Comic-Con International

Each year, Comic-Con International: San Diego brings together comic book, film, and television fans together with creators and celebrities to engage with each other and discuss their favorite content in an assortment of panels, screenings, and workshops. This year’s programming schedule features an assortment of panels centered on issues of representation in comics and other forms of media, presentations from LGBTQ-inclusive shows, and conversations with LGBTQ creators.

Don’t miss GLAAD’s own Nick Adams, Director of Transgender Media & Representation, who will be on Thursday’s “LGBTQ Geek Year in Review” panel talking about some of the biggest queer entertainment stories of the last year. Also on Thursday, Megan Townsend, GLAAD’s Director of Entertainment Research & Analysis, will be part of the “It Gets Geekier: Why Queer Representation Matters” panel.

Follow @GLAAD on Twitter to hear more from their panels! Below, check out this year’s schedule of LGBTQ-inclusive programming at SDCC (descriptions taken from the official programming guide):

Thursday, July 20

Code Switch: Diversity Behind the Scenes

Jimmy Diggs (writer, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Voyager) and Gigi Edgley (Chiana on Farscape) lead a diverse panel of science fiction, fantasy, and gaming industry leaders as they share their perspectives from behind the scenes of your favorite franchises. African American, veteran, LGBTQ, and female creatives discuss diversity of background and thought. Learn how obstacles overcome, stereotypes broken, and glass ceilings shattered have fueled creative magic! Panelists to include Dan Evans (VP of creative affairs, DC Comics), Rebekah Ganiere (author, Dead Awakenings), Alison Haislip (actor, host, gamer), Mark O’Bannon (author, The Dream Crystal), and Morgan Romine (director of initiatives, anykey.org).

Thursday July 20, 2017 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Room 25ABC

Anything Goes With John Barrowman

Join actor and entertainer John Barrowman (Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, Torchwood, Doctor Who) for his outrageously entertaining one-man show. Ask him anything and remember . . . anything goes!

Thursday July 20, 2017 11:00 am – 11:50 am

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Behind the Scenes of Freeform’s Hit Series Stitchers

What if there were a way to insert a living consciousness into a dead person’s memories to find out their cause of death? The Freeform original series Stitchers follows Kirsten Clark, a highly intelligent and persistent computer science student with the ability to hack into the minds of the recently deceased. Recruited into a covert government agency to be “stitched” into the memories of the dead, Kirsten and the Stitchers team investigate murders and solve mysteries. Moderated by TV Guide’s Damian Holbrook, this panel will include executive producer Jeff Schechter with series stars Emma Ishta, Kyle Harris, Ritesh Rajan, and Damon Dayoub. See an exclusive clip from the next week’s episode!

Thursday July 20, 2017 12:00 pm – 12:50 pm

Be Your Own Superhero: Intersectional Feminism in Comics

Representation matters, both on and behind the page. Sam Maggs (Wonder Women, Star Trek: Waypoint), Susana Polo (Polygon), Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex), Robbie Thompson (Supernatural, Silk), Christina “Steenz” Stewart (Lion Forge Comics), Cait Brennan (Debutante), and Rose Knight (Women Write About Comics) chat about the strides made in representation of race, gender, and sexuality in comics-and how everyone can do better.

Thursday July 20, 2017 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Room 32AB

CBLDF: State of Censorship 2017

Get a global look at comics censorship from CBLDF! See how the new political climate is affecting free speech in the U.S., with increased scrutiny at the border and an abundance of local challenges to comics addressing diversity and equality. Explore how cartoonists are being prosecuted, threatened, and intimidated by authorities around the globe for making art. Learn how you can participate with CBLDF in making a difference and standing up for free expression! CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein and editorial director Betsy Gomez lead the conversation.

Thursday July 20, 2017 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Room 11

The Pitching Hour

Patrick Schumacker (producer, Powerless), Derek Hoffman (VP, Donner Co.), Jaime Burke (executive producer, Sequestered), Grace Ellis (writer, Lumberjanes, Moonstruck), a surprise guest or four, and your moderator Dan Evans III (VP television, DC Entertainment) will take an idea from conception through production for various media. This process will include creating a pitch document, obtaining agents, and getting a pitch meeting. The panelists will explain, through hypothetical example and humorous stories, the process that new creators should adopt to make their way through the creative battleground of the entertainment industry. Knowing that each project is unique, panelists will offer a Q&A to allow the audience to really hone in on the solutions to obstacles they may encounter. Also on hand will be Brendan McFeely (IP lawyer, Kane Kessler) to give creators insight on protecting their ideas as they navigate Hollywood.

Thursday July 20, 2017 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Room 7AB

Behind the Scenes of Freeform’s Hit Series Shadowhunters

In the summer season of Shadowhunters, the rift between the Shadowhunters and Downworlders grows larger and the team and their Downworlder friends and lovers are put in the middle of the dangerous divide. Torn between the Clave’s rules and what they feel is right, Clary, Jace, Alec, and Isabelle struggle to help forge a new beginning. Relationships will be tested, a new Shadowhunter named Sebastian has joined the fray, and the Seelie Queen will step out of the shadows. Moderated by IGN.com‘s Matt Fowler, panelists include executive producers Todd Slavkin, Darren Swimmer, and Matt Hastings, with series stars Katherine McNamara, Dominic Sherwood, Alberto Rosende, Emeraude Toubia, Matthew Daddario, Isaiah Mustafa, and Harry Shum Jr. Freeform will show an exclusive clip from an upcoming episode and give new information on season 3.

Thursday July 20, 2017 1:00 pm – 1:50 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

SYFY Hosts The Great Debate

What superfan doesn’t love a good debate? Star Destroyer or Enterprise? Who was the best Batman? Have video games eclipsed movies and TV? John Hodgman (actor, writer, Internet judge) leads the ultimate debate, featuring panelists Adam Savage(former co-host, MythBusters), Orlando Jones (American Gods), Aisha Tyler (Archer), John Barrowman (Arrow), and Charlie Jane Anders (All the Birds in the Sky). Join in as they share their thoughts, feelings, and theories on the genre’s most influential moments, milestones, and people. Before you leave, you’ll get a chance to voice your opinion and help crown science fiction’s best moments of all time.

Thursday July 20, 2017 1:15pm – 2:15pm 
Ballroom 20

Editing Comics

What does an editor do? What goes into editing a book? This program is a discussion of how professional editors from the industry’s most prestigious publishers work with authors to make awesome comics and graphic novels as well as what else goes into an editor’s job. This program is for people interested in the behind the scenes of publishing as well as for aspiring and young writers and artists. With Robin Herrera(Oni Press), Cassandra Pelham (Scholastic), Mark Siegel (First Second Books), and Shannon Watters (BOOM! Studios). Moderated by Christopher Butcher (TCAF).

Thursday July 20, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm 
Room 4

Creating Kickass Comics Characters

Creators Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Red Sonja, Sensation Comics’s Wonder Woman), Mags Visaggio (Kim & Kim, Quantum Teens Are Go), and the legendary Trina Robbins(Vampirella, Wonder Woman) discuss their processes for developing memorable characters, updating classics, and creating new ones. This panel will analyze some favorite and not-so-favorite character makeovers and highlight some new badass ones.

Thursday July 20, 2017 2:00pm – 3:00pm 
Room 28DE

Diversity in Comics: A Librarian’s Perspective

We often hear about the importance of diversity in comics from the point of view of creators, but what about the librarians who provide access to the comics? How do library professionals face diversity and inclusion-or the lack thereof-in their comic collection development and programming? How can libraries better support the movement for more diverse and inclusive comics? With panelists Candice Mack (Los Angeles Public Library), Erwin Magbanua (San Diego Public Library), Lalitha Nataraj(Escondido Public Library), and Lisa Valdez (Pierce Community College).

