Fantasy, Fright, and High-Stakes Action
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Costume designers Jennifer Bryan (The Acolyte), Christine Wada (Loki), Marie Schley (Yellowjackets), Cynthia Summers (The Last of Us), and Annie Loppert (The Fall Guy) discuss their creative journeys, the unique challenges of designing for their projects, and the powerful role costumes play in shaping iconic narratives. Moderated by Spencer Williams, host of The Art of Costume Podcast, this panel will weave together threads of fantasy, frights, and high-stakes action. Learn how these artists bring characters to life and how costume design continues to push the boundaries of imagination.
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Costuming, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

3:30pm PDT

Writing for Animation
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Did you ever want to write cartoons? Or just want to know how it’s done? Well, here’s a panel for you! Some folks who’ve written some of your favorite shows will fill you in on what they do, how they do it, and how they got to do it—plus they’ll answer your questions about the art of creating scripts for animation. Brynne Chandler (Disney’s Gargoyles), Paul Dini (Batman: The Animated Series), and John Semper (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) are hosted by moderator Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show).
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animated... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Humor & Satire, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00pm PDT

Art Heals
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Explore with Wayne Lo (Star Wars Clone Wars, ILM VFX art director), Briana Loewinsohn (Raised by Ghosts), and Frank Ordaz (Return of the Jedi, mat painter, fine artist) as they recount the healing power of art in overcoming physical, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual trauma and illness.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs

4:00pm PDT

Comic-Con Museum: Time Lords, Luchadores, and Unicornos
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 211
Traverse three global icons with Comic-Con Museum: Learn about the U.S. premiere of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder: Where Science Meets Fiction! Be the first to hear about other exciting exhibitions opening this spring from Rita Vandergaw (executive director, Comic-Con Museum) and Eddie Ibrahim (senior director of programming, WonderCon and Comic-Con International).
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs

4:00pm PDT

Inside the McFarlane Toys Multiverse
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 200A
Get an exclusive first look at the latest and greatest toys and collectibles from McFarlane Toys and Todd McFarlane himself! Explore exciting brands like DC Multiverse, Marvel, Spawn, and so much more. The McFarlane Toys team, along with special guests, will provide an in-depth look at these highly anticipated products. Plus, there will be some thrilling surprises and giveaways you won’t want to miss!
Special Guests
avatar for Todd McFarlane

Todd McFarlane

WonderCon Special Guest
Todd McFarlane is the Emmy and Grammy Award–winning director/producer and creator of one of the world’s best-selling comics, Spawn. He is known for his work on Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man, where he co-created Venom. Todd is co-founder and President of Image Comics and... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00pm PDT

Smartphone Photography for Cosplayers
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Scott Okuna (photographer, Swallowtail Photo Studio) discusses how cosplayers and convention attendees can generate content and take better photos using their phone cameras. This panel will cover basic principles of photography, lighting, and equipment with live demonstrations.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Cosplay, Seminars & Workshops

4:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Sean Gordon Murphy
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
WonderCon special guest and fan favorite Sean Gordon Murphy, the acclaimed artist known for his work on Batman: White Knight, Punk Rock Jesus, and Zorro (to name a few), has the spotlight shining brightly on him. He will delve into what was, describe what is, and tease what’s yet to come, from his early days and collaborations to his creator-owned material, and all things in between—including the Murphyverse!
Special Guests
avatar for Sean Murphy

Sean Murphy

WonderCon Special Guest
Sean Murphy is a comic book creator known for work on such books as Joe the Barbarian with Grant Morrison, Chrononauts with Mark Millar, American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest and The Wake with Scott Snyder, Tokyo Ghost with Rick Remender, and the miniseries Punk Rock Jesus. In... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:00pm PDT

The Writers Block: Comics as Community
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300A
If you make comics—at any level—you are a part of the community of comics. What does that entail? What can you bring to the community, and what does the community give back to you? How can you be a better, more responsible member of this disparate group of professionals, amateurs, and fans? Co-hosts of the award-winning podcast The Writers Block, David Avallone (Elvira) and Rylend Grant (The Jump) will address these vital questions with a panel from across the spectrum of the comics community, including comics librarian Moni Barette (Creators Alliance), retailer Julio Galvez (We Can Be Heroes), editor Kris Longo (Panick), and artist Cat Staggs (Star Wars).
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

4:00pm PDT

Yar, The Pirates of Star Wars
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
Star Wars has had nearly 50 years of piracy, from child endangerment and property rights in Skeleton Crew to plundering Kyber Crystals in Clone Wars, smuggling puffer pigs in Star Wars Rebels, employment opportunities for the Bad Batch, and an open threat in Resistance. The Legal Geeks offer an all-hands-on-deck adventure of the law of the high seas as they search for lawful treasures of the pirates of Star Wars in live action and animation. Featuring Judge Carol Najera, Katrina Wraight, and Stephen Tollafield. Moderated by Joshua Gilliland.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

4:30pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #3: After 50 Years, Why Do Spidey Super Stories Comics Still Matter to Autistic Kids and Everybody Else?
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 210
In the fall of 1974, the prestigious Children’s Television Workshop teamed up with Marvel Comics to publish the Electric Company Spidey Super Stories comic books. The simple, fun, diverse, and relatively nonviolent stories were designed to help 6- to 10-year-olds learn to read, and they have aged surprisingly well. Panel moderator Britton Payne (Nickelodeon), artist and editor John Jennings (MEGASCOPE, Marvel Super Stories), and speech and language therapist Hannah Bogen Novak discuss the origin of the venture, the structure of the stories, the “far-out” concepts (including the first black Spider-Woman, Spider-Man vs. Jaws, and the infamous Thanos-Copter), and the modern developmental value of the 57-issue run and its impact on modern comics for kids.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing

