A Note From Bill Willingham About Fabletown & Beyond
February 8, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Minnesota, Top Stories
Wait a moment, on second thought, “for immediate release” makes this sound awfully urgent, and it’s not. Yes, it does happen to be time-sensitive material and we’d like it released soon, or at least soonish, but it needn’t be immediate. Save “immediate” for medical emergencies, positioning yourself under a pop-up fly, and disarming bombs. At best, this falls more under the heading of, “as quickly as you can reasonably get to it.” Please, finish your coffee and that last bite of sandwich, visit the facilities (if you need to), relax a bit and settle yourself. Then, please, if you’d be so kind, release this puppy.
Thanks.
Fabletown and Beyond, our convention celebrating the Mythic Fiction movement in comics, is just around the corner.
A personal note from Bill Willingham, inviting you to think about attending:
Hi,
I’m Bill Willingham, the writer of the long-running comic series Fables. In just over a month I’ll also be hosting a small comic convention in Rochester, Minnesota called Fabletown and Beyond. It’s a convention about Fables and books like it.
If you go to our website you can find out all sorts of good things like who else is coming, what sorts of programming we’re planning to have (although it’s far from a comprehensive list yet). Please visit fablescon.com for the full tour.
Since it was designed from the beginning to be a small convention, with more time and opportunity to interact with the guests of your choice, we’re limited on how many folks can attend, and we’re beginning to close in on our hotel room and attendance limits.
So then, now seems the time to act. If you’re interested in attending, a month and a half away is nearly no time at all. Perhaps it’s time to pounce, to strike boldly, to do some other thing that is metaphorically equivalent to deciding to attend.
Also, you may not know this but it’s going to be the perfect show to which you’ll want bring the special love of your life. We’ve done extensive made-up scientific research on this. Think of Fabletown and Beyond as a romantic couples retreat, but with comics too.
We’re planning on a fine time to be had for all, including (but not limited to) game shows, a phone-photo scavenger hunt, with amazing prizes, and even opportunities for one-on-once conversations with your favorite artist and/or writer.
Pretty cool, huh?
Speaking for vast multitudes, I do hope we’ll see you there.
Also, for those in the greater Minneapolis and Saint Paul area, and its surroundings, you should know that The Crossings art studio in Zumbrota, as a lead in to Fabletown and Beyond, is hosting an all comic art gallery show, throughout the entire month of February.
It’s going on right now and will continue throughout the rest of the month. It features the comic art of myself, Gene Ha, Adam Hughes, Mark Buckingham, and Chrissie Zullo, all of whom will also be attending the convention in March.
Many original pieces have already sold. It’s on track to being the best gallery show the venue has ever had. But we’ve stocked the art in deep. Many more pages and comic art covers are still available and will be throughout the month.
For more information you can visit The Crossings website at: crossingsatcarnegie.com or by calling them at 507 732 7616.
Of course any unsold covers and pages will be available again at Fabletown and Beyond.
MN – FablesCon Art Show
January 24, 2013 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Minnesota, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Top Stories

Bill Willingham appears at the Crossings Gallery for a cocktail reception on February 23, 2013 to celebrate the opening of the Fabletown & Beyond art show!
Press Release:
To kick off the New Year and help prepare you for the wonderous event that will be Fablescon, Crossings Art Center (in Zumbrota, MN) will be holding an exhibit featuring several artists who will be a part of Fabletown and Beyond.
The exhibit will be on at the art center throughout the month of February and will feature art from Bill Willingham, Gene Ha, Mark Buckingham, Adam Hughes, Chrissie Zullo, and Peter Gross.
Here’s a brief summary of some of the art that will be present and for sale:
Gene Ha has most of the art from Fables #122 and #123… 27 out of the 40 pages will be available.
Chrissie Zullo will have original Cinderella covers for sale.
Mark Buckingham will have a plethora of Fables pages.
Peter Gross will have lots of The Unwritten pages.
Adam Hughes will have Fairest covers on display and for sale.
And Bill Willingham will have pages from Shadowpact, art from an original and unpublished Richard Nixon JLQ story and other assorted comic pages.
