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CCI Comics-Only Programming
posted July 6, 2006
 

Thursday, July 20

10:30-11:30 Comic Arts Conference Session #1: Myths for the Modern Age -- In the tradition of Philip José Farmer's famous hoax biography Tarzan Alive, contributors to Myths for the Modern Age: Philip Jose Farmer's Wold Newton Universe (MonkeyBrain Books) present their parascholarship with a straight face, treating comic book as the reports of the adventures of real-life people. Win Eckert ("Foreword," Tarzan Alive) brings forward evidence to show that DC Comics' Doc Savage series of the 1990s, dismissed by many scholars because of numerous inconsistencies, in fact portrays events from Doc Savage's life consistent with the original pulp super-sagas. Brad Mengel settles the longstanding question of the Man of Bronze's true family name --"Savage" as asserted in the pulps, or --"Wildman" as Farmer revealed in Doc Savage: His Apocalyptic Life. Chuck Loridans reveals evidence recently uncovered from the files of Richard Henry Benson (aka The Avenger) that suggests that the Jungle Lord may have sired two daughters, Modesty Blaise and Nellie Gray. John Small presents a compelling case that the woman known as Vampirella was born Anita Santiago and adventured with Zorro as Lady Rawhide. Peter Coogan (Superhero: The Secret Origin of a Genre) pulls the curtain back and discusses the principles of Wold-Newtonry employed in the essays. Room 7B

10:30-11:30 AK Comics USA -- Introducing a foreign-based comics company into the American market: Ayman Kandeel (founder and CEO), Marwan El Nashar (managing director), Daerick Gross (editor-in-chief), Tony Matta (creative director), and Rafeal Kras (artist, Aya and Zein) explain how the Cairo-based company approached and executed the company's recent U.S. launch. Learn how AK Comics introduced its four characters into the American comic book world! Room 8

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 1 -- Find out what DC Comics is looking for when it comes to artists and whether you have the right stuff to draw for the DC Universe, WildStorm, or Vertigo! This informative orientation session will explain how DC's Talent Search works. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory; not all attendees are guaranteed a review. Room 9

11:00-12:00 Digital Webbing: 5 Years Later -- In June of 2001, the aspiring creators of the digitalwebbing.com message board convinced the board's owner to do a one shot showcase so they could have something to show editors at conventions. In 2006, that "one shot" has just released it's 29th issue and Digital Webbing Press has become home to Bloodrayne, Zombie Highway, Christopher Golden's Thundergod and (this fall) Joe Staton and Nicola Cuti's E-Man. Chris and Ryan Ottley (Lost Squad from Devil's Due, Invincible from Image), Tony Lee (Doctor Who, Starship Troopers) and other DW Presents alumni will look back at the anthology as well as discuss upcoming projects. Room 1B

11:00-1:00 Comic Book Law School 101: "Let's Start at the Beginning" -- A very good place to start . . . to start learning how to protect your intellectual property rights, that is. Learn the basics of copyright and trademark law in this popular interactive lecture series brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book (and the forthcoming Trademark, Licensing and Copyright Book graphic novel). This first workshop will cover the basics of protection and ownership of ideas, characters, and names from their point of creation forward. Attendees will participate in an interactive discussion about basic rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, then have the opportunity to work together in developing a game plan to protect a new comic book series proposal in preparation of shopping the proposal to publishers. And along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections, and pitfalls, of the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Room 3

11:30-12:30 DC Nation -- Come one, come all, and join the DC Nation!! Meet Dan DiDio, senior VP/executive editor DCU, as he invites you to be part of the revolution! Discuss surviving a Crisis, living in a world One Year Later, and discover the weekly magic of 52. Rise up, and shout. The Nation is waiting! Room 5AB

11:30-12:30 Del Rey Manga -- Same-old same-old? Not on your life! Panelists Dallas Middaugh (associate publisher of Del Rey Manga), Betsy Mitchell (Del Rey editor-in-chief), and Mutsumi Miyazaki (director of licensing and acquisitions) will talk about the new direction for Del Rey Manga. They'll have some exciting news this time around, folks. You can read about it on the Internet, or you can attend and tell your kids that you were actually there when Del Rey announced...to be continued! Room 8

