Saturday at SDCC

6 JULY 2019

Saturday panels went up today. That's 3 of 4 days, which was enough for several people to contact me and weigh in. So far it's an even distribution between people who think this year is great and those who think it's not quite worthy of a year 50 Comic-Con. What do you think?

Big rooms:

Hall H: Not quite as tight as Friday, but still good. Star Trek, Westworld, EW's "Women Who Kick Ass" and finally Marvel before Kevin Smith. I wish Marvel was earlier in the day, before Westworld, but it is what it is.

Ballroom 20: Excellent day. Once you're in, you'll never leave: you'll see Batwoman's pilot, the Simpsons, American Dad, Family Guy, Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl and more.

Indigo: Mixed blessings in here. I think all of these will appeal to people, but not necessarily the same people. The Magicians, Wynonna Earp, DC Universe, Snowpiercer, The Good Place, The Expanse.

And then we have....

In the new genre of How Comic-Con Used To Be

Memories of the First Comic-Con is at 10:00 am. Originals from 1970 share their memories in room 28DE. 

Then we have Comic-Con in the 1990s – from people who were there, of course – in room 8 at 12:30 pm.

There’s also a panel on the background of Comic-Con awards like the Eisners and the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer award. 5:30 pm in room 7AB.

I really hope Sunday has a panel on Comic-Con’s future. Not the annual talk back session, but an actual panel where CCI talks about what we can expect going forward. As in, the Cons we’ll actually attend, rather than the ones that happened before we were born. Or maybe they can have a panel revealing all the shady secretive CCI things that we always suspected but have never been able to confirm. Don’t get me wrong, I think all these “Comic-Cons of Yore” panels are cool but they’re beginning to seem like the only way CCI knows how to mark their 50^th birthday. Have a mid-life crisis and do something wild, CCI!

Movies and TV

Jetson fans: you can see “remastered footage and giveaways” at 10:00 am in room 6A.

The Horton Grand is rich with spoils today. Starting off: actual Sesame Street characters do improv at 11:30. Later Sesame Street talks about its future in room 6BCF at 2:45.

Scooby-Doo was born the same year as SDCC and will celebrate that in room 6A at 12:30 pm.

If you’ve ever wondered how Mean Girls would work in iambic pentameter, you can see a Shakespearian version at the Horton at 2:30 pm.

My heart pounds just typing this: Guillermo del Toro and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark will be at the Horton at 4:00 and we’ll get to see “an original monster created specifically for the film.” If the only way I could get tickets to this is Mephistopheles showing up in my room at the Marriott, I’d probably go for it.

Bear McCreary presents his musical genius in room 25ABC at 5:00 pm.

Joe Hill returns to talk about his NOS4A2 show in room 6A at 5:30. The book was a hit but the show has earned mixed reviews so far; I still think the panel is worth it.

What We Do in the Shadows, labeled here as “TV's #1 vampire comedy,” will be in room 6BCF at 6:30

Science, Kind Of

The Art of Infection. Go to the Marriott at 3:00 pm and squirm as you imagine “real-life outbreaks of fictional infectious diseases.”

Another 50 year panel: engineers who actually built Apollo 11 will share “rare photos” and somehow tie old comics into it. Room 5AB at 3:30 pm.

Fleet Science Center experts tell you the truth about time travel and the quantum realm in room 25ABC at 6:00 pm.

What happened this year in space? Find out from “some of the leading scientists in the cosmology world” in room 25ABC at 8:00 pm.

Nerd Culture and Comics

What’s happening in the Dark Horse world? Find out at 11:00am in room 23ABC.

Watch a historical slideshow on Jack Kirby’s life in room 7AB at 11:00 am.

Star Wars Fan Groups (beyond just the 501st Legion) meet at the museum at noon.

One of the top panels this year: George Takei talks about his new graphic memoir They Called Us Enemy, about being a kid in American internment camps. Thank god that would never happen today! Room 25ABC at 2:00pm. I feel like this needs a bigger room.

J. Michael Straczynski shares his autobiography, which debuts at Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore at SDCC, at 1 pm in room 7AB. Later he shares his writing wizard secrets in room 2 at 7:30 pm.

Chris Ware is back at 1:30 in room 8.

You can find out about the latest Marvel comics news at 1:45 pm in room 6A.

Geek Travel: do you know the secrets? 2:00 pm at the museum theatre.