4:30pm PDT

Gay Geeks and Where to Find Them
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Nicole Maines (actress and writer), Emmett Yonemura (director, X-Men '97), DJ Croft (cosplayer), and D'Manda Martini (drag artist) gather to discuss their careers and projects, seeking diversity and representation, and how being a member of the community influenced their work. Moderated by Julian Jetson (host and stylist).
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Comics, Cosplay, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Television, Writers & Writing

4:30pm PDT

Hanna-Barbera History
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera were the kings of TV animation for decades, especially on Saturday mornings. Their studio produced countless childhood favorites, including The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Scooby Doo, Yogi Bear, Space Ghost, Top Cat, Quick Draw McGraw, Jonny Quest, The Smurfs, Superfriends, and dozens of others. Come hear all about what went on in the hallowed halls of Hanna-Barbera from writers Mark Evanier and John Semper (who worked at that studio) and animation historians Jerry Beck and Greg Ehrbar.
Special Guests
avatar for Mark Evanier

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest
Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animated... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Animation, Historical, Humor & Satire, Kids, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30pm PDT

Terrifying Tropes
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
Alexa Donne (The Bitter End), Liz Kerin (First Light), CJ Leede (American Rapture), Chuck Tingle (Bury Your Gays), and Justine P. Winans (How to Survive a Slasher), moderated by Judy Prince-Neeb (Torrance Public Library), discuss tropes—from familiar elements to the reinvention of beloved classics, designed to quicken one's pulse.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs

4:45pm PDT

Legion M: Crowdfunding at Its Finest
Friday March 28, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
North 100B
Legion M, the world’s first fan-owned entertainment company, has pioneered an equity crowdfunding strategy that makes it possible for anyone to become an entertainment investor. Learn how Legion M has brought to the big screen films like Kevin Smith’s Jay and Silent Bob: Reboot; the William Shatner documentary You Can Call Me Bill; and the dramedy My Dead Friend Zoe, starring Sonequa Martin-Green, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman—and discover how you, too, can be involved. Legion M co-founders Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison and executive David Baxter discuss their upcoming projects—most notably Fade to Black, starring Karan Soni (Deadpool film franchise), who will also be featured on the panel.
Friday March 28, 2025 4:45pm - 5:45pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Movies

5:00pm PDT

A Crew Far, Far Away
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 207
What is it like to work on a Star Wars show on Disney+? Key droid technician and puppeteer Mike Senna, droid assistant and puppeteer Victor Franco, and puppeteers William Miyamoto and Rob Wight discuss their experiences working on Skeleton Crew and Kenobi.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

Comic Pitch Review Friday
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 204C
What is a pitch? A pitch is simply a way to present yourself or your project to others. It is usually a brief speech designed to persuade your listener into supporting what you’re doing or what you’ve made. Giving a good pitch is a vital skill in bringing your project to life. Fortunately, it’s also a skill you can learn and improve with practice—and Pitch Review is a great place to do that. If you’re someone who wants to get better at pitching your work (and especially if you’re a writer or artist attending the Comic Creator Connection immediately after this event), this is your chance to practice giving your pitch and get some invaluable help. Pitch reviews will be conducted by Douglas Neff, a professional speechwriter, speaker coach, and host of the Comic Creator Connection. Note: This is not a typical panel. These are 3- to 5-minute individual coaching sessions for as many people as can be accommodated in the scheduled time. Spaces are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, and everyone is welcome to watch and learn from the sessions.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 204C
  1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

Creating Comics: Ask the Pros
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Jim Krueger (Justice, Earth X), Tim Sheridan (Alan Scott Green Lantern), Zen (Pink Power, HiCon Media), Mathias Lewis (Knowhere Games and Comics, Eisner Awards judge 2024), Jeromy DeChant (senior director communications and strategy. Modern Fantastic), and Mark Habbegar (North County Cartoonist Society, Little Fish Comics) are joined by Brock Smith (The Ferryman) and Christian Pedersen (The Ferryman) of ZRock Comics to field your questions about creating your comic book and breaking into the industry.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

How to Build a WALL-E 101
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300E
This panel gives a brief description of the WALL-E Builders Club along with details on how to join. Panelists will also discuss some of the basic building techniques, as well as how to bring WALL-E to life as a puppeteer.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes: Exclusive First Look at Upcoming Releases
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Get ready for a preview of new figures and collectibles dropping soon for Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Simpsons, and more. Plus, Disguise Costumes will unveil a lineup of must-have costumes hitting stores this year. Stick around after the reveal for an engaging Q&A session with the panel—and test your knowledge in a fun trivia challenge for a chance to win special prizes!
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Derek Kirk Kim
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
WonderCon special guest Derek Kirk Kim and moderator Jordan Morris (Youth Group) give a special presentation on Derek's career in both comics (The Last Mermaid, Same Difference) and animation (Adventure Time, Amphibia) with lots of giveaways, including a page of original art! Plus, a sneak peek of his upcoming Image Comics graphic novel, Royals (with artist Jacob Perez), performed by Holly Chou (X-Men ‘97), Desmond Chiam (The Falcon and The Winter Soldier), James Chen (The Walking Dead), and James Tang (Squid Game 2)!
Special Guests
avatar for Derek Kirk Kim

