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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