Usagi Yojimbo, your favorite samurai rabbit, takes center stage at 3:00 pm in room 28DE.

Fantagraphics is always a good panel, and they’ll be in 26AB at 4:30.

The annual LGBTQ panel is back to celebrate the 50^th year of Stonewall. This will be followed by the usual mixer, hence why this runs from 7:00pm - 9:00pm. In room 29AB.

And now it’s Saturday night. What should you do?

The Horton serves up a screening of Kiki’s Delivery Service – but with trivia and prizes. 7:00 pm.

Or you can go see Kevin Smith in Hall H. This has been a walk-in before so don’t let the Hall H part intimidate you. Marvel fans will clear out and go get dinner after camping all day. Then you can see the world premiere of Shooting Clerks in room 5AB at 10:00 pm.

Crunchyroll prepares you for new anime and gives you a “special gift.” 8:30 pm in room 7AB.

 And that brings us to Sunday.

Saturday is here & it's going to be busy

23 JULY 2016





How is your Comic-Con going? If you've been a smart nerd, you've been conserving your energy for these last 2 days; if you've indulged yourself, like the all-nighter I just pulled, you may be dragging a little. But we've got a lot to do today, so get ready.

In the big rooms:

Hall H has Warner Bros opening the day at 11:30 and then the Star Trek panel at 2. Aliens 30th anniversary is at 3:15; at this point a certain faction will exit the rooms. Then we have EW's Women Who Kick Ass, and Marvel Studios takes over at 5:30. At last we have Kevin Smith at 7.

Ballroom 20 will be super-packed. Once Upon a Time at 10, The Vampire Diaries at 11, The Simpsons at 12, followed by Family Guy 1 at 1, American Dad at 1:45, Grim at 2:30, and then Supergirl at 3:30. Then we have Legends of Tomorrow follows at 4:15, then The Flash at 5 and Arrow at 5:45. At that point they will clear the room for the Masquerade later tonight.

The Indigo Ballroom is mixed today. We Bare Bears is at 10, followed by Powerpuff Girls; then we have Blindspot at 12, The Originals at 12:50, Lucifer at 1:30 and Gotham at 2:10. Then Syfy rolls in with The Expanse at 3 and The Magicians at 4. Son of Zorn is at 5, followed by Last Man on Earth at 6 and then the screening of Incorporated at 7. I see a steady flow in and out of this room.


Nickelodeon has really done up the Con this year, and this panel should be a hit: return to their 90s shows in 6A at 11:15.

It's Monster High time at 11:30 in 5AB. A fan costume contest will offer "fantastic prizes."

If you're not in Hall H, you can still get your Star Trek fix with "The Roddenberry Vault" at 12:30 in 5AB for rare clips and photos.

The "Kaiju Kingdom Podcast" is at 1 in the library.

"Women Rocking Hollywood" is at 2 in 25ABC.

Disney XD fans will see exclusive clips of Pickle and Peanut and Future Worm at 2:30 in 5AB.

I know a lot of you have anticipated this: Wynonna Earp is at 2:30 in 24ABC.

At the exact same time, HBO's Vice Principals appears in the Horton.

Or you can see Scooby-Doo and WWE in 6BCF at 2:45.

Back at the library at 3 is the 10th annual Lost panel is at 3 in the library.

More Star Trek goodness, this time with a free model Starship: "Star Trek The Official Starships Collection" in 28DE at 3.

Bear McCreary is honored for his musical genius at 3:30 in room 8.

Game of Thrones superfans will talk about the books and show in the library at 4.

Also at 4: BBC's new Dirk Gently show with Elijah Wood.

If you missed the Timeless pilot on Preview Night, you can see it at 4:15 in 6A.

Robert Kirkman will talk about Outcast at 5:15 in 6BCF.

In the Horton at 5:30: The Final Girls, with "a surprise slate of actual final girls from horror film history."



Lots of comics & nerdy fare today.

Another cosplay contesnt: the graphic novels of Avatar the Last Airbender is at 10 in 25ABC.

You can find out about DC's upcoming crossovers in 6DE at 10.

John Lewis is back with March: Book Three, exclusively available at SDCC right now. So if you missed him last year, report to 23ABC at 10.

You can learn all about Mexican comics and media at 11 in room 4.

Or you can find out about the comics of the future, like ones with motion sensors, at 11 in 29AB.

Marvel games, comics and more are in 7AB at 11.