Derek Kirk Kim

WonderCon Special Guest
Derek Kirk Kim is an award-winning writer, artist, and director. He is the creator of The Last Mermaid from Image Comics and the Eisner, Harvey, and Ignatz Award–winning graphic novel Same Difference and Other Stories. He garnered his second Eisner Award with The Eternal Smile... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Movies, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Sam Maggs
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 211
New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award–nominated writer Sam Maggs (Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars) discusses writing across mediums, genres, and IPs in this fandom-forward one-on-one interview with Dani Carr (Critical Role: The Chronicles of Exandria)
Special Guests
avatar for Sam Maggs

Sam Maggs

WonderCon Special Guest
Sam Maggs is a New York Times bestselling author of books, comics, and video games. Her novels include Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars and The Unstoppable Wasp: Built on Hope. She’s written for games like Call of Duty: Vanguard, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, and Marvel’s Spider-Man... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Comics, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:00pm PDT

TTRPG Actual Plays: The Next Generation
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
North 151
For over ten years, players of tabletop roleplaying games like Dungeons & Dragons have been filming and streaming their games to audiences worldwide. These Actual Plays have exploded in popularity but are still in their creative infancy. Panelists will discuss the past, present, and possible future evolution of this unique form of storytelling. Featuring Amy Vorpahl (Sagas of Sundry), Jake Michaels (Good Time Society), and Noxweiler Berf (Hunters Entertainment). Moderated by Edward Doty (creative director, compadre, former producer of Critical Role).
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
North 151
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference   1: Programs

5:00pm PDT

Creators Assemble: Comics Camaraderie Networking Event
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 206B
Together, creators, publishers, comic shop owners, teachers, and library workers have brought greater acceptance to comics and fan culture. Take a break from hectic convention life to experience “speed dating” style networking with diverse comics enthusiasts from all backgrounds. This year’s lineup includes comics industry insiders Bryant Dillon (president, Fanbase Press), Jeromy Dechant (Modern Fanatic), Bre Sarpy (Ignition Press), Alex Antone (Skybound), Morgan Perry (Square Enix), and Mathias Lewis (Knowhere Games & Comics); creators Charlie Stickney (White Ash), David Avallone (Drawing Blood), Jeffrey Snow (Snowstorm Comics), Arthur Ebuen (Studio 12-7), David Booher (Canto), Mog Park (comic artist), Omar Morales (Major Thomás), Dylan Davison (Pretend Man) and Tom Breyfogle (How I Became a Shoplifter); and comics librarians and educators Matthew Atherton, Joel Bakker, Joe Barrette, Moni Barrette, Elias Campos, Janie Ghinazzi, Jenni Powell, Sophia Juarez, Jack Phoenix, and Dan Wood.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 206B
  1: Programs, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing |   5: Portfolio Review, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Seminars & Workshops, Writers & Writing

5:15pm PDT

Spotlight on Todd McFarlane
Friday March 28, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
North 200A
Todd McFarlane takes the stage to share his journey of breaking into comics. From his start with DC and Spider-Man to co-creating Venom, he went on to revolutionize the industry with Spawn, Image Comics, and his ever-expanding empire in entertainment and collectibles.
Special Guests
avatar for Todd McFarlane

Todd McFarlane

WonderCon Special Guest
Todd McFarlane is the Emmy and Grammy Award–winning director/producer and creator of one of the world’s best-selling comics, Spawn. He is known for his work on Spider-Man and The Amazing Spider-Man, where he co-created Venom. Todd is co-founder and President of Image Comics and... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 5:15pm - 6:15pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances, Art and Illustration, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Music, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Televi

5:30pm PDT

Bridging The Expanse: There Are No Small Roles
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Moderator Michael Pea (senior writer, Friends of Comic-Con) with Krys Keller (professor of creative writing), Robert Hurt (astronomer at CalTech), Krys Blackwood (principal designer, NASA JPL), and Julius Francisco (Southern CA School of Writing 2.0) explore those moments in The Expanse when the players in the smaller roles rise to heroic levels or fall to Stygian depths. “We make it all this way, so far out into the darkness. Why couldn't we have brought more light?”
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

5:30pm PDT

From Concept to Reality: A Creative's Journey into Unreal Engine and Blender 3D
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 210
Stephen Burns (3D artist, author), Nikolai Svakhin (Adobe 3D engineer), and Eric Huelsman (Studio Arts Los Angeles) demonstrate the possibilities of using Blender 3D to design and create concepts that aid in telling great stories. Get a comprehensive exploration of Unreal Engine and Blender, two powerhouse tools renowned for their ability to turn concepts into interactive and visually stunning realities. Participants will be guided through the entire creative process, from conceptualizing ideas to mastering the intricacies of Blender's 3D modeling, texturing, and animation, followed by the seamless integration and interactivity provided by Unreal Engine.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Education, Seminars & Workshops

5:30pm PDT

SDSA X Marvel: Set Decorators of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Set decorators, assemble! Being the set decorator on a Marvel film or TV show is a career highlight. Set decorators from Loki (Claudia Bonfe), Miss Marvel (Karuna Karmarkar), Agent Carter (Ellen Totleben), and others share the joys and the unique struggles of creating sets for some of the comic book world’s biggest screen adaptations.
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

5:30pm PDT

Storyboarding for Commercials, TV, and More
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
Rafael Navarro (storyboard artist on The Batman and creator of Sonambulo), Marcus Harris (storyboard artist and penciler/cover artist on Necessary Evil), Chris Kawagiwa (ADG 800 senior artist and creator of Sunless Circus comics), Ralph Miranda (ADG 800 senior artist and co-creator of Oh, Bubba Lu!), and others discuss the evolving entertainment industry and the current state of storyboarding in regards to AI. Hear insights, tips, and lessons on how to stay productive, motivated, and vital as human storytellers. Q&A moderated by Daisy Miranda (co-creator of Oh, Bubba Lu!).
Friday March 28, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs

6:00pm PDT

Celebrating Tolkien Reading Day
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 207
TheOneRing.net (TORn) is the longest-running Tolkien fan website based on the writings of J.R.R. Tolkien. Tolkien Reading Day is usually celebrated on March 25th (the day the One Ring was destroyed), or as close to that date as we can get. The Tolkien Society started this tradition in 2003 to encourage new fans of the LOTR films to discover more works by Tolkien. TORn staffers Clifford Broadway (host of TORn Tuesday), Kristi Fojtik (founder of Tolkien Forever), Josh Rubinstein (former host of TORn Book Club), Nicole Roberts (TORn outreach coordinator), and friend Rhonda Morgan (Tolkien Forever founding member) will share select passages from several of Tolkien's books, including many you may never have heard of. Moderated by Cathy Udovch (TORn special events coordinator).
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs

6:00pm PDT

Hip-Hop and Comics: Cultures Combining
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Hip-hop and comics share numerous connections and exist in constant communication with one another. Rappers and graffiti artists utilize superheroic imagery; DJs and producers create universes of sound; comic creators and animators incorporate Hip-Hop's musical and visual vocabularies; collectors dig through crates for key back issues and rare breakbeats. Both forms reconfigure and remix elements, blending styles and genres and inspiring passionate fanbases. Moderator Patrick A. Reed brings together an all-star group of artistic innovators to discuss the bonds between these two vital creative cultures.
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

6:00pm PDT

How to Boldly Go
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 211
For almost 60 years, Star Trek has boldly gone where no fandom has gone before . . . and shows no signs of slowing down. However, with so much Trek and such little time, it can be overwhelming to figure out how to enter the fandom. A panel of sci-fi and Star Trek pros compare and contrast various series from TV, film, streaming, comics, and novels and give the ultimate top ten essentials for any new Trekkie. Hosted by Tony Kim (Hero Within), with panelists Yezenia Hernandez, Giraffe, Aaron Hendricks, and WonderCon special guest Nicholas Meyer (Sherlock Holmes and the Telegram from Hell). Engage!
Special Guests
avatar for Nicholas Meyer

Nicholas Meyer

WonderCon Special Guest
Nicholas Meyer’s Sherlock Holmes novel The Seven-Per-Cent Solution was a New York Times bestseller for 40 weeks and won the British Gold Dagger award for crime fiction. His screenplay for the film was nominated for an Academy Award. Six other Sherlock Holmes novels followed. Meyer... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Comics, Books, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:00pm PDT

Next Level 3D Printing
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Is your MK 50 suit melting? Boltgun breaking your back? Looking for inspiration or a creative touch for your next costume or nerdy project for around the house? 3D printing enthusiasts Anastasia Hunter (droid builder and costumer) and Matt Greenberg (manufacturing specialist, nerd) review different printable materials and how to get the most out of them. This program will have demonstrations and fun for everyone, with tips so good even Dr. Doom may lurk in the back taking notes!
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

6:00pm PDT

Spotlight on Darick Robertson
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
From Space Beaver to New Warriors to Transmetropolitan to The Boys, Eisner Award-nominee and WonderCon special guest Darick Robertson has been around the block more times than an Uber in a no-parking zone. Moderator, the hilarious Matt Weinhold discusses with Darick his decades-long career in comics working for companies such as DC, Marvel, Image, and now IDW, and what the future may hold. Ask your questions, and hopefully get some answers in this spotlight panel presentation and Q&A.
Special Guests
avatar for Darick Robertson

Darick Robertson

WonderCon Special Guest
Darick Robertson is an American comic book artist, writer, creator, and executive producer with a decades-long career in the industry. His notable works include co-creating with Warren Ellis the award-winning Transmetropolitan and co-creating with Garth Ennis the comic that inspired... Read More →
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

6:00pm PDT

Toonstock’s Sweet 16!
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 100B
Toonstock, the entertaining celebration of music in animation, returns with its 16th edition featuring a bevy of tuneful toons and the beloved Batman: The Brave and the Bold sing-along to the landmark “Mayhem of the Music Meister” episode. The Archive Guys Podcast hosts Matt Patterson and DW Ferranti, and moderator Gary Miereanu assemble for a melodious salute with some surprise guests, interactive performances, and oh-so-cool prizes.
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Animation, Fandom, Movies, Music, Superheroes, Television

6:00pm PDT

Writing for Indie Comics
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Whether self-publishing or working for an independent publisher, writing indie comics presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to share your creative vision with the world. Learn the tricks and tips of the trade from writers Tom Pinchuk (Remember Andy Xenon?), Nicholas Doan (The Kid and The Ripper), Daniel Gastelum (CHSR), and Mike Wellman (A Shadow Called Danger). Hosted by David Lucarelli (Tinseltown). Free comics for everyone who asks a question!
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

6:00pm PDT

Protospiel Game Lab
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
North 152
The Protospiel Game Lab at WonderCon (part of d4) is an event where you can bring a board or card game prototype to play with other designers, play testers, and publishers. It's a great way to break your game and fix it. It doesn't matter what level of polish your game has; it can be near final or made on the spot here. This event is open-house style, come and go, intended for both game designers and players who like to try new things. Hosted by Cardboard Alchemy.
Friday March 28, 2025 6:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
North 152
  D: d4 Tabletop Creative Conference   1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