Thursday July 20, 2017 2:00pm – 3:00pm 
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Teen Wolf

Just before the series is set to end its historic run on MTV, this panel will take a look back at where it all began. Teen Wolf cast and crew will be on hand to reminisce about how the show got started, talk through the challenges that shaped it as it grew into a beloved series, and tease the epic moments that will close out a six-year saga. Expect series regulars, surprise guests, and one last chance to say goodbye to a TV show that defied expectations at every turn.

Thursday July 20, 2017 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Hall H

Van Helsing Season 2

Premiering exclusive footage from the highly anticipated new season of SYFY’s Van Helsing. Stars Kelly Overton (True Blood), Jonathan Scarfe (Hell on Wheels), Missy Peregrym (Rookie Blue), Christopher Heyerdahl (Twilight, True Blood), Paul Johansson (One Tree Hill), Aleks Paunovic (Continuum, iZombie), and Rukiya Bernard will join creator/showrunner Neil LaBute (In the Company of Men, Hell on Wheels) and executive producer Mike Frislev (Fargo, Hell on Wheels) in a Q&A moderated by executive producer Chad Oakes (Fargo, Hell on Wheels).

Thursday July 20, 2017 3:00 pm – 3:50 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Writing from Life: Turning Personal Experience into Relatable Stories

Poignant stories often come from a place of truth, but once you’ve lived through something, how do you turn it into a piece of art that you can share with the wider world? Moderator Jessica Tseang (comic book historian) aims to find out with panelists Sonny Liew (The Art of Charlie Chan Hock Chye), Eduardo Risso (Dark Night: A True Batman Story), Gemma Correll (The Worrier’s Guide to Life), Lewis Trondheim(Poppies of Iraq), Brigitte Findakly (Poppies of Iraq), and Tillie Walden (I Love This Part).

Thursday July 20, 2017 3:00pm – 4:00pm 
Room 29AB

NBC’s Timeless: Fan Tribute Celebration

NBC’s Timeless traveled back in time to make the unbelievable happen. It became the first show ever to be canceled and renewed after only three days-all thanks to tremendous fan support! Join cast members Abigail Spencer (Rectify, Oz the Great and Powerful), Matt Lanter (Pitch Perfect 3, Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Malcolm Barrett (Preacher, Better Off Ted), and Goran Višnjić (ER, Extant), and executive producers Shawn Ryan (The Shield, S.W.A.T.) and Eric Kripke (Supernatural, Revolution) for a Q&A session and fan celebration moderated by USA Today’ s Brian Truitt. The cast will take a look back at their favorite moments from season 1 and answer burning fan questions on unsolved mysteries. Timeless is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Universal Television, MiddKid Productions, Kripke Enterprises, and Davis Entertainment and will return to NBC in 2018.

Thursday July 20, 2017 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Room 6BCF

The Strain Screening and Q&A

The world has gone dark in the wake of a nuclear explosion and strigoi are in control. Do these heroes have what it takes to save humankind? The Strain, FX’s action-packed vampire thriller based on the bestselling books from Guillermo del Toro and Chuck Hogan, returns for its fourth and final season. Get a sneak peek at never-before-seen footage and then join showrunner/executive producer/writer Carlton Cuse, executive producer/writer Chuck Hogan, and stars Corey Stoll, David Bradley, Kevin Durand, Ruta Gedmintas, Miguel Gomez, Richard Sammel, and Max Charles as they discuss the challenges (and fun!) of bringing this post-apocalyptic world to life.

Thursday July 20, 2017 3:45 pm – 4:45 pm

Ballroom 20

Legion Screening and Q&A

Legion, based on the New Mutants Marvel Comics by Chris Claremont and Bill Sienkiewicz, is the story of David Haller (Dan Stevens), a troubled young man who grew up believing himself to be schizophrenic, only to discover he is something more than human. In fact, David could be the most powerful mutant who has ever lived. Along with a team of other extraordinarily gifted people at a facility called Summerland, David learns to accept his true self and defeat the Shadow King. Or so they all believe. Creator/executive producer/writer/director Noah Hawley is joined by fellow executive producers John Cameron, Lauren Shuler Donner, and Jeph Loeband series stars Dan Stevens, Rachel Keller, Aubrey Plaza, Jean Smart, Bill Irwin,Jeremie Harris, and Amber Midthunder for a conversation on what to look forward to from season 2 of Legion .

Thursday July 20, 2017 5:00pm – 6:00pm 
Ballroom 20

Moonlight and Magic: Black LGBTQ Contributions to Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics, and Genre

The Black LGBTQ experience has brought unique and significant intersectional perspectives to our society and popular media: Black Lives Matter was founded by three black queer women; Black LGBT authors Octavia Butler and Samuel Delany created legendary works; bisexual writer Roxane Gay brought Marvel’s Black Panther to deep critical acclaim; and Moonlight won the Oscar for Best Picture. Join Prism Comics with moderator Faith Cheltenham (BiNet USA VP, Tor.com co-creator) and panelists Viktor Kerney (Prism board member, GayMediaSoWhite creator), Ajuan Mance (8-rock.com), Sean Z. Maker (Bent-Con), Monica Roberts (TransGriot, National Transgender Advocacy Coaltion), William O. Tyler a.k.a. WOT (Queerbait), and Eliot Sutler, Esq. (BiWoCC) as they discuss the power of the Black LGBTQ experience and its positive effect not only on popular media but on society and the world at large.

Thursday July 20, 2017 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Room 28DE

Star Trek: The Next 50 Years

The authors of the critically acclaimed bestselling two-volume series from St. Martin’s Press The Fifty-Year Mission, Mark A. Altman (Free Enterprise, The Librarians) and Edward Gross (Empire, FHM, Geek Magazine), along with Access Hollywood’ s Scott Mantz, look back at five decades of Star Trek and speculate on where the franchise will boldly go over the next 50 years, including the latest news from the set of Star Trek: Discovery, the future of the movie franchise, and why we need Trek today more than ever.

Thursday July 20, 2017 5:00pm – 6:00pm 
Room 25ABC

The Secrets of Immersive Worlds

The best comics lure you into their worlds with magic, myth, minutiae, and more. It can be the smallest detail that changes you from a reader to an active participant in the story. Vince Hernandez (Aspen Comics) trades worldbuilding secrets with master storytellers Marjorie Liu (Monstress), Roxane Gay (Black Panther: World of Wakanda), Dustin Nguyen (Descender), Liz Suburbia (Sacred Heart), and Marguerite Bennett (InSeXts).

Thursday July 20, 2017 5:00pm – 6:00pm 
Room 9

LGBTQ Geek Year in Review

The past year has been filled with key moments in comics, TV, movies, animation, and games that every queer geek should know about. The panel will discuss the significance of these events to the greater LGBTQ community. Hosted by Prism Comics and moderated by P. Kristen Enos (Prism Comics, Active Voice the Comic Collection), the panel includes Diane Anderson-Minshall (editorial director, The Advocate, Plus Magazine, and Tiny Living Chic), Nick Adams (director of programs, GLAAD’s Transgender Media), Mike Ciriaco (LA Weekly, WeHoTV News), Amber Garza (director of international licensing, Sequential Rights; West Coast coordinator, Geeks OUT!), Chelsea Steiner (AfterEllen.com, Autostraddle.com), and Amelia Vaughn (Huffington Post, Riptide Publishing).

Thursday July 20, 2017 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Room 28DE

Women of Color in Comics: Race, Gender, and the Comic Book Medium

The Women in Comics Collective (WinC, pronounced “Wink”) is an international organization that highlights the merit and craft work of women working in the comic book and multimedia industries. Their membership is made up of artists, writers, educators, filmmakers, show producers, art gallery directors, cosplayers, game developers, bloggers, and toy makers. Focusing on female and racial representation in comics, fandom, and the industry, panelists include moderator Regine L. Sawyer(writer, publisher, WinC founder), Jewels Smith ([H]afrocentric writer and creator, activist), Vanee Smith-Matsalia (writer, educator), Jay Justice (cosplayer, activist), Alice Meichi Li (comic book artist, illustrator), Leen Isabel (cosplayer, artist, creator of Pole Dancing Adventures), Jazmine Joyner (comic book store owner), and Jules Rivera (comic book artist).