Crossings Gallery
320 East Avenue, Zumbrota, MN 55992
507-732-7616
artwork by Gene Ha
Baltimore Comic-Con 2013 Adds More Guests
November 20, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland, Top Stories
Press Release:
The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the next group of confirmed guest for the 2013 show, taking place the weekend of September 7-8, 2013. Mark Buckingham, Dave Gibbons, Adam Hughes, Paul Levitz, George Perez, Walter Simonson, Louise Simonson, and Allison Sohn will all be attending our 14th Annual show !
Mark Buckingham, who is best-known and most-celebrated for his work on the long-running Vertigo title Fables, began his career in 1990 working with Neil Gaiman on Miracleman from Eclipse Comics. Working on such titles as 2000 AD, Hellblazer, and Shade, the Changing Man, he became a mainstay at DC Comics after taking over art duties on Fables with issue #6. His run on the popular imprint title has earned him four Eisner Awards, including Best New Series in 2003, Best Serialized Story in 2005 and 2006, and Best Artist/Penciler/Inker in 2007.
Legendary artist Dave Gibbons is best known for his collaboration with Alan Moore on the seminal mini-series,Watchmen. With a career that spans more than four decades, Gibbons has provided artowrk for 2000 AD, Marvel Comics, DC Comics, and Dark Horse Comics, and has worked with such characters as Judge Dredd, Captain America, Superman and Batman. He is currently working on The Secret Service with Mark Millar though Marvel’s Icon imprint.
As far as cover artists working in comics today, Adam Hughes is among the very best. A 12-year veteran of Gaijin Studios, Hughes is most widely recognized for his pin-up style renditions of female characters, especially over the course of his long runs as cover artist on Wonder Woman and Catwoman. His most recent work includes the Before Watchmen mini-series, Dr. Manhattan. Hughes won the Harvey Award for Best Cover Artist in 2001, 2002, and 2003.
Paul Levitz has been a mainstay at DC
Comics since 1972, serving as a writer, editor, and President (2002 – 2009) over the tenure of his career. His name is synonymous with the Legion of Super-Heroes, which he wrote from 1977-1979 and 1981-1989, and he created such notable characters as the Stalker, the Earth-2 Huntress, and Lucien the Librarian. Levitz has since returned to writing the Legion of Super-Heroes for the New 52, as well as the Earth-2 centric book, World’s Finest.
Writer/artist George Perez established himself as a fan-favorite creator during his lengthy runs on Marvel Comics’ Avengers, and DC Comics’ Teen Titans and Wonder Woman. Over the course of his 40-year career, Perez has drawn nearly every character in both the Marvel and DC Universes, and has worked on such ground breaking events as the Infinity Gauntlet, JLA/Avengers, and Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds. In 2011, he reunited with long-time collaborator Marv Wolfman to publish the long-awaited New Teen Titans: Games graphic novel. Currently, he is working as the artist for DC’s World’s Finest with Paul Levitz. 
Walter Simonson is best known for his run on The Mighty Thor throughout the 1980s. His classic run was recently collected by Marvel in The Mighty Thor Omnibus by Walter Simonson, a massive tome which featured issues #337-355, #357-369, and #371-382, as well as the mini-series, Balder the Brave #1-4. In addition to his work on Thor, Simonson has worked on such titles as Detective Comics, Avengers, and Marvel’s Star Wars comics. In 2010, Simonson received the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented at the Harvey Awards.
Louise Simonson began her career in as an editor in 1974 before moving on to writing for Marvel Comics in 1984. She is best known for her work on Power Pack, X-Factor, N
ew Mutants, and Superman: The Man of Steel. In addition to comics, Simonson is an accomplished novelist, having published 14 books between 1993 and 2009.
Sketch card artist Allison Sohn’s work has been showcased in several trading card sets, including: Star Wars Galaxy Series 4 and 5 and the Star Wars 30th Anniversary Collection; Women of Marvel; Indiana Jones Heritage; Lord of the Rings Masterpieces, Series 1 and 2; and the Red Sonja 35th Anniversary. In addition, she provided the exclusive artwork for both Star Wars Celebration IV and V. In 2011, Sohn was the feature of a panel at the San Diego Comic-Con International called Comic-Con How-To: Sketching with Allison Sohn, in which she demonstrated her craft using Copic markers.