Collider: Shudder’s Clown in a Cornfield
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
North 200A
Collider senior producer Perri Nemiroff gives and exclusive look at one of Shudder’s hottest upcoming titles, Clown in a Cornfield. Surprise guests from the film will take the stage to offer a sneak peek at the bloody mayhem Frendo the killer clown sparks in the town of Kettle Springs.
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

Comic Book Law School®: An Intellectual Property Primer for Creators and Businesses
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
Copyright and trademark are a cornerstone of protection for creators and businesses (whether in comics or otherwise) of their creative works and product branding. With the demand for content continuing to soar, and with more ways to both create and also fund your works than ever, creators will find themselves with myriad opportunities and options for getting their creative works in front of an audience. But beware: with every advancement comes the need for caution, as potential pitfalls abound. More than ever, knowledge of your rights will play a vital role in reaching success in this constantly shifting landscape. Fortunately for you, Jennifer Walters, Foggy Nelson, and Wolff and Byrd aren’t the only lawyers available to the superhero set, as WonderCon once again brings back noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book), joined by USD School of Law Professor Monica Sullivan to discuss the basics of intellectual property rights that every creator (and business owner) should know. They’ll address issues such as the ownership and protection of ideas, what exactly copyrights and trademarks are, how to acquire copyrights and trademark rights, and the application of those rights to works of authorship, characters, and names. (Please Note: The Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such.) [This program is approved for one (1) credit of California MCLE.]
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television, Video Games, Web, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

Not So Strange Bedfellows: The Relationship Between Comics and Pro Wrestling
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling "a comic book come to life." That is not far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan to the anti-heroics of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and the villainy of Ric Flair, this panel explores the parallels in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms. Featuring Rik Offenberger (First Comics News), Jonathan London (Geekspace), Paul London (Paul London: The Hero of the Prophecy), and Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (Ultima Comics).
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs

6:30pm PDT

Queer Horror: A Film Guide
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Queer horror as a film genre has exploded in the last five years, but LGBTQ horror content has been part of the cinema landscape since the very beginning. Prism Comics and moderator Sean Abley (Fangoria contributor, Socket writer/director, creator/co-editor of Queer Horror: A Film Guide) hosts book contributors Calpernia Addams (Transamerican Love Story, Peabody Award–winning author), Michael Varrati (Midnight Mass podcast with Peaches Christ, There’s a Zombie Outside), and Molly Henery (The Blogging Banshee, Uterus Horror for Certified Forgotten); film director and author Sam Irvin (Elvira’s Haunted Hills, Captain Samouflage and the Frankensam Scam!); and cover artist and filmmaker Brendan Haley (The Jessica Cabin,Fangoria Chainsaw Awards).
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

6:30pm PDT

The First TMNT Movie 35th Anniversary: How It Got to Screen Against All Odds
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) movie producer Bobby Herbeck discusses all the pitfalls and delays in getting the first TMNT movie made, the onslaught of critics’ negative reviews ("There will only be one of these awful films”), and how seven films later there are more to come. Cowabunga dudes and dudettes!
Friday March 28, 2025 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs

7:00pm PDT

Afro-Futurism: Black to the Future VII: Cosplay Heaven (We Didn’t Get All Dressed up for Nothin’!)
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Meet the Black content creators and actors who are pioneering the imaginative use of characters of color in film and television. Panelists will discuss emerging techniques in character portrayal and how Black performers and cosplayers will uniquely impact the entertainment industry. Featuring Kevin Grevious (actor, writer, director, producer, comic book publisher; creator, Underworld and I, Frankenstein), and Rico Anderson (actor, The Orville, Star Trek: Renegades, Grey's Anatomy, S.W.A.T.). Professor Ajani Brown, M.F.A. (lecturer, Africana Studies Department; academic senator, San Diego State University) will introduce the participants. Moderated by Jimmy Diggs (original content producer; screenwriter, Star Trek: Voyager, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

7:00pm PDT

EC Fan-Addict Club
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 211
The EC Fan-Addict Club celebrates 30 years of Horror from the Crypt of Fear and 20 years of The EC Fan-Addict Fanzine. Hosts Thommy Burns (Man and Superman and Other Stories by Harvey Kurtzman, EC Covers Artist’s Edition) and Josh Burns (co-founding admin, EC Fan-Addict Club on Facebook) join EC fanzine publishers Grant Geissman (The History of EC Comics, Tales of Terror! The EC Compendium) and Bill Leach (Horror from the Crypt of Fear) in a celebration of EC fandom moderated by Mike Catron (editor, EC Artist’s Library series from Fantagraphics).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:00pm PDT

First Steps: Comic Book Editing
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 209
Barbara Randall Kesel (DC Comics, Dark Horse), Kristen Koerner Simon (Image Comics, Mad Cave), Vince Hernandez (Aspen Comics), and Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge, Wildstorm) discuss the importance of working with an editor. Here's your chance to hear tips from experienced talents from a variety of established companies to improve your comic book project. Moderated by freelance editor Zen (Artists Elite Comics).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs

7:00pm PDT

From Batman to Basquiat: Contemporary Art and Comics
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Comic book characters are a deep source of inspiration for visual artists as avatars of social commentary and contemporary symbolism. Panelists Alma Villegas (senior director of development, Inner-City Arts), Edgar Arceneaux (artist/director, Studio Edgar Arceneaux and USC Roski School of Art and Design), and Patrick A. Reed (curator/pop culture historian, Hip Hop and Comics panels/Marvel museum exhibitions) discuss their work at the intersection of contemporary art, community, museums, and comics, as well as the work of Andy Warhol, Dulce Pinzon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others. Moderated by Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca (artist/writer/educator, MoMA, LACMA, Beyond Warriors).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Education