Top Cow talks future and current comics at 11 in room 9 and Titan comics wants to give you "lots of free books and exclusive promo items" at 11:30 in room 8.

Boom! wants you to discover new worlds at 12:30 in 24ABC.

If you're vision-impaired and looking for new games, movies and comics, head over to room 2 at 12:30.

Archie celebrates its 75th anniversary and maybe, just maybe, offers up a cast member from Riverdale, which screens again this evening, in room 4 at 1.

Image is "Riffing on Reality" at 1 in 7AB.

TMNT fans should go to 25ABC at 1 to see Kevin Eastman and crew.

Pokemon creators are in the Horton at 1. This is not the same Pokemon Go panel as tomorrow.

Invader Zim and Jhonen Vasquez tell "horrible, horrible secrets" in 29AB at 2.

Drawn & Quarterly shows off their cartoonists at 2:30 in room 8.

Dark Horse will show off unannounced work from "some of the biggest names in and outside the industry." 3 in 7AB.

ComiXology is at 3 also in 29AB. And so is Wonder Woman's 75th birthday party in 6DE.

Celebrate 20 years of Tomb Raider at 3:30 in 24ABC. Or opt to celebrate 40 years of Fantagraphic at the same time in 26AB, or choose Doctor Who and Torchwood comics at 3:30 in 5AB.

Skybound takes over 6DE at 4:14.

Then DC wants you to be blown away by REBIRTH in 6DE at 5:30 where you will join "the industry's most creative and influential people."

Magic: The Gathering gives you head designer Mark Rosewater in 7AB at 6:30.

Black Comix takes over 28DE at 8.




Cosplayers have a few options. They can find out how to help their community at 11 in the Marriott. Then "Adding Dimension to Your Cosplay Makeup" is at 2 in the Marriott, followed by Designer Cosplay at 3. Finally Cosplay storytelling is in 6DE at 6:45.


Lots of general nerd topics today.

"The Business of Geek Fashion" features not only Ashley Eckstein of Her Universe but panelists from WeLoveFine and Hot Topic. 10 in the Marriott.

"Rise of the Fangirls" is in 25ABC at 11. Then "The Female Geek" is at noon in 7AB.

Do you want that "chiseled superhero physique?" Report to the Marriott at noon.

Nerdiest News Live is at 4 in the Horton.

"The Changing Landscape of Comics, Geekdom and Fanboy Culture" is at 4 in the Marriott. At 6 in the same room: "The Evolution of Geek Culture."

"Crazy Talk: Mental Health, Pop Culture and Empowerment" is at 5:30 in 24ABC.

Remember when this panel was called "Gays in Comics?" Now it's "Gays (and more) in Comics (and more)"- but you get the drift. 6-8 in 29AB. This will include an auction and then a very brief (like maybe 10-15 minutes) mixer.


There's also some good science to be had today.

Neil deGrasse Tyson fans will want to find out "how universes are formed with imagination and science" in the Horton at 11:30.

"NASA & Angry Birds on a Journey to Mars:" this includes not only NASA's "best and brightest" but a special preview of the new NASA and Angry Birds short. 1:30 in 5 AB.

Trek Talks is at 6 in room 5AB: find out how NASA's vision of the future mimics the world of Star Trek. But if you go to that, you can't do "Turning Science Fiction into Science Fact" at 6 in 30CDE.

Then there's this: "The Rise of Machine Intelligence" at 7 in 25ABC. 


If you're looking for more creative panels, SDCC has them.

You can learn how to launch and sustain a career in writing animation at 10 in room 9.

The 3-act story structure is explored in room 2 at 10.

"Take your Ideas to 3D Sculpts and Prints" is at 11:15 in room 2.

"Career Paths into Game Development" is at noon in 28DE. If you can't make that, try "How to Get a Job in Video Games" at 6 in 25ABC.

The profession of storyboarding will be in room 9 at 1.

Kim Jung Gi helps you draw your imagination at 1:30 in room 2.Or you can just learn to draw period thanks to Wei Xu, Ph.D. in 30CDE at 5.

Find out how to make your own documentary on a minimal budget in room 2 at 6.



Then it's time for your last night of raucous partying - or rather, what you do before you party.

You can settle in for a night of TV pilots in 6BCF: The Riverdale pilot is at 6:30 in 6BCF, followed by Frequency at 7:25, followed by Time after Time.

Ash vs. Evil Dead is in 6A at 6:45. This is not the Season 2 premiere - that's at 10 in 6DE.