11:30-12:30 Planetwide Games' Comic Book Creator -- Kevin Donovan (Planetwide Games) and Greg Short (Sony Online Entertainment) will be demonstrating this revolutionary self-publishing comic book software that allows anyone (not just the professionals) the simple ability to "drag and drop" to create their own comic book, using digital pictures and video game screen shots. In addition, see a preview of the new releases of the Comic Book Creator software and a demo from Sony Online Entertainment of the web-enabled version of SOE Comic Book Creator and the online web-enabled version. Room 9

12:00-1:00 Prism Comics: Increasing LGBT Visibility -- Meet the all-volunteer force behind the comics industry's only nonprofit organization supporting LGBT creators, stories, and readers, and learn how you can join in. Prism's accomplishments, activities, and upcoming plans will be discussed by the organization's officers and committee chairs, as well as members of its advisory board, which includes Paige Braddock (Jane's World), Colleen Coover (Banana Sunday), Tim Fish (Strugglers), Terrance Griep (Victoria's Secret Service), Patricia Jeres (former director of marketing communications for DC Comics), Andy Mangels (best-selling Star Trek author and DVD producer), Richard Neal (owner, Zeus Comics, Dallas, TX), Joe Phillips (artist, Cali Boys; writer-director, Stonewall and Riot), and José Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love). Room 1B

12:30-1:30 Beyond Wallpapers: Today's Mobile Comics -- Mobile comics have come of age with top titles from all genres: TOKYOPOP manga, superheroes, humor, and alternative. GoComics, the leader in mobile comics, brings together a panel covering every aspect of the field. Folks at the center of the new medium --creators, publishers, software developers, distributors, and service providers --will discuss bringing the full comics experience to your phone. Panelists include Jeff Webber, GoComics content director; Peter Maresca, GoComics creative director; Jeremy Ross, TOKYOPOP editorial director; Matt Fraction, writer, Punisher War Journal; Travis Beaven, project manager UIEvolution; and Scott Stemmermann, Sprint product marketing manager. Room 1A

12:30-2:00 Comics Editors on Comics Editing -- The writers and artists justly get the kudos for great comics --and the brickbats for rotten ones. But behind the scenes, the comics editor --the interface between the creators and the business folks --does mysterious, unsung work. Join top editors Bob Schreck (group editor, Vertigo, Batman), Jim Salicrup (editor-in-chief, Papercutz), Diana Schutz (senior editor, Dark Horse), Lee Nordling (executive editor, Platinum Studios), and a couple of surprise guests as they talk about what it is they do --and tell tales out of school about your favorite characters and creators. They'll answer your questions, too. Moderated by longtime Spider-Man group editor Danny Fingeroth (How to Create Comics from Script to Print). Room 4

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Brian Bolland -- One of both Britain's and the comics world's most respected artists, Brian Bolland is best known for his incredible covers here in the U.S. on such books as Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Batman: Gotham Knights, not to mention his work on Judge Dredd. Moderated by Richard Bruning, DC's senior VP/creative director. Room 5AB

12:30-2:00 Coloring for Comics: Advanced Coloring Techniques -- Here's your chance to ask the pros what process they use to color your favorite comics. Following last year's successful beginning and advanced panels, coloring pros will answer all your questions and show you how it's done. Featured colorists will be David Baron (Firestorm, Stormwatch), Jeromy Cox (Catwoman, Teen Titans, DMZ), Patrick McEvoy (The Gatesville Company), Alex Sinclair (Wonder Woman, 52), Snakebite (The Red Star), and Dave Stewart (Hellboy, Conan). Room 8

1:00-2:00 Spotlight on Andy Runton -- Andy Runton has charmed audiences young and old with his series of Owly graphic novels, published by Top Shelf. The silent adventures of the little winged bird have earned him a 2006 Eisner nomination for last year's Owly: Flying Lessons. Andy talks about his creation and his work. Room 1B

