Kids’ comics at San Diego Comic Con

Next week is the biggest event of the comics year: San Diego Comic-Con, a sprawling, four-day event that encompasses not only comics but also TV, movies, even prose books. There’s so much going on that it can be hard to sort it out, but here’s a list of programs about kids’ and young adult graphic novels, as well as some workshops for kids on Sunday. Guests will include Raina Telgemeier, Dave Roman, Kazu Kibuishi, Doug TenNapel, Ted Naifeh and many other artists; publishers who will be there include Archie, Top Shelf, and Oni Press. Check the full schedule for movies, the Twilight panel, and so, so much more. (Descriptions drawn directly from the Comic-Con schedule)

Thursday, July 12

Bongo Comics/United Plankton Sneak Peek
Bongo Comics and United Plankton Pictures offer a tantalizing preview of upcoming projects featuring The Simpsons, Futurama, SpongeBob SquarePants, and a few other surprises. Bongo’s creative director Nathan Kane, managing editor Terry Delegeane, and art director Jason Ho are joined by intern/fan favorite Louis Lane and Simpsons/Futurama-ologist Bill Morrison for a fun and informative free-for-all. Find out what’s in the future for Futurama Comics, what to surmise about Simpsons Comics, and what’s next for Bongo in the print world and beyond. Also, Chris Duffy, managing editor of United Plankton Pictures, will dish up some Krabby Patty-infused morsels of what’s to come in SpongeBob Comics.
Thursday July 12, 2012 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 9

Voltron: Form Blazing Fans!
The classic animated TV series and toys that introduced the world to wild robot lions and a giant combining hero returns to SDCC. Celebrate Voltron memories with some of the Defender’s biggest fans, including Alex Albrecht (Diggnation, Project Lore podcast), Rob Bricken (ToplessRobot.com), Clare Grant with Team Unicorn (Geek and Gamer Girls), and other secret celeb guests. Plus an update on the live-action movie produced by Atlas Entertainment (The Dark Knight Rises); exclusive comic book reveals and announcements from VIZ Media with Traci Todd (senior editor, VIZ Media), Brandon Thomas (writer, Voltron, Dynamite Entertainment); and Voltron Classics toy info from Mattel’s Scott Neitlich (marketing manager, MattyCollector.com). Win big Voltron prizes, “Form the Head” with Voltron and be ready to share your own Voltron story.
Thursday July 12, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

Hasbro: Transformers Brand
Aaron Archer (vice president, Hasbro Design) and Jerry Jivoin (director, Global Transformers Brand) discuss the hottest Transformers topics including the Transformers Prime and Transformers Rescue Bots TV series, action figures, video games, comics, theme park rides and more. Attendees will also get sneak peeks at upcoming action figures and brand news. Jerry and Aaron will also host some Q&A for your burning Transformers questions. Roll out!
Thursday July 12, 2012 1:30pm – 2:30pm @ Room 24ABC

The Two Editors Panel
Sid Jacobsen was the editor at Harvey Comics starting in the early 1950s, overseeing their successful line including the many titles featuring Casper the Friendly Ghost and Richie Rich. Victor Gorelick has worked for Archie Comics for over 50 years in a variety of roles, including art director and editor-in-chief, supervising Archie, Jughead, Betty, Veronica, and the whole Riverdale mob. What does it take to get all those books to press every week for decades and decades? Find out when moderator Mark Evanier grills these two men who between them have probably edited more comic books than you’ll ever read.
Thursday July 12, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 8

Viz Media Panel
Get the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime. You’ll also get the scoop on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and projects VIZ has yet to announce. Get in line early and get a chance to win prizes!
Thursday July 12, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 7AB

Bringing Comics to Life in the Library
Five super-librarians discuss how they have reached readers of all ages through comics-based library programming. Hear about developing shared collections, get valuable resources and craft ideas, learn to schedule author visits, and more. They’ll cover all the nitty-gritty of programming in school and public libraries from the inside out. Featuring Jack Baur (Berkeley Public Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights), Jessica Lee (Willard Middle School), Scott Robbins (Toronto Public Library, author of A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics), Susan Rodgers (Palo Alto Public Library), and Eva Volin (Alameda Free Library, reviewer for No Flying No Tights).
Thursday July 12, 2012 4:30pm – 5:30pm @ Room 26AB

