We are experiencing an unprecedented micro-publishing boom in comics. Creators who have worked with companies like Marvel, DC, and Scout for years are walking away from traditional publishing to start their own companies. Rylend Grant and David Avallone, co-hosts of the Telly Award–winning Writers Block podcast, sit down with Micro Publishing company honchos—including Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), Ray Anthony Height (Studio Skye-Tiger), and Charlie Stickney (White Ash Comics)—to discuss how and why they went into business for themselves.
Sunday March 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 213CD
The Comic-Con Museum education program leverages all that you love at Comic-Con and brings it to life through programs for schools, the community, and comics fans. Emily Schindler (senior director of learning and engagement, Comic-Con Museum) and Jewyl Alderson (San Diego County Office of Education) will share more about how the popular arts bring learning to life and how you can be part of the movement, whether you are in the creative industry or in education.
Sunday March 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Austin Bruns (Ánimo Leadership Charter High School), Warren Smith (Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy), and MarQuitta Sutton (Alain Leroy Locke College Preparatory Academy) share how comics and graphic novels reimagine ELA classrooms, fostering engagement, critical inquiry, and creativity. Learn how students create digital comics, websites, and cover art while showcasing their work in a classroom comic convention. Moderated by Leondria Brown (Green Dot Public Schools).
Sunday March 30, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
The Los Angeles fires, Hurricane Helene, the COVID pandemic—the tragic disasters of the past decade have left a lot of people wondering what they can do to deal with the aftermath—and what can be done to protect themselves for the future. Comic Book Legal Defense Fund interim director Jeff Trexler and others discuss how these events have affected the comics community, what you need to know about contracts and insurance, and where to go for help.
Sunday March 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Has crowdfunding become too crowded? Moderator Andy Nordvall (Bad Future Comics) holds a lively discussion with panelists Carl Choi (247 Comics), Eddie deAngelini (The Collectors), Chris Hill (Rapture Productions), Oriana Leckert (Kickstarter’s head of publishing), and C. Solis (The Order of the Nun-Ya) on how to navigate an ever-changing online landscape.
Sunday March 30, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Marianne Parker (costume designer, pattern maker), iAsia Brown (senior producer Xbox, Microsoft), Jude Escalante (specialty costumer), Barbara Ingleheart (costume supervisor), and Erica Schwartz (assistant designer/key costumer) share insights and advice on having a career in design and storytelling. Hosted by Heather Cook (speaker and community builder, Microsoft).
Sunday March 30, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
Learn how to enhance your creative collaborations with practical advice on networking and communication, helping you unlock your creative potential and promoting effective resource, workflow, and time management. Ron Coleman, Ph.D. (molecular geneticist and comics writer) moderates the panel with Gene Turnbow (founder of SciFi.Radio), James Frye (managing editor, TheConGuy.com; screenwriter), Stephen Burns (Photoshop digital artist, author, lecturer) and Topher Davila (art director, TheJewelryDragon.com, illustrator/producer). As a bonus, one person will have a chance to win a One by Wacom Tablet ($49 value), courtesy of Wacom. In addition, each attendee will get a postcard of covered topics and solutions from past panels.
Sunday March 30, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 213CD
