I ventured out to San Diego Comic-Con again this year. I attended
my first one before I became obsessive about photographing everything --
back when I might take a single photo and forget about it. It was
probably 1994 before it moved to the San Diego Convention Center where
it now hosts 135,000 of your closest friends. Back then, it was pretty
small and I think it was at the Hyatt Regency. I guess I also attended
in 1995. I didn't even know they had panel discussions at the
conventions and spent the time wandering the floor, maybe taking a
couple dozen photos at each one.
It was ten years before I
started thinking that a lot of the comic creators that I barely saw
before were getting up there in age and I needed to see them soon.
Beginning in 2006, I've attended 17 San Diego Comic-Cons. (2006 was
also the year I started attending the Baltimore Comic-Con.)
The
cost of going to SDCC has gotten exorbitant. I usually stay in a
crappy Motel 6 about a mile from the convention center in a room that's a
little larger than the queen sized bed in the center. I usually stay
for a week and get a weekly discount plus any others I can find. In
2022, it was $1,079/week including tax. In 2023, they quoted $2,471 and
I balked. In 2024, it was $1,475. This year, they were quoting
$500/night but initially asked for $2,075 although they reduced it to
$1,844 before I balked again. So I was planning to skip again but found
a deal at an actual hotel which worked out close to the same price.
Then we got the email saying that San Diego had just increased the
"transient" visitor tax so it cost an extra $180. Anyway, I went. I
even rode an Uber for the first time in my life!
Most of my time
there is spent covering Mark Evanier's panels -- I'm basically his
photographer -- and he's a busy man so I am too. He did something like
19 panels plus presented at the Eisner Awards this year. I couldn't
cover them all (I couldn't get into his interview of Frank Miller whose
1986 "The Dark Knight Returns" brought me back into comic books) but of
the 27 panels I covered this year, 16 were his.
In my spare time, I had a nice
chat with Peter Kuper which was joined by Ward Sutton. We talked about
Herblock awards (Peter was the runner-up this year) and repression.
Another
short interaction that I had this year was with George Takei (Mr Sulu
from the original Star Trek). The last time I saw him was in 2024 at
the Library of Congress. As a gay, non-white, elderly person, he's a
target of the dictatorship but he was annoyingly optimistic saying the
country would recover from the regime.
In any case, if anyone wants to see any of the panel photos I took this year, they're up. Direct links:
Thursday:Great Cartoonists and Comedians We Have KnownFilm
expert Leonard Maltin and writer Mark Evanier have thousands of years
of show business between them and have met and sometimes even worked
with some of the cleverest, funniest men and women. They'll be sharing
their experiences with people like Groucho Marx, Chuck Jones, Bob
Clampett, Bob Hope, Jerry Lewis, and as many others as they can squeeze
into the time they have.
This Just In! Comic-Con Museum’s Newest ExhibitionsGain
exclusive insight into Comic-Con Museum's newest exhibitions, Sangre,
Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre, Growing up
Luann, and tokidoki: Twenty Years of Kawaii and Chaos. Featuring
tokidoki founders Simone Legno and Pooneh Mohajer, Greg and Karen Evans
from Luann, professional wrestler Thunder Rosa and Gaspar Orozco of the
Office of the Consulate General of Mexico in San Diego, and Brooks
Branch and Laura Woolley from Julien's Global Enterprises, with Rita
Vandergaw, executive director of Comic-Con Museum, and Eddie Ibrahim,
senior director of programming for Comic-Con.
Tales from My Spinner Rack Live!It’s
the world premiere weekend for Fantastic Four: First Steps, and “Tales
from My Spinner Rack Live!” returns to Comic-Con with Gary Sassaman
(former director of programming and publications for Comic-Con) taking a
nostalgic look back at Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four covers, alongside
Kirby experts Mark Evanier (author, Kirby: King of Comics) and John
Morrow (editor/publisher, Jack Kirby Collector). They’ll each pick their
top ten Kirby covers from Fantastic Four 1-101 and Annuals 1-7. Learn
the secrets and untold tales behind some of these covers at this
graphics-filled presentation! FREE limited edition Tales From My Spinner
Rack booklet and button for the first 100 attendees!
Neon Ichiban: The Future of Digital Comics and MangaDiscover
Neon Ichiban, a new all-in-one digital comics and manga hub from
Comixology vets David Steinberger and Chip Mosher. Launching with a
stellar lineup of publishers (Dark Horse Comics, DC, DSTLRY, Kodansha,
Marvel Comics, Oni Press, Vault Comics) and more to be announced, Neon
Ichiban lets fans read, buy, sell, and collect digital comics like never
before. This panel offers a first look at key features, including
same-day releases, limited digital collectibles, re-sellable digital
comics, and Neon Ichiban's exclusive remarques technology, where
creators can sign and sketch on your digital comics.