Klasky Csupo: We’re Back!
The studio that brought you Rugrats, Aaah! Real Monsters, and Wild Thornberrys, to name a few, is back and at Comic-Con for the first time ever. Arlene Klasky (animation creator), Craig Singer (filmmaker, Dark Ride), Charlie Adler (Transformers), Greg Cipes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Tyler Malin (transmedia storyteller) discuss Klasky Csupo’s past and future projects, including a skateboarding zombie! Giveaways include a Comic-Con exclusive signed Issue 1 of Ollie Mongo, as well as an iPad raffle. Moderated by Phil Daniels (digital media attorney, Ginsburg Daniels LLP).
Thursday July 12, 2012 5:30pm – 6:30pm @ Room 24ABC

Kodansha Comics
The staff of Kodansha Comics talk about all their exciting plans for 2012 and beyond. Learn about all the new titles coming out in the coming months, with special coverage of Sailor Moon, Battle Angel Alita, and many other hit manga series. Kumi Shimizu (Kodansha USA Publishing) and Dallas Middaugh (Random House) will tell tall tales and answer all of your burning questions.
Thursday July 12, 2012 5:30pm – 6:30pm @ Room 4

Friday

Lenore Turns 20
Celebrations are in order! Lenore is 20 years old in 2012. Roman Dirge discusses his new Lenore collection Swirlies, upcoming comics, merchandise, and more. Join the artist/magician himself for this exclusive journey into the unique world of Roman Dirge, with a one-on-one interview with moderator Andrew Sumner plus a Q&A session.
Friday July 13, 2012 12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Room 23ABC

Graphic Novel Library Awards
What goes into the process of awards like the YALSA Great Graphic Novels for Teens list or the Texas Maverick Reading List? Find out as librarians from both committees discuss establishing, supporting, and handling the day-to-day work of graphic novel library awards on both the state and national levels.
Friday July 13, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 4

BOOM! Studios: Adventure Time Comic Book
What time is it? It’s Adventure Time! The top-rated Cartoon Network show is now a bestselling comic book published by KaBOOM! You won’t want to miss this all-star panel featuring the show’s creator Pendleton Ward, along with series artists Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (Ice Age) and writer/artist Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie) of the new miniseries Marceline and the Scream Queens, as they discuss what’s next for the Land of Ooo in the world of comics.
Friday July 13, 2012 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 23ABC

Peanuts: The New Comic Book Series
Discover the origins behind KaBOOM!’s new Peanuts comic book series. The creative talent behind the new adaptations of Charles M. Schulz’s classic comic strip offer an in-depth look at how the project began, the challenges of adapting the comic strip master, and the exciting new places Charlie Brown and Co. are going next. Participants include Paige Braddock (Jane’s World, The Martian Confederacy), Alexis E. Fajardo (Kid Beowulf), Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther), Vicki Scott (Happiness Is a Warm Blanket), Adam Staffaroni (BOOM! Studios), Justin Thompson (Mythtickle), and Matt Whitlock (Family Guy).
Friday July 13, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 32AB

Babymouse: Inside the Bubble!
Babymouse swept onto the graphic novel scene in 2005 and now has over 1.6 million copies in print. Comic-Con special guests Jennifer and Matthew Holm discuss how they create their critically acclaimed graphic novel series Babymouse and their bestselling pond scum-green series, Squish. Q&A session moderated by Scott Robins (A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics).
Friday July 13, 2012 4:30pm – 5:30pm @ Room 8

Yen Press
The Yen Press crew return to San Diego for their annual sneak peek at forthcoming projects, fan Q&A, and of course some sweet giveaways to spread the love!
Friday July 13, 2012 6:30pm – 7:30pm @ Room 8

The 99: The Controversy Continues
President Barack Obama said The 99 are “superheroes who embody the teachings and tolerance of Islam,” while the New York Post responded, “Cancel The 99 before it starts.” Neither has actually seen this unexpectedly controversial animated TV series, but you can see the world premiere of a new episode of The 99 and come to your own conclusions. Then join tentatively scheduled panelists Naif al-Mutawa (executive producer), Stan Berkowitz (story editor), Alan Burnett (writer), Henry Gilroy (writer), and Marie Javins (managing editor, The 99 comics) for what will undoubtedly be a lively Q&A.
Friday July 13, 2012 7:00pm – 8:00pm @ Room 23ABC

