San Diego Comic Fest 2018 Program Schedule

Friday, Apr 20, 2018

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 10:00AM

Basics of Digital Illustration: Digital Arts Workshop (Brittany)
Ryan Magnusson

Disasterpiece Theatre: Remembering Jay Curtis (Sal U.Lloyd) (Crescent)
Tibute program to Jay Curtis, "Sal U.Lloyd" of the Disasterpiece Theatre show. Hosted by Terence Sanford. NO videotaping will be allowed at this panel. Terence Sanford

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 11:00AM

Moving From 2 to 3 Dimensions (Digital Arts Workshop) (Brittany)
Chris Cox

Astronomy of Harry Potter (Crescent)
Did you know that many stars and constellations are named for famous alumni of Hogwarts? (Or is it the other way around?) Dr. Timothy Slater, an astronomy educator and avid Harry Potter fan, will point out the deep connections between J. K. Rowling's fantasy novels and real-life astronomy. Tim Slater

Frankenstein Preview Fest (Garden Salon I)
From Karloff to Battling Space Monsters. An hour-long festival of terrific trailers featuring the Frankenstein Monster. Boris Karloff, Peter Cushing, and other Genre favorites with your genial host, John Field John Field

The Mechanics of Basic Screenwriting (Garden Salon II)
Want to get started writing your screenplay but not sure where to start? Gerry Williams will inform you from experience just how it's done. Gerry Williams

Spotlight on Mary Fleener (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
A native of Los Angeles, California, Mary has had a varied career in underground comics, illustration, and fine art painting. Her work has appeared in such publications as WEIRDO, MINESHAFT, THE BEATS, TWISTED SISTERS, POPEYE, THE ART OF MICKEY MOUSE, THE ART OF TIKI, and GRATEFUL DEAD COMIX. In 1995, her autobiographical stories were collected in her solo book, LIFE OF THE PARTY (Fantagraphics Books), and she is currently writing and drawing a 130 page graphic novel for Fanatgraphics which will be published in 2019. BILLIE THE BEE is a story about a mutant honeybee that lives in a coastal lagoon and hangs out with an unusual crew of animals. Mary will be interviewed by Mark Habegger. Mary Fleener, Mark Habegger

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 12:00PM

Drawing Fundamentals For The Computer (Digital Arts Workshop: Friday #1) (Brittany)
Tom Luth

Celestial Navigation with Moana (Crescent)
Navigating by the stars plays a key role in the story of Disney's Moana, winner of the Oscar, Golden Globe, Annie, and BAFTA awards for best animated film of 2016. Astronomy educator Dr. Stephanie Slater will teach you the principles of Polynesian celestial navigation, the role of astronomy in Pacific culture, and how to identify the constellations as they are known in Polynesian tradition. Stephanie Slater

The Frankenstein Rarities Hour (Garden Salon I)
Film fan and expert John Field will show several rare and unusual films. The Thomas Edison Frankenstein (1910). The very first film appearance of the Monster. Abbott & Costello in a Haunted House that the Monster is roaming. Tales of Frankenstein. The Hammer Films t.v. pilot that did not sell. And more. John Field

Spotlight on Maggie Thompson (Garden Salon II)
Maggie Thompson knows comic fandom from a rare perspective: along with her late husband Don Thompson, she helped create it, in part through her writing that began appearing in 1961 in the pioneering fan publication Comic Art, which she co-edited with Don. Later, she would spend three decades co-editing the industry publication Comics Buyer's Guide, provide regular contributions to Comic-Con's Toucan website and to Gemstone Publishing's Scoop newsletter. Other output has included a miscellany of credits, including a four-issue story arc for Innovation's Dark Shadows series and indexes for Fantagraphics' newspaper-strip collections of Walt Kelly's Pogo. Maggie will be interviewed by Mark Evanier (author of Kirby: King of Comics). Mark Evanier, Maggie Thompson

Women Lead Comics! (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Remember when editors, publishers, and comic store owners insisted that girls don't read comics? My, how times have changed! Four veteran comics creators discuss what it was like then and what it's like today, and they don't mince words. Donna Barr, Mary Fleener, Roberta Gregory, Trina Robbins

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 1:00PM

Digital Painting For Comics (Brittany)
Anthony Washington

Women in Underground Comix (Crescent)
In the underground comix of Robert Crumb and other luminaries of the comix scene, were women often portrayed in a demeaning fashion, one that even at times crossed the line into genuine misogyny? If so, can these comix nonetheless still be appreciated as genuine works of art or must we dismiss them out of hand? This complicated and controversial topic will be discussed women comix and comics creators Trina Robbins, Mary Fleener, and Anina Bennett. Anina Bennett, Mary Fleener, Trina Robbins

"I am not a number! I am a free man!": The 50th Anniversary of The Prisoner (Garden Salon I)
Since it first aired in the U.S. 50 years ago, The Prisoner has been a fan-favorite show. Exploring themes of individualism and personal identity in a surrealistic setting, The Prisoner was like no other show. Pop-culture historian David Lemmo moderates a panel on this great show with panelists Mike Royer (who inked Jack Kirby's unpublished The Prisoner comic). Richard Bruning (who edited DC's comic sequels to The Prisoner), Paul Sammon (who will share inside stories about the show and cast), Jackie Estrada (Eisner Awards director), and comics artist/writer Paul Guinan. Richard Bruning, Jackie Estrada, David Lemmo, Mike Royer, Paul Sammon

X-Men: The Animated Series (Garden Salon II)
Learn the behind the scenes stories about the great X-Men: The Animated Series show with Larry Houston (Director) and Eric and Julia Lewald (Writers, Story Editor, Series Co-Developer). Larry Houston, Eric Lewald, Julia Lewald

Spotlight on Lalo Alcaraz (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
A San Diego native SDSI graduate, Lalo Alcaraz is a well-known cartoonist and social activist. His La Cucaracha is a nationally syndicated daily comic strip, which focuses on Latino culture and politics and is considered one of the most controversial in the history of American comic strips. In addition to the daily strip, Alcaraz has published the graphic novels/comic collections La Cucaracha (2004), Migra Mouse: Political Cartoons on Immigration (2004), Latino USA: A Cartoon History (2000), the 15th Anniversary Edition of Latino USA, and, in collaboration with Ilan Stavans, A Most Imperfect Union (2014). Lalo also recently was cultural advisor on Pixar’s internationally-popular, Oscar-winning animated feature Coco (2017). Lalo Alcaraz

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 2:00PM

3D Magic in Photoshop (Digital Arts Workshop) (Brittany)
Stephen Burns

The Art of Virgil Finlay (Crescent)
Virgil Finlay has been called "part of the pulp magazine history ... one of the foremost contributors of original and imaginative art work for the most memorable science fiction and fantasy publications of our time." His beautiful, highly detailed art is easily recognizable and is a favorite with F&SF art fans and collectors. Greg Bear (F&SF author and artist) and David Clark (lifelong F&SF art aficionado) share a look at this great artist. Greg Bear, David Clark

