From inception through execution, from plotting to publishing, from the comic page to the silver screen, the road to success is long and paved with many road markers, sites to see, and, unfortunately, obstacles. Comic Book Law School is designed to help you navigate the best possible route and provide help in deciphering the map legend. Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, presents the first of three fun, interactive, and informative programs, which this year will progressively study the case of fictional client Fitzgerald Scott, a fledgling comic book writer, and explore the many stages involved in the creation, development, protection, and commercialization of his newest comic book creation, The Strange Situation of Benjamin "Button" Cabeza. This first installment focuses on "The Basics," in an effort to provide the necessary foundation needed for understanding the different intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners; and will include insights on how to protect those rights, focusing on how best to safeguard ideas, creative works, characters, brands and names, from conception through publication. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, including a discussion on the protections these laws provide, the benefits of federal registrations, tips on working with collaborators, and issues of joint authorship and work-made-for-hire. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. [Please note that Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE).]
Thursday July 9, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
In the 1960s and '70s, publishers fled from spinner racks to magazine stands to escape the bounds of the Comics Code Authority. While comic books continued to labor under the stigma of low-value, juvenile speech, the larger-format magazine comics broke out, giving artists a safe haven to openly deal with adult content, provide more horror and suspense, and be frank about sexuality. Magazines like Mad, Creepy, and Eerie paved the way for a generation of titles that included Heavy Metal, Vampirella, Epic Illustrated, 1984, and Savage Sword of Conan to break new ground for a general audience and loosen the reins on some of comics' top creators. CBLDF deputy director Alex Cox reveals the untold history of magazine comics, reviewing the impact of publications from Warren, Marvel, Heavy Metal, National Lampoon, and more!
Thursday July 9, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
When the American Library Association released their latest annual list of the most challenged books, a disturbing trend was noted: Books that increased the diversity of what is available to readers were more likely to be challenged. What is it about diversity that seems to encourage censors? Join CBLDF and library and education professionals Candice Mack (president, Young Adult Library Services Association), Erwin Magbanua (programming & special events coordinator, San Diego Public Library), Carla Riemer (librarian, Claremont Middle School, Oakland, California), Carol Tilley (associate professor, University of Illinois), and more for a discussion of why diverse books are challenged and how we can defend them. Moderated by CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez.
Thursday July 9, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Learn about the creative art of comic book coloring as Hi-Fi's Brian Miller (DC's Starfire) and Kristy Miller (SpongeBob Comics) demonstrate the step-by-step transformation of a comic book page from black and white to full color. Learn the basics of flatting, rendering, color holds, and special effects, along with top digital coloring tips. The panel will include a Q&A session.
Thursday July 9, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Multiple award-winning writer and recipient of the Eisner Hall of Fame award Marv Wolfman uses his 47 years of writing professionally to bring his writer's beginning class back to San Diego where it began. Marv will talk about what to think about before you start writing-how to approach coming up with your plot, story, and theme, how to put them together, and-the question most newbies ask-how to create characters. And best of all there will be plenty of time for specific questions.
Thursday July 9, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 03, 01:15PM Join Comics Experience's Andy Schmidt (Marvel, IDW editor) on the must-attend panel for artists—how to make money as a comic book artist. Learn about maximizing your art potential, pricing your art, merchandizing it, and selling it. Don't just make money, make a living! Spend an hour with Andy Schmidt, Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis), Andy Lanning (Guardians of the Galaxy), Zander Canon (Top 10), and Reilly Brown (ˆ), then go make money with your art.
Thursday July 9, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Class is in session as some of the greatest artists in the industry take this panel to school with an in-depth look at their creative process. DC Entertainment is proud to spotlight these talented individuals for this exclusive, all-access look at what it's like drawing for DC Comics and Vertigo.
Thursday July 9, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 06, 12:34PM -Bang Zoom! Entertainment brings you this one-hour panel/workshop about voice acting that covers practical dubbing techniques, important issues such as studio protocol, and what to expect at your first audition. This is a great opportunity for attendees interested in the voice-acting profession to get firsthand advice and experience from the pros in an intimate yet dynamic setting. You will learn directly from some of the best voice actors and directors in the world and also get some inside information on how to break in and what the industry is really like. Panel guests include voice actor Matthew Mercer (Batman: Arkham Knight) and voice director Jamie Mortellaro (Hitman: Absolution).
Thursday July 9, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Miranda Downey (event producer and partnership coordinator at SparkFun Electronics) will guide you through a beginner's way to integrate electronics into your cosplay and projects without soldering or wires. In this free workshop you'll hand-sew a working L.E.D. light circuit to take with you.
