The Road to Comic-Con: Programs Day Four

Alas, we’ve reached the last day of Comic-Con 2011. I’m sure you’re tired, swagged out, probably a little hungry, but don’t let that affect your commando style approach! Any other convention would be winding down by now, but obviously Comic-Con organizers believe in the power of geeks and nerds everywhere to power through. I really like the lineup on the last day as much as any other day, so here are a few of the highlights, chosen by me, your trusty narrator.

10:00-11:00 Archaia Entertainment and The Jim Henson Company: The Early Works of Jim Henson Screening with Special Tale of Sand Discussion— Jim Henson was a creative genius responsible for some of the most iconic properties today, including The Muppets, Fraggle Rock, and The Dark Crystal. But what was he like leading up to that success? Archaia and The Jim Henson Company explore his early works and creative process, complete with archival, rarely seen footage, brought to you by Henson archivist Karen Falk. Then, get an advance look at A Tale of Sand, the new original graphic novel coming in September, based on a never-before-seen screenplay written by Jim Henson and his longtime collaborator, Jerry Juhl. Falk, Archaia editor-in-chief Stephen Christy, and A Tale of Sand artist Ramón Pérez will discuss the behind-the-scenes production of the book and debut some new images. Moderated by Archaia CEO P. J. Bickett. Room 4

Now this is right up my alley. You can count me in on Muppet fandom, and Jim Henson admiration. I’m a serious junky for any history about creators I admire, so this should be enlightening and entertaining.

10:00-11:15 The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute Panel— As always, we gather to remember the man some still hail as The King of the Comics, Jack Kirby. If you don't know who that is, you have no business being at this convention. Moderator Mark Evanier discusses the life and times of Kirby with Walt Simonson (Thor), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Richard Kyle (Graphic Story World), and Mike Royer (inker of lots of Kirby comics). Room 5AB

This is another panel on a true legend: Jack Kirby. Just take a look at everything that surrounds you on the show floor at Comic-Con. All of that wouldn’t be here without Jack Kirby. This panel looks fantastic for anyone looking to find more appreciation for a man who did so much for the medium we love.

10:00-11:00 Glee— Creator/executive producer Ryan Murphy, creator/executive producer Brad Falchuk, and stars of Glee present a sneak peek at Glee The 3D Concert Movie featuring never-before-seen footage, behind-the-scenes secrets, and Q&A session. Hall H

While I’m not a huge fan of the show, I don’t dislike it either. I guess I’m indifferent, but I’m in the minority, I think. This show has a huge following, so if you consider yourself a Gleek, then you already know where you’re going to be.

10:00-11:00 Comic-Con Film School 104: Post Production and Distribution— The final day of our comprehensive course on micro-budget moviemaking will revolve around what to do after your movie is shot. Panelists will go over the basics of post-production on your home computer, as well as what software to use for editing, graphic design, sound design, visualFX, and finally, how to burn your finished product to DVD and upload it to the Internet. 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

The last day of Film School…it’s kind of like graduation day. Throw your hat in the air, cry a little, cheer a little, because you made it! Seriously though, hats off to you folks who do this. I hope to see your endeavors at my local cinema soon!

11:00-12:00 Watchmen: 25 Years Later— The first issue of Watchmen appeared in comic book stores in June 1986, and its shockwaves are still reverberating. The landmark series' artist Dave Gibbons, colorist John Higgins, and editor Len Wein discuss its legacy with moderator Douglas Wolk. Room 7AB

Of course Moore would never show up at something like this, sadly, but I’m still interested in this. Watchmen is still one of the most revelatory comic book experiences I’ve ever had, and I’d love to know more about about its creation and impact. Looks like this will be an insightful panel.

11:30-12:45 Cartoon Voices II— It's another panel full of amazing folks who provide voices for animation. This one has Bill Farmer (Goofy), Laraine Newman (The Goode Family), Jason Marsden (The Fairly OddParents), Gregg Berger (The Garfield Show), Vanessa Marshall (The Avengers), and maybe a surprise or two. They'll be questioned by moderators Mark Evanier and Earl Kress. Room 6A

I’m always fascinated to see cartoon voices come out of their fleshly counterpart. It’s like breaking the fourth wall, a little bit. Hearing Goofy’s voice coming out of anything but a lanky dog creature might just blow my mind.

