The Road to Comic-Con: Programs Day Three

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Welcome back to your journey towards Comic-Con 2011! Can you see the light at the end of the tunnel? The big day is only one week away now, and more and more information is coming out about what’s all happening. There are so many panels that we here at ComicBooks.com are dividing all the days up so they get individual attention, because we don’t want you to miss a thing.

Have we mentioned that Comic-Con days are long? If you’ve been on the floor both days (and who are you kidding, all of preview night) this third day is going to hurt. That’s not to say that it isn’t great, but you’ll be feeling it in your feet and back, but not a moment is to be missed. Grab that Excedrin, a Lean Pocket, and some coffee and get out there and do what you came to do!

This is Saturday, July 23rd, otherwise known as Comic-Con International day THREE.

10:00-11:00 From Buddha to Batman: Deepak Chopra and Grant Morrison Discuss The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes— Five years ago, New York Times bestselling author and internationally renowned spiritual guru Deepak Chopra joined legendary comic book writer Grant Morrison (All-Star Superman, Supergods) at Comic-Con to discuss the role superheroes play in the social fabric. What started as a thought-provoking panel discussion has since become a profound new teaching manual for discovering the superhero within -- Chopra's new book, The Seven Spiritual Laws of Superheroes. Now Chopra and Morrison are back to elaborate on what the superhero archetype means for us today. Joined by Deepak's son Gotham Chopra (founder of Liquid Comics) and moderated by Chris Carle (editorial director of IGN Entertainment), the discussion will cover the seven essential laws that govern the realm of superheroes and the cultural importance of superheros -- why they matter, why they will always be with us, and what they tell us about who we are...and what we may yet become. Q&A to follow. Room 6A

Did you ever think you’d see Deepak Chopra, spiritual guru and medical doctor, talking about superheroes at Comic-Con? I didn’t either. This sounds like a like a soothing way to start the day, though. And maybe you’ll learn more about why something about why our favorite characters resonate so deeply for us.

10:00-11:00 DC: Green Lantern— Enlist in the Corps at DC's annual Green Lantern panel! DCU executive editor Eddie Berganza, Green Lantern Corps writer Peter Tomasi, Red Lanterns artist Ed Benes, and others offer a look at the aftermath of "War of the Green Lanterns" and more! Room 6DE

I’m very excited to hear about anything Green Lantern related, so I can’t wait for this panel. Okay, let’s all admit that the movie was a little disappointing, but it sure reminded me that I love Green Lantern comics and there is going to be plenty of info to chew on coming out of this.

 10:00-11:00 Steampunk Influences on Mainstream Media and Entertainment— Phil Foglio (Girl Genius), Kaja Foglio (Girl Genius), Greg Broadmore (WETA), Lon Muckey and Aaron Ginn-Forsberg (Mantecoza), and Thomas Willeford (Brute Force Leather) discuss the appeal of the Steampunk aesthetic and the reasons for its increasing popularity in media, the arts, and the entertainment industry, including literature, graphic novels, costuming, props, prosthetics, Internet, and film. Room 23ABC

I have noticed more Steampunk stuff in general. I’m honestly intrigued, but I’m not an aficionado. Anyone know of where to start? Perhaps this panel is the way to start my introduction to the worlds of Steampunk. Sounds enlightening and prodigious!

10:00-11:00 Attack of the Show! Attacks Comic-Con— G4's Attack of the Show is TV's first -- and only -- live daily show dedicated to the "digital generation." From breaking the hottest web videos to reviewing the latest tech, movies, and videogames, AOTS takes its audience to the virtual water cooler -- where you can then tweet your friends that you saw it on AOTS first! Kevin Pereira, Candace Bailey, Sara Underwood, Blair Butler and AOTS executive producers bring you the closest thing to being on a live Attack of the Show, an interactive Comic-Con panel! And don't miss the giveaways, stunts, audience games, and a special screening of upcoming comedy for Attack of the Show. You'll also get a chance to grill the hosts and producers of the show and find out the dirty secrets and television tricks behind Attack of the Show. With over 1,000 shows to choose from, there's got be something you wanna know! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

I love Attack of the Show. I’ve been watching for years now, and it’s a blast to see these guys work live. This always draws a huge crowd, so get there early if you plan to participate!

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 103: Working with Actors and a Crew— Day 3 of our course on micro-budget moviemaking deals with how to direct actors, organize a crew, and keep them all happy without anybody making a dime. Panelists for the class include Valerie Perez (producer/star of the Paula Peril series), Vera Vanguard (writer/producer of Goth Girl), Jack Conway (writer/producer of Fear News), Sean Rourke (writer of Ballistica), and actors Susan Smythe, Brian Stevenson, Kat Steel, and Brad Upton. Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

I’m guessing all the budding filmmakers attending this are tired by now, because they’ve all been working really hard for three days. I’m jealous of anyone doing this, because it sounds very rewarding. All I can say is, keep at it!

