SDCC '11: My Comic Con Itinerary

Okay, that wasn’t so bad. I’ve gone through the entire Comic Con Programming schedule and chosen my panels carefully. There were some definite rough spots—on Friday, the Image Comics Show (featuring Scott Snyder, John Layman and Nick Spencer) is going up against DC’s Superman panel with Grant Morrison. I opted to attend DC’s Grant Morrison spotlight to hear his plans for Supes after September’s relaunch so that I might still see my heroes from Image. I’m also worried that the Locke & Key Pilot might get too packed, so I’ve selected the State of the Industry panel—what you find snooze worthy, I find exhilarating!

I’m also opting to attend almost no television and movie panels because I’m really more interested in the comic books than anything. However, I am going to try to get into the Terra Nova screening (that’s that dinosaur series on Fox this Fall). Unfortunately I also won't be able to attend the The 6th Annual Comics Podcasting All-Stars because I'm planning to attend the Batman and Next Big Thing panels. Perhaps I'll attend once I'm asked to join the panel discussion.

So here goes—my complete San Diego Comic Con 2011 itinerary (I hope I don’t have any stalkers):

Thursday

10:15-11:15 Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way— You have the talent. You have the imagination. You have the "Go get 'em Tiger" determination that would make the Bullpen proud. But where do you go from there? Discover the next step in your budding comics career with world-renowned talent scout C. B. Cebulski, artists Skottie Young (Ozma of Oz) and Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man), and Marvel SVP of brand planning & communications Mike Pasciullo, as they give you all the right pointers toward getting a foot in the door at Marvel Comics. Discussing all entry points across every department, this panel is must for all Marvel hopefuls! Room 6DE

Let's hope for plenty of Action Comics
discussion at DC's Grant Morrison panel.

12:45-1:45 DC Comics: Grant Morrison— Comic-Con special guest Grant Morrison, one of the most inventive writers in comics today, discusses his work in and out of comics, including the highly anticipated Action Comics #1, coming in September from DC Comics, his new nonfiction book, Supergods: What Masked Vigilantes, Miraculous Mutants, and a Sun God from Smallville Can Teach Us About Being Human, and recent acclaimed titles like Joe the Barbarian. Don't miss this chance to hear one of comics' most distinctive voices as he talks about his work from superheroes to the cutting edge of comics. Room 6DE

2:00-3:00 DC Comics - The New 52— DC Comics explodes in September with 52 new number one issues and one panel is not enough to cover it! With a "DC Comics - The New 52" panel each day, there's sure to be something for everyone! Join Dan DiDio, DC Entertainment Co-Publisher, Bob Harras, DC's Editor-in-Chief, and DC Comics Executive Editor, Eddie Berganza, for an up-close look at this unprecedented wave of new series, from the first-ever re-launches of Action Comics and Batman titles to the latest thrills from comics' cutting-edge! Room 6DE

3:15-4:15 DC: Batman— Batman, Robin, Nightwing, Batwoman, and the rest of Gotham City's greatest crimefighters take things to the next level in September with new battles and new titles. Get to know the writers and artists behind these exciting new comics, including Batman Group Editor Mike Marts, Editor Bobbie Chase, Grant Morrison (Batman Incorporated), Chris Burnham (Batman Incorporated), David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight), Scott Snyder (Detective Comics), Peter Tomasi (Batman & Robin), Patrick Gleason (Batman & Robin), Gail Simone (Batgirl), Judd Winick (Batwing, Catwoman), Kyle Higgins (Deathstroke), Paul Jenkins, Gregg Hurwitz and others answer your questions at this exclusive Bat-panel. Moderated by John Cunningham. Room 6DE

4:30-5:30 Marvel: Next Big Thing— The Marvel Universe is where the biggest comic stories happen -- so wouldn't you like to be the first to know what Marvel has planned? Get the latest news on Marvel's plans for their biggest heroes and villains, with some surprises along the way. Panelists Greg Pak (Incredible Hulks), Jonathan Hickman (FF), Jim McCann (Marvel Zombies Christmas Carol), Nick Spencer (Ultimate X), editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others answer all your burning questions while giving you a sneak peek at the future of Marvel. Room 6DE

6:00-7:00 LGBTX: The X-Men's Queer Characters, Themes, and Fans— The X-Men and their universe have always been popular with LGBT comics fans. The idea of mutants is seen as an allegory for the reality of difference and persecution, as well as community and power, experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The X-Men have also included compelling queer characters in their roster, including the first gay superhero, Northstar. How have these themes and characters been handled? What are the plans for the future? Moderator Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) tries to make sense of it all with panelists Peter David (X-Factor), Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men), Chuck Kim (Age of X), Marjorie Liu (Daken: Dark Wolverine), Scott Lobdell (Uncanny X-Men), and Zack Stentz (X-Men First Class). Room 32AB

Friday

The Locke & Key pilot that Fox failed to pick up will be
screened followed by a panel held by its creators. 

