North Carolina Comicon: Bull City returns on November 8th for three days of exhibits, workshops, panels, cosplay, vendors, and a chance to meet some of the top creators in the industry.
This year’s panels have a little something for everyone! Click the jump for a rundown of all the panels at this year’s convention.
(Note: All panel times/details are subject to change.)
Friday November 8th, 2019
4:00 PM
Panel Room One
So You Wanna Make a Webcomic
Ever thought about creating your own webcomic? Do you have a ton of ideas but no clue where to start? Can you draw but not write? Can you write but not draw? Are you just curious? Join Team Kamikaze to learn what it takes to turn your concept into a reality! An educational walk through the process of comic creation, branding, building an audience and more!
Panel Room Two
NC Book Festival presents: Writing Across Media!
Join writers Brockton McKinney (Mad Magazine, Evil Bong), M. Randal O’Wain (Meander Belt, Hallelujah Station), Christopher Ruocchio (Empire of Silence, Howling Dark) and Robert Venditti (The Surrogates, Green Lantern, X-O Manowar) to learn about how comics have influenced authors, novelists and screenwriters, and how books and film have influenced comics.
5:00 PM
Panel Room One
Character Writing
Want to learn how to write interesting, believable characters unique to your story and situation? Pull up a chair! Join NCC-favorite moderator Will Rose in conversation with writer and filmmaker Cliff Bumgardner, who’ll share his approach to making story people who matter. Plus, bring your questions, characters, and problems for an interactive Q&A!
Panel Room Two
Horseshoes and Handgrenades
Join Stephen and Smashie for a special LIVE version of Horseshoes and Hand Grenades that combines odd and crazy news with odd and crazy hosts; crowd-favorite games of Two Truths and a Lie, Super Zero, and Buzz-Word-Bingo, as well has sweet prizes and giveaways!
6:00 PM
Panel Room One
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
You know them as the creative team behind the critically acclaimed New 52 and Rebirth run of DC’s Harley Quinn. Join superstar talents Jimmy Palmiotti and Amanda Conner as they talk all things comics, and what it’s like working together.
Panel Room Two
On Target: Comics and the Military
In an era when movies, television, and media make even the military’s most complex operations seem commonplace among the public, creating compelling military-themed comics comes with unique challenges. Learn how Eisner-award winning artist Mitch Gerads (The Authority, Batman, Mister Miracle) and author/journalist/comic book writer Kevin Maurer (No Easy Day: The Firsthand Account of the Mission that Killed Osama bin Laden, Six Days: The Incredible Story of D-Day’s Lost Chapter) mastered the art of turning military-themed tales into captivating adventures.
7:00 PM
Panel Room One
Color of Fandom Presents: Steven Universe
Steven Universe has wide appeal with it’s lovable characters and amazing music. However, it’s the show’s progressive themes that have been a game changer for animated kids series. Join us as we lead a fan discussion on the characters, relationships and conflicts in the show.
Saturday November 9th, 2019
11:00 AM
Cinema One
Talkin’ Turtles with Kevin Eastman, Bob Burden and Greg Cipes
Slice open Ninja Turtles history with a motley crew of mutant lovers: TMNT co-creator Kevin Eastman, Greg Cipes the voice of Michelangelo, Bob Burden the mystery man behind the Flaming Carrot’s TMNT crossover, and MutanIMAL moderator, artist Cap Blackard. Come out for cowabungas and deep dish insight fresh from the sewer.
Connie Moses
Wubba-Lubba-Dub-Dub! The Science of Rick and Morty
The Science of Rick and Morty was released October 1st. This is a chance for Rick and Morty fans to hear from author Matt Brady about the process, the real science, the fake science and all the science in between of the fan-fave show before the new season starts in November!
Panel Room One
Thermoplastics: What is Wonderflex, Wonderflex Pro, and Fosshape?