John Stanley at Last (Garden Salon I)
Fifteen years after his death, the writer-artist has finally achieved recognition for his genius. Jackie Estrada and Maggie Thompson pay tribute to the cartoonist who brought Little Lulu to comic books and provided his own wit to fresh stories. (Did you know that he killed Raggedy Ann and Andy?) Jackie Estrada, Maggie Thompson

Frankenstein: The Novel (Garden Salon II)
Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein; or the Modern Prometheus, originally published in 1818, is considered by some to be the first modern science-fiction novel and has proven to be a landmark work of horror as well. Who better to discuss the novel in all its aspects and influences than special Comic Fest guest Leslier S. Klinger, author of the recently-published The New Annotated Frankenstein, which Frankenstein-fan film director Guillermo del Toro says "may very well be the best presentation of the novel." Leslie S. Klinger

Spotlight on John Semper (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Producer and head writer on the hit show Spider-Man: The Animated Series as well as writer and story editor for many other animated series, not to mention writer of Cyborg for DC, John Semper has brought many fan-favorite characters to life. Comic Fest Chairman (and Spider-Man: The Animated Series superfan) Matt Dunford will interview John Semper and discuss highlights of his great career. Matt Dunford, John Semper

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 3:00PM

Drone Photography Fundamentals (Digital Arts Workshop) (Brittany)
Josh Friedman

Can Comet Hunters Save the World? (Crescent)
More than 5,000 comets are known to orbit the Sun, and there are thought to be many more that have yet to be discovered. Astronomy educator Dr. Timothy Slater will describe what would happen if one of these were to collide with Earth, and how we might prevent such a cataclysm from happening. Tim Slater

The Bride of Frankenstein (Garden Salon I)
She appeared on film in less than a third of her namesake film. She was never brought to life in the original novel. Yet she continues to capture the imagination with her iconic look and possible pasts. Join writers Kelly Dunn, Stephen Woodworth, and David J. Skal and fan William Lund for what is promised to be a lively discussion on everyone's favorite living dead girl. With Spike Steffenhagen moderating. Kelly Dunn, William R. Lund, David J. Skal, Spike Steffenhagen, Stephen Woodworth

More than Pogo: Walt Kelly (Garden Salon II)
Relish his satiric newspaper strip and revisit so much more. Jackie Estrada, Mark Evanier, and Maggie Thompson celebrate all his work, from Our Gang to political cartoons to the Okefenokee Swamp. Jackie Estrada, Mark Evanier, Maggie Thompson

Cultural Appropriation in Comics, Films, and Games (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Cultural appropriation is in the news. What is it? Who gets to decide what it is? Can it be a good thing as well as bad? What makes the difference? This difficult and controversial topic touches upon many of the comics, films, and books we love. This important subject will be explored by panelists Floyd Norman (writer for Disney's Jungle Book), Paul Guinan (writer for forthcoming graphic novel Aztec Empire), Daniel Gutierrez (art director for Mulaka, a video game from Mexico-based developer Lienzo based on traditional stories of the Tarahumara indigenous tribe), and Lalo Alcaraz (cultural advisor for the Disney/Pixar film Coco). Lalo Alcaraz, Paul Guinan, Daniel Gutierrez, Floyd Norman

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 4:00PM

Drawing Fundamentals For The Computer (Digital Arts Workshop Friday #2) (Brittany)
Tom Luth

Who Shot First and Why it Matters in Star Wars (Crescent)
Did Greedo miss? Did Han jump the starting gun and fire first? Dr. Stephanie Slater will take you on a frame-by-frame discussion of who shot first, and will explain why it matters for die-hard Star Wars fans across generations. Stephanie Slater

From Comics to Animation (Garden Salon I)
Join Buzz Dixon (G.I. Joe, Transformers, Batman), Larry Houston (X-Men: The Animated Series), Eric and Julia Lewald (X-Men: The Animated Series), and John Semper (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) as they talk about turning beloved comic characters into successful animated characters. Buzz Dixon, Larry Houston, Eric Lewald, Julia Lewald, John Semper

Kirk Alyn: Film's First Superman (Garden Salon II)
It was 70 years ago, in 1948, that Kirk Alyn became the first actor to portray Superman, in the movie serial Superman, which was followed up in 1950 by the sequel Atom Man vs. Superman. Fast forward to 1971, and Kirk Alyn became Comic-Con's first Hollywood-actor guest. Join artist and serial-fan Mike Royer, Fan Guest of Honor Maggie Thompson, genre film and serial expert John Field, former Comic-Con Archivist Eugene "Gene" Henderson, and Kirk's pal Greg Koudoulian as they talk about Kirk's film career and reminisce about the man himself. John Field, Eugene "Gene" Henderson, Greg Koudoulian, Mike Royer, Maggie Thompson

Mary Shelley, Her Family, and Friends - All the Hot Gossip from 1785 through 1851 (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Panelists Astrid Bear, Diane Clark, and Leslie S. Klinger (The New Annotated Frankenstein) discuss all the hot gossip about Mary Wollstonecraft, William Godwin, Mary and Percy Shelley, Claire Clairmont, Byron, and more. And oh what gossip there is! Astrid Bear, Diane Clark, Leslie S. Klinger

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 5:00PM

Phil Yeh's Graphic Novel Workshop (Brittany)
Learn about the creative process in making a great graphic novel first hand from graphic novel pioneer Phil Yeh. Phil will introduce you to many world famous graphic novel creators and their creation process. At a group level, you will learn how to create your own unique characters, with hands on experience in drawing a funny comic strip and a demonstration on the process of actually writing a comic strip. Phil Yeh

The Art of Lee Kohse (Crescent)
Over the course of his varied and successful career, Lee Kohse has provided art for clients including Lucasfilm, DreamWorks, Marvel, and Disney, has contributed art to such projects as Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Lord of the Rings, Aliens, and Voltron, and found time to work on his own comics projects. Come hear what Lee has to say about the artist's life. Lee Kohse

Life at Disney and Pixar (Garden Salon I)
Willie Ito (Disney, Lady and the Tramp), Disney Legend Floyd Norman (Disney & Pixar, The Jungle Book, Toy Story 2), and Steve Purcell (Pixar, Cars, Brave) as they talk about helping to create beloved animated films at Disney and Pixar. Willie Ito, Floyd Norman, Steve Purcell

Spotlight on Jacqeuline Goehner (Garden Salon II)
Comic Fest's Special Cosplay Guest Jacqueline Goehner speaks about her multi-year cosplaying avocation, designing her costumes, her experiences wearing them, and winning the season-finale on SyFy’s Cosplay Melee show. Jacqueline Goehner