“We are so excited to able to announce these great guests for next year’s show,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “It’s not even 2013 yet, and with Mark, Dave, Adam, Paul, George, Walter, Louise, and Allison joining the list of guests, the level of top-tier talent for the show is just getting better and better!”
Buckingham, Gibbons, Hughes, Levitz, Perez, the Simonsons and Sohn join already announced guests: Frank Cho (Savage Wolverine); Barry Kitson (Empire); Mike Mignola (Hellboy In Hell); Chris Samnee (Daredevil); and Mark Waid (Indestructible Hulk).
In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
UK – Fables Signing
October 1, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, England, Signing and Appearance Profiles
MARK BUCKINGHAM signs Fables Vol 17: INHERIT THE WIND, (Titan Books) at the Forbidden Planet Bristol Megastore on Saturday 27th October from 1 – 2pm.
The tights and capes have been stored away forever. Where do the Fables go from here? Bigby and Snow White’s cubs try to move forward after learning a hard lesson about life and death. And the loveable hero Bufkin the Flying Monkey gets into more trouble when he finally reaches his homeland of Oz.
Mark Buckingham is most famous for his work on Marvelman, Hellblazer, and Fables, including a story in the original graphic novel 1001 Nights of Snowfall. His Marvel work includes inking Chris Bachalo’s pencils on Generation X, Ghost Rider 2099, and penciling Paul Jenkins’s run on Peter Parker: Spider-Man. For DC Comics, Buckingham has inked the two Death miniseries and was the original penciller on the Titans series.
Forbidden Planet Bristol Megastore
Units 4&5 Clifton Heights, Bristol, BS8 1EJ
The British Embassy to Celebrate “The British Invasion” of Comics at the Baltimore Comic-Con 2012
September 6, 2012 by Brian Pate
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland
Press Release:
The British Embassy Joins Forces with the Baltimore Comic-Con to Celebrate ‘The British Invasion’
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - September 6, 2012 - Ever wondered where the genius behind many of the favourite comic books in the 1980s came from? Captain America and many other of your favourite comic books were actually enhanced by ‘The British Invasion’ of the comic book world. The British Embassy in Washington will be celebrating this theme at Baltimore Comic-Con, this weekend, showcasing what is great about the comic book, science-fiction, and creative industries in Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Tickets are now available for VIP GOLD, VIP, and General Admission at the Baltimore Comic-Con!
Buy your convention tickets and save time at the show! - http://baltimorecomiccon.com/
For Harvey Award Tickets - http://baltimorecomiccon.com/
In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 7 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th.
Please take a moment to help us spread this message using the social media links embedded, reposting, or retweeting!
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:
press@baltimorecomiccon.com - for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com - for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com
general@baltimorecomiccon.com
About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 13th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.
About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 7 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.
UK – 2000 AD Celebrates 35th Anniversary
August 6, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, England, Signing and Appearance Profiles, Top Stories

Press Release:
It’s been the cutting edge powerhouse of British comics since 1977 – and now 2000 AD is celebrating 35 years of Thrill-power with its first ever National Signing Event!
Just days before DREDD 3D hits movie screens, on Saturday 1st September five comic book stores in five cities from north to south will play host to a band, nay, a legion of top British comic book talent from the past three and a half decades. From old hands such as Dave Gibbons and Simon Bisley to the newest finds such as Al Ewing and Alec Worley, we’ll be celebrating Britain’s greatest export across the nation!
Forbidden Planet stores in London, Bristol, and Birmingham, along with Travelling Man stores in Leeds and Manchester, and the Forbidden Planet store in Edinburgh will be stuffed with artists and writers who have made 2000 AD what it is today.
Legendary writer, and Dredd and Strontium Dog co-creator, John Wagner will be headlining the day with a visit to Manchester and other big names now confirmed include Dave Gibbons (Rogue Trooper, Watchmen), Simon Bisley (Sláine: The Horned God, Lobo), Steve Yeowell (Zenith), Clint Langley (Sláine, ABC Warriors) Dan Abnett (Sinister Dexter, Kingdom), John Higgins (Judge Dredd), D’Israeli (Leviathan), Ian Edginton (Leviathan, Red Seas), and Mark Buckingham (Fables).
