Only a few more days until NC Comicon:Oak City starts Friday, March 15th! This year’s convention is bigger than ever, with three days of new exhibits, more guests, and lots of new workshops and panels to attend including, get this, hands-on longsword demos (sword and gloves provided, don’t forget to sign the waiver.)
Click the jump for a rundown of the schedule so far.
(Note: All panel times/details are subject to change.)
Friday, March 15
4:00 PM
Room 201: MISSrepresented
Explore the history of the representation of women through comics, video games, television and movies. How have things changed over the years, and what’s getting better? How can consumers and fans of these media help to improve the representation available?
Room 202: Creator Spotlight: Jeremy Whitley
Local comics creator Jeremy Whitley is currently writing for major publishing houses Marvel (Unstoppable Wasp), Dynamite (Rainbow Brite, Vampirella) and IDW (My Little Pony) and also has creator owned titles, Princeless and Raven Pirate Princess from Action Lab Comics. Join the hosts of Diversity Issues Podcast for a live recording as they sit down with Jeremy to discuss his creative process and hear about his current and upcoming projects.
5:00 PM
Main Stage: Hands On Longsword
A brief introduction to Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) hosted by the Triangle Sword Guild. Try out the basics of the German Longsword as recorded by the 14th Century Fencing Master Johannes Liechtenauer.
15 minute sessions over the hour. Participation requires a signed waiver. Sword, gloves, and mask provided.
Room 201: Movies We Love
There’s no such thing as a guilty pleasure! Join a conversation with film professionals and superfans as we talk about the movies we love, from VHS classics to low-budget gems to (maybe) defending the honor of Superman III – bring popcorn!
Room 202: Social Media – Building a Brand
Come talk about how to utilize social media for different styles of building a brand around yourself or a company. Whether you’re selling your own unique art or just trying to become an influencer yourself, this panel is for you!
6:00 PM
Main Stage: Talking Superhero Science with Tamara Robertson and Friends
It’s the old adage of the chicken and the egg – what comes first – the superhero or the science? For generations science has been inspiring superhero technology and powers while comics have been inspiring kids to pursue STEM. Join Tamara Robertson, EIT ( Mythbusters, Scijinks, Seekers of Science) and special guests – Jeremy Whitley (Unstoppable Wasp, Princeless, Rainbow Brite), Chris Sims ( Guardians of the Galaxy, Darkhawk, Sleepwalker) and Dr. Karen Chen (Assistant Professor ISE, NC State University) as they discuss Superhero Science and the effect real world science has on the fictional worlds they’re creating. Q&A session to follow.
Room 202: The Walking Dead – Does It Need To Die?
The Walking Dead is in its 9th season, but the universe is much wider than just the primary TV show. Join Color of Fandom as they discuss themes of diversity, community, family and humanity in the show, the tell tale games and its spin-off series Fear the Walking University) as they discuss Superhero Science and the effect real world science has on the fictional worlds they’re creating. Q&A session to follow.
7:00 PM
Main Stage: Meet Beast Boy
He’s your favorite part of Teen Titans Go! Now’s your chance to learn more about the man who gives Beast Boy that distinctive voice, Greg Cipes!
Room 201: Mettlesome Improv Comedy!
Mettlesome Comedy (thisismettlesome.com) celebrates artists of all kinds and turns their creative process into improv comedy before your very eyes. Join them for revealing stories and big laughs. Featuring Tamara Robertson,Don’t Touch My Milk Cosplay, and MORE!
Room 202: Bad Fanfiction Dramatic Readings
There’s no limit to foul fan fiction. Turn horror into humor with dramatic readings of depraved smut in styles suggested by the audience. You can join in too!
Saturday, March 16
11:00 AM
Room 201: Video Games and Movie Trivia
Think you know your movies and video games? Come join Nicholas with “video games and movie trivia!” Test your knowledge on video games and movies with a series of 30 questions with a prize given with each correct answer! These questions can be tricky and really test your knowledge of movies and video games!
Room 202: Using Latex In Cosplay
This demonstration panel will show the different uses of liquid latex, including making fake wounds, basic masks using cotton and latex, and more complex latex masks from a sculpted and molded concept. For safety purposes, those with latex allergies should not attend this panel.
12:00 PM
Main Stage: Meet the Triangle Sword Guild
A non-profit Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) club in the Triangle Area focused on the reconstruction of historical European fencing traditions through a combination of scholarly research and martial training. Learn some facts, bust some myths, deconstruct some movie tropes, and more in this general overview of HEMA!