11:00-12:00 Will Eisner: Visionary— Will Eisner -- artist, storyteller, entrepreneur -- played a central role in comics from the Golden Age to the Computer Age. During his career, Eisner reinvented sequential art and himself to overcome obstacles and create new media. A combination of idealist and realist, he led the way and helped create the comics and graphic novels that we know today. Learn about Will Eisner from those who personally knew and worked with him. Join moderator Charles Brownstein (executive director of the CBLDF, author of Eisner/Miller), Denis Kitchen (artist, author, publisher, Eisner's agent and longtime friend), Paul Levitz (writer, former president/publisher of DC Comics), Scott McCloud (artist, author, theoretician about comics and sequential art), Diana Schutz (executive editor, Dark Horse Comics), and Jeff Smith (writer/cartoonist, Bone, Rasl) to learn more about the "Father of the Graphic Novel." Room 9

I love a little history in the morning. The sooner you start appreciating Will Eisner, the better, and this panel is a great way to start. Whether you’re an Eisner historian or need a full crash course on who he is, this should have something for everyone.

11:15-12:30 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

Yet another DC panel about the reboot. They’re doing one every day. I’m not sure if it’s worth going to every single one, but if you’re really excited about all the new titles, I’m sure this is a no brainer for you.

11:30-12:30 Top Cow: We Create...Excitement— Join Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri (The Darkness, X-Men/Dark Avengers: Utopia), president Matt Hawkins (The Darkness II: Confession), and publisher Filip Sablik (Last Mortal), along with a bevy of Top Cow creators, for the most dynamic, news-packed hour at Comic-Con! Be the first to get exclusive news about the future of the Top Cow Universe, the announcement of the 2011 Pilot Season titles and creative teams, and a metric truckload of Top Cow film and television announcements. Plus special surprise guests and a free gift for every attendee! Room 8

I love Top Cow, and this is going to be very informative and as always, a lot of fun.

12:15-1:00 Futurama— Futurama is back! Again! On stage will be creator/executive producer Matt Groening, executive producer David X. Cohen, and stars Billy West (Fry, Professor Farnsworth, Dr. Zoidberg), Katey Sagal (Leela), John DiMaggio (Bender), and Maurice LaMarche (Kif Kroker, Calculon, Morbo). Get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage of Futurama reincarnated as Japanese anime, along with a thrilling preview of this summer's new season on Comedy Central. Moderated by Bill Morrison. Ballroom 20

For me, this can’t be missed. Not only do I attribute The Simpsons with the shaping of my personal sense of humor, but I also extend that affection to Futurama, the spiritual successor to The Simpsons. I wore out my Futurama DVDS (didn’t know that was possible) when the show was officially cancelled, and rejoiced when they brought it back with the entire original cast on Comedy Central. This panel is going to be PACKED, so get in line far in advance.

1:00-2:00 Remembering Harvey Pekar— The legendary Harvey Pekar died in July 2010, leaving behind a huge legacy of work with a veritable who's who list of comics collaborators on his American Splendor and graphic novels. Joyce Brabner and Danielle Batone join editor Charles Kochman and moderator Jeff Newelt to talk about Harvey's life and comics career. This is an open invitation to anyone whoever worked with Harvey or cared about him to come and share their memories. Room 7AB

I love Harvey Pekar. I hope this panel isn’t a melancholy memorial, but rather filled with laughter and joy, reminiscing about the life of a true original.

1:00-1:45 The Simpsons— Now entering its record-annihilating 23rd season on FOX and airing its landmark 500th episode on February 19, 2012, The Simpsons has won 27 Emmy awards, was the subject of an international film smash in 2007, and inspired a ride you ride again at Universal Studios. Plus, Homer Simpson was named the greatest television character of the last 20 years by Entertainment Weekly. Get insight into the daily doings of this series from creator Matt Groening, showrunner Al Jean, co-executive producer Rob Lazebnik, co-executive producer Matt Warburton, supervising producer Mike Anderson, and producer/panel moderator Tom Gammill. Ballroom 20

So, right after the Futurama panel comes The Simpsons panel? How awesome is that? My only concern at this point is 1: getting in, and 2: once I’m in, will we get a bathroom break? Seriously though, this will be great and obviously laugh-filled.

