Starting as an assistant to Will Eisner on The Spirit, through his “Feiffer” syndicated strip, to his groundbreaking history The Great Comic Book Heroes, to movies like Carnal Knowledge and Popeye, to his Kill My Mother graphic novel trilogy, to his many children’s books, Jules Feiffer (who passed away in January at age95) was a true titan in a wide array of media. Remembering Feiffer’s life and career today is an expert panel, including Charles Hatfield (CSU Northridge), Michael Dooley (Art Center College of Design), Jim Thompson (Duke University), and moderator Danny Fingeroth (Will Eisner Studios).
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 →
Saturday March 29, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
Comics and games are the two largest mediums in geek culture that intersect for most of fandom. From adaptations of the same IPs to why fans love both of them is explored by creators and players alike. Why choose comics or games when you can fall in love with both?
Saturday March 29, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 209
Everyone may be the hero of their own story, but what does it take to summon main character energy that can carry a compelling narrative, whether in romantasy, folklore, mystery, silent film stunt work, or high-tech suspense? Rachel Howzell Hall (The Last One), Darby Kane (What the Wife Knew), Autumn Krause (Before the Devil Knows You're Here), Nicole Maggi (A Murder in Zion), Mallory O’Meara (Daughter of Daring), and Sara Sligar (Vantage Point) discuss how their MCs hold center stage and strive against conflicts and obstacles; moderated by Southern CA Bookseller Maryelizabeth Yturralde.
Saturday March 29, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Get ready to unwind and step into a realm of enchanting, low-stakes adventures with Ann Aguirre (I Think I’m in Love with an Alien), C. B. Lee (Coffeeshop in an Alternate Universe), S. A. MacLean (The Phoenix Keeper), and Purpah (Suitor Armor). Moderated by Michelle Bucud (Mysterious Galaxy).
Saturday March 29, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
Act 4 Publishing is off and running! Scott and Amanda Dunbier walk fans through what is in store for discerning aficionados of Artist’s Editions, deluxe archival collections, and even some brand-new comics. Besides the recently announced Jim Aparo’s DC Classics Artist’s Edition and Darwyn Cooke’s The Complete Spirit Connoisseur Edition, they’ll be announcing several new releases in the coming year—all with lots of art presented.
Saturday March 29, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
With the new Fantastic Four: First Steps movie coming out in just a few short months, Gary Sassaman (former director of programming and publications, Comic-Con and WonderCon) takes a nostalgic look back at “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine!” in this graphics-filled presentation featuring the “first steps” of the Fantastic Four comic book series by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Joining Sassaman to discuss growing up with the FF and Kirby’s boundless creativity is WonderCon special guest Mark Evanier (Kirby: King of Comics, Groo the Wanderer), friend and former assistant of the artist.
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 →
Saturday March 29, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
Cartoonist and librarian Julie Fiveash, filmmaker and award-winning graphic novelist James Spooner (The High Desert), and cartoonist Emmanuel Guerrero (Cactus Kid) share what it means to be storytellers in a global culture that's becoming more suppressive and exploitative, the ways they stay rooted in collective care to keep on, and how readers and fans can continue advocating for diverse stories. Moderated by Christine Pasalo Norland (writer, founder, Hello Barkada).
Saturday March 29, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209
The importance of Middle Eastern/North African (MENA) representation in arts and entertainment remains strong today, but there is still more to be done and also much to recognize and celebrate. Learn from a panel of talented MENA Americans how their background and experiences shaped them and the progress to make for further representation. Featuring actor/writer Yas Modares Ghasiri (MVP,Babysplitters), DGA assistant director Esraa Darwish (Brooklyn Nine-Nine,Fast X), comedian Sarah Fatemi (LA's Roast Battle Champion 2023,SkankFest 2024), cartoonist/podcast host Kaveh Taherian (Mothman’s Compendium of Southern California Cryptids,500 Open Tabs), content creator/cosplayer Jasmin Joestar (Twitch), and graphic designer T. J. Searl (The Morning Show,Schooled). Moderated by actor/filmmaker Paul Zecharia (Mr. Student Body President,Last Call).
Saturday March 29, 2025 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 209
Educators, mental health professionals, and creators explore the impact of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander representation in recent films and animation. Panelists share personal experiences from their work with students, clients, and the entertainment industry while discussing ways to challenge stereotypes and tell authentic stories.
Saturday March 29, 2025 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 209
Women working professionally in small businesses and art studios are trying to keep their careers afloat or build them in a world of more and more AI art imitations and fewer jobs. What will the future hold? Panelists discuss working in the animation business as either freelance or for a studio and what that entails. Featuring Star Wars fine artist Tricia Buchanan Benson and The Simpsons director Debbie Mahan. Moderated by Melody Severns.
Saturday March 29, 2025 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 209
As Batman's archnemesis turns 85, does the anniversary of the Joker's debut mark the anniversary of supervillainy itself? Many call the Joker the original supervillain, but what about Hugo Strange and other baddies who arrived first? Or their predecessors in pulp fiction, legends, and ancient myths? Dr. Travis Langley (The Joker Psychology, Daredevil Psychology) leads the discussion as Jonathan Butler (The Flash), Dr. Shelly Clevenger (Understanding Victimology), Victor Dandridge, Jr. (Vantage:inHouse), Alex Langley (100 Greatest Graphic Novels, Spider-Man Psychology), Britton Payne (Nickelodeon), and Dr. Brittani Oliver Sillas-Navarro (Black Panther Psychology) discuss the enduring popularity of fantastic troublemakers as controversial as Killmonger or Magneto, as grand as Thanos or Doctor Doom, as quirky as Kite-Man, or as much fun as Harley Quinn. Beware!
Saturday March 29, 2025 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209