12:00-1:00 Speculative Fiction: Space Odyssey, Alien Encounters, and Future Worlds— Science fiction writers use their genre's power to amuse and entertain, discuss the past and the present by writing about the future, and inspire and motivate us to future achievements. Stretch the bonds of imagination with Greg Bear (Hull Zero Three), Vernor Vinge (A Fire Upon the Deep), James S. A. Corey (Leviathan Wakes), Gini Koch (The Alien/Katherine "Kitty" Katt series), Ernest Cline (Ready Player One), Timothy Zahn (Star Wars: Choice of One), Kirsten Imani Kasai (Tattoo), David S. Goyer and Michael Cassutt (Heaven's Shadow), moderated by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 25ABC

This could be really cool, as I’ve always been a fan of futurism, and this is one helluva panel of leaders in the genre.

12:00-1:00 Star Wars Crafts— Give in to the power of the crafty side! Find out how to turn felt and googly eyes into a Jedi Master with this fun, hands-on puppet tutorial. The Star Wars Craft Book (Del Rey/LucasBooks) author Bonnie Burton shows fans of all ages how to make a simple Yoda puppet from her new book. Bonnie is also the author of You Can Draw Star Wars (DK Publishing) and Draw Star Wars: The Clone Wars (Klutz Books). Room 30CDE

Adorable! I’d love to learn how to make a knit Yoda doll or a wookiee hat of some sort…I doubt there is any other place on the planet I could learn how to do either of those things than right here!

12:00-2:00 Ball-Jointed Dolls Collectors Group— Doll owners and enthusiasts discuss the world of ball-jointed resin dolls from companies such as Elfdoll, Volks, Luts, Customhouse, Fairyland, Bambicrony, Iplehouse, and many others. Learn the basics about BJDs, and pick up tips on customizing, maintaining, and photographing these beautiful dolls. Share the beauty of your own unique doll, or just see the many dolls on display, from tiny to towering...it's a great opportunity to experience the different types of dolls in the world of BJDs. Make new friends, both real and resin! Room 32AB

I just Googled Elfdoll. Do it, I dare you. Cannot unsee…

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Fear Itself— The biggest comic book event of the year has everyone talking -- but just what comes after it concludes? You'll get the exclusive news here, with the big announcements that'll change the future of the Marvel Universe -- and send your favorite characters in exciting new directions. Be the first to know the biggest news of the weekend as the creators behind the comic blockbuster event answer your questions and leave you cheering! Join Greg Pak (Alpha Flight), Cullen Bunn (The Deep), Nick Spencer (Iron Man 2.0), editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others for the news you can't miss. Room 6DE

The description for this panel sure promises a lot. I’m not sure why they’d save any huge, gargantuan announcements for this late in the Con, but who knows, it’s Marvel. Obviously, I’m anxious to hear what they have going on in the months ahead. Will I leave cheering? Only time will tell (probably a little bit).

12:30-1:30 BBC America's Doctor Who— Stars Matt Smith and Karen Gillan, along with writers and producers, make their first Comic-Con appearance for a panel and Q&A! They're bringing exclusive new footage of the new season to be shown ahead of its late summer return on BBC America. Doctor Who follows the adventures of the Doctor, the mysterious traveler who journeys throughout all of time and space, picking up companions along the way and almost always sidestepping danger. From award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat and starring BAFTA nominee Matt Smith as the Doctor and Karen Gillan as his companion Amy Pond, the second season's Part One delivered record ratings for BBC America and marked the first time Doctor Who filmed on American soil. Also starring Arthur Darvill and Alex Kingston, the Part One finale ended with the unveiling of a massive secret and the words "Let's Kill Hitler" on screen. Part One is now available on Blu-ray/DVD/iTunes, and Part Two premieres late summer on BBC America's Supernatural Saturdays. Hall H

I recently started watching Doctor Who when they had a marathon on BBC. It’s existed for decades, but I’m just finding it now, and I know I’m not alone, because the good doctor seems more popular now than ever. I bet this will be surprisingly packed, and I’m also guessing that more than one person will be wearing a long, striped scarf.

1:00-2:00 Drawing Manga and Dynamic Anatomy— Billy Martinez, publisher and artist of Neko Press, will demonstrate dynamic manga in action. This lesson will show step-by-step action poses with various characters in movement and foreshortening techniques. Perfect for beginners or seasoned artists. Room 30CDE

Dynamic Anatomy has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?

1:40-5:00 CCI-IFF Award Winners Showcase— Stay tuned for an afternoon of great indie entertainment as the CCI-IFF rescreens the award-winning films from this year's Festival! Marriott Hall 2, Marriott Marquis & Marina

Check out the best of the best indie films presented at the con in this one butt-numbing screening! While it sounds like a lot of fun, I doubt I would stay for them all, just because time is money at Comic-Con and this eats up a whole lot of time. That being said, if you love film, you might find some inspiration for your own work right here.

