WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

2:00pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #1: Defining the Superhero Today: Mission, Identity, and Community in Comics

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

What makes a superhero a superhero, and why does it matter now? Building on Peter Coogan's defining criteria of mission, powers, heroic identity, costume, and generic distinction, this interactive panel examines how these elements shape both classic and contemporary understandings of the superhero genre. Antero Garcia (Stanford University), Susan Kirtley (Portland State University), and Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools) introduce a practical, classroom-tested rubric for analyzing superhero construction, drawing from their comics pedagogy framework and community-centered activities. After modeling how Coogan's criteria illuminate characters across publishers and eras, panelists guide attendees through hands-on evaluation and rapid-creation exercises. Participants name, assess, and finally design their own superheroes rooted in real-world identities, communities, and needs. This session invites scholars, educators, and fans to rethink the superhero not merely as a genre figure but as a cultural tool for storytelling, self-authorship, and collective imagination.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 210

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

2:00pm PDT

Spiritual Themes in Comics

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Room 211

Casey Robin (illustrator), Travis Hanson (Beanleaf Press), Spiritual themes continue to be an essential component in comics, television, and movies, with series like Avatar: Fire and Ash, Ironheart, and Win or Lose all having spiritual themes as an important element of their stories. Leo Partible (comic book creator), Buzz Dixon (G.I. Joe), Matt Agosto (pastor), Ralph Miley (New Creation Comics), and Kyle Keene (moderator) will discuss the importance of spiritual themes in storytelling and the future of these themes as they are interwoven in the culture and in creative expressions.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

3:00pm PDT

Success in Creativity Mixer: Meet Other Creatives and Get Time with the Experts

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 204C

This mixer brings together creatives from across television and film, animation, podcasts, cosplay, fan groups, music, illustration, blogging, writing, and comics to connect with peers both within and outside their own fields. Attendees can network across disciplines to find collaborators whose skills support every stage of a project, from creation through promotion and marketing. The event also offers dedicated one-on-one time with experts from the Success in Creativity panels—including Luke Cheesman, James Frye, Ron Coleman, Ph.D., Renah Wolzinger, Ed.D., Stephen Burns, Marsia Powers, Batt Rivera, Gene Turnbow, and Topher Davila—who can address questions on topics ranging from digital art, writing, and podcasting to management, accounting, taxes, event planning, and more. Attendees receive resource postcards drawn from past panels and have a chance to win a One by Wacom tablet. Bringing business cards or contact information is recommended to make the most of the networking opportunities.

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 204C

4:00pm PDT

Women in Comics: Is It Finally Our Time?!

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Room 300A

Or are we going backwards? Expect a lively discussion with editor/journalist Heidi MacDonald (Comics Beat, Publishers Weekly), writer Amy Chu (Emma Frost, Carmilla: The First Vampire, Red Sonja), and some surprise guests.

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Anime & Manga, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, LGBTQIA+, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #3: The President Is a Hulk

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT

Room 210

How have comics responded to the Trump era? Adam Adler (Super Babies v. DC Comics) and Peter Coogan (Institute for Comics Studies) explore how comics use metaphor, abstraction, and larger-than-life characters to express controversial or politically charged ideas and show how the response to Trump is the latest in a long line of comics-based activism.

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 210

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

4:15pm PDT

Exploring the Music of Teen Titans

Friday March 27, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT

North 200A

The beloved animated series Teen Titans premiered in 2003 and continues to receive acclaim and enjoy popularity among both original fans and those who discover it on streaming. A driving force for the series was the music, composed by the Emmy Award–winning Dynamic Music Partners, who have been responsible for many of DC's biggest animated hits. You are invited behind the scenes with the talented trio that crafted the series' stellar music—Kristopher Carter, Lolita Ritmanis, and Michael McCuistion—as well as some of the series' highly regarded production and voice talent. Moderator Gary Miereanu will offer special giveaways during the Q&A, so have your music questions ready.

Friday March 27, 2026 4:15pm - 5:15pm PDT
North 200A

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

5:00pm PDT

Original Comic Art: An Open Discussion with the Insiders

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Moderated by Mickey Finnegan (founder, Swagglehaus Entertainment; host, The Ungraded Truth podcast) this panel features Dinesh Shamdasani (former CEO and CCO, Valiant Comics; current CEO and CCO, Bad Idea), Patrick A. Reed (curator of Marvel: Earth's Mightiest Exhibition, Spider-Man: Beyond Amazing, and Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity), and Carl Choi (publisher, 247 Comics; producer, Six Studios). They will examine current trends in comic art collecting, share methods and tips for entering the hobby, and answer audience questions.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Superheroes, Comics

5:30pm PDT

Gay Geeks and Where to Find Them

Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

Room 300C

Nicole Maines (actor, writer), Nathaniel Dolquist (actor, cosplayer), Jesse Ledina (artist), and Ember Vain (drag queen, cosplayer) discuss how favorite geeky fandoms can become flourishing careers, the challenges and rewards of growing up LGBTQIA+, seeking diversity and representation, and how being part of the community has influenced their work. The panel includes a special performance by Ember Vain and is moderated by Julian Jetson (stylist and host).

Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

5:30pm PDT

JAKKS Pacific and Disguise Costumes: Exclusive First Look at Upcoming Releases

Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

Room 213AB

This panel offers a preview of new figures and collectibles based on Nintendo, Sonic the Hedgehog, The Simpsons, and more. Disguise Costumes also unveils a lineup of costumes scheduled to hit stores this year. After the reveals, the session features a Q&A and a trivia challenge that gives attendees a chance to win special prizes. Panelists include Danielle McLachlan, Kevin Feely, Jeremy Sueper, Amritz Lay, Alex Tello, Jennifer Gracia, Maddie Gerety, and Chelsea Tenney.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Kids, Movies, Superheroes, Video Games

6:15pm PDT

Toonstock 17: We're Singing Again . . . with the Dynamic Music Partners!