Spotlight on Neil Gaiman's Sandman (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Without doubt, Neil Gaiman's Sandman is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed series to come out of the great British Comics Invasion at DC/Vertigo. Join Karen Berger, who brought Gaiman's Sandman out from Vertigo, and Leslie Klinger, author of four volumes of the Annotated Sandman (covering issues 1-75 of Neil Gaiman’s classic), as they give the inside scoop on this landmark series. Karen Berger, Leslie S. Klinger

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 6:00PM

From Comic Fest to comic studio: The Secret Origin of the Accidental Aliens (Brittany)
The Accidental Aliens, a San Diego based comic studio, discuss meeting during the early days of San Diego Comic Fest, creating comic stories from their individual talents and how they forged their resources together to launch multiple successful Kickstarter funded anthology comics to print. Topics include how a drawing group can inspire artists to hit deadlines on top of real 9-5 day jobs, promotion of individual talents through a group social media campaign, working together to tackle the logistics of a successful Kickstarter campaign, promoting diversity, group networking, and how a drawing group can improve your skills as a comics artist while having fun making new friends in your very own creative tribe! Rodney Anderson, Andi Dukeleth, Scott Lost, Travis Rivas, Emily Rocha, Tristan Whitehous

Reasons for Seasons in Game of Thrones (Crescent)
Winter might be coming, but how long does the long dark night actually last? Astronomy educator and GoT fan Dr. Stephanie Slater will compare and contrast leading theories about the volatile seasons of Westeros, and illustrate why seasons occur in the realm of the Iron Throne. Stephanie Slater

Oddball Comics (Garden Salon I)
A perennial favorite at Comic Fest, attendees eagerly look forward each year to the funniest, craziest, most out of this world assembly of comic madness that is Scott Shaw!'s Oddball Comics show. What will Scott's theme be this year. There's only one way to find out: be there or be square. Scott Shaw!

The Making of "Daisy Belle" (Garden Salon II)
San Diego's Halo Cinematic has followed up their success with "Zero" with "Daisy Belle," a new, award-winning short film about a very special little robot. Director/writer William Wall will show the short and then talk about what went into making such a wonderful film. This is a great chance to learn firsthand about creating indie-film magic. William Wall

Supeheros for Breakfast Cereal (Frankenberry is our hero) (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
From cereal boxes of course! Let our cereal box team of Mikal and duane help u eat your way through 150 years of cereal boxes. Highlighting the first superhero, "Kornelia Kinks" to Superman,Lone Ranger, Batman, Spiderman, Hulk, Iron Man and other cereal caped crusaders. Test your keen sense of smell of cereal flavor and WIN a prize outside a box. FREE INSIDE the room at the end: A Tribute to FRANKENBERRY. With your host, Comic Fest's own Duane Dimock! Duane Dimock, Mikal Vollmer

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 7:00PM

GERRY WILLIAMS' GENRE FILM FESTIVAL PART 1 (Garden Salon I)
Join Gerry as he shows a two-hour collection of short genre films. Sci-fi, Frankenstein, horror, animation: let Gerry surprise and delight you with his viewing selections! Gerry Williams

Friday Night Reception (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Come to the Comic Fest Friday Night Reception, and enjoy a delicious piece of 200th-birthday cake for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Your master of ceremonies Gabriel Valentin of the band Digital Lizards of Doom will provide music and entertainment while master caricaturist Dave Stephens will be drawing attendees as characters from Frankenstein. This is always a fun event. Dave Stephens, Gabriel Valentin

Friday, Apr 20, 2018 9:00PM

THE PSYCHOTRONIC FILM FESTIVAL - Part 1: 9pm to Midnight! (Garden Salon I)
John Field presents three full hours of several fast-paced and unique films: classic cartoons, comedy shorts, serial chapters, stop-motion animated films, horror and sci-fi trailers, bizarre TV shows, and more. John Field

Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Table Listing

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 10:00AM

Drawing Fundamentals For The Computer (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Brittany)
Tom Luth

Could we be creating Frankenstein Monsters through Bioengineering and Nanotech (Crescent)
GMO crops, transhumans, in-vitro genetic modification, gene editing, nano implants: could we be creating real-life Frankenstein monsters through hubris, curiosity without regard for consequences, or seeking short-term benefits without considering long-term risks? Join Nancy Kress (Science Fiction Guest of Honor) and Ronald Coleman (PhD in Regenerative Medicine) as they explore the potential risks of bioengineering and nanotechnology. Ronald Coleman, Nancy Kress

Jack Kirby - Monster Influence (Garden Salon I)
Jack Kirby was influenced by "The Movies." He thought of his characters as actors and composed his art with camera angles found in movies. Throughout Kirby's career he used Monster and Horror themes in his stories, including titles from Simon and Kirby’s Black Magic and early Marvel's Tales of Suspense and Tales to Astonish. By the late 60s with Fantastic Four #97's "Monster from the Lost Lagoon!" and his work in the 70s at DC Comics, specifically "The Demon" series, he began to incorporate 1930s, 40s and early 50s Universal Studios monster films. Panelists Mark Evanier, former assistant to Jack Kirby in the late 60s and early 70s, Mike Royer, Kirby's personal choice inker and sole inker of "The Demon" series, and Tom Kraft, President of The Jack Kirby Museum and Research Center, will discuss and explore the influence monster movies such as Frankenstein, Phantom of the Opera, King Kong and others had on Jack Kirby's creative output in the late 60s and 70s. How did Jack borrow from these movies to create his own unique characters and stories? Mark Evanier, Tom Kraft, Mike Royer

Fans and Fandom in Mexico (Garden Salon II)
Mexican fans have been attending pop-culture cons in Mexico for decades, with some some cons taking place right across the border in Tijuana and Mexicali. They love comics, movies, animation, and video games, whether produced in Mexico or from other countries and translated into Spanish. Yet despite their being so close, how much do U.S. fans know about fans and fandom in Mexico, how many have been to a Mexican convention? Panelists Hugo A. Castro (producer of Gamacon in Tijuana and Mexicali), Daniel Gutierrez (art director for Chihuahua, Mexico based video game developer Lienzo), Adriano Hernandez (concept artist, Lienzo), Juanele (from Mexico City: physicist by day and cartoonist by night), Sebastian Llapur (Mexico-based voice actor for Latin America). Hugo A. Castro, Daniel Gutierrez, Adriano Hernandez, Juanele, Sebastian Llapur

Political Cartooning in the Age of Trump (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
It's the age of Trump and people seem divided as never before while the news media appear more partisan than ever. How does (and should) this affect political cartooning? Are there still lines that should not be crossed, places where cartoonists should not go, or is everything permissible in pursuit of what the cartoonist views as being the greater good? Award-winning political cartoonists Steve Breen (Pulitzer Prize winner, San Diego Union-Tribune), David G. Brown (winner National Newspapers Publishers Association Merit Awards for "Best Editorial Cartoon", Los Angeles Sentinel), and Lalo Alcaraz (La Cucaracha nationally syndicated daily political/cultural comic strip) will discuss these issues. Lalo Alcaraz, Steve Breen, David G. Brown

