Comic-Con International has completely gone beyond the realm of comic books. Movies, books, action figures, retailers, television, and more have made Comic-Con the end all be all place for pop culture goodness. This isn't to say though that comic books have been phased out, quite the opposite. Comics are still a central part of Comic-Con and the main reason why many still go. You can find some fantastic comic related items if you just look hard enough. Here is a list of some of the top comic related panels at this years Comic Con International.
1. Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards
Comic-Con International
This has become the crown jewel of Comic-Con and has been aptly named the "Oscars" of the comic book world. It is free to all convention goers and will include some of comics biggest talents and even those from the land of Hollywood as presenters. One cool thing this year is that all attendees will be given a free Will Eisner comic book.
Time: Friday, 8:30pm-11:30pmLocation: Indigo Ballroom, San Diego Hilton Bayfront
2. CBLDF Master Sessions
The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund fights for 1st Ammendment rights of comic creators, fans, and retailers. They provide legal support and counsel to those that cannot do it themselves. They have a bevy of high profile comic creator "Master Sessions" that will surely delight comic book fans. The five creators they have lined up is Inking with Paul Pope, Character Design with Rob Liefeld, Watercolors with Jill Thompson, Drawing Characters with Terry Moore, and Body Language with Darrick Robertson. The fruits of their panel labors will be sold off at the CBLDF auction.
Time: Various
Locations: Various
3. Marvel: Mondo Marvel
There is a ton of talent associated with this panel. This is probably the best place to get the latest scoop on what is going on in the Marvel Universe. "Panelists include Jeph Loeb (Hulk), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Marvel's talent liaison C. B. Cebulski, Dan Abnett andAndy Lanning (The Thanos Imperative), Jim McCann (Hawkeye & Mockingbird), senior editor Mark Paniccia, and more..." Sounds like a great lineup to me.
Time: Thursday, 3:15pm-4:15pm
Location: Room 6DE
4. DC Nation Special Edition
Hosted by co-publishers Dan Didio and Jim Lee, this panel is the DC Nation State of the Union address. You can bet there will be some huge announcements at this one. Don't miss this one if you are a fan of the DC Universe.
Time: Friday, 4:15pm-5:15pm
Location: Room 6DE
5. The Image Comics Show
Looking for the scoop on Image Comics? Than this is the place for you. This panel has a bunch of comic creators attached to it including Marc Guggenheim, Joe Kelly, Robert Kirkman, John Layman, Ben McCool, and Nick Spencer. This is going to be a great panel with one of comics top independent publishers.
Time: Friday, 2:30-3:30
Location: Room 3
6. CBLDF Benefit Auction
Touted as CBLDF's, "...biggest auction of the year!" This is the auction to help support free speech in the world of comics. There will be a ton of original art at the auction that will include the results from the Masters Sessions. This is one place a fan of original art cannot miss and the fact that the proceeds go to help support free speech is a great thing.
Time: Saturday, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: Room 3
7. Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way
Many fans dream of becoming the next comic book artist or writer, and Marvel is one of the top places to be. This panel is dedicated to helping you become the next writer, artist, or editor. Panel host C. B. Cebulski will be joined by Marvel superstars Brian Michael Bendis, Matt Fraction, Skottie Young, Humberto Ramos, and more.
Time: Thursday, 12:45pm-1:45pm
Location: Room 6DE
8. Partners in Image Comics
Want to know about the future of Image Comics? This panel features five of Image Comics partners - Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Todd McFarlane, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. This Q&A is another must for Image Comics fans.
Time: Saturday, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Location: Room 9
9. Dark Horse Comics: Make Contact in 2010
Dark Horse is one of the top independent publishers out there today and this is the place to get the scoop on what is doing down at the Horse. The panel includes fan favorite Gerard Way, Janet Evanovich, and more talent from Dark Horse. You can be sure there will be some great announcements here.
Time: Friday, 11:30am-12:30pm
Location: Room 3
10. Top Shelf 2010: Sweden, Japan, and so much more!
Top Shelf Productions
Top Shelf has been a big up and coming indy publisher and their business practices have caught the eye and business of none other than Alan Moore. They have also had a hand in showcasing some great comics talent over the years. They are taking a big plunge into bringing Swedish comics to America and will be bringing in some of Top Shelf's top talent!
Time: Friday, 5:30pm-6:30pm
Location: Room 9
