WonderCon 2016 – So Many Panels, So Little Time

It’s that time again: I need to plan out my schedule and figure out which of the hundreds of WonderCon panels, signings, and demos I’m going to this year. I’ve got to study the map (new location in the LA Convention Center this year) narrow down the options (some of the ones I like are at the same time, and I haven’t located a TARDIS yet) and pack my running shoes.

Click the jump for the panels that caught my eye in the WonderCon 2016 schedule.

Spotlight on Humberto Ramos

Hear the latest on working on Extraordinary X-Men, drawing covers for Nova, and other projects in the works with WonderCon special guest and Marvel artist Humberto Ramos. Joined by Edgar Delgado (colorist, Extraordinary X-Men, Darth Vader), and moderated by Stephen Wacker (Marvel Animation). Q&A session to follow. Friday March 25, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm Room 515A

I love Ramos’s work, and a coworker is very good friends with him so I’ve met him, and I know for a fact that he’s also a very nice dude. 

CAC #2: Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology in Marvel’s Civil War and Beyond

Marvel Comics’ Civil War and the film Captain America: Civil War explore superheroes’ place in a post-9/11 world where some argue that civil rights conflict with public safety. Captain America leads superheroes fighting for liberty, while Iron Man leads others concerned about national and international security-but why? Travis Langley (Captain America vs. Iron Man: Freedom, Security, Psychology), Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia), Alan Kistler (The Unofficial Spider-Man Trivia Challenge), Patrick O’Connor (The Chicago School of Professional Psychology), Kathleen McClancy (Texas State University), Lara Taylor Kester (Geek Therapy), Janey Tracey (Outer Places), and Billy San Juan (The Walking Dead Psychology: Psych of the Living Dead) discuss how character motivations on both sides of the Civil War arise from positive human qualities. Are any of them truly in the right? Friday March 25, 2016 1:30pm – 3:00pm Room 411

I’ve been getting a kick out of all the “psychology of pop culture icon” books I’ve seen lately, so this promises to be a fun panel. Plus I’m ready to ramp up my excitement for Civil War, aren’t you?

Cosplay Makeup 101

This panel covers what it takes to perfect your cosplay by having great makeup to go with it. It will cover beauty makeup, appliance application, special fx makeup, sculpting, molding, casting, and wig styling. The panelists include Dawnielle Banks (Makeup By Siryn, Batgirl Spoiled lead makeup designer), Ashley Troub (Ghost Hunters, winning look SDCC Her Universe Fashion Show), Kelton Ching (SDCC 2014 Apocalypse makeup demo, Blizzcon 2015 4th place winner), and Chrissy Lynn (Super Power Beat Down’s Darth Maul, League of Steam’s White Wolf), who have honed their craft in the makeup, film, television, and cosplay photography worlds. They will answer your questions about makeup to match your costuming and cosplay, as well as offer tips and tools of the trade to use. Moderated by cosplayer Mac Beauvais (Monstrous Makeup Manuals 1&2 model, actress in The Gloaming). Friday March 25, 2016 3:00pm – 4:00pm Room 502B

My cosplay makeup technique is basically “use more makeup than I would on a normal day” so I’d like to get some tips on how to actually do it right.

IDW Publishing Panel

Join IDW VP of marketing Dirk Wood, editor/writer supreme John Barber and a host of surprise guests for a lively discussion of your favorite publisher’s upcoming schedule. Top secret reveals, prizes, a Q&A, and announcements, including one so big it will make your head spin! Friday March 25, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm Room 502

The only IDW title I follow religiously is Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye. For that reason alone I want to sit in on this panel.

Marvel: Next Big Thing

  From Civil War II to Star Wars, this panel has you covered! Editor Wil Moss is joined by Brian Michael Bendis (Invincible Iron Man), Charles Soule (Obi-Wan & Anakin), and other Mighty Marvel guests as they take on questions about Marvel’s biggest series and events! Friday March 25, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm Room 403AB

I can’t stop talking about how amazing last year’s Secret Wars was. Seriously, I’ve gotten annoying about it. But it was so good! I don’t know how they’re going to top it, but I look forward to seeing them try.