Thursday July 20, 2017 6:00pm – 7:00pm 
Room 32AB

Marvel Television: Marvel’s Inhumans

The Inhumans have landed in San Diego! Special guests of the highly anticipated Marvel’s Inhumans unveil an explosive panel moderated by executive producer Jeph Loeb. This event series will premiere a version of the first two episodes exclusively in IMAX theatres for a two-week window prior to the debut of the full series on ABC.

Thursday July 20, 2017 6:15 pm – 7:15 pm

Ballroom 20

Publishers Weekly: Selling Comics to a Diverse Audience

It’s no secret that the audience for comics has become far more diverse over the last decade. As more children, women, people of color, and queer readers discover comics-and more work is created for these audiences-reaching out on a retail level is even more important. PW senior editor Calvin Reid talks with comics retailers and booksellers about expanding the readership and standing up for representation and what works and what doesn’t. With Christopher Butcher (The Beguiling), Terence Irvins (Kinokuniya), Jennifer Haines (The Dragon), and more.

Thursday July 20, 2017 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Black Mask: Debuting Tomorrow’s Legends

Room 23ABC

With a nonstop string of breakout hits including Space Riders, BLACK, 4 Kids Walk into a Bank, Young Terrorists, Jade Street Protection Services, The Dregs, Godkiller, We Can Never Go Home, the Eisner-nominated Kim & Kim, and its most recent smash CALEXIT,Black Mask has made a name for itself as the hottest launchpad to debut new talent and as the home for some of the coolest, most provocative comics around. Join Black Mask co-founder Matteo Pizzolo (Young Terrorists, Godkiller, CALEXIT) and the creators of Kim & Kim Magdalene Visaggio, Eva Cabrera, and Claudia Aguirre;creators of BLACK Kwanza Osajyefo and Tim Smith 3; creators of 4 Kids Walk into a Bank Matthew Rosenberg and Tyler Boss; and more special guests for a wide-ranging discussion of how new creators and new ideas are changing comics and how YOU can be a part of it.

Thursday July 20, 2017 7:00pm – 8:00pm 
Room 29AB

It Gets Geekier: Why Queer Representation Matters

Joshua Yehl (IGN Comics) brings It Gets Geekier back to discuss the importance of including LGBT+ characters in comic books, TV shows, and movies. Host Bryan Pittard (Flame On! Podcast) will lead the talk including Sina Grace (Iceman), Kris Anka (All-New X-Men), Megan Townsend (GLAAD), Marc Andreyko (Love is Love) and more.

Thursday July 20, 2017 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Room 24ABC

Friday, July 21

Geeking Out on Secret Loves: When Personal Tales Fill the Page

The Secret Loves of Geek Girls is the newest anthology from editor Hope Nicholson about love, sex, and dating, with stories from cartoonists and professional geeks who tell their intimate, heartbreaking, and inspiring stories. Join Dark Horse creators of all genders, orientations, and cultural backgrounds for a discussion on the modern idea of love: J. P. Larocque (Gay Nerds), Amy Chu (Red Sonja), Cecil Castellucci (Soupy Leaves Home), Vita Ayala (Our Work Fills the Pews), and moderator Dustin Nelson (social media coordinator at Dark Horse).

Friday July 21, 2017 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Room 25ABC

The Black Panel

The Black Panel is 20 years old. A new era begins with an unprecedented event. Panelists for the year’s 20th-anniversary forum will not be announced in advance. If you’ve never been to Michael Davis’s Black Panel, you wouldn’t know some of the biggest names in media have graced its stage. Who’s been chosen for this 20th-anniversary celebration? Non-ya. Don’t get that? Here’s a clue: Non-ya is a response, not a rapper.

Friday July 21, 2017 10:00am – 11:30am 
Room 5AB

Cartoon Creatives: Woman Power in Animation

Panelists examine the history and trajectory of women working inside feature and TV animation to bring to light some great hidden figures in our past. These inspiring women have shown invention and creativity and are expanding the industry. Scheduled to appear are Marge Dean (co-president, WIA; supervising producer, SuperMansion), Mindy Johnson (film historian; author, Ink & Paint: The Women of Disney Animation), Victoria Ying (visual development, Wreck-It Ralph, Frozen, Moana), Shadi Petosky (writer/producer, Danger & Eggs; founder, Puny Studios), Julia Vickerman (writer, The Powerpuff Girls; director, RAD Lands, Twelve Forever), and Elaine Bogan (director, Trollhunters, Dragons: Race to the Edge). Moderated by Leslie Combemale (CinemaSiren.com).

Friday July 21, 2017 10:00am – 11:00am 
Room 23ABC

Comics Arts Conference #5: Lassoing the Truth: Marston versus Wertham in the Wonder Woman War

Psychologist William Moulton Marston created the world’s most famous female superhero. Using outdated examples and falsified evidence, psychiatrist Fredric Wertham attacked both Wonder Woman and the deceased Marston in his book Seduction of the Innocent. Doctors Travis Langley and Mara Wood (Wonder Woman Psychology: Lassoing the Truth) call together a panel of experts to examine how one crusader’s fight with a ghost affected both comics and comics studies: Phil Jimenez(Wonder Woman), Trina Robbins (The Legend of Wonder Woman), Danny Fingeroth(Superman on the Couch), Alan Kistler (comics historian), and Mike Madrid (The Supergirls), with special guest Christie Marston (Wonder Woman Network and Family Museum). Be a sensation, not sensationalistic!

Friday July 21, 2017 10:30am – 11:30am 
Room 26AB

Cartoon Network: Steven Universe

Hang out with Rebecca Sugar, Steven, and the Gems and be the first to hear the latest updates from Beach City. That’s right, CN is bringing your favorite Steven Universe characters back to the ballroom! They’ve got never-before-seen footage, exciting announcements, and answers to all your burning questions! Okay . . . maybe not all of them. Join Rebecca Sugar (creator), Deedee Magno-Hall (voice of Pearl), Michaela Dietz (voice of Amethyst), Estelle (voice of Garnet), and A. J. Michalka (voice of Stevonnie) with half-Gem/half-human Steven Universe Zach Callison serving as half-guest/half-moderator.

Friday July 21, 2017 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Diversity in Comics

Brian Buccellato (Detective Comics, The Flash), Elena Salcedo (editor-in-chief, Top Cow Productions), Joe Illidge (senior editorial manager, Lion Forge), Ani-Mia (international cosplayer), Blake Northcott (Michael Turner’s Fathom), Hannibal Tabu (CBR’s The Buy Pile), Marcus To (Joyride, Red Robin), and Khary Randolph (Mosaic, The Amazing Spider-Man) discuss the shifting landscape of diversity in modern comics. Moderated by Vince Hernandez (VP/editor-in-chief, Aspen Comics).

Friday July 21, 2017 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Room 9

AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead

Kim Dickens, Frank Dillane, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Mercedes Mason, Colman Domingo, Dayton Callie, Sam Underwood, Daniel Sharman, and Michael Greyeyes join executive producer and showrunner Dave Erickson, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). They will talk about where the series left off in the midseason finale and what to look forward to when it picks up in September.

Friday July 21, 2017 11:15 am – 12:15 pm

Hall H

DC Universe Rebirth

DC Universe Rebirth has taken the industry by storm. The universe has been restored with hope and optimism, engaging storylines, and dynamic characters. Come discover more about your favorite DC superheroes, plus hear from the talented teams bringing these stories to life!