Thursday July 9, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 02, 01:28PM The realm of creation has never been a more accessible thing. With the rise of self-publishing, e-books, webseries, webcomics, podcasting, and cosplay, how do you know where to start? This panel looks at how to create a character from scratch as well as how to create the back-story, personality, and design of that character. Panelists include Claire Hummel (Bioshock Infinite, artist), Sheyne Fleischer (League of S.T.E.A.M., editor), Andrew Fogel (League of S.T.E.A.M., director), Bryan Forrest (Video Game High School, actor) and Glenn Freund (UC Berkeley) to discuss, things to look out for when creating a character, how your character can thrive, and the functionality and forum in your character.
Thursday July 9, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
While almost every creator will tell you their greatest joy is in the act of creation, none will argue that equally (or perhaps more) important is earning a living from their efforts. But commercializing creative works is fraught with peril unless you're prepared. This second stage of the case study focusing on fictional author Fitzgerald Scott will concentrate on Scott's efforts to commercialize his critically acclaimed new work, The Strange Situation of Benjamin "Button" Cabeza. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is joined by entertainment attorneys Mona Metwalli and Terri Lubaroff for an interactive seminar tackling a number of the more advanced issues facing creators (and the businesses that hire them) in marketing their properties and creative ideas, including licenses and transfers of rights; key things to know when Hollywood comes knocking; publishing, manufacturing, merchandising, and distribution agreements; understanding key terms in contracts, assignments, and licenses; and (time permitting) how your spouse may impact your contracts and licenses. With insights into a variety of options and opportunities for generating income from your creative endeavors, along with discussions focusing on the problems and pitfalls that go hand in hand with each decision, you'll agree this session shouldn't be missed. [Please note, the Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE).]
Friday July 10, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
It's hard to believe that books are still banned in the United States, and yet each year hundreds of incidents are recorded. CBLDF springs to action in these cases, providing expert support for the librarians and individuals who fight back when calls to censorship arise. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein and editorial director Betsy Gomez examine the comics that have been banned and challenged this year, showing how they fit into recent trends in comics censorship. They'll also preview Banned Books Week 2015, celebrating Young Adult books.
Friday July 10, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Jimmy Gownley (The Dumbest Idea Ever, Amelia Rules!), Jonathan Hennessey (The United States Constitution, Gettysburg), Aron Steinke (The Zoo Box), Rafael Rosado (Giants Beware, Dragons Beware), Eric Kallenborn (Alan B. Shepard High School Palos Heights, IL), Betsy Gomez (CBLDF), Tracy Edmunds (Reading With Pictures), and moderator Meryl Jaffe, Ph.D. (Raising a Reader! How Comics and Graphic Novels Can Help Your Kids Learn to Read) demonstrate how graphic novels can be used to teach and empower students to feel, access and comprehend historical and cultural events, as well as more fully understand diverse figures in history and fiction and even grasp concepts in science and math. There will be lesson and reading suggestion handouts and time for Q&A.
Friday July 10, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The owner of Watts Atelier of the Arts Jeffrey Watts and senior instructor Erik Gist demonstrate drawing and painting from a live model. They will address technical questions about drawing and painting, as well as talk about training options and how it plays into working in the entertainment, illustration, concepting, and fine art industry. This is a great opportunity to watch two of the most seasoned teachers of the traditional arts today demonstrate the craft of drawing and painting from life using traditional mediums.
Friday July 10, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
With the shifting landscape of the comics industry, this is your invaluable guide to breaking into the comics industry. The panel will examine what it takes, whose attention you're vying for, how to get it in a productive way, and, most important, what you have to do to get up to speed and ready for the big show. Comics Experience founder and publisher Andy Schmidt joins with Scott Allie (Dark Horse editor-in-chief), Joshua Williamson (Nailbiter, Ghosted), Andy Lanning (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Marvel VP C. B. Cebulski.
Friday July 10, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The iPad has transformed the way you read comics, but did you know you can create comic art on the iPad too? See a comic book character come to life as Brian Miller (Star Wars: Crush the Rebellion) and Kristy Miller (Doctor Who) demonstrate step by step how to pencil, ink, and paint comics on the iPad. Learn the basic tools and techniques, including which apps work best and how you can transform your iPad into a portable art studio. The panel will include a Q&A session.
Friday July 10, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Thu, Jun 25, 09:01PM Join Prismacolor specialist Shelley Minnis and comic artist Freddie E Williams II to learn tips from the pros and ‘Make your Mark” in the world of comics and manga. They will show techniques on using Prismacolor pencils and markers to help you become a more confident artist. Samples and door prizes provided.
