Tor publishes some of the greatest sci-fi, fantasy, and horror stories around. This will be a panel to shine a spotlight on some of the exciting books that Tor, Tor Teen, Tordotcom Publishing , Forge, and Nightfire have to offer. Join the book lovers from the Tor teams as they share a sneak peek at new and upcoming SFF.
Have you ever wanted to hear funny people debate topics you thought should never be debated? Join exciting guests for this unforgettable geek showdown! (Really you may never be able to forget it…) They will debate unimportant questions like: Who wore it better - Gollum or Tarzan? Who has better hair - Krillin or Aang? Come and learn something you never wanted to know!
AGBO, founded by the Russo Brothers and Mike Larocca, puts a focus on global storytelling with expansive worldbuilding. The panel will be a conversation with AGBO leads Mike Larocca, Angela Russo-Otstot, Albert Kim, and Kassee Whiting, on their strategies for building new universes of IP for global audiences and highlighting past AGBO projects such as Netflix’s EXTRACTION, as well as their upcoming projects:
Archie Comics and the holiday season always go great together and this year is no different! From Christmas to New Year’s to Valentine’s Day and beyond, there’s always a celebration happening in Riverdale and the best part is: you’re invited! Join the pals and gals from across the Archieverse for an exclusive virtual panel featuring Archie Comics Senior Director of Editorial Jamie L. Rotante, legendary writer/artist Dan Parent, Archie’s Holiday Magic Special artist Arielle Jovellanos and writers Michael Northrop, Micol Ostow, and J. Torres as we take a look at the must-read Archie Comics available this winter!
Over the last 20 years, museum exhibits of comic art and objects related to pop culture have flourished enhancing the valuation of original artwork and the reputations of artists and exposing audiences to new and interesting ideas. Please join us for a discussion of key exhibits in the Seattle area moderated by Rob Salkowitz (Forbes IcV2) with 2021 Eisner nominee Kim A. Munson (Comic Art in Museums) Larry Reid (Fantagraphics Gallery) Ellen Forney (cartoonist and Rock Steady Coach) and Brooks Peck (Senior Curator Museum of Popular Culture). Topics will include the 30th anniversary of Misfit Lit (1991) R. Crumb’s Genesis at SAM Graphic Medicine: Ill-Conceived & Well-Drawn and Heroes & Villains: The Art of The Disney Costume.
This panel covers all the basics you need for starting your body painting journey! We'll discuss application methods (sponge vs brush vs airbrush) cosplay body makeup types (cream vs water vs alcohol) how to stay safe while applying and how to get the BEST longevity out of your cosplay makeup. During the panel we'll also touch upon some basic SFX techniques to really elevate your looks. So put your make-up artist hat on and join us as we discuss Cosplay Body Paint Basics!
Calling all Attack on Titan fans! You will not want to miss this panel as Clifford Chapin (Conny Springer) and David Matranga (Bertholdt Hoover) take the stage to discuss their time on the massively popular anime series and answer questions from fans!
Study or work in Japan! Learn about various Japanese Government scholarships & the JET Program. The JET Program is a full-time job opportunity that aims to improve foreign language education in Japan as well as encourage international exchange at the local level. The Coordinator for both of these programs will be in attendance.
The wonderful world of cosplay offers a doorway for the potential for an amazing experience. The cosplay community is a welcoming group of individuals. However, sometimes there are judgments that people offer about others in regards to what can and cannot be cosplayed within a particular body type. Our panelists have all experienced prejudice when it comes to body type and cosplay. We will share in our experiences - good and bad - and offer insightful tips and tricks in order to approach cosplay in a way that’s positive and comfortable for you and your body type. Join our panel of cosplayers from varying levels of experience and expertise including competition on local and international levels as we welcome novice and experienced cosplayers into our realm!
What do a Power Ranger, Vash the Stampede from Trigun, and Ichigo Kurosaki from Bleach all have in common? They were all voiced by the incredible Johnny Yong Bosch! He’ll be at Emerald City Comic Con to discuss voicing some of the most legendary characters in the history of anime as well as answer questions from fans. Don’t miss it!
So you wanna be a hero kid? Well Air Bubbles Cosplay and company are here to talk to you! This will be a Q&A style presentation where Air Bubbles and co will supply helpful information they have gathered over the years and some proper etiquette within the cosplay community. She will also discuss just what IS cosplay and where did it come from? Come in as a beginner and leave feeling ready to tackle your cosplay plans.
The McElroy brothers are not experts and their advice should never be followed. That said, they’ve been podcasting for over a decade now, and they’ve learned a few things along the way. Join them and learn the tricks of the trade. Bring your questions! Moderated by Clint McElroy.