You can see a screening of new series Designated Survivor with Kiefer Sutherland and Maggie Q and Kal Penn at the Horton at 7.

Or you can see the full Final Fantasy trailer and some footage at 7:30 in 7AB.

If you want to honor the memory of one of comics' brightest talents, the Darwyn Cooke Tribute is at 8 in 25ABC. Tough choice: this is at the same time as the discussion of 3 different films featuring Neil Gaiman in 29AB.

Mystery Science Theatre 3000 is back at 8:30 in 24ABC.

And of course you have the Masquerade. Ballroom 20. If you can't get into this, you can watch in on big screens in the Sails Pavilion and elsewhere.


A busy, diverse day - but if you want to take a break from the Con today, no one could blame you.

Saturday panel summary

27 JUNE 2015

So what do we think about Saturday programming? I'm going to stick to Friday being the "biggest" day of the Con in many aspects, but there's no denying that Saturday serves up nerd splendor in every area. 

Hall H brings us the Warner Bros at 10:30, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies at 12:15, Tarantino at 1:30, Legendary (Warcraft/Crimson Peak/Krampus) at 2:30, EW's annual Women Who Kick Ass at 3:45, then Dark Horse with Joss Whedon at 4:45. Then Fox takes over at 5:45 and of course Warner/DC sweep back in at 8 with their Supergirl/movie night extravaganza.

 

Ballroom 20 has Once Upon a Time at 10, TV Guide's Fan Favorites at 11, then The Simpsons at noon, Seth McFarlane's animation block at 1, then Grimm at 3, then Outlander at 4, Hannibal at 5.

 

That should please a lot of fans but my heart is over in the Indigo: The Last Man on Earth is at 10, Childhood's End is at 11, 12 Monkeys is at noon, Chris Hardwick at 1, The Awesomes at 2, John Barrowman at 3, The Expanse at 4 and Z Nation at 5:30.
 

 

Onto Hollywood. 

Are You Ready, Kids?: Nickelodeon's SpongeBob SquarePants is at 10 in 6A.

Avatar the Last Airbender: Legend and Legacy is also at 10 in 25ABC. Be aware this panel will have a cosplay contest “open to all levels of skill.”

Land of the Lost Series Reunion will be at 10 in 29AB. This panel promises “the happiest hour at Comic-Con.” I love it when random obscure shows emerge from the mists of the past to have a panel at SDCC.

Into the Badlands will be at 10:30 in 5A.

Marvel Animation Presents is at 10:30 in 6BCF

Blindspot Pilot Screening and Q&A is at 11:15 in 6A if you missed it Preview Night.

From Bollywood to Hollywood: Going Global is in 25ABC at noon. Then we have Hollywood Meets Bollywood at 2:30 in the same room.

Colony: USA Network Series Screening is at noon in the Horton. This is separate from the earlier panel; this is an opportunity to see the pilot. So you have 2 chances to dwell on the glory of Josh Holloway if you want them.

Monster High Panel. “Experience new character and doll introductions, as well as never-before-seen content reveals for the upcoming season.” 11:30 in 5AB.

Cartoon Voices 1 is in 6BCF at 1.

Babble on with the Cast of Babylon 5 at the Horton Grand at 2.

Outcast TV Series: A First Look with Robert Kirkman is in 6DE at 3. Expect a line.

The Muppet Show Coming to ABC will be in 6A at 3:00 with actual Muppet performers. I feel like the nostalgia factor will be strong with this one.

Nerdist: The Hive will show off their foray into horror at 3:30 in the Horton.

Person of Interest Special Video Presentation and Q&A is at 6BCF at 5:15.

Salem will be in 6A at 5:30 with “a look back at intriguing footage from the supernatural second season.”

Inside the Writers' Room: The Series: Part Two.“The scribes behind some of today's hottest genre shows.” 6:30 in 24ABC.

Containment Pilot Screening and Q&A. 6:15 in 6BC. “A mysterious and deadly epidemic.” I don’t have a great feeling about this show but maybe you can see the pilot and tell me I’m wrong.

The Bold Voice of Contemporary Horror Film: Fantastic Fest, Beyond Fest, and SpectreFest will be at 6:45 in 6A.

 

 

Saturday is another good day for Comics. I can’t say there’s been one day that predominates so far. Comic book nerds should find panels on their favorites every day of the Con.

