WonderCon 2026: Full Schedule

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

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

5:00pm PDT

How to Fight Comic Bans and Win

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

Room 213CD

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Jeff Trexler, writer and CBLDF board member Amy Chu (Emma Frost, Carmilla: The First Vampire, Red Sonja), attorney Britton Payne, and librarian, educator, and author Moni Barrette discuss the latest developments in comics censorship and what can be done to defend the comic arts. Book bans in schools and libraries, victories and defeats in recent court cases, new legislation targeting comics, and arrests, prosecutions, and other legal risks now facing comics retailers, creators, publishers, and fans are among the issues addressed. Comics censorship continues to surge, but understanding what's happening can help the community prevail.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

U: Updated, Comics, Books | 1: Programs, Comics, Books

1:00pm PDT

DC Comics: What's Next

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

Room 207

Top DC storytellers dive deep into DC's comics, including DC: Next Level, DC Vertigo, DC's Absolute comic books, and more. Discover what's coming next from the writers and artists shaping the future of the DC Universe, get behind-the-scenes insights into upcoming series, and learn how these creators are expanding the scope of DC storytelling.

Special Guests

Tini Howard

F-05, WonderCon Special Guest

Comics writer Tini Howard was an architect of the 2019 Krakoan X-Men reboot with her books Excalibur, X of Swords, and X-CORP, and she has enjoyed long runs on Harley Quinn and Catwoman at DC Comics. She lives and writes in Los Angeles, where she has names for all of the local cats... Read More →

Scott Snyder

F-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Over his 15-year career, Scott Snyder has written such blockbuster bestselling comics as Batman (with Greg Capullo) and Absolute Batman (with Nick Dragotta), as well as critically acclaimed creator-owned titles American Vampire (with Rafael Albuquerque) and Wytches (with Jock; Amazon Studios animated adaptation in production). He is the recipient of two Eisner Awards, a Harvey Award, an Eagle Award, three Stan Lee Awards, and an Inkpot Award. Scott lives on Long Island with his wife and three sons. He's an avid, non-ironic fan of Elvis Pre... Read More →

Babs Tarr

F-06, WonderCon Special Guest

Babs Tarr is a professional comics artist and illustrator best known for her run on Batgirl of Burnside, her creator-owned comic Motor Crush, and the Overwatch—Tracer: London Calling miniseries (Dark Horse). She is also co-host of Critical Role's Pub Draw. Babs provided the cover for this year’s WonderCon Events Guide... Read More →

Joshua Williamson

F-03, WonderCon Special Guest

Joshua Williamson is a New York Times bestselling writer who has worked for nearly every comics publisher. One of the pillars of the modern DC Universe, with an iconic run on The Flash, he has written such titles as Robin, Green Arrow, and Batman/Superman. With his role as on... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 207

U: Updated, Art & Illustration, Comics, Writers & Writing | 1: Programs, Art & Illustration, Comics, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

What's the Buzz with The Beat?: Behind the Headlines

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

Room 213CD

The folks behind The Beat, the Eisner Award–winning comics news site, go behind the scenes of all the hottest stories in comics and entertainment. Editor-in-chief Heidi MacDonald is joined by Kalai Chik (K-ComicsBeat), Taimur Dar (ComicsBeat), Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), Nat Gertler (About Comics) and Patrick A. Reed (curation/consultation, Jack Kirby: Heroes And Humanity) to give attendees the inside scoop.

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

U: Updated, Comics | 1: Programs, Comics

3:30pm PDT

Not So Strange Bedfellows: The Relationship Between Comics and Pro Wrestling

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

Room 208

Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling "a comic book come to life." That is not far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan to the anti-heroics of "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and the villainy of Ric Flair, this panel explores the parallels in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms. Featuring Francis Szyskowski (creator, The Massacre Twins), Jonathan London (Hero of the Prophecy), Michael Mondragon (founder, Punk Rock Art School), Flobo Boyce (26 Stone: BIGGER, LONGER, & UNCUT), Anthony Ray Bench (associate editor, Ultima Comics), Scott Lost (creator, The 2nd Shift), Rik Offenberger (editor-in-chief, First Comics News), and Hunter Jackson (co-founder of GWAR). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (founder/publisher, Ultima Comics).

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

U: Updated, Comics | 1: Programs, Comics

4:00pm PDT

Deadweight with Bobby Lee: A Universe in the Making

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT

Room 209

Step into the chaos, comedy, and cosmic weirdness behind Deadweight, the new graphic novel universe from GUNGNIR and comedian Bobby Lee. This panel dives into how a wild, character-driven story becomes a full-blown multimedia world—blending humor, heart, and high-concept storytelling. Matthew Medney (co-creator of the Deadweight universe) will be joined by Ernie Altbacker (writer, Aztec Batman: Clash of Empires) and Deric Hughes (co-EP and writer, Quantum Leap) to talk franchise building across comics, film, animation, and beyond, They'll break down the origins of the series, the process of building a universe around a singular comedic voice, and what it takes to launch a new franchise across formats. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, creative insights, and a few surprises as this strange, hilarious world begins to take shape.

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 209

U: Updated, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing | 1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Ultima Comics: The Match Beyond!

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

Room 211

Ultima Comics shares updates on upcoming issues of the Founding Four titles, along with a slate of new debut projects from emerging independent comics talent publishing with Ultima. The panel highlights the stories behind forthcoming work featuring Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins), Flobo Boyce (26 Stone: The Movie!), Taylor Hammond (Captain Starfish & the Aquanauts), Tim Peterson (Fire In The Dark), Payton Oliver (Parenthetical Bullet), and Anthony Bench (Ultima Comics). Hosted by Joshua Waldrop (founder/publisher, Ultima Comics).

Saturday March 28, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 211

U: Updated, Comics | 1: Programs, Comics

12:00pm PDT

The Jack Kirby Tribute Panel

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

Room 207

People who knew the man some call "The King of the Comics" or know about him and/or are even related to him to talk about the extraordinary creative talent that is Jack Kirby. Talking about Jack this time are John Morrow (editor-publisher of The Jack Kirby Collector), Tom Kraft (from the Jack Kirby Museum & Research Center), Paul S. Levine (attorney), Tracy Kirby (Jack's granddaughter), and others.

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 207

U: Updated, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Tributes, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Fandom, Historical, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Tributes, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30pm PDT

Superhero Shop Talk

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

Room 208

Comics greats and WonderCon special guests Tom King and Tini Howard discuss all the behind-the-scenes details about your favorite supes. Don’t miss the chance to hear these industry giants share an informal chat about all things comics. Moderated by Comic-Con’s own superhero expert, Eddie Ibrahim. **Scott Snyder will no longer be appearing on this panel.**

Special Guests

Tini Howard

F-05, WonderCon Special Guest

Tom King

F-02, WonderCon Special Guest

Tom King is the New York Times bestselling author and multiple Eisner Award–winning writer of Batman, Mister Miracle, Strange Adventures, The Sheriff of Babylon, The Vision, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, Helen of Wyndhorn, and many others. He recently served as co-creator of th... Read More →

Sunday March 29, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208

U: Updated, Comics, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Comics, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

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

1:00pm PDT

Manga, Anime, and the New World of Censorship

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

Room 213CD

Manga and anime have increasingly become the target of censorship around the world, especially in the U.S. In this panel, the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund's Jeff Trexler, researcher and USC Annenberg doctoral student Samantha Tecson, and writer and managing editor of KComics Beat Kalai Chikshare the latest updates on manga bans in schools and libraries; the revision of manga and content to conform to national standards; a new law in Texas that is causing manga to be removed from stores; recent legal developments in Japan; arrests for having legal material on phones or laptops while traveling; debanking and other forms of platform censorship; and other developments affecting manga and anime, along with what they mean for all comics media.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 213CD

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

WonderCon 2026

3:00pm PDT

5:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

Tini Howard

Scott Snyder

Babs Tarr

Joshua Williamson

2:00pm PDT

3:30pm PDT

4:00pm PDT

7:00pm PDT

12:00pm PDT

12:30pm PDT

Tini Howard

Tom King

1:00pm PDT

1:00pm PDT

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