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 11:00AM

Digital Painting For Comics (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Brittany)
Anthony Washington

The Stars (and Beyond) My Destination (Crescent)
Sending humans to other stars or to distant galaxies is far beyond our current technology. But what if that technology existed? We'll ask our panel of astronomers and science fiction writers what one place beyond the solar system they would visit if they could, what they would hope to experience during their visit, and what story-telling possibilities might lie there. Iair Arcavi, Gregory Benford, Stephanie Slater, Tim Slater

Tribute to Joe Clokey (Garden Salon I)
We are saddened that Joe Clokey has passed away. In addition to being a wonderful, positive, kind person, Joe did a great job of looking after his father's (Joe Clokey) famous creation, Gumby. Joe was a good friend to Comic Fest and had planed to be a guest this year. Please join Michael Aushenker along with others of Joe's friends and admirers in paying him tribute. Michael Aushenker, Dean LeCrone, Spike Steffenhagen, Phil Yeh

The Forensic Comicologist (Garden Salon II)
Owner of the Southern California Comics store, Eisner judge, contributor to the Overstreet Price Guide and Comic Book Marketplace, guest authority on Pawn Stars, and expert appraiser for new TV show Collectors Cafe, Jamie Newbold, Comic Fest's first even Comics Dealer Guest of Honor, knows the business and avocation of collecting comics inside and out. He has written a "How-To" book on collecting comic books, The Forensic Comicologist: Insight Into A Comic Book Life, that will be published by McFarland Press for 2018 release. This 400–page hardbound relates comic books to their historical perspectives. In it, Jamie provides answers for collectors that have suffered financial losses due to lack of information. This is a great chance for veteran and newbie collectors to benefit firsthand from Jamie's fount of collecting knowledge. Jamie Newbold

Voice-Acting in Mexico: Spotlight on Sebastian Llapur (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Mexican fans idolize their voice actors who dub their favorite movies, animated films and shows, and video games in Spanish, and they form long lines to get their autographs. One of their favorites is Sebastian Llapur, who will be making his first U.S. convention appearance at this year's Comic Fest. Sebastian has been the Spanish voice for the saber tooth tiger Diego in Ice Age, Bruce the shark in Finding Nemo, Marcus Fenix in the Gears of War video game, Thorin Oakenshield in The Hobbit, multiple charaters in the Simpsons, and many, many more. He has also been, since 2015, the official voice of Darth Vader for Latin America. Let us all give a warm welcome to Sebastian Llapur. Hugo A. Castro, Sebastian Llapur

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 12:00PM

Mark Kistler's "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" Saturday Workshop (Brittany)
Beloved host of PBS how-to-draw shows The Secret City Adventures (as Commander Mark) and Mark Kistler's Imagination Station and author of such best-selling how-to-draw books as You can draw in 30 Days, Mark Kistler presents a wonderful family-oriented "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" workshop. Mark Kistler

Physics as Graphic Novel - Creating The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe (Crescent)
Prof. Clifford Johnson, a theoretical physicist at USC, has brought physics alive through the new non-fiction graphic novel The Dialogues: Conversations About the Nature of the Universe, which he both wrote and illustrated. In his presentation he'll describe how he decided to use the graphic novel form to transform what's possible in a book about science, bringing alive for general readers diverse topics such as black holes, cosmology, the nature of time, and even the science of cooking. Clifford V. Johnson

Spotlight on Buzz Dixon (Garden Salon I)
Writer for such animation classics as Thundarr the Barbarian, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Batman, and Tiny Toons, as well as comics, feature films, video games, manga graphic novels, and novels, Buzz Dixon has been a major creative force for some of our favorites for decades. TJ Shevlin will interview Buzz. Buzz Dixon, Thomas "TJ" Shevlin

All About Fables (Garden Salon II)
What would happen if the characters from fairy tales and folklore really lived in a separate world but were forced to flee to our "real world" and came to live in a clandestine community within New York City known as Fabletown. That's the premise of the great Fables series that was published by DC's Vertigo imprint under the editorship of Karen Berger. Join Karen and Fables artist Steve Leialoha to learn all about this popular, Eisner Award winning series. Karen Berger, Steve Leialoha

The History of Comics in Mexico (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Comics have a long and varied history in Mexico and some of the world's earliest graphic stories are to be found in codices from Pre-Columbian Mexico. The modern Mexican comic book industry began in the 1930s and has continued down to this day, providing enjoyments over the years to millions of Mexican comics fans. Juanele, a physicist and cartoonist from Mexico City, will discuss this great history of comics in Mexico. Juanele

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 1:00PM

Comic Book Layout in Adobe InDesign (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Brittany)
Avery Caldwell

The Killer B's (Crescent)
Masters of "hard" or fact-based science fiction the Killer B's -- Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, and Honorary "B" Vernor Vinge -- talk about the things they've been thinking about. This is going to be a fun and fascinating panel! Greg Bear, Gregory Benford, David Brin, Vernor Vinge

Boris Karloff and Frankenstein (Garden Salon I)
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein has been a popular work since it was first published in 1818. However, it's the performance of Boris Karloff as Frankenstein's monster that has elevated the story to a permanent place in the pop-culture pantheon. Join Boris Karloff's daughter, Sara Karloff, as she speaks about her father and his unforgettable performance. Sara Karloff

Aztec Empire: A Landmark Graphic Novel in the Making (Garden Salon II)
Artist and writer Paul Guinan, known for his history-based works (Boilerplate: History’s Mechanical Marvel, Frank Reade: Adventures in the Age of Invention) is engaged in creating a true labor of love, the graphic novel Aztec Empire. Exhaustively researched, Aztec Empire tells the true story, as much as it may be known, of one of the most significant events in human history: the conquest of the Aztec empire by Cortes and the Spanish Conquistadors. In the course of telling this story as a graphic novel, Paul will dispel many myths about the conquest and, with artist David Hahn, will give us a glimpse back into those momentous times. Paul Guinan will give Comic Fest attendees a glimpse into this lost world and talk about this amazing project. Paul Guinan

The Art of Mulaka: A New Video Game for Mexico's Lienzo (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
From Chihuahua City, Mexico and video game developer Lienzo, art director Daniel Gutierrez and concept artist Adriano Hernandez talk about creating a unique world for the new video game Mulaka, based on the stories, myths, and legends of the Tarahumara (or Rarámuri) indigenous tribe. Panel moderated by Hugo A. Castro, who promotes the Mexican video game industry through Pro Mexico and Gamacon. Hugo A. Castro, Daniel Gutierrez, Adriano Hernandez