Fosshape, Wonderflex, and Wonderflex Pro, are shaped with heat and/or steam. These products are perfect for costumers, cosplayers, Props artisans, fiber artists, etc. We will have plenty of examples to handle and see that the possibilities are endless with these thermoplastics.
Panel Room Two
In Just 7 Steps, I Can Make You a Man
Cosplaying your favorite male character? Want to really pull off the look? Learn crossplay tips from posture to body shaping to face contouring and more!
The panel’s intended audience is people who aren’t men interested in crossplaying as men, but there will be good information for audience members of any gender. I am a nonbinary cosplayer and will take care to use trans and nonbinary inclusive language throughout the panel.
12:00 PM
Cinema One
DC Domination
Join in a spirited discussion of the creative process at DC with folks like Robert Venditti (Freedom Fighters), Mitch Gerads (Mister Miracle), Mike Perkins (Lois Lane ), and Tommy Lee Edwards (Mother Panic)!
Connie Moses
Faith and Fandom
Comics, Graphic Novels, Movies, and Gaming can help us go deeper into the big questions about what we believe about life, identity, purpose, justice, and God. Come hear how faith can intersect with geek culture with panelists including Faith and Fandom’s Hector Miray and Will Rose, Pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Chapel Hill NC. All questions, faiths, and backgrounds are welcome.
Panel Room One
How to Pattern Foam Armor
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!
Panel Room Two
Voltron! Pretenders of the Universe!
Join some of your favorite Voltron cosplayers for a set of games like trivia (for prizes!), “Who Would You Date?” and Truth or Dare!
1:00 PM
Cinema One
The Crow
Before seeing The Crow at the film festival tonight, join in this conversation with the Crow’s creator, James O’Barr, and superfan creators Tini Howard (Euthanauts) and Tommy Lee Edwards (Turf)!
Connie Moses
Lightning Dogs: The Animated Series
The Lightning Dogs are a squad of canine commandos are trapped on a post-apocalyptic Earth – can they defeat Glampire’s mutant armies and return home? Join the creators of this TV show from an alternate 80s timeline for an exclusive preview of their animatic short (featuring voice talents Overwatch’s Jen Cohn and Attack on Titan’s Austin Tindle). Go behind the scenes and journey from crazy idea to reality.
Panel Room One
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!!
Panel Room Two
Operation Sidekick
Join NC Comicon’s official partnered charity of 2019, Operation Sidekick, as they talk about the training and use of service dogs!
2:00 PM
Cinema One
Gabbing with Gerads
Mitch Gerads has been busy lately making Eisner-award winning comics and putting his top-notch storytelling into effect on titles like Mister Miracle, Batman, and Sheriff of Babylon. So we’re taking a break to sit back, relax, and talk comics! Hang out with Mitch and Siena Fallon as we delve behind the beard and discuss comic craft, veggie platters and everything in between!
Connie Moses
The Science of Terminator: Dark Fate
Sarah Connor’s back to save the future from androids again in Terminator: Dark Fate! Join this discussion with Matt Brady (The Science of Rick and Morty), sci-fi writer Michael Williams, and engineer instructor Adam Davidson! Bad accents encouraged but not required.
Panel Room One
Black+Nerd=BLERD
Black+Nerd=BLERD! The past present and future of black geekdom! On the forefront of all diversity and inclusion debates are black nerds, or BLERDS! Never heard the term? Well it’s a growing population within the geek community that is self-identifying and influencing every fandom in the land! Come laugh and learn as the founder of Blerdcon walks you through a tour of all things BLERD!
Panel Room Two
Voices of Valiant
Valiant Entertainment remains one of the hottest publishers on the stands, and with Vin Diesel’s Bloodshot movie on the way, that’s only getting hotter! Come see all of the great stuff Valiant has to offer, from the apocalyptic future of Rai to the sci-fi mystery of The Visitor to the action of Roku and Killers!