WonderCon’s Day Off: Celebrating the Classic Movies of 1986

 Panelists confirm it was “a bad call, Ripley, a bad call” as their Algonquin Geek Table twists and shouts about the glorious moviegoing nirvana of 1986 including Aliens, Top Gun, Stand By Me, Ferris Buellers Day’s Off, Back to School, Big Trouble in Little China, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, The Fly,Labyrinth, 9½ Weeks, and Howard the Duck. Starring Ashley E. Miller (writer, Big Trouble in Little China remake), Steve Melching (Star Wars Rebels), Steve Kriozere (The Librarians, NCIS), Robert Meyer Burnett (Agent Cody Banks, ST: TNG Blu-Rays), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP, director’s edition VFX supervisor), and Charles de Lauzirika (Crave, The Alien Anthology). Moderated by Scott Mantz (Access Hollywood). Friday March 25, 2016 3:30pm – 4:30pm Room 152

This isn’t a new piece of information, but it’s new to me, because I roll a little behind the curve: 1986 was ridiculously full of amazing movies. In addition to hearing tidbits about them, I’m also hoping they talk a little about WHY so much wonderful stuff came out of this one year.

iZombie Special Video Presentation and Q&A

Brainy hit iZombie returns to WonderCon for its sophomore appearance to give fans the scoop on the shocking events yet to be seen in season 2. Will Liv learn the truth about Drake’s involvement with Mr. Boss? Will Clive remain in the dark about the existence of zombies? What will happen to Blaine and Major as the effects of the cure wear off? The clock is ticking. Join this panel for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars as well as executive producers Rob Thomas (Veronica Mars) and Diane Ruggiero-Wright (Veronica Mars). From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Spondoolie Productions and Warner Bros. Television and based upon characters created by Chris Roberson and Michael Allred, published by DC Entertainment’s Vertigo imprint, iZombie airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW. Friday March 25, 2016 4:30pm – 5:30pm Microsoft Theater

Are you watching iZombie? I just started. And by “just started” I mean “I burned through a season and a half in a week.” It’s surprisingly good. Very tongue-in-cheek and funny, but smart too. And it has a lot of very nice looking gentlemen in it, but it’s a CW show, and they always bring the pretty.

DreamWorks Animation’s Voltron: Legendary Defender

From days of long ago and uncharted regions of the universe comes DreamWorks Animation’s Voltron: Legendary Defender! Hosted by Nerdist’s Jessica Chobot, join Executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (The Legend of Korra, Avatar: The Last Airbender), co-executive producer Lauren Montgomery (The Legend of Korra), writer Tim Hedrick (The Legend of Korra, Avatar: The Last Airbender) and special guests as they unite to form this years can’t-miss panel of WonderCon 2016! Be sure first in the galaxy to get a sneak peek of this highly-anticipated event, as DreamWorks Animation unveils never-before-seen artwork and footage of the all-new Netflix Original Series. Panel attendees will receive a WonderCon exclusive limited edition Voltron lithograph. Friday March 25, 2016 6:00pm – 7:00pm Room 151

I’m looking forward to what a classic anime becomes in DreamWorks’ hands, seeing as how I’ve liked 99% of everything else they’ve done. (Also they hooked me in with the free lithograph: the free print they handed out at the Dragons panel last year was fantastic.)

The 50-Year Mission: Star Trek Then, Now and Beyond

Access Hollywood’s Scott Mantz sits down with authors Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, The Librarians) and Edward Gross (Empiremagazine) as they discuss their upcoming book from St. Martin’s Press, The 50-Year Mission: The Complete, Uncensored and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek. Altman and Gross will share heretofore unknown stories, revelations, and candid admissions from the hundreds of actors, writers, producers, and artisans they spoke with in writing their book. Also, learn the latest news and speculation about Star Trek Beyond and the upcoming Star Trek TV series in 2017. Friday March 25, 2016 6:30pm – 7:30pm Room 403AB

It’s Star Trek, how could I pass it up?