What’s Up with Penguin
Anne Sowards (executive editor, Ace/Roc), Ginjer Buchanan (editor-in-chief, Ace/Roc), Erin Dempsey (Penguin Young Readers Group), and Mia Garcia (Penguin Young Readers Group) give you the dish on forthcoming books from their exciting authors and licensed properties, such as Charlaine Harris, Patricia Briggs, Jim Butcher, S. M. Stirling, Rachel Caine, Richelle Mead, Ally Condie, Marie Lu, Andrea Cremer, Heather Brewer, Adventure Time and many more. You can expect lots of giveaways you won’t see anywhere else at the convention, including free advance reading copies.
Friday July 13, 2012 7:00pm – 8:00pm @ Room 9

Saturday

Archie Comics: The Hottest Publisher in Comics
The era of Archie continues! After another year of dominating the headlines with groundbreaking storylines, innovative storytelling, and the best comics on the market, the Archie gang converges on San Diego to reveal what’s next! The panel includes Archie Comics co-CEO Jon Goldwater, co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit, president Mike Pellerito, editor-in-chief Victor Gorelick, cartoonist Dan Parent (Kevin Keller), writer Michael Uslan (Life With Archie), iVerse Media CEO Michael Murphey, MoonScoop Entertainment’s Mike Young, producers Don Murphy and Susan Montford (Real Steel), writer Alex Segura (Archie Meets KISS), writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark), and a handful of major, newsworthy surprises! Want to learn everything that’s in store for America’s favorite redheaded teen and all his friends? This is the place to be! Panel attendees will get a copy of the latest issue of the hit Life With Archie series!
Saturday July 14, 2012 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 9

Shonen Jump Alpha Panel
The new Weekly Shonen Jump Alpha, North America’s only near-simultaneous digital manga magazine, gives fans the ultimate digital experience of reading the best manga every week, with official releases of chapters from Naruto, Bleach, One Piece, and more! Special panelists from Japan Yoshihisa Heishi (editor-in-chief of Weekly Shonen Jump, founding editor of Yu-Gi-Oh!), Koji Yoshida (editor of Death Note), and Kengo Monji (editor of Bakuman) will share the latest news, expert opinions, and a behind-the scenes look into the manga world. To top it off, they’ll have a heated Q&A showdown with the SJ Alpha editors!
Saturday July 14, 2012 12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Room 7AB

Spotlight on Stan Goldberg
Cartoonist, colorist, and Comic-Con special guest Stan Goldberg was there at the beginning of the Marvel Age of Comics, designing the color schemes for characters such as Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, and many others. As an artist, he is best known for his over 45 years of work at Archie Comics as one of the Archie artists. Stan talks about his career and what he’s doing next in this spotlight panel.
Saturday July 14, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 9

A Wrinkle in Time
“To boldly go where no man has gone before” is the phrase that has greeted many of us who have looked to the heavens in awe. From the far-flung reaches of the Milky Way to the mind-bending possibilities of time travel, let the authors of speculative fiction tell you what they see when they venture to other dimensions. Board a starship to the future with David Brin (Existence), Deborah Harkness (Shadow of Night), Michael Cassutt (co-author of Heaven’s Shadow trilogy), Charles Yu (Sorry Please Thank You), Phil Hornshaw (co-author of So You Created a Wormhole), Peter F. Hamilton (The Nano Flower), Orson Scott Card (Earth Unaware, Ender’s Game), and Hope Larson (A Wrinkle in Time graphic novel), captained by Maryelizabeth Hart of Mysterious Galaxy.
Saturday July 14, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 23ABC

BOOM! Studios/KaBOOM!/BOOM! Town Panel
Learn what’s next from BOOM! as editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, managing editor Bryce Carlson, and creators Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning (The Hypernaturals), Sam Humphries (Fanboys vs. Zombies, Higher Earth), Shannon Wheeler (I Thought You Would Be Funnier), and Grace Randolph (Supurbia) run down the most exciting new projects and reveal upcoming titles from BOOM! Studios, KaBOOM!, and BOOM! Town. This is a panel you won’t want to miss!
Saturday July 14, 2012 4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Room 9

