WonderCon 2026 has ended

Create Your Own Event

WonderCon 2026

2:30pm PDT

Star Wars: Inside the Creatures, Droids, and Puppetry

Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT

This panel explores the Star Wars galaxy as the actors and puppeteers behind some of its most iconic aliens, droids, and creatures reveal how the magic is created. Christine Galey, Chris Bartlett, TaMara Carlson Woodard, Jasper J. Anderson, Dawn Dininger, and Jacob Roanhaus provide an inside look at puppeteering, practical effects, and performance and how these elements bring Star Wars to life on screen. Hosted by Crystal Rose Schaefer and Sean Shaw.

Friday March 27, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Costuming, Education, Fandom, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

3:30pm PDT

Crossing Bold Lines: Spotlight on Liana Kangas, Illustrator and Comic Artist

Friday March 27, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

Working in the comics industry can be challenging, especially when you're racing against the clock to break in within a decade. Sarah Gailey (The Echo Wife, Know Your Station, White Widow) interviews Liana Kangas (Know Your Station, Godzilla's 70th Anniversary, TRVE KVLT, HBO's Fantasmas) about navigating the industry, breaking into comics, and maintaining their passion while dealing with burnout, big wins, and work-life balance, all while striving to support and uplift their communities.

Special Guests

Liana Kangas

C-01, WonderCon Special Guest

Liana Kangas is a comics creator and illustrator specializing in neon noir storytelling across such genres as sci-fi, horror, music, and film. They’ve worked with major publishers including BOOM! Studios, Image, IDW Publishing, Dark Horse, and Vault, co-creating such acclaimed series... Read More →

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 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

4:30pm PDT

Fear Between the Lines

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

Peer into the void and learn how these authors transform the familiar and the fantastic into fear-inducing fiction. WonderCon special guest Sarah Gailey, Kathleen S. Allen (The Resurrectionist), Collin Armstrong (Polybius), Hiron Ennes (The Works of Vermin), and Racquel Marie (If We Survive This) discuss the art of repulsing readers in ways that keep them coming back for more. Moderated by librarian Judy Neeb.

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 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

5:30pm PDT

Creating Comics: Ask the Pros

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

Chris Ryall (Dread the Halls, Lock and Key), Jordan Hart (Dread the Halls, The Cabinet), Keithan Jones (Dread the Halls, The Power Knights), and Corinna Bechko (Blood Type, The Space Between) join Brock Smith (The Ferryman, Payne) and Christian Pedersen (The Ferryman, Payne) to discuss the ins and outs of forging a path and finding success in the comic book industry.

Friday March 27, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, 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

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

7:30pm PDT

The Anime Hero's Journey: How Anime Heroes Inspire Fans

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

The classical structure of storytelling has existed across the world for ages. In the modern day, many have grown to love the heroes that come from anime and manga. This panel explores how the classical structure applies to modern anime heroes and how those heroes inspire us with their adventures.

Friday March 27, 2026 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Anime & Manga

8:30pm PDT

The Trial of Thanos

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

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

11:30am PDT

Fantastic Flights

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

Becoming a hero often means leaving behind the only world they know. WonderCon special guest Robin Hobb, Petra Lord (Queen of Faces), ND Stevenson (Scarlet Morning), and LaDarrion Williams (Bones at the Crossroads) discuss the leaps of faith they—and their characters—must take to find their next fantastic adventures. Moderated by Bree Steffen.

Special Guests

Robin Hobb

WonderCon Special Guest

Robin Hobb is a fantasy author best known for The Farseer Trilogy (Assassin’s Apprentice, Royal Assassin, and Assassin’s Fate) and the sequels that make up The Realm of the Elderlings fantasy epic. Her current work in progress, untitled as yet, will continue the history of... Read More →

Saturday March 28, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, BIPOC, Books, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30pm PDT

Legendary Comics: Godzilla x Kong, Dune, Pacific Rim, and More!

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

Legendary Comics, the publishing arm of the studio behind the Dune and Monsterverse franchises (including Monarch and next year’s Godzilla x Kong: Supernova), as well as Trick 'r Treat, Pacific Rim, and the upcoming Street Fighter movie, offers a behind-the-scenes look at their graphic novels, art books, and other tie-in publishing across all of the company’s franchises. A special giveaway is planned.

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Action/Adventure, Comics, Movies

1:30pm PDT

Stack YA Shelves: From Fantasy to Horror, Must Reads for 2026

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

From intergalactic enemies-to-lovers tales to dark academia set at a cutthroat magical academy, from Frankenstein retellings to apocalyptic horror, readers can discover their next favorite read to "stack their shelves" with some of the biggest voices in YA. S. G. Prince (If All the Stars Go Dark), Petra Lord (Queen of Faces), Racquel Marie (If We Survive This), and Kathleen S. Allen (The Resurrectionist) discuss their newest and most anticipated books. Moderated by Dahlia De La Vega.

Saturday March 28, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Books, Horror and Suspense, LGBTQIA+, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Storytelling Through Costuming with Babs Tarr

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

WonderCon special guest Babs Tarr (Sirens: Love Hurts, Batgirl of Burnside, Critical Role Pub Draw) and moderator Dani Carr (Critical Role, The Witch Wolf) explore the art of costuming and character design and how it can tell a deeper story beyond the plot. Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Love Hurts.

