The Road to Comic-Con: Programs Day Two

Yesterday we looked at the first full day of Comic-Con and highlighted some of the major panels. Day two is just as full as day one, so we hope you got plenty of sleep and didn’t stay up all night drinking with Cosplayers! Hit the ground running bright and early because the first panels start at 10AM, but you’ll want to get there well ahead of time to get in line, because the more popular panels will have lines starting hours in advance.

Let’s take a look at just some of the panel offerings of Comic-Con day two.

10:00-11:00 Spotlight on David Finch— One of the most popular artists working in comics today, Comic-Con special guest David Finch is currently writing and drawing Batman: The Dark Knight. In this spotlight panel, Finch discusses his career in comics and what's coming up for both him and the Dark Knight. Room 6DE

I’m definitely interested in what Finch has to say and share about Batman. A really cool way to kick off your Comic-Con day.

10:00-11:00 LEGO Star Wars— A behind-the-brick look with the LEGO Star Wars team at how the epic Star Wars story comes together with the creativity and imagination of the LEGO brand. Additionally, be among the first to hear about a special LEGO Star Wars entertainment event, and meet Emmy award-winning writer Michael Price. Also includes Q&A time. Room 7AB

Who doesn’t love Legos? I sure do, especially those of the Star Wars variety.

10:00-11:00 Conversations with Sid and Marty Krofft: A Look at the Past, Present and Future— Sid and Marty Krofft changed Saturday mornings forever when the sibling puppeteers unleashed colorful characters like H.R. Pufnstuf and Sigmund & the Sea Monsters on a generation of sugary-cereal-fueled kids growing up in the 1970s and '80s. Join Sid and Marty, along with host Angie Everhart, for a look back at what they have achieved, then take a look to the future with their new partnerships with Vivendi Entertainment and DreamWorks Animation. Room 23ABC

Have you ever watched this show? It’s amazingly strange. I’d be curious to learn more about its creators and how they came about creating something so odd, memorable, and popular to this day.

10:00-11:00 Writing in Video Games: In-Game, Novels, Comics, and Other Franchise-Building Offshoots— The biggest names in SF/fantasy publishing and the video game industry area of in-game writing get together to discuss their separate projects and their unique experiences working in both worlds. Get your game face on with Greg Bear (Halo), Karen Traviss (Gears of War), David Gaider (Dragon Age), John Shirley (Bioshock: Rapture), Tony Gonzales (Eve Online), Frank O'Connor (chief of 343 Industries), and Kevin Grace (managing editor of 343 Industries, Halo: Evolutions). Moderated by Matt Staggs of Suvudu.com. Room 32AB

Writing video games? Yes, please! You might get some valuable insights on how to get your foot in the door writing that next video game epic. As a writer, this can’t be missed!

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 102: Production— Day 2 of this four-day course on micro-budget movie-making focuses on the specifics of production, from shooting techniques, to lighting on the cheap, to crew positions you need (and don't need), to costuming, props, and set decorating for as little money as possible. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Vera Vanguard (writer/producer of Goth Girl), Edward G. Negron (director of Safehouse), Jack Conway (writer/producer of Fear News), and Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica). Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

For all you budding filmmakers out there, continue your training with this second class in a four day course. This will be very popular so get there early, and most of all, have fun!

10:15-11:15 Epix Pictures: The Captains— William Shatner is joined by fellow Star Trek captain Avery Brooks to present a preview of the EPIX Pictures original documentary produced and directed by Shatner, in which he travels the world to interview all the actors who've played Starfleet captains. This lively discussion and Q&A session is moderated by Comic-Con fave Kevin Smith. Room 6BCF

How could you miss a panel all about Bill Shatner moderated by Kevin Smith? The simple answer is that you can’t and you won’t. This sounds amazing, and William Shatner is always a fun and hilarious, if not insightful guy to hear speak.