Friday March 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm PDT

North 100B

Toonstock returns for a 17th entertaining panel, featuring the celebrated creative composers of copious cartoon music, the Emmy Award–winning Dynamic Music Partners. Perk up your ears for an hour of animated musical fun discussing the likes of Justice League, Teen Titans, Batman Beyond, The Zeta Project, The New Batman Superman Adventures, Marvel's Avengers Assemble, Batman: The Brave and the Bold, and more with DMP's terrific trio—Kristopher Carter, Lolita Ritmanis, and Michael McCuistion—alongside The Archive Guys Podcast hosts Matthew Patterson and DW Ferranti, and moderator Gary Miereanu. Prepare to raise your own voice during the beloved Batman: The Brave and the Bold sing-along to the landmark "Mayhem of the Music Meister" episode.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:15pm - 7:15pm PDT
North 100B

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anime & Manga, Comics, Historical, Kids, Movies, Music, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

6:30pm PDT

Collecting, Documenting, and Displaying 50 Years of Captain Canuck Comics

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Room 300C

Trevor Alvord (curator, BYU Library), Sharolyn Swenson (cataloger, BYU Library), and Dainan Skeem (curator, BYU Library) explore the history and cultural influence of the Captain Canuck comics, its creator Richard Comely, and the efforts of Brigham Young University Special Collections to preserve Comely's work and the importance of building library comic collections. The panel will conclude with a discussion on developing an exhibit celebrating Captain Canuck's 50th anniversary, highlighting how the Canadian-themed comic fostered a sense of belonging and connection among students.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Historical, Superheroes

6:30pm PDT

Comic Book Law School®: The ABCs of Copyright and Trademark Law

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Room 210

Creative passion and keen business sense don't always go hand in hand, and that's one of the reasons why many creators put off taking steps to protect their rights. But with an ever-growing appetite for new content and artificial means for laypersons to generate creative works with simple prompts, it has never been more important for creators to "get their ducks in a row" as soon as they can to protect themselves and their creations. But comics creators have their own Defenders they can turn to—and not just Jennifer Walters and Matt Murdock—as noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz (author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) returns to WonderCon along with IP attorney Alana Friedman to bring attendees the information needed to protect their creative works. This Comic Book Law School session tackles the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, works of authorship, characters, names, and branding, giving creators information to help them protect their creative works from conception through publication and beyond. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about rights available to authors and creators under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, as well as some of the problems and pitfalls they may face, some important contract “dos and don'ts,” and (time permitting) a brief discussion on why written agreements can be unsung heroes and why not all generative A.I. programs are villains. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and practice tips to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. However, the seminar is presented for information and entertainment purposes only, and the information presented and opinions expressed at the seminars do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. [This program is approved for one credit of California MCLE.]

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Games, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

6:30pm PDT

G-Man Comics: How We Published 100 Comics in Seven Years and How You Can Too

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT

Room 208

G-Man Comics' Rik Offenberger (editor-in-chief), Chris Squires (managing editor), and Ray MacKay (associate editor) offer an inside look at how a group of passionate fans grew into an independent superhero universe. In just seven years, G-Man Comics has launched over 100 issues, built a cohesive shared universe, coordinated dozens of creators, and delivered 12 successful crowdfunding campaigns. Panelists explain how they built a production pipeline that allows them to release comics consistently; how they coordinate teams of writers, artists, colorists, letterers, and editors across multiple countries; and how they manage crowdfunding, fulfillment, and fan engagement—and how you can, too.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Superheroes, Comics

6:45pm PDT

Marvel Rivals: Meet the Cast

Friday March 27, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT

North 200A

This panel highlights some of the outstanding voice talent behind Marvel Rivals. Panelists include Alpha Takahashi (Psylocke), Daniel Marin (Namor), Eliah Mountjoy (Winter Soldier), James Mathis III (Black Panther), Jordan Reynolds (Adam Warlock), and Brittany Cox (Angela). The panel will be moderated by Chandler Poling of Giant-Size Productions.

Friday March 27, 2026 6:45pm - 7:45pm PDT
North 200A

U: Updated, Superheroes, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Superheroes, Science Fiction & Fantasy

7:00pm PDT

What Would Buffy Do?: Why We Need Buffy the Vampire Slayer More than Ever

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Room 213CD

Later this year, iconic hero Buffy Summers will return in the revival TV series, Buffy the Vampire Slayer: New Sunnydale. Moderated by Bryant Dillon (president, Fanbase Press), this panel—featuring Juliet Landau (actress, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel), Sarah Gailey (writer, The Vampire Slayer, Eat the Rich), Marsia Powers (president/co-founder, Fandom Charities; HellmouthCon), Amy Chase (writer, Fixation, Archie Horror: Welcome to Riverdale), and Don Aguillo (cover artist, Spawn, King Spawn)—will examine the power and endurance of Buffy, how Buffy never truly left pop culture, and why today's challenges require a return from everyone's favorite Slayer.