Friday July 21, 2017 11:15am – 12:15pm 
Room 6DE

What Rebellions Are Built On: Popular Culture, Radical Hope, and Political Engagement

As America faces the drawing up of Death Star plans (or border walls, refugee bans, and faith-based registries), culture and politics have never felt so . . . pop culturian. But stories have always been political and fandom has, too. Today, themes of hope and resistance in stories such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, and Wonder Woman are serving not just as moral guides but as inspiration for plans of political action. Hear from geeks making activism their superpower as they wield nerd enthusiasms like the Force, hacking popular culture for social justice, civic activism, and participatory politics, including through anti-bullying initiatives, advocacy, and charity. Moderator Jennifer K. Stuller (GeekGirlCon, Ink-Stained Amazon) will talk with Robyn Jordan(Black Girls Create), Suzanne Scott (UT Austin), Josh Siegel (Geeks Out), Fox Smith(Super Heroines, Etc.), Amber Garza (Sequential Rights, Geeks Out), and Maddy VonHoff (ONE Campaign, GeekGirlCon) about how memes, cosplay, and performance challenge stereotypes and raise consciousness around identity politics, rebellions being built on favorite fandoms (and, of course, hope).

Friday July 21, 2017 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Room 25ABC

AMC’s The Walking Dead

Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Lennie James, Chandler Riggs, Seth Gilliam, Alanna Masterson, and Khary Payton join executive producer and showrunner Scott M. Gimple, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert, and special effects makeup supervisor and executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the past season and filming the 100th episode and will share some hints of what’s to come with a sneak peek into season 8, debuting in October on AMC.

Friday July 21, 2017 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm

Hall H

Spotlight on Marguerite Bennett

Do you like sassy broads in good dresses mouthing off about storytelling? If your answer is, “What a weird panel description,” then come see Ryan North interview Marguerite Bennett (DC Comics: Bombshells, Batwoman, Josie and the Pussycats, A-Force, Animosity) on comics, craft, work ethic, process, representation, feminist wrath, queer culture, comedy, kissing, storytelling, and more!

Friday July 21, 2017 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Room 28DE

The Animated Life: A Peek Behind the Cels

From the sacred Saturday morning rituals of yesteryear to today’s storytelling masterpieces, cartoons and animation bring the imagination to life. The animation industry is full of vibrant professionals working together across creative disciplines to tell exciting stories that readers will cherish for years. Animation Invasion podcast host Adron Buske talks with a of group of animation pros about their jobs, the collaborative process, and the joys and challenges of the animation industry. Featuring guest speakers including digital artist from DreamWorks Mike Collins (The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show, Adventure Time), illustrator and character designer Andrea Fernandez (co-founder, Alkemy Studios), animator and storyboard artist Marie Lum (Cartoon Network, Craig of the Creek), Shadi Petosky (showrunner, Danger & Eggs), and writer Rachel Vine (Rainbow Brite, DuckTales).

Friday July 21, 2017 1:00pm – 2:00pm 
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library

Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A Session

Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO’s Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning series Game of Thrones began its seventh season on July 16. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D. B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Cast panelists include (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy, Jacob Anderson as Grey Worm, John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Nathalie Emmanuel as Missandei, Conleth Hill as Varys, Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, and Isaac Hempstead Wright as Bran Stark. The panel will be moderated by a special Westerosian guest.

Friday July 21, 2017 1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Hall H

The Female Voices of Film Twitter

Coming off of a TEDx Talk where she discussed the future of women in film, Fandango correspondent Alicia Malone is taking to the Horton Grand stage to celebrate the launch of her new book, Backwards and in Heels. Joining Malone will be some of today’s best and brightest female film journalists to provide advice for both aspiring journalists and filmmakers seeking to break into this industry. They will also discuss how to empower more women to tell their stories and the importance of the female voice in film coverage and social media. Panelists include Jacqueline Coley (Black Girl Nerds), Angie Han (Mashable), Aisha Harris (Slate), Rachel Heine (Nerdist), Amy Nicholson (MTV, The Canon Podcast), Melissa Silverstein (Women and Hollywood), and Jen Yamato (LA Times).

Friday July 21, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm 
Horton Grand Theatre

DC’S Dark Nights: METAL and Dark Matter

The team behind Dark Nights: Metal, Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo, are here to talk about DC’s hottest event! They are joined by Dark Matter contributors Steve Orlando, Philip Tan, James Tynion IV, Robert Venditti, and others in this revealing session.

Friday July 21, 2017 1:45pm – 2:45pm 
Room 6DE

Bisexuality and Beyond: Deadpool Made Us Do It (Again and Again and…)

Definitions of gender and sexuality are becoming more and more open in popular media as comics, film, and television creators are telling stories with bisexual characters and affirming role models who are not limited to one definition. Join Prism Comics with moderator Faith Cheltenham (BiNet USA) for a spirited discussion of the present and future of sexuality in media with the real-life bisexual creators who draw, write, and perform these roles: Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Anything That Loves), R. J. Aguiar (YouTube’s TheNotAdam, NotAdamAndSteve.com), Lynnette McFadzen (BiNet USA), and Eliot Sutler, Esq. (BiWoCC). Last year, BleedingCool.com called this panel “One Of The Most Amazing Moments Of Affirmation At San Diego Comic-Con.”

Friday July 21, 2017 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Room 28DE

Nonfiction and Memoir in Graphic Novels

Combining text and image can make difficult or abstract subject matter more appealing, winning over even the most reluctant reader. Learn how nonfiction graphic novels and graphic memoirs can be used to supplement lessons in STEM and history and bring awareness to underheard and marginalized perspectives in the classroom. Panelists include Mairghread Scott (Science Comics: Robots), Thi Bui (The Best We Could Do), Nathan Hale (One Trick Pony), Tillie Walden (Spinning), and Alison Wilgus(Science Comics: Flying Machines). Moderated by Heidi MacDonald (Publishers Weekly, ComicsBeat.com).

Friday July 21, 2017 2:00pm – 3:00pm 
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Comics Arts Conference #8: Voices and Visions of Native American Superheroes

Native American heroes’ comic book adventures often explore identity and culture. Kerry Fine (Arizona State University) shows how Arigon Starr’s reservation hero Hubert Logan, a.k.a. Super Indian, fills a representational gap for the non-native audience while taking up distinctly Native issues in the ongoing fight against injustice. Rebecca Lush (California State University San Marcos) makes the case that Jeffery Veregge’s art in Marvel’s recent Red Wolf provides a Native inter-text that contrasts with naturalistic narrative panels for commentary on the storyline and characters. Sara Spurgeon (Texas Tech University) argues that Maya Lopez’s vision quest in David Mack’s Daredevil: Echo Vision Quest is twofold: both a spiritual journey she takes as a Native American guided by the shaman she meets on the reservation and a quest for a visual form of language with which she can communicate as a deaf person in a hearing world, while still maintaining her identity as a Native American in a white world.

Friday July 21, 2017 2:00pm – 3:30pm 
Room 26AB

Comics as a Force for Social Change

Panelists discuss the importance of comics in today’s turbulent political landscape and how comics authors and illustrators can foster social change both by creating work that gives underrepresented communities a voice and bring new diverse talent into the spotlight as well as by using their influence to shake up the culture and norms of the literary world. Thi Bui (The Best We Could Do), John Jennings and Damian Duffy (Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation), Rachel Ignotofsky (Women in Science), Kate Schatz (Rad Women Worldwide), and Miriam Klein Stahl (Rad Women Worldwide) share their ideals with Dr. Travis Langley (Wonder Woman Psychology: Lassoing the Truth).

Friday July 21, 2017 3:00pm – 4:00pm 
Room 29AB

AMC’s Preacher

Executive producer Seth Rogen joins comic book co-creator and series executive producer Garth Ennis and members of the cast, including Dominic Cooper, Ruth Negga, Joseph Gilgun, Ian Colletti, and Graham McTavish for a mid-season 2 panel discussion about the story so far and what’s to come. Join the panelists for a Q&A session and an official sneak preview of episode 206, which airs on Sunday, July 24.