Special Guests

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 →

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

3:30pm PDT

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

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

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

4:30pm PDT

Science of Disneyland

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

Disneyland is just down the road, so this panel takes a virtual field trip to explore the parks from a different point of view. Topics will include physics, the psychology of play and Disney adults, the history of witches and magic, and the role of technology and automation in the happiest place on Earth. Panelists include astrophysicist Lisa Will, historian Beth Pollard, psychologist Drea Letamendi, art historian Roland Betancourt (author, Disneyland and the Rise of Automation: How Technology Created the Happiest Place on Earth), paleontologist Stuart Sumida (advisor, Matterhorn animations and co-author, Disneyland Rocks! The Geology of Disneyland and California Adventure), and biologist Elizabeth Rega (consultant, Hall of Presidents). Moderated by science writer Melissa T. Miller. All are Disney fans eager to help attendees experience Disneyland from a whole new angle.

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Fandom, Kids, Technology - Science - STEM

5:30pm PDT

How to Get News Coverage

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

Small press publishers often wonder what makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, and interviews and one that will not. Many have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, or why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comics journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on what it takes to get coverage, with comic journalists themselves explaining what they look for in submissions. Panelists include Tim Chizmar (Fangoria, co-chair of the Horror Writers Association), Jaesa Evermore (Temple of Geek, First Comics News), Ray MacKay (Fantastic Comic Fan), Grant Offenberger (Grant Me Peace), Alex Raymond (Hollywood Gone Geek), Francis Sky (First Comics News), Chris Squires (iHeartMedia), and Josh Waldrop (Ultima Media).

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Comics, Horror and Suspense

6:30pm PDT

Making a Living Being Creative

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

Star Wars artist and indie comic creator Lee Kohse (Star Wars, Kindergoth, Omicron Fel) talks about his 30+ year career as a professional artist, how he broke into the entertainment industry, optioning his creator-owned comics to Hollywood, adapting to a changing industry, navigating the business of Artists’ Alley, and how to be ready when a lucky break comes. Is it all about who you know? Attendees will learn how to promote themselves, get tips on how to network, and take part in a Q&A for anything Lee may have missed. Moderated by Johnny Kolasinski (Hi Everybody: A Bad Medicine Podcast).

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Education, Horror and Suspense, Humor & Satire, Movies, Science Fiction & Fantasy

8:30pm PDT

Moon Prism Poptarts: A History of Sailor Moon in North America

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

Erica Victoria Espejo (author of The Fangirl Diaries) and Stan Oh (VTuber) set up your VCR and fight evil by moonlight in this look back at the iconic 1990s magical girl series. These Moonies discuss what happens when you bring Sailor Moon to American shores in the 1990s and explore how the series was adapted and received. The panel looks back at the “meatball head” fans love and adore.

Saturday March 28, 2026 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Anime & Manga, Historical

11:30am PDT

What Is All This For?: Spotlight on Author Sarah Gailey

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

Sarah Gailey (Spread Me, Know Your Station) and Liana Kangas (Know Your Station, TRVE KVLT) take a deep dive into burnout, the function of fear, Gailey's recent work, and the purpose of creative work in a turbulent world.

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 →

Sunday March 29, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 208

X: Cancelled, Books, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances | 1: Programs, Books, Writers & Writing, WonderCon Special Guest Spotlights & Appearances

12:30pm PDT

Superhero Shop Talk

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

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

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 →

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

1:30pm PDT

Mental Health in Comics

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

Chris Ryall (Dread the Halls, Lock & Key), Leah Kilpatrick (The Accessories, DC Horror Presents: 2024), Amy Linsamouth (Jackie and the Magical Guys, Descendants of the Undead), Daniel Gastelum (CHSR, Aria: A Cyberpunk Mystery), and Brock Smith (The Ferryman, Payne) discuss how a life in and around comics has impacted and inspired them to continue taking that next step.

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, Comics, Education, Web, Writers & Writing

2:30pm PDT

Managing Your Duties as a Producer or Showrunner

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

Ronnel Ricardo Parham (showrunner, producer, 5R Productions), Jiarui Guo (producer, The Brutalist, Speed the Plow), Danny DeLillo (producer, board chair of New Filmmakers LA, Sweet Humans), and Divya D'Souza (producer, Invention Studios; Producers Guild of America member) discuss managing their duties as producers and showrunners. They share experiences producing film and television and discuss how to manage time and responsibilities to effectively produce single pictures and slates of projects.

Sunday March 29, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Movies, Seminars & Workshops, Television

3:30pm PDT

The Future of Doctor Who

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT

What's next for the long-running BBC sci-fi series Doctor Who in the post-Disney era? Hear from experts and share your opinions with the return of this popular interactive panel, voted by fans as the second-best panel at SDCC 2025. Learn all about the upcoming special and the latest casting news and views. Moderated by CNN's Sandro Monetti.

Sunday March 29, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm PDT
Room 208

1: Programs, Costuming, Science Fiction & Fantasy