Comic-Con International: San Diego gives comic book, film and television enthusiasts an opportunity every year to hear from and interact with the creators of their favorite stories, as well as to watch previews and engage with fellow fans. Once again this year the convention will include many LGBT-themed panels, as well as discussions with the cast and creators of many LGBT-inclusive television series. GLAAD's Director of Entertainment Media, Matt Kane, will also participate in two PRISM comics panels on LGBT representation in animation and "the LGBTQ Geek Year in Review." Check out the lineup of LGBT-inclusive panels and events below (descriptions taken from the official programming guide):
Joe Phillips: My Misadventures in Comics
Joe Phillips (comic artist, writer, painter, creator) discusses his 30-plus years in the comics industry, from fandom to getting into the majors at Marvel and DC, his time at Gai Jin Studios and much more. Joe will also talk about his art for the GLