Welcome to Saturday, we hope you’ve had a chance to get some sleep. Who are we kidding, though? If you’re like us, it has been a nonstop whirlwind. Sleep is for the weak and non-nerdy.
Whatever the case, Saturday is a day chock full of panels, signings, and continuing off-site events. Even if you don’t have passes you won’t lack in things to do. Check out our highlights, and be sure to check out the full schedule right here.
How To: Absurd Scientific Advice for Common, Real-World Problems
10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 4
Randall Munroe, creator of xkcd, discusses his new book How To, a guide to using science to turn everyday problems into much bigger, more exciting problems. Learn how to cross a river by boiling it, get tips on how to make skiing much more dangerous using liquid oxygen, and hear about his experience asking famous experts the most ridiculous questions he could think of.
The Future of The Dragon Prince Saga
10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 25ABC
Creators Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond give you insider information into their plans for the future: including an exclusive first look at season 3 of The Dragon Prince, as well as a discussion about how everything fits into this grand, emerging visionary saga. Voice actors Paula Burrows(Rayla) and Jack De Sena (Callum) will act out some season 3 teaser skits as a special gift to everyone who attends!
Dark Specter 2
11:20am – 11:40am @ Marriott Grand Ballroom 6
The fiery fiend of darkness has returned to wreak havoc on the unsuspecting masses, but will responsibilities at home thwart his ambitions? Panelists include Bruce Nachsin (Lunchtime Is Over, False Colors, Approve-O), Richard Tatum (Sock Puppet, Nothing Personal, Fallout4), and Manuel Gutierrez (Nothing Personal, Baby in a Box, In the Here and Now).
Enter the Star Trek Universe Panel
11:30am – 1:00pm @ Hall H
Over 50 years ago, the world was first introduced to what would quickly become a cultural phenomenon for the ages. Star Trek broke barriers then and continues to do so now, inspiring people of all generations and walks of life with its celebration of cultural diversity, scientific exploration, and the pursuit of uncharted frontiers. Today, the Star Trek universe continues to thrive, exploring all new missions for Starfleet. CBS All Access invites you to join the cast and producers of its hit series Star Trek: Discovery and be the first to hear about two new upcoming additions to the Star Trek universe: the highly anticipated new series Star Trek: Picard starring Sir Patrick Stewart, and the animated series Star Trek: Lower Decks. Star Trek: Discovery cast scheduled to appear include Sonequa Martin-Green alongside executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, and Heather Kadin, with series guest star Tig Notaro, who plays Chief Engineer Reno, moderating the conversation. Star Trek: Lower Decks will feature co-creator and executive producer Mike McMahan and surprise guests sharing an exclusive first look at the upcoming animated series. Star Trek: Picard cast members will come together for the series’ first Comic-Con. The panel will feature, Sir Patrick Stewart, Alison Pill, Michelle Hurd, Evan Evagora, Isa Briones, Santiago Cabrera, and Harry Treadaway, alongside executive producers Alex Kurtzman, Michael Chabon, Akiva Goldsman, and Heather Kadin.
NBC’s The Good Place
12:00pm – 12:50pm @ Indigo Ballroom
From creator Michael Schur comes the critically acclaimed and unique comedy series about what makes a good person. Hear from the stars Ted Danson, Kristen Bell, William Jackson Harper, D’Arcy Carden, and Manny Jacinto and executive producers Michael Schur and Drew Goddard for a forking great conversation.
The Expanse
1:00pm – 1:50pm @ Indigo Ballroom
Calling all Earthers, Belters, and Martians, The Expanse is making its return to Comic-Con this summer! The series has had an incredible journey since San Diego last saw the Rocinante crew. They return with news from beyond the Ring Gate and from their new home-thanks to help from the fans-as an Amazon Prime Video series. Be the first to hear about what’s next for your favorite crew from the creatives and cast, and get an early look at what’s to come when season 4 drops on Prime Video later this year. The Hugo Awardwinning series, based on the hugely popular science fiction novels, was developed and scripted by the Academy Awardnominated writing duo Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby who executive produce season 4 along with Naren Shankar, Andrew Kosove, Broderick Johnson, Laura Lancaster, Sharon Hall, Sean Daniel, Jason Brown, Daniel Abraham, Ty Franck and Dan Nowak. Shankar serves as showrunner for season 4. Panelists include: Steven Strait, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Frankie Adams, Cas Anvar, Dominique Tipper, Naren Shankar, Ty Franck, Daniel Abraham, moderated by Kyle Hill (Nerdist).
