THURSDAY 5-6:30 p.m.
SHANE DAVIS SIGNING
The Wizard Booth: 953
Special Thursday Preview Night signing with Superman/Batman artist Shane Davis.
FRIDAY 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
URBAN SPECIES
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
FRIDAY 11 a.m.-12 p.m.
MARVEL: MONDO MARVEL
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
2008 has already been a huge success for Marvel in all corners of the Universe. Now, join the industry’s top editors and creators like Tom Brevoort, Peter David, Brian Reed, Mike Perkins and more to find out what’s to come for X-Men, Hulk, DD, cosmic, the FF, Stephen King’s The Stand, and all things Marvel!
11 a.m.-12 p.m.
URBAN SPECIES ON FINDING YOUR NICHE IN THE INDUSTRY
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
U.K.-based clothing, art and events company Urban Species is currently Marvel’s longest running unique licensee. Hash Hirji, Director of Urban Species, will be speaking about how the company went from humble fanboy beginnings to becoming an international licensee. He’ll talk about how Urban Species’ use of pop culture knowledge, guerrilla marketing, internet research and social networking made it the company it is today, and he’ll also talk about how you can use the same techniques to find your niche in the pop culture industry. Hash will also be making some big announcements about Urban Species, so be there to find out the news first-hand! Plus, prizes!
11 a.m.-1 p.m.
ORIGIN: SPIRITS FROM THE PAST
The Anime Insider FUNimation Room
12-1 p.m.
INCREDIBLE HULK RETROSPECTIVE WITH LOU FERRIGNO
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
Wizard’s Kevin Mahadeo goes toe-to-toe with the legendary Lou Ferrigno for a look at the classic TV series “The Incredible Hulk.” Through video clips and photos, Lou discusses the makeup, fight scenes and his dynamic with star Bill Bixby. Bonus: Hear Lou’s thoughts about “The Incredible Hulk” film!
12-1 p.m.
DESTROY ALL MONSTERS
The Wizard School Room: 8
See what lies ahead in the Destroy All Monsters line from Far East Monsters, the only licensed Godzilla toy maker in the United States! Plus, prizes!
1-2 p.m.
DAREDEVIL RETROSPECTIVE WITH BENDIS & MALEEV
The Dave Stevens Room: 10-11
Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Maleev will discuss their five-year run that turned Daredevil into one of the most successful comics in Marvel history.
1-2 p.m.
ORESKABAND SIGNING
The Fountain Area
The hit J-pop band will play their infectious ska music for your enjoyment on Friday night at 7 p.m. in the Dave Stevens Room (Rooms 10-11), but you can meet and greet the band before their performance for a special signing in the Fountain Area!
1-2 p.m.
ANIME FOR COMICS FANS & COMICS FOR ANIME FANS
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
Want to get into anime without watching shows about maids and robots and robot maids? Want to get into American comics without facing hordes of spandex-clad superheroes? Come and get tips for series that will cross you over. Brought to you by the editors at Anime Insider.
1-2 p.m.
START MAKING COMICS TODAY!
The Wizard School Room: 8
Comics creators Jessica Abel and Matt Madden will be teaching activities from their new textbook, Drawing Words & Writing Pictures, which covers making comics from individual drawings to fully developed books.
1-2 p.m.
WITCHBLADE EPISODES 1-3
The Anime Insider FUNimation Room
1-2:30 p.m.
PETER DAVID SIGNING
The Wizard Booth: 953
2-3 p.m.
AMERICAN GLADIATORS Q&A
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
Come see clips and hear behind-the-scenes secrets from NBC’s hottest new show “American Gladiators” and get a chance to challenge gorgeous powerhouses Venom and Phoenix with your questions, if you're tough enough.
2-3 p.m.
VERTIGO: EDGY AND EVOCATIVE
The Dave Stevens Room: 10-11
With books like Fables, DMZ and Northlanders, Vertigo continues the critical success of its monthly books with even more surprises up its sleeve in 2008! Come hear Will Dennis, Senior Editor Vertigo, discuss the books and find out why Vertigo is THE imprint for discerning readers.
2-3 p.m.
COMIC BOOK PODCASTING
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
Podcasts are the newest way to get news and opinions on comics culture. Join moderator Sean McKeever and podcast hosts to find out how the medium has grown and where it’s headed.
2-3 p.m.
TOP COW: MARKETING 101
The Wizard School Room: 8
Join VP of Marketing Mel Caylo to learn how to market your comic book. Get tips on advertising, working with press and viral marketing techniques. Plus, every attendee receives a FREE gift!
2-3 p.m.
BLACK CAT EPISODES 1-3
The Anime Insider FUNimation Room
3-4 p.m.