Friday July 10, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop), Chris Cox (Photoshop), Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop), and Brian Haberlin (Witchblade, Anomaly) celebrate 25 years of Photoshop. Find out what's new in Photoshop, the industry standard for digital imaging, and then prepare for a lively discussion and Q&A.
Friday July 10, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Emilio Soltero, Ph.D. (John Buscema: A Life in Sketches; Draw the Line), and Kevin Nowlan (Hellboy, The Graveyard Book, Marvel and DC variant covers), present a primer on drawing the figure for popular media, including drawing for comics and character design. The focus will be on anatomy and figure drawing. Emilio will lecture and demonstrate on figure drawing, while Kevin will focus on inking and related areas. There will be time to draw as well. Cosplayers are welcome to model. Bring your drawing supplies to draw models/cosplayers during this interactive presentation.
Friday July 10, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Whether you're writing scripts, comics, short stories, or novels, Carole Barrowman's strategies are essential for any writer who wants to ramp up the energy in his or her work. Carole promises you'll leave with tips you can implement right away in your own work. Carole's presentations are always lively and practical, drawing on her wealth of experience as a published writer and teacher. In collaboration with her brother, John Barrowman (Arrow, Torchwood, Dr. Who), Carole has written six books, including the acclaimed fantasy series Hollow Earth trilogy (Aladdin), the sci-fi novel Exodus Code: A Torchwood Novel (BBC Books), and the comic Captain Jack and The Selkie (Titan). Carole also contributed a chapter to the Hugo Award-winning anthology Chicks Dig Time Lords and the Hugo-nominated Queers Dig Time Lords (Mad Norwegian Press).
Friday July 10, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
The third (and final) installment continues the increasingly curious case of Fitzgerald Scott and his The Strange Situation of Benjamin "Button" Cabeza comic book series, exploring some of the more complex issues facing this wildly popular property. In this session, noted attorney Michael Lovitz (author of the classicThe Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) is joined by professor Marc Greenberg and attorneys David Branfman, David Lizerbram, and Larry Zerner for another rousing interactive discussion as the case study shifts into high gear. They will provide practical advice concerning some of the more advanced issues facing trademark and copyright owners, including how and why to enforce your intellectual property rights; the benefits and disadvantages of litigation; fair use, parody, and satire; the intersection of intellectual property and social media; termination and rights of reversion; and (time permitting) the impact of technology on intellectual property protections and piracy and whether the current laws are keeping pace. [Please note, the Comic Book Law School® seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE).]
Saturday July 11, 2015 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Comics are more than just great entertainment, they're an incredible tool for learning. Creators Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck, The Plain Janes), Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales), Matthew Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Matt Phelan (The Storm in the Barn, Bluffton), and Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Jax Epoch and the Quicken Forbidden) and educators Rose Brock and Dr. Meryl Jaffe discuss how comics can be used to engage students in the classroom. Get real-world suggestions for ways to integrate comics in the classroom, to expand on lessons with comic-based activities, and to encourage student participation. They'll also have lesson and reading suggestion handouts and time for Q&A. Moderated by CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez.
Saturday July 11, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Although free expression is seen as a basic human right, censorship is rampant in the United States and around the world. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein and editorial director Betsy Gomez present an overview of the censorship crises facing cartoonists in 2015, from the violence and legal prosecution occurring around the globe to domestic attacks on young adult books in libraries and schools across the country. Learn how comics and books are being challenged, and what you can do to fight back.
Saturday July 11, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Backgrounds are essential in establishing setting, mood, and personality and have the potential for an abundance of symbolism. This panel will offer loose and quick ways to indicate perspective, shape design, value grouping, and rendering tips and tricks. Bring your recorders, cameras, and sketchbooks and draw along.
Saturday July 11, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Daniel Presedo (Photoshop) Chris Cox (Photoshop), Nikolai Svakhin (Photoshop), and Brian Haberlin (Witchblade, Anomaly) celebrate 25 years of Photoshop. You can create a 3D design from scratch, load a 3D model from virtually any source, and print to a 3D printer or 3D print service. Find out about automatic mesh repair and automatic generation of support structures and rafts. A discussion and Q&A will follow.
Saturday July 11, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
You want to write Spider-Man, Batman, Star Wars, or Jem and the Holograms? So does everyone else! You're not just writing for you and your audience, but also for editors, project managers, and a company. We've all heard the horror stories from creators, but it doesn't have to be that way. Andy Schmidt (Avengers, Transformers), David Marshall (Star Wars), Mike Costa (Spider-Man, G.I. Joe), and Charles Soule (Death of Wolverine) offer a look from both sides of the desk. Learn what a company is looking for and how to navigate licensed characters as a writer.