AMC’s Preacher Series Premiere Screening and Panel

Join cast members Dominic Cooper (Agent Carter) and Ruth Negga (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and showrunner Sam Catlin (Breaking Bad). Based on the popular, cult comic book franchise of the same name, the highly anticipated series is a supernatural, twisted, and darkly comedic drama that follows a West Texas preacher named Jesse Custer (Cooper), who is inhabited by a mysterious entity that causes him to develop a highly unusual power. Jesse, his badass ex-girlfriend Tulip (Negga) and an Irish vagabond named Cassidy (Joseph Gilgun) come together; and when they do, they are thrust into a crazy world populated by a cast of characters from Heaven, Hell, and everywhere in between. Friday March 25, 2016 8:00pm – 9:30pm Room 408AB

The trailer for this one hooked me in, but I’m also a huge fan of The Walking Dead, so if it’s an AMC creation it definitely gets me for at least a couple episodes.

Describing the Indescribable: Adapting the Works of H. P. Lovecraft

Iconic weird tale author and poet Howard Phillips Lovecraft (1890-1937) often wrote about monstrous entities that were “unnamable” or “indescribable,” his most famous being Great Cthulhu. Yet in the 79 years since his death, thousands of creative artists have used Lovecraft’s creations for their own strange and nightmarish visions across all mediums of human expression. Join this panel for a look into the process of bringing the words of Lovecraft to life in the 21st century. Featuring exclusive sneak peeks at the upcoming Mountains of Madness animated webseries, the animated feature film adaptation of the graphic novel Howard Lovecraft & the Frozen Kingdom and more! Featuring Cody Goodfellow (author,The Rapture of the Deep & Other Lovecraftian Tales), Leslie Klinger (New Annotated HPL), Paul Komoda (creature design, The Thing 2011), Kevin McTurk (director, The Mill at Calder’s End, creature effects artist), Sean O’Reilly (writer/director, Howard Lovecraft & the Frozen Kingdom animated feature), and Pete Von Sholly (artist, Lovecraft Illustrated vols. 1-6; storyboard artist, The Mist). Moderated by Aaron Vanek (founder, San Pedro H. P. Lovecraft Film Festival). Friday March 25, 2016 8:30pm – 9:30pm Room 515B

After reading Kathryn’s review of The Ballad of Black Tom I’ve been wanting to get back into some Lovecraft-inspired stuff. (I love anything in a Lovecraft-style, but Lovecraft himself? Not so much.) It sounds like this panel will give me a good jumping on point.

Drawing Action

A good fight scene can make a comic, but drawing action is not an easy task. Find out how WonderCon special guests Russell Dauterman (Thor), Joe Quinones (Black Canary and Zatana), Paolo Rivera (Daredevil), and Annie Wu (Black Canary) get in on the action. Moderated by Alex Sinclair (Justice League). Saturday March 26, 2016 11:30am – 12:30pm Room 152

See below in the comments on the Dauterman Spotlight panel, but I’ll spend money on just about anything he draws at this point, and that’s just one of the cool names in this panel.

She’s finally here! Wonder Woman: Her Fandom’s Perspective

With her live-action debut in Batman v. Superman, Wonder Woman is arguably the most popular female superhero. Jessica Tseang (Little Geek Girls/The Comic Book Girl) leads a spirited discussion with Steven L. Sears (executive producer, writer Xena: Warrior Princess), Lisa Klink ( Star Trek Voyager, Roswell), Barbra Dillon (managing editor of Fanboy Comics), Eric Diaz (writer for Nerdist, Topless Robot), and Michael Fitzgerald Troy (Going Gaga!, Adele #1, Prism Comics) on the complexity of bringing the perfect portrayal of Diana Prince to live action. Saturday March 26, 2016 11:30am – 12:30pm Room 502A

I haven’t seen Batman V Superman yet, but I’ve heard that Wonder Woman is either the best thing about the movie, or the only good thing about the movie. I’m really hoping she finally gets the movie (and TV show, comic, book, etc) that she deserves.

Spotlight on Brian Michael Bendis

Civil War 2, Jessica Jones, Powers TV and comic, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Guardians of the Galaxy. WonderCon special guest Bendis has a ton going on and this spotlight panel will give exclusive first looks to a lot of the big goings on all spring and summer long. Saturday March 26, 2016 12:30pm – 1:30pm Room 403AB

Invincible Iron Man is just about the best-written comic I’ve read in five years. It’s so damn clever. I also loved Bendis’ appearance on the Nerdist last year, so I’d love to hear him in person.

Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion’s Con Man Comics series: Spectrum!

Alan Tudyk’s dream show based on his global convention experiences seemed impossible with the compromises Hollywood demanded. Instead, he went directly to fans; over 46,000 responded with a record-breaking $3.2 million raised on Indiegogo; Con Man was officially born. With season 1 a smash hit on Vimeo and season 2 in the works, this panel will talk Con Man and the crazy ride that made his dream project a reality. From the series, to the video game, to the Spectrum comic released on Free Comic Book Day, this is the year of the Con Man! Join Alan Tudyk, P. J. Haarsma, and Shannon Eric Denton for a Con panel like no other! Saturday March 26, 2016 1:15pm – 2:15pm Microsoft Theater

I know Fillion and Tudyk aren’t actually going to be in attendance at this. But a girl can dream.

IDW and SyFy: Wynonna Earp

Get the exclusive first look at Syfy’s action-packed new series with the cast and crew. Who is Wynonna Earp? A smoking hot, badass demon killer, that’s who! Stars Melanie Scrofano (Supernatural, Haven), Tim Rozon (Lost Girl, Being Human), Shamier Anderson (Constantine, Defiance), and Dominique Provost Chalkley (The Avengers: Age of Ultron), Wynonna Earp comic creator Beau Smith, and writer and executive producer Emily Andras (Lost Girl) share exclusive footage, present behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and participate in a Q&A. Hosted by IDW publisher and CEO Ted Adams, IDW Entertainment president David Ozer, and Circle of Confusion’s Rick Jacobs. Saturday March 26, 2016 3:00pm – 4:00pm Room 151

They’ve been plugging the hell out of this show lately. I’m a little hit or miss on SyFy shows, but I’m curious enough to give it a look. (Plus if IDW is involved I don’t think it could ever completely suck.)

Marvel Goes Steampunk

Crossing over into every genre, Steampunk has transformed many Marvel characters into some of the steamiest superheroes and villains in the galaxy. Enjoy a walk on the wild side with everyone from Ant-Man and Deadpool to Spider-Man and Doctor Strange as they are reimagined in the Steampunk style! Panelists include Dina Kampmeyer (Lady Steam), Crystal Rose Schaefer (cosplayer), Mac Beauvais (Strange Like That Cosplay), Anastasia Hunter (chair of Gaslight Gathering), and Oakley Boren (cosplayer). Saturday March 26, 2016 6:00pm – 7:00pm Room 502B

I’m a sucker for Steampunk-themed Marvel, and I’m not sorry.

Superhero Therapy

Did you ever want to be a superhero? Did you ever wish you had super powers? This panel of psychologists and writers discuss the benefits of comics and how they can potentially be therapeutic. Psychologists Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy; Star Wars Psychology) and Dr. Patrick O’Connor (Comicspedia; Walking Dead Psychology), peer counselor Travis Adams (Department of Veterans Affairs), and writer Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History; Walking Dead Psychology) discuss your favorite superheroes. Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia; Star Wars Psychology) moderates. Sunday March 27, 2016 10:30am – 11:30am Room 502A

Janina Scarlet is a lovely person and has a ton of interesting things to say about integrating pop culture with psychology, so I really want to see this panel.

CAC #7: Comics Psychology from Wonder Woman and Wertham to the World Wide Web

A psychologist created the world’s most famous superheroine. A psychiatrist attacked that psychologist and the character as part of his war on the comic book industry. One helped bring the Golden Age of Comics to life, one helped end it. Their repercussions have lasted to this day. After them, comics psychology largely died until the 21st century, when a growing number of psych pros resurrected it in books, blogs, podcasts, videos, and more. Join psychologists Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology; Captain America vs. Iron Man), Elizabeth Ann (Star Wars Psychology), Patrick O’Connor (Comicspedia), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), along with Alan Kistler (Agents of Style) and Matt Munson (The Project Workbench) for a look at the comic book psychos. Sunday March 27, 2016 11:30am – 12:30pm Room 411

And if I miss Janina in the previous panel, maybe I can see her in this one!