More big British names will be announced in the coming weeks – keep an eye on 2000adonline.com for all the latest updates!
Mark Buckingham Joins the British Invasion at Baltimore Comic-Con 2012
July 20, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under Comic Books, Convention News, Maryland, Top Stories
The Baltimore Comic-Con is happy to announce the addition of Mark Buckingham to the “British Invasion” taking place at this year’s show, which will be held on September 8-9, 2012 at the Baltimore Convention Center. Buckingham joins already-announced British creators Brian Bolland and Barry Kitson for the 13th annual show.Buckingham, who is best-known and most-celebrated for his work on the long-running Vertigo title Fables, began his career in 1990 working with Neil Gaiman on Miracleman from Eclipse Comics. Working on such titles as 2000 AD, Hellblazer, and Shade, the Changing Man, he became a mainstay at DC Comics after taking over art duties on Fables with issue #6.
His run on the popular imprint title has earned him four Eisner Awards, including Best New Series in 2003, Best Serialized Story in 2005 and 2006, and Best Artist/Penciler/Inker in 2007.
“We are delighted to be adding another amazing artist from across the pond in Mark Buckingham,” said Marc Nathan, show promoter for the Baltimore Comic-Con. “His influence on the landscape of American comics has helped propel Fables to one of longest-running and most popular titles in Vertigo’s library.”
Currently, Buckingham is working on the first arc of IDW’s new Doctor Who series along with Andy Diggle.This year’s confirmed guests for the show including: Guest of Honor, Stan “The Man” Lee (Saturday only!); Ken Bald (Golden Age Timely/Marvel artist); Marty Baumann (Pixar artist); Brian Bolland (Dial H, Cover Story: The DC Comics Art of Brian Bolland); Greg Capullo (Batman, Spawn); Tommy Castillo (Grimm Fairy Tales); Cliff Chiang (Wonder Woman); Frank Cho (Avengers vs. X-Men, Liberty Meadows); Steve Conley (Bloopwebcomic www.bloopstree.com); Amanda Conner (Before Watchmen: Silk Spectre); Lar deSouza (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Dan Didio (O.M.A.C.); Garth Ennis (The Shadow, Hellblazer, Preacher, The Boys); Rich Faber (Roboy Red); David Finch (Batman: The Dark Knight); John Gallagher (Buzzboy); Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman); Keith Giffen (Superman, O.M.A.C., Green Arrow); Gene Ha (Justice League); Larry Hama (G.I. Joe, Wolverine, The ‘Nam); Cully Hamner (Action Comics); Dean Haspiel (Billy Dogma, ACT-I-VATE, Trip City); Jamal Igle (KISS, Supergirl, The Ray); J.G. Jones (Wanted, Doc Savage); Barry Kitson (Captain America, Iron Man, Fantastic Four); Joe Kubert (Before Watchmen: Nightowl); Scott Kurtz(PvPonline.com); David Mack (Kabuki); Ron Marz (Artifacts, Voodoo); Bob McLeod (DC Comics Presents: Wonder Woman); Mark Morales (Avengers vs. X-Men); Jimmy Palmiotti (All-Star Western); David Petersen (Mouse Guard); Brian Pulido (Lady Death); Frank Quitely (All Star Superman, Batman & Robin); John Romita, Jr. (Avengers Vs. X-Men); Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge); Stuart Sayger (Infestation 2: 30 Days of Night One-Shot); Walter Simonson (Thor, Legion of Super-Heroes, Avengers); Ryan Sohmer (Looking For Group, Least I Could Do); Scott Snyder (Batman, Severed, Swamp Thing); Jim Starlin (Breed: Book of Revelation, The Art of Jim Starlin: A Life in Words and Images); Brian Stelfreeze (ICE); Karl Story (Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 9); Peter Tomasi (Batman and Robin); Billy Tucci (A Child Is Born, Shi); Matt Wagner (Tower Chronicles, Mage, Grendel); Mark Waid (Daredevil, Incorruptible, Irredeemable); Bernie Wrightson (Frankenstein).
