Full Event Lineup Announced for Planet Comicon 2014

Press Release:

Planet Comicon 2014 will have more programming than ever before, with five rooms of events stretching over three days. This schedule is presented for your convenience. All events, panelists, and other details are subject to change.

Friday, March 14

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Margot Kidder: Superman’s Lois Lane! Margot Kidder is most famous for her acclaimed performance as Lois Lane in four Superman films. ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Webcomics: Inside Out Who needs ink on paper? Join a discussion of what it takes to create comics magic on the web. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Comics without Capes: Leading comics creators discuss crafting successful series outside the superhero genre.  Explore the worlds of cowboys, comedic teen soap opera, and even biographical comics. Moderated by Jai Nitz. ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

4:00 – 4:50 PM

Michael Dorn & Marina Sirtis: ST:TNG’s Klingon and Betazoid stars take the stage to take you behind the scenes of one of the greatest science fiction series in history.ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Craft Your Fandom: Cosplay from Concept to Completion: Join leading cosplay and prop-builder experts in a look at where to start making your favorite prop or costume. Featuring Abby DarkStar, Zen Dragon, and more to be announced. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Vampires Don’t Sparkle: That’s right…we said it! We want our meat eating, sunlight obliterating, butt-ugly vampires back! Bram Stoker would be doing cartwheels in his grave is he saw what vampires have become.  We are taking it back, today!!! ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Visual Storytelling Success: Artists discuss their approach to creating comics that tells the story and engages the reader. ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Kansas City Comics Creators: Kansas City has one of the most vibrant communities of comics creators. Jason Aaron and Ande Parks lead a panel of the local talent. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

Saturday, March 15

11:00 – 11:50 AM

Wil Wheaton: He’s back! One of Planet Comicon’s favorite guests has returned. You know him from ST:TNG, The Big Bang Theory, Stand By Me, and much more. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Bad Karma: Bad Karma is a creative collective, whose members include Alex Grecian, Jeremy Haun, B. Clay Moore, and Seth Peck. Their first joint project was Bad Karma Volume One featuring five original, creator owned concepts in self-contained stories. Meet the creators and listen as they answer questions about the Kickstarter process, the concept behind the book and what’s next for Bad Karma. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Khemia Creations: The Art of Stage Combat: Come join Khemia Creations as we display a series of stage combat sketches that can be easily adapted into stage or video skits! After each showcase fight, a thorough dissection of the combat choreography will be given so that you can learn how it’s done. ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Sherlock Holmes: A Study in Fandom – Destination: 221B Baker Street – Sherlock Holmes fandom has never been more popular. Join an interactive Q&A covering the Holmes and Watson in every media, from novels to television, movies to comics. The panel includes Rob Davis (Illustrator of Sherlock Holmes: Consulting Detective), Tammy Lynn Garrison (Editor of Investigating Sherlock Holmes), and Ellie Ann Soderstrum (Producer of Steampunk Holmes). ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Star Wars Costuming: Meet and Greet – Get to know the local Star Wars Costuming Group Chapters: 501st Legion, Rebel Legion, Mandalorian Mercs, and The Dark Empire. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

Noon – 12:50 PM

Jewel Staite: Everything’s Shiny! Jewel Staite portrayed Kaylee Frye in Firefly and Serenity, and Dr. Jennifer Keller on Stargate: Atlantis. –ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Sexuality in Cosplay: A frank discussion of the role of sexuality in cosplay featuring prominent cosplay personalities. May not be suitable for all audiences. Parental guidance suggested. ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Comic Geeks – A Web Series – A screening of the Comic Geeks pilot, a new series debuting in 2014. The story follows three friends at various stages of comic geekery: Dan, the die-hard weekly shopper, Jeff, the indie-only cartoonist, and Brian, who struggles with reading comics and acting like an adult. Together, the three try to figure out what makes a comic geek, and how to be an adult doing it. ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Crowdfunding – Kickstarter. Indygogo. Rockethub. What’s crowdfunding all about? How can creators like you use it to feed their creativity – any maybe event their families? ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Marvel: Your Universe – What’s happening now and next from Mighty Marvel? Leading Marvel creators take the stage. Featuring a roster of Marvel creators including Jason Aaron. Moderated by Marvel’s V.P. of Creator Development, C.B. Cebulski. ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

