WonderCon 2026 has ended

Create Your Own Event

WonderCon 2026

2:00pm PDT

Special Showcase of the 24 Hours Animation Contest for Students

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

The annual 24 Hours Animation Contest is an international event in which students from around the world compete in teams to produce a 30-second animated film in just 24 hours. A screening of the top 50 animated films will be followed by a Q&A with select filmmakers from these films, as well as the contest's founder, Aubry Mintz. Moderated by Eric Bauza (voice actor, Adventure Time, Teen Titans Go!) and Caro Buermann (Saturday Morning Cartoons United).

Friday March 27, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, Humor & Satire

3:00pm PDT

Alternative Career Options in Video Games

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

Many people today aspire to work in the ever-growing and popular video game industry. However, not everyone has the skills in art, design, writing, or programming that typically form the core creative teams that conceive and develop the games. But there is hope! The game industry is full of many types of jobs and needed skills that may not directly affect the creative vision but are just as important to the success of the team and the game. Game industry professionals with nontraditional backgrounds share their experiences and answer questions about what it takes to leverage unique skills into a potential career in games.

Friday March 27, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Games, Video Games

4:00pm PDT

From Cult Classic to Modern Revival: Bringing Legacy Games Back

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

Hannibal Tabu (D&D, Stranger Comics), Brian Lambert (Wingless Entertainment), and Macauley Christian (Children of Eternity) discuss what makes a game last for decades. Why is everything old new again? Topics include video games, tabletop, and more. Moderated by Rick Hernandez (Esports, Variety).

Friday March 27, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Video Games, Tabletop Games

5:00pm PDT

Original Comic Art: An Open Discussion with the Insiders

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

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

6:00pm PDT

Finding Your Passion . . . and Get Paid!

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Whether you are trying to write a novel, illustrate a new comic book, create a new product, or launch a new website, starting a new business can be daunting and intimidating. Hosted by Tony B Kim (Hero Within), this group of entrepreneurs and professionals share tips, tricks, and skips for establishing and sustaining a new business. Featuring Priscilla Wilson (artist), Arthur Ebuen (writer/publisher), and Jeff Lawber (Marmals creator).

Friday March 27, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Comics, Education, Fandom, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

Panick: The Next Wave in Horror

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

Get an exclusive first look at wave 2 of Panick Entertainment, including a special peek at The Accessories by Leah Kilpatrick and David Dastmalchian. From the people who brought you T.A.M.A., Black Diamond, and Savager comes a special first look at what's next for the publisher.

Friday March 27, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Writers & Writing

8:00pm PDT

The Great Comic Book Reading Debate!

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

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

11:00am PDT

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

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

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

12:00pm PDT

Bad Idea: The WonderCon Panel

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

The next wave of Bad Idea comics continues right here. Mastermind David Yarovesky (director of Brightburn), and Bad Idea impresarios Dinesh Shamdasani and Benjamin Simpson offer an exclusive look at the company’s biggest slate yet. See new art from The Olympus Saga: Megalith, Warbird, The Hab, The Oddball's Odyssey, Tankers vs Ancient Aliens, Project: GOAT, and more. Plus, look for surprise guests and a convention-exclusive giveaway.

Saturday March 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Comics

1:00pm PDT

Ink & Melanin: A Writer's Roundtable

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

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

2:00pm PDT

Pitching to Hollywood

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

Screen and TV writers Douglas J. Eboch (Sweet Home Alabama, The Hollywood Pitching Bible), Shireen Razack (Shadowhunters, Haven), and Spiro Skentzos (Arrow, Grimm) discuss pitching original ideas as well as pitching to win assignments for movies and television. They delve into how to identify what is unique and marketable about a concept, how to construct a compelling pitch, and how to present it effectively.

Saturday March 28, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Television, Movies

3:00pm PDT

Monstrous Alliances: How Indie Creators Thrive Beyond Corporate Giants

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

In an industry dominated by massive corporations, how do indie creators fight back? Leaders from comics, toys, skateboarding, and gaming—Shannon Eric Denton (Monster Forge), Bill Murphy (Big Bad Workshop), Eagle Barber (Madrid Skateboards), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), and Armando Roque (Spin Master)—unleash bold collaborations and monstrous cross-promotions fueled by skateboarding grit and a punk rock attitude. Discover how these creative monsters are carving out space—and real success—across film, comics, toys, and games, from beloved IP like The Rocketeer to their own original monstrous creations.