1:00-2:00 Andrew Pepoy's Professional Networking Seminar -- Get set for a weekend of pressing the flesh and selling yourself with this popular Comic-Con seminar! Being talented just isn't enough. Getting work and continuing to work in the comic book and comic strip publishing world often means knowing the right people, too. Inker and writer/artist Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables, Katy Keene) brings back his popular seminar to help teach you how to get out there and use Comic-Con to its fullest networking potential. Take advantage of this early time slot to put some of Andrew's good advice to work over the next few days! Room 3

1:00-2:00 Rosario Dawson: Occult Crimes Taskforce -- Rosario Dawson, star of Sin City and Clerks 2, will be joined by her creative team members David Atchison and Tony Shasteen, as well as 12 Gauge Comics' Keven Gardner (The Ride), for a Q&A session about their debut comic series, Occult Crimes Taskforce! Room 6B

1:00-2:30 Comic Arts Conference Session #3: Comics...When Pictures and Words Collide! -- Explore three unique and valuable perspectives on comics, from concept to creation to publication. Famed author RC Harvey (The Art of the Comic Book; The Genius of Winsor McCay) provides insights into the dynamic process of combining art and text. Legendary artist Rick Geary (Graphic Classics; Victorian Murders) describes how he transforms novels and biographies into comics literature. And renowned graphic designer Chip Kidd (Book One; Batman Collected) reveals his book selection process as editor of Pantheon's graphic novel line. Noted writer Michael Dooley (The Education of a Comics Artist) moderates this profusely illustrated session. Room 7B

1:00-3:00 Marv Wolfman and Barbara Kesel: Creating Comics Characters -- Marv Wolfman, the fan favorite writer-creator of Blade, Black Cat, Bullseye, and The New Teen Titans, joins forces with writer/editor Barbara Randall Kesel (Dark Crystal manga) and shares tips and tricks on how to add the little memorable quirks that make a character come to life, or how to create one out of thin air! Room 24A

1:30-3:00 Aspen Comics Outlook for 2006 and Beyond -- Join the Aspen team, including Michael Turner) Soulfire), Frank Mastromauro (Shrugged), Peter Steigerwald (Soulfire), JT Krul (Fathom), Koi Turnbull (Fathom), Marcus To (Soulfire: Chaos Reign), Micah Gunnell (Shrugged), Vince Hernandez (Aspen Seasons), Beth Sotelo (Shrugged), Mark Roslan (director), and Jessica Blackwell of Aspen as they forecast their late 2006 and early 2007 releases. The team will also participate in a Q&A session. All fans in attendance will receive a free voucher for one comic book of their choice up to a $10 value at the Aspen Comics booth. Room 5AB

1:30-2:15 Spotlight on Tommy Kovac -- This question-and-answer session with Tommy Kovac, writer of SLG's Wonderland comic book and the creator of Autumn, a creator-owned series that he writes and draws, will be conducted by SLG publisher Dan Vado. Room 9

2:00-3:30 Batman: The Golden/Silver Age -- A look at the Caped Crusader and the Boy Wonder in their early, glory days with some of the men who made them happen: Sheldon Moldoff, Jerry Robinson, Jim Mooney, Arnold Drake, Alvin Schwartz and Joe Giella. Mark Evanier moderates. Room 8

2:15-3:00 Spotlight on Greg Weisman -- Greg Weisman is best known as the creator of the popular Gargoyles cartoon series, which appeared on Disney's afternoon animated lineup in the late 90s. Gargoyles has returned this year as part of SLG Publishing's Disney Comics line. Join Greg as he discusses the Gargoyles comic book series and answers questions about both the comic and the show. Moderated by SLG publisher Dan Vado. Room 9

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Linda Medley -- The fan-favorite and Eisner Award–winning creator of Castle Waiting relaunches her book at Comic-Con. Linda Medley starts anew with Castle Waiting in a brand new series from Fantagraphics. Gary Groth interviews Linda about her career and the new CW series. Room 1A