11:00-12:00 Mike Mignola: Worlds at War— The world is falling to chaos in B.P.R.D. Hell on Earth, Hellboy's facing his demons in a big way in Hellboy: The Fury, and monsters are overrunning Europe in the upcoming Baltimore: The Curse Bells. Join creator Mike Mignola, editor Scott Allie, and new B.P.R.D. artist Tyler Crook for exclusive insights on what has been and will continue to be an epic year in the Mignolaverse and beyond. Room 4

My favorite contemporary comic is anything Hellboy and B.P.R.D. so this is something I’m really interested in. I can’t wait to hear more about what’s next for Mike Mignola.

11:00-12:00 Hasbro Star Wars— Hear the latest from the Hasbro Marketing and Design teams -- Derryl DePriest and Jeff Labovitz (Hasbro Marketing), Michelino Paolino and Mark Boudreaux (Hasbro Design) -- on the exciting Star Wars lineup for the rest of 2011, and get a special sneak peek into some 2012 secrets. Room 7AB

I love Star Wars, so naturally I’m also obsessed with Star Wars toys. I’d love to know now what will be taking my money in 2012.

11:15-12:15 DC Comics - The New 52— DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a "DC Comics - The New 52" panel each day, there's sure to be something for everyone! Join Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Bob Harras, DC's Editor-in-Chief, and DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics' cutting-edge! Room 6DE

DC is going to be talking and talking some more about their relaunch. I’m mainly interested in the new Action Comics, so hopefully we’ll understand what’s going on with that by the end of this panel.

11:15-12:15 AMC's The Walking Dead— Stars Andrew Lincoln (Love Actually), Jon Bernthal (The Pacific), Sarah Wayne Callies (Prison Break), Laurie Holden (The Mist), Norman Reedus (The Boondock Saints), Steven Yeun (The Big Bang Theory), Jeffrey DeMunn (The Green Mile); series creator/writer/director/executive producer Frank Darabont (The Shawshank Redemption); executive producer Gale Anne Hurd (The Terminator); executive producer Robert Kirkman (creator/writer of The Walking Dead comic book series); and makeup artist and consulting producer Greg Nicotero discuss the success of season one of AMC's series The Walking Dead and reveal what to look forward to in season two, which will air on AMC this Fall. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season two. Ballroom 20

All I can say is that you best get in line for this one EARLY, because it is going to be very popular. The hit AMC show The Walking Dead has been over now for half a year, and fans are clamoring for more information about what’s next. I can tell you that I was sucked in by this show’s story, characters, and visuals from the get go. This may be the highlight of the day.

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Jeff Smith— Jeff Smith and his wife/business partner Vijaya Iyer discuss the 20th anniversary of Bone, feature films, the future of comics, and much more. Moderated by Tom Spurgeon (comicsreporter.com) Room 5AB

As I mentioned yesterday, Bone is my favorite graphic novel of all time. There has always been rumors of this property being picked up for an animated show or feature, so I’d love to hear Jeff talk about that and if there is any chance Phoney Bone will make his big screen debut in the future. I’m also excited to hear about anything else Jeff Smith has going on (check out RASL, if you have not).

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Year of the X-Men— The bonds of brotherhood have been broken between Cyclops and Wolverine, as their feud reaches its boiling point, tearing the X-Men apart in X-Men: Schism. But after the dust settles, what's next for the X-Men and their allies? Enter X-Men Regenesis, where all your questions are answered. Writers Marjorie Liu (X-23), Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force), and Chris Yost (X-Men: First to Last) and editor-in-chief Axel Alonso lay out what's going on with the X-Men for this all-new, all-deadly panel! Room 6DE

We reported about Schism on ComicBooks.com awhile back, so it will be great to hear more information on that series, as well as what’s happening in all the other X series.

1:00-2:00 Dark Horse Comics: 20 Years of Star Wars— Share favorite moments in Star Wars comics with resident Jedi Randy Stradley and a host of Star Wars guests from comics and beyond, including Mick Harrison (Dark Times -- in his first public appearance!), Scott Allie and Stephane Roux (Jedi -- The Dark Side), John Jackson Miller (Knight Errant), Dave Filoni and the Fillbach Brothers (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Timothy Zahn (Choices of One), and Shelly Shapiro (editor-at-large, Del Rey). There will be exclusive news and images, giveaways, and even a chance to win a custom Stormtrooper helmet with art by Chris Scalf (Blood Ties)! Room 7AB

Timothy Zahn, Dave Filoni, and Randy Stradley? For the Star Wars fan, this is a must! As if the panelists weren’t enough, they tease at a Stormtrooper helmet giveaway. I’m there.