New DC Universe the Lighter Side: Are You Ready? promises “hilarity” at10 in 6DE. That’s followed by New DC Universe: Batman: Are You Ready? at 11:15.

Temple of Art returns at 10:30 in 24ABC. What a sad description: “When every artist begins their craft, nobody is listening. Nobody pays them, nobody claps, and there is really no rational reason to suppose that anyone ever will. But they do it anyway.” I went to this panel last year, so I’m not sure why they’re advertising a “debut trailer” but let’s suppose they’ve advanced in their film. If you’re interested in not just artists but the paradigms of creation, I recommend this.

Drawn & Quarterly at Twenty-Five invites you to celebrate the heaviest book at Comic-Con. (That’s not a swipe; this anthology is worth picking up. But not at the Con if you have a flight home.) 11:00 in room 4.

CBLDF: Comics in the Classroom: Real-World Ideas for Engaging Your Students with Comics is in 30CDE at 12, followed by CBLDF: Comics Censorship in 2015 at 1. Then we have CBLDF Protecting Comics in Libraries at 4 in the library.

BOOM! Studios Celebrates 10 Years and Pushes Comics Forward is at 12:30 in 24ABC.

DC Entertainment: Grant Morrison: The Multiversity and Beyond! Grant Morrison provides clarity. Or not. 12:30 in 6DE.

Marvel: House of Ideas is at 12:30 in 6A.

Dark Circle Comics will explore the “cinematic and literary universe of titles coming from Dark Circle Comics, including The Black Hood, The Shield, and The Hangman.” 1:00 in 29AB.

Diversity: We Demand Diverse Books is at 1 in 28DE.

TMNT: The Big Panel is a look back at the past four years of TMNT comics and a sneak peek at what is to come with new announcements and art. 25ABC at 1.

Image Comics: Where Creators Own Reality is in 7AB at 1.

 At 1:45 in 6A,  Stan Lee discusses his past, present, and future projects, followed by a Q&A session. That should be a long panel.

The Return of Invader Zim: Jhonen Vasquez returns. 2:00 in 29AB.

IDW and Hasbro: Transformers, Jem, Ponies, and More will give you “the inside scoop on the latest news and announcements.” 2:30 in 24ABC.

Marvel: Cup O'Joe brings Joe Quesada back to answer your burning questions. 2:45 in 6BCF.

Dark Horse Takes Over the World will start their conquest in 7AB at 3. Mike Mignola, Chuck Palahniuk, Jeff Lemire, Eric Powell, and Matt Kindt.

Camp Out with Lumberjanes! And presumably Holy Kitten. 3:30 in room 8.

Doctor Who Comics Panel: Year Two, Crossover Event and New Miniseries! Should be popular. 5AB in 3:30.

William Shatner's Man O' War: Cinematic Graphic Novel will present “a groundbreaking form of digital comics that combines a new stylistic dimension in animation, in-story sound effects, and a music soundtrack to usher in an enhanced reading experience.” William Shatner is totally owning SDCC 2015. All he needs to do is make an entrance by landing a helicopter on the Hall H lawn. 4:00 in 6BCF

Image Comics: Where Creators Own Aesthetics is at 4:15 in 6DE. Followed by New DC Universe: The Upstarts: Are You Ready? is at 5:30 in 6DE.

Spiritual Themes in Comics will be at 6 in room 4.

Gays in Comics 28: At the Intersection of Comics and Life. Room 29AB at 6. “Creators examine how their queer identities intersect with other aspects of their lives, such as race and ethnicity, religion, and family, and how that influences and defines their comics work.” This is 2 hours and will include the usual auction and mixer, which just wasn’t labeled separately this year.

The Walking Dead: An Inside Look with Robert Kirkman will look at the comic book, not the show. 6:45 in 6DE.

 

 

Onto cosplay, gaming, nerd life and culture.

Learn how to do Cosplay Makeup 101 in 14A at 10.

Mobilizing Fandoms for Charity will be at 11 in 14A.  This sounds both fascinating and useful: “How to utilize various fandoms to help create nonprofit organizations, to contribute to charitable causes, and to explore how individuals can get more involved individually, locally, and globally with fandom-related charities.”

High Def Horror: Hammer Horror Meets Harryhausen will let attendees “sneak a peek at some exciting upcoming releases that will please fans of Hammer films and the legendary Ray Harryhausen.” This could be a great panel if it lives up to its title – or it could be a well-worded tease. 25ABC at 2.