1:00 – 1:50 PM

Brent Spiner & LeVar Burton: Two of Star Trek’s most memorable performers tag-team on the Planet Comicon stage. Ask your questions of the actors who brought android Data and Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge to life. - ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

The Last Ride of Lee Salem, Editor of Calvin and Hobbes – Enjoy a Q & A with Lee Salem, the man who edited Calvin and Hobbes, For Better or For Worse, Doonesbury, The Far Side, Cathy, FoxTrot, The Boondocks, Cul De Sac, Lio and dozens of other comics. The industry icon is transitioning to the role of President Emeritus of Universal Uclick as of March 2014. He has a wealth of experience and stories that any comics fan and creator will find enlightening. Joining him will be those influenced by his work in the comics industry including Bill Amend, creator of Foxtrot. Plus, a there will be a reading of statements regarding his work provided by Bill Watterson (Calvin and Hobbes), Lynn Johnston (For Better or For Worse), Jan Eliot (Stone Soup), Richard Thompson (Cul De Sac) and Mark Tatulli (Lio). ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Zero Budget Filmmaking – The internationally awarded Brass Engine Productions team will give you tips and tricks to make your film or series without spending a lot of cash. Come and get a Q&A with Director Ben Watkins, and watch clips from the production’s web series and other projects done on a shoestring budget. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Pencil, Brush, and Stylus: Comics Art Today – A panel of comics most popular artists discuss their projetcs, techniques, and inspirations. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

2:00 – 2:50 PM

Sylvester McCoy: The Tardis has landed… in Middle Earth? He’s Radagast the Brown fromThe Hobbit movies! He’s also Doctor Who‘s seventh Doctor! He’s one of the biggest fandom mash-ups ever! Moderated by theTraveling the Vortex podcast crew – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Researching Comics with the Grand Comics Database – Dive deep into comics and comics history! Leading members of the Grand Comics Database community will be discussing a bit of the history of the GCD and its roots in the early days of internet comics fandom, along with its current status and abilities in helping people research various comic books and comic book creators. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Charlton Arrow – From the 40s thru the 80s, Charlton was the “other” comics publisher of  mystery, romance, and superhero titles. Join Paul Kupperberg and Rick Stasi, two of the creators of Charlton Arrow, for a trip down memory lane and an introduction to their new comics zine that celebrate some of Charlton’s lesser known creations. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Deadpool Double Dare -Deadpool creators  display a dynamic dose of Deadpool discussion. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Kids’ Costume Contest: It’s a cavalcade of cute! A special costume contest just for the younger set. – ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

3:00 – 3:50 PM

Making of Archer – Discover the animation secrets behind FX’s hit series Archer. Featuring storyboard artist Kevin Mellon and the team from Kansas City’s own Trinity Animation. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Breaking into Comics - How do you become a professional comic book or comic strip creator? Join a panel of editors who specialize in spotting new talent: C.B. Cebulski (VP of Creator Development at Marvel), Shena Wolf (Acquisitions Editor and Universal Uclick), and Joe Rybandt (Editor at Dynamite Entertaintment). - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

John Ratzenberger: He may be most famous as Cliff Clavin from Cheers, but John Ratzenberger‘s nerd movie cred is truly amazing. “It’s a little known fact” that his filmography includes Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Superman: The Movie, Superman II, and every single Pixar movie ever made! - ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

4:00 – 4:50 PM

Heroic Prose: Genre Fiction – Kings of the Keyboard and Princesses of Prose! A panel of prodigious purveyors of thrilling novels and short fiction reveal the stories behind their stories. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Pros and Cons of the Shared Universe – SciFi4Me Radio’s H20 podcast tackles explore the ups, downs, ins, and outs of consuming and creating tales in shared universes. Hosts Jason P. Hunt and Tim Harvey interview Star Trek novelist Kevin Dilmore. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Announcement coming soon - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Zoie Palmer: A lively Q&A with one of the stars of the Syfy series Lost Girl. – ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

5:00 PM until who knows when!