In the coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found on our website, Twitter, and Facebook pages.
This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held September 8-9, 2012. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, September 8th.
IDW Booth Schedule for SDCC 2012
July 8, 2012 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Other, Top Stories

Press Release:
As the comics industry looks forward to another Comic-Con jam-packed with the industry’s greatest talents, IDW Publishing is excited to give fans a preview of the creators that will be available at booth #2643 throughout the show!
Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, your IDW All-Stars!
Wednesday July 11th Preview Night
6:00 – 8:00 SPECIAL EVENT! Richard Starks’ Parker: The Score Launch Party – Darywn Cooke (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
6:00 – 7:00 SPECIAL EVENT! Neal Adams’ Thrill Kill: Artist’s Edition Portfolio Launch Party – Neal Adams
Thursday July 12th
11:00 – 12:00 Deadworld – Gary Reed
12:00 – 1:00 The Cape: 1969 – Joe Hill, Zach Howard (Check out the show exclusive Comic!)
1:00 – 2:30 Richard Stark’s Parker: The Score – Darywn Cooke (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
3:00 – 4:00 Godzilla – Duane Swierczynski
3:00 – 4:00 Love and Capes – Thom Zahler (Check out the show exclusive Comic!)
4:00 – 5:00 TRANSFORMERS – Chris Metzen, Flint Dille, John Barber, Livio Ramondelli, Brendan Cahill, Andrew Griffith, Scott Mairghread, Priscilla Tromontano
5:00 – 6:00 30 Days of Night, Frankenstein: Alive, Alive – Steve Niles
6:00 – 7:00 Smoke & Mirrors – Mike Costa, Jon Armstrong
6:00 – 7:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Dan Duncan
Friday July 13th
10:00 – 11:00 Kill Shakespeare – Andy Belanger
11:00 – 12:00 Star Trek: TNG/Doctor Who – Scott Tipton, J.K. Woodward
11:00 – 12:00 Memorial – Chris Roberson
12:00 – 1:00 The Cape: 1969 – Joe Hill, Zach Howard (Check out the show exclusive Comic!)
1:00 – 3:00 Richard Stark’s Parker: The Score – Darywn Cooke (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover!)
3:00 – 4:00 KISS – Gene Simmons, Chris Ryall, Jamal Igle (*ticketed signing – See employee for details)
4:00 – 5:00 Dungeons & Dragons – Steve Ellis
5:00 – 6:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover & exclusive keys by Israel Skelton!)
6:00 – 7:00 Ghostbusters – Dan Schoening, Erik Burnham, Tristan Jones, Luis Antonio Delgado, Nick Runge
6:00 – 7:00 Crawl to Me – Alan Robert
Saturday July 14th
10:00 – 11:00 Night of 1,000 Wolves – Bobby Curnow, Dave Wachter
11:00 – 12:00 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles – Kevin Eastman, Tom Waltz, Dan Duncan
11:00 – 12:00 Zombies vs Robots – Chris Ryall, Brea Grant, Jeff Conner
12:00 – 1:00 The Crow – John Shirley, Kevin Colden
1:00 – 2:00 Locke & Key – Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez (*Check out the show exclusive hardcover & exclusive keys by Israel Skelton!)
1:00 – 2:00 Silent Hill – Tom Waltz
2:00 – 3:00 Star Trek: TNG/Doctor Who – Scott Tipton, David Tipton, J.K. Woodward
3:00 – 4:00 Star Trek: The Next Generation – Brannon Braga, Joe Corroney (Get a free limited signing card!)
4:00 – 5:00 Star Trek – Mike Johnson, Joe Corroney
5:00 – 6:00 Nevsky: A Hero of the People – Ben McCool, Steve Saffel
5:00 – 6:00 G.I. JOE– Mike Costa, Larry Hama (Check out the show exclusive Comic!)