Keep YA Weird. “Come discuss and celebrate literary experimentalism and extreme imagination in YA literature.” 2:00 in room 9.

Spotlight on Yu-Gi-Oh! and Creator Kazuki Takahashi. 2:00 in 7AB. Expect a line.

Lost Podcast and Beyond. The annual can’t-let-go panel is back. “The co-hosts of the popular Lost Podcast with Jay and Jack will discuss ten years of Lost, as well as other TV shows that have filled their Lost void, including The Leftovers, True Detective, and more.” In the library at 3.

A Song of Ice and Fire: Game of Thrones Fan Discussion is at 4 in the library.

Body Confidence in Cosplay is at 4:00 in 14A.

Hasbro Marvel will discuss Hasbro's popular Marvel LEGENDS action figure lines. 4:00pm in  25ABC.

Fandom: The Next Generation at 5 in 14A will present “ways parents can shape the next generation of geek culture early on.”

The Evolution of an Icon in Rise of the Tomb Raider is in 25ABC at 5.

Max Brooks Zombie Revelations. 6:00 in 5AB; “Brooks shares his insight into the rotting minds of the shambling dead and the aristocratic and self-entitled vampire race, and fields questions from zombie-phobic fans.”

The Geek Shall Inherit: A Look at the Evolution of Geek Culture. 6 pm in 14A.
Magic: The Gathering: Magic Origins. 6:30 in7AB.

 

Plenty of creative panels today, though many have more of a business slant as opposed to a creation slant.

Working Together: Writers and Artists will be at 11 in 28DE. “While working with a partner can offer great rewards, the path might not always be an easy one to navigate.”

Inside the Writers' Room: The Pilot: Part One. 24ABC at 11:30

Workshop with Laura Martin will explore “the use of color for storytelling." 12:15 in room 2.

Kill Your Idols: The Anxiety of Influence is at 1:00 in 23ABC. “The alchemy of transmuting admiration into originality.”

Comic-Con How-To: Drawing with Adam Hughes is at 1:30 in room 2.

DC Entertainment: My Secret Origin, or How I Broke into Comics is at 1:45 in 6DE.

Adding Special Effects to Cosplay Pictures and Video is at 3 in 14A. “Learn how, using Adobe Photoshop and After Effects, you can add realistic laser beams, fireballs, glowing magical elements, and sci-fi backgrounds that will bring your cosplay photography and videos to the next level.”

Comixology Submit: The Future of Self-Publishing. “A tell-all discussion on how you too can create, submit, and reach the ranks of comiXology Submit stardom.” 3:00 in 29AB.

Comic-Con How-To: Draw Your Imagination with Kim Jung Gi is in room 2 at 3:30.

IDW: So, You Want to Be in Comics. Project announcements plus more “breaking in” advice. 4:00 in room 4.

An Inside Look at Google Spotlight Stories. “Insights and experiences regarding the creation of this new, narrative format for 360-degree, immersive, interactive stories made especially for mobile devices.” 4:30 in 24ABC. You knew Google would show up at Comic-Con sooner or later.

Let's Renaissance Again: Adding Science and Math into Art. “Why and how we need to add science and math into learning art: [+SM]Art. 5:00 in 30CDE.

Comic-Con How-To: Proper Pitching and Promoting Yourself. 5 in room 2.

Disney-ABC: Reinvention: The Writer, The Director, The Story. “Helpful tips and insight on how to successfully make a career transition from Disney-ABC writers, directors, and executives.” 5:30 in 24ABC.

Storytelling in the 21st Century.  “How regular people can be enabled to create and share compelling stories by using technology to "amplify" their natural creative abilities.” Regular people. 5:30 in 26AB.

Choosing the Right Publishing Path for Your Manuscript: Traditional, Small Press or Self-Publishing is at 6 pm in 25ABC. The “various options for publishing fiction and how to determine what works for different genres.”

The Keys to Successful, Career-Changing Acting and Filmmaking in Today's New Entertainment Industry. Known thespian Richard Hatch is back to share his expertise on “how to powerfully up level your skills and performance in order to position yourself for breakthrough success in today’s entertainment industry.” 6 pm 30CDE.

 

What do we have on Saturday night?

Author Talk with Del Rey Books will have various authors at 7 in room 9.

The Best and Worst Manga of 2015 will be discussed at 7 in 23ABC.