Room 201: Fightin’ Titans Of Writin’
Is the pen truly mightier than the sword? Come find out as three of your favorite writers Jeremy “The Unstoppable” Whitley (Princeless, Unstoppable Wasp), Robert “Life Model for Hawkwman” Venditti (Hawkman, Freedom Fighters), and Chris “Close Friend of Rob Liefeld” Sims (X-men ’92, Darkhawk) face-off in an all out battle to the death! Or, y’know, maybe just talk about writing comics….
Room 202: From Screen to Sheet – Adapting Your Favorite Characters for D & D
Ever think “My D&D game could really use some superheroes”? Learn how to adapt your favorite characters for tabletop RPGs and fight Beholders with Batman.
1:00 PM
Main Stage: Creator Spotlight – Greg Cipes
He’s your favorite part of Teen Titans Go! Now’s your chance to learn more about the man who gives Beast Boy that distinctive voice, Greg Cipes!
Room 201: Comedy Podcasting with Internet Picnic
Want to learn how to talk funny online? Join the guys from Internet Picnic for a discussion on the ins and outs of crackin’ jokes and entertainin’ folks on a comedy podcast! Topics include structure, hosting, writing, improv, building an audience, and more; bring your questions and walk away with everything you need to know to start a show!
Room 202: Black Lightning Season 2 Fan Panel
Black Lightning started started out with a strong first season, bringing a metahuman lens to real world issues. The hosts of comics podcasts Diversity Issues and Villians in Vinyl revisit the Pierce family to discuss the second season of the breakout hit show.
2:00 PM
Main Stage: The Science of Captain Marvel
Join Tamara Robertson, EIT ( Mythbusters, Scijinks, Seekers of Science) with special guests Dr. Matthew Conner (Psychiatrist), Siena Fallon (Media/Comm Director, NC Comicon) and Dr. Larry Silverberg (Professor MAE, NC State University) as they channel the energy of the stars to take on the Tech, Science and Psyche behind Captain Marvel. Q&A session to follow.
Room 201: Marv Wolfman Talks Man And Superman
Legendary comics writer Marv Wolfman recently put out a book for DC with artist Claudio Castellini, called “Man and Superman.” This super-sized and critically acclaimed issue tells the story of Clark Kent’s earliest days in Metropolis, a pivotal point in the man of steel’s life. In this interview, Wolfman will discuss the origins of the book, why it took a decade to get published, and what makes Superman unique as a character.
Room 202: Finding God In Comics
Comics, graphic novels, movies and gaming are fun and help our imaginations thrive, but have these stories ever moved you into going deeper with questions about philosophy, theology and a bigger story that shapes our lives? Regardless of faith or no-faith background you are welcome to gather with us as we explore the larger story behind the stories we love and the stories of our lives. Most of this panel will be “question and response” and crowd-sourcing your ideas, thoughts and what stories inspire you. Panelists will include Will Rose, pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran in Chapel Hill and Zach Harris, Lutheran pastor at Ascension Lutheran Church in Wilson NC.
3:00 PM
Room 201: NerdSlam
The Nerd Slam is a winner take all contest in which contestants will be putting their wits on the line against other opponents. The unique part of this contest is that all participants will be putting their own individual knowledge of their favorite show, video game, comic, etc against others with their own Nerd Specialty as well. Think Wolverine(comics) vs Dragonball Z (manga) in a bracket style King of the Hill WINNER TAKE ALL!!
Room 202: From Zero To Cosplay
Have you wanted to start cosplay but don’t know where to begin? Well, look no further! This is Cosplay 101! We will introduce you to the cosplay world, giving you tips, tricks, and show you a few basic sewing and building tutorials.
4:00 PM
Main Stage: Wynorski Spotlight
Rampaging robots! Laser-blazing wizardry!! Transdimensional extraterrestrials!!! For the past few decades, one name has been synonymous with maximum cinematic wildness (and minimal wardrobe): WYNORSKI. Before this weekend’s Alamo Drafthouse screenings, the superhumanly prolific Jim Wynorski will unveil the mayhem behind his greatest triumphs, from Chopping Mall to Return Of The Swamp Thing to Sharkansas Womens Prison Massacre… and beyond! Moderated by VHS obsessive Bo Fader.
Room 201: Fanboy Faceoff
Fanboy Faceoff is an interactive debate panel based on the Screen Junkies / CleVVer Movies web series. Participants will have the chance to convince the audience of their characters supremacy for the chance to win prizes. The Panel is Hosted by Fanboy Faceoff Screenwriter Hector Miray.