MARVEL: ULTIMATE UNIVERSE
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
“It’s all connected, that’s the secret!” Brian Michael Bendis and Ultimate line editor Bill Rosemann reveal HOW the Ultimate Universe has been connected since the beginning…and why that means this is the END of the Universe as we know it…and no one will feel fine when it’s done.
3-4 p.m.
IMAGE COMICS SPOTLIGHT: ROBERT KIRKMAN
The Dave Stevens Room: 10-11
Join Image Comics superstar writer Robert Kirkman for an in-depth look at Invincible, The Walking Dead, The Astounding Wolf-Man and Brit. This is your only chance to see Kirkman at Wizard World Chicago, so be there or be square!
3-4 p.m.
THE JESSICA ABEL/MATT MADDEN PANEL
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
Comics creators Jessica Abel and Matt Madden (Drawing Words & Writing Pictures, Life Sucks, La Perdida, 99 Ways to Tell a Story and Artbabe) discuss comics and their latest books from a unique independent comics creators’ perspective. Hosted by Ken F. Levin.
3-4 p.m.
ZENESCOPE PRESENTS: CREATING YOUR COMIC
The Wizard School Room: 8
Zenescope’s Ralph Tedesco and Joe Brusha are here to offer advice to anyone who ever wanted to create their own comic book series. From idea to story development, Ralph and Joe will offer tips and answer the questions you want answered.
3-4 p.m.
BLACK BLOOD BROTHERS EPISODES 1-3
The Anime Insider FUNimation Room
3-4 p.m.
ETHAN VAN SCIVER SIGNING
The Wizard Booth: 953
4-5 p.m.
DC NATION!
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
The call goes out once more! Join Dan DiDio, Senior VP/Executive Editor DCU, Jann Jones, Senior Coordinating Editor DCU, Ian Sattler, Senior Story Editor DCU, and others to catch a glimpse of what will be the most talked about events of the summer!
4-5 p.m.
A&E/HISTORY PRESENT THE WIZARD MEGA MOVIE PANEL
The Dave Stevens Room: 10-11
Get the full scoop on upcoming comic book movies direct from Wizard Magazine’s editorial staff! We’ve got it covered, from “The Dark Knight” to “X-Men Origins: Wolverine” to “Watchmen.” All attendees to the Mega Movie Panel will receive a free “Last Stand of the 300” DVD from A&E/History.
4-5 p.m.
LOOK AHEAD: CS MOORE STUDIO
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
Join CS Moore Studio President and Sculptor Clayburn Moore for a preview of upcoming releases! From Conan the Conqueror to the Top Cow beauties, CS Moore Studio has an exciting roster of statues and busts that you can’t miss.
4-5 p.m.
TEDDY SCARES: MAKE YOUR OWN TOY
The Wizard School Room: 8
One part teddy bear, two parts zombie, Teddy Scares is one of the hottest toy lines today! Co-creator Joe DiDomenico and Chris Patchell, Teddy Scares artist extraordinaire, will discuss the how-to’s of designing your own toy line. Plus, they’re giving away scary Teddy Scares swag!
4-6 p.m.
ROBOTECH: THE SHADOW CHRONICLES
The Anime Insider FUNimation Room
5-6 p.m.
A&E/HISTORY PRESENT THE GREAT DEBATE: BENDIS VS. JOHNS
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
Two of the hottest writers in comics, Marvel heavyweight Brian Michael Bendis and DC titan Geoff Johns, debate some of the most controversial topics in the industry. Wizard's Mike Cotton referees the showdown. Let the sparks fly! The first 500 attendees will receive a free “Last Stand of the 300” DVD from A&E/History.
5-6 p.m.
LOOK AHEAD: TONNER, INC.
The Jim Mooney Room: 4
See what lies ahead for your collection from TONNERdirect! The Tonner company invites you to a look ahead for the rest of 2008 and into 2009. Ask questions, make suggestions or just listen, but show up early to get your FREE raffle tickets for the big giveaway at the end of the panel!
5-6 p.m.
DIGITAL ARTISTS SPOTLIGHT
The Wizard School Room: 8
The technology used in comics has evolved! Join digital artists Adi Granov, Greg Horn, Alex Maleev and Freddie E. Williams II as they discuss the future of comic book illustration.
5-6 p.m.
TONY DANIEL SIGNING
The Wizard Booth: 953
7 p.m.
FREE ORESKABAND J-POP CONCERT
The Dave Stevens Room: 10-11
The hit J-pop band will play their infectious ska music for your enjoyment! These catchy melodies will stay with you for the rest of the convention.
9:30 p.m.
WARREN ELLIS UNPLUGGED
The Steve Gerber Room: 1-3 12-14
Guest of Honor Warren Ellis will discuss a variety of topics, giving fans a rare glimpse into his unparalleled personality.
