WonderCon 2014 is only one week away! This is my second year attending, and I’m hoping to actually make it to a few panels this year. The problem is figuring out which ones to hit, while still making time for interviews for the website, snagging photos for the cosplay gallery, shopping for geek trinkets, and maybe remembering to eat something.
The full jam-packed schedule of panels, games, anime, and signings is here. The ones I’m most interested in are below. (In the case of scheduling conflicts between two panels I’ll either have to pick one, or run back and forth really fast between them. Note to self: pack my running shoes…)
501st and Rebel Legions: Costuming for the Good of the Galaxy!
Have what it takes to create an amazing Star Wars costume? Want to know more about joining the 501st Legion and/or Rebel Legion? “Trust in the Force”…and a little assistance from members from the 501st Legion (The Bad Guys) and the Rebel Legion (The Good Guys) who are here to help. Learn about basic costuming standards, what’s involved, how to join, and more!
Friday April 18, 2014 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Room 203
I’ve been curious about Star Wars costuming; I hear the standards for their cosplay are surprisingly high.
The Men Who Made Batman
2014 marks the 100th birthday of Batman’s uncredited co-creator Bill Finger, the 75th anniversary of Batman’s first appearance, the 50th anniversary of the “New Look” Batman, and the 25th anniversary of the Tim Burton motion picture that proved the world would welcome a serious Dark Knight. Celebrate by looking back at how Bob Kane and Bill Finger created the character and how ghost creators Jerry Robinson and Gardner Fox helped them shape the Caped Crusader’s first year in print. Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), Mark Evanier (Bill Finger Award), Alan Kistler (The Ultimate Batman Trivia Challenge), Robert O’Nale (The Cape Creator documentary), Jens Robinson (son of Jerry Robinson), and the rest of their super team of bat-experts unite to answer the question, “Who built the bat?”
Friday April 18, 2014 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Room 210A
The Batman titles are the only DC comics I’ve read lately. Plus there’s my whole passionate love for The Dark Knight Returns, Batman Year One, Hush, all of Nolan’s Dark Knight films, and the first couple Burton movies. I could do with an hour of all things Batty.
IDW & Hasbro: Transformers, G.I. Joe, and More!
Join editor and writer John Barber and a host of all your favorite creators for a sneak peek behind all of IDW’s Hasbro titles. Transformers! G.I. Joe! My Little Pony! Littlest Pet Shop! Prizes! Announcements! Q&A…and more?
Friday April 18, 2014 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Room 213
Really, I’m just hoping Alex Milne shows up; his art in Transformers: More Than Meets the Eye is staggeringly good.
How-To: Drawing with Jim
DC Entertainment co-publisher Jim Lee (Superman Unchained, Justice League, Batman) talks about his 25+ years in the comics industry and sketches your favorite characters live on the big screen in this engaging panel. This is a great opportunity to watch the creative process firsthand and learn the tips of the trade that bring DC Entertainment’s characters to life.
Friday April 18, 2014 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Room 300DE
I started following Jim Lee back when X-Men rebooted in the 90’s. I wouldn’t have thought it was possible for him to get better, but he has. I’d love to see him explain a little about how he does what he does.
World Premiere: Son of Batman
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, DC Entertainment, and Warner Bros. Animation present the World Premiere of Son of Batman, the landmark 20th entry in the ongoing series of DC Universe Animated Original Movies. In the film, Batman learns he has a son, Damian – and to further complicate matters, the mother is Talia al Ghul, daughter of one of Batman’s most dreaded enemies, Ra’s al Ghul. When the odds quickly turn against Batman and Damian, Batman must become both father and mentor to the aggressive, agile new Robin. Be among the first to see this new film, then stay for a star-studded panel led by the voice of Batman, Jason O’Mara (Terra Nova, Life on Mars), producer James Tucker (Justice League: War), director Ethan Spaulding (The Simpsons, Avatar: The Last Airbender), dialogue director Andrea Romano (Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), character designer Phil Bourassa (Justice League: War), and some special guests. Based on Grant Morrison’s famed DC storyline.
Friday April 18, 2014 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Arena
The trailer for Son of Batman looked amazing, I can’t wait to see the whole movie.
PodCRASH with That Chris Gore Live
Chris Gore (Geektime SiriusXM Howard 101) presents an epic night of comedy with his live podcast along with special guests Yoshi Obayashi (Comedy Central), cosplay queen Adrianne Curry (America’s Next Top Model), other comedians and a special presentation of the Kings of Cosplay Comedy.