Next Gen Nerds
1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Grand 12 & 13, Marriott Marquis
Travis McElroy (The Adventure Zone; My Brother, My Brother, and Me), Clint McElroy (Marvel’s Journey into Mystery, The Adventure Zone), Malik Forté (Overwatch League, ELeague), Courtney Enlow (SYFY Fangrrls, Trends Like These), Brian Brushwood (Scam School, Night Attack), and Riley Silverman (SYFY Fangrrls, Troubled Waters) discuss the challenges and responsibilities of influencing the next generation of nerds. They will be approaching the subject both as parents and as creators. Moderated by Ben Blacker (DC’s Hex Wives; The Thrilling Adventure Hour).
Nerdist: Subverting the Hero’s Journey
1:30pm – 2:30pm @ Room 5AB
Star Wars, The Lord of the Rings, The Matrix. All beloved stories that follow the hero’s journey-the mythic structure of all great stories. Though many have explored why this ancient template has inspired so many great works, it’s time to adjust our thinking for a modern age. What exactly is the hero’s journey? How do some of pop culture’s newest heroes-Captain Marvel, Miles Morales, Rey-follow or subvert this pattern? And what does the reaction to these characters say about the state of fandom and storytelling? Nerdist editor-in-chief Rachel Heine, Preeti Chhibber (author, Peter and Ned’s Ultimate Travel Journal), Hector Navarro (host, DC Daily), Joshua Yehl (senior features and news editor, IGN), Danielle Radford (writer, ScreenJunkies), and Jessica Delfanti (narrative lead, Fable Labs) break down what it truly means to be a “hero.”
Invader Zim
2:30pm – 3:30pm @ Room 24ABC
Celebrate four years of Invader ZIM comics with Oni president and publisher James Lucas Jones, Jhonen Vasquez (Invader ZIM creator and overlord), Eric Trueheart (Invader ZIM writer), Sam Logan (Invader ZIM comics writer), and others. Gain exclusive insight into Invader Zim comics, including information about the fabled issue #50 coming out in December.
Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Panel
2:45pm – 3:45pm @ Room 6BCF
It all started in 1969 with a simple idea: Can television be used to get kids ready for school? 50 years later, Sesame Street is an educational force for change that’s seen in over 150 countries around the world. Sonia Manzano (“Maria” from Sesame Street), Matt Vogel (Big Bird and the Count, Sesame Street puppet captain and director), Eric Jacobson (Grover, Bert and Oscar), Ryan Dillon (Elmo), and Dr. Rosemarie Truglio (SVP, Sesame Workshop Content and Curriculum)-with special appearances by some fuzzy and feathered friends-will talk about Sesame Street’s legacy and future.
Snowpiercer on TBS: Panel and Exclusive First Look of Series Premiere
3:00pm – 3:50pm @ Indigo Ballroom
Set more than seven years after the world has become a frozen wasteland, Snowpiercer centers on the remnants of humanity, who inhabit a gigantic, perpetually moving train that circles the globe. Class warfare, social injustice, and the politics of survival play out in this riveting television adaptation, based on the acclaimed movie of the same name. Stars Jennifer Connelly, Daveed Diggs, Alison Wright, Mickey Sumner, Lena Hall, and Steven Ogg and EP/showrunner Graeme Manson will give attendees an exclusive first look at TBS’s highly anticipated post– apocalyptic sci-fi thriller produced by Tomorrow Studios (a joint venture between Marty Adelstein and ITV Studios).
