Brace yourselves! It’s the last day of San Diego Comic Con 2019. If you’ve had your eye on anything in particular, now is the time to check for deals and pick it up.
Head over to Hall H for the final Supernatural panel – or sleep in line to find out what shenanigans the cast will pull for their last appearance!
But if you’re looking for a Talkback panel this year, you’re out of luck. In its place is Comic-Con now, a discussion of the past 50 years and the state of SDCC as it is today. Head over to Room 23AB at 2:30 if you want to see what the future holds for Comic-Con.
Panels run through 4:00 and if you don’t have to sprint to the airport to catch a flight, consider venturing out into the Gaslamp for some of those rare offsites that are staying open late on Sunday this year – including Dead Quarters and the Watchmen activation!
Speaking of panels, here are the ones we think are worth checking out today:
Familiar Strange
10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 4
Alitha Martinez has been a fixture in the background of comics for 20 years. starting with her debut on the pages of Marvel’s Iron Man and continuing today on such titles as Marvel’s Moon Girl and Humanoid’s Omni, but did you know that Black Panther’s World of Wakanda was her second trip to Wakanda? Come discover someone who’s a self-described workhorse and the first woman of color to draw flagship titles for both Marvel and DC comics.
Supernatural Special Video Presentation and Q&A
10:30am – 11:30am @ Hall H
See series stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Misha Collins, and Alexander Calvert, along with executive producers Robert Singer, Andrew Dabb, Eugenie Ross-Leming, Brad Buckner, and Robert Berens, for their final appearance in Hall H, as they answer questions about the shocking events in last season’s intense finale, as well as what’s in store for the 15th and final season of this long-running series. Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights as well as the show’s cast and producer Q&A. The 15th season of Supernatural will return to The CW on Thursdays this fall in its 8/7c time slot. The series is produced by Kripke Enterprises Inc. in association with Warner Bros. Television. Supernatural: The Complete Fourteenth Season is available now on Digital, and will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 10.
How to Be a Nerd for a Living: Discovering Careers in Pop-Culture
11:00am – 12:00pm @ Grand 10 & 11 MMM
Do you want to build a career in the “geeky” industry you love, but you’re not sure where to begin? This panel of professional “Nerds for a Living” will share advice and insights into a variety of careers, including comics, gaming, podcasting, and animation. From entrepreneurial endeavors to working for some of the biggest brands in fandom, learn how these panelists got their start—and get actionable advice on what it takes to create a path to the career you want. Join Nerd For A Living co-founder, Wendy Buske, and guests Sarah Kuhn (Heroine Complex series, Batgirl), Jen Vaughn (D20 Dames Podcast, Teenage Wasteland), Christina “Steenz” Stewart (co-creator, Archival Quality), Annalee Newitz (founder of io9, Autonomous), and Robyn Warren (founder of Geek Girl Strong) for this fun, informative, and instructional discussion.
The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited! Graphic Novel
11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 7AB
In the second Adventure Zone graphic novel (adapted from the McElroy family’s wildly popular D&D podcast), readers rejoin hero-adjacent sort-of-comrades-in-arms Taako, Magnus, and Merle on a wild careen through a D&D railroad murder mystery. This installment has a little of everything: a genius child detective, an axe-wielding professional wrestler, a surly wizard, cursed magical artifacts, and a pair of meat monsters. (You know, the usual things you find on a train.) Hear from co-creators of The Adventure Zone, Clint McElroy and Travis McElroy, as well as co-adapter and illustrator for the graphic novel, Carey Pietsch, to learn more about the Murder on the Rockport Limited. Moderated by Satine Phoenix (Sirens Show, Gilding Light).
Riverdale Special Video Presentation and Q&A
11:45am – 12:45pm @ Hall H
Now that the Gargoyle King has been revealed, The Black Hood is dead, and Hiram is in jail, can Archie and the gang have a normal senior year? Riverdale returns for its fourth appearance at Comic-Con to discuss the new mysteries of season 4, including the shocking finale flash forward and what it means for Jughead and the others. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, 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 4 returns Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW. Riverdale: The Complete Third Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 13.
How Global Storytellers Are Celebrating Our Humanity
12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Grand 12 & 13 MMM
In an increasingly polarized world, myth-makers are in a unique position to bring fans together. Sohaib Awan (creator of IDW Publishing’s Jinnrise) leads a discussion with leaders in international multimedia about building bridges through storytelling. Authors Hafsah Faizal (We Hunt the Flame), Daniel José Older (Dactyl Hill Squad), Rebecca Roanhorse (Trail of Lightning), and Axie Oh (Rebel Seoul), along with IDW President Chris Ryall, will give their take on where genre entertainment is today and the opportunities/responsibilities global creators have.