Fight Club 2 is in 5AB at 7. Chuck Palahniuk returns to SDCC. There was a big line for this last year, so don’t try to slip in at the last minute.

We Are All Heroes: The Changing Landscape of Comics, Geekdom, and Fanboy Culture is in 14A at 7.

Nickelodeon's Variety Show Featuring Breadwinners Live will be at the Horton at 7. Not only will you get “swag bags packed with exclusive collectibles”, you’ll also “watch exclusive cartoons and the world premiere of two new shows, Pig Goat Banana Cricket and The Loud House.”

Action Figure Insider Presents: 10 Years of Talking About Toys. “The inside scoop on the action figure and collectible lines that they love and get answers straight from the people who make them. 7:30 in room 8.

An Hour with Adam Savage is in 7:30 in 6BCF.

The Psychology of Star Trek vs. Star Wars: Episode V is back at 7:30 in 24ABC.

Closing the Deal: Everything You Need to Know About Publishing Deals and Contracts looks comics-oriented. 8 in 30CDE.

Creepy and Eerie Unleashed at 8 in 25ABC. They might be giving away Creep swag, “but only to the demonically deserving.” You know if you qualify.

Rooster Teeth: Lazer Team and More! This “will debut exclusive scenes from Lazer Team and show off other exciting Rooster Teeth content exclusively for the Comic-Con audience.” At 8 in 6DE.

SPARK Your Creativity: A Call to Action! “Ladies unite to create more female driven content.” 8 in 14A.

Spec Fiction Sneak Peek: What's New from HarperCollins will go over “how the marketplace is rebounding from an overabundance of vampires and werewolves. Readers are hungry for tales more rooted in scientific reality, as well as magical espionage, supernatural noir, space opera, and military adventure.” 8 in room 9.

The Thrilling Adventure Hour: Evolved will also be at 8 in 23ABC. Get there early.

The Science of Star Wars will be at 8:30 in 24ABC.

You can catch the Scream Queens: World Premiere Screening at 9:15 in 6DE.

Spike & Mike's Festival of Animation will be at 9:15 in 6BCF.

 

And that's Saturday. Some big names are missing, so it looks like we'll have some surprises in store for Sunday. Which is also Kids' Day, though there will be plenty of adult fare and of course a smoking hot day in Hall H.

 

How is everyone feeling so far about the programming? Any "I must see this no matter what" or worse, 2 must-see panels that overlap? That seems to happen at least one day of the Con - a long stretch where nothing really appeals to you, and then 2 dream panels at the same time. Speaking of which, first-timers, you'll need to get an idea of how big a space we're talking about and how long it might take you to travel from room 7 to 25ABC, or from Hall H to the Horton Grand. This post on the lay of the land should help. And I'll talk more about estimating line times and travel times as we get closer.

Happy Saturday. Are we ready?

26 JULY 2014



 
Today is arguably the most intense day of the Con, content-wise - yet it seems that much of the action is already a foregone conclusion, given how many of you are waking up groggy and chilled outside.  

Last night was the most ridiculous Hall H/Ballroom 20 situation I've seen probably in all my years, excepting Twilight. The rest of you who want to get into the big rooms? I wouldn't be entirely sure you're shut out, since I think some of these people will fold and leave by mid-afternoon. Also, Ballroom 20 seems to have a large contingent of people who are there only for Once Upon A Time and "Fan Favorites," which should help the situation for True Blood.


For those of us who slept in a warm bed last night:

Today has a ton of panels for digital and visual artists. "Establishing Shot" is at 10, "Digital Character Sketching & Painting" is at 11, with "Advanced 3D/CG Comic Art" at 12:15, "Draw Your Imagination" at 1:45, all in Room 2."Adobe Photoshop: Enabling the Artist in the 3D Print Revolution" is at 3:00 in 30CDE.

Writers get some love too: "Writers Unite: Writing and Pitching Comic Stories" is at 10:00 in 25AB and "Publishing 360°: Building a Bestseller" promises to explain "navigating the path from story idea to bestseller." I bet a zillion people go to this. It's at 6:00 in 25ABC. "Internet Marketing Secrets for Authors" is at 8 in 30CDE.
   

There's a lot on the comic book front today.


We have "DC Comics-Batman 75 Too Tough Trivia: Riddle Me This!" at 10 in 6DE and "DC Entertainment: Batman 75th Anniversary" has Kevin Conroy, Paul Dini, Bruce Timm, Ralph Garman, Geoff Johns, Jim Lee at 4 in 6BCF. 