Arrow Special Video Presentation and Q&A
3:30pm – 4:15pm @ Ballroom 20
After spending time at Slabside, Oliver Queen wanted to give back to the city that he loves. Since everyone knows his true identity, Team Arrow worked alongside SCPD as vigilantes to help protect the city at all costs. However, last season led to Oliver finding out about Emiko, the bow-wielding assassin and ring leader of the Ninth Circle who also happened to be his half-sister. The season 7 finale saw them fighting for their lives-both in the present and the future. So, what will the state of Team Arrow look like in the show’s eighth and final season? For answers to this and more, hear from the cast and producers at their final Comic-Con appearance, and be among the first to learn what this means for Oliver and the rest of his team. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will return to The CW for its final season this fall on Mondays at 9/8c. Arrow: The Complete Seventh Season is available now on Digital and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 20.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Extraordinary Humans Revealed with Bruce Campbell
4:00pm – 4:50pm @ Indigo Ballroom
Host Bruce Campbell (Evil Dead) introduces fans to the extraordinary, the death defying, and the unusual people featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not! “Cyborg” Angel Giuffria (Hunger Games) lives life with one of the most advanced prosthetic arms on the market. John “Hammerhead” Ferraro boasts a skull more than two times thicker than average, using it to shock sideshow audiences. “Half-man” Short E. Dangerously doesn’t let proportions stop him from challenging physics to perform. Ripleys.com editor Sabrina Sieck (producer, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!) also joins to dive down the rabbit hole of Ripley history.
Talks Machina with Cast of Critical Role
4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Room 6BCF
Talks Machina host Brian W. Foster hosts a conversation with Matthew Mercer, Marisha Ray, Taliesin Jaffe, Liam O’Brien, Travis Willingham, Laura Bailey, and Sam Riegel.
Black Lightning Special Presentation and Q&A
5:00pm – 5:45pm @ Ballroom 20
Jefferson Pierce (Cress Williams) and his family return to the small screen this fall! At the conclusion of season 2, Lightning (China Anne McClain), along with her father Black Lightning, had seemingly taken down Tobias Whale (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III), as he’s exiled to a black site for lockdown. Lynn’s (Christine Adams) desire to save the pods almost costs her her life, while Khalil’s (Jordan Calloway) and Jennifer’s (McClain) relationship seemingly comes to an end once Tobias pulled his coattail-or shall, we say, spine? And we can’t forget Anissa, a.k.a. Thunder (Nafessa Williams), who continued to fight her way through Freeland’s corruption. Hear from some of the series stars for a lightning round of a season 2 review and a tease of what’s to come for season 3! In addition, this supercharged series stars Damon Gupton and James Remar. 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, Salim Akil and Mara Brock Akil, and Sarah Schechter. Black Lightning returns this fall to The CW on Mondays (9/8c), with the last two seasons available for streaming on Netflix. Black Lightning: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 1.
Hideo Kojima: Master Storyteller
5:15pm – 6:15pm @ Room 6BCF
Visionary creator Hideo Kojima discusses his process as a game director and storyteller, most notably for his upcoming project Death Stranding. Moderated by The Game Awards creator Geoff Keighley, with special guest Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive, Too Old to Die Young).
Diversity in Writing: Women Writers and Producers Take Charge in TV, Animation, Comics, Games, Online
5:30pm – 6:30pm @ Room 26AB
Award-winning diverse women writers and producers will discuss creating stories with strong diverse female characters across TV, animation, comics, and games; they’ll also address the importance of diverse representation, getting started in writing, and their career paths from writing to executive producing top shows. Panelists include Nicole Dubuc (Star Wars Forces of Destiny, Rebels; producer of Transformers: Rescue Bots Academy; winner of WGA Animation Writing Award), Denise Downer (Marvel’s Avengers Black Panther’s Quest, Power Rangers: Beast Morphers), Keto Shimizu (DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, executive producer and writer; Arrow), Silvia Olivas (Disney’s Elena of Avalor, producer and writer; Moesha), Anne Toole (Horizon Zero Dawn, WGA Video Game Award winner; The Lizzie Bennet Diaries), Joelle Sellner (DC Super Hero Girls, Sonic Boom), and Gloria Shen (Disney Channel’s Amphibia). Moderated by Kevin Winston, Digital LA, CEO.
