WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

arrow_back View All Dates

11:00am PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #4: Adaptation and Collaboration

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT

Panelists examine the process of adaptation into and out of comics and how those adaptations navigate audience responses. Adriana Griot (California State University, Long Beach) analyzes fan response on social media to the graphic novel adaptations of the Dungeons & Dragons live-play campaign The Adventure Zone. Audrey Garcia (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) investigates how readers can "close play" comics alongside video games, considering Alien: The Illustrated Story alongside Alien: Isolation as a case study. Rachelanne Smith (Liberty University) explores how the graphic novel Trick 'r Treat: Day of the Dead connects to the original film and expands on its lore. Sierra Schiano (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) considers Reimena Yee's digital comic The God of Arepo, which adapts a collaborative short story written spontaneously and anonymously on Tumblr into an original Classical myth.

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom

12:30pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #5: The Horror of It All: Exploring Pain, Trauma, and Loss in Horror Comics

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 210

Why do we like stories about ghouls, darkness, and other assorted horrors? Some of us can't stand to be spooked, yet others can't get enough. What can we learn about the human condition from tales of horror? Delving into the darkness are Shelly Clevenger (Sam Houston State University), Daniel Jun Kim (PopMythology.com), and Alex Langley (Spider-Man Psychology: Untangling Webs). They explore pain, trauma, and resilience in the Ice Cream Man series, Home Sick Pilots, and Nice House on the Lake. Panelists use the genre of comics to help us understand how horror can illustrate both the worst and best of the human experience.

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense

2:00pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #6: The Changing Face of the World's Favorite Superhero: Superman, Batman, Spidey, and Beyond

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Room 210

What makes a superhero timeless? From the Man of Steel soaring into comics in 1938 to the masked vigilantes and webslingers dominating popular culture today, each taps into something essential in the human imagination. Experts and industry pros explore why these icons became cultural mainstays, how their appeal has shifted across eras, and what their evolving popularity reveals about the societies that embraced them. The discussion looks at the characters' mythic roots, their psychological and cultural resonance, and how fans—across generations and around the world—have reinterpreted them. Whether it is Superman's embodiment of hope, Batman's brooding complexity, or Spider-Man's neurotic relatability, the panel unpacks the formulas that made them unforgettable and considers how newer heroes are building on that legacy.

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Historical, Seminars & Workshops

3:30pm PDT

Figure drawing for Popular Media

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Room 210

Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (John Buscema: A Life in Sketches, Gorillas in da Mix) presents a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. Professionals and beginners are welcome. Bring your drawing supplies to draw during this interactive presentation. Come ready to take notes and to draw.

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Comics

4:30pm PDT

Discovering Our Unique Superpowers: A Creative Workshop for Families

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

Room 210

What superpowers of the body, mind, or heart do you have? This family-friendly interactive workshop is led by Angel Halo Chang, a former preschool teacher and children's book author-illustrator who is passionate about creating diverse and inclusive spaces for all children and families. Pencils and paper provided. Coloring pencils and crayons are encouraged, not required.

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, BIPOC, Education, Kids, Seminars & Workshops

5:30pm PDT

The Art of Voice Directing

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

Room 210

Some of the best voice directors in the industry, including Kristi Reed (Fionna and Cake), Sara Jane Sherman (Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man), and more, are once again stepping out of the booth to share the secrets of their craft with journalist Taimur Dar (The Beat).

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Animation

6:30pm PDT

The Marco Polo Loose Inking Technique

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Room 210

Comic book artist Cutter Hays will demonstrate and teach his fast methods of achieving cool-looking inks in a flashy, sped-up sumi style. It's fun to watch, he takes questions while doing it, and you, too, can learn to be fast, good, and braver with a brush and ink. Cutter will even take on suggestions for subjects as a fun challenge. If you're a beginner, this can be your launching pad. If you're advanced, you can put a new tool in your arsenal. Many are intimidated by traditional inking—come watch and find out how fun it can be!

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Comics, Books

7:30pm PDT

Mold/Resin Making, 3D Printing, and FX Techniques

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT

Room 210

Learn techniques from the experts: Fon Davis (25-year veteran of miniature VFX who has worked on over 25 movies, including the Star Wars series and Guardians of the Galaxy), Brooke Wheeler ( technical sales manager/materials specialist with Reynolds Advanced Materials), Sam Girgis (owner of BiggerBoxModels, designing ideas using CAD systems and with a unique focus on the 3D printing environment), Shawn Thorsson (founder of Thorsson & Assoc. Workshop whose props and armor are produced for films and collectors), Julia Jenkins (cosplayer of many characters who is an avid seamstress and builder), and Jeff Broz (in mold production for over 30 years, producing both aerospace and sci-fi projects).

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Technology - Science - STEM, Television

8:30pm PDT

Life Drawing on the Go

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT

Room 210

Artists Brenda Chi (IDW variant cover artist, TMNT, Transformers, Godzilla Rivals), Don Nguyen (Pablo the Gorilla; sketchcard artist, Marvel, DC Comics, Star Wars, Spongebob), Marcus Newsome (Lightning Strike, Sincere: American Nightmare; sketchcard artist, Marvel, Halo, X-files) and Nathaniel Osollo (Dark Mouse, Sewer Boyz) lead the audience in a life-drawing session featuring cosplayers Crystal Rose, Patricia Rabago, Warpath_Dylan, Jimmy Sherfy, and Jeanie Herger. Attendees are encouraged to bring their preferred drawing tools, whether digital or analog. All skill levels are welcome, and there may be surprises.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 210

U: Updated, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes | 1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

WonderCon 2026

11:00am PDT

12:30pm PDT

2:00pm PDT

3:30pm PDT

4:30pm PDT

5:30pm PDT

6:30pm PDT

7:30pm PDT

8:30pm PDT

Get help with the event