Special Guests

Sarah Gailey

WonderCon Special Guest

Sarah Gailey is a Hugo and British Fantasy Award–winning, bestselling author of speculative fiction, short stories, and essays. Their bestselling adult novel debut, Magic for Liars, was published by Tor Books in 2019. Their most recent novel, Just Like Home, and most recent ori... Read More →

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

7:30pm PDT

Concept to Creation: A Writers Forum

Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT

Room 210

Are you passionate about writing, creating, and storytelling? Do you have a book, script, or idea in need of some TLC? Creative professionals join for an engaging, audience-led discussion designed for independent authors, creators, and artists like you! Featuring host April Wahlin (author, Pandora Syndrome), Doc Farrow (actor, Young Sheldon), Jessica Maison (comics publisher, Wicked Tree Press), Aristotle Dreher (content creator and performer, Aristotle Full Throttle), Laurine Price (producer and writer, Phoenix), Dr. Travis Langley (writer, Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), and Tessa McFionn (novelist, Star-Crossed Negotiations).

Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, Superheroes, Comics

8:00pm PDT

Cosplaying as a Couple

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 300E

Four couples—Shawn Richter and Lisa Richter, Miguel Capuchino and Lucy Capuchino, Trevor Newton and Wendy Newton, and Ed Gonzalez and Shelly Grace—describe their experiences and challenges and answer questions about what it's like cosplaying together. These couples all have many years of experience at conventions and provide countless hours of community support through cosplay.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300E

1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Fandom, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes

8:00pm PDT

Golden Healing: K-Pop Demon Hunters

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 300A

Irene Yu (credentialed counselor) appears as Rumi for an uplifting discussion. She unpacks self-worth, identity, and belonging through K-Pop Demon Hunters' storytelling and fandom. Attendees gain simple, powerful ways to talk about self-worth while celebrating fandom's joy and creativity. The session closes with a Golden Singalong, sealing The Honmoon in song, unity, and joy.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Animation, Cosplay, Education, Fandom, Movies, Music, Superheroes

8:00pm PDT

Quests & Queries!

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 209

The Welcome Party—Alix Catherine, Cole Garrison, and Jason Patrick Galit (JPG)—host this afterparty game of wordplay and clever query crafting where participants answer questions and question answers. Kimberley Wong (actress and voice actress, Queen of Tears) and Movie Mija (Emily Baeza) (producer, filmmaker, and content creator) will test their pop culture knowledge and put that knowledge into practice by crafting new questions, generating different answers to the same questions, and breaking down questions to find the answers they seek. With guest host Law Sharma (actor and entertainment journalist), this education- and comedy-focused battle of wits emphasizes that the thought process behind crafting an answer is just as important as the answer itself.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 209

1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Games, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

8:00pm PDT

The Great Comic Book Reading Debate!

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Floppies vs. tablets! Kirk Kushin (Hello Kitty, PAW Patrol), Mark Fujita (Young Justice, WWE NXT), Denise Downer (Batwheels, Marvel's Amazing Spider-Man), and Britton Payne (entertainment attorney, Warner Bros./Nickelodeon) debate the best way to read comics in all their many formats. All are welcome—from "slabbers" to "flagrant page benders." This fun-filled discussion about the medium we all love welcomes fans and their comics.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Superheroes

8:30pm PDT

The Trial of Thanos

Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT

Room 208

How would real-world courts handle the trial of Thanos? How would statutes of limitations work in a world of time travel? Could the Joker really obtain early release? Attorney Adam Adler (Superbabies v. DC Comics) explores the strange legal puzzles hiding inside comic capers and shows how lawyers can use comics to pressure-test and improve the law.

Friday March 27, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Superheroes, Comics

11:00am PDT

Alien Influence: Set Decoration for Extraterrestrials

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

Room 207

Ever since philosophers first asked existential questions, aliens have been an integral part of the cultural zeitgeist. Set decorators create the visuals that bring these sci-fi stories to life. Ashley Michelle Marsh (SDSA, Pluribus) and Lauri Gaffin (Captain Marvel) discuss the challenges and joys of decorating extraterrestrial environments and their interaction with our world. Moderated by Rae Deslich (SDSA) and Michelle Hall (SDSA).

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

11:00am PDT

Pop Culture in Museums: Comics, Film, Animation, and More

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

Room 303AB

In recent years, pop culture exhibitions have exploded, with blockbuster productions reaching audiences around the world. This panel brings together curators, creators, designers, and other professionals to discuss displaying and celebrating popular arts in museum settings and will also feature an exclusive sneak peek at the Skirball Cultural Center's next comics-focused show.

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Superheroes

11:30am PDT

Focus on Jim Cummings

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

North 200A

This intimate conversation with Jim Cummings explores his 40-plus-year career giving voice to a diverse array of landmark animated characters, including Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, and Star Wars' Hondo Ohnaka, as well as providing the singing voice of Scar in The Lion King. A two-time Annie Award winner and recipient of the prestigious Winsor McCay Award, Cummings is joined by moderator Chris Judge, producer of the incredibly popular Toon'd In! with Jim Cummings podcast.

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
North 200A

1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Anniversaries, Fandom, Historical, Kids, Movies, Superheroes, Television

11:30am PDT

The Mighty Crusaders

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

Room 213AB

In 1939, MLJ Comics, the company later rebranded as Archie Comics, published Blue Ribbon Comics and entered the world of superheroes with Bob Phantom. The company went on to create a pantheon of superheroes, including the first patriotic superhero, The Shield, and fan favorites such as The Comet, Hangman, The Fly, Lancelot Strong, and many more. These heroes have appeared in both Archie Comics and DC Comics. Their stories have been reprinted in England, France, Germany, and Brazil, and the characters have crossed over into radio, film, and the pulps. This panel presents the 80-year history of some of the greatest superheroes of the Archie universe with Rik Offenberger (Archie Comics), Chris Squires (Archie Comics), and Mighty Crusaders experts Ray MacKay (Big Bang Comics) and Tim Chizmar (Spooky Ninja Kitty Comics).