10:30-11:30 Locke & Key FOX Pilot Screening— The most talked-about pilot not on the fall schedule was the FOX production of Locke & Key. This screening of the entire pilot will show you just what a void there will be on your TVs this fall. Watch the special filmed adaptation of Welcome to Lovecraft, and see the Eisner-nominated comic brought to life. Can't get in to see it this morning? Don't worry...there's a rescreening tonight at 9:15 in Room 6DE! Room 8

10:30-11:20 The State of the Industry— It's the midway point of 2011. So what are the sales trends since we last met in San Diego? And more importantly, what's the outlook near and long term for the business of comics? Join ComicsPRO president Joe Field and executive director Amanda Emmert as they discuss the state of comic book retailing with the industry's top publishing companies, including Bob Wayne (DC Comics senior VP-sales), David Gabriel (Marvel Comics senior VP of sales), Eric Stephenson (publisher, Image Comics), Jeremy Atkins (Dark Horse director of public relations), Ted Adams (CEO of IDW Publishing) and Roger Fletcher (Diamond Comic Distributors VP of sales & marketing). Room 18

11:30-12:30 Locke & Key Panel— Make your plans to watch the Locke & Key TV pilot at 10:30, then join Eisner-nominated creators Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, along with Locke & Key TV pilot writer Josh Friedman, for a frank discussion of the show, the comic, and what's coming up in Clockworks, the second-to-last story arc in the acclaimed series (or is it?). Room 8

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Year of the X-Men— The bonds of brotherhood have been broken between Cyclops and Wolverine, as their feud reaches its boiling point, tearing the X-Men apart in X-Men: Schism. But after the dust settles, what's next for the X-Men and their allies? Enter X-Men Regenesis, where all your questions are answered. Writers Marjorie Liu (X-23), Rick Remender (Uncanny X-Force), and Chris Yost (X-Men: First to Last) and editor-in-chief Axel Alonso lay out what's going on with the X-Men for this all-new, all-deadly panel! Room 6DE

1:45-2:45 Marvel: Amazing Spider-Man and His Avenging Friends— Spider-Man's riding high after hitting the Big Time, but it'll all come crashing down this summer in Spider-Island! Get an in-depth look inside the event that changes the course of Peter Parker's life. But ol' Web-Head isn't the only New Yorker with a major storyline this summer. Daredevil makes his return, Punisher wages a new war, Venom explores the dark side of saving the world, and more of your favorite heroes are back with a vengeance! Sit down with our spectacular panel of creators, including Zeb Wells (Avenging Spider-Man), Rick Remender (Venom), Mark Waid (Daredevil), Greg Rucka (Punisher), Humberto Ramos (Amazing Spider-Man), senior editor Steve Wacker, editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others as they lay the groundwork for New York City's greatest heroes. Room 6DE

3:00-4:00 Image Comics Show— The folks from Image Comics present a slew of exclusive announcements about upcoming projects, updates on ongoing projects, and a Q&A session with some of the best writers working in comics. Find out about what Image is up to before anyone else does, get cool giveaways, and ask questions of your favorite creators! Panelists include David Baxter (Marksmen), John Layman (Chew), Scott Snyder (Severed), Nick Spencer (Morning Glories), Ben McCool (Pigs), and Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash). Room 25ABC

4:15-5:15 DC Comics: Justice League— Comics' top talents -- writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee -- team up for the first time ever to bring you the new Justice League, making its debut as part of the new DC Universe. Johns, Lee, and DC executive editor Eddie Berganza bring together the talents behind the new JLA titles, including writers Dan Jurgens (Justice League International), JT Krul (Green Arrow), and Eric Wallace (Mister Terrific) and artists Francis Manapul (The Flash), Brian Buccellato (The Flash), and Philip Tan (The Savage Hawkman). Room 6DE

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: American Vampire— The acclaimed Vertigo series American Vampire -- nominated for a 2010 Eisner Award as Best New Series -- introduced Skinner Sweet and a whole new type of undead, blazing a blood-drenched new trail. Join the creator of this series, as well as the new miniseries American Vampire: Survival of the Fittest, for an undead discussion with writer Scott Snyder, artist Rafael Albuquerque, and editor Mark Doyle. Room 6DE

