Con Guy Show: Long Beach Comic Expo, Walking Dead Mid-Season Premier, Cosplay Comedy

This year, Long Beach Comic Expo is proud to host many industry-leading special guests, such as Punisher co-creator Gerry Conway, famed cartoonist Patrick Owsley (Hanna-Barbera/Warner Bros.), renowned writer Ron Marz (Green Lantern, Silver Surfer), and many more. Guests have the option to take part in dozens of panels based on some of the hottest pop-culture properties, including Captain Marvel, Aquaman, Batman, and Justice League.

Poised to host over one hundred-fifty exhibits, dozens of high-profile guests and tons of hands-on and interactive activities, Long Beach Comic Expo will have something for the whole family to enjoy!

Room 104A

10:30am – 11:30am
C3 Presents: Comics: Breaking In and STAYING In
Speakers: John Nee, Joseph Illidge, James Jameson, Javier Hernandez
Description: The road to a career in comics and the creative arts can take many twists and turns, and the twists don’t stop once you get in. Join Marvel Comics publisher John Nee, DC/Valiant/Lion Forge editor Joseph Illidge, artist James Jameson (AMERICAN GODS), and cartoonist Javier Hernandez (EL MUERTO) for a riveting discussion of the different ways they’ve developed their careers.

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11:30am – 12:30pm
Captain Marvel: Origins                                        
Speakers: Gerry Conway, Margaret Stohl
Description: A look at Captain Marvel Carol Danvers with two of the writers who know her best: Gerry Conway, who introduced the “Ms. Marvel” version of Carol in the 1970s MS. MARVEL comic series; and bestselling novelist Margaret Stohl, whose THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN MARVEL comic retold the character’s history as a lead-in to the upcoming feature film.

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12:30pm – 1:30pm
HIGHER FURTHER FASTER: They Lead The Way – Presented by Marvel Studios’ CAPTAIN MARVEL
Speakers: Barbra Dillon, Martha Donato, Ivy Doomkitty, Barbara Randall Kesel
Description: Four pop-culture industry veterans take part in a candid discussion about their experiences as pioneers in their chosen fields. Panelists Barbra Dillon (Co-Founder and EIC – Fanbase Press), Ivy Doomkitty (International Cosplay Superstar), Martha Donato (Founder – Long Beach Comic Con and Expo), and Barbara Randall Kesel (Writer and Editor – DC Comics, CrossGen, Dark Horse) join moderator Loryn Stone (PopLurker, Toy Wizards) to share their stories of the successes they’ve had and the challenges they’ve faced in comic editing and writing, journalism, conventions, and cosplay, and how bearing the mark of a trailblazer can be rewarding, frustrating, alienating, and fulfilling in equal measure. This panel is sponsored by the Marvel Studios release CAPTAIN MARVEL, in theatres everywhere March 8th!

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1:30pm – 2:30pm
Space Expo Presents: STAYING CLOSER TO HOME: Unexplored Opportunities for Storytelling in Our Own Solar System
Speakers: Alexander Winn
Description: Pick any science-fiction franchise out of a hat, and odds are they depict humanity jumping straight from “landing on Mars” to “exploring the galaxy.” But while far-off stars and alien worlds may be exciting, there are hundreds of worlds and millions of other settings right here in our own solar system just waiting to be explored. From a canyon the size of North America on Mars, to clouds that rain diamonds on Neptune, to clouds of sulfuric acid and enough heat to melt lead the surface of Venus, our solar system provides more variety and drama than anything Hollywood could ever imagine. Join Alexander Winn, indie developer of the science-based colonization game TerraGenesis, as he demonstrates that our own solar system is the most under-appreciated science fiction setting in the history of the genre and the biggest opportunity for any writer hoping to transport their audience to another world.