6:00 – 7:00 True Blood – Michael McMillian, Joe Corroney
Sunday July 15th
11:00 – 12:00 Doctor Who – Mark Buckingham, Joshua Fialkov
12:00 – 1:00 TRANSFORMERS – Chris Metzen, John Barber, Livio Ramondelli, Andrew Griffith, Scott Mairghread, Priscilla Tromontano
1:00 – 2:00 Zombies! – Craig Yoe, Steve Banes
2:00 – 3:00 Smoke & Mirrors – Mike Costa, Jon Armstrong
3:00 – 4:00 Danger Girl – J. Scott Campbell
*Look for more signings to be scheduled! Rocketeer! Joe Jusko! Amanda Conner! All this, plus Ashley Wood and the 3A crew signing all weekend!
Visit IDWPublishing.com to learn more about the company and its top-selling books. IDW can also be found at http://www.facebook.com/#!/idwpublishing and http://tumblr.idwpublishing.com/ and on Twitter at @idwpublishing.
Hero Initiative Auctions for SDCC 2011
July 13, 2011 by Colin Solan
Filed under California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Movies, Other, Science Fiction and Fantasy, Top Stories

The Hero Initiative has several auctions to win an opportunity to rub elbows with comic book celebrities! And on a yacht no less! Joe Quesada (writer, artist, and chief creative officer at mighty Marvel Comics), Dave Gibbons (writer and artist of Watchmen, Martha Washington, The Originals, and many other timeless comics classics), and Bill Willingham & Mark Buckingham (creators of Fables) have each donated their time to knock back some cocktails with their fans!
Click the link to bid and get more details!
DC Comics Announces Panels for Comic-Con International
July 2, 2009 by Brian Pate
Filed under Anime, California, Comic Books, Comic-Con International, Convention News, Top Stories
DC Panels at San Diego Comic Con
July 26, 2009 – July 27, 2009
THURSDAY, JULY 23
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1 Room 4
11:45-12:45 Superman: Two Worlds Room 6DE
2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns Room 6DE
5:00-6:00 JSA: The Great Society Room 5AB
6:00-7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line Room 5AB
FRIDAY, JULY 24
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 2 Room 4
11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Darick Robertson Room 4
12:30-1:30 Batman: New Dynamic Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 DC Nation Room 6DE
4:30-5:30 Wednesday Comics Room 5AB
5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future Room 5AB
SATURDAY, JULY 25
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 3 Room 4
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Francis Manapul Room 4
12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation Room 6B
2:15-3:15 Green Lantern: Blackest Night Room 6quad
3:30-4:30 Wildstorm: This is WildStorm! Room 4
4:45-5:45 Vertigo Voices: The Fables Forum Room 6DE
SUNDAY, JULY 26
11:00-12:00 CMX: Bringing Manga to You! Room 4
12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham Room 2
2:00-3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio Room 2
3:00-4:00 Making Webcomics Room 4
SAN DIEGO 2009 PANEL DESCRIPTIONS
Thursday, July 23rd
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DC Universe, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
11:45-12:45 Superman: Two Worlds
Torn between New Krypton and Earth, The Man of Steel has only just begun his latest adventure. You’ve seen the stories. A new planet of Kryptonians. Scores of super-powered beings. The people behind Superman’s future are here to face the most trying times in his life. Meet the talented folks behind Superman as they give you a glimpse of what is in store for our favorite Super-family. Featuring Superman Group Editor Matt Idelson, Geoff Johns (Adventure Comics, Superman: Secret Origins), Greg Rucka (Action Comics), James Robinson (Superman), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Renato Guedes (Superman), and more! Room 6DE
2:15-3:15 Spotlight on Geoff Johns
He is the mastermind behind the smash-hit, critically acclaimed Flash: Rebirth and DC’s most anticipated book of the year, Green Lantern: Blackest Night. Wondering what makes Geoff Johns tick? Don’t miss this panel hosted by Eddie Berganza, Group Editor-DCU, interviewing one of the most exciting talents in the DCU. Room 6DE
5:00 -6:00 JSA: The Great Society
DC’s legendary super-team enters a new era with top talent and explosive storylines in the second half of 2009! Get the inside scoop on everything JSA right here including info on the exciting spin-off title Magog and the main series Justice Society of America from the creative minds behind the franchise. Hosted by DC’s Senior Group Editor, Mike Carlin, with top talents Bill Willingham (JSA), Matt Sturges (JSA), Freddie Williams (Final Crisis Aftermath: Run), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Power Girl) and more! Room 5AB
6:00 -7:00 Vertigo New Ongoing Series/Crime Line
