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!

IA – Boba Fett Signs

Jeremy Bulloch signs at The Core on Father’s Day Weekend, June 15th from 11:00-5:00, and June 16th from 12:00-5:00! Mr. Bulloch will have many 8 x 10 photos of him as BOBA FETT available for purchase with autograph for only $25.00. He will sign your personal Star Wars items for $20.00.

Bring your camera and have photos taken for FREE with the purchase of an autograph. If you only wish to take a photo with Mr. Bulloch (with no autograph purchase) the price is $5.00.

Along with Mr. Bulloch’s appearance, members of the Mandalorian Mercs costume club will be on site at The CORE on Saturday helping with crowd control, posing for photos, and adding to the fun.

The Core
1926 Valley Park Drive, Cedar Falls, IA 50613
319-277-1835

TX – FCBD: Chewbacca Signs

Peter Mayhew, the actor behind Chewbacca in the Star Wars films, is the first featured guest for this years’ Free Comic Book Day at Zeus Comics on Saturday May 4, 2013 from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm! Signatures and signed 8x10s are $30 each. Photos with guests are $10 each.

*JUST ADDED*

Writer/Artist Phil Jimenez – Amazing Spider-Man, Fairest, Infinite Crisis, Invisibles, JLA/Teen Titans, New X-Men, Wonder Woman

Artist Stephen Sadowski – Avengers, Avengers/Invaders, Fairest, JSA, Warlord of Mars. Stephen Sadowski is taking advance commissions $75.00 for inked and marker shaded 9×12 single character. These are limited. Details and sign-up at Zeus.

Web cartoonist RK Milholland – Something Positive

Artist Robert Wilson – Knuckleheads

Artist Chad Thomas – Mega Man

Artist Benjamin Hall - Dead at 17: Protectorate, Simon Squareskull

Additional appearances by costumed characters like Captain Rex!

Guests will have merchandise, art and more on sale. Signatures, sketches vary by guest.

Geeksout and Zeus Comics are hosting one of our award-winning LGBT mixers in honor of Phil Jimenez and Stephen Sadowski. Details soon. Friday May 3rd 6-9pm at the Dallas Eagle

RSVP on Facebook!

Zeus Comics
1334 Inwood Road, Dallas, TX 75247

UK – Size Matters Not Signing

Warwick Davis signs at Forbidden Planet on Tuesday 18 October 2011 from 18:00 – 19:00!

London Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR

Press Release:

WARWICK DAVIS will be signing his fantastic biography Size Matters Not at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Wednesday 21st October 6 – 7pm

Who else has helped destroy a Death Star? Defeated an evil sorceress? Taught magic to Harry Potter? Become a Jedi Master? Hitchhiked across the galaxy in search of the answer to the Ultimate Question? Or embarked on psychotic killing sprees as a gold-obsessed leprechaun? You’ll know Warwick Davis because, at three-foot-six, he’s ever so slightly below average height.

George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Val Kilmer, Ron Howard and Ricky Gervais (amongst others) have all chipped in to this astounding book Size Matters Not. Warwick A. Davis made his screen debut as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi. His extremely rare condition has led to a career as the world’s leading little actor. He also runs Willow Management, an agency representing actors below five feet and above seven, and lives in Peterborough with his wife, Sam and their two children, Annabel and Harrison. This is an extraordinary story.

 

UK – Straight from the Force’s Mouth Signing Tour

Dave Prowse signs copies of his new autobiography at Waterstones books across the U.K. later this year. The book launches on September 15th.

The dates for the book signings are -

October 15th – Waterstones – Croydon
October 22nd – Waterstones – Sheffield
October 29th – Waterstones – Cambridge
November 5th – Waterstones – Bristol
November 12th – Waterstones – Kingston on Thames
December 10th – Waterstones – Wandsworth

UK – Size Matters Not Signing

Warwick Davis signs his fantastic biography Size Matters Not at the Forbidden Planet Megastore, 179 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, WC2H 8JR, on Thursday 15th April 6 – 7pm

You may not recognise Warwick Davis’ name but you’ve seen him at work – he’s helped put more bums on cinema seats than Will Smith. Who else has helped destroy a Death Star? Defeated an evil sorceress? Taught magic to Harry Potter? Become a Jedi Master? Hitchhiked across the galaxy in search of the answer to the Ultimate Question? Or embarked on psychotic killing sprees as a gold-obsessed leprechaun? You’ll know Warwick Davis because, at three-foot-six, he’s ever so slightly below average height.
 
George Lucas, Carrie Fisher, Val Kilmer, Ron Howard and Ricky Gervais (amongst others) have all chipped in to this astounding book Size Matters Not. Warwick A. Davis made his screen debut as Wicket the Ewok in Return of the Jedi. His extremely rare condition has led to a career as the world’s leading little actor. He also runs Willow Management, an agency representing actors below five feet and above seven, and lives in Peterborough with his wife, Sam and their two children, Annabel and Harrison. This is an extraordinary story.
 
Forbidden Planet is the largest store of its kind in the world. Some of the biggest names in Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics and Cult Entertainment have come to our London Megastore for signing events, including: Sam Raimi, Guillermo del Toro, Terry Gilliam, Christopher Lee, Andy Serkis, Simon Pegg, William Gibson, Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett and Stephen King.
 
For more news about our signings please go to the website