What We Do in the Shadows (FX) Screening and Q&A
6:30pm – 7:30pm @ Room 6BCF
Based on the feature film of the same name from Jemaine Clement and Taika Waititi, What We Do in the Shadows is a documentary-style look into the daily (or rather, nightly) lives of four vampires who’ve “lived” together for hundreds of years. Come for a special screening followed by a spirited discussion with series stars Matt Berry, Kayvan Novak, Natasia Demetriou, Harvey Guillén, Mark Proksch, and the creative team behind TV’s #1 vampire comedy! BAT!
Out in Comics Year 32: Tearing Down a Stonewall
7:00pm – 9:00pm @ Room 29AB
The comic world’s longest-running panel turns 32! With LGBTQ or LGBTQ-friendly creators as writers, artists, directors, producers, actors, entertainers, and journalists, what do their characters and creations mean for diverse representation, characters, and storylines on comics, film, and television? Just three weeks after the 50th anniversary of the of the Stonewall Riots-which changed the battle for gay rights forever-this diverse all-star panel will celebrate and spotlight creators, comics, and fans as they discuss the past, present, and future Out in Comics. Founding moderator and bestselling author Andy Mangels (Wonder Woman ’77 Meets The Bionic Woman, Star Trek and Star Wars books and comics) again chairs the panel and welcomes panelists Justin Hall(writer/editor of Fantagraphics’ No Straight Lines: Four Decades of Queer Comics, producer of the upcoming 2020 film No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics, and teacher at California College of the Arts), Maya Kern (artist of the Hearts Thorns and Scales book and the webcomic Monster Pop!, nominated for the 2017 PRISM Awards), Che Grayson (Brooklyn-based filmmaker and writer for Image’s Bitch Planet Triple Feature, IDW’s Femme Magnifique, and Lion Forge’s Noble), Alitha E. Martinez (GLAAD-award-winning artist of Black Panther: World of Wakanda; artist for Batgirl,NBC’s Heroes, Riverdale, Iron Man, and more), Chad Michaels (RuPaul’s DragRace), Vincent J. Roth (writer, producer and star of cinema’s first gay superhero films, 2004’s Surge of Power: The Stuff of Heroes, 2017’s Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel, and the upcoming 2020 film, Surge of Dawn), Chuck Rozanski (Colorado owner of Mile High Comics, one of the largest comic chains in the world, and nationally recognized drag queen and Imperial Sovereign Court Titleholder Bettie Pages), Brandon T. Snider (author of the queer-inclusive Avengers: Infinity War middle-grade books, and many Wonder Woman, Batman, Adventure Time, Peter Powers, and other young readers books), and Lilah Sturges (writer of the books Lumberjanes: The Internal Compass and The Magicians: Alice’s Story; writer and co-writer of DC’s Jack of Fables, Shadowpact, House of Mystery, Blue Beetle, and more). The panel will also include footage from WB’s Batwoman, No Straight Lines, and Surge of Dawn, plus an all-ages trailer for the 2019 film festival Dirty Sexy Comics, a documentary by Robert Chandler. The panel will be followed by a brief Prism Comics Fan Mixer, allowing LGBTQ fans and allies to meet and mingle!
Funimation Industry Panel
7:30pm – 8:30pm @ Room 7AB
From Akira to Dragon Ball Z, hear the latest news, info, and announcements from North America’s largest anime distributor-Funimation.
Outside of the Convention
NBC Activations
Brooklyn Nine-Nine: The Precinct across from the Hard Rock Hotel
9am – 3pm.
Superstore: Cloud 9 in the lobby of the Hard Rock Hotel
9am – 6pm
The Good Place: Interdimensional Hole of Pancakes at MaryJanes Diner at the Hard Rock Hotel
6:30am – 1am
FX’s Fearless Forum
Located at the Hilton Bayfront Park
10am – 6pm
Amazon Prime Video Experience
Corner of MLK Promenade and 1st
9am – 5pm
FOX Fan Fair
Children’s Museum Park at 200 W Island Ave
10am – 8pm
Watchmen Experience
Petco Park Home Plate Gate OR Corner of Sixth Avenue and Island Avenue
10am – 8pm
English