Abrams ComicArts: Redefining Graphic StorytellingAbrams
ComicArts, a division of Abrams Books, provides an inside look at how
they're reshaping the graphic novel landscape. Known for literary
adaptations, curated collections of classic comics, genre-defying
originals, and captivating manga, Abrams ComicArts continues to push the
boundaries of visual storytelling. Panelists will share
behind-the-scenes insights into the creative and editorial processes,
talk through their approach to publishing and promoting diverse content,
and give an exclusive preview of what's coming next. Featuring Chris
Ryall (Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel), Charlie Kochman
(editor-in-chief, Abrams ComicArts), Joseph Montagne (Abrams ComicArts),
Chip Kidd (The Essential Peanuts, The Avengers in the Veracity Trap!),
Nate Powell (Fall Through, Save It for Later, Run), John Jennings
(Kindred, Parable of the Sower, Parable of the Talents), Grant Snider
(Thinking About Thinking, The Art of Living, I Will Judge You by Your
Bookshelf), and moderator Jacq Cohen (director of marketing and
publicity, Abrams ComicArts).
The Art of SHAG: Visual Storyteller of Tiki, Midcentury Style, Fandom, and Polynesian PopJoin
the hosts from TheTikiFreaks.com to experience the retro decadence of
SHAG (Josh Agle), an artist whose distinctive style perfectly blends
midcentury modern design with some of our biggest fandoms, including
Back to the Future, Pulp Fiction, Batman 66, Star Wars, Vintage Disney,
and, of course, Tiki. His art incorporates tropical vibes and a sly
sense of humor to create a world filled with lavish parties, eccentric
characters, and a Polynesian sensibility. Join fellow art lovers, pop
culture fans, and tiki enthusiasts at this rare retrospective of the art
of Shag.
Friday:Legends in the Making: DC's Teen Heroes and BeyondExplore
the legacy and evolution of the beloved sidekicks and teen heroes of
the DC Universe with an expert panel featuring Mark Waid (writer,
World's Finest: Teen Titans), Phil Jimenez (artist, JLA/Titans), Todd
Nauck (artist, Young Justice), Joe Illidge (editor, Batgirl), Tim
Sheridan (writer, Teen Titans Academy), and Barbara Kesel (editor, New
Titans). Moderated by TJ Shevlin (publishing content specialist, Upper
Deck).
The Birth of Comics: How Anarchy and Innovation Led to the Comics of TodayElements
of modern comic strips, comic books, and graphic novels can be observed
in the earliest efforts of early newspaper comic artists. Through the
newly revised volume Society is Nix (Fantagraphics/Sunday Press), a
panel of historians and artists look back at a time when there were no
set rules or formats for comics. The early creators built on this
freedom to establish a new artform, leading to the artistic and
technological evolutions that followed. Peter Maresca (Sunday Press),
Paul Karasik (Paul Auster's The New York Trilogy, How to Read Nancy),
Peter Kuper (Insectopolis, Wish We Weren't Here), and Bruce Simon
(Hoo-Hah Press) discuss the influence of the past on artists of the
present, with a Q&A to follow.
The Groo PanelSince
1981, Groo the Wanderer -- the creation of cartoonist Sergio
Aragoné\;s -- has wandered from comic book to comic book,
company to company, and weird adventure to weirder adventure. Where did
he come from? What's he up to now? And most important, how do we avoid
him? Sergio's accomplice Mark Evanier will tell you all about the
stupidest character in any multiverse anywhere, aided by the comic's
longtime letterer Stan Sakai (the creator of Usagi Yojimbo) and its
newest colorist, Carrie Strachan. And they may even try to get Sergio on
the phone.
Spotlight on Todd KleinYour
favorite comic book would be nothing without a skilled letterer, and
one of the most skilled (and most honored with awards) is Todd Klein,
who is also an expert on all those who have plied his craft, past and
present. Come hear Todd interviewed by Comic-Con Special Guest Mark
Evanier and learn all about this too-often-unappreciated part of just
about every comic book you've ever loved.
Two Marks Explain EverythingDo
you have a burning question about the world of comics? About some
character or writer or artist or publisher? Well, if writer Mark Waid
doesn't know the answer . . . and if writer Mark Evanier also doesn't
know the answer . . . then probably no one knows. The two of them
fielding questions from the audience made for one of the most popular
panels at WonderCon earlier this year, and they've agreed to give more
of you the opportunity to get the answers you seek.