Adult Costume Contest: Captivated by cosplay creativity? This is your event! – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Sunday, March 16th

11:00 – 11:50 AM

Femi Taylor: The delightful Femi Taylor is best known for playing Jabba the Hutt’s Twi’lek slave dancer Oola in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. She is a Nigerian-born British dancer and actress who spent years training with the London Contemporary Dance Company and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in New York. In addition to RotJ, she appeared in the original London cast of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s musical Cats! – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

DC Universe: Best of the Best – A celebration of the best of DC Comics through the years, from the Golden Age to today. Join leading creators for a discussion of the DC Comics that inspired them! Moderated by long-time DC editor and writer Paul Kupperberg. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Karate Chopping Robots & Killer Carnies: The Art and Science of Digital Comics and Games – Mobile-based comics and games are transforming the entertainment industry. Indie game and comic developers have more opportunity than ever before to make their mark and create some major waves. Join Kung Fu Robot creator Jason Bays and Burn the Lot co-creator Cameron Calder as they share their experiences in mobile-based interactive comic and game development. From concept to development to launch and beyond, these Kansas City-area veterans will offer their unique perspective to this exciting and ever-changing scene. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

 

Noon – 12:50 PM

David Yost  - The Blue Power Ranger has arrived! David Yost played Billy Cranston, the Blue Ranger, on the international television series Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers Zeo, and the film Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: the Movie. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Timey Wimey Puppet Show – Direct from the YouTube web series and packed appearances at DragonCon and Gallifrey One, we’re pleased to present  this family-friend Punch-and-Judy-inspired Doctor Who comedy puppet show.  The show is for all ages! - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Khemia Creations: Cosplay Photography and Modeling – Whether you’re in front of behind the camera, this is the panel for you! We will be discussing techniques on how to make your cosplay photography go from a snapshot to a work of art! For those with camera in hand, we’ll tell you how to make the most of your environments, angles, and lighting to ensure you can capture the best images at every convention. For those wanting to show off their costume creations, we’ll give beginner modeling tips to offer your best side to camera every time! - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

So you want to build an R2 Unit - Come join us for the in’s and out’s of building your own R2D2 or other Astromech droid. We will give you an idea of what it skills are needed, and the resources available to help you on your journey. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

Eddie McClintock: Eddie McClintock is best-known for his role as Secret Service agent Pete Lattimer on the Syfy series Warehouse 13. But, the actor is also an artist, who was inspired to purse his passion by comic books. He says, “It all started with Herb Trimpe andThe Incredible Hulk.” Now is your chance to meet Pete Lattimer and learn the answers to your Eddie McClintock questions. - ROOM 2505 (Lower Level)

1:00 – 1:50 PM

Lee Majors: The Six Million Dollar Man  - An actor of international importance, Lee Majors has  continually proven himself to be a favorite of audiences worldwide. Lee Majors’ performances and personas have made an indelible impact on television programs. From his initial role of Heath Barkley on The Big Valley to the Men From Shilo to Owen Marshall Counselor at Law to The Fall Guy and Raven. It was his starring role as Steve Austin on the overwhelmingly popular The Six Million Dollar Man that Lee became an icon and part of the American culture. - ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

How To Market Comic Strips Today – In previous decades, comic strips were the delicious and funny center of a reader’s daily dose of communication, placed in the middle of their newspapers and hearts. Today, comic strips and webcomics have enjoyed a strong renaissance in pop culture. How has this happened; how are cartoonists sharing their art and stories today? This panel will share the wide experiences of print, syndicated and web cartoonists alike. From viral marketing, presences at events such as San Diego Comic Con and Planet ComiCon, social media outreach, tours and more, we’ll hear from some of the engaging storytellers that are creating today. - ROOM 2502 (Lower level)

Star Wars in American Culture – Explore the influences and impact of the single most important film of the twentieth century. We will take a look at the many ways this pop culture phenomenon connects to our everyday lives. Presented by Dr. Bradley Will, Dr. Stephen Schleicher, and Dr. Scott Robson of Fort Hays State University. - ROOM 2503 (Lower level)

Dynamic Cover Design - Top artists reveal the tips and tricks that produce covers with a powerful pop. - ROOM 2504 (Lower level)

For the Love of Comics - What do you love about comics? Today’s top creators, including Jason Aaron, discuss the comics they love the most. Moderated by C.B. Cebulski. - ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