Room 202: How to Draft Armor Patterns
Want to build cosplay armor but have no idea where to start? Caz Cosplay will demo how to draft a simple gauntlet pattern off the forearm of an audience member, along with a basic shin guard. The shockingly simple technique is the foundation for all the armor she’s built, as have many other cosplayers. When you learn how easy it is, and how inexpensive the materials are you’ll be cranking out the armor in no time!
5:00 PM
Main Stage: Medieval Weapon Exhibition
Join the Triangle Sword Guild as they fight for your entertainment and education! Their fencers will bring all the tools of the trade in this hour of sword clashing, dagger stabbing, spear thrusting, and more!
Room 201: Different Bodies, Same Con
NC Comicon is all about inclusion, and part of that includes making this show accessible for people with disabilities. How can cons in general be more accessible to people with different kinds of bodies? Hear from a panel of individuals with visible and invisible disabilities about their experiences at conventions, as well as their thoughts on disability representation in comics and pop-culture
Room 202: Rogue 105th Presents Infinity War
The 105th squad is back! As a tribute to the great Stan Lee, they’re taking their brand of comedy to a bizarre reading of Avengers: Infinity War! Don’t be left in the dust – too soon?
Sunday, March 17
12:00 PM
Main Stage: Beast Boy Unleashed
Join Greg Cipes, the voice of Beast Boy on Teen Titans, for an unforgettable experience.He might read from his dog’s new book. He might lead group meditation. Anything can happen with an actor this dynamic! Don’t miss this!
Room 201: David Finch Interview
He’s made some of your favorite images of characters like Batman, the Avengers, and the Ultimate X-Men. Now find out more about the man behind these iconic representations!
Room 202: It’s Not Your Fault
Abuse and bullying are hard topics, but unfortunately many of us have suffered from it. Our panelists open up about their experiences with this, along with the toll it has taken on their mental health, and how they have overcome this.
1:00 PM
Main Stage: Magic Wheelchair
See the jaw-dropping builds Magic Wheelchair provides for kiddos with wheelchairs. “Our vision is to put a smile on the face of every child in a wheelchair by transforming their wheelchairs into awesomeness created by our hands and their imaginations.”
Room 201: Robert Venditti and Brockton McKinney Drink Scotch and Talk About Feelings
Brockton McKinney (writer of Gingerdead Man and MAD Magazine) and Robert Venditti (writer of Hawkman and Hal Jordan) have been friends for years. Listen in on a conversation about the comics industry, writing, and life. And probably dirty jokes. There will be Scotch involved.
Room 202: Superhero Justice
Superheroes and their core concept, justice, are both at the forefront of society. How can our cultural champions uniquely help us think about what justice means, how it is pursued, and our role in achieving it? How have our favorite superheroes inspired us and how can they be better? Join this panel of enthusiasts from a variety of backgrounds as we discuss how the stories of the characters we celebrate continue to build our understandings about the justice we practice in the real world.
2:00 PM
Room 201: Creator Feature: Marv Wolfman
Join Internet Picnic hosts Cliff Bumgardner and Brad Hennigan for a laid-back but in-depth chat with legendary comics writer Marv Wolfman! From his origins with DC Comics to creating Blade, his time with Disney, and penning everybody’s favorite Teen Titans, it’s all on the table in this one-of-a-kind creator feature!
Room 202: Art Therapy, Comics, and Recovery
Creating comic books can be an approach for both strengths-based and narrative art therapy. This panel will showcase examples of work that display the power of designing, illustrating, and writing superheroes for fostering healing. Attendees will learn about art therapy and how to use comic books, cosplay, and geek culture for coping skills and recovery.
3:00 PM
Room 202: Into The Spiderverse Fan Panel
Into the Spiderverse is being hailed as the best animated movie of 2018. The movie has brought Miles Morales to the forefront and explores what it means to be a biracial, bilingual superhero. Join Color of Fandom as they discuss the cultural impact of this amazing movie.
4:00 PM
Main Stage: Cosplay Contest
It’s here! It’s finally here! Watch the best of the best cosplayers show you what they’ve got!
Room 202: Toy Customization 101
ANYONE can customize toys — and Zack Smith (Newsarama, INDY Week, the Regular Show and Adventure Time comics) is here to prove it! With slides and examples, we’ll take you on a trip through the tricks, hacks, do’s and don’ts of adding your own unique touch to your favorite toys — or creating your own! And there just might be a few “failed experiments” (read: FREE TOYS) for a few lucky panel-goers!
Tickets and more info can be found at the NC Comicon official site.