Saturday July 11, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
In this talk, Dr. Wei Xu, an artist, mathematician and computer scientist, talks about why and how we need to add science and math into learning art: [+SM]Art. To improve efficiency in mastering basic drawing skills, he has developed a new shape controlling theory that corresponds with the scientific drawing method, also known as the "ABC (Angle Based Constructive)" method. Unlike with perspective theory, Dr. Xu's solution to constructing shapes is completely in 2D space, making drawing much easier to learn. Recently, his innovative work has been turned into books in multiple languages and presented internationally.
Saturday July 11, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Director Richard Hatch (Battlsestar Galactica Golden Globe nominee Captain Apollo, Tom Zarek, General Kharn, Axanar) hosts a discussion, lecture, and practical demonstrations on the state of the industry and how to powerfully up level your skills and performance in order to position yourself for breakthrough success in today entertainment industry.
Saturday July 11, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Learn methods and techniques on how to be a successful voice actor from voiceover artist Wally Wingert (The Riddler from Batman: Arkham Game Series, Ant-Man from The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes). Wally will cover all aspects of voice acting (animation, video games, anime, commercials, promos, narration, singing) and participate in a Q&A session co-moderated by James Braddock and Mark Fullerton.
Saturday July 11, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 02, 09:17AM Your project is going to make millions of dollars, but you have to sign this contract first-yikes! Andy Schmidt (Comics Experience, Marvel, IDW Publishing) and attorney Joe Sergi present an in-depth look at comics contracts. What are they, how do they work, and what do you need to be looking out for when you get one?
Saturday July 11, 2015 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Female comic creators for kids and young adults are burning up the bestseller lists and winning awards. Listen in on this dynamic group of award-winning creators as they discuss the challenges and thrills of creating diverse heroines that appeal to a new generation of readers and hook them for a lifelong love of comics. A Q&A session and drawing will follow. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Sunny Side Up), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Jillian Tamaki (This One Summer), and Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck). Moderated by Eva Volin (Good Comics for Kids at School Library Journal).
Sunday July 12, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 30CDE
Hey, kids! It's time to get happy, have fun, and be funny! Kristian Andrew Sather (Cartoon Design Revealed, kristianandrewsather blogspot) returns to Comic Con with his popular cartooning workshop. Kristian will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing fun cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own funny cartoon characters using basic geometric shapes and more.
Sunday July 12, 2015 11:00am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Dr. Zhivago (cartoonist/author) along with Chula Vista City Arts & Youth Advocates, principals Dr. Eric Banatao and Lalaine Perez, Chula Vista City Cultural Arts commissioner Jennifer Rodriguez, and business owner/brand licensing partner Sole Leano discuss the importance of the arts in schools. They will share a successful three-year program in basic cartoon and animation that utilized digital drawing and vector graphic tools in the schools. Guests participate in a creative workshop and presentation moderated by Analyn Simon.
Sunday July 12, 2015 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Starr Wilde (owner Steampunk Fortress and artist) introduces the origins of Steampunk genre and the variety of ways that Steampunk can be expressed through art. Tim Reveles (creator of Phalanx Sanctus Creations comics and art) will show his Steampunk helmet. Ofelia de Romanus (Steampunk artist/blogger) will introduce the bracelet project. Attendees will be given a bracelet/keychain and assemble the bracelet, with the assistance from the panelists if needed.
Sunday July 12, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
EigoMANGA's team of manga artists and animators will teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling. This workshop is taught by seasoned manga artist Mino Miyabi (The Voice of Innocence, 5D) and Austin Osueke (publisher of eigoMANGA).
Sunday July 12, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Renee Jablow (Grammy-nominated paper engineer and author) returns to Comic Con to lead a workshop making paper toys of some of your favorite Avengers. Participants will make one of the Avengers featured in the new book Marvel Avengers Assemble: Built for Action by Studio Fun International (previously Reader's Digest Children's Publishing). Other activity and pop-up books will also be shared.
Sunday July 12, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Tom Racine (artist and host of comics podcast Tall Tale Radio) and Lucas Turnbloom (cartoonist, Imagine This) guide kids through creating and drawing their own superhero. The kids will figure out what three powers they'll have and what they'll look like, as well as learn how to make a cool costume and how to draw them. A handy guide will take kids step-by-step through the creative process.
Sunday July 12, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