Friday July 21, 2017 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Hall H

Archer Discussion and Q&A

Archer is FXX’s Emmy Award-winning animated half-hour comedy, known (and praised!) for rebooting itself year after year. Season 8 revolved around the hardboiled private eye Sterling Archer and his quest to find his partner’s killer in 1947 Los Angeles. With that case now closed, what could Archer’s next adventure possibly be? A very special secret guest, plus the voice cast of H. Jon Benjamin, Aisha Tyler, Jessica Walter, Chris Parnell, Judy Greer, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates, executive producer Matt Thompson and co-executive producer Casey Willis discuss bringing this animated series to life.

Friday July 21, 2017 5:15 pm – 6:05 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Marvel’s The Defenders

Daredevil. Jessica Jones. Luke Cage. Iron Fist. Four iconic superheroes. One stage. Nuff said! Jeph Loeb and surprise guests of the highly anticipated Netflix original series Marvel’s The Defenders band together for a panel you do not want to miss! Be the first to get an exclusive look into the superhero team-up that everyone is talking about before its August 18 global launch on Netflix.

Friday July 21, 2017 5:15 pm – 6:15 pm

Hall H

Life is Strange: Before the Storm Developer Showcase

Host Andrea Rene of What’s Good Games will be joined by the key creative minds behind the latest addition in the award-winning and critically acclaimed Life Is Strange series and will reveal new information and insights about their game. The audience will enjoy an interactive experience as the developers will be playing the game live for the first time, you will get a chance to help steer the action and make key choices and ask them questions in an open Q&A.

Friday July 21, 2017 6:30pm – 7:30pm 
Room 24ABC

Queer Fear

The LGBTQ community has had a long history with the horror genre, from James Whale’s Frankenstein to the oft-cited “gayest movie of all time,” A Nightmare on Elm Street 2. Does a gay horror genre exist, and if so, what makes it different from mainstream horror? Furthermore, how does the current political climate alter the lens through which viewers celebrate and connect to the macabre? Join Prism Comics and moderator/screenwriter Michael Varrati (Tales of Poe, Darkest Night) and an array of panelists, including Christopher Rice (A Density of Souls, Ramses the Damned), Jaclyn Chessen (Shock Attack), George Aaron Climer (Bear Creek), Gary Entin and Edmund Entin (Seconds Apart, the Rest Stop series), Maria Olsen (Paranormal Activity 3, Starry Eyes), and Ira Madison III (pop culture writer, The Daily Beast).

Friday July 21, 2017 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Room 28DE

Writing the Wrong

Hollywood experts will reveal their “what not to do” lists for writers and those interested in an entertainment career. Panelists include, Silvia Olivas (co-executive producer, Elena of Avalor), Deric A. Hughes (co-executive producer, MTV’s Scream,The Flash), Carole Kirschner (director of WGA Showrunner Training Program), Rob Greenlea (director, The Flash, Supergirl), Kristi Shuton (manager, Disney ABC creative talent development and inclusion), and others. Exclusive “don’t” lists for network writing fellowship/program applicants will also be shared as well as advice on how you can advance diversity and social change with your scripts. Moderated by Ken Choy (Wide Lantern).

Friday July 21, 2017 8:00pm – 9:00pm 
Room 32AB

Saturday, July 22

Comics are for Everyone… Aren’t They?

Delving into the experience of being a disabled person in comics and the intersections of disability, race, and gender, this panel will explore the industry’s problems with inclusivity from inaccessible conventions to representation of people of color and disabled characters in comics. With John Jennings (Kindred, Black Comix), Adam Karenina Sherif (Library of Congress, Orbital Comics), Jazmine Joyner(Visionary Comics), Rachelle Cruz (UC Riverside, Experiencing Comics), Johnny Parker II (Neat-O Comics, Broken), and moderated by Rosie Knight (Nerdist, Women Write About Comics). This panel will discuss how creators, critics, retailers, and fans can create a more accessible space within comics, conventions, and fandom.

Saturday July 22, 2017 10:00am – 11:00am 
Room 4

Spotlight on Roxane Gay

New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Bad Feminist, Difficult Women, Hunger) comes to Comic-Con as a special guest! Roxane will discuss her skyrocketing career and literary stardom and will field some questions from the audience during a Q&A session.

Saturday July 22, 2017 10:30 am – 11:30 am

Room 5AB

Riverdale Special Video Presentation and Q&A

Following the shocking first season finale, join Archie and the gang as they dive into the secrets that continue to loom over what once looked like a quiet, sleepy town. The circumstances surrounding Fred’s shooting kick off the mystery of season 2. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (The Flash, Supergirl, Blindspot, Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. See a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. Riverdale ‘s season 2 premiere airs Wednesday, October 11, at 9/8c on The CW, Riverdale: The Complete First Season is available now on digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 15.

Saturday July 22, 2017 11:00 am – 11:45 am

Ballroom 20

The Originals Special Video Presentation and Q&A

The Originals returns for a fifth season with more supernatural intrigue, romance, and bloodshed in The Big Easy. Join executive producer Julie Plec and series stars for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television, and CBS Television Studios, The Originals will air midseason on The CW. The Originals: The Complete Fourth Season is available now on digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 29.

Saturday July 22, 2017 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Real Life on the Page

Does real life get any less real when it’s on the page? How does this representative art form work to accurately (or not-so-accurately) convey history? Five prestigious nonfiction comics creators tackling different ends of the nonfiction comics spectrum-biographies, science, history, journalism-come together to discuss truth and comics. With Landis Blair (The Hunting Accident), Box Brown (Tetris), MK Reed (Science Comics: Dinosaurs), Tillie Walden (Spinning), and Alison Wilgus (Science Comics: Flying Machines); moderated by Petra Mayer (NPR).

Saturday July 22, 2017 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Room 29AB

DC’s Harley Quinn

Twenty-five years ago, Dr. Harleen Quinzel made her first appearance in Batman: The Animated Series, and what a debut it was! An instant fan favorite-and her popularity has been meteoric ever since! Come celebrate her first appearance anniversary with some of the key contributors to this modern icon.

Saturday July 22, 2017 12:30pm – 1:30pm 
Room 6DE

Archie Comics Forever: Riverdale and Beyond

Celebrate the new era of Archie Comics with news and announcements about your favorite Archie titles and The CW’s hit Riverdale TV show. Featuring Jon Goldwater,Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Mike Pellerito, Alex Segura, Dan Parent, Jesse Goldwater,Mark Waid, and others.

Saturday July 22, 2017 1:00pm – 2:00pm 
Room 4

Women Rocking Hollywood: Female Directors Changing the Faces of Film and Television

Wonder Woman broke all records in Hollywood for a film helmed by a female director. Now what? While there’s still a long way to go before women, who make up 51% of the population, are represented proportionately behind the camera, shows like Jessica Jones, Queen Sugar, and The Leftovers are making a huge difference by committing to the inclusion of female directors. This panel focuses on the incredibly talented, successful women who are expanding opportunities for women in film, who have made noise and are winning awards with their work on both the big and small screens. Scheduled to appear: Kirsten Schaffer (executive director, Women in Film LA), Tina Mabry (writer/producer/director, Queen Sugar, Queen of the South; director, Dear White People), Rosemary Rodriguez (writer/director, Silver Skies; director, Jessica Jones, The Walking Dead), Victoria Mahoney (director, Queen Sugar, Gypsy, American Crime), Aurora Guerrero (writer/director, Mosquita y Mari; director, Queen Sugar), Angela Robinson (writer/director, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, True Blood), and Gina Prince-Bythewiid (writer/director, Love & Basketball, Beyond the Lights), the first woman of color hired to helm a superhero film for the upcoming Silver & Black. Moderated by Leslie Combemale (Cinema Siren).

Saturday July 22, 2017 1:00pm – 2:00pm 
Room 23ABC

Official Sailor Moon Panel

Everyone’s favorite Guardian of Love and Justice is back and better than ever! Join your friends from VIZ Media for all the news and updates on the legendary anime series, with some special guest appearances!