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
Women on the Dark Side
Speakers: Anne Toole, Kate Jonez, Susan Lee, Madeline Holly-Rosing
Description: Not all female artists/creators are about unicorns, glittery vampires, and silly pseudo-bondage. Some women create truly dark and challenging art and content, with just a touch of humor and whimsy. Whether it’s comic books, novels, or art, these are the women who are creating content that connects with our deeper, darker side. Featuring Anne Toole (HALO: LONE WOLF), Kate Jonez (editor, OMNIUM GATHERUM), Susan Lee (WRAITH OF LOVE), and Madeleine Holly-Rosing (BOSTON METAPHYSICAL SOCIETY). Moderated by Barbra Dillon (Editor-in-Chief, Fanbase Press).

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3:30pm – 4:30pm
Cosplay Comedy
Speakers: Kari Assad, PJ Baio, Greg Benevent, Bernie Bregman, Heather Dragulescu, Nik Estes, Jeff Hopkins, Erikka Innes, Aaron Ram Powell
Description: Cosplay Comedy is a unique stand-up show where comics perform in costume and in-character! See your favorite heroes and villains take the stage and hit the mic! Featuring some of the geekiest comics from the LA scene.  Our LBCE lineup includes Batman, Spider-Man, Mega Man, Hermione Granger, and more!

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4:30pm – 5:30pm
Space Expo Presents: NASA’s InSight Mission on Mars
Speakers: Troy Lee Hudson, Ravi Prakash, Farah Alibay, Emily Manor-Chapman, Sanford Krasner
Description: NASA’s revolutionary new mission, InSight, is a Mars lander designed to perform an in-depth study of the “inner space” of the Red Planet: its crust, mantle, and core. Studying Mars’ interior structure and thermal state answers key questions about the early formation of rocky planets in our inner solar system more than 4 billion years ago, and it informs theories about the rocky exoplanets we keep discovering. Join a panel of InSight scientists and engineers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory as they talk about their roles in the mission’s operations, some of the brand new science being done on Mars, and the latest data we’re getting back from the red planet.

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5:30pm – 6:30pm
Mint on a Card
Speakers: Danny Palumbo, Joe Starr, Valerie Tosi, Ify Nwadiwe, Barbara Gray
Description: The monthly comedy show that brings the best stand-up in the game to its home at Burbank’s Blast from the Past toy-and-collectible store enters its 4th year of touring the coolest spots around… and Long Beach Comic Expo has made the cut! Hosted by Jeff May and co-produced by Los Angeles-based artist and super-producer Lisa Hardin.

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Room 104B

11:00am – 12:00pm
Voice Acting: Secrets of the Stars
Speakers: James Mathis III, Arryn Zech, Eric Bauza, Rikki Simons
Description: Some of the most exciting voice actors working today take part in a very special panel! James Mathis III (the voice of Black Panther), Eric Bauza (Master Splinter, Bugs Bunny), Rikki Simons (INVADER ZIM’s GIR and Bloaty), and Arryn Zech (Blake Belladonna in Rooster Teeth’s RWBY) share stories about their work in the recording booth and answer fan questions about bringing fan-favorite characters to life.

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12:00pm – 1:00pm
GOTHAM’s Tze Chun: Delivering a TKO to Comics
Speakers: Tze Chung
Description: Come join GOTHAM writer/producer Tze Chun (ONCE UPON A TIME) for a freewheeling panel that will answer your questions about the hit series’ just-started fifth season even as it raises more about what’s to come. Plus, a look at TKO Studios, Chun’s new comics publishing company that’s introduced binge-reading and other innovations to the world of comics, making waves just two months since its debut at the end of 2018! Moderated by comics historian Jessica Tseang (AMC’s SECRET HISTORY OF COMICS).

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1:00pm – 2:30pm
Storytelling on the Page
Speakers: Ron Marz
Description: A Long Beach favorite returns! Top comic artists work from the same script to demonstrate – in real time – how to break down a comic book story. Gain new insights into how to both write and draw a page from beginning to end. Writer Ron Marz (GREEN LANTERN, SILVER SURFER) provides the script for the artists. Hosted by Buddy Scalera (DEADPOOL) of Comic Book School. Sponsored by Marvy/Uchida markers.

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
Horror, Fantasy, and Folklore: Making the Timeless Timely
Speakers: Ponsak Pichetshote, Norm Harper, DJ Kirkbride, Javier Hernandez
Description: Creators Pornsak Pichetshote (Infidel), Norm Harper (Haphaven), DJ Kirkbride (The One and Future Queen), and Javier Hernandez (El Muerto) take part in a wide-ranging discussion of how their works update and expand familiar themes for modern stories and contemporary audiences.

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3:30pm – 4:30pm          
Batman, Batwoman, and Beyond
Speakers: Kevin Nowlan, Rick Leonardi, Marguerite Bennett, Joseph Illidge
Description: It’s the Dark Knight’s eightieth anniversary! Join BATWOMAN and DC COMICS BOMBSHELLS writer Marguerite Bennett, former Batman editor Joseph Illidge, BATMAN BEYOND artist Rick Leonardi, and legendary Batman artist Kevin Nowlan for a discussion of the past, present, and future of one of the most enduring characters in pop-culture history

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4:30pm – 5:30pm           
Breaking Into Toy and Product Design
Speakers: Logan Lubera, Mandie Roman, and Ray Makowski
Description: Learn the secrets of creating cool geek stuff for crates and shelves alike straight from the experts. From t-shirts to collectible statues, what makes a great product? And how does someone new break into the industry? Join Loot Crate Creative Directors Logan Lubera and Ray Makowski and Mandie Roman of JapanLA Clothing, Loot Wear, and her own company, Geeky Glamorous, for an informative conversation moderated by Toy-Wizards.com Editor-in-Chief Loryn Stone.

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Room 104C

10:30am – 11:30am
The Fine Art of Character Design
Speakers: Joel Adams, Bobby Timony, Logan Lubera
Description: How does a character’s look reveal strengths, weaknesses, and personality? What choices go into the color of a shirt, the thickness of the hair, or even how many loops go on the belt? Comic Book School’s Buddy Scalera (Deadpool) leads a discussion with three experts in the world of character design: King of the Hill veteran and comic book artist Joel Adams, Loot Crate Creative Director Logan Lubera, and multiple Harvey Award-nominee Bobby Timony (The Night Owls)

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11:30am – 12:30pm
FilAm Creative: Voices Live!: FilAms in Comics, Animation, and Film
Speakers: Bobby Pontillas, Patricio Ginelsa, Mark Nazal
Description: Filam Creative: Voices hosts a special live podcast recording at The Long Beach Comic Con Expo! Join Voices hosts, Arlyn Dela Pena and Walter Talens, as they have a conversation with special guests Bobby Pontillas (Oscar nominated Director at Taiko Studios, Disney), Patricio Ginelsa (Director of feature films Lumpia and Lumpia 2, music videos by Black Eyed Peas), Mark Nazal (VFX artist, two time Emmy award winner Gotham and Lucifer), and other special guests as they talk about the contributions of Filipinos in comics/animation and film, their own work, how they got their starts, and so much more.

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12:30pm – 1:30pm
Geeks Got Your Back
Speakers: Shawn Crosby, Meg Hartman, and Susan Fox
Description: Anti-harassment has become a hot topic within the geek community over the last several years. Whether it is anti- harassment policies or grassroots awareness, more and more geeks are looking for ways to make the geek community a better place to everyone. Come join us as we discuss ways in which we can all just be a little more excellent to each other.

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1:30pm – 2:30pm
GeekFest Filmmakers Panel
Speakers: Jackie Dallas
Description: Learn how to create low-budget, high-concept genre films from this year’s batch of talented filmmakers touring with the Year 6 Tour.