1:45-2:45 Marvel: Amazing Spider-Man and His Avenging Friends— Spider-Man's riding high after hitting the Big Time, but it'll all come crashing down this summer in Spider-Island! Get an in-depth look inside the event that changes the course of Peter Parker's life. But ol' Web-Head isn't the only New Yorker with a major storyline this summer. Daredevil makes his return, Punisher wages a new war, Venom explores the dark side of saving the world, and more of your favorite heroes are back with a vengeance! Sit down with our spectacular panel of creators, including Zeb Wells (Avenging Spider-Man), Rick Remender (Venom), Mark Waid (Daredevil), Greg Rucka (Punisher), Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man), senior editor Steve Wacker, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others as they lay the groundwork for New York City's greatest heroes. Room 6DE

After the death of Spider-Man in Ultimates, I’m really hankering for some more Spidey. This sounds like a unique and fun series with great people work on it, so I’m really excited to hear what’s going on with this series.

3:00-4:00 DC: Superman— How does The Man of Tomorrow fit into the new DC Universe that rises in September? Find out as group editor Matt Idelson joins new Action Comics writer Grant Morrison (All Star Superman, Batman Incorporated) and author of the bestselling Superman: Earth One graphic novel J. Michael Straczynski (Superman, Wonder Woman) to take fans new and old up, up, and away to give them a sneak peak at what's in store for Superman. Room 6DE

With all of this reboot business going on, I think I’m most excited about Superman’s role in this brave new DC world. I’m hoping they don’t completely reinvent him, but I recognize that Superman’s appeal has been dwindling over the years with audiences. I’m a Superman fan, and hope his new iterations do him justice, while still brining something new to the table.

4:15-5:15 DC Comics: Justice League— Comics' top talents -- writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee -- team up for the first time ever to bring you the new Justice League, making its debut as part of the new DC Universe. Johns, Lee, and DC executive editor Eddie Berganza bring together the talents behind the new JLA titles, including writers Dan Jurgens (Justice League International), JT Krul (Green Arrow), and Eric Wallace (Mister Terrific) and artists Francis Manapul (The Flash), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), and Philip Tan (The Savage Hawkman). Room 6DE

I’ve been a Jim Lee fan for many, many years and I’d love to hear him speak about Justice League. I’m not a huge JL fan, but I might give it a shot in September to see if it grabs me.

4:30-5:30 Marvel Television Presents: Anime on G4— Marvel Television and G4 take your favorite characters -- Iron Man, Wolverine, The X-Men, and Blade -- to Japan to tell their stories in a whole new way, beautifully animated by the anime masters at Madhouse. Hosted by Attack of the Show's Blair Butler, watch a never-before-seen episode with Marvel's head of TV Jeph Loeb and surprise guests. Plus, get a sneak peek at The X-Men's explosive first episode. Room 6BCF

We reported about this on ComicBooks.com and I was very intrigued by the prospect. The art looks gorgeous, and I’m really hoping this is worth the DVR subscription.

4:45-5:45 Phineas and Ferb— Hear from the brilliant minds behind the series, Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, along with voice talent Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris), Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical, Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure), and Dee Bradley Baker (American Dad). See exclusive footage and hear all the scoop about their upcoming Disney Channel Original Movie Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension, which premieres August 5. Moderated by Matt Blum of Wired.com's Geek Dad. Room 6A

Comic-Con attendee, I know what we’re gonna do today! I might not be in the intended demographic for this show, but I love it. This should be a ton of fun.

5:30-6:30 True Blood Panel and Q&A session— Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fourth season June 26 on HBO. The series follows the on-and-off romance between waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people's thoughts, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer). Oscar and Emmy award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series -- and this panel! -- also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam, Joe Manganiello as Alcide, and Kevin Alejandro as Jesus. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20

Like the Walking Dead panel, this is going to be very popular. I’ve never seen this show, but I know a few fanatics that tell me it is something I shouldn’t be missing. Get there early!