2:00 – 2:50 PM

Concept Design for Comic Books - Comic and concept artist Steven Sanders has designed a number of characters and locations for Marvel Entertainment, among other companies. Using examples from Marvel, he’ll explain how concept design in comics is different than concept design in video games or film, and will show what is needed to make good designs for comics. – ROOM 2502 (Lower Level)

50 Years of GI Joe – the first action figure – A history of GI Joe, the world’s first action figure, from its beginnings 50 years ago in 1964, to the present day. We will discuss the evolution of the brand from a 12 inch everyman solider to a modern team of hundreds of small action figures, as well as several odd and interesting detours and off-shoots along the way. We also will cover the brand’s current fandom, including online resources and fan projects. – ROOM 2503 (Lower Level)

DMC: Comics and Hip Hop - As a founder of Run-D.M.C., Darryl “DMC” McDaniels is a pioneer of hip hop culture. Now he’s turned his creative passion to comics! Already a hero to his millions of fans around the world, DMC’s accomplishments read like a laundry list of musical and cultural accolades: Grammy nominated musician, multi-platinum recording artist, Rock-N-Roll Hall of Fame inductee and rap/rock pioneer who’s influenced music since the first time he’s ever touched a mic. Adding to his long lists of firsts, DMC is teaming up with some prominent fixtures in the comic book and music world to craft the first 100% authentic, unapologetic, indie, hip hop comic book. - ROOM 2505 (Lower level)

4:30 – 6:00 PM

TREKtacular ST:TNG Cast Reunion: This is a separately ticketed event. Seating is extremely limited! See this page to order tickets. – ROOM 3501 (Upper level)

Planet Comicon is Kansas City’s largest comic book and pop culture convention. Now in its thirteenth year! The convention will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center on March 14-16th. Please visit their website for the full guestlist, ticket information, and more!

Planet Comicon 2014 Releases Initial Schedule

Planet Comicon 2014 has released the initial schedule for panel events. This schedule focuses on event featuring media guests, including performers from Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Wars, Firefly, and more.

We will be updating the schedule with additional panels and events as soon as details are confirmed.

Highlights of the schedule include:

FRIDAY, MARCH 14th:

• Margot Kidder (3:00 PM)
• Michael Dorn and Marina Sirtis (4:00 PM)

SATURDAY, MARCH 15th:

• Wil Wheaton (11:00 AM)
• Jewel Staite (Noon)
• Brent Spiner and LeVar Burton (1:00 PM)
• Sylvester McCoy (2:00 PM)
• John Ratzenberger (3:00 PM)
• Zoie Palmer (4:00 PM)
• Kids’ Costume Contest (2:00 PM)
• Adults’ Costume Contest (5:00 PM)

SUNDAY MARCH 16th:

• Femi Taylor (11:00 AM)
• David Yost (Noon)
• Eddie McClintock (Noon)
• Lee Majors (1:00)
• TREKtacular Star Trek Cast Reunion (4:30) – NOTE: this is a separately ticketed event. This event is close to being sold out. Find out more about tickets here.

Planet Comicon is Kansas City’s largest comic book and pop culture convention. Now in its thirteenth year! The convention will be held at the Kansas City Convention Center on March 14-16th. Please visit their website for the full guestlist, ticket information, and more!

Lazarus Creators Appear at Big Wow 2014

Press Release:

Big Wow! ComicFest is proud to announce two new guests to this year’s convention, writer Greg Rucka and artist Michael Lark! Greg and Michael are co-creators on the popular new book LAZARUS from Image Comics.

Greg Rucka is the author of twenty novels, the latest of which, BRAVO, will be released in July, as well as more comic books than any sane person can count. In addition to critically acclaimed runs on such mainstream titles as Detective Comics, Wonder Woman, The Punisher, Adventures of Superman, and Wolverine, he’s the creator of several original series, including Queen & Country, Whiteout (with Steve Lieber), and Stumptown (with Matthew Southworth).

Michael Lark is the Eisner and Harvey Awards winning artist of LAZARUS from Image Comics, which he co-created with writer Greg Rucka. He is also known his for work on several other titles, including Daredevil, Amazing Spider-Man, Winter Soldier, Captain America, and Stephen King’s Dark Tower at Marvel, and Gotham Central, Scene of the Crime, Batman: Nine Lives and Terminal City at DC.

