WonderCon Anaheim is almost upon us. It's April 3-5 at the Anaheim Convention Center and it's darn close to sold out. There are still some one-day passes available for Friday and Sunday but they may be gone soon.
The entire programming schedule can be read here. I know you're only interested in a panel or presentation if I'm on it so to save you the chore of searching for those six listings, here are the ones that involve me…
Friday, April 3 – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM in Room 208
THE SERGIO & MARK SHOW
For years now, a Sergio & Mark panel has consisted of them promising that the new Groo would be out soon; but now there is new Groo out! It's the new limited series, Groo: Friends and Foes, starring the stupidest barbarian ever, plus a lot of folks who want to kill him. The panel will talk about it, what's coming next, and forthcoming Sergio & Mark projects. Join Sergio Aragonés, Mark Evanier, Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), and maybe, if he can be pried away from the computer, Tom Luth!Friday, April 3 – 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM in Room 300DE
WRITING FOR ANIMATION
Mark Evanier has been writing cartoons since they were actually drawn on paper. He has worked on many shows including, The Garfield Show, Garfield & Friends, Dungeons & Dragons, Mother Goose and Grimm, Scooby Doo, Thundarr the Barbarian, Richie Rich, Yogi Bear, Superman: The Animated Series, The Wuzzles, CBS Storybook, ABC Weekend Special, Plastic Man, and many more! If you've ever wanted to write for animation, Mark is the guy to tell you how to do it, and maybe even how to sell it.Saturday, April 4 – 4:45 PM to 5:45 PM in Room 300DE
CARTOON VOICES
Your host, Mark Evanier, gathers together some of the best actors in the animation field to tell you how they do what they do, and demonstrate their amazing skills right before your ears. This time, the dais features Sumalee Montano (Transformers Prime, Justice League: Throne of Atlantis), Bob Joles (Spongebob Squarepants, Planet Sheen), John Mariano (Animaniacs, Hey Arnold!), Julie Nathanson (Final Fantasy XIII, Skylanders), Gregg Berger (Garfield, Spider-Man), and one more talented person to be named later.Sunday, April 5 – NOON to 1:00 PM in Room 207
COVER STORY: THE ART OF THE COVER
Covers. Every comic book has at least one. What does it take to design a great cover for a comic book? Five folks who have done it come together to discuss the secrets with moderator Mark Evanier. You will hear from Kris Anka (Uncanny X-Men, Ms. Marvel), Aaron Kuder (Action Comics, Batman), Ken Lashley (Secret Six, Superman: Doomed), Kevin Wada (She-Hulk, Adventure Time), and Kevin Maguire (Justice League International, Guardians of the Galaxy). Come and learn about this vital but under discussed art form.Sunday, April 5 – 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM in Room 208
SPOTLIGHT ON LEN WEIN
At one time or another, Len Wein has written almost all the major characters for most major publishers. He launched Swamp Thing, The New X-Men, Wolverine and so many more. here is your chance to hear one of comics' most prolific creative talents discuss his career and work, all while being grilled by longtime friend, Mark Evanier. Sizzling revelations are promised.Sunday, April 5 – 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Room 209
JACK KIRBY TRIBUTE
Time to salute and talk about the man some in comics call "The King." The life, times and influence of Jack Kirby will be discussed by Neal Adams, Darwyn Cooke, Fred Van Lente, Crystal Skillman, Len Wein, Paul S. Levine (attorney for the Rosalind Kirby Trust), and Kirby biographer and former assistant, Mark Evanier.
When I'm not appearing on these vital presentations, I'll be roaming the floor and poaching behind other folks' tables…though probably not long at any table. I have discovered my tolerance for sitting behind a table at a convention is about 30 minutes, 45 tops. There will probably come a day when that's all I'll be able to do but until then and even with imperfect knees, I prefer to roam. But I'll be around. As always, participants, times and my hair style are subject to change at any moment.