1:00-2:00 Community— The cast and creative team from Sony TV's critically acclaimed NBC series -- Joel McHale (The Soup), Chevy Chase (Hot Tub Time Machine), Donald Glover (30 Rock), Yvette Nicole Brown (Rules of Engagement), Danny Pudi (Greek), Gillian Jacobs (Choke), Jim Rash (Reno 911), and Ken Jeong (The Hangover Part II), and executive producers Dan Harmon (The Sarah Silverman Program), Joe Russo (Arrested Development), Anthony Russo (Arrested Development), Neil Goldman (Scrubs), Garrett Donovan (Scrubs) and Russ Krasnoff (The Soloist) -- come together for an animated discussion and Q&A session about what's in store for viewers this fall! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Tough choice between this and The Simpsons. As much as I love Matt Groening and Al Jean, this might be the better bet as far as comedy showcase. The cast of this show is amazing, and with all of them on stage at once, you know there are going to be plenty of memorable moments. My rather educated guess is that this will be insanely popular.

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Tsuneo Goda— Comic-Con special guest Tsuneo Goda (Domo) discusses his creation, Domo-kun, from its humble beginnings to its now worldwide popularity. He'll cover all the finer points of this internationally recognized and beloved character, as well as some of his new projects and engage in a Q&A session. Room 5AB

I adore Domo, but I have no idea why I adore Domo. Perhaps this will help me understand!

1:30-2:30 Is the Comic Book Doomed?— Is the 32-page, stapled, monthly serial comic book reaching the end of its long road? What might force it out of existence -- and what might keep it alive for another generation? And if the comic book as we once knew it vanishes, what does that mean for the future of the comics medium? Mark Waid (Irredeemable), Vijaya Iyer (Cartoon Books), Laura Hudson (Comics Alliance), Amanda Emmert (ComicsPRO), and moderator Douglas Wolk hash it out. Room 24ABC

Scary stuff. Although, it seems a little out of place considering Comic-Con expects 125,000 people this year. If you watch the market though, it fluctuates wildly, and comic books will have to adapt to new technologies and mediums like anything else.

2:00-2:35 Family Guy— Alex Borstein, Seth Green, Adam West (Batman), and executive producers Mark Hentemann, Steve Callaghan, and Kara Vallow present a sneak peek at the new episode "Stewie Goes for a Drive", featuring voice guest star Ryan Reynolds, followed by a Q&A session. Ballroom 20

I’m not a huge Family Guy guy, but I know plenty of people who are Family Guy people, so this one’s for you! I’m sure it will be humorous, and you get an episode sneak peek to boot!

2:00-3:00 Why We Create with Don Hahn— Legendary Disney filmmaker, author, and Academy Award nominee Don Hahn explores why we create. With awe-inspiring unseen images from the Disney vaults to world-renowned art, contemporary ads, graphic novels, and a little music tossed in, this is a rare opportunity to hear Don share his unique outlook on creativity and how to navigate it in today's results-driven world. Room 25ABC

I’m guessing quite a few people have no idea who Don Hahn is, but they definitely know his work. He is a real treasure of traditional animation and Disney feature animation. I’ve read his new book, which I recommend, and I bet he has a lot to present. I’m going for the Don, and staying for the unseen Disney artwork.

2:00-3:00 Legendary Comics— For its inaugural year at Comic-Con, join iconic writer/artist Frank Miller (300), Legendary Comics editor-in-chief Bob Schreck (All-Star Superman), and other artists from the Legendary stable to find out about upcoming releases, including Miller's Holy Terror. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Frank. Miller. What more do you need to know?

2:45-3:45 Marvel: Cup O' Joe— This is it, Mighty Marvel fans -- the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for! Marvel's chief creative officer Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF

This promises “jaw-dropping announcements.” While I’m not sure if my jaw will physically drop, the big cheese Joe Quesada is leading this one, so if Marvel has any big reveals, expect them to be right here.

3:00-4:00 Assassin's Creed: The Creation of a Universe— The writers behind Assassin's Creed Revelations discuss and answer your questions about the thrilling fourth installment in the critically acclaimed entertainment franchise. Get a behind-the-scenes look at how Ezio's final journey will unfold as he walks in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, Altair, on a perilous journey of doubt and discovery. Watch the exclusive preview of Assassin's Creed Embers, the animated short film and explore how the Ubisoft Montreal development team has created an Assassin's Creed universe that weaves real world history and global conspiracies into an ancient war between Assassins and Templars through a variety of media. Panelists will include creators of the upcoming Assassin's Creed Revelations game, animated short film, and comic book. Room 25ABC

Oh man, I am obsessed with these games. I can’t stop. I’m very excited about Revelations, and the story has grabbed me so, that I’d love to see anything set in that universe in comics, animation, anything! I hope a ton of new Assassin’s Creed news comes out of this.