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 2:00PM

Getting Started With 3D Printing (Brittany)
Chris Cox

The History of Science in Comics (Crescent)
Three professors from San Diego City College — Shane Haggard (chemistry), Lisa Will (astrophysics), and Lisa Chaddock (geography) —will discuss specific comic characters and how the science and geography of these characters have changed over time. They’ll discuss how the technology of the time is reflected in that character’s storyline, and how chemistry, physics, astronomy, and physical or cultural geography were incorporated into that character’s changes. Did the character or story drive the science, or was the science reflected in the storyline or character’s persona? Prof. Lisa Chaddock, Prof. Shane Haggard, Thomas "TJ" Shevlin, Dr. Lisa Will

People v. Frankenstein's Monster and Dr. Henry Frankenstein ( Mock Trial ) (Garden Salon I)
Is the Creature Legally Competent to Stand Trial? Is Dr. Frankenstein Criminally Responsible for the Creature's Actions? The purpose of the mock trial is to explore what it means to be human. Should the Creature be viewed as a "person," with legal rights, or as something artificial, like a machine? If the Creature is a human being, what is his relationship to his original bodies and brain, or is he a completely new individual? Is Dr. Frankenstein the Creature's "father" under the law, or is there a different legal relationship, like that of a creator to a product? Both sides of this legal issue will be argued in mock trial by competing teams of legal students with Judge Carol Najera presiding. Produced by Joshua Gilliland of the LegalGeeks. Ezekiel Bottorff, Justin Carpenter, Debra Christian, Kaethe Kaufman, Christine De Leo, Dr. Rebecca Najera, Judge Carol Najera, Matt Weinhold

Spotlight on Nancy Kress (Garden Salon II)
Nancy Kress, Comic Fest's Science Fiction Guest of Honor, is the author of thirty-three books, including twenty-six novels, four collections of short stories, and three books on writing. Her work has won science fiction's highest awards: six Nebulas, two Hugos, a Sturgeon, and the John W. Campbell Memorial Award. Fellow science-fiction author Greg Bear, who will be the interviewer for this spotlight program, said of Tomorrow's Kin (2017), the first book of her Yesterday's Kin Trilogy, "Nancy Kress at her very best!...A first contact novel like no other." Greg Bear, Nancy Kress

DC's Zuda and the Challenge of Web Comics (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Zuda, DC's foray into the world of web comics, was artistically successful but was shut down after only a three-year run. Learn the inside story of DC's web-comics experiment from Zuda Creative Director Richard Bruning. Richard Bruning

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 3:00PM

Comic Book Production - The Digital Workflow (Digital Arts Workshop Saturday) (Brittany)
Sean Glumace

Science Fiction Movies and TV - How's the Science? (Crescent)
How accurate is the science in your favorite science fiction and superhero movies and TV shows? Our distinguished panel of science fiction authors and scientists will discuss the movies and shows that get it right, and those that play fast and loose with the science. Iair Arcavi, Clifford V. Johnson, Nancy Kress, Melora Larson, Alfred Nash, Stephanie Slater

Comic Art as Album Art: The Sequel (Garden Salon II)
The last Comic Art as Album Art panel we had at Comic Fest was a great success, except that the panelists ran out of time but still had so much more to talk about. Thus, by popular demand, we are having Comic Art as Album Art: The Sequel. Moderator Mark Habegger will be joined by panelists William Stout, Scott Shaw, Mary Fleener, Mike Royer, Bart Mendoza, and Batton Lash. Mary Fleener, Mark Habegger, Batton Lash, Bart Mendoza, Mike Royer, Scott Shaw!, William Stout

Journeys To Complete The Work (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Using comics as a medium to provide information about the legal requirements and limits of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) with stories illustrating how the law has been applied during specific instances of repatriation. The aim of the comic is to provide tribes, museums and archaeologists with a point of reference that brings together the legal and personal sides of the issue. With John Swogger (archaeological illustrator and comics writer), Dr. Jen Shannon (Curator and Associate Professor of Cultural Anthropology at the University of Colorado Museum of Natural History), and Dr. Olivia Chilcote (SDSU Professor, Luiseño, San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians) Dr. Olivia Chilcote, Dr. Jen Shannon, John Swogger

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 4:00PM

3D Integration Into your creative work flow (Digital Arts Workshop) (Brittany)
Stephen Burns

2000 sols of Curiosity: five years and eleven miles on Mars (Crescent)
After eight years in development and a one-year cruise to Mars, the Curiosity rover landed at Gale Crater in the summer of 2012. Since then, Curiosity has driven more than eleven miles across some of the most geologically interesting terrain on Mars, working its way up into the foothills of Mt. Sharp, the three mile high layered mountain in the middle of Gale. Curiosity's four science cameras were built and are operated here in San Diego by Malin Space Science Systems. Dr. Ravine, Advanced Projects Manager for MSSS, will take us along on Curiosity's journey. Michael Ravine, Tim Slater

Spotlight on Karen Berger (Garden Salon I)
San Diego Comic Fest Guest of Honor Karen Berger is the editor of Berger Books, a new line of creator-owned comics and graphic novels from Dark Horse. An award-winning editor and founder of Vertigo, the renowned and influential imprint of DC Comics, Karen led Vertigo for 20 years, publishing over 300 properties including the acclaimed and bestselling series: Sandman, V for Vendetta, Preacher, Swamp Thing, Fables, Hellblazer, Y–the Last Man and 100 Bullets. Karen will be interviewed by pop-culture journalist and analyst Rob Salkowitz. Karen Berger, Rob Salkowitz

Grace Jones . . .Masquerade Anyone? (Garden Salon II)
A multi-genre performance artist whose intriguing visual representations span from late twentieth century to present, Grace Jones continues to embrace innovative "full body masks" as she inhabits spaces with "graphic novel edgy camp" to "alien futuristic cyborg" evoking an essence of Jamaican Junkanoo Festival. We will explore several of Grace Jone's "Junkanooesque" embodiments. Delores Fisher, Dr. Anta Merritt, Lady Shadow

Fear the Walking Dead and Film Production in Baja California, Mexico (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Award-winning, Tijuana, B.C., Mexico based film producer Gabriel Reyes will talk about film production in Baja California, Mexico and his work for the AMC TV show Fear the Walking Dead Gabriel Reyes

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 5:00PM

Way Of The Indie: Unique Perspectives On Self-Publishing (Brittany)
Local indie comics creators, publishers, and promoters Keithan Jones, Chad Cavanuagh, Marcel Dupree, and Terry Mayo share their unique personal perspectives on the indie life. They'll answer questions relating to their personal rise in the indie scene and how they juggle their dream jobs with real life responsibilities. They are here to let you know that indie comics are not just a hobby and there's more to comics than just Marvel and DC. Chad Cavanuagh, Marcel Dupree, Keithan Jones, Terry Mayo