"Drawn & Quarterly Jeopardy" will hand out free books to all winning answers. 10:00 in room 4.

"IDW: Summer Blockbusters!" is at 10:00 in 28DE.

"Avatar the Last Airbender: Legend and Legacy." 10:30 in 24ABC.

I will be worshiping at the "Temple of Art" with Dave McKean, Grant Morrison, etc. They're showing a video presentation of original works and preview of the documentary, and handing out giveaways and t-shirts. 11:00 in 25ABC.

Top Cow: 2015 Brings a New Talent Hunt, New Projects, and More" says all attendees will receive a special limited-edition lithograph. 11:00 in Room 9.

"DC Comics-Superman: The Man of Tomorrow" is at 11:15 in 6DE, followed by "The Weeklies" at 12:45.

"We Are BOOM!" 12:30 in 24ABC. People seem excited for this one. Ditto for Saga at 1:00 in 7AB with Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples.

"The Oni Press Comicstravaganza: All Cats Go to Purgatory!" is at 2:00 in room 9.

"IDW: Joe Hill & Gabriel Rodriguez" is at 2:30pm in 24ABC. Then we have "IDW Pop Culture Mix-Tape" at 4:00 in room 4. 

"Fantagraphics Forward" is at 3:30 in 26AB. Then "IImage Comics: I Is for...Ideas" has people like Scott Snyder and Brian K. Vaughan explaining how to get into comics.  4:30 in 6DE.

Finally, we have "Gays in Comics XXVII: It's a Queer, Queer World!"  5:30- 7:00, followed by a mixer and auction in 6A. I would describe this as LGBTQ - not just Gold Star gay - so come on down.

On the author front, readers will like:

"Fantastic Females: Heroines in Paranormal Fantasy" at 10:30 in Room 8 and "The Art of Fear" with horror authors in 2:30 in Room 8.

Then we have "Rulers of the Realm" with Joe Abercrombie, Diana Gabaldon, Lev Grossman, George R. R. Martin, and Patrick Rothfuss. 4:15 in 6A. You know to line up early for this, right?

"Fight Club: From Page to Screen and Beyond" has Chuck Palahniuk, David Fincher. 7:00 in 25ABC.

At the same time: "Onwards, Voyager! Epic Reads Await You!" will share previews of new and upcoming YA fiction from Harper Voyager. 7:00 in Room 9.

On the Hollywood front, there's Robert Kirkman and Norman Reedus at 3:00 in 6A.

Futurists will want to go to "Pop Culture and the Robot Reality" at 11:00 in 7AB. Then it's time to discuss "Sci-Fi, Robots and AI" at noon in the same room.  It kills me to miss this.

There's a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-Booyakasha!" at 11:15 in 6A and a "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 30th Anniversary" at 2:00 in 23ABC.

"The Whedonverse" lives on at 1:30 in 24ABC. That should make people happy.

If you can get tickets, the "Nerdist Podcast Network Super Panel." is at 1:45pm in the Horton Grand Theatre.  

"The Blacklist" is at 1:45 in 6A.

Syfy's new baby "Ascension" with Tricia Helfer will be at 3:15 in 6DE. That's followed by "Salem" at 5:45 and "American Horror Story" at 7. This is AHS's first SDCC appearance, and I expect the line to be intense. Get there early.

 Constantine is at 5:15 in 6BCF, followed by Person of Interest at 6:15. That should draw a lot of people.


So that's Saturday. Given the number of events tonight, I'm guessing many of us will be disco-napping in the late afternoon, while others will be in their best rotting zombie form for Zombie:Walk and A Night on Zombie Island. Plus it's the Masquerade so we'll see some good cosplay today. 

And because a lot of locals will be swarming the area to take in the nerdy sights (half the people I met last night at Con parties had nothing to do with SDCC), expect things to get crowded in the Gaslamp. In fact, I'm going to remind everyone about eating at the Headquarters on the other side of the Hyatt. I've eaten there several times and it's not crowded at all. Seasons 52, Pizzeria Mozza and the Mexican place were practically empty. So if you want to avoid the swarm today, just walk down past the Marriott and Hyatt and you should be able to get a good meal fast.

Also, I'm answering email as fast as I can. My phone is wonky in the convention center so be patient if I don't get back to you right away - I'm not ignoring you. I'll answer you as soon as I can.