3:00-4:00 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon— Long before signing on to helm one of the most anticipated superhero films in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plot lines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, including a sneak peek at the brand-new Angel & Faith and Buffy Season 9 comics, plus exciting news about Buffy digital comics! Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

I never quite got into Buffy, but I’m probably in the minority. I love Firefly, though, and this guy is directing The Avengers, so maybe he will talk about that. I’m clamoring for more info, Whedon!

3:15-4:15 Calling all Lost Fans: Once Upon a Time— Moderator Damon Lindelof (co-creator, Lost) introduces you to the magical story of two parallel worlds: one in a distant fairytale land, the other in a present-day reality. Following the exclusive screening of Once Upon a Time, join co-creators and executive producers Edward Kitsis (Lost, Tron: Legacy) and Adam Horowitz (Lost, Tron: Legacy) along with Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Morrison (House), Robert Carlyle (SGU: Stargate Universe), Lana Parrilla (24), and Josh Dallas (Thor), for a Q&A about this modern fairytale turned on its head. All attendees will get a limited-edition Comic-Con giveaway! Room 6DE

You have to read the fine print on this one. This isn’t a LOST panel, but rather a call to LOST fans to show you what the creators are up to now since their series ended. I’m interested, I guess, but in all honesty I’d rather just see a cast reunion because I miss that show too much, more than would be considered healthy.

3:15-4:00 Amazon Studios: Opportunities for Filmmakers and Screenwriters— Amazon Studios offers monthly and annual awards totaling more than $2.5 million to filmmakers and writers and is seeking top projects to produce as feature films. Learn more in a Q&A with Amazon Studios chief Roy Price, senior content manager Michael Lewis, and Amazon Studios award winners Alex Greenfield and Gary Milin. Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

I’d never heard of Amazon Studios, so I can’t vouch for it, but $2.5 million? That’s a lot of dough, and we all know that struggling writers could use some bread in their jar.

3:30-4:15 Universal Pictures: Snow White and the Huntsmen— Universal Pictures is bringing the stars and filmmakers of its epic action-adventure film based on the script Snow White and the Huntsman to Comic-Con. Scheduled to appear to discuss their roles in this breathtaking new vision of the legendary tale are Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Oscar winner Charlize Theron (Prometheus), Chris Hemsworth (Thor), and Sam Claflin (Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides). Director Rupert Sanders (Halo 3 campaign) and other filmmakers will also be on hand to reveal exclusive footage. Q&A session to follow. Hall H

Universal making a Snow White movie? Strange. But, I guess those properties are all public domain, so they can have free reign. I’m guessing this has a darker tone than the original 1937 animated classic. Count me intrigued!

4:00-5:00 Dark Horse and BioWare: A Comic and Video Game Partnership— Star Wars: The Old Republic and Mass Effect are creations of one of the most distinguished developers in video games -- BioWare! Join Star Wars: The Old Republic senior writer Alexander Freed, Mass Effect 3 lead writer Mac Walters, Mass Effect comics scripter John Jackson Miller, Dark Horse editor Dave Marshall, and a cast of celebrities, as BioWare and Dark Horse announce their next collaboration and reveal exclusive details about the games and comics they're working on. Room 23ABC

I’m rubbing my palms together like a greedy fly all on account of this game. I have a feeling it is going to be a life-stealing, relationship-burdening object of entire affection. I love Bioware games. Please, please, don’t let me down now.

4:30-5:30 DC Focus: Jim Lee— Comic-Con special guest Jim Lee is by far the most in-demand artist in comics, from his spectacular work on Batman, Superman, WildC.A.T.S. and so many other comics to his groundbreaking designs for the DC Universe MMO game. Now, as co-publisher of DC Entertainment, Jim has led the way to the start of DC Comics - The New 52 with his exciting new looks for the World's Greatest Super Heroes. Room 6DE

I grew up admiring Jim Lee’s work, and now I can see him in person. This is what Comic-Con is all about; connecting with those creators that have influenced your life through their work. He’s a legend, and you should go to this.

4:30-5:30 The Vinyl Frontier— The Vinyl Frontier is a documentary film exploring the exciting world of designer vinyl toys. Director Daniel Zana and artists Frank Kozik, Tara McPherson, Keith Poon, and Jermaine Rogers discuss the film and their experiences working in this fascinating artistic medium. Excerpts from the film will be shown and there will be a Q&A following the discussion. Room 24ABC

I recently became obsessed with vinyl toys. I know I’m not the only one, because the rare ones are extremely hard to acquire! If you have no idea what the heck a vinyl toy is or why you should care, check out this film. But beware, vinyl collecting is highly addictive and may cause massive wallet hemorrhaging.