1:45-2:45 Designing the New 52— What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! DC's Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP - Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner, and others discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE

DC has so many panels around the “New 52” that I worry they’re hyping this thing too much. It’s a big move, no doubt about that. I just hope that the stories are there. Either way, Jim Lee is presenting, so it should be enlightening none the less.

2:00-3:00 Max Brooks: Zombie Survival 101— Max Brooks, screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, is the world's leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks comes to Comic-Con to share his insight into the rotting minds of the undead, reveal how the Zombie Survival Guide came into existence, and field questions from zombie-phobic fans. You dare not miss this lecture -- your very life may depend on it! Room 7AB

Do you know what you would do if the zombie apocalypse were to strike tomorrow? Do you have any plans at all for such an extreme occurrence? If not, then you’re in luck because Max Brooks is going to train you in the ways of prepping for the unthinkable.

2:00-3:00 501st Costuming 101: Dressing to Serve the Empire!— This panel describes the essentials about what it takes to create a costume that meets the standards of quality for entry into the 501st Legion. It will provide an overview of what is involved in creating a costume, the various costume categories, and the amount of time involved in creating a costume that is screen accurate. A panel of experts will describe and display, and demonstrate tips and techniques used for their costume specialty. Plus learn about the mission of the 501st Legion. Room 24ABC

I’m secretly jealous that I’m not in the 501st. Maybe I can talk to someone here about how I can join…hmm…

2:30-5:00 Comic-Con Masquerade Replay— Saturday night's impressive costuming event is reviewed and a big-screen video of the entire show is presented for those who missed it or who simply want a second look. Hosted by Masquerade director Martin Jaquish and Masquerade assistant John Ruff. Room 8

If you associate Comic-Con with costumes, you’re not alone. It’s often what gets the most attention from outside media, and it’s one of the highlights of the Con every year. If you missed the Masquerade on Saturday night, check this recap out for everything you missed. Like the Indie film screening, it’s a bit of a time sink, but a ton of fun.

2:45-3:30 It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia— Join the hilarious cast -- Rob McElhenney, Glenn Howerton, Charlie Day, Kaitlin Olson, and Danny DeVito -- for a Q&A panel session. Hall H

I’ve never seen this show. I’ve been told that I need to see this show by numerous people numerous times. I’m not sure why I haven’t started, but I know it’s popular and I know it’s funny. This will be a popular panel, I’m sure so get there early. And don’t ask Danny DeVito about playing the Penguin in 1992 during the Q&A, even though it’s Comic-Con. Sheesh.

3:00-4:00 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 DC Comics Group Editors Matt Idelson and Mike Marts 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! Join Matt, Mike and some of the industry's top writers and artists as we make history together. Room 6DE

The fourth and final of The New 52 panels that have spanned the length of the Con. I don’t have much to say about it other than I hope attendees are excited by what they saw at all of these.

3:30-4:30 Yo Gabba Gabba! Behind the Music— Since Yo Gabba Gabba! launched on Nickelodeon in 2007, it quickly became one of the most popular series on television with broad appeal among preschoolers, parents, teens and adults- thanks, in large part, to its musical content. Join Lance Robertson (DJ Lance Rock) and the cast of Yo Gabba Gabba! music composers for an exclusive behind the scenes discussion about what it’s like to compose Yo Gabba Gabba! songs for some of today’s most popular names in music and entertainment, such as Jack Black, The Killers, The Shins, The Roots, Weezer and more. Be the first to hear music being composed for the highly anticipated season 4 and 2011 live stage show, followed by a fan-led Q&A. Attendees of the panel also will receive exclusive giveaways. Room 6BCF

Have you ever seen this show? It’s sort of the spiritual successor to a Sid and Marty Kroft show. It’s weird, but fun. Kids and adults can both enjoy this one.

4:00-5:00 Buffy the Musical— Let's end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Fandom Charities Inc. and Whedonopolis.com present a screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical episode "Once More With Feeling" as Comic-Con 2011's big Hall H closing event! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffyverse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin' -- back, that is -- and singing and shouting and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: it isn't just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Hall H

This will be a really fun and hilarious way to end your Comic-Con experience. End on a high note with a musical. I’m sure this is going to be one of the highlights of the whole Con, and something attendees will never forget.

Well, it’s time to pack up your swag and purchases (bring bubble wrap for the breakables!) and head to the airport, station wagon, Segway, or whatever you used to get to Comic-Con 2011, because it’s all over. Perhaps you saw everything you wanted to see, and if you didn’t, there’s always next year. We here at ComicBooks.com hope you enjoyed this programming coverage. Let us know what you think, and what you plan on attending in the comment section below. We continue covering the road to Comic-Con on Monday, so stay tuned!

Written by Chris Harder

Tags: SDCC, Comic-Con, Comic Book Conventions