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
GeekFest Program 1 – Fan Films (Marvel/DC)
Description: Little Man of Steel, Red Hood It, Rise of the Catwoman, Deadpool the Musical 2

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3:30pm – 4:30pm
GeekFest Program 2 – Geek Girls ROCK!
Description: Planeman, Once Upon a Costume Live, CC, Nano

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4:30pm – 5:30pm
GeekFest Program 3 – Star Wars Fan Films
Description: Star Wars: The Toys Awaken, Star Wars: Dresca, One Day I’ll Become The Lightsaber Maker, Star Wars Dark Legacy

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Sunday, February 17, 2019

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Room 104A

11:30am – 12:30pm
TOKYOPOP Presents: International Women of Manga
Speakers: Mallory Reeves
Description: Celebrate diversity in manga by joining TOKYOPOP to learn about our new exciting original titles by diverse female manga creators from around the world. With a varied selection of genres and art styles, there’s something for everyone from these talented creators, including our special guest, writer Mallory Reaves (the upcoming KILALA PRINCESS) who joins us for a Q&A session!

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12:30pm – 1:30pm
Sunday Conversation with DC Comics’ Dan DiDio
Speakers: Dan DiDio
Description: Dan DiDio invites you to join this afternoon chat to talk about your favorite comic book memories and why we all love this medium and give you a sneak peek at events occurring across the DC Universe. All are welcome; no RSVP required!

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1:30pm – 2:30pm
Justice League Detroit: A 35th Anniversary… Celebration?
Speakers: Gerry Conway, Chuck Patton
Description: In 1983, DC Comics’ Justice League franchise was reinvented with a lineup that would include Aquaman in a leadership role and showcase new members Commander Steel, Vixen, Gypsy, and Vibe. With Aquaman a billion-dollar franchise and the others mainstays of the WB’s “Arrowverse,” it’s time to reconsider the JLD legacy with the team’s writer-artist team of Gerry Conway and artist Chuck Patton!

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
JOE ON JOE Presents: G.I. Joe Fandom Today!
Speakers: Jeremiah Stafford, Paul Galliano, Curtis Herod
Description: A special LIVE recording of the popular JOE ON JOE podcast celebrates what may be the greatest toy line of all time! Host Joe Slepski and a panel of G.I. Joe experts discuss the various aspects of the brand – toys, comics books, TV shows, and movies – and how the fans have kept G.I. Joe thriving for more than half a century!

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3:30pm – 4:30pm
Fanbase Press Presents: The Past is Now! Nostalgia in Comics & Graphic Novels
Speakers: Norm Harper, Bobby Timony, Marguerite Bennett, Todd Nauck
Description: Pop culture’s obsession with the ’80s and ’90s is reverberating through comics and graphic novels like PAPER GIRLS, STRANGER THINGS, and more. Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon moderates an engaging panel about the past in the present and future with guests Marguerite Bennett (MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS), Todd Nauck (MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000), and Bobby Timony and Norm Harper (THE SEQUELS).

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Room 104B

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11:30am – 12:30pm          
Space Expo Presents: SCIENCE IMITATES FICTION (And Back Again)
Speakers: Ron Marz, Gerald Blackburn
Description: 50 years ago, humans took a giant leap and stepped on the Moon. Many of the people responsible for getting us there were inspired by science fiction comics and novels. This panel features a former NASA engineer who worked on the Apollo Moon missions talking about how comics inspired him, along with comic book writer Ron Marz (GREEN LANTERN) talking about inspirations from real life space exploration he took for his work. The panel will be moderated by Ben Dickow, President of the Columbia Memorial Space Center, which sits on the birthplace of Apollo, the site the famous Apollo Capsules were built just up the freeway in Downey.

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12:30pm – 1:30pm           
Space Expo Presents: NASA’s New Horizons Mission
Speakers: Gene Perry, Dennis Schnell
Description: Presented by employees of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, this panel highlights the New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt, touching on the New Horizons probe itself and all of its scientific instruments, a timeline of the mission including milestones and scientific discoveries, details and latest findings on the newly discovered Ultima Thule, and highlight some of the other exciting New Horizons programs: Juno and Bennu.