6:00-7:00 Girls Gone Genre— Come talk with women who write, read, game, and perform in arenas that are statistically dominated by men. What happens when traditionally "male" genres are reinvented by female writers and embraced by female fans? Sex and the City it ain't. Meet the women who like to play with trucks and Barbies. And Wolverine action figures. And flux capacitors. Moderator Jenna Busch is joined by panelists Marti Noxon (screenwriter/producer, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Mad Men, Fright Night), Gale Anne Hurd (producer, The Walking Dead, Terminator, Aliens), and Marjorie Liu (writer, X-23, Daken: Dark Wolverine, Black Widow, Dirk & Steele novel series). Room 25ABC

I’m always interested in gender issues when it comes to geek culture. This is going to be a really interesting, if not cerebral conversation. Comic-Con isn’t all about shallow consumerism and panels like this one prove that.

6:30-7:30 Dungeons & Dragons: How to Be a Dungeon Master: The Art of the DM— Being a great Dungeon Master requires a variety of skills, such as rules arbiter, character actor, and expert storyteller. The art of the Dungeon Master is in combining all these talents to become a superhuman master of Dungeons & Dragons. Chris Perkins, senior producer for the D&D tabletop role-playing game and Acquisitions Incorporated's #1 DM, discusses various tips and tricks to bring the best adventure to your players, as well as ways to make them equal participants in the story. A Q&A session will follow. Room 32AB

Get in touch with your inner Dungeon Master! This sounds like a lot of fun.

6:45-7:45 RiffTrax Live— Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett (RiffTrax.com, Mystery Science Theater 3000) return to Comic-Con to perform another live, hilarious riff to a classic short! Join the riffers for fun, laughs, and the latest news about their upcoming Jack the Giant Killer live show, a one-night event playing in select movie theaters nationwide in August. RiffTrax.com is the site where MST3K-style humor meets mainstream movies, TV shows, and vintage shorts. At RiffTrax they don't make movies, they make them funny! Room 6DE

I’ve been a massive fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000 since I was in my teenage years, and there is no way I’d miss this event. I wonder if Kevin Murphy would sign my custom-built Tom Servo replica bot?

8:00-10:00 World Premiere: Batman: Year One— Warner Home Video, Warner Premiere, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation proudly present the World Premiere of Batman: Year One, the highly anticipated next entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. Based on the landmark 1987 DC Comics titles from 12-time Eisner Award winner Frank Miller and illustrator David Mazzucchelli, Batman: Year One depicts young Bruce Wayne's return to Gotham City in his first attempts to fight injustice as a costumed vigilante. The playboy billionaire chooses the guise of a giant bat to combat crime, creates an early bond with a young Lieutenant James Gordon (who is already battling corruption from inside the police department), inadvertently plays a role in the birth of Catwoman, and helps bring down a crooked political system that infests Gotham. When the film ends, stay in your seats for a lively panel discussion amongst voice cast members Ben McKenzie (Southland), Eliza Dushku (Dollhouse, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), and Katee Sackhoff (Battlestar Galactica), executive producer Bruce Timm (DCU films), directors Lauren Montgomery (Superman/Batman: Apocalypse) and Sam Liu (All-Star Superman), and casting/dialogue director Andrea Romano (DCU films). Moderator Gary Miereanu will offer a first glimpse into the 2012 DC Universe Animated Original Movies slate, give away some exclusive prizes to inquisitive audience members, and quite possibly introduce a few surprise guests. Warner Home Video will distribute Batman: Year One on Blu-ray and DVD, OnDemand and For Download on October 18, 2011. Ballroom 20

End your night with a relaxing viewing of Batman: Year One! This is going to be packed I’m sure, so check out the encore if you can’t make the first screening.

And that’s day two. You can see the full schedule here. The Star Wars fan and the TV fan are going to have a ton to pick and choose from, as there are many panels and previews for each. Be sure to check out our previous blogs on ComicBooks.com to read more about the SDCC, and keep checking back as we update you further on the road to Comic-Con everyday this week and next.

Written by Chris Harder

Tags: SDCC, Comic-Con, Comic Book Conventions, Day 2