Best and Worst Manga of 2012
Go to any book or comics shop and you’ll find a ton of comics from Japan in English. But what’s worth reading and what’s not? An all-star cast of comics critics, retailers, experts, and editors assemble to rant and rave about the year’s best manga. Find out what Brigid Alverson (Mangablog, MTV Geek, Publishers Weekly), Christopher Butcher (blogger at Comics212.net, comics and manga retailer, The Beguiling), Carlo Santos (Anime News Network manga reviewer, Right Turn Only), Shaenon Garrity (Narbonic, freelance manga editor), and Deb Aoki (manga editor, About.com) have to say about the best new and continuing titles for kids, teens, and grown-ups. See panelists get super-excited about the best upcoming releases, and see them groan about the year’s most despicable wastes of their reading time.
Saturday July 14, 2012 6:00pm – 7:00pm @ Room 23ABC

Ted Naifeh and the 10th Anniversary of Courtney Crumrin
You’ve spent 10 years with the always sassy, never sissy Ms. Crumrin, and one question has been burning at the back of your mind that you thought would never be answered. Think no more! Ready your Qs, mind your Ps, and join Courtney Crumrin creator and New York Times bestseller Ted Naifeh as he relives every moment of Courtney’s journey and talks about the thrill of seeing it in color!
Saturday July 14, 2012 6:30pm – 7:30pm @ Room 26AB

What’s New at Harper Voyager and HarperTeen
The hottest books for both teens and adults are genre books-dystopias, urban fantasy and supernatural, and horror. Executive editor Diana Gill talks about the best new titles from Harper Voyager and Morrow/Avon-the newest James Rollins, sneak peeks at the next Kim Harrison and Richard Kadrey’s Devil Said Bang, Brom’s new amazing book, fabulous new debuts, exclusive giveaways, and author appearances, including Robin Hobb, Richard Kadrey, and others. Christina Colangelo of HarperTeen presents an exclusive sneak peek at major upcoming YA book releases from the publishing powerhouse that brought you The Vampire Diaries and Divergent by Veronica Roth, the #1 bestselling teen series Rolling Stone hailed as the “next Hunger Games.” Expect plenty of giveaways and limited-edition merchandise and special guest appearances by Kiersten White (Endlessly), Tahereh Mafi (Shatter Me), and Dan Wells (Partials). Find out what’s hot at Harper Voyager and Harper Teen.
Saturday July 14, 2012 7:00pm – 8:00pm @ Room 9

Sunday

Emily the Strange
Be a part of the Emily the Strange panel experience, where you have the chance to prove your knowledge of Strange and win prizes, learn what’s new in Emily’s oddball universe (including a sneak peek at the new Emily and the Strangers comic book series), and Q&A with Emily’s creator Rob Reger, artist Buzz Parker, and writer Jessica Gruner. Did we mention you will get some cool stuff just for showing up and being Strange?
Sunday July 15, 2012 10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 23ABC

Kids Can Draw Cartoons with Kristian Sather
Hey, Kids! Kristian Sather (Bonkers, Jetsons, kristiansather.blogspot.com) will demonstrate the techniques used in drawing funny cartoon characters. You will learn how to draw your own characters using basic geometric shapes. Join Kristian for this fun and informative session!
Sunday July 15, 2012 10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 11AB

Sonic and Mega Man: Video Game Comics Showcase
Get your game on! Folks from the two most popular video game comic series share what’s in store in one, must-attend panel! Learn what’s on tap for Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Universe, and Mega Man. The editorial mastermind behind both books, Paul Kaminski, is joined by Archie Comics president Mike Pellerito, artist Evan Stanley, and Archie Comics executive director of publicity and marketing Alex Segura. See some exclusive artwork, learn about upcoming storylines, and get a glimpse at the biggest comic book event of the year. We. Are. Not. Kidding. Be there!
Sunday July 15, 2012 10:00am – 11:00am @ Room 24ABC

Kids Read
Listen to four great graphic novelists read from their latest works. With authors Jorge Aguirre (Giants Beware!), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Raina Telgemeier (Drama), and Colleen AF Venable (Pet Shop Private Eye). Moderated by Scott Robins (A Parent’s Guide to the Best Kids’ Comics).
Sunday July 15, 2012 11:00am – 12:00pm @ Room 11AB