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Superheroes, Movies

12:00pm PDT

6th Annual "It's Alive!": Designing Sci-Fi, Horror, and Comic Book Genre Film and TV

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Room 300A

"It's Alive!" returns to WonderCon with an exploration of the creative work behind horror, anime, thriller, and comic book–inspired films and TV shows. Industry professionals reveal how they bring worlds and characters to life through the artistry of music, editing, and more in this deep dive into the creative process. Panelists include composer Daniel Rojas (Marvel's Hit-Monkey), editor Eric Litman, ACE (One Piece), composer Ian Arber (Drops of God season 2), editor Kristi Shimek (Wardriver), composer Sam Boase-Miller (Good Boy), and composer Sam Jones (Didn’t Die). Moderated by editor Maura Corey, ACE (Gen V). Part 2 of Impact24 PR's Panel Superblock.

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

12:00pm PDT

The DisneyBound Blog: Styling for Fandom Fashion

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Room 300E

In the 15 years since The Disneybound Blog became a viral sensation, it has brought together a global community sharing their love of Disney fandom and creative fashion expression by incorporating both into daily styling. Disneybounding pros Logan Allison, Shannon Kiang, Jazmine Liew, Clarione, and Tory Hatcher present tools for bringing whimsy and favorite fandoms to personal wardrobes. Moderated by Kelsey Walmer.

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 300E

U: Updated, Animation, Cosplay, Fandom, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television | 1: Programs, Animation, Cosplay, Fandom, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television

1:00pm PDT

Meet Tarzan Author Joe R. Lansdale plus Esteemed Guests

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 211

Three decades ago, Edgar Rice Burroughs' grandson found a lost Tarzan manuscript in a vault in Tarzana, California, and selected rising-star author Joe R. Lansdale (Bubba Hotep, Hap and Leonard) to complete it. Now, Lansdale is a legend in his own right, discussing new Tarzan projects as well as the 30th anniversary edition of Tarzan: The Lost Adventure, a convention exclusive debuting at WonderCon. The panel also features Llana Jane Burroughs, ERB's great-granddaughter, whose father recovered the lost manuscript and worked tirelessly to promote ERB's legacy. Next, Tom Akel of Rocketship Entertainment offers a glimpse at a new epic Tarzan comics project. Also on hand are Wolf Larson (former Tarzan TV star and VP of ERB Entertainment) and the ERB, Inc. team to discuss upcoming books, comic books, merchandise, and movie and TV series in development. Attendees will receive a Tarzan: The Lost Adventure 30th anniversary bookmark!

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Anniversaries, Art and Illustration, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Games, Historical, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

1:00pm PDT

Ink & Melanin: A Writer's Roundtable

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Andra Gunter (Netflix Animation), Tiffany Thomas (The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder), and Shakira Pressley (Craig of the Creek, Ben 10, We Baby Bears) offer a candid conversation on animation, authorship, and navigating major IP while protecting their storytelling voices. The panel explores craft and the emotional engine behind building stories within the studio system. Moderated by Anise Overton (Black N Animated).

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

U: Updated, Animation, Superheroes | 1: Programs, Animation, Superheroes

1:30pm PDT

The Writer's Journey: Your Intellectual Property Is Your Future

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Room 300C

The entertainment industry has shifted in ways no one could have predicted. This panel explores how rapidly the entertainment industry has changed and what displaced writers have done to rejuvenate their careers by doubling down on their original material. Writers and producers give examples of how they changed their mentality and offer solutions for writers who feel confused and frustrated. Featuring Brandon Easton (Iyanu), Roye Okupe (Iyanu), and other creators.

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

1:30pm PDT

X-Men Fandom

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

North 100B

This panel celebrates all things related to the X-Men as mutants gather once more at WonderCon. Entertainment professionals discuss how they became involved in the world of X and what it means to them. Panelists include Laura Post (Emma Frost in Marvel Rivals), Crystal Lee (Jean Grey in Marvel Rivals), Gui Agustini (Sunspot in X-Men ’97), and Steven E. Gordon (artistic director of X-Men Evolution). Audience members can expect surprise giveaways. The panel will be moderated by Giant-Size Production's Chris Riley and Chandler Poling, co-creators of The Uncanny Experience.

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
North 100B

U: Updated, Superheroes, Science Fiction & Fantasy | 1: Programs, Superheroes, Science Fiction & Fantasy

2:30pm PDT

Storyboarding for Commercials, TV, and More

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

Room 300C

Rafael Navarro (storyboard artist on The Batman and creator of Sonambulo), Eddie Lin (ADG 800 senior artist, A Minecraft Movie, The Mandalorian and Grogu) Chris Kawagiwa (ADG 800 senior artist and creator of Sunless Circus comics and Pawsmonauts), Ralph Miranda (ADG 800 senior artist and co-creator of Oh, Bubba Lu!), and others discuss the evolving entertainment industry and how storyboarding differs between visual genres. Get insights, tips, and lessons on how to stay productive, motivated, and vital as human storytellers. Moderated by Brian Luhmann, Psy.D. (faculty, Hope International University; owner/therapist, The New Normal Mental Health Services).