Saturday

11:00-12:00 Terra Nova— Star Stephen Lang (Avatar), executive producer Rene Echevarria (Castle, Medium, The 4400, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), executive producer Brannon Braga (24, Star Trek: Enterprise), and co-executive producer Jose Molina (Haven, Castle) premiere footage from the highly anticipated epic adventure series 85 million years in the making, set to premiere this September on FOX. This new event drama from the minds of Steven Spielberg (Jurassic Park, The Pacific) and Peter Chernin follows an ordinary family on an extraordinary journey back in time to prehistoric Earth as a part of a massive expedition to save the human race. Ballroom 20

12:45-1:45 DC: The Dark and The Edge— From the shadowy corners of the new DC Universe comes a startling array of new series featuring some of comics' top creators! Join DC Editor Pat McCallum and get acquainted with new DC titles from "The Dark" and "The Edge," including Swamp Thing, written by Scott Snyder, Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. and Animal Man, written by Jeff Lemire, Deathstroke, written by Kyle Higgins, Demon Knights and Stormwatch, written by Paul Cornell, I, Vampire, written by Josh Fialkov, Suicide Squad, written by Adam Glass, Swamp Thing, drawn by Francesco Francavilla, All Star Western drawn by Moritat, and more! Room 6DE

Robert Kirkman will have plenty to say about
creator-owned comics.

3:00-4:00 Creator-Owned Comics with Robert Kirkman— Image Comics partner and bestselling writer Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead) is joined by Image Comics publisher Eric Stephenson and some very special guests to discuss the exciting present and future possibilities of creator-owned comics. Be one of the first to hear some major announcements from the leading publisher of creator-owned comics. Plus: an exclusive print for first 100 attendees! Room 7AB

5:30-7:00 Gays in Comics: Year 24!— As mainstream companies DC and Marvel continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar and hire top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Founding moderator Andy Mangels (USA Today bestselling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor) hosts Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead, head of Image Comics's Skybound imprint), Chip Kidd (author, editor and designer, Bat-Manga, Rough Justice), Dan Parent (writer/artist, Archie, Betty & Veronica, creator of Archie's new gay character and series, Kevin Keller), Jon Macy (writer/artist Teleny and Camille and Prism Queer Press grant recipient for Fearful Hunter), Paul Cornell (writer, TV's Doctor Who and DC Comics's upcoming Stormwatch and Demon Knights), and Greg Pak (writer, Incredible Hulks, co-writer, Alpha Flight, Herc). Plus a special video appearance by J. H. Williams III (co-writer/ artist, Batwoman). And there's always a surprise or two. Afterward, stick around for the hour-long gay comics fan mixer/social, hosted by Prism Comics, with prizes and surprise special guests! Room 6A

7:00-8:00 Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction— Mingle with comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a Comics Gift Basket and the silent auction of hot comics items, including original art by Alex Ross and Dan Parent! Hosted by and benefiting Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered comics, creators, and readers. Room 6A

Sunday

10:00-11:00 Axe Cop— Meet Comic-Con special guests Ethan and Malachai Nicolle, the 30- and 7-year-old brothers behind the award-winning web comic and print series Axe Cop (Dark Horse Comics). With moderator Kevin Murphy (Mystery Science Theater 3000, Riff Trax) and other guests Ethan and Malachai discuss Axe Cop and give you an exclusive look at what's coming up in the world of the head-chopping policeman. At age 7, Malachi is Comic-Con's youngest special guest ever! Room 6DE

The Fear Itself panel will reveal the creators
behind the suspected Defenders title.

12:30-1:30 Marvel: Fear Itself— The biggest comic book event of the year has everyone talking -- but just what comes after it concludes? You'll get the exclusive news here, with the big announcements that'll change the future of the Marvel Universe -- and send your favorite characters in exciting new directions. Be the first to know the biggest news of the weekend as the creators behind the comic blockbuster event answer your questions and leave you cheering! Join Greg Pak (Alpha Flight), Cullen Bunn (The Deep), Nick Spencer (Iron Man 2.0), editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, and others for the news you can't miss. Room 6DE

1:45-2:45 Designing the New 52— What does it take to remake a universe? There are new stories, new characters, and especially new designs! DC's Co-Publisher Jim Lee, VP - Art and Design Mark Chiarello, exclusive artist Cully Hamner, and others discuss their visual approach to reshaping the DC Universe! Room 6DE

For more on the Comic Con schedule, listen to our podcast of programming highlights here.