The Astonishing X-Men of NASA: How JPL's Team-X Designs Space Missions in Only Six Hours (Crescent)
To find the base of operations for the real-life X-Men, the place to look is not Salem Center, New York but Pasadena, California, home of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). In this talk Dr. Alfred Nash, Lead Engineer and Study Facilitator for Team-X - JPL's Advanced Projects Design Team - will describe how he and his co-workers develop future robotic spacecraft for exploring the solar system. Alfred Nash

What's Wrong With Comics? (Garden Salon I)
Comic characters have never been more popular and yet never sold more poorly as comics. It's been over 25 years since an 'A List' superhero has been created. Comic shops are closing all over the country. What is going on and what can be done about it? Our panel of experts, Karen Berger, Jamie Newbold, David Scroggy, Maggie Thompson, and Rob Salkowitz, weigh in on this topic of great importance to all comic fans. Karen Berger, Jamie Newbold, Rob Salkowitz, David Scroggy, Maggie Thompson

The Consciousness of Jack Kirby Part Two -- How Jack Kirby saved the world (Garden Salon II)
Barry Ira Geller is the only person who worked hand upon hand with Jack Kirby co-designing illustrations for a theatrical film project. Known as the Kirby/Geller Lord of Light drawings, they were originally made for the film to be based upon Geller's screenplay of the Roger Zelazny book, of which he had bought the literary Rights. The drawings were the only architectural renderings ever created by Jack and were the basis for the plans of a Disneyland-type Theme Park, known as Science Fiction Land, to be built in Colorado. They were inked by Mike Royer, who has commented he felt they were Jack's best work. Most people though know them as the actual drawings used by the CIA in the 1979 Iranian Crisis that saved six American lives in the True-Life mission called.... ARGO. "Not bad, Jack!" Barry Ira Geller, Mike Royer

5:30 San Diego Comic Fest Auction (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Come check out the Comic Fest auction. There'll be rare comics, signed original art work, toys, DVD's, and so much more. Auctions start as low as $1, so there's bargains to be had. This is a LIVE auction and loads of fun to check out. Auctioning gets underway at 5:30 PM. All proceeds go to benefit San Diego Comic Fest's 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 6:00PM

Making a Living as an Artist (Brittany)
Artist Lee Kohse (Disney, Dreamworks), editor Aaron Watanabe (DC Comics, Sony Playstation), and Sean Glumace (Adobe Educator, Image Comics) discuss the business of being creative. Learn how to break into the industry, generate revenue, promote yourself online and offline, deal with clients and commissions, and more. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski (podcaster and arts advocate). One lucky panel attendee will win a 12-month subscription to the Adobe Creative Cloud (a $599 value) courtesy of Adobe education leader Sean Glumace. Sean Glumace, Lee Kohse, Johnny Kolasinski, Aaron Watanabe

Crossing the Border: Key Issues in Collecting International Comics (Crescent)
Hear about the original Spider-Man stories only published in Mexico where Gwen Stacey never died! Superman re-characterized with an Arabic name as Nabil Fawzi (not Clark Kent) in Lebanon! The original story of young Dr. Strange published only in Italy! The Indonesian Spider-verse with over 10 different characters closely based on Spider-Man! Panelists Dr. N. Scott Robinson (international comics collector), Tim Kupin (Koop's Comics, dealer and collector of international comics), and Mikal Vollmer (collector) will introduce the recent phenomenon of collecting international comics. With comics published in 100 countries and 80 languages, the panelists will show and discuss a wide variety of comics from many different countries. Duane Dimock will moderate and contribute boring stories of buying comics in foreign countries...unless you count that time he went to the police station... Duane Dimock, Tim Kupin, Dr. N. Scott Robinson, Mikal Vollmer

TV Animation Classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s (Garden Salon I)
Join Buzz Dixon (Thundarr, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Tiny Toons), Larry Houston (X-Men: The Animated Series), Eric and Julia Lewald (X-Men: The Animated Series), and John Semper (Spider-Man: The Animated Series) as they talk about the classic animated TV series you know and love. With moderator Thomas "TJ" Shevlin. Buzz Dixon, Larry Houston, Eric Lewald, Julia Lewald, John Semper, Thomas "TJ" Shevlin

Music in Comics (Garden Salon II)
The marriage of music and comics is a match made in nerd heaven. With comics being granted the same 1st amendment rights as other mediums, what creates a better product - The no holds barred unauthorized versions or the all access authorized books? Join William Stout, Michael Auschenker, Mel Smith and Spike Steffenhagen for a perspective from both sides. The group will also choose their favorite music comic books and there will be a give away for trivia questions. Michael Aushenker, Mel Smith, Spike Steffenhagen, William Stout

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 7:00PM

Superman: 80 Years of Adventure (Garden Salon I)
The Man of Steel celebrates his 80th Birthday this year. Here is a look back at the various Supermen, their movies, TV shows, and more, with film clips shown by your host, John Field. John Field

7:30 Saturday Night Party (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Come to the Comic Fest Saturday Night party. Hang out with pro guests and your fellow fans. See what your master of ceremonies Gabriel Valentin of the band Digital Lizards of Doom will provide for your entertainment: music, games, trivia, fun times and great memories. Gabriel Valentin

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 8:00PM

GERRY WILLIAMS' GENRE FILM FESTIVAL PART 2 (Garden Salon I)
Join Gerry as he shows another two-hour collection of short genre films. Sci-fi, Frankenstein, horror, animation: let Gerry surprise and delight you with his viewing selections! Gerry Williams

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 9:00PM

Untold Tales of Hollywood (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Paul Sammon and William Stout have worked in Hollywood for decades and they've seen it all. This is a great chance to listen in on two film-industry veterans telling insider stories about the crazy, wicked, and wonderful world that is Hollywood. Film fans, don't miss this one: you will hear things you've never heard before! Paul Sammon, William Stout

Saturday, Apr 21, 2018 10:00PM

THE PSYCHOTRONIC FILM FESTIVAL - Part 2: 10pm to 1am (Garden Salon I)
John Field presents another three full hours of several fast-paced and unique films: classic cartoons, comedy shorts, serial chapters, stop-motion animated films, horror and sci-fi trailers, bizarre TV shows, and more. John Field

Friday	Saturday	Sunday	Table Listing

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 10:00AM

Girl Scout Comics Merit Badge Workshop (Brittany)
Alonso Nunez (Little Fish Comic Book Studio) will lead a Girl Scout merit badge comics-making workshop. Please note: attendance is limited to Girl Scouts who have pre-registered with workshop organizer Pamela Jackson. Pamela Jackson, Alonso Nunez

