by Bruce Guthrie
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| SDCC_250723_454.JPG -- Progressive Insurance borrowing of the Action Comics #1 cover |
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.
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.
Of all the panels I covered, the ones I found personally most interesting were:
- The Art of SHAG: I'd seen him once in 2006 but enjoyed listening to his slideshow documenting the evolution of his career. He's done major campaigns for Disney properties, featuring his kitchy style with all the damned tiki statues. He even wore the first tiki necklace he bought ages ago at Disneyland.
- Walt Kelly and Pogo: When I was a kid, I ended up with a number of softcover comic books from my grandfather in Michigan. These included Al Capp's Shmoo character and a half dozen Pogo collections. At the time, I had no idea what the text meant but loved the drawings. I still have the books. Liniers was on the panel this year and mentioned he had the same reaction to the books -- not being able to read English but being amazed by Walt Kelly's drawing skill.
- This Panel Has Been Banned!: Believe it or not, there's a group based in Los Angeles that performs audio stories from Tales from The Crypt. The panel also included Jeff Trexler, the CBLDF director, and a librarian at the San Diego Public Library. It included a slideshow of life under the cultural repression of the 1950s which sounded way too familiar under the current child president's dictatorship. The librarian said that they had to train staff on how to deal with people demanding that they yank books -- the party line is that the librarian follows the guidance of specific respected national librarian associations, including where the books should be located in the library, and the upset folks should contact those groups instead of ranting at the library for following national guidance. (Under the current dictatorship, national guidance overweighs local anyway.)
- Quick Draw: I've always loved this panel and this was the 14th one I've covered. The formula is the same every year but it works! There are three cartoonists who start drawing based on prompts from Mark. At some point, another group of three cartoonists comes up to complement drawings that the other three are doing. And there are two "secret word" sessions where Mark brings up a guest person (it was frequently Peter David who died this year but has included Len Wein, Fred Tatasciore (the voice of the Incredible Hulk and Yosemite Sam among others), Phil LaMarr, Leonard Maltin, Laraine Newman, Dick DeBartolo, etc). Sergio Aragones had been in the main group of cartoonists until COVID and hadn't returned yet. This year, the main cartoonists were Emma Steinkellner, Scott Shaw!, and Tom Richmond. The fill-in cartoonists were Lalo Alcaraz, Steve Leiloha, and Greg Evans. The "special word" folks were voice artists Fred Tatasciore and Dana Gould.
- Cartoon Voices 1 and 2: Six or seven animated voice artists are brought up to talk about characters they've portrayed and then do a cold-read of a 100-ish line script. Ad libbing is encouraged. In the second session (Sunday), both Phineas (Vincent Martella) and Ferb (David Errigo Jr.) joined folks like Maurice LaMarche for their reading of "Rapunzel". That was the 30th "Cartoon Voices" panel I had covered.
A
week before the con, while I was in the midst of dealing with my
basement having been flooded in the monsoon, Mark had called me to ask
about something special he wanted to do for the first session
(Saturday). He wanted to invite 30-40 voice artists out and do a
photoshoot. I didn't know but he had also invited a special guest --
Mari Shimizu -- who had been the original voice of the 1963 Japanese
Astro Boy. She came out after script reading followed by Candi Milo,
who was the voice of the 2013 series, who broke down in tears when
greeting Mari.
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 Known
Film 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 Exhibitions
Gain 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 Manga
Discover 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 Storytelling
Abrams 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 Pop
Join 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 Beyond
Explore 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 Today
Elements 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 Panel
Since 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 Klein
Your 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 Everything
Do 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 Glut
Don 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 Pogo
Walt 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 Gumball
Welcome 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 Draw
It'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/
Cartoon Voices 1
Once 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! (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 Time
A 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 Legacy
The 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 Panel
It'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 Braly
Creator 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 II
Yesterday'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 Finish
Leading 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 Story
Maybe 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 Voices
Are 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.
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| SDCCA_250723_249.JPG -- Ward Sutton and Peter Kuper |
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| SDCCA_250723_314.JPG -- Stan Sakai |
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| SDCCA_250725_10.JPG -- Paul Karasik and Matt Groening |
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| SDCCA_250726_05.JPG -- Gene Luen Yang in the Gaslamp District |
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| SDCCOP_250727_092.JPG -- promotion for The Naked Gun remake |
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| SDCP02_250724_522.JPG -- wrestler Nightmare Azteca with one of his masks promoting an exhibit at the Comic-Con museum in Balboa Park |
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| SDCP07_250726_115.JPG -- George Takei at a tribute for writer Peter David |
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| SDC03B_250726_459.JPG -- Mari Shimizu (the original 1963 Japanese voice of Astro Boy) joined by Candi Milo, who was the American voice of the 2013 series |
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| SDC03B_250726_548.JPG -- photo shoot with a whole bunch of voice artists |
8/12 update: I was glad Mark Evanier posted something on his blog identifying all of the voice artists in that massive group shot.
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| SDC06B_250724_528.JPG -- Shag drawing |
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| SDC08B_250725_023.JPG -- members of LA's Captured Aural Phantasy Theater reading a Tales from the Crypt story |
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| SDCC_250723_114.JPG -- a Star Wars Boba Fett fan with his car and cosplay outfit |
--
Bruce Guthrie
Photo obsessive
http://www.bguthriephotos.com
Photo obsessive
http://www.bguthriephotos.com