2:30-4:00 New Challenges in Self-Publishing -- In recent years, comics self-publishers have had to take a hard look at the best way to present their work. Webcomics, pamphlet publishing versus graphic novel format, print on demand --all of these factor into the way creators publish their own work. Among the hardy band of successful long-term creators discussing these new challenges are moderator Batton Lash (Supernatural Law), Kyle Baker (The Bakers, Nat Turner), Paige Braddock (Jane's World), Rich Koslowski (The 3 Geeks), and Comic-Con special guest Phil Foglio (Girl Genius). Room 7B

3:00-4:00 IDW Publishing and the Transformers: More Than Meets the IDW -- Next summer the big-budget Transformers movie hits the world! But this summer, you can get an advance look at IDW's plans for their TF comics leading up to the release of that movie, as well as talk about all the other TF titles in the works for 2006 and 2007! Join IDW publisher/ChrisCharger Chris Ryall, along with editor Dan Taylor, artists Don Figueroa (The Transformers: Beast Wars), E. J. Su (The Transformers: Infiltration), and other surprise Autobots and Decepticons who might stop by the panel. Room 4

3:00-4:30 Marvel Comics: Civil War -- The best-selling book of the new millennium has plunged the Marvel Universe into war, pitting friend against friend. Come in for a debriefing and get a sneak peek at what's to come from Joe Quesada and J. Michael Straczynski (Amazing Spider-Man), Paul Jenkins (Civil War: Front Line), Marc Guggenheim (Wolverine), Robert and Charles Knauf (Iron Man), and many more! Also, surprise announcements from Jeph Loeb (Ultimates 3) and Frank Cho (New Avengers). Room 6A

3:00-4:00 Spotlight on John Wagner -- One of Britain's most popular comics writers has made a significant impact in American comics, too. John Wagner is best known for his work as co-creator of Judge Dredd, but he's also the writer behind the original graphic novel A History of Violence, which was made into a critically acclaimed motion picture by David Cronenberg last year. Wagner presents a visual presentation at this panel, titled "A Life in Comics," which includes a look at his career and British comics in general. Moderated by former DC/Paradox Press editor Andy Helfer. Room 9

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Jimmy Palmiotti -- He's one of comics' most popular inkers, and he's developed quite a sideline in writing, too! Jimmy Palmiotti talks about his always busy comics work (including Jonah Hex, Superman Returns prequels, JSA: Classified, and much more) and welcomes his friend John Heffernan, screenwriter of Snakes on a Plane and artist Amanda Conner in this special spotlight event. Room 1A

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Carmine Infantino -- His career spans the Golden and Silver Ages of comics, but Carmine Infantino is best remembered for his incredible work at DC in the 50s and 60s. As an artist, he reenvisioned the Flash and jump-started the Silver Age. He reinvigorated Batman, redesigned Batgirl, and was the artist on such fan favorites as Adam Strange and The Elongated Man. In the mid-1960s he took over DC as editorial director, then publisher. The AACC's David Armstrong interviews Mr. Infantino about his illustrious career. Room 2

3:30-4:30 The Sergio and Mark Show -- Yeah, it's them again. Sergio Aragonés, Mark Evanier, Stan Sakai, and Tom Luth give you this year's excuse for why there have been no new Groo comics, along with their usual promises that this condition will not persist for much longer. Plus other funny stuff. Room 8

4:00-5:00 Broccoli Books/Synch-Point -- Shizuki Yamashita and Dietrich Seto head up the English production team behind hit manga and anime releases such as Aquarian Age --Juvenile Orion (graphic novel), Galaxy Angel (graphic novel), Leave it to Piyoko (graphic novel), KAMUI (graphic novel), Yoki Koto Kiku (graphic novel), the upcoming Disgaea (graphic novel), FLCL (DVD), and Di Gi Charat the Original Series (DVD). Join them for announcements and a Q&A session, plus some nice promo stuff for attendees. Room 7B