Focus on Don GlutDon
Glut is the writer/creator of the popular comics Dagar the Invincible,
The Occult Files of Doctor Spektor, and Tragg and the Sky Gods. For
Warren Publishing, he authored tales for Creepy, Eerie, and Vampirella,
and for Marvel, his writing could be found in, among others, Captain
America, The Invaders, Kull the Destroyer, Solomon Kane, Star Wars, and
What If&hellip\;? Don also has more than 80 books to his credit,
including The Dinosaur Dictionary and the authorized novelization of the
movie The Empire Strikes Back. This year, he's receiving the coveted
Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing, and he'll
discuss his amazing career in this spotlight interview with Finger Award
chairman (and Comic-Con Special Guest) Mark Evanier.
Walt Kelly and PogoWalt
Kelly (1913-1973) was one of the most honored cartoonists of his day,
primarily (but not exclusively) for his popular newspaper strip, Pogo.
He brought to life not only the highly quotable possum Pogo but also all
the creatures Pogo fraternized with in the Okefenokee Swamp, including
Churchy LaFemme, Howland Owl, Mam'selle Hepizbah, and Albert the
Alligator. Walt Kelly was also a Disney animator, a writer-illustrator
for Dell Comics, and a pretty quotable guy himself. His work and legacy
will be discussed by cartoonist Liniers, writer Paul Dini, and the folks
who bring you Fantagraphics' award-winning reprintings of The Complete
Pogo: Maggie Thompson, Eric Reynolds, and your moderator, Mark Evanier.
This Panel Has Been Banned!Shock!
Gasp! Horror! You'll be astounded with talk of censorship, book
burnings, and book bans through the lens of comics and their history of
being at the forefront of fighting back for free speech. Using the story
of legendary EC Comics in the '50s and their titles like Tales from the
Crypt as a backdrop, Ben Dickow (comics historian), Jeff Trexler (Comic
Book Legal Defense Fund), and a city librarian will explore how it
reverberates today. The idea seems staunchly anti-American, so why is it
still happening? The panelists will be joined by members of LA's
Captured Aural Phantasy Theater, who have turned the story of Bill
Gaines and EC Comics into an absurd Broadway musical, Tales from the
Comic Book Crackdown. Members of the group will punctuate the discussion
by dramatically reading excerpts from some of the forbidden comics of
then and now.
Saturday:The Wonderfully Weird World of GumballWelcome
back to Elmore, where the laws of reality are a joke, and family life
is anything but ordinary. Members of the creative team and voice cast
share a sneak peek at the wild stories, big twists, and surreal humor
involving Gumball, Darwin, and the other quirky residents of Elmore in
"The Wonderfully Weird World of Gumball," coming soon to Hulu in the
U.S., Cartoon Network international channels, and HBO Max (outside the
U.S.). Produced by Hanna-Barbera Studios Europe, the series marks the
long-awaited return of these beloved characters.
Quick DrawIt's
the battle you wait for every year, as three speedy cartoonists cross
Sharpies to prove who's the fastest and the funniest. They create
cartoons right before your very ideas, based on suggestions and
challenges they've never heard before -- suggestions and challenges that
come from you in the audience and from your Quick Draw! quizmaster,
Mark Evanier. Competing are Scott Shaw! (Sonic the Hedgehog), Tom
Richmond (MAD magazine), Emma Steinkellner (Nell of Gumbling), and
several surprise cartoonists. No Sergio this year, but he may try to
phone something in. See why this is one of the most popular events in
all of Comic-Con!
http://www.bguthriephotos.com/graphlib.nsf/keys/2025_07_26B2_SDCCP02Cartoon Voices 1Once
again, your host Mark Evanier has assembled a panel of some of the
hardest-working folks in the colorful profession of speaking for
animated characters. They'll show you what they do, tell you how they do
it, and probably massacre a beloved fairy tale in the process. On the
panel this year are Gregg Berger (Transformers), Audrey Wasilewski
(Monster High), Fred Tatasciore (The Hulk), Jim Meskimen (Thundercats),
Benni Latham (Transformers: Earthspark), and Dana Gould (The Simpsons).
Scott Shaw!’s Oddball Comics LiveScott
Shaw! (cartoonist/writer/animation producer/historian/SDCC
co-originator) will once again present the craziest comic books ever
published. Scott's been doing this since 1978, so he'll be showing the
classic Oddball covers that his audience wants to see again. And this
year, Scott will be joined by his pal Jim Roche, the producer of MeTV's
Svengoolie! (If you've never seen Scott's show, it's a smart idea to
wear an adult diaper.).