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Animation, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

LGBTQ-Inclusive Storytelling for Young People

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 211

Comics, graphic novels, and YA books are universal mediums that have grown consistently in their support of LGBTQ-inclusive stories and characters for young readers. These trailblazing successes have created new opportunities for LGBTQ+ creators. Join Prism Comics, panel moderator Cort Lane (My Little Pony, GLAAD Kids & Family Advisory Council), and a group of queer publishing storytellers as they discuss their projects and answer questions, including: How did new LGBTQ+ creators find their voice and get their start? How do they approach LGBTQ content and characters for tweens, teens, and young readers? What's the best advice they've received along their journey? How do they stay hopeful in a challenging landscape and challenging times? Creators include Tilly Bridges and Susan Bridges (Star Trek Voyager: Homecoming; Monster High), Julie Fiveash (The Froggy Library), Jose Pimienta (Luminous Beings, Halfway to Somewhere), Jasmine Walls (Brooms, The Last Session, Vol. 1: Roll for Initiative), and Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes, Hollow).

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

Set Decoration of Marvel's Wonder Man

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 300A

Marvel dropped its newest show in January, set in the weird world of Hollywood and the MCU. Set decorator Lizzie Boyle, SDSA and members of the set decoration department (assistant set decorator Nicole Riley and set dec buyer Avery Ferguson) talk about the sets of this stylish show. Moderated by Rae Deslich, SDSA and Michelle Hall, SDSA. Part of the Set Decorators Society of America's series of panels on film and TV set decoration.

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Cosplay, Education, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

3:00pm PDT

Tales from My Spinner Rack LIVE!

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 209

March 30th marks the 87th anniversary of the premiere of Batman in the pages of Detective Comics #27. That first story, "The Bat-Man: The Case of the Chemical Syndicate"—just six pages long!—introduced one of the most iconic comic book characters of all time, created by artist Bob Kane with writer Bill Finger. Tales From My Spinner Rack LIVE! returns to WonderCon with Gary Sassaman (former director of programming and publications, San Diego Comic-Con) and special guest Mark Evanier (comics historian, Kirby: King of Comics) to discuss the artistic history of the character, looking back at some of the incredible artists who illustrated the adventures of the Caped Crusader over the years. The first 100 attendees receive a limited-edition set of three Tales from My Spinner Rack Collector's Cards!

Special Guests

Mark Evanier

WonderCon Special Guest

Mark Evanier attended his first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970 and has been to every one of these annual events ever since. He was then an assistant to the great Jack Kirby, whom he wrote about in his book Kirby, King of Comics. Mark has also written for live-action TV shows, animat... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 209

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Superheroes, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:15pm PDT

From Indies to Blockbusters: The Storytelling Power of Diversity

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT

North 200A

Panelists reveal their paths into the industry, how they push the boundaries of their craft, and how everyone can make a difference by giving voice to underrepresented communities and the search for greater inclusion, empathy, and equity. Rob Edwards (writer, Captain America: Brave New World, Treasure Planet), Andres Useche (writer/director, ICE: No One Is Safe, Marching into the Light), Caitlin Glass (actor/director, Fullmetal Alchemist, Neon Genesis Evangelion 1.0), Dan Lebental (editor, Iron Man, Spider-Man: Far from Home), Gennie Rim (producer, Over the Moon, Love, Death + Robots), Stephanie Filo (editor, Daredevil:Born Again, Monster), Kavi Ramachandran (actor/producer, East Bay, The Sex Lives of College Girls), Aaron Butler (editor, Euphoria, Cries from Syria), Kathy Wu (actor, Call Me by My Name, Bosch: Legacy), and Shannon Baker Davis ( editor, Marvel’s Ironheart, The Beauty), Moderated by Kimberly Woods (voice actor, Archer, X-men ‘97).

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:15pm - 4:15pm PDT
North 200A

U: Updated, Anime & Manga, Superheroes | 1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Superheroes

5:00pm PDT

Avengers Assemble! Suiting Up and Serving Others with Marvel Causeplay

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Room 300E

Marvel fans! Are you interested in cosplay but not sure where to begin? Or have you suited up before and want to learn how to use your fandom for a good cause? Members of the Avengers Initiative, a national fan organization of Marvel cosplay volunteers, fill you in on how to get started in cosplay and how to give back to communities via charity service events, visiting kids in hospitals, and more. The panel also explores how cosplay can be used to inspire and support others. Bryan Lee (head executive officer, Avengers Initiative) hosts Karen Katich (head membership officer, Avengers Initiative), Ron Alix (volunteer member, West Coast Avengers of California), Tom Iwata (membership officer, West Coast Avengers of California), Kate Tidwell (executive officer, West Coast Avengers of California), Coby Thornton (executive officer, Avengers Mid-Pacific of Hawaii), and Victor C. Joe, M.D., MBA, FACS (UCI Health Regional Burn Center).

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 300E

1: Programs, Cosplay, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Kids, Superheroes

6:30pm PDT

What Peggy Carter Taught Us

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

Room 213AB

This March marks the 10th anniversary of the cancellation of Marvel's Agent Carter. Jennifer Redelle Carey, M.A. (educator, Ariadne's String), Dr. Mercedes Samudio (licensed psychotherapist, author, and cultural commentator), Sara Elizabeth Santana (indie YA and romance author, former blogger and professional fangirl), Dr. Janina Scarlet (psychologist; author of Superhero Therapy), and moderator Dawn M. Bourn (The Geek Girl Project) discuss why Agent Carter, as a character and a TV show, continues to be transformative to American culture and why Peggy Carter's iconic quote "I know my value" matters more than ever.

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Anniversaries, BIPOC, Comics, Cosplay, Education, Fandom, Historical, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

The Power of Color: The Discussion Continues

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Representation in comics and pop culture continues to be at the forefront of the entertainment industry. Does the industry explore the option of looking at new material from independent creators, or does race swapping continue to be used as a method of furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to the topic of race? Featuring Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), Baldwin Chiu (filmmaker), Larissa Lam (actress), Hannibal Tabu (writer/producer), Leo Partible (filmmaker), and Ralph Miley (moderator).

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television

8:00pm PDT

Superhero Cartoon Draft 2026

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 207

Host Dimithri Perera (The Keeg podcasts, Comic Talk) runs a sports draft-style show where guests Justin Jordan (Still Scrolling Podcast), Nikhil Clayton (content creator, X-Men superfan), and Maggie Kingdom (cosplayer) will draft their top five greatest superhero cartoons of all time. Not only will the panelists compete against each other for their top picks, but the audience will have the chance to win big with their picks as well!

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Animation, BIPOC, Comics, Fandom, Podcasts, Superheroes, Television

8:00pm PDT

The Hero's Journey and Journalistic Integrity

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 211

One of the most popular frameworks for telling stories is the Hero's Journey, a set of steps that guide heroes from beginning to end to accomplish their goals. In a climate of distrust, disdain, and A.I. use, this panel examines what modern-day journalists and reporters can take from this structure to become trusted sources for new audiences. Monica Duarte (editor-in-chief, Temple of Geek), Victoria Male (writer, producer, and journalist), Madison Morrow (journalist and host, NijiFest, Temple of Geek), Caitlin Tyrrell (journalist, Screen Rant, Temple of Geek), and Nick Williams (content creator and journalist), alongside moderator Christina Silvoso (cosplayer and host), discuss the similarities between stories and scoops, how the Hero's Journey applies to the pursuit of news, and what a journalistic creator needs to survive in their respective climates.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Education, Fandom, Historical, Movies, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

8:00pm PDT

Turn Your Hobby into a Career: The Art of Toy Photography

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Raymond Montemayor (founder, PixelPlex; stop-motion animator at Star Wars Toy Stories), Jax Navarro (owner and founder, Plastic Action), Isaiah Takahashi (artist and toy photographer, BLKSRS), and Jason Yang (toy photographer, Work More Or Less; creative director, Invisible Element) discuss toy photography through breakdowns delving into the equipment and techniques involved in the art, as well as their journeys elevating their hobbies to a professional level. Susan Damon (marketing director, Elhoffer Design) moderates and closes with an audience Q&A.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Education, Fandom, Kids, Superheroes

8:30pm PDT

Selling the Hit: What You Always Wanted to Know About the Stunt Industry (In Memory of Eric Cajiuat)

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

Room 300C

Stuntmen and stuntwomen from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Lift, Avengers: Endgame, Snowfall, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, Cocaine Bear, Walking Dead, 9-1-1, God of War Ragnarok, and many more break down stunt scenes from prep to shooting, discuss their experiences, and offer advice in navigating the stunt industry. Panelists include Janeshia Adams-Ginyard (stunt double for Danai Gurira), Brian Danner (stunt coordinator/weapons expert), LeRoyal Tutt (stunt double for Kevin Hart), Joette Orman (stunt double for Rebel Wilson), Michael DeCamp (dreamy stuntman), and Thekla Hutyrova (martial arts badass). Moderated by Justin T. Bowler.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, BIPOC, Education, Fandom, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Web

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

8:30pm PDT

The WonderCon 2026 Masquerade

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT

North 200A

The annual onstage costume competition celebrates the amazing cosplay creativity and talents of WonderCon attendees. This is not a dance or party, but a series of onstage presentations of fan-crafted costumes, with trophies, generous cash prizes, and other awards, judged by professional costume designers. The show emcee is Ashley Eckstein, founder of the Her Universe fashion and lifestyle brand and the voice of Ahsoka Tano for Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, Star Wars: Forces of Destiny, and more. There is also special entertainment during the judging break, with a new performance by the talented Corps Dance Crew and a big new Star Wars–inspired show by the Lucasfilm-approved Saber Guild lightsaber group. Doors open at 8:00 for audience seating, but the line for choice seating always starts to form earlier. No flash photography, please.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 11:00pm PDT
North 200A

1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Comics, Cosplay, Costuming, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Kids, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

9:00pm PDT

Decrypting Kryptonians: The Science of Superman, Supergirl, and Their Little Dog Too

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Room 207

As Superman and Supergirl soar onto the big screen, accompanied by a misbehaving superdog, this panel explores the science and "schmience" of their powers, their humanity despite extraterrestrial origins, and the reality of science fiction and fantasy elements. How do writers address the mechanics of superspeed, superstrength, space travel, time travel, psychological science, and trying to control that dog? Do they make it up, look up the real science, or find a creative mix somewhere in between? Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Star Wars Psychology) asks a panel of experts how—and if—any of it adds up: Kristi Korzec (Superman & Lois), Sterling Gates (Superman, Supergirl), Jonathan Butler (The Flash), Ray Utarnachitt (Legends of Tomorrow), Chelsea Ballinger (physicist/engineer), Ronald Coleman (scientist/writer), and maybe a surprise alien invader or two.

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 207

1: Programs, Superheroes, Technology - Science - STEM

9:00pm PDT

Whodunnit? Locked-Room Mysteries in Comics

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT

Room 211

At times, comic books feel tailor-made for a memorable mystery, whether it is a master detective or a fly-by-night gumshoe uncovering clues; the nature of the medium is primed for suspense. So, where is a good place to start experiencing private eyes on the page, or where might a veteran armchair detective search for new conundrums? The hosts of the Tangential Giants Podcast, Kareem Anderson, Patrick Kellenberger, and Ken Rolow, along with Jenna DeWitt (writer and editor, Invisible Cake Society), Jason Patrick Galit (JPG) (pop culture educator, InterMyth), and Magical Girl Marina (fandom and cosplay content creator), talk about what makes a mystery perfect for comics, how comics mysteries compare to other mystery staples in pop culture, and some of the best locked-room mysteries in comics and pop culture history so far.