Friday April 18, 2014 7:00pm – 8:00pm
Room 207
We on the Comic-Issues podcast got to do a podcast with Chris Gore at San Diego Comic Fest 2012, so it’d be neat to see him again. Maybe he’d even recognize us!
Warner Bros. Presentation
Saturday April 19, 2014 11:00am – 12:30pm
Arena
There’s no description for this, so I’m guessing it’s lots of trailers. I like trailers.
Psychology of Cult TV Shows
Join a panel of therapists and scientists (mad or otherwise), Dr. Janina Scarlet (The Superhero Manual), Josué Cardona (Geek Therapy), Dr. Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), and Elizabeth Ann (NerdLush), as well as some surprise guests in discussing the psychology behind TV shows such as Doctor Who, Sherlock, Firefly, Arrow, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and others. Find out how TV shows might help us cope with painful experiences and geek out in discussing such fundamental questions as: With all the regenerations, what is the Doctor’s true identity? What makes Sherlock a better detective than London’s finest? What does psychology tell us about the demons that live inside us? With these questions and more, this panel is a must for loyal fans of these shows.
Saturday April 19, 2014 1:00pm – 2:00pm
Room 210A
I love every one of the shows they listed here, and I love diving into the psychology of fictional characters.
The Best Sci-Fi Movies (& TV) Never Made
Take a look at some of the greatest genre projects that never made it to the silver and small screens, ranging from Star Trek: Phase II (the original ’70s Star Trek reboot that was never made) to David Lynch’s Ronnie Rocket to Halo to Bryan Singer’s Battlestar Galactica to an incredible look at Alejandro Jodorosky’s mind-blowing adaptation of Frank Herbert’s Dune. Panelists include filmmakers Steve Scarlata (Jodorowksy’s Dune), Ashley E. Miller (Thor, X-Men: First Class), Robert Meyer Burnett (The Hills Run Red, ST: TNG Blu-rays), David E. Williams (editor, GEEK magazine), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Director’s Cut), Steve Melching (The Clone Wars, Batman: The Brave & the Bold), Chris Gossett (The Red Star, Star Trek: Axanar), and Mark A. Altman (Femme Fatales, Free Enterprise).
Saturday April 19, 2014 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Room 207
I’ve heard a lot about Jodorosky’s Dune lately, and the idea of “amazing movies that only existed in the creator’s mind” has always fascinated me. (Kind of like the Library of Books That Never Existed in Sandman.)
IDW Publishing: The One & Only Original Artist’s Edition Panel
Artist’s Edition editor Scott Dunbier gives attendees a guided tour of what will be happening in the coming year-including some really incredible announcements, and at least one that will have people saying, “Didn’t see that one coming!” Plus special giveaways, trivia contests, and more! Original art fans, this is the one panel you must attend!
Saturday April 19, 2014 6:00pm – 7:00pm
Room 210A
If I don’t make it to the Friday IDW panel, I’m headed to this one. Maybe one of the “special giveaways” is some of Alex Milne’s original art…
The Nerdist Panel
Chris Hardwick (Comedy Central’s @Midnight, AMC’s Talking Dead) is joined by some very-relevant-to-your-interests talent from across the growing Nerdist Empire. Chris and friends will engage in lively conversation about the big things to come for Nerdist in the near future. Surprises, big announcements, and, of course, quemments await!
Sunday April 20, 2014 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Arena
Out of all the panels I’m looking at, this’ll probably be the hardest one to get into. It’s gonna be packed. But I just started listening to the Nerdist podcast a month ago, so I’ve got all the enthusiasm of the newly converted.
Dark Horse: Whedonversity
Dark Horse’s continuation of Joss Whedon’s cult favorites (Serenity, Buffy, Angel & Faith) remain some of the most talked-about comics in today’s market. Dark Horse and WonderCon Anaheim are giving you an exclusive chance to hear all there is to tell about the upcoming arcs of both Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Serenity from the creative teams themselves! Join Dark Horse, along with Buffy Season 10 writer Christos Gage, Serenity writer Zack Whedon, artist Georges Jeanty, and maybe a few surprise guests for what is guaranteed to be one panel you don’t wanna miss!
Sunday April 20, 2014 1:30pm – 2:30pm
Room 213
“A few surprise guests” probably doesn’t mean Joss Whedon.
But wouldn’t it be awesome if it did?