The Secret Origin of Good Readers
Comic books can be used in the classroom as an innovative and highly motivating cross-curricular teaching tool. Panelists Paul Levitz (DC Comics), Bill Morrison (The Simpsons), Nancy Silberkleit (Archie Comics co-CEO), Karen Green (Columbia University), Anina Bennett (Boilerplate, Frank Reade), and Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) discuss specific ways you can use comic books and graphic novels to engage a variety of learners while promoting reading and literacy. Q&A and breakout sessions with panelists will follow the group discussion. Get your free 70-page The Secret Origin of Good Readers companion resource book [PDF] and other fun, useful materials at www.night-flight.com/secretorigin, courtesy of XMission.com.
Sunday July 15, 2012 11:00am – 12:30pm @ Room 23ABC

Kids Draw!
How do comics get made? Find out in this interactive program where kids create their own characters that four graphic novelists will integrate into a story. With authors Zack Giallongo (Broxo), Dave Roman and John Green (Teen Boat!), and Rafael Rosado (Giants Beware!). Moderated by Cecil Castellucci (LA Review of Books).
Sunday July 15, 2012 12:00pm – 1:00pm @ Room 11AB

Artemis Fowl: 8 in 8 with Eoin Colfer
In celebration of the final book in the international bestselling Artemis Fowl series, Eoin Colfer will tour the U.S. with this unique show that portrays all eight Artemis Fowl books (including the finale) in 8 minutes! With the help of some lucky audience members cast as Artemis Fowl and Holly Short, Eoin will go back to where it all began and perform the books live. Don’t miss this hilarious look at the beloved series about the Teenage Criminal Mastermind.
Sunday July 15, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 7AB

Manga Tutorials for Kids
David Karrow, creator of the children’s book Alpha League and a team of manga artists and editors from eigoMANGA teach kids of all ages tutorials on manga illustrations and storytelling.
Sunday July 15, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 11AB

All Ages Comics: A New Hope
A surge of successful all-ages comics are hitting the scene, and the demand just keeps growing. Roger Langridge (Snarked, Popeye), Chris Houghton (Reed Gunther), Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther, Peanuts), Matt Whitlock (Peanuts), and others discuss the role of all-ages comics in the industry, their power in developing new readers, and what it takes to make a comic book that children and adults will both enjoy.
Sunday July 15, 2012 1:00pm – 2:00pm @ Room 24ABC

What’s Cool in Graphic Novels?
Six authors with great new graphic novels discuss their inspiration, creative process — and their new books! Authors Zack Giallongo (Broxo), Kazu Kibuishi (Amulet: Prince of the Elves), J. T. Petty (Bloody Chester), Thien Pham (Sumo), Doug TenNapel (Cardboard), and Raina Telgemeier (Drama) are joined by moderator Calista Brill (First Second Books).
Sunday July 15, 2012 1:30pm – 2:30pm @ Room 8

Drawing DC: DC Kids Edition
What does it take to remake a universe? Immensely talented artists! Talent relations director Larry Ganem is joined by the Eisner Award-winning team of Art Baltazar and Franco (Tiny Titans) and the ever-dynamic Dustin Nguyen (Batman Beyond), as they showcase their artistic talents!
Sunday July 15, 2012 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Room 11AB

Making Comics for Kids
Want to know what it takes to make super-awesome comics for kids? Hang out with the guys and girls who are the creative forces behind some of the coolest kids’ comics around: Neo Edmund (writer/editor for Silver Dragon Books), Joe Lefavi (editorial director for Jim Henson Co), Tim Beedle (Fraggle Rock), Paul Morrissey (editor of Eisner award-winning Mouse Guard), and Adira Edmund (JumpStart’s Windy Hollows).
Sunday July 15, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 11AB

Creating Comics for All Ages
Victor Flores (High Tech High Graphic Novel Project student host) interviews fellow HTH GNP members and guest professional comic artists Shane Houghton (Reed Gunther, Peanuts, Casper’s Scare School) and Chris Houghton (Reed Gunther, Kung-Fu Panda Comics, MAD magazine, Adventure Time) about the challenges and advantages of creating comics for all-ages audiences.
Sunday July 15, 2012 3:00pm – 4:00pm @ Room 4

Filed under: All Ages