Saturday March 28, 2026 9:00pm - 10:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Art and Illustration, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Web

11:00am PDT

Pop Culture and the Christian Church

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Room 211

Hosted by the Christian Comic Arts Society for 28 years at Comic-Con and 6 years at WonderCon, this panel will explore the effectiveness of the Christian church in reaching out to the comic book, anime, and gaming communities: where the church has been successful, where it has fallen short, and what strategies can be implemented so that the church can be more effective. Featuring Christopher Stewart (pastor), Karyn Keene (educator/youth leader), Bryan Mero (Fix-it-Felix Cosplay Repair), Joe Queen (Geeky Guys/Gal 4 God), and Kyle Keene (moderator).

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Animation, Anime & Manga, Books, Comics, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Video Games

11:00am PDT

Supporting Women's Rights (and Wrongs!) in Comics

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Room 300A

Comic book history is filled with both heroic and destructive women building memorable pop culture moments, from Harley Quinn's crime sprees to the Phoenix Force destroying entire civilizations, as fans have enjoyed the power of women for decades. But at the end of the day, we're all just girls supporting girls, right? . . . Right? Author and host of Lady Comic Book History Alexandrea Callaghan is joined by Alix Catherine (podcast and livestream host, The Welcome Party), Tamara Brooks (contributor and comics expert, DCComics.com, BBC Radio), Sabeen Faheem (actor, cosplayer, entertainment host), and Magical Girl Marina (fandom and cosplay content creator) for an entertaining and humorous conversation on iconic storylines in women's comics history, tropes in women's power fantasies, and why it is important to support women's rights (and wrongs!).

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 300A

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Animation, BIPOC, Books, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+, Podcasts, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Television, Web, Writers & Writing

11:00am PDT

Writing for Indie Comics

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Whether self-publishing or working for an independent publisher, writing indie comics presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities to share your creative vision with the world. Learn the tricks and tips of the trade from writers Katrina E. Kunstmann (Warhead), Ray-Anthony Height (Midnight Tiger), Amanda Deibert Staggs (Death Mask), Pat Jankiewicz (Cosplayer! Vs Shark), and Mary Zorilita Bellamy (Faux Facts: The Truth Can Be Strange!) Hosted by David Lucarelli (Tinseltown). Free comics for everyone who asks a question!

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

11:30am PDT

Art Department of Marvel's Wonder Man

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT

Room 213AB

Go behind the scenes of Marvel Studios' newest Disney+ series Wonder Man, with the Art Directors Guild artists who brought its world to life. Production designers Cindy Chao and Michele Yu, supervising art director Jacqueline Kay, and members of the Wonder Man art department pull back the curtain on their creative processes, from initial concept to finished sets. Discover how the team captured the texture, glamour, and grit of Los Angeles while building a world that feels both authentically grounded and unmistakably Marvel. Johnny Recher moderates.

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Superheroes, Science Fiction & Fantasy

12:00pm PDT

Comics as Counter-Narratives: Teaching the History They Tried to Erase

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), John Jennings (Eisner Award–winning creator and NAACP Image Award winner), Tara Madison Avery (Stacked Deck Press), Shane Hawk (Bram Stoker Award nominee), Samuel C. Spitale (How to Win the War on Truth), Justin Tracy (Little Brainstorm), and moderator Lorran Garrison (school psychologist and educator) discuss how comics and graphic novels challenge dominant histories and amplify overlooked voices. They will explore how visual storytelling supports counter-narratives, critical thinking, empathy, and student storytelling in classrooms and communities.

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Fandom, Historical, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Kids, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Tributes, Writers & Writing

12:30pm PDT

After 50 Years, Why Do Spidey Super Stories Comics Still Matter to Autistic Kids and Everybody Else?

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

Room 300C

In the fall of 1974, the Children's Television Workshop teamed up with Marvel Comics to publish the Electric Company Spidey Super Stories comic books. The simple, fun, diverse, and relatively nonviolent stories were designed to help 6- to 10-year-olds learn to read, and have aged surprisingly well. They continue to have great developmental value, especially for young autistic and special needs readers. Panel moderator Britton Payne (entertainment attorney, executive director of The Autism Scene), John Jennings (writer/editor, Marvel Super Stories), and Hannah Bogen Novak, M.S., CCC-SLP (speech and language therapist) discuss the origin of the venture, the structure of the stories, the "far-out" concepts (including the first black Spider-Woman, Spider-Man vs Jaws, and the infamous Thanos-Copter), and the modern developmental value of the 57-issue run and its impact on modern comics for kids.

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 300C

1: Programs, Superheroes, Television

1:00pm PDT

The Magical World of LGBTQ+ Fantasy

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT

Room 211

LGBTQ+ fantasy comics and graphic novels have become very popular. The fantasy genre provides a safe space for writers and artists to explore deeply felt real-life stories, challenges, and difficulties that might be much harsher if told in realistic terms. Prism Comics, moderator William O Tyler (We Belong; Theater of Terror: Revenge of the Queers!), and panelists Ben Crane (Cosmic Cadets, Scattered Futures), Nicole Maines (Suicide Squad, Bad Dream), Ajuan Mance (Gender Studies; Living While Black), Emely Corona Sandoval (animator), and Jasmine Walls (Brooms, The Last Session, Vol. 1: Roll For Initiative) discuss how myths, folktales, and fantasy influence queer storytelling in comics and how fantasy helps readers both escape and gain greater understanding and empathy for queer lives and queer experiences.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 211