LGBTQ, Mental Health, and Comics
12:30pm – 1:30pm @ Room 2
Moderated by Lorran Garrison, the panel will talk about how comics, cosplay, video gaming, and other forms of pop culture foster mental health wellness of teens and young adults. More specifically, the panel will dive deep into the impact of comics and pop culture within the LGBTQIA community. Bullying and suicide ideation are two of the many issues the LGBTQIA community combats, and panelists will give advice and resources about coping with unsupportive families, finding/creating community, and ways family members can show up for their queer loved one. Lorran Garrison is a school psychologist student (San Diego, CA) with an early childhood development background. She has also been trained in parent education with Resources for Infant Educarers. Other panelists: Anthony E. Zuiker is the creator of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and co-founder and publisher of Zuiker Press. Tara Madison Avery is a publisher, cartoonist, and illustrator of Stacked Deck Press, specializing in LGBTQAIU interests. Dr. Janina Scarlet is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder/developer of Superhero Therapy, recipient of Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award from the United Nations. Justine Mastin is a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Blue Box Counseling, which specializes in LGBTQIA interests and co-host of Starship Therapise podcast. Lara Taylor Kester is a licensed marriage and family therapist, co-creator of the Geek Therapy Library, and podcast co-host for Geek Therapy Radio.
Ghost Adventures Live
1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 7AB
Travel Channel brings you the paranormal investigators and stars of their hit series Ghost Adventures, LIVE at Comic-Con! Zak Bagans and his paranormal team share stories from their most memorable and horrifying encounters. Fans will get the chance to hear firsthand all of the behind-the-scenes details that go into creating this cult-favorite show. The team will also debut never-before-seen footage! Those in attendance will have the chance to ask their own burning questions and see some of the infamous ghost-hunting gadgets up close. Plus, they’ll receive an exclusive giveaway and be among the first to hear exciting news from the team! Panelists include Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley, and Jay Wasley.
iPhones and Wands: Can Tech and Magic Coexist?
1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 25ABC
In a world where technology is almost magic, where people are instantly and constantly in touch, maps guide the way everywhere, and the answer to almost any question is just a voice command away, can magic truly feel special? When a story is guided by a quest, a savior, or a long-standing curse, what place does technology have? If Bran could have texted Ned Stark that it was Jaime that pushed him out the window, would that change who sits upon the Iron Throne? Could Frodo have used a drone to drop the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom? Hear from Comic-Con special guests how they embrace or shun modern technology to create fantastical takes beloved by all. Moderated by Lilah Sturges, panelists include Gene Ha (Mae), Maya Kern (Monster Pop), Katie O’Neill (Princess, Princess, Ever After), Bree Paulsen (Patrik the Vampire), Carey Pietsch (The Adventure Zone: Murder on the Rockport Limited), and Ursula Vernon (Dragon Breath).
Q&A: Sam Sykes
1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 24ABC
Sam Sykes, one of the only people to have their time-wasting Twitter posts turned into a movie,will talk about books, social media, and whatever else he can think about-it’s his spotlight, after all. As the author of Seven Blades in Black, the Bring Down Heaven trilogy, and the Affinity for Steel trilogy, as well as comics like Brave Chef Brianna, there’ll probably be a lot of talking about books.
Women Below the Line
1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Grand 10 & 11 MMM
Panelist will explore gender roles of women in the modern entertainment industry. They will discuss their careers and experiences working in their various fields, focusing on success stories, and how to follow your dreams in the industry and creative professions. Moderated by Michelle Nguyen Bradley.
How to Ignite Conversations of Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice in the World of Comics
1:30pm – 2:30pm @ Room 2
Panelists with a variety of backgrounds will share their stories of working on comics, films, television series, and games with a look at social justice and diversity, giving their thoughts on this topic and how current commentary on social justice and diversity have affected the comic book industry. Seeing ourselves in our superheroes shows us how we can be the best versions of ourselves in our own lives, and panelists will discuss if and how they see that reflection and how we can ignite more conversations about these topics in the minds of all who work and create in our industry. Moderated by Heather Newman (co-founder/CEO Creative Maven; host of Mavend Do It Better podcast), the panel features voice artists Mela Lee (Fallout, Fate/Stay Night), Jason Lewis (Superman in Justice League Action), James Mathis III (T’Challa in Marvel’s Avengers: Black Panther’s Quest), and Kellen Goff (Funtime Freddy and Fredbear from Five Nights at Freddy’s).