3:00 PM
Cinema One
Eastman Spotlight
Kevin Eastman invites you to a conversation about his life in the comic industry and how four turtles changed his career.
Connie Moses
Spotlight on Tini Howard
Editor Sarah Gaydos talks to Tini Howard about her time writing books like Thanos, Euthanauts, and Hack/Slash – and probably that time she skateboarded home from school dressed like The Crow.
Panel Room One
“Inside The Panels” – an original play about comic books and people
Comic books are wonderful, complicated, and often heartbreaking. Both for the people reading the panels and the characters inside them. Writer-actors Matt Lore and Daniel Adkins, collectively known as Internet comedy duo “Datt Lorkins,” present their takes on the medium and industry of comics through a series of monologues from both sides of the printed page.
Panel Room Two
Character Design from the Inside Out
Characters come in all shapes, sizes, colors and mediums! If you want to learn how to create and design your own characters this panel is for you. Join Team Kamikaze as they walk you through the process of using character development to guide character design. Learn how to use shape and color language, tricks to create memorable characters and more. This panel is perfect for creatives of all types, from artists to game devs, writers and more! Q&A to follow.
4:00 PM
Cinema One
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!
Connie Moses
Storytelling With Tommy Lee Edwards
Join Tommy Lee Edwards and Mike Perkins in this interactive panel where the audience will be working together to make a brand new story!
Panel Room One
Comics For Kids
Hey, kids! Want to make comics? Learn how from some of the coolest people making comics today, artists Becky Cloonan and Marcus Williams, and editor Sarah Gaydos!
Panel Room Two
Rating the Movie Supermen
From the Fleischer cartoons of the 1940s to Henry Cavill of the 2010s, Superman has long been able to leap onto the big screen in a single bound. Eisner Award winner Michael Eury, editor of Back Issue magazine and author of The Krypton Companion, explores each Superman of the movies, with fans voting on their favorite movie Man of Steel.
5:00 PM
Cinema One
Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti
Comic book power couple Conner and Palmiotti crack open the case file on their legendary career: capes, criminals, and especially the Clown Princess of Crime: Harley Quinn! Brace yourselves for zany mayhem, seedy underbellies, and sex-positivity in superheroics.
Connie Moses
Days of Future Laughs Comedy Show – Roast of Thanos
Join some of our funniest comics, in character as Marvel heroes and villains, as they prepare to roast the Mad Titan himself, Thanos!
Panel Room One
Villains Of Vinyl Present The Contest of Champions
Come help us judge some of NC’s best and brightest talented MCs as they showcase some clean and creative rhymes about nerd culture.
Panel Room Two
Geeking Out At The Library
The Bull City is a haven for geeks and the Durham County Library is no exception. Meet some of the librarians and learn about the geeky programming offered through the library including D&D, a space ship simulator, comic book club and more!
Sunday November 10th, 2018
11:00 AM
Panel Room One
Greg Cipes Meditates With You
To be a zany animated voice, you must first go within. Float on an ocean of pure consciousness with Greg Cipes, voice of Ninja Turtles’ Michelangelo and Beast Boy in Teen Titans Go! Learn meditation techniques so you can clear your mind and take on any challenge.
Panel Room Two
Six Days
For nearly 70 years, the exact fate of Robert Venditti’s Uncle Tommy on D-Day remained a mystery. But, the discovery of a letter written to Venditti’s great-grandmother revealed the story of Graignes, a small village in France, where a group of U.S. paratroopers banded together with the townspeople to make a stand against encroaching German forces. Come learn how Venditti adapted his uncle’s story into the acclaimed graphic novel Six Days: The Incredible Story of D-Day’s Lost Chapter.
12:00 PM
Panel Room One
Make it Gay: LGBTQ+ Visibility in Pop Culture
As acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community grows, so does the diverse representation of LGBTQ+ characters and themes in popular culture. While some of these characters have groundbreaking representation, other characters have missed the mark. This panel discusses the historic as well as current representation of the LGBTQ+ community in comics, shows, and more.