All These Worlds are Yours, Except Europa: Attempt no Landing There (Crescent)
Jupiter’s moon Europa is only slightly smaller than Earth’s moon but is dramatically different: It has a crust of water ice, has almost no craters, and is thought to have a subsurface ocean. Dr. Melora Larson of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory plays a key role in planning Europa Clipper, NASA’s upcoming mission to this exotic moon. She’ll describe the spacecraft, why (in accordance with the film 2010) it will not attempt a landing, and the science Europa Clipper may reveal when it arrives at its destination sometime in the next decade. Melora Larson

Spotlight on Steve Purcell (Garden Salon I)
Cartoonist, animator, director and game designer widely known as the creator of Eisner-winning Sam & Max, which has been adapted as an animated series and several video games, currently doing story development and directing at Pixar (Cars, Brave, and more), Steve Purcell has done it all. Steve Purcell will be interviewed by Steve Hendricks. Steve Hendricks, Steve Purcell

Gender, sex, and sexuality: the queer comix collaborations of Kathy Acker and David Wojnarowicz and the work of Roberta Gregory and Donna Barr (Garden Salon II)
Kathy Acker was an American experimental novelist, punk poet, playwright, essayist, postmodernist and sex-positive feminist writer. David Wojnarowicz was an American painter, photographer, writer, filmmaker, performance artist, songwriter/recording artist and AIDS activist prominent in the New York City art world. SDSU professor Yetta Howard will moderate a discussion of their comix collaborations, joined by comix creators Donna Barr and Roberta Gregory whose work the three also will discuss. Donna Barr, Roberta Gregory, Yetta Howard

Creating Cosplay (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Cosplay has never been more popular. Would you like to start doing it but aren't sure where to start? Have you been doing it awhile but want to take it to the next level? Our cosplay and costuming experts - Jacqueline Goehner (multifaceted cosplayer, season-finale winner on SyFy’s Cosplay Melee show), Sylvia Leon (San Diego City College Professor of Cosmetology, works in Disneyland Hair and Makeup Department providing hairstyling for Face Characters and Parade Performers), Mike McGee (his company Alex in Wonderland provides special effects, props, and specialty costumes to the film and television industry) - will tell you how. Jacqueline Goehner, Sylvia Leon, Mike McGee

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 11:00AM

Exploring (and Colonizing?) the Solar System (Crescent)
The last few decades have wildly expanded our understanding of the Sun, its planets and moons, and other small objects that orbit the Sun. What new discoveries might be on the horizon? Will human astronauts play an important role? Is colonizing the solar system in our future? Our panel of science fiction writers and space scientists will share their thoughts. Gregory Benford, Melora Larson, Alfred Nash, Tim Slater

The Black Panther as AfroFuturism (Garden Salon I)
San Diego State University's Ajani Brown examines the hugely popular Black Panther film and character as examples of AfroFuturism, which has been called the reimagining of a future filled with arts, science, and technology as seen through an African and African-American lens as well as the interdisciplinary study of African and African-American contributions to science fiction, comic-book art, pop culture, and its origins and influences. If you take your Black Panther seriously, this program's for you! Ajani Brown

San Diego Comic-Con 1977: A Memorable Year (Garden Salon II)
Back in Comic-Con’s El Cortez days, every year was a memorable year. But 1977 was particularly notable: That was the year that guests included Robert Heinlein, Carl Barks, C. C. Beck, Joe Shuster, Bob Kane, Harvey Kurtzman, Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, B. Kliban, Alex Niño (who did the souvenir book cover), Joe Kubert, Trina Robbins, Steranko, Theodore Sturgeon, Walter Gibson, Stan Lynde, Bob Clampett, Russ Manning, June Foray, and Bill Scott (voice of Bullwinkle), just to name a few. The first blood drive was held, Carl Macek introduced comics fans to film noir, Sergio Aragones hosted the Inkpot banquet, and DJ Gabriel Wisdom MC'd the masquerade. Plus: Star Wars! Moderated by Jackie Estrada, panelists are slated to include David Scroggy, Gene Henderson, Mark Evanier, and other Comic Fest guests who were there, such as Bill Stout, Steve Leialoha, and Phil Yeh. Jackie Estrada, Mark Evanier, Eugene "Gene" Henderson, Steve Leialoha, David Scroggy, William Stout, Phil Yeh

The Kaiju Panel (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
This year's 50th anniversary of Destroy All Monsters and the recent release of Pacific Rim Uprising seem like great excuses for another installment of the Comic Fest Kaiju panel. Panelists Hiroshi Kanatani (whose Godzilla illustrations have been commissioned by Toho Studios, Beth Accommando (arts and culture reporter for KPBS), Chris Mowry will share the love for all things Kaiju. Beth Accomando, Hiroshi Kanatani, Chris Mowry

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 12:00PM

Mark Kistler's "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" Sunday Workshop (Brittany)
Beloved host of PBS how-to-draw shows The Secret City Adventures (as Commander Mark) and Mark Kistler's Imagination Station and author of such best-selling how-to-draw books as You can draw in 30 Days, Mark Kistler presents a wonderful family-oriented "You Can Draw in 30 minutes" workshop. Mark Kistler

Spotlight on David Scroggy (Crescent)
Since first moving to San Diego in 1975, David Scroggy has been intimately involved with both the fan and business sides of comics. He had a long association with Comic-Con, wrote a regular column for the Comics Buyer's Guide, worked for Pacific Comics, an early comics retailer and indie publisher, and became an artist representative. In 1993, David joined Dark Horse Comics as Vice President Publishing. A year later, he started a new department for Dark Horse, Product Development, that would develop toys, statues, gift items and collectibles related to comics and pop culture. He spent 23 years with Dark Horse in this capacity, traveling extensively to Asia and elsewhere working with manufacturers, licensors and creative talents and retired in June, 2017. A consummate comics insider, Dave will speak from a lifetime's experience, being interviewed by pop-culture journalist and analyst Rob Salkowitz. Rob Salkowitz, David Scroggy

Blade Runner, Blade Runner 2049, and the 50th Anniversary of Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep (Garden Salon I)
With the book Blade Runner was based on turning 50 this year and the recent release of Blade Runner 2049, it's a great time to consider and compare the movies to each other and to Philip K. Dick's novel. Of course, there's no one better to do that than Paul Sammon, author of the authoritative Future Noir: The Making of Blade Runner. This one's for all you Blade Runner fans out there and Paul has promised some new, behind the scenes tales of Blade Runner 2049. Paul Sammon

Alfredo P. Alcala and the Great Filipino Comics Invasion (Garden Salon II)
Beginning in 1970, Marvel and DC and Filipino comic artists discovered each other. Soon such great artists as Tony DeZuniga, Nestor Redondo, Alex Nino, and Alfredo P. Alcala were doing wonderful art for the big comics publishers. Join artist Alex Nino and comics creator Phil Yeh, who was good friends with Alcala and co-wrote a book about him, as they talk all about the impact these artists made on the American comics scene. Alex Nino, Phil Yeh