The Essential Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz: The Greatest Comic Strip of All TimeA
distinguished panel of contributors to The Essential Peanuts (Abrams
ComicArts, October 2025) offer a heartfelt and insightful conversation
about the legacy of Charles M. Schulz. Panelists include Mark Evanier
(author of The Essential Peanuts), Chip Kidd (graphic designer), Paige
Braddock (creative director emeritus at Charles M. Schulz Creative
Associates), and Alexis E. Fajardo (editorial director, publishing &
experiences at Charles M. Schulz Creative Associates). Moderated by
Charles Kochman (editor-in-chief, Abrams ComicArts), the discussion will
explore Schulz's artistic genius, the enduring cultural impact of
Peanuts, and how this landmark volume frames the iconic strip with fresh
historical and cultural context.
I Have to Live with This Person!How
does a comics collector, cartoonist, or retailer juggle their hobby or
career with their committed relationship? Cartoonist and moderator Eddie
deAngelini (Collectors), his wife Kristen Parraz (Comadres y Comics),
retailer Ambrose Quintanilla (Diggers Comics & Collectibles) and his
wife Carey Quintanilla, and Bob Bretall (Guinness world record holder,
largest comic collection) with his wife Janine Bretall share their
funny, frustrating and heartfelt stories of love, commitment, and of
course, comics!
Peter David: A Celebration of His Life, Work, and LegacyThe
comic book and science fiction communities recently lost a true titan
when Peter David passed away. While Peter's works will be celebrated for
decades to come, panelists invite you to join them for a lively
celebration of Peter, the longtime convention presence, and amazing
"Writer of Stuff." Panelists will include comic legends, friends, and
collaborators, including Paul Levitz, George Takei, Mark Evanier, Chris
Ryall, and J. K. Woodward. Moderated by Peter's longtime Comics Buyer's
Guide friend, Maggie Thompson.
Sunday:
The Annual Jack Kirby Tribute PanelIt's
a Comic-Con tradition to honor the man they call The King of the
Comics, creator or co-creator of a staggering number of comic book
characters, universes, and trends. If you don't know who he was and what
he did, just look around the exhibit hall and you'll see his influence
everywhere. Talking about Jack this year are Paul Levitz (former
president of DC Comics), &ldquo\;Jack Kirby: Heroes and Humanity'
curator Patrick A. Reed, attorney Paul S. Levine,, Marvel editor Tom
Brevoort, and Tracy Kirby and Jeremy Kirby from the Kirby family. Your
host, as always, is former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier.
Explore Disney Amphibia with Matt BralyCreator
Matt Braly and others go behind the scenes of the hit Disney+ show
Amphibia and talk about the new graphic novel continuation, Strange
Voyages. Moderated by Kae Winters.
Cartoon Voices IIYesterday's
Cartoon Voices panel was such a hit that we're doing another one with
more people who speak for some of your favorite cartoon characters. On
the dais for this one are Michael Scott Action (The Seven Deadly Sins:
Four Knights of the Apocalypse), Kaitlyn Robrock (Minnie Mouse), Vincent
Martella (Phineas and Ferb), Abby Trott (Demon Slayer), Gabe Kunda
(Barbie: A Touch of Magic), Maurice LaMarche (Futurama), and at least
one surprise guest. Your moderator is, of course, Mark Evanier.
Vam PD New Podcast from Big FinishLeading
Vam PD's star-studded cast is Juliet Landau (best known for playing
Drusilla in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its spin-off Angel) as Catrin,
alongside Alimi Ballard (Numb3rs, Sabrina the Teenage Witch) as her
partner in crime-fighting, Magnus. Nineties icon Mara Wilson (Mrs.
Doubtfire, Miracle on 34th Street, Matilda) guest stars as Jane, the
Office of the Night's human liaison. Featuring director Ursula Burton
and producer Lizzie Worsdell.
Cover StoryMaybe
you can’t judge a book by its cover, but no book was ever harmed by
having a great cover. So, what makes a great cover? Does the idea
precede the interiors, or is it the other way around? And why have
covers become more varied and artistic in the modern age of comics?
These and other related topics will be discussed by a group of artists
who’ve drawn some acclaimed covers in the last few years, including Rick
Hoberg, Michael Cho, and Dan Jurgens. And it’s all moderated by Mark
Evanier.
Business of Cartoon VoicesAre
you considering (or maybe even actively pursuing) a career providing
voices for animated cartoons, video games, and other related fields? You
can find many people who will teach you -- for a price. But how do you
know who's any good? And how does the business work? And what are the
odds against you? In the interest of preventing wanna-be voice actors
from being exploited, overcharged, or otherwise ripped off, this annual
panel answers these and any other questions you may have for free. No
one is going to try to sell you anything at this panel, which features
voice actors Kaitlyn Robrock and Fred Tatasciore, as well as agent Julie
Thompson of the prestigious agency, Sutton, Barth, and Vennari. The
panel is moderated by Comic-Con mainstay (and professional voice
director) Mark Evanier.