Cover Story: The Art of the Cover
2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 25ABC
What does it take to make a great cover for a comic book? Let’s ask four of the top artists . . . all folks who’ve created some of the best. Come hear the “shop talk” of Billy Tucci (Shi, Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion), Charles Vess (Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess’ Stardust, Heavy Metal), Alitha Evelyn Martinez(Iron Man, Batgirl), and Jae Lee (Hellshock, The Inhumans). Moderated by Mark Evanier.
No Tow Trucks Beyond Mars
2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 32AB
David Rosing (NASA JPL Mars Sample Return system engineer), Shonte J. Tucker (JPL thermal engineer), Kobie Boykins (JPL Mechatronics Engineer), and Laura Kerber (NASA JPL Mars research scientist) discuss how they go boldly where there’s no one around to fix it. Hear stories from the trenches of the heartbreaks, close calls, and adventures of real-life solar system exploration on the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. Q&A session following.
Comic-Con Now
2:30pm – 3:30pm @ Room 23AB
50 years of Comic-Con and now what? Hear from CCI board members and staffers Robin Donlan, Justin Dutta, Maija Gates, David Glanzer, Gary Sassaman, Mark Yturralde as they discuss the current state of Comic-Con and where it’s headed with moderator and director of programming for Comic-Con International, Eddie Ibrahim.
Super Asian America
2:45pm – 3:45pm @ Room 5AB
Whether it’s tugging heartstrings in Always Be My Maybe, battling Tongs in the drug-infested streets of Warrior, or hunting down serial killers in Killing Eve, never have Asian faces and voices been so prominent in Western media. Join Racebending for our 9th annual discussion of all things Super Asian American, featuring Andrea Walter (Empty by Design), C.B. Lee (Not Your Sidekick), Wesley Chu (The Lives of Tao), Alyssa Wong (Overwatch), Jake Choi (Single Parents), and Vinny Chhiber (The Red Line).
Fantastic Beasts and How to Make Them
3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Grand 10 & 11 MMM
Amanda Dunn (cosplayer, seamstress), Andrea Seale (cosplayer, costume builder), Bryn Hazlett Lawson(cosplayer, costume builder), Ken Hazlett (cosplayer, engineer), Leah Thomas (cosplayer, costume designer), and Nat Lawson (cosplayer, costume designer) discuss planning, designing, building, and wearing oversized and nonhuman cosplays. Examples of fantastic beast cosplays for discussion include centaurettes, dragons, fauns, giants, and demons. Slides of finished cosplays and works in progress will be shown.
Super-Abled: Disability Representation in Comics, Movies, Games, and More
3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 4
Diversity is bigger than ever in the world of superheroes and fan culture but there’s one group that tends to be overlooked in the medium: people with disabilities. Travis Rivas (editor, Super-Abled Comics), Angel Giuffria (actress, Goliath,Green Lantern), Jay Justice (editor/co-founder of LGBT HQ), Trace Wilson(author, Uniquely Me), Sarah Tuberty (Disarming Disability podcast), and Jennifer Kretchmer (executive producer, cast member Monsters & Fables) take a look at how to accurately create fully realized characters while trying to avoid the stereotypes typically associated with disability while also discussing how to navigate the industry while having a disability, how disability can be a superpower, and about advocating for the disabled community at large.
Wonder Women CEOs – Female Owned and Operated Comic Publishers
3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 7AB
One day a female comic publisher will be standard-until then, we have Wonder Women! All panelists are female owned and operated comic publishers. These ladies lead by example: Sandy King Carpenter(Storm King Comics), Enrica Jang (Red Stylo Media), D. Lynn Smith (Kymera Press), and C. Spike Trotman(Iron Circus Comics).
Gastronomically Geeky. Game and Movie Cookbooks
3:45pm – 4:45pm @ Room 5AB
Award-winning authors Chelsea Monroe-Cassel (Elder Scrolls Cookbook, World of Warcraft Cookbook), Alison Robicelli (WWE Cookbook), and Victoria Rosenthal (Fallout Cookbook) share the inspirations, challenges, and joy in interpreting legendary brands through food.
“Crazy” Talk: Fifty Years of Mental Health, Pop Culture, and Comic-Con
4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Room 4
How has mental health representation in comics evolved over the past 50 years since the very first Comic-Con? Does mental health represent the next wave of diversity in comics, or is that just “crazy” talk? Russ Burlingame (ComicBook.com), Corrina Lawson (GeekDad.com), and others join forensic psychiatrists Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. and Praveen Kambam, M.D. (Broadcast Thought) to discuss the state of mental health media representation and how a mental health/pop culture partnership can be a “win-win” for both the entertainment industry and people with mental illnesses. Moderated by attorney Jeff Trexler (The Beat, The Comics Journal).
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