Saturday July 22, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm 
Room 5AB

Lucifer Special Video Presentation and Q&A

The climactic events of the Lucifer season finale left us wondering where in the world is Lucifer and how did he get his wings back? Join the series stars and executive producers Joe Henderson (White Collar) and Ildy Modrovich (CSI: Miami) for a special video presentation and Q&A where they’ll discuss the sizzling second season and what’s in store for Lucifer in season 3. From Jerry Bruckheimer Television in association with Warner Bros. Television and based upon characters created by Neal Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg for Vertigo from DC Entertainment, Lucifer returns for its third season this fall, airing Mondays 8/7c on FOX. Lucifer: The Complete Second Season is available now on digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 22.

Saturday July 22, 2017 1:50 pm – 2:50 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

SuperheroIRL: End Bullying!

Captain America knocked out Hitler-and this is SuperheroIRL, knocking out bullying, racism, misogyny, LGBTQIA-bullying, cyberbullying, and other forms of hate. Join in for this intersection of pop culture and social justice with Pop Culture Hero Coalition. “From now on, Comic-Con convention goers will come for cosplay, entertainment, freebies, autographs-and healing,” as reported by CNN.

Saturday July 22, 2017 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Room 28DE

Star Trek: Discovery

Over 50 years ago, the world was first introduced to what would quickly become a cultural phenomenon. It was a television series that inspired developments in science and technology, broke social barriers, and transported viewers around the globe to new adventures and uncharted frontiers. This fall, Star Trek: Discovery follows the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms while learning that to truly understand all things alien, you must first understand yourself. The series will feature a new ship and new characters while embracing the same ideology and hope for the future that inspired a generation of dreamers and doers. Join members of the cast alongside the creative minds behind the new series for a conversation and introduction to Star Trek: Discovery. The newest edition of the Star Trek franchise will premiere in the U.S. on CBS All Access this fall, following a broadcast premiere on the CBS Television Network.

Saturday July 22, 2017 2:30 pm – 3:15 pm

Ballroom 20

IDW Entertainment and Syfy: Wynonna Earp

Cast and creators of the breakout SYFY series Wynonna Earp Melanie Scrofano, Tim Rozon, Shamier Anderson, Domonique Provost-Chalkley, Katherine Barrell, Varun Saranga, and Tamara Duarte along with showrunner Emily Andras and comic creator Beau Smith reveal behind-the-scenes antics, show off exclusive footage, and answer your biggest questions about season 2!

Saturday July 22, 2017 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Room 5AB

Developing Comics for Social Impact and Change

Many think that there is a need to develop an organized community focused on creating innovative and high-quality comics to tackle complex and challenging social issues. This panel will discuss this idea and how it can spur new opportunities, as well as the impact similar efforts have made in the video game industry. Josh Elder(executive director, Reading with Pictures), Gina Gagliano (marketing and publicity manager, First Second Books), Illya Kowalchuck (director of education, Pop Culture Classroom), and Geoff Gerber (president, Lion Forge Comics). Moderated by Russell Shilling (Digital Promise, former DARPA PM).

Saturday July 22, 2017 3:00pm – 4:00pm 
Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

Supergirl Special Video Presentation and Q&A

Ridding National City of Queen Rhea and her Daxamite army was a major win for Supergirl but one that came at a significant cost, as Kara was forced to sacrifice her budding relationship with Mon-El. When the show returns with all-new supercharged adventures this fall on The CW, Kara and team will come up against a new threat in the form of DC Comics’s Worldkiller, Reign. Want to know more about Reign and what she has in store for the Girl of Steel? Join the series’ cast and creative team for a special video presentation followed by a discussion of the new season. From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, Supergirl’ s third season will debut Monday, October 9 at 8/7c on The CW. Supergirl: The Complete Second Season is available now on digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 22.

Saturday July 22, 2017 3:30pm – 4:10pm 
Ballroom 20

Keeping It Real

Graphic novels featuring realistic stories about kids are burning up the bestseller lists and winning awards. Some of the hottest creators working in the genre discuss why their work is connecting with readers both young and old. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Swing It, Sunny), Shannon Hale (Real Friends), Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina), Tillie Walden (Spinning), and moderator Meryl Jaffe (Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth).

Saturday July 22, 2017 3:30pm – 4:30pm 
Room 8

The Magicians

Don’t miss your chance to get an inside look at SYFY’s breakout series. The stakes have never been higher after a powerful season 2 finale left the world without magic. Join the series stars Jason Ralph, Stella Maeve, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Hale Appleman, Arjun Gupta, Summer Bishil, and exeutive producers Sera Gamble and John McNamara as they look back on last season and provide a glimpse into what’s in store for Quentin and his friends. Moderated by Chris Hardwick.

Saturday July 22, 2017 4:00pm – 4:50pm 
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Midnight, Texas Series Premiere

Universal Television presents NBC’s new supernatural thriller Midnight, Texas ! Welcome to a place where being normal is strange and only outsiders fit in. Based on the bestselling book series by Charlaine Harris (author of the novels that inspired True Blood), comes a journey into a remote Texas town where nothing is what it seems. Home to a vampire, a witch, an angel and a hitwoman, Midnight is a mysterious safe haven for those who are different-a perfect place for anyone looking to hide from the outside world. That is, until the arrival of a powerful psychic and the murder of one of their own. As the town members fight off outside pressures from ever-suspicious cops, deadly biker gangs, and their own dangerous pasts, they band together and form an unlikely but strong family. Join your fellow “Midnighters” for a special screening of the premiere episode along with an exclusive sneak peek and a Q&A session with the cast and producers: François Arnaud (The Borgias), Dylan Bruce (Orphan Black), Parisa Fitz-Henley (Luke Cage), Arielle Kebbel (The Vampire Diaries), Jason Lewis (Sex and the City), Peter Mensah (True Blood), Sarah Ramos (Parenthood), Yul Vazquez, (Bloodline), executive producers Monica Owusu-Breen (Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) and David Janollari (Six Feet Under), and author Charlaine Harris.

Saturday July 22, 2017 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm

Room 6BCF

New Stories in Old Universes

Some fan-favorite characters and comic universes have been around for generations. As a creator, how does one continue to make exciting and new stories in worlds that comic readers are so familiar with? Moderator Mark Waid (Archie) aims to find out with Comic-Con special guests Marguerite Bennett (DC Bombshells), Tom King(Vision), Gail Simone (Batgirl), and Erica Henderson (The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl).

Saturday July 22, 2017 4:00pm – 5:00pm 
Room 23ABC

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Special Video Presentation and Q&A

After crash landing the Waverider in a version of 2017 Los Angeles where dinosaurs roam the streets and the skyline is adorned by the iconic Big Ben clock tower, the Legends were quick to realize, “We broke time.” Last year, the loveable band of misfit heroes traveled throughout the timeline, fixing a series of aberrations. This year, they’ll be turning the crazy up to 11, as a wave of anachronisms turn history on its head, leaving the Legends responsible for piecing it back together. What is an anachronism you ask? For the answer to that, and many other questions, join the cast and creative team behind The CW’s hit superhero team-up series. From Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow’ s season premiere airs Tuesday, October 10, at 9/8c on The CW. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: The Complete Second Season is available now on digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 15.

Saturday July 22, 2017 4:10 pm – 4:50 pm

Ballroom 20

Black Lightning Special Video Presentation and Q&A

Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) is a man wrestling with a secret. As the father of two daughters and principal of a charter high school that also serves as a safe haven for young people in a New Orleans neighborhood overrun by gang violence, he is a hero to his community. Nine years ago, Pierce was a hero of a different sort. Gifted with the superhuman power to harness and control electricity, he used those powers to keep his hometown streets safe as the masked vigilante Black Lightning. However, after too many nights with his life on the line and seeing the effects of the damage and loss that his alter ego was inflicting on his family, he left his superhero days behind and settled into being a principal and a dad. Choosing to help his city without using his superpowers, he watched his daughters Anissa (Nafessa Williams) and Jennifer (China Anne McClain) grow into strong young women, even though his marriage to their mother, Lynn (Christine Adams), suffered. Almost a decade later, Pierce’s crime-fighting days are long behind him-or so he thought. But with crime and corruption spreading like wildfire and those he cares about in the crosshairs of the menacing local gang The One Hundred, Black Lightning returns-to save not only his family but also the soul of his community. Based on the characters from DC, Black Lightning is from Berlanti Productions and Akil Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television with executive producers Greg Berlanti (Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Supergirl), Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil (Being Mary Jane, The Game, Jumping the Broom, Girlfriends), and Sarah Schechter (Arrow, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Supergirl). Black Lightning premieres midseason on The CW.