7:00pm PDT

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: 10th Anniversary with Editor Maryann Brandon
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 207
Moderator Matt Ryan talks with Star Wars: The Force Awakens editor Maryann Brandon about bringing back the Star Wars saga to the big screen. Ms. Brandon will discuss the editing challenges, tribulations, and her perseverance in overcoming production notes from Sith lords. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and take a look back at Ms. Brandon’s career, which includes Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and the J. J. Abrams Star Trek reboot.
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Anniversaries, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:00pm PDT

The Mythic World of Blood of Zeus: Behind the Scenes with the Creators and Cast
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Creators Charley Parlapanides and Vlas Parlapanides will take center stage alongside key members of the production team and an all-star voice cast to discuss the making of Netflix’s hit mythological anime Blood of Zeus. Panelists will include (subject to availability) Michael Hughes (producer), Meredith Layne (casting director, Castlevania, X-Men ’97, Arcane), Derek Phillips (Heron; Friday Night Lights, 42, Shooter), Claudia Christian (Hera; Babylon 5, 9-1-1, Atlantis: The Lost Empire), Cissy Jones (Demeter; Firewatch, Starfield, Elder Scrolls), Courtenay Taylor (Hecate; X-Men ’97, American Dad!), and Vanessa Marshall (Hestia; Star Wars: The Bad Batch, Harley Quinn, Star Trek: Lower Decks). They will delve into the origins of the series, the casting of legendary voices, and bringing Greek mythology to life with breathtaking animation. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, fan Q&A, and maybe even hints about what’s next in the Blood of Zeus universe.
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Television

7:00pm PDT

Comic Creator Connection Friday
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 204C
Are you a writer with a great idea for a comic book series but you can’t draw? Or maybe you’re an artist looking to illustrate an incredible story but you can’t write. WonderCon is proud to once again host the Comic Creator Connection, a fast-paced networking event that puts writers and artists together to help them meet new creative partners. Here’s how it works: In a two-hour period, writers and artists will sit down across from each other at a table. (And by artists, we mean pencillers, inkers, colorists, etc.—all are welcome!) Then, in five-minute sessions, you will talk one-on-one with each other about your ideas and skills. At the end of each five-minute period, you will get up and move on to the next person. If you’re interested in furthering the conversation, you’ll exchange contact information. Think of it as speed-dating but for writers and artists! Sign-ups are taken in advance for this event, but space may still be available on-site.
Friday March 28, 2025 7:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 204C
  1: Programs

7:30pm PDT

40 Years of Robotech
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 300C
In the year 1985, on television stations across the Western Hemisphere, a phenomenal animated event altered the course of broadcast history: Robotech! Celebrate four decades of this amazing franchise that helped launch the global popularity of anime we enjoy today!
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Anime & Manga, Anniversaries, Comics, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:30pm PDT

Concept to Creation: A Writers Forum
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210
Are you passionate about writing, creating, and storytelling? Do you have a book, script, or idea in need of some TLC? Join creative professionals in an engaging, audience-led discussion designed for independent authors, creators, and artists like you! April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome; reality show winner, Search for the Next Elvira) is joined by Chris Gore (creator, Film Threat, Attack of the Doc), Laurine Price (producer and writer, Phoenix), Jessica Maison (author and comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press; Plastic Girl Trilogy, Mary Shelley’s School for Monsters), Aristotle Dreher (content creator and performer, Aristotle Full Throttle, The Stoning Rolls), Dr. Travis Langley (writer, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight, The Handmaid's Tale Psychology: Seeing Off Red), Alex Langley (writer, Spider-Man Psychology, The Geek Handbook series), and Cosmoe Tayson (producer, The Cosmoe Show; host, Delulu Canoe Podcast).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Books, Comics, Education, Games, Writers & Writing, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, W

7:30pm PDT

Diversity in Fantasy
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
John Wells III (The Kalib Andrews Chronicles), LaDarrion Williams (Blood at the Root), Paul S. Levine (attorney, executor of Jack Kirby’s Estate, advocate for diversity in comics), Amanda Bolden-Weaver (The Witchkind Series, In the House of Transcendence, No One's Gonna Take Her Soul Away), Mary Ting (ISAN, Crown of Wings and Thorns, Descendant Prophecies), Leon Langford (StarLion), and Alexandra Walker (Spider-Verse Unlimited, Don't Tell The Children) discuss diversity in fantasy and what diverse authors owe their own cultures when writing diverse characters. Q&A session moderated by Tiffie Starchild (content creator).
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs

7:30pm PDT

The Dad Batch Podcast: Family Reunion
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
The hosts of the Dad Batch Podcast discuss all things prop and costume building, pop culture, and especially Star Wars. Come ready to ask questions and show off what's on your workbench.
Friday March 28, 2025 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Movies, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television

7:45pm PDT

Adult Swim’s Lazarus Sneak Peek Screening
Friday March 28, 2025 7:45pm - 8:45pm PDT
North 200A
A special look at the new Adult Swim series Lazarus by anime legend Shinichirō Watanabe. Celebrated for his influential body of work that includes Cowboy Bebop,Lazarus marks Watanabe’s return to the sci-fi action genre with a globe-trotting thriller set in the near future. See episodes 1 and 2 ahead of their premiere on Adult Swim.
Friday March 28, 2025 7:45pm - 8:45pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