It’s a new beginning for Vertigo with the launch of new ongoing titles such as The Unwritten, Greek Street & Sweet Tooth. In addition to these titles we will be launching the highly anticipated Vertigo Crime Line with some of the top talents in the industry. Hosted by Senior VP – Executive Editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger and Senior Editor Will Dennis, this panel is not to be missed, especially considering the talent present: Peter Gross (Unwritten), Jeff Lemire (Sweet Tooth, The Nobody), Jason Starr, Chris Gage, Gabriel Ba, Fabio Moon and others! Room 5AB
Friday, July 24th
10:30-11:30 Talent Search 2
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DCUniverse, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Darick Robertson
Whether he’s illustrating Leatherface or reigniting super-teams like The Authority or launching videogame adaptations like Prototype, artist Darick Robertson has become synonymous with gritty, exhilarating artwork. Now’s your chance to hear the fan-favorite creator talk about his process and career alongside WildStorm Senior Editor Ben Abernathy. There’s no telling what these two might say! Room 4
12:30-1:30 Batman: New Dynamic
Now that the Battle for the Cowl has ended, what adventures lie ahead for the new Dark Knight? Join Group Editor Michael Marts, Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (Detective Comics), Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), and more as they discuss the legend of Batman and what the future holds for the newest man behind the bat. Room 6DE
3:00-4:00 DC NATION
Calling all NATION recruits! Bring your friends and hear top talent discuss where the DC NATION is heading from 2009 and beyond. Sr. VP – Executive Editor Dan DiDio hosts this exciting discussion with Ian Sattler, James Robinson, Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and more! Join them for a VIP look into the most talked about stories and events of the summer! Room 6DE
4:30-5:30 Wednesday Comics
Wednesday Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition by reinventing the classic newspaper comics section and filling it to the brim with today’s top talent and characters! Learn all you need to know about DC’s excitingly innovative weekly 12-issue series from the title’s mastermind, DCU Editorial Art Director Mark Chiarello, and an all-star list of panelists! Believe us; you’ve never seen a panel or a project like this! Room 5AB
5:30-6:30 Vertigo: View of the Future
Vertigo, DC’s edgiest and most provocative imprint, returns to San Diego! Come and discover what’s going on at the imprint that birthed The Sandman, Preacher, Y: The Last Man, Fables and more? Wait ’til you hear about what new projects the Vertigo team is going to thrill us with next! Hosted by Senior VP – Executive Editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, Group Editor Shelly Bond, and Senior Editor Will Dennis, with Jason Aaron (Scalped), Mike Allred, Mark Buckingham (Fables), Josh Dysart (Unknown Soldier), Peter Gross (Unwritten), Amy Hadley (Madame Xanadu), Jeff Lemire (The Nobody), Chris Roberson, Matt Sturges (House of Mystery), Matt Wagner (Madame Xanadu), Bill Willingham (Fables, House of Mystery), G. Willow Wilson (Air), Brian Wood (DMZ, Northlanders), and others! Room 5AB
Saturday, July 25th
10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 3
Come learn what DC Comics looks for in artists and how to improve your chances of becoming a working professional! We’ll discuss the different needs of the DCUniverse, Vertigo, WildStorm, Mad Magazine and Zuda. This extremely informative orientation session will explain how DC’s Talent Search works and provide numerous tips and tricks on how to improve your work and explore opportunities. In order to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory. (Please note: Not all attendees are guaranteed a one-on-one review.) Room 4
11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Francis Manapul
The hot up-and-coming artist Francis Manapul takes the stage to discuss his kinetic art on one of the most anticipated projects of the year: Adventure Comics with Geoff Johns! Hosted by Group Editor Matt Idelson see what’s it like illustrating the return of Superboy. Come find out from one of the freshest artists in the biz! Room 4
12:45-2:00 DCU Editorial Presentation
Dan DiDio, Senior VP / Executive Editor DCU, Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor-DCU, and countless DCU talent are gathering for a discussion that’s not to be missed. Now that Blackest Night is upon us, what lies ahead for your favorite heroes? Got a question for your favorite DCU creator? Come on by! There’s no greater gathering of top-tier creative talent! Room 6B
2:15-3:15 Green Lantern: Blackest Night
The dead are rising in the DCU – who will survive when the Blank Lantern Corps attacks? This is your only chance to hear what’s coming up in Blackest Night, the most anticipated comic event of the year! Featuring all the key figures behind the biggest, coolest threat to the DCU in years! Hosted by Group Editor Eddie Berganza with Geoff Johns (Green Lantern), Pat Gleason (Green Lantern Corps) and others! Room 6QUAD
3:30-4:30 Wildstorm: This is WildStorm!