5:45-7:30 An Early Evening with Kevin Smith— You know Comic-Con is over for the night on Saturday when the fat man sings. Kevin Smith takes to the Hall H stage for his annual Q&A. Fair warning: he works bluer than Doctor Manhattan (though, unlike Doctor Manhattan, Smith will wear clothes for this performance). Hall H

Always a riot, Kevin Smith is back once again to be himself on stage. This is always a packed show, so get there early.

6:30-7:30 AFI's Behind the Plastic: Action Figure Insider Live 2011— Once a year, fans are able to get the inside scoop on the action figure lines that they love and get answers straight from the people who make them. We have assembled a panel of experts from every corner of the toy world, from companies large and small to discuss the state of the hobby and answer your burning questions. They'll talk about the difference between being the licensor vs. the licensee, how to create the backstory to a toy line, how to keep up with the editorial side of a property, how to take a chance on new kinds of product, and much more! Moderator Daniel "Julius Marx" Pickett from ActionFigureInsider.com is joined by Jesse Falcon (Marvel Entertainment VP of product development), Jason Lenzi (CEO, Bif Bang Pow), Scott Neitlich (Mattel marketing manager), Mike Schultz (lead artist, Shark City Ozark), Chuck Terceira (director, Diamond Select Toys and Collectibles), and David Voner (senior product designer, boys' toys at Hasbro). Room 26AB

The perfect place to get one’s action figure fix. Well, to be fair, Comic-Con as a whole is the place to get one’s action figure fix, but this will be a really fun panel filled with how’s and why’s regarding our secret, childhood leftover.

7:45-8:45 MythBusters— A Comic-Con fan favorite, MythBusters is back with their traditional Saturday evening panel. Adam Savage, Jamie Hyneman, Tory Belleci, Grant Imahara, and Kari Byron talk about their recent exploits and upcoming fall Mythbuster-y goodness! Room 6BCF

Busting myths for a living? Sounds good to me! I’ve heard they had a great panel last year, so I’m guessing this year will be no different. Sounds like a lot of fun.

8:30-9:30 Star Wars Trivia Game Show— Think you know all about the galaxy far, far away? Put it to the test! Win valuable prizes at the San Diego Star Wars Society's 10th annual Star Wars trivia game show. The San Diego Star Wars Society has challenged fans at Star Wars Celebration III and Comic-Con International for ten years with intriguing trivia. New this year: Multimedia clues and a game round for kids 12 and under. Do you have what it takes to win? Come and find out! Room 7AB

I consider myself a Star Wars geek, but I have a feeling I can’t hold a candle to the folks competing in this thing. I’m curious to know what the prizes are. Maybe I should try my luck? Either way, sounds like the perfect social for a Star Wars aficionado.

8:30-11:30 HBO's True Blood Presents the Comic-Con International Masquerade— Fabulous original and re-created costumes crafted by talented attendees appear on stage before an audience of thousands, with impressive awards and cash prizes bestowed to those judged most outstanding. Doors will open for audience seating at 7:45 pm, but the line will start much earlier! Tickets will be required for seating, and will be given out free to those lining up near Ballroom 20 beginning at 2:00 pm Saturday until all tickets are gone. The masters of ceremonies will once again be writer/artists Phil Foglio and Kaja Foglio of Studio Foglio. (Note: overflow seating is available in Rooms 5AB, 6A and in the Sails Pavilion; tickets not required for overflow areas) Ballroom 20

We will be covering this more next week, but this is not to be missed.

9:30-10:30 FX Pilot Sneak Peek Screening— Surprise! Stop by for a special Saturday night sneak peek at one of FX's most highly anticipated pilots. At press time, details of this exclusive screening event were unable to be released by FX, so please check the room sign outside of Room 6DE for updated details. Room 6DE

End the night with a sneak peek, so secret they can’t tell you what it is! What else are you going to do? Go back to the hotel and sleep? Of course not. You’re going to watch that TV show with your fellow geeky brethren.

And that’s Comic-Con International day three. There’s only one day left! But don’t let that fool you, the last day is just as packed as the others, so get some sleep, shake off whatever is ailing you, and get ready for Comic Con day four…the final journey.

Check out the entire schedule here.

Written by Chris Harder

Tags: SDCC, Comic-Con, Comic Book Conventions