4:30-6:00 TwoMorrows Publishing/Comic Book Nerd -- See excerpts and outtakes from Pete Von Sholly's ;hilarious spoof of the fan press, Comic Book Nerd, in an exclusive video presentation! See the TwoMorrows editorial staff --John Morrow (Jack Kirby Collector), Mike Manley (DRAW!), Michael Eury (Back Issue!), Danny Fingeroth (Write Now!), and Eric Nolen-Weathington (Modern Masters) --exact their revenge on Pete for making fun of their mags! And learn about new and upcoming TwoMorrows publications in this multimedia extravaganza! Room 1A

4:30-6:00 Spotlight on George Pérez -- One of comics' most popular artists for over 30 years, George Pérez has a résumé that contains a who's who of comics' most memorable characters. Now working exclusively for DC, and an integral part of their recent Infinite Crisis, George talks about his career and opens up the floor to Q&A. Room 5AB

4:30-5:30 Spotlight on Daniel Clowes -- One of the most respected writer/artists in comics, Dan Clowes also has the distinction of being nominated for an Academy Award for best writing (screenplay based on material previously produced or published) for Ghost World in 2001. Art School Confidential, another film based on Clowes's comics, hit indie theater screens earlier this year. Clowes's evocative, character-driven work along with his distinctive drawing style has made books like Eightball, Ghost World, Ice Haven, and Caricature both fan and mainstream favorites. Fantagraphics' Eric Reynolds interviews Dan in this rare programming appearance. Room 8

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Brian Fies -- It started as catharsis. Brian Fies chronicled the experience of his mother, going through treatment for cancer, in webcomics form. And before he knew it, Brian had found an audience of people with similar experiences, who told more people about his online comics. In 2005, Mom's Cancer won the first-ever Eisner Award for Best Digital Comic. The story was recently published in graphic novel form by Abrams Image. Brian talks about his work and what's next for this "accidental" graphic novelist. Room 1B

5:00-6:00 The Comic Art Prof Show: How to Create Successful Comics Page Layouts -- Young comic artists focus on learning to draw. Great comic artists master the page. Good page design brings clarity, rhythm, accent, and life to your comics. Starting with the basics, such as balloon placement and panel shapes, and stepping up to more advanced layout concepts, such as pacing and style, The Comic Art Prof (a.k.a. Christian Hill of the National Association of Comic Art Educators) will show you the processes professionals use in mainstream and alternative comics, manga, and Eurocomics to lay out impeccable and unforgettable pages. Room 3

5:00-6:00 Spotlight on Brian Walker -- Cartoonist, author, and museum curator Brian Walker provides an entertaining overview of his multifaceted career as both a creator and a comics scholar, including what it was like growing up in an extended cartoon family with famous artists as personal friends. Learn how the Museum of Cartoon Art was founded in 1974 and see an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the production process for the syndicated comic strips Beetle Bailey and Hi and Lois. Brian will conclude with a presentation of rare and spectacular artwork from his two-volume history, The Comics Before 1945 and The Comics Since 1945, followed by a Q&A session. Room 9


5:30-7:00 Spotlight on Jerry Robinson -- A chat with one of the true Golden Age Greats, as well as a popular syndicated cartoonist and past president of the National Cartoonists Society, Jerry Robinson. Mark Evanier moderates, plus a preview of a new documentary about the man and his legendary work. Room 8

6:00-7:00 Komikwerks: Actionopolis -- Shannon Eric Denton (Jimmy Neutron), Dan Mishkin (Amethyst), Rob M. Worley (Young Ancient One), Rick Hoberg (Avengers), Gary Reed (Frankenstein), Mike Dubisch (Dungeons & Dragons), Bruce Zick (Pixar), and Michael Geiger (Sony) have established their own corner of the Actionopolis Universe with exciting new YA titles hitting bookstores this summer: The Forest King, Heir to Fire, Spirit of the Samurai, The Anubis Tapestry, and Blackfoot Braves Society. Join these creators for this one-on-one interview and Q&A session! Room 1A

6:00-7:00 Heroic Publishing: Liberty Girl -- Want proof that patriotism in the comics is far from dead? Dennis Mallonee (writer) and Mark Sparacio (artist) have teamed up to bring you the return of America's legendary bronze goddess of freedom, the Liberty Girl! They (and maybe a couple of surprise guests) will be fielding questions about the character, and talking about the deeper meanings of how and why the Liberty Girl came to be. Come find out what all the buzz is about! Room 1B

6:00-7:00 Gumby Comics -- Where has Gumby been? Is it true he's running for president? What's Pokey's last name? You may find the answers to these questions and more, as writer Bob Burden moderates a Q&A session with artist Rick Geary, colorist Steve Oliff, editor Mel Smith, and Premavision's Robert Thompson. They'll be discussing the new Gumby comics series from Wildcard Ink as well as what's coming next from the green boy of clay. Expect lots of sneak peeks at 2007 projects and the return of Gumby! The first 50 fans dressed up as characters from Gumby will win a special gift. Room 2

6:00-7:00 Webcomics 101: Getting Started -- It's easy to make a webcomic, but hard to do it well. Bill Barnes (Unshelved) asks fellow web cartoonists Dave Kellett (Sheldon), Jon Rosenberg (Goats), Brian Fies (Mom's Cancer), and Phil Foglio (Girl Genius) why they went online and what artistic, business, and technological choices they made. Room 3

6:00-7:00 CMX: Mega Manga -- They come from Japan: some of the most exciting and captivating comics you'll ever read! Now, DC Comics presents some of Japan's most renowned manga, including Kamikaze Kaito Jeanne, Emma, Densha Otoko, Land of the Blindfolded, and from America, Megatokyo. Join writer/artist Fred Gallagher (Megatokyo), WildStorm director of manga Asako Suzuki, and manga editor Jim Chadwick for this trans-Pacific panel! Room 4

6:00-7:00 Random House Publishing Group Graphic Novels -- The Random House Publishing Group are the publishers of Harvey Pekar's American Splendor and Flight 3, edited by Kazu Kabuishi. Two of the company's newest titles are the critically acclaimed Elk's Run and the highly anticipated Dark Wraith of Shannara. Join Kazu Kabuishi and Joshua Hale Fialkov, as well as the RHPG editors, to hear more about these books as well as Random House's graphic novel plans for the future. Room 7B

Friday, July 21

10:30-11:30 Blank Label Comics -- The groundbreaking independent comics co-op offers a look at its unique recipe for success and explains why "webcomics" are dead. Moderated by the hosts of the popular Blank Label Comics podcast, Dave Kellett (Sheldon) and Kristofer Straub (Starslip Crisis), the panel will include David Willis (Shortpacked!), Paul Taylor (Wapsi Square), Howard Tayler (Schlock Mercenary), Steve Troop (Melonpool), and Brad Guigar (Evil Inc.). Room 1A

10:30-11:30 TOKYOPOP Manga Industry -- Manga is evolving everyday and TOKYOPOP is leading the Manga Revolution. Check out new projects and the latest releases and acquisitions from around the world, as TOKYOPOP editors Rob Tokar, Lillian Diaz-Przybyl, Alexis Kirsch, and Kathy Hilling and marketing reps Jonathan Chen and Josh Pool present the inside info you just have to hear firsthand. Also, special guest Kim Jae-Hwan --creator of the King of Hell and artist for the Warcraft manga --will be on hand to take questions and speak about his work with TOKYOPOP. Room 1B

10:30-12:00 Comic Book Law School 202: Money Makes the World Go 'Round! -- Learn the basics of copyright and trademark law in this popular interactive lecture series. This second workshop brought to you by noted attorney Michael Lovitz will cover some of the more complicated issues facing creators who are looking to actually market their creations and ideas, including transfers and licensing of rights, marketing, merchandising and distribution, and what to do when Hollywood comes knocking. This interactive seminar gives attendees the opportunity to participate in the discussions as Lovitz covers various means for profiting from your creations, and (time permitting) to participate in a mock contract negotiation! Room 3

