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!

CA – The Fifth Beatle Signing

Artist Andrew Robinson signs at The Comic Bug on Wednesday, March 5th, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and then from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. He’ll have graphic novels and gorgeous art prints available to dazzle your eyes!

RSVP on Facebook!

The Comic Bug
1807 Manhattan Beach Boulevard, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

SF – James Robinson Signs

Writer James Robinson (Fantastic Four, The Saviors) signs at Comic Outpost on Wednesday, February 26, 2014 from 5:00 till 7:00 PM!

Comic Outpost
2381 Ocean Ave., San Francisco, CA 94127
(415) 239-2669

CA – The Fifth Beatle Signing

Artist Andrew Robinson signs at CornerStoreComics on Friday, December 6, 2013 from 5:00pm until 7:00pm!

RSVP on Facebook!

CA – Free Comic Book Day 2013

Gene Luen Yang, James Robinson, Matt Hawkins, Alexis Fajardo, Vicki Scott, and Justin Thompson appear on Saturday May 4, 2013 for Free Comic Book Day!

RSVP on Facebook!

11am-2pm
Vicki Scott, penciller (Boom Studios’ PEANUTS)
Alexis Fajardo, writer/editor (Boom Studios’ PEANUTS)
Justin Thompson, inker/storyteller (Boom Studios’ PEANUTS)

2pm-5pm 
Gene Luen Yang (Avatar: The Last Airbender, American Born Chinese)
James Robinson (DC Comics Earth-2, Starman)

4pm-7pm
Matt Hawkins (Top Cow Studios’ Aphrodite IX, Think Tank)

Character Appearances:
Darth Vader

Flying Colors Comics
2980 Treat Blvd (at Oak Grove Rd), Concord, CA 94518

NC – Free Comic Book Day 2013

Adam Hughes, Brian Stelfreeze, Tony Harris, Jason Latour, Cully Hamner, Francesco Francavilla, and many more sign at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find on Saturday May 4, 2013 for Free Comic Book Day!

Free Comic Book Day 2013 @ Heroes is going to be our biggest and best yet! Come out on May 4th to meet more great comic creators than we have ever had at this fun annual event! Also, it says it right there in the name but in case you missed it, there will be lots of FREE COMICS to choose from too! Check out our awesome guest list and save the date!

• CHRIS BRUNNER – Artist: Loose Ends, Batman: Legends of the Dark Knight, The Ride

• IAN FLYNN – Writer: Sonic the Hedgehog, Mega Man

• FRANCESCO FRANCAVILLA – Writer/Artist: Black Beetle Artist: Captain America & Black Widow, Detective Comics

• SANFORD GREENE – Artist: Rotten Apple, Deadpool, Wonder Girl, Method Man GN

• CULLY HAMNER – Artist: Red, The Question, Detective Comics, Black Lightning

• JOHN HAIRSTON JR. – Painter

• DUSTIN HARBIN – Writer/Artist: DIARY COMICS, Nutted!, DHARBIN!

• TONY HARRIS – Artist: JSA: Whistling Skull, Ex Machina, Starman, War Heroes

• ADAM HUGHES – Artist: Before Watchmen: Doctor Manhattan, Fairest, Wonder Woman, Catwoman

• JUSTIN JORDAN – Writer: Legend of Luther Strode, Superboy, Deathstroke, Green Lantern: New Guardians

• JASON LATOUR – Writer: Winter Soldier, Loose Ends,Wolverine: Japan’s Most Wanted Artist: B.P.R.D., Django Unchained

• JACKIE LEWIS – Artist: Play Ball

• TRADD MOORE – Artist: Legend of Luther Strode, Legends of the Dark Knight

• ERAKLIS PETMEZAS – Writer/Artist: Last Cigarette

• JAY POTTS – Writer/Artist: World of Hurt

• RIDDLE – Cosplayer

• BUDD ROOT – Writer/Artist: Cavewoman

• ANDY SMITH – Artist: The First, Weapon X, Green Lantern, WWE Heroes, Flex and Tone

• BRIAN STELFREEZE – Artist: Domino, Matador, Batman: Shadow of the Bat

NOTE that free sketches are at the discretion of the artists, and are not guaranteed. So, mark that date on your calendar folks! Get here early on Saturday, May 4th at Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find will be a great time and you won’t want to miss it!

Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find 
1957 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

NYC – The Dude and the Zen Master Sign

Jeff Bridges and Bernie Glassman sign on Tuesday January 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM.

Barnes & Noble – Union Square
33 East 17th Street, New York, NY 10003
212-253-0810

NV – Alternate Reality Comics Signing

  

JH Willliams III, James Robinson, Chris Wisnia, and Pere Perez sign at Alternate Reality Comics on Sunday, October 21st from 2:00pm-5:00pm.

Artist / writer JH Willliams III (Batwoman, Promethea, Batman: Black Glove, Desolation Jones)

Writer James Robinson (of legendary Starman fame, also Shade, Earth 2, Golden Age, Justice Society)

Artist/writer (debuting a new hardcover graphic novel called Monstrosis, featuring Kirby-esque monster action!)

and Artist Pere Perez (Smallville Season 11, Batgirl, Detective Comics Annual, and many other DC comics)

Alternate Reality Comics
4800 S. Maryland Pkwy ste. D, Las Vegas, NV 89119
702-736-3673

GA – FCBD: Ex Machina Signing

Tony Harris signs on Saturday May 5, 2012 from noon to 5:00pm for Free Comic Book Day!!

Tony Harris – Illustrator of such works as Starman, Ex Machina and Obergeist, and winner of multiple Eisner awards for best cover artist will be on hand to sign and mingle with fans.

Titan Games & Comics – Duluth
2103 Pleasant Hill Rd, Duluth, GA 30096

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