Big Wow! ComicFest - The Original Artist Friendly Convention – returns to San Jose May 17th & 18th, 2014, bringing two great days of Comic Book, Anime/Manga, Art, Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Gaming and Cosplay FUN! Many of the country’s best vendors of all things cool and collectible will tempt your wallets with the perfect gifts for Geek, Fans and True Collectors, everywhere! Big Wow! ComicFest is the Only Major Comics Event in the San Francisco Bay Area this Year.

Be sure to follow us on both Facebook and Twitter to stay up-to-date on all our upcoming announcements!

NYC – Image Comics Night

Greg Rucka (Lazarus), Ales Kot (Zero) and Frank Barbiere (Five Ghosts) appear at Forbidden Planet on Monday October 7, 2013 at 7:00 pm for Image Comics Night! Bring books to get signed.  Buy books there to get signed. Meet and chat with some of the most cutting-edge comic writers working today and beat the crowds before they appear at New York Comic Con!

Forbidden Planet
832 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
212-473-1576

CA – Lazarus Signing

Writer Greg Rucka appears at Beach Ball Comics on Wednesday, August 7, 2013 Wednesday, September 18, 2013 beginning at 5:00pm to sign LAZARUS, the new creator-owned series from Image Comics!

RSVP on Facebook!

Please note: artist Michael Lark will not appear as previously announced.

Beach Ball Comics
3024 W Ball Rd Ste G, Anaheim, CA 92804

OR – Lazarus Signing

Greg Rucka signs at Bridge City Comics on Friday, July 5, 2013 from 6pm – 9pm!

RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release:

Bridge City Comics will have copies of Lazarus #1 available for purchase for Greg to sign, as well as special limited variant editions of the comic. Refreshments will be served free of charge! This event is free to the public.

About Lazarus:
In a dystopian near-future government is a quaint concept, resources are coveted, and posession is 100% of the law. A handful of Families rule, jealously guarding what they have and exploiting the Waste who struggle to survive in their domains. Forever Carlyle defends her family’s holdings through deception and force as their protector, their Lazarus. Shot dead defending the family home, Forever’s day goes downhill from there….

About Greg Rucka:
Greg Rucka is the author of nearly a dozen novels, six featuring bodyguard Atticus Kodiak, and two featuring Tara Chace, the protagonist of his Queen & Country series. Additionally, he has penned several short-stories, countless comics, and the occasional non-fiction essay. In comics, he has had the opportunity to write stories featuring some of the world’s best-known characters Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman as well as penning several creator-owned properties himself, such as Whiteout and Queen & Country, both published by Oni Press. His work has been optioned several times over, and his services are in high-demand in a variety of creative fields as a story-doctor and creative consultant. Greg resides in Portland, Oregon, with his wife, author Jennifer Van Meter, and his two children.

Bridge City Comics
3725 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227

WA – Lazarus Launch Party

Writer Greg Rucka and artist Michael Lark appear at Gabi’s Olympic Cards & Comics on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 from 3:00 till 8:00 pm to celebrate the release of their new creator owned series Lazarus published by Image Comics! There will be a signing, a Q and A panel, and free prints to give away.

RSVP on Facebook!

Gabi’s Olympic Cards & Comics
4230 Pacific Ave, Lacey, WA 98503

WA – Free Comic Book Day 2013

Greg Rucka, Jennifer Van Meter, Brandon Jerwa, and Eric Trautmann sign on Saturday May 4, 2013 for Free Comic Book Day!!

RSVP on Facebook!

Press Release:

Doors open at 10am-Midnight!

SALE: 10%-90% off storewide
$1.00 comics, games, rpg and toys!

Events for the kids all day!
Science Magician
Balloon Guy

Signers:
Brandon Jerwa 1pm-6pm
Greg Rucka 3pm-6pm
Jennifer Van Meter 3pm-6pm
Eric Trautmann- ALL DAY! :)

1st 100 people for each signer will receive a
free limited edition print! :)

For a list of all the comics available that day!

Gabi’s Olympic Cards & Comics
4230 Pacific Ave, Lacey, WA 98503