Event and Cosplay Photography

Photographers and photojournalists Bill Watters (Bleeding Cool), Dave Luchessi (Disney), Geri Kramer, Jon York (York in a Box Photography), Mike Tuffley (Disney), and Deborah Kountz (DebShots Photography) discuss tips and tricks on getting the most out of photography at conventions. The conversation will cover tricks of the trade, changes in technology, how to get great shots at conventions, working with cosplayers and groups, and the ever-evolving legal aspects that surround photography. Experienced photographers as well as those shooting with their smartphones will all find something new to take away from the panel. Sunday March 27, 2016 12:00pm – 1:00pm Room 502B

When photographing cosplayers I know to make sure they don’t have the sun at their backs, and that’s about it. I like that this will be a good panel for us Instagrammers as well.

Spotlight on Russell Dauterman

Join WonderCon special guest Russell Dauterman, artist of Marvel’s Thor and The Mighty Thor, for this panel about his career in comics. Russell will be talking about his digital art process, female Thor, breaking in, and more with moderator Sam Humphries (writer, Star-Lord). Plus, Russell will answer your questions and give a sneak peek of his upcoming work. Sunday March 27, 2016 2:30pm – 3:30pm Room 152

I love Dauterman’s work on The Mighty Thor, so I really want to see these sneak peeks they’re talking about. It’ll probably mean one more book I have to spend money on, but if it’s Dauterman it’ll be worth it.

Encore Screening: Justice League vs. Teen Titans

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment and Warner Bros. Animation offer an encore screening of Justice League vs. Teen Titans; the latest entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe original movies. The film’s all-star cast includes Jason O’Mara (Complications, Terra Nova) as Batman, Jerry O’Connell ( Crossing Jordan, Stand By Me) as Superman, Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Rent) as Wonder Woman, Shemar Moore (Criminal Minds) as Cyborg, and Christopher Gorham (Covert Affairs, Ugly Betty) as Flash. Sean Maher (Firefly/Serenity, Batman: Bad Blood) also returns as Nightwing, as does Stuart Allan (Batman vs. Robin) as Robin/Damian. Making their Teen Titans voiceover debuts are Taissa Farmiga (American Horror Story, Wicked City) as Raven, Jake T. Austin (Wizards of Waverly Place, The Fosters) as Blue Beetle, Brandon Soo Hoo ( Tropic Thunder, From Dusk Til Dawn: The Series) as Beast Boy, and Kari Wahlgren (Phineas and Ferb, Legion of Superheroes) as Starfire. Jon Bernthal (The Walking Dead, Daredevil) takes the villainous center stage as Trigon. Watch a replay of a postscreening discussion, featuring several of the film’s actors and producer James Tucker, director Sam Liu, character designer Phil Bourassa, and screenwriter Bryan Q. Miller. Justice League vs. Teen Titans arrives April 12 from Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, and digital HD. Sunday March 27, 2016 2:45pm – 4:15pm Microsoft Theater

I’ve been meaning to watch more DC animated movies, I’ve heard that it’s one of the few areas where DC really has an edge over Marvel.

Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog: An Interactive Whedon Musical

WonderCon is going out on a high note! The powers that be behind Whendopolis 2016, aka the folks who bring you the Buffy musical “Once More With Feeling” to close out San Diego Comic-Con, present an interactive screening of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog! Come and revel in the musical genius of The Whedons! But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! Cheer for Dr. Horrible! Cheer for Penny! Cheer for Moist! Cheer for the Freeze Ray! Cheer, or whatever, for “Captain Hammer, Corporate Tool!” Just have fun and be sure to make Bad Horse gleeful. There will be audience participation; it isn’t just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore. Sunday March 27, 2016 3:00pm – 4:30pm Room 151

I’ve said it before, my idea of a good WonderCon wrap-up is to hang out in a room full of nerds watching a nerdy movie and singing all the nerdy songs. (Watching Nathan Fillion talk about his hammer is just icing on the cake.)

You can find a full list of all the WonderCon 2016 panels, events, signings, films, and demos right here.