10:30-11:30 The 9/11 Report: A Graphic Adaptation -- The new graphic novel The 9/11 Report by Sid Jacobson and Ernie Colón asks the question, "Can a comic get Americans to study, reflect and act?" This panel will explore comic nonfiction as a way to clarify, explain, and engage readers with recent history and current events. Specifically, it will talk about the process of scripting, illustrating, and publishing a graphic rendering of the official 9/11 Report to assure integrity with the report and its findings, to capture its breadth and urgency, and to convey the explicit call for action in the Commission's recommendations. The creators stated mission: "by picture, by design, by graphic continuity, by words, by every method we have learned over the years, we want to tell the commission's calamitous story so that every person viewing it will understand what happened and realize all its frightening implications." Writer Sid Jacobson was the managing editor and editor in chief for Harvey Comics, where he created Richie Rich. Ernie Colón, the artist, has worked at Harvey, Marvel, and DC Comics. Room 4

10:30-11:30 Marvel: Spider-Man: Then and Now -- Welcome, True Believers, to a once-in-a-lifetime event! In one room for the first and only time, join the men who have influenced Spider-Man's life from the beginning and those who are shaping him into the man he is today: Stan Lee, Joe Quesada, and J. Michael Straczynski! Find out what went into creating the world's greatest superhero and what the future holds for the wall-crawler. Room 6A

10:30-12:00 Comic Arts Conference Session #4: Superman and the Heroic Ideal -- Alex Boney (Ohio State University) discusses how a central aspect of the Superman myth --fighting through the web of constraints placed on American hopes and aspirations by modernity --grew directly out of Captain John Smith's portrayal of himself in his narrative of his adventures published in 1630. Peter B. Lloyd (Whole-Being Books) surveys Superman's use of extra-judicial violence in defense of law and order in the post-9/11 era. Barry Morris (Pace University) discusses the challenge of postmodern critical inquiry to the idea of the superhero as an icon, and how the chroniclers of Superman have respond to this challenge. Clare Pitkethly (La Trobe University) explores the collision of Old World ideology and New World identity in the early presentations of Superman and Wonder Woman. Room 7B

10:30-12:00 Impact University: How to Write and Draw Comics and Graphic Novels -- Some of the biggest names in comics will teach you what it takes to make it in comics and graphic novels. Our star-studded faculty panel this year includes Peter David (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, X-Factor), Marv Wolfman (Crisis on Infinite Earths, New Teen Titans), Matt Haley (Superman Returns artist), Jim Salicrup (editor-in-chief, Papercutz), John Jackson Miller (Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Iron Man) and Maggie Thompson (editor, Comics Buyer's Guide). Find out the best way to submit your work, learn the dos and don'ts of the business, and participate in a Q&A session. Room 8

10:30-11:30 DC Talent Search 2 -- Find out what DC Comics is looking for when it comes to artists and whether you have the right stuff to draw for the DC Universe, WildStorm, or Vertigo! This informative orientation session will explain how DC's Talent Search works. If you want to have your work reviewed, attendance at this orientation session is mandatory --not all attendees are guaranteed a review. Room 9

11:30-1:00 Spotlight on Jean-Claude Mézières -- For decades, Jean-Claude Mézières has been thrilling science fiction fans worldwide with Valerian: Spatiotemporal Agent, a galaxy-roaming series of graphic novels whose grungy, lived-in world, wild alien life forms, and all-around visual inventiveness predated Star Wars by a full decade. Kim Thompson, who grew up reading Valerian in the pages of Pilote magazine, will quiz Monsieur Mézières about his nearly 40-year career (including his involvement as a designer for Luc Besson's The Fifth Element). Room 1A