Saturday July 22, 2017 4:50pm – 5:10pm 
Ballroom 20

TV Guide Magazine’s Fan Favorites

The official magazine of TV returns to San Diego for its annual all-star panel. Moderated by senior writer Damian Holbrook, stars from TV’s hottest shows offer a lively discussion filled with behind-the-scenes scoop. Panelists include cast members from American Gods, The Magicians, Shadowhunters, iZombie, and more!

Saturday July 22, 2017 5:30pm – 6:15pm 
Room 6BCF

It Takes All Kinds to Make The Comics: A Dark Horse Celebration of Diversity

For years, comics creators from a variety of backgrounds have been doing incredible work furthering the medium of sequential art. With award-winning storytelling and phenomenal artistic expression, people from a variety of backgrounds have truly started a movement of more accurate and diverse representation in the comic business. Join Gabriel Bá (Two Brothers), Fábio Moon (Two Brothers), Jose Pimienta(Soupy Leaves Home), Irene Koh (The Legend of Korra: Turf Wars), and Erika Alexander(Concrete Park) for a fascinating conversation on embracing people and cultures from around the world and what changes they think still need to be made in the comics industry.

Saturday July 22, 2017 5:30pm – 6:30pm 
Room 8

Discover Why YA is the Future of Comics

One of the hottest genres in pop culture, YA books, movies, and comics aimed at middle-grade and young-adult audiences are creating legions of devoted fans all over the world. Join some of the most popular new voices in comics as they discuss the importance of YA, how to bring new readers to comic books, and the bright, diverse future of entertainment. Featuring Nidhi Chanani (Pashmina), Sarah Kuhn (Clueless), Tillie Walden (Spinning), Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes), Scott Westerfeld (Spill Zone), and Kiwi Smith and Kurt Lustgarten (Misfit City). Moderated by Brigid Alverson (Good Comics for Kids blog at School Library Journal, contributor to CBR, Publishers Weekly, ICv2, and Smash Pages).

Saturday July 22, 2017 5:30pm – 6:30pm 
Room 7AB

Gays in Comics, Out in Comics: A 30th Year Celebration

The comic world’s longest-running panel celebrates its 30th year with an all-star panel and celebration that will spotlight creators, comics, and fans from 1988 to the present. What a difference 30 years makes! “Diversity” has become a rallying cry in the comics world today. Almost every comic company is looking toward LGBTQ or LGBTQ-friendly creators for work that reflects the world around us today-gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters as well as people of color, other cultures, and more. This year, founding moderator and bestselling author Andy Mangels (Wonder Woman ’77 Meets the Bionic Woman, Star Trek books) returns to chair the panel and welcomes Tara Madison Avery (Anything That Loves, Gooch, Alphabet), Roxane Gay (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Bad Feminist, SDCC special guest), Sina Grace (Iceman, Self-Obsessed, Burn the Orphanage), Phil Jimenez (Superwoman, Wonder Woman, Infinite Crisis), Steve Orlando (Midnighter and Apollo, Supergirl, Justice League of America), and Molly Ostertag (Shattered Warrior, Strong Female Protagonist, The Witch Boy). Showcased throughout will be special video messages from an array of Hollywood and comic book celebrities sending special 30th anniversary messages to their LGBTQ fans and allies, plus a Prism Comics Fan Mixer including cool swag giveaways and a silent auction of incredible comics items!

Saturday July 22, 2017 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Room 29AB

Legendary’s Cursed Panel with John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis

Legendary Comics hosts John Barrowman, Carole Barrowman, and Erika Lewis talk all things Cursed, their new comic series-the Scottish history, their favorite characters, their not-so-favorite characters, and more.

Saturday July 22, 2017 6:30pm – 7:30pm 
Room 7AB

Broad City

Created by UCB alums Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, Broad City is an odd-couple comedy about two best friends navigating their twenties in New York City. They’re broke, flawed, and don’t shy away from the sticky situations NYC throws at them-they dive right into the muck. Last season saw Abbi and Ilana dealing with a whole new slew of everyday challenges including a trip to the DMV, new hookups, visiting Abbi’s dad, and a rat in the apartment. Now it’s time for these NYC broads to head to San Diego! Co-creators, writers, and stars Abbi and Ilana will give audiences a sneak peek of the new season returning this August. The Broad City girls take you inside the writers’ room for a vibrant discussion of what goes on behind the scenes. Broad City returns for season 4 this August on Comedy Central. YAAAS!

Saturday July 22, 2017 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Sunday, July 23

Friendship to the Max with Lumberjanes!

Calling all Lumberjanes fans! With the comics series entering its fourth year, plus a new series of novels from Amulet Books debuting this fall, there’s plenty to talk about around the campfire! Lumberjanes co-creator and co-writer Shannon Watters,Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power! author Mariko Tamaki, and Lumberjanes: Unicorn Power!artist and Lumberjanes co-creator/original artist Brooke Allen discuss the title’s legacy thus far, what’s in store for Mal, Molly, April, Jo, and Ripley in the comics and the novels, and the importance of hardcore lady types! Moderated by Brigid Alverson (Good Comics for Kids blog at School Library Journal, contributor to CBR, Publishers Weekly, ICv2, and Smash Pages).

Sunday July 23, 2017 10:00am – 11:00am 
Room 25ABC

Steven Universe: Art & Origins

Join Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar for her first San Diego Comic-Con intimate conversation as she discusses the making of the official behind-the-scenes art book, Steven Universe: Art & Origins, for the Emmy Award-nominated TV series. Accompanied by Ian Jones-Quartey and the book’s author, Chris McDonnell, she will lead a conversation covering a wide range of topics, including influences; the process in developing the characters, design, and music for Steven Universe ; and art from the new book, plus a fan Q&A.

Sunday July 23, 2017 10:00 am – 11:00 am

Room 29AB

Fantasy, Diversity, and Inspiring One Another

Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom, and Wonder Woman: Warbringer), Michael Dante DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and Rebel Genius), and Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone) talk about fantasy across all mediums, diversity in literature and on the screen, and their inspirations for their works. All three creators will discuss their upcoming projects: The Language of Thornsby Leigh Bardugo, Warrior Genius and The Legend of Korra comics by Michael DiMartino, and Tomi Adeyemi’s Children of Blood and Bone (both the trilogy and the forthcoming movie adaptation, which has been optioned by Fox 2000). Moderated by Kurt Mattila, film director and editor of such films as Tron: The Next Day and Lies & Alibis. Kurt’s love for filmmaking is rivaled only by his passion for comic books, which he channels through his superhero podcast, The Big Pull.

Sunday July 23, 2017 11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Room 32AB

Marvel: ResurrXion

The ResurrXion is upon us! The X-Men have been catapulted back to the forefront of the Marvel universe, and there’s still more to come! join editor-in-chief Axel Alonso,executive editor Nick Lowe, and writers Sina Grace (Iceman), Marc Guggenheim (X-Men Gold), and Christina Strain (Generation X) for an X-citing discussion about the past, present, and future of all things X-Men!

Sunday July 23, 2017 11:15am – 12:15pm 
Room 5AB

A Conversation About Inclusivity and Diversity in Comics and the Comics Market

Hear a diverse mix of creators and booksellers discuss diverse characters in comics, finding and audience for them, and the impact that the push for inclusiveness has had on the comics both creatively and financially.