Get the inside scoop on what’s upcoming from DC’s wildest imprint from WS-VP Hank Kanalz, Senior Editor Ben Abernathy, Fiona Staples (North 40, Trick ‘r Treat), Kurt Busiek (Astro City), Adam Beechen (Killapalooza), Christos Gage (Wildcats, Dante’s Inferno), Darrick Robertson (Prototype), David Tischman (Red Herring), Liam Sharp (Gears of War), Jason Craig (Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash), Brian Wood, Rebecca Isaacs, and more! Find out about what’s new in the WildStorm Universe! There will be tons of info and sneak peaks for Wildcats, The Authority, Gears of War, World of Warcraft, Ex Machina, and much, much more! Room 4
4:45-5:45 Vertigo Voices: The Fables Forum
It’s the Fables Forum – San Diego style! Come armed with your best questions and find out everything you want to know about Fables. Featuring the creators behind Fables, Jack of Fables, and House of Mystery: Vertigo Group Editor Shelly Bond is joined by Bill Willingham, Mark Buckingham, Matthew Sturges, Steve Leialoha, Lee Loughridge, Shawn McManus, Andrew Pepoy, Chris Roberson, Chrissie Zullo and Todd Klein. Room 6DE
Sunday, July 26th
11:00-12:00 CMX: Bringing Manga to You!
Manga remains one of the hottest areas in literature and CMX, the manga imprint of DC Comics, is right in the thick of it. Join Director of Manga Asako Suzuki and Editor Jim Chadwick as they discuss the latest releases from one of the most diverse lines on the market today. We are excited to talk about upcoming new series and the ongoing series such books as Crayon Shinchan, Broken Blade, Fire Investigator Nanase, Ballad of a Shinigami, The Lapis Lazuli Crown, Emma, and much, much more! Room 4
12:00-1:00 Spotlight on Bill Willingham
Both a master storyteller and an incredible artist, Bill Willingham has created a huge following for his best-selling books. His credits range from the DCU’s Justice Society of America, Salvation Run and Robin- to the already- classic Vertigo titles Fables and Jack of Fables and the new House of Mystery. Hosted by Vertigo Group Editor, Shelly Bond with Fables co-horts Mark Buckingham and Steve Leialoha. Room 2
2:00-3:00 Sunday Conversation with Dan DiDio
As the con comes to a close, sit back and unwind as Dan DiDio and friends invite you to a relaxed Sunday afternoon comics discussion. Share your opinions and listen to others as some of comics’ biggest names talk about their love of all things comics. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Room 2
3:00-4:00 Making Webcomics
Join Ron Perazza (ZUDA COMICS), Kwanza Johnson (ZUDA COMICS), Kevin Colden (Fishtown, I RULE THE NIGHT), Cameron Stewart (Transmission X, VERTIGO), Molly Crabapple (Act-i-vate, Dr. Sketchys Anti-Art School) and others for an inclusive, roundtable discussion about the advantages, challenges, questions, solutions, costs and benefits of making webcomics for fun and profit. Topics include working with a publisher, self-publishing, promoting yourself, best practices, style and moving from web to print (or vice-versa)! Room 4
Source: DC Comics.com















