Panel Room Two
Breaking Into Comics
Inspired to look into a career in comics? This is your chance to ask editors Chris Ryall (IDW) and Sarah Gaydos (Oni) everything you want to know about what to do next!
1:00 PM
Panel Room One
Color of Fandom presents: MCU Phase 4 Recap
The Marvel movie franchise has helped revitalize interest in the superhero genre with the mass appeal of their cohesive cinematic universe. We’ll talk about their 10 year history and their upcoming plans for their television and movie lineup.
Panel Room Two
Bob Burden: Zen and the Art of Stupidity
It’s time to get real weird as moderator Bo Fader makes casual conversation with Bob Burden, the creator of that crazy carrot from Palookaville,The Flaming Carrot!
Burden has been a staple of the comics industry for over 35 years, creating iconic comic book characters, including the legendary The Mystery Men. Now you can watch Burden & Fader induce the Flaming Carrot’s Power of “Zen Stupidity”, as we poke around in brain of this surrealist genius
2:00 PM
Connie Moses
Working Digitally, presented by Adobe
Award-winning artists Mitch Gerads and Tommy Lee Edwards walk you through how they’ve digitally illustrated comics, animation, and more in this unique live art demo. Utilizing the Wacom Cintiq tablet, Adobe Photoshop, Fresco, After Effects, and exclusive brushes, these seasoned pros will walk you through their thought process and techniques to create the best layout, dynamic drawings, captivating color, and more.
Cinema Two
The Working Artist
Do you love to draw but get stumped when it comes to getting your work out there? A panel of professional artists will talk about the realities of the business, with pointers on how to get published and what they wish they’d known at the start!
Panel Room One
Writing for Marvel
You know the characters — now meet the minds behind the world outside your window!
Tini Howard (Thanos, Excalibur), Jeremy Whitley (Unstoppable Wasp, Future Foundation) and Chris Sims (Sleep Walker, X-Men ’92) take your questions on what it’s like writing some of pop culture’s biggest icons. Whether you’re an aspiring creator or longtime fan, this is a panel no true believer should miss!
Panel Room Two
Non-Toxic Fandom
As fans, we are often able to find comfort and community within our respective fandoms, a place where we always feel welcomed and accepted. However, in recent years, the behavior of a small number of fans has soured the overall fan experience for many of us. Come join us for a discussion of how we can go about avoiding and changing this “Toxic Fan Behavior” and continue to make fandoms the fun, welcoming communities we all know they should be.
3:00 PM
Panel Room One
Superhero Justice
Superheroes are at the forefront of society. How can their dedication to helping others inspire us to think about what justice means and our role in achieving it? Join this panel of fans from a variety of backgrounds for a discussion connecting the stories of the characters we celebrate to the justice we practice in the real world.
Panel Room Two
What Am I Doing?
Being new to cosplay can be a scary thing, especially when you see so many professional cosplayers and the amazing work they do. It can often be very overwhelming getting started. You have to figure out conventions, crafting, buying wigs, where to get tools, being creative, and so many other things. Trust me, I understand completely. I started cosplaying more seriously August 2018 and have learned so much. Join me as we talk about what it’s like being new to the cosplay community and how to get started.
Connie Moses
Color of Fandom presents Problematic Faves
We all have fandoms that are dear to our hearts and have made a huge impact on our lives. But when the creative teams behind our favorite works become tone deaf to society at large sometimes the things we love can become… well, problematic. We’ll discuss some of fandoms’ biggest properties, talking about what we wish had been done better and whether redemption is possible.
4:00 PM
Fletcher Hall
Cosplay Contest
Watch the best of the best cosplayers strut their stuff and show off all of the hard work they put into designing their cosplays!
If you want ALL the info about NC Comicon: Bull City RIGHT NOW, check out their amazingly helpful website.