Can (and Should) Fans Just Get Along? (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
It's no secret that divisions in society have been widening. Does this have to be the case in fandom as well? How inclusive can and should fandom be? Must we be looking for Nazis to punch or SJWs to harass or can and should we all just get along? Our panelists will discuss this important, controversial topic. Astrid Bear, Anina Bennett, David G. Brown, William R. Lund, Maggie Thompson

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 1:00PM

Moving From 2 to 3 Dimensions (Digital Arts Workshop Sunday) (Brittany)
Chris Cox

Turning Stars into Gold: The Discovery of the First Kilonova (Crescent)
On August 17, 2017, for the first time in history, gravitational waves created by two merging neutron stars were detected on Earth, and an alert was sent to astronomers across the globe. Dr. Iair Arcavi and his team at the Las Cumbres Observatory were among the first to capture the flash from the "kilonova" explosion accompanying the merger. This discovery has provided more staggering insights about our Universe than any other single astronomical event in our lifetime, all while charting the course for a new age in "multi-messenger" astronomy. Iair Arcavi

2001: A Space Odyssey 50th Anniversary (Garden Salon I)
Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey blew a lot of minds when it was first released back in 1968. How does it hold up today, 50 years later, and how does it compare to science-fiction films that have followed it? How accurate has the science and technology proven to be? Why are we 17 years past 2001 yet haven't been back to the Moon since 1972 and are nowhere near able to send people to Jupiter? Our panel of experts - Paul Sammon, Gerry Williams, and Greg Bear - consider these and other questions, offer some opinions, and share behind the scenes stories. Greg Bear, Paul Sammon, Gerry Williams

30th Anniversary of Garfield and Friends (Garden Salon II)
Join Mark Evanier, who wrote or co-wrote nearly every episode of Garfield and Friends and acted as voice-recording director, as he talks about bringing everyone's favorite lasagna-loving cat to TV animation. Mark Evanier

Typecast - From Idea to Reality in the World of Crowd Sourcing (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Join writer/producer/actress Mac Beauvais (Hit Girl, The Gloaming) and writer/comedian/actor Ben Paddon (PortsCenter, Boomer's Day Off) as they discuss how they got their dream of a web series about monsters and Hollywood from the idea stage to fundraising. They'll share the highlights, as well as the pitfalls, in learning what it means to produce your own content. Also joining the panel will be Justin Zagri, Writer/Director (Severus Snape & The Marauders, The Greater Good) and Chris Dorman, Actor (The Gloaming, 8.13, Consumption). Mac Beauvais, Chris Dorman, Ben Paddon, Justin Zagri

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 2:00PM

Comic Book Production - The Digital Workflow (Digital Arts Workshop Sunday) (Brittany)
Sean Glumace

Ursula K. Le Guin Tribute (Crescent)
Comic Fest pays tribute to author Ursula K. Le Guin, who recently left this mortal coil. A winner of multiple Hugo Awards, Nebula Awards, Locus Awards, and World Fantasy Awards, she was made a Grandmaster of Science Fiction in 2003 and in 2014 was awarded the National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. Nancy Kress, David Brin, and Anina Bennett will discuss the life and legacy of Le Guin, one of the most honored authors in the history of fantasy and science fiction. Anina Bennett, David Brin, Nancy Kress

Frankenstein in Popular Culture (Garden Salon I)
Since first published in 1818, Mary Shelley's story of Dr. Frankenstein and his monster has captured the imagination of generation after generation. Though best known from the 1931 film featuring the unforgettable performance of Boris Karloff as the monster, the story has appeared in many forms in multiple media, and it has influenced a host of spinoffs, imitations, and inspired-by works. Our panel of pop-culture experts - Maggie Thompson, William Stout, Pete Von Sholly, and Leslie Klinger - will have plenty to say about the lasting impact of this classic work. Leslie S. Klinger, William Stout, Maggie Thompson, Pete Von Sholly

Floyd Norman: An Animated Life (Garden Salon II)
Mark Evanier (The Garfield Show, Groo) interviews Disney Legend Floyd Norman about his career in film animation, TV animation, and comics which stretches from working with Walt Disney on The Jungle Book animated feature down to the present day. Mark Evanier, Floyd Norman

The Origin of Amatl Comics and Claudia Dominguez's More Than Money (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
The San Diego State University Press has created a new comics imprint: Amatl Comix! Their first title, More Than Money by Claudia Dominguez, shares the harrowing true story of a father kidnapped by Mexican cartels and his family’s struggle to ransom him. Join Dr. William Nericcio, Director of the Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences program, and Professor of English and Comparative Literature & Chicana/o Studies at San Diego State University; Claudia Dominguez, Graphic Memoirist for More Than Money; and Pamela Jackson, Popular Culture Librarian at San Diego State University as they discuss Amatl Comix and More Than Money. Claudia Dominguez, Pamela Jackson, William Nericcio

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 3:00PM

Digital Painting For Concept Art (Digital Arts Workshop) (Brittany)
Anthony Washington

Fermi's Paradox 2018: OK, really, where are they? (Crescent)
In 1950 Enrico Fermi, then working at Los Alamos National Laboratory, asked his famous question, "Where are they?" It's now 2018, and scientists and science-fiction authors have had 68 years to think about this issue. What have they come up with? Where are the extraterrestrials? Are there any or are we alone? Have there been extraterrestials in the past and, if so, what happened to them. Might it happen to us? Greg Bear and David Brin will share there latest thoughts on the fascinating, and vitally important, topic. Greg Bear, David Brin

Hair Apparent: Great Beards and Moustaches in Comics, Fantasy, and Science Fiction (Garden Salon I)
Can you imagine Tony Stark, Doctor Strange, Lando Calrissian, or the dwarves in The Hobbit without their distinctive facial hair? (Neither can we.) In this presentation Dr. Alfred Nash, a NASA scientist, science fiction fan, and two-time winner of the National Beard and Moustache Championships in the English Moustache category, will take us on a tour of memorable beards and moustaches in print and on screen. Alfred Nash

Spotlight on Steve Breen (Garden Salon II)
Steve Breen is a nationally syndicated political cartoonist who has twice won the Pulitzer Prize, in 1998 and 2009. In 2001 he joined the staff of The San Diego Union-Tribune. His editorial cartoons are nationally syndicated and regularly appear in The New York Times, USA Today, and US News and World Report. His comic strip Grand Avenue appears in more than 150 newspapers across the country. He is also the author of childrens' books and won the 2017 NH State Library Ladybug Picture Book Award. Steve Breen

Sunday Frankenstein Cafe Auction (Le Chanticleer - 9th Floor)
Decorations from the Frankenstein Cafe and anything donated Sunday go up for auction. As always, all proceeds go to benefit San Diego Comic Fest's 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Sunday, Apr 22, 2018 4:00PM

Basics of Digital Illustration (Digital Arts Workshop Sunday) (Brittany)
Ryan Magnusson