Saturday March 28, 2026 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Action Figures - Toys - Collectibles, Action/Adventure, Animation, Art and Illustration, Comics, Horror and Suspense, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Video Games, Writers & Writing

4:00pm PDT

Level-Up: Taking Your Comics to the Next Tier

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

Comics creators discuss strategies for creating comics that stand out, digging into what separates good ideas from great projects and why so many comics fall short despite solid art or writing. Marcus McNeal (editor-in-chief, Odyssey Comics), Rob Pilkington (writer, Slight Return), April Connors (creator, Everybody's Happy Nowadays as Prof. Raco), Arthur N. Ebuen (writer, California, Inc.; animator The Simpsons), and Amy Linsamouth (writer, Jackie and the Magical Guys; Byte Me) share insights on shaping pitches with clarity and intent, assembling and leading creative teams, navigating editorial without losing your voice, and making choices that give a project a distinct identity.

Saturday March 28, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Education, LGBTQIA+, Writers & Writing

5:00pm PDT

From Batman to Basquiat: Contemporary Art and Comics

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

Comic book characters are a deep source of inspiration for visual artists as avatars of social commentary and contemporary symbolism. Alma Villegas (senior director of development, Inner-City Arts), Kenny Keil (artist/writer, MAD magazine, Smoove City), John Jennings (author/artist/professor; Black Kirby, Kindred), and James Reitano (animation director/comics creator; 1985, 1987, music videos for Quasimoto, Czarface, MF DOOM) discuss their work at the intersection of contemporary art, community, and comics, as well as the work of Andy Warhol, Dulce Pinzon, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others. Moderated by Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca (writer/artist, MoMA, LACMA, Beyond Warriors).

Saturday March 28, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, Comics

6:00pm PDT

Trans Masculine Representation in Entertainment

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Avi Roque (The Owl House, Cemetery Boys), Simon Lucas Howe (Rick and Morty, Big Mouth), Theo Tiedemann (Transparent, Our Flag Means Death), Maze Felix (Apple TV's Give Me an A, Mascvmasc), and Yas Modares Ghasiri (Sylvester Stallone's MVP, Babysplitters) bring the real talk on trans masculine representation in film and TV. Expect behind-the-scenes stories, industry tea, and a candid conversation on visibility, creativity, and taking up space.

Saturday March 28, 2026 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, LGBTQIA+, Movies, Television, Writers & Writing

7:00pm PDT

The Power of Color: The Discussion Continues

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

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

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

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

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

11:00am PDT

Writing for Indie Comics

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

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

12:00pm PDT

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

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

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

1:00pm PDT

Help! I'm in Love with an Artist

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

Brian Luhmann, Psy.D. (faculty, Hope International University; owner/therapist, The New Normal Mental Health Services) facilitates a discussion between creatives and their supportive partners about the headaches and collective wins of making and sharing art. Featuring Ralph Miranda (senior storyboard artist; co-creator, Oh, Bubba Lu!), Jen Ha Lu, MA, PHR, SHRM-SCP (co-creator, Oh, Bubba Lu!), Paolo Encarnacion (owner/artist, PaoWorks), Amber M. Sotomayor (litigation paralegal, Klinedinst PC; operations, PaoWorks), and Crystal Ishihara, Ph.D. (author; therapist; artist, IshiharaInk).

Sunday March 29, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Animation, Art and Illustration, BIPOC, Books, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Education, Movies, Television, Video Games, Writers & Writing

2:00pm PDT

Adaptation: Developing from One Medium to Another

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

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

3:00pm PDT

Warren Kremer: Harvey Comics' Cover Genius

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

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

Main Character Syndrome: Starring in Your Comic

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

What's it like making a comic strip about yourself? Who do you include, and what do you leave out? How personal is too personal? What do the people in your life think about it? Is it really all about you? Panelists include Jeff Keane (The Family Circus), Eddie deAngelini (Collectors), Gaia WXYZ (Made U Look), Simon Jane Robrock (Butt Planet), and moderator Sonya Saturday (The Greatest Thing You've Ever Seen in Your Life).

Sunday March 29, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 303AB

1: Programs, Cartooning and Comic Strips, Comics, Humor & Satire, LGBTQIA+