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1:30pm – 2:30pm
Webcomics Advocates Presents: The Webcomics Gathering
Speakers: Brendan Creecy, Eddie DeAngelini, Ambrose Quintanilla
Description: Join Webcomics Advocates co-founder Brendan Creecy (BRAX THE ALIEN ROCKER) and webcomic creators Eddie DeAngelini (COLLECTORS), Ambrose Quintanilla (GOPHER-IT COMICS), and moderator Kristen Parraz (the COMADRES Y COMICS podcast) as they celebrate and discuss the exciting world of webcomics! They will also give any webcomic creators in the audience 30 seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
DIY Comics: Publish, Don’t Perish
Speakers: David Pepose, Rob Kutner, Russell Nohelty, Kate Leth, Christie Shinn
Description: Kickstarter, Patreon, the “Image model”: whether it’s the first comic you’ve ever published or just the most-recent, there are many different ways to reach your audience. These freewheeling panel showcases the paths taken by a wide range of creators: writers David Pepose (SPENCER & LOCKE) and Rob Kutner (SHRINKAGE, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart), cartoonists Kate Leth (ADVENTURE TIME) and Christie Shinn (DEMON BITCH: SHE SUCKS), and writer/publisher Russell Nohelty (THE COMPLETE CREATIVE). Moderated by writer Rylend Grant (ABERRANT)

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3:30pm – 4:30pm          
Animated Lives: Behind the Scenes of Creating Cartoons
Speakers:  Larry Houston, Chuck Patton, Ian McGinty, Samantha Glow Knapp
Description: Cartoon-industry veterans Larry Houston (X-Men: The Animated Series), Chuck Patton (G.I. JOE, Kulipari: Dream Walker), Ian McGinty and Samantha Glow Knapp (Welcome to Showside!) take part in a fun-filled discussion about their experiences in making cartoons for television. From sharing personal stories of the business and how the process has changed over the decades, to describing how their skills have served them in other creative fields, it’ll be a strong finish to your Long Beach Comic Expo experience

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Room 104C.

11:30am – 12:30pm
Cospositive: Cosplay With Confidence
Speakers: Ivy Doomkitty
Description: International cosplay superstar Ivy Doomkitty leads a discussion focusing on body image and confidence in oneself, self-worth, ways to work on confidence, and how to stay positive in the community when faced with negative people or negative comments on social media. Other topics covered will include cosplaying regardless of age, gender, body type/size, disability, etc. and having respect for one another.

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12:30pm – 1:30pm
All-CAPS: Tales of the Comic Art Professional Society
Speakers: Bobby Timony, Christie Shinn, Norm Harper, Barbara Randall Kesel
Description: Comic Art Professional Society of Los Angeles members share stories of their careers in comics. Join legendary editor Barbara Randall Kesel, irreverent creator Christie Shinn (DEMON BITCH, SHE SUCKS), and Eisner Award nominee Norm Harper (RIKKI) and multiple Harvey Award nominee Bobby Timony (THE NIGHT OWLS) for a freewheeling conversation moderated by CAPS member Loryn Stone.

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1:30pm – 2:30pm
GeekFest Program 4 – SciFi
Description: NarcoLeap, The Shipment, Paleonaut

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2:30pm – 3:30pm
GeekFest Program 5 – Comedy
Description: Dark Specter, Portrait of a Superhero, Gryphon, Animo Galactic Galaxy

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3:30pm – 4:30pm
GeekFest Program 6 – Geekcetera
Description: The Indies Prop Wars: Prop Harder, Metroid: The Sky Calls, Hot N Nerdy

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4:30pm – 5:30pm      
Level Up Your Cosplay! with Ivy Doomkitty
Speakers: Ivy Doomkitty
Description: Have you been cosplaying for a while but feel like it’s become stagnant? Do you want to figure out how to turn a basic costume into a stellar one? Seasoned costume professionals show how you can turn up your costume to over 9000! Q and A to follow!