Sunday July 23, 2017 11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Room 8

TNT’s The Last Ship with Eric Dane: Panel and Exclusive Sneak Peek of Season Four

The Last Ship is back for a thrilling fourth season, and it’s time to reenlist! Over the course of the first three seasons, the Navy destroyer U.S.S. Nathan James has been the central vehicle for the discovery and distribution of the cure to the Red Flu, resulting in near global recovery. After the chilling events at the end of last season, Tom Chandler (Eric Dane) has given up his heroic titles and responsibilities and sought solace-and anonymity-with his family in a small fishing village in Greece. Meanwhile, Captain Slattery (Adam Baldwin) and the crew of the Nathan James have discovered that the virus has “jumped kingdoms” and now infects the world’s food crops, bringing humanity to the brink of global famine. As the ship traverses the Mediterranean in search of a solution that can save the world’s food supply, Chandler encounters his own enemies in Greece. His “hero’s journey” becomes a modern-day retelling of Homer’s Odyssey. Join Eric Dane, Adam Baldwin, Bridget Regan, and showrunner Steven Kane for an exclusive sneak preview of what’s yet to come this season.

Sunday July 23, 2017 11:45am – 12:45pm 
Hall H

Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Two Decades with Feeling A 20th Anniversary Celebration

The authors of the upcoming oral history Slayers & Vampires from Tor Books about Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Edward Gross and Mark A. Altman (co-authors of The Fifty-Year Mission) reopen the Hellmouth and look back at the secret history of the slayer who saved the world a lot, in honor of the show’s 20th anniversary. They will also look at what the future might hold for slayage in the 21st century and revisit the underappreciated genius of Angel and the Buffys that never were, featuring some surprise guests.

Sunday July 23, 2017 12:00pm – 1:00pm 
Room 7AB

DIY Reboot: The Restorative Power of Fanfic

In a discussion moderated by Jen Stout (fanfic editor, beta reader), panelists Kaylie Allen (multifandom writer), Shannon Conover (fandom blogger), and Phoenix Mendoza (fan artist, writer) explore fanfic’s roots in zine and queer culture, variations across decades and fandoms, sexism concerning how fan works are perceived by the general public, and fanfic’s healing, restorative qualities for readers, writers, and fans.

Sunday July 23, 2017 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Grand 1 & 2, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Chicano Comics

In Mexico and other Latin American countries, reading comic books and comic strips has long been an accepted form of entertainment and even a potential mode of cultural and political learning and transgression. As a storytelling medium, the comic is especially attractive to Latinos and Latinas. Comic books cost little to make. They offer the possibility of a grassroots-style distribution on the Internet and by word of mouth. Most American comics fans are unfamiliar with Latino comics south of the border or indeed the magical realist world presented in mural, painting, and even graffiti form. This is the third continuous year Comic-Con has welcomed Latino artists, cartoonists, and exhibitors to talk about graphic narratives in the Chicano culture. This panel is honored to have the presence of Juan Felipe Herrera, the recent poet laureate of both California and the entire U.S., as well as renowned Peruvian muralist Mario Torero, former Logan resident Lalo “La Cucaracha” Alcaraz,Mexican graphic novelist Charles Glaubitz (whose latest graphic novel, Star Seeds, is the subject of an exhibition by the Bread and Salt Gallery in Logan), and the San Diego Free Press cartoonist Joaquin Junco Jr. (Junco Canché). David Favela is the owner of Border X at the center of the Logan community, which provides music nearly every night and a gallery featuring local artists.

Sunday July 23, 2017 1:00pm – 2:00pm 
Room 25ABC

Danger & Eggs

Danger & Eggs, a new Amazon Original for kids, follows the endless adventures of a fearless, teal-haired girl named D.D. Danger (Aidy Bryant) and her ever-cautious best friend, a giant talking egg named Phillip (Eric Knobel). D.D. is always chasing her next big thrill, and luckily for her, Phillip is always there by her side with jerry-rigged safety mechanisms to make her thrill-seeking dreams come true. Join moderator Chris Hardwick (Talking Dead, @midnight) as he talks with the show’s voice talent Aidy Bryant (Saturday Night Live) and Eric Knobel (Huge Theater), along with guest voice talent Charlyne Yi (Knocked Up), Jasika Nicole (Fringe), Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine), and the show’s creators Shadi Petosky (Yo Gabba Gabba!, MAD) and Mike Owens (Yo Gabba Gabba!, Animaniacs), for a screening of an episode of Danger & Eggsand an audience Q&A. Danger & Eggs is available to stream now on Amazon Prime Video.

Sunday July 23, 2017 1:00pm – 2:00pm 
Room 24ABC

Stephen King’s Mr. Mercedes

Jack Bender (EP/director, Lost, Under the Dome), Harry Treadaway (Penny Dreadful), Kelly Lynch (The L Word), Holland Taylor (Two and a Half Men, The Practice), Jharrel Jerome (Moonlight), and Breeda Wool (UnREAL) discuss their new original series on AT&T Audience Network based on the bestselling Stephen King novel, which follows a demented killer who taunts a retired police detective and the crusade to bring the killer to justice before he is able to strike again.

Sunday July 23, 2017 1:30pm – 2:30pm 
Room 8

Doctor Who: BBC America Official Panel

BBC America’s Doctor Who returns to San Diego Comic-Con for the final Hall H panel with star Peter Capaldi. Fans will have an exclusive sneak peek of the upcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special—the final episode starring Peter Capaldi as the Doctor and written by Emmy Award-winning lead writer and executive producer Steven Moffat. Join Peter Capaldi (the Doctor), Pearl Mackie (Bill), Matt Lucas (Nardole), Michelle Gomez (Missy), writer and actor Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), and showrunner Steven Moffat (Sherlock) for a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick that will celebrate Christmas in July and share one last look back at their time with the iconic global hit series with fans. Watch the entire critically acclaimed new season of Doctor Who now on BBCAmerica.com, BBC America App, and On Demand.

Sunday July 23, 2017 2:00pm – 3:00pm 
Hall H

Super Asian America

With live-action versions of Death Note and Ghost in the Shell, Hollywood keeps mining Asian culture for inspiration-while sidelining Asian people. At the same time, series like Into the Badlands and Master of None demonstrate how successful shows with Asian leads can be. The state of Super Asian America in 2017 is assessed by panelists Will Choi (Asian AF), Deric Hughes (The Flash), Angela Kang (The Walking Dead), C. B. Lee (Not Your Sidekick), Lewis Tan (Iron Fist), and Dr. Nancy Yue n (Reel Inequality). Moderated by Racebending.com‘s Michael Le.

Sunday July 23, 2017 3:00pm – 4:00pm 
Room 29AB

Buffy Musical: ‘Once More With Feeling,’ an Interactive Whedon Musical

Time to end this show with a bang! The powers that be behind Whedonopolis and Fandom Charities present an interactive screening of the Buffy the Vampire Slayermusical episode “Once More with Feeling” as Comic-Con’s big closing event! Many say this is the finest, funniest, most ingenious episode ever to come out of the Buffyverse. But remember, the best part of the show is up to you! This episode was made for talkin’-back, and singing, and shouting, and dancing in the aisles, with or without your dry cleaning! Audience participation: It isn’t just for Rocky Horror and mob riots anymore!

Sunday July 23, 2017 3:15 pm – 4:45 pm

Room 6BCF

Moving Beyond the ‘Strong Female Character’

One-dimensionality is so late-’90s; fans need well-written, fully-developed women in their media. Join Sam Maggs (Wonder Women), Amy S. Foster (The Rift: Uprising), Bree Turner (Grimm), Danielle Paige (Dorothy Must Die), Jody Houser (Faith), Jen Bartel(Jem and the Holograms), Alicia Lutes (Nerdist), and Amy Chu (Poison Ivy, Red Sonja) as they chat about their favorite lady characters, what could be improved, and how creators can make those changes.

Sunday July 23, 2017 4:00pm – 5:00pm 
Room 32AB

San Diego Comic-Con runs July 20-23 at the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding area. Join the conversation online by using the hashtag #SDCC2017. You can view the full schedule of programming here.