It’s that time of year again: from Wednesday, July 22, through Sunday, July 26, I’ll be joining over 100,000 of my closest friends at the San Diego Convention Center for Nerdprom Comic Con International 2009. Although much of my time will be spent buying old comics, attending panels about my favorite TV shows, and trying to catch a glimpse of the many movie stars who attend, I’ll also be there in my official capacity as a Special Guest. Following is my my official convention schedule:
FRIDAY, JULY 24
COMIC RELIEF SIGNING
One of my favorite convention stops, this place has a huge collection of hardcovers and paperbacks. I routinely drop a couple of hundred bucks here every year, but this year I’m autographing copies of my own books, including Static Shock: Rebirth of the Cool, JLA: Second Coming, and The New Fantastic Four. I hope you’ll come see me and buy mass quantities of all of them. 11:00 AM-12:00
SPOTLIGHT ON DWAYNE MCDUFFIE
In his website’s infamous Ask The Maestro column, he’s answered thousands of questions about the creation of comics and TV. More recently, at the DC Comics Forum, he’s answered at least one too many. Now’s your chance to ask him anything you want, live, and see if he can’t get himself in any more trouble. Emmy, Eisner, and Writers Guild award-nominated writer Dwayne McDuffie has created comic books (Marvel’s Damage Control, Milestone’s Icon, Hardware and Shadow Cabinet), and a hit TV show (Static Shock). He’s written and produced animated favorites including Ben 10: Alien Force, Justice League Unlimited, Teen Titans and Scooby-Doo. He’s written top-selling comics including Fantastic Four and Justice League of America. And he’s here to answer your questions. 2:00-3:00 PM Room 2
DWAYNE MCDUFFIE OFFICIAL CON SIGNING SESSION
Dwayne McDuffie writer/producer (Ben 10: Alien Force, Justice League Unlimited, Static Shock). I’ll be there for an hour, and while I’m bringing lots of copies of STATIC SHOCK: REBIRTH OF THE COOL for sale, I’ll also sign whatever you bring me (I don’t charge for my signature, because no one with a lick of sense will pay for it). Also, I’m bringing fabulous prizes to give out randomly, at my whim. Friday AA4 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm
ANTIDOTE TRUST SIGNING
The creators at Antidote Trust have one of the most pleasant booths at the whole show (and I’m not saying this just because they have a couch they let you sit on when you’re tired). In addition to the great collection of Indie comics thy have for sale, they’re also stocking an eclectic sampling of my comics. I’ll be there to sign for at least an hour Friday, and again on Saturday. Booth # 2808 Friday 5-6, even later if they don’t toss me out…
FOUR COLOR REALITY: Making Comics Relevant to Readers Across Cultures
Comic book stories have become the core of American pop culture—is there a big-budget spectacular that doesn’t in some fashion owe its existence to comic book roots these days? But sales of traditional-format comic books themselves have been in decline for years. This panel explores one reason for this shrinking market: the divergence between the identities of mainstream comic icons, who are typically straight, white, male, and American, and the demographic makeup of a new generation of readers. How can the comic book industry connect with changing audiences—not just of diverse races and backgrounds, but of different cultural and national origins as well? Moderated by Jeff Yang (editor-in-chief, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology). Panelists include Dwayne McDuffie (Milestone Comics, JLA, Ben 10: Alien Force), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, The Eternal Smile), Stuart Moore (Wolverine: Noir, The 99), and Jai Nitz (Blue Beetle, El Diablo). Room 3, 6:30-7:30pm
SATURDAY, JULY 25
BEN 10
It’s all about Ben 10 at this panel, featuring director Alex Winter, and cast members from the upcoming live-action movie Ben 10: Alien Swarm, coming this fall to Cartoon Network. Also appearing are Ben 10: Alien Force producer Glen Murakami, story editor Dwayne McDuffie, and Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Ben). Make sure not to miss an exclusive look at what’s coming next, with a sneak peek at Generator Rex, and the first images from the upcoming series, Sym-Bionic Titan, by creator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter’s Laboratory). Room 6DE, 11:45-12:45
ANTIDOTE TRUST SIGNING
I’m back at the Antidote Trust Booth for a quickie Autograph session. I’m going to see if they don’t mind me showing up again for a longer session. Watch this space for updates. Booth # 2808 1-1:45
BEN 10 AUTOGRAPH SESSION
I’ll be joining Producer Glen Murakami and the voice of Ben Tennyson, Yuri Lowenthal for a Ben 10 signing. Last year, they had awesome Ben 10 magnets for us to sign, maybe something else cool this year? 2-3:30 in the autograph area, on the second floor of the convention.
And that’s my official schedule. Check back closer to the show date for changes and additions.
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Hey! Two years in a row I wasn’t invited to sign at the DC Comics booth, or participate in any of their panels. At least this time they’ve got a good reason. If you see me on the floor, be sure to come up and say hello, I’m looking forward to seeing you all there.