Analyzing Arkham Asylum
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
Is the Joker actually “insane”? Does Two-Face have “multiple personality disorder” by today’s standards? From an ethical perspective, do Gotham’s rogues belong in prison or in rehab? In works like The Penguin, Joker: Folie a Deux, and Batman: White Knight, DC villains have brought "main character energy" to life, proving themselves as enduring figures in media storytelling—but just how well do these baddies depict the mental health landscape of today, and is there anything wrong with celebrating villain vibes? Media psychologist Drea Letamendi, Ph.D. (Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics), screenwriter Ernie Altbacker (Batman: Hush Animated), and comics writer Kyle Higgins (Nightwing, Batman Beyond 2.0, Batman: Gate of Gotham) deconstruct, decriminalize, and debunk Gotham City’s most notorious institution and the stories behind it. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions Podcast).
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

Dinosaurs in Pop Culture
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207
Reysuka (The Cosplaying Paleontologist) shares her expertise on the realism of dinosaurs, from stop-motion B movies to CGI blockbusters like Jurassic Park. Reysuka studies dinosaurs and has been on expeditions to collect dinosaurs in China, Denmark, and South America. She shares her knowledge of paleontology on social media while combining it with cosplay and comedy.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

In Our Y2K Era: Anime Fandom at the Turn of the Millennium
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Trading tapes with strangers online, reading manga in bookstore aisles, and staying up all night to watch the latest episode of Cowboy Bebop. In a world before streaming, how did anime fans survive? Erica Victoria Espejo (author, The Fangirl Diaries) and Stan "Gekinetic" Oh (League of Legends streamer) discuss what it was like to be an anime fan in the '90s and early '00s.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

On the Mic Podcast with Tim Drake Live from WonderCon
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
Hosted by Tim Drake (Demonetize, Bundy Manor, Funny or Die), award-winning filmmaker, writer, author, and Second City alumnus. Tim's jokes/tweets have been featured on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel LIVE. Tim will be joined by co-host Alex Watson (Demonetize, Bundy Manor, Star Wars Fan Film). They will be talking film, TV, and comedy.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

The GCATs: Geek Culture Aptitude Test
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
The Welcome Party (Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and JPG) cordially invites you to the GCATs, the Geek Culture Aptitude Test! This is an afterparty game where hosts Victoria Male (film writer, producer, public speaker) and Kim Wong (actress/voice actress; Queen of Tears, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop) dig deep into their pop culture trivia knowledge and the school lessons they’ve probably already forgotten. Combining trivia questions with the anxiety and panic that standardized tests create, panelists will have the chance to earn points through syntax, mathematical equations, and a secret third subject.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

8:00pm PDT

True Crime in Comics
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E
The Cereal Killer duo, Anastasia Washington (Grind) and Maria Spiridigliozzi (LITTOH), are joined by panelists David Crownson (Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer,Killer Bee), Veronica Shea (Criminal Gines), Ashley Maria (Super Human Anxiety), Samantha Hale (Horror Nerd), Melissa Howland (We Are Movie Meeks), Gina Powers Hendry (Deadhead, Gaslighter), and Rebekah McKendry (Fangoria, Shudder) discuss true crime in comics. An interactive panel with guests, prizes, and yes . . . cereal.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

8:00pm PDT

Bikini Bottom Bash: Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
North 100B
Get ready for an electrifying night of music, laughter, and animated mayhem as Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas team up with Radioactive Chicken Heads for an unforgettable live concert event. Joining the party is Luis Carreño, the beloved Spanish voice of Bob Esponja, making this a truly global SpongeBob celebration! And to keep the energy sky-high, the one and only DJ Lance Rock (Yo Gabba Gabba!) will be spinning and hosting the night, bringing his signature mix of fun and funk. Fans of animation, music, and all things pop culture won’t want to miss this one-night-only spectacle!
Friday March 28, 2025 8:00pm - 9:30pm PDT
North 100B
  1: Programs, Animation, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Music, Television

8:30pm PDT

Bad Medicine: The Best and Worst of Michael Bay
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 208
Johnny Kolasinski and Dr. Jackson Vane, the creators of Hi Everybody! A Bad Medicine Podcast, along with Dr. Ewa Farrelly, Dr. Courtney Nicholas, and Dr. Greg Winter, discuss what blockbuster director/producer Michael Bay gets right and wrong about medicine and how the body works.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 208
  1: Programs

8:30pm PDT

How to Use Hypnotic Language for Dynamic Storytelling
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 210
Being able to tell engaging stories is an art form. But what if you had specific techniques to capture an audience’s attention? Learn how to hypnotize your audience as certified hypnotherapist Grant Offenberger (Grant Me Peace: Hypnotherapy, Talk Is Jericho) moderates this panel of storytellers who will share their techniques for engaging an audience’s attention. Featuring Maria Kanellis (WWE, Playboy), Jon Allen (Rick and Morty, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure), Tim Chizmar (Comedy Central, FilmThreat Best Indie Horror Film 2024 winner), and Murray Sawchuck (Pawn Stars, Masters of Illusion on CW).
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 210
  1: Programs

8:30pm PDT

StreetPass OC: Nintendo Quizbowl IX Pokébowl Edition
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
Welcome all to an almost annual tradition at WonderCon: The Nintendo Quizbowl! Do you have what it takes to be a master? Everyone wants to show their skills. Make your way to the top of the hill! Join Kiet Pham, Ryan Lu, and Adam Shere to compete for an opportunity to win prizes. No fish were harmed in the making of this panel.
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 213AB
  1: Programs, Games, Video Games

