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
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
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
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!
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
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)!
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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), Annalee Newitz (Automatic Noodle), 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
It's all about the chase scenes, witty superheroes, thrilling mystery, and exciting escapades in these stories. Moderator Thien Pham (Family Style) joins authors Kayden Phoenix (Latina Superheroes, Vol. 1: Jalisco and Santa), Steve Breen (Sky & Ty 2: Dinomite!), and Emmanuel Guerrero (Cactus Kid The Battle for Star Rock Mountain,Cactus Kid Rumble at the Rodeo) as they explore exercising imaginations and engaging passions with graphic novels.
Sunday March 30, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 209
Jason Reitman (Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire), Paula Newstat (Sony Pictures Entertainment), Matt Zunich (Los Angeles Ghostbusters), and Madison Shearer (Starlight Children’s Foundation) discuss how community and philanthropy intersect with the Ghostbusters legacy and how fans can turn passion into action. Moderated by The Cosmoe Show.
Sunday March 30, 2025 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 209
Jamie Jameson (Warlord of Mars: Deja Thoris), Leah Kilpatrick (DC Horror Presents, Headless Horseman: Halloween Annual), Corinna Bechko (Cruel Universe, Sister Imperator), Rachel Pinnelas (DC’s I Know What You Did Last Crisis, comics curatorial expert), and Amy Linsamouth (Jackie and the Magical Guys, Descendants of the Undead) discuss their experiences and challenges of being a female creative in the comic industry, with moderator Jim Krueger (Justice, Earth X),
Sunday March 30, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 209
Choose your trusty weapon from an array of magical and mystical options, for you never know when a thrilling encounter might arise! Featuring Amal El-Mohtar (The River Has Roots), Rachel Howzell Hall (The Last One), Aimee Lim (The Spindle of Fate), Jordan Morris (Youth Group), and Samuel Sattin (Unico: Awakening). Moderated by Jeanelle Horcasitas (educator, technical writer, and speculative futurist).
Sunday March 30, 2025 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 209
Criminal acts, the participants, their adversaries, and the consequences have fascinated storytellers and audiences throughout human history. These tales of crime and suspense span from the Age of Enlightenment to contemporary Gen Z, with protagonists ranging from bakers to malefactors to law enforcement. Brett Battles (Culprits), Richard Brewer (Culprits), Jennifer Chow (Star-Crossed Egg Tarts), A. Rae Dunlap (The Resurrectionist), Christopher Farnsworth (Robert B. Parker’s Buried Secrets), Jessica Kaye (Culprits), and John Shen Yen Nee (TheMurder of Mr. Ma) interrogate their genre choices with Southern CA bookseller Maryelizabeth Yturralde.
Sunday March 30, 2025 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 209
Award-winning creatives, actors, and experts discuss some of their favorite Webtoons, Anime, and K-Dramas that are exploding in the U.S. Featuring Rebekah Ganiere (Emmy-nominated, USA Today bestselling author and screenplay writer) and James Ganiere (Emmy-nominated, director/producer).
Sunday March 30, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209