Calling all aspiring creators! Are you looking to make the leap into the comics industry? Hear from published creators and seasoned pros about what it takes to make it in the funny books industry. Hear their stories, ask your questions and leave this can’t-miss panel ready to make your big break! Featuring Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love), Dan Parent (Archie, Kevin Keller), Sara Richard (My Little Pony, The Ghost, The Owl), Sorah Suhng (Princeless)
Authors David Bushman and Mark Givens discuss the 113-year-old cold case murder of 20-year-old Hazel Drew in the secluded woods of upstate NY the crime that inspired the TV show Twin Peaks (set in Washington State!) and which is the subject of their upcoming book -- coming in December from the Amazon-owned publishing house Thomas + Mercer: https://www.amazon.com/Murder-Teals-Pond-Mystery-Inspired/dp/1542026431
Are you a cosplayer trying to get photos of your hard work? Or a photographer looking to shoot cosplay photography? Both? We’re all nerds, so let’s work together! This panel is all about making cosplay inclusive for both cosplayers and photographers. Join local photographers and cosplayers to discuss networking, organizing photo shoots, working with different types of body types, and even how to take your own photos (this ain’t your average selfie!). Perfect for anyone new to cosplay photography or wanting to take their portfolio to the next level!
d20 Dames is a family-friendly femme-presenting mostly POC podcast that uses Dungeons and Dragons as a story-telling device. This group of four daring adventurers comes together to explore a fantastic realm befriend (or behead) monsters and punch creeps. In this special live show, the Dames return to their favorite place Emerald Forest Adventure Con to sniff out trouble and help their friends be it on a panel or on the artist alley floor! Featuring Kat Kruger as the Dungeon Master with players Brittni Leigh Liyanage Jessica Ross and Jen Vaughn.
Al Madrigal, Carlo Barberi, and Axel Alonso will host a panel to discuss the all-new LatinX Superhero comic series Primos and how they hope to increase the representation of Mexican LatinX superheroes within the industry. The creators hope to share their own Mexican heritage and showcase a new generation of diverse heroes through the story of three distant cousins, bound together by their ancient spacefaring Mayan lineage to the historical King Janaab, who have a profoundly special purpose: to save the world as we know it.
TTRPGs have the power to build communities, explore mental health in a safe space and raise funds for important charity causes. Panelists Fenway Jones (Jasper’s Game Day) Jay Casual (writer/game designer), Beth the Bard (therapeutic DM), and Jacob Plicque (D&D supplemental writer/creator) discuss strategies, tech, educational learning outcomes, comics, safety tools, therapeutic games and the all-inclusive welcoming nature of TTRPGS that has continued to build.
Moderated by Dan Wood (Creators Assemble, comics librarian.)
A discussion of whether video games and esports have become culturally more important in America than movies television toys and sports. Comparisons will be made with South Korea's esports culture.
Meet the creators of a bold new comic book "Jupiter Invincible"; which premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Film Festival as an augmented reality comic book and exhibition. The story is about an African-American slave Jupiter who is suddenly given the power of immortality. The project is a mixture of pop-culture history innovative technology and dynamic storytelling to address structural racism. The series utilizes augmented reality and deep tech to bring to life forgotten African-American voices. Learn how to utilize new technology bold outreach campaign and design nuanced stories to reach young audiences to talk about race in America. Featured on the panel is Pulitzer Prize writer YUSEF KOMUNYAKAA and renowned illustrator ASHLEY A. WOODS.
Tor, Nightfire, and the HWA Chicagoland Chapter are here to present books for the dead, the living, and everyone in between. Come join authors Catriona Ward (The Last House on Needless Street, Sundial), Thomas Olde Heuvelt (HEX, Echo), Lee Mandelo (Summer Sons), Cassandra Khaw (Nothing But Blackened Teeth), and Gretchen Felker-Martin (Manhunt) as they talk about their new books, the state of horror, and all things frightening. Moderated by Becky Spratford, National Co-Coordinator of the Libraries program for HWA (Horror Writers Association).
Legendary Comics YA senior editor Nikita Kannekanti in conversation with Kelly Zekas (Championess), Tarun Shanker (Championess), Mickey George (The Heart Hunter), and Dana Mele (Tragic). Exploring what makes YA stories resonate with readers, the team here will delve into what draws them to the medium and how they craft real stories from imaginary beginnings.
Join fan-favorite YA authors Charlotte Nicole Davis (The Sisters of Reckoning) Amanda Foody & Christine Lynn Herman (All of Us Villains) Mark Oshiro (Each of Us a Desert) Shannon Price (The Endless Skies) Lauren Shippen (Some Faraway Place) and P. Djeli Clark (Master of Djinn) as moderator as they discuss crafting stories and characters out for justice and vengeance in fantasy.
Rules are meant to be broken right? Whether it’s aliens making Faustian bargains tidally-locked fantasy worlds inspired by evolutionary biology kaiju hidden in an alternative world accessible from ours, or super-powered teens in high tech worlds it’s undeniable that readers crave mashups of sci-fi and fantasy. Join a group of category-busting speculative fiction writers for a panel unlike any other featuring James Rollins (The Starless Crown) Ryka Aoki (Light From Uncommon Stars) Tochi Onyebuchi (Goliath) and John Scalzi (The Kaiju Preservation Society). Moderated by Jay Bonansinga (Stan Lee’s The Devil’s Quintet).