1:30pm PDT

Breathe Life into Your Toys: The Art of Stop-Motion Animation

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT

Room 213AB

Raymond Montemayor (founder, PixelPlex; stop-motion animator, Star Wars Toy Stories), Jax Navarro (owner and founder, Plastic Action), and Jacob McCann (stop-motion animator, mccannimation) discuss bringing toys to life through stop-motion animation by breaking down shots and delving into the equipment and techniques involved in the art. They will also share their journeys, elevating their hobbies to a professional level. Jamie Costa (actor/writer/producer, Half-In Productions) will moderate and close with an audience Q&A.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 213AB

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Animation, Art and Illustration, Education, Fandom, Kids, Superheroes

2:00pm PDT

Adaptation: Developing from One Medium to Another

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

Moderator Spiro Skentzos (Grimm) leads a discussion with writer/producers Douglas J. Eboch (Sweet Home Alabama), Eric Heisserer (Arrival), Jill Blotevogel (Scream: The TV Series), and Brandon Easton (Iyanu) about adapting a piece of work for another medium. The panel examines what to watch out for, what not to do, and how to stay true to source material.

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, Historical, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Seminars & Workshops, Superheroes, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

All Batmen Are Batman

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Room 213CD

Who is Batman? Bruce Wayne. But which one? Earth-1 or Earth-2, New 52 or Rebirth? Dick Grayson in Batman R.I.P. or James Gordon in the Rookie suit? Or Adam West or Batfleck or Pattinson's Emo-Batman? Or the Batman of Zur-En-Arrh? Or Absolute Batman? Every version of Batman is equally Batman. Jim Thompson (Eisner Awards judge), attorney Adam Adler (Super Babies v. DC Comics), and Peter Coogan (Comics Arts Conference) examine how repetition, imitation, and variation of the core brand encode the mythic nature of the superhero genre, are uniquely expressed in the iterations of Batman (including trademark and merch), and are tied to the core conventions of the genre—mission, powers, and identity. When Batman says, "Because I'm Batman," he is, no matter which Batman says it.

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

1: Programs, Comics, Movies, Superheroes, Television

2:00pm PDT

Comics Arts Conference Session #9: Representing Identity

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT

Room 210

Superhero comics serve as evolving cultural battlegrounds where questions of identity, otherness, race, queerness, disability, and social justice are negotiated and reimagined. Britton Payne (Nickelodeon) uses the Martian Manhunter to explore how superhero secret identities mirror the autistic experience of masking, belonging, and negotiating what it means to be American. Tracing queer themes, Esther Brito Ruiz (American University) examines how American superhero comics have wrestled with—and reshaped—LGBTQ+ identity over time. Focusing on Damian Wayne in The Boy Wonder miniseries, Juan Carlos Fermin (California State University, Fullerton) analyzes how Juni Ba reimagines the Batman mythos through postcolonial and Marxist critique. Mike Bittner (Stanford University) revisits 1990s teen superhero titles to assess how comics of the era tackled hot-button social issues—from LGBTQ+ rights to environmentalism—with varying degrees of insight and misfire.

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:00pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 210

1: Programs, BIPOC, Comics, Education, LGBTQIA+, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

dD Cosplay Club for Persons with Disabilities: A Guide for Inclusive Cosplay

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 300E

Learn how dD Cosplay Club promotes adaptive cosplay techniques and activities to encourage persons with disabilities to explore and participate in cosplay. Get the perspective of parents of club members, along with feedback from club members, including dDominator, a.k.a. dD (the superhero ambassador and founder of dD Cosplay Club). Club members take part in a presentation and Q&A session moderated by Chris Birmingham (president of dD Cosplay Club).

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 300E

1: Programs, Comics, Cosplay, Fandom, Superheroes

3:00pm PDT

Warren Kremer: Harvey Comics' Cover Genius

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Room 303AB

When Casper the Friendly Ghost's artist visited the Marvel Bullpen, Marie Severin remarked, "They don't know it, but this is the best artist that ever walked through these doors." Was she right? Jim Thompson (A People's History of Comics, Eisner Hall of Fame judge), Alonso Nuñez (executive director of Little Fish Comic Book Studio, Eisner Hall of Fame judge), Andrew Kunka (professor at USC Sumter) and Jonny Harvey (Harvey Comics documentarian) look closely at the Eisner Hall of Famer's greatest covers from Casper , Wendy the Good Little Witch , Hot Stuff , Little Dot , Little Lotta, Stumbo the Giant, and Richie Rich . Warren Kremer offers a master class on color, brushstrokes, design, direction, character expression and the art of the gag.

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Superheroes, Comics

4:00pm PDT

Masters of Public Domain

Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Room 211

In a crowded comics marketplace, many creators find public domain characters a great way to appeal to pre-existing fanbases and bring new fans to their work. But what separates the fresh take from a blatant cash grab? How can one breathe new life into old stories? How loyal should one be to established lore? Luis Godoy II (Cthulhu Invades Oz, This Eternal Coil), John Jennings (Shook! A Black Horror Anthology, Silver Surfer), Russell Nohelty (Cthulhu Is Hard to Spell, How to Thrive as a Writer in a Capitalist Dystopia), Tom Pinchuk (Clash of the Classics, Ben 10), and David Schrader (Carmilla Unbound, Nightmare Theater 3D) discuss what to do (and not to do) when using works from the public domain. Moderated by Andy Nordvall (Bad Future Comics, Siren's Song).

Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 211

1: Programs, Comics, Education, Fandom, Mysteries & Crime Dramas, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Superheroes, Writers & Writing

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