8:30pm PDT

Taskmaster LA: Champion of Champions Extravaganza
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
The Taskmaster LA live-stage comedy show comes to WonderCon! Contestants Johnny Stanton IV (Former NFL fullback, game designer), Kiri Callaghan (author/actor), Lemar Harris (comedian, streamer), and Sarah Durnesque (Pick Your Poison Productions) will be challenged to complete absurd, often hilarious tasks to earn arbitrary points from the Taskmaster Ryan Omega (host/game designer) and Taskmaster assistant Reuben Bresler (game design instructor NYFA). This panel heavily involves the audience, making them an integral part of the fun and chaos!
Friday March 28, 2025 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C
  1: Programs, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire

9:00pm PDT

Advanced Screening of the Season Two Premiere Episode of The Walking Dead: Dead City (AMC/AMC+)
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
North 200A
Get an exclusive advanced screening of AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City ahead of the premiere of the second season. The series follows fan-favorite characters Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and Negan (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) as they travel into a postapocalyptic Manhattan, long ago cut off from the mainland. In season 2, in the growing war for control of Manhattan, Maggie and Negan find themselves trapped on opposite sides.
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
North 200A
  1: Programs

9:00pm PDT

Greatest Comic Book Supervillain Tournament
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300E
Batman was victorious in the 2024 WonderCon Greatest Comic Book Superhero tournament. This year, it’s the villains’ turn. Your favorite comic book supervillains square off in a bracket-style tournament. Listen to GG4G superfan panelists (Joe Queen, Brian Slape, Steve Fromm, Jason Wilkerson, and Robert Lanuza), fill out your tournament bracket, and vote on head-to-head villain matchups until the greatest is crowned! Select audience members will have the opportunity to advocate for their favorite villain throughout the matchups. Who will dominate the vote and reign supreme?
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300E
  1: Programs

9:00pm PDT

Mighty: A Look Back at Browncoat Fandom
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 211
Head out into the black with this shiny crew of panelists as they reminisce about the early days of Browncoat fandom. Learn how a shared love of Firefly's misfit crew evolved into Universal Studios’ fueling Serenity's second chance to fly—this time on the big screen. Celebrate the OB, the heroes of B3, and the formation of long-running social events for good, including "Can't Stop the Serenity" screenings and the Browncoat Ball. This salute to the fandom seeks to answer "What makes Browncoats so mighty?"
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 211
  1: Programs

9:00pm PDT

Star Wars Trivia Challenge Strikes Back!
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Teams compete in spirited rounds of mind-bending Star Wars trivia ranging from the movies and TV shows to fandom and parody songs. Hosts Richard and Sarah Woloski (Skywalking Through Neverland/Today in Star Wars History) and Leilani Shiu (The Mandalorian,Obi-Wan Kenobi) facilitate the fast-paced fun as teams answer quirky trivia questions. You don’t have to be a trivia expert, and you may even learn some fun Star Wars facts. Prizes! Prizes! Prizes!
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
  1: Programs, Books, Games, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television, Video Games

9:00pm PDT

The Emperor of the Iceberg Lounge: Inside the Mind of the Penguin
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300A
The new series The Penguin takes viewers deep into the origin of one of Batman’s best-known villains. From being overlooked and disregarded to being the kingpin of Gotham’s underground, the origin story of the Penguin, as told by this series, is psychologically rich, with topics of trauma, relationships, overcoming insecurities, and forming one's identity present in almost every episode. Lorran Garrison, M.A. Ed. (Little Brainstorm), Dr. Sara Roldan (Our Oasis Community Podcast), Travis Adams, L.S.W. (Spider-Man Psychology), and Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology) dive deep and explore the Penguin’s story to understand why he's a fan favorite. Moderated by Dr. Benjamin Taitz (Psychology for Geeks).
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 300A
  1: Programs, Comics, Education, Superheroes, Television

9:00pm PDT

The Same Old Song: Musical Remakes
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 207
Musical theater, once an accessible entertainment medium, at one point became out of reach for the regular consumer—until film brought musicals onto the big screen. With animated music features, traditional musicals, and music-based storytelling becoming more and more accessible again, why are musical remakes so important to the pop culture zeitgeist? The hosts of Nothing New: A Remake Podcast (Andrew Linde and Justin Quizon) are joined by panelists Bethany Brinton (film composer, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Logan), Joy Regullano (actress; creator of the Supportive White Parents musical), and Alix Catherine (host, The Welcome Party) address the renaissance of musical remakes, how retelling a story with song brings new life to the plot, and why so many films’ trailers hide the fact that they are secretly musicals.
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 207
  1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Education, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Television

9:00pm PDT

Upcoming Video Games to Be Hyped For
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
Gareth Von Kallenbach joins members of Skewed and Reviewed for a lively look at upcoming video games to be hyped for. This program features a mix of video and Q&A and will cover a wide range of games for current and next-generation systems.
Friday March 28, 2025 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 209
  1: Programs, Games, Video Games
 
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  • Cardboardia
  • Change My Mind
  • D&D Dungeons and Dragons Adventurers League 5e
  • Desert Dirt Roads
  • Dice Throne
  • Dire Wolf Games
  • Friendly Bee Game Company
  • GSGN: Golden State Gaming Network
  • HeroClix
  • IGA: Indie Game Alliance
  • Koalatie Games
  • No Limit Games
  • Off the Shelf Games
  • Pathfinder & Starfinder Society
  • Pull the Pin Games
  • Relic Worlds
  • Renegade Games
  • SafeHaven Games LLC
  • SciFi.Radio
  • SJG: Steve Jackson Games
  • Slugfest
  • SRG Universe Inc
  • Sunrise Tornado
  • Sunwolf Studios
  • Tavern Crawl Games
  • Zombicide