11:30-12:30 Competing for the Young Adult Mind with Words and Pictures -- With tons of other options competing for their attention, what does it take to get today's youth to pick up a book? A mix of authors offer their strategies: best-selling co-creators of The Spiderwick Chronicles Holly Black (Valiant) and Tony DiTerlizzi (G Is for One Gzonk), award-winning game designer and writer Matt Forbeck (Knights of the Silver Dragon), acclaimed adult and children's author Anne Ursu (The Shadow Thieves), actor/musician/ debut novelist Ahmet Zappa (The Monstrous Memoirs of a Might McFearless), and "new kids on the block" Shane Berryhill (Chance Fortune and the Outlaws) and Tim Eldred (Grease Monkey). Moderator: Maryelizabeth Hart, of Mysterious Galaxy. Room 1B

11:30-12:30 75 Years of Dick Tracy -- Comics historian RC Harvey will interview Max Allan Collins (Road to Perdition) on his 15-year stint as writer of the syndicated strip as well as his personal relationship with creator Chester Gould, and they'll explore the bullet-riddled history of this influential comic strip. Plus: exciting news about a major new Dick Tracy project that you won't want to miss! Room 4

11:30-12:30 Dark Horse's 20th Anniversary -- Join Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson for a special celebration of 20 years of creative excellence! Mike, along with senior editor Randy Stradley, will spin tales of the early days and drop hints at a promising future. Special guests? With a creative pool of top industry talent, you can bet something special is in store. Eric Powell jumping out of a cake? We can't say for sure, but show up and you won't be disappointed! Room 5AB

12:00-1:15 Comic Arts Conference Session #5: Comics as Postmodern Narrative -- Jennifer K. Stuller (www.Ink-stainedamazon.com) uses Alan Moore's graphic novel Promethea in relation to Maurice Merleau-Ponty's phenomenological concepts of the elemental Flesh and the Chiasm to illustrate how comics narratives have the power to encourage us to experience the world as profoundly magical. Frank Verano (Temple University) casts the work of Grant Morrison in such comics as The Invisibles and Flex Metallo in the light of visual culture to explore Morrison's intriguing claims that fictional characters are "more real" than "real" people. Jason Bainbridge (University of Tasmania) explores how the establishment of the Marvel and DC universes and the prominence of the superhero therein embodies the tension between modern progress and premodern justice. Room 7B

12:00-1:00 Scott McCloud's Making Comics -- Scott McCloud (Zot!, Understanding Comics) unveils his new book, Making Comics, in this fast-paced visual presentation. Scott and his whole family will be on hand to discuss one of the most ambitious promotional tours in comics history, the year-long Making Comics 50 State Tour beginning in September! Room 8

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Amanda Conner -- One of comics' rising stars, Amanda Conner talks about her work on such books as JSA: Classified and what's coming next. Writer/inker Jimmy Palmiotti joins Amanda for this spotlight event. Room 1B

12:30-1:30 Comic Book Heaven LIVE -- You like old comic books? Then you need to submit to the siren call of the fourth all-new trip down "What-the-Heck-Were-They-Thinking?" Comic Book Memory Lane presented by Scott Saavedra, noted curator of curious comics. It's the same affectionate, mad celebration of purple prose, red-blooded heroes, and yellowing newsprint as seen in Scott's magazine Comic Book Heaven (Slave Labor Graphics) and blog (www.comic_book_heaven.blogspot.com) only bigger, better, and in a room full of strangers. Witty comments and knowing glances will be provided free to all. Room 4

12:30-1:30 Vital Vertigo -- From the start, Vertigo has been at the forefront of cutting-edge comics and graphic novels for mature readers. Learn what smart and edgy projects are in store for you in this slide-show presentation. Hosted by VP/ executive editor, Vertigo, Karen Berger, with group editor Shelly Bond, editor Jonathan Vankin, writers Bill Willingham (Fables), Douglas Rushkoff (Testament), and Steven Seagle (American Virgin); artists Becky Cloonan (American Virgin) and Mark Buckingham (Fables); writer/artist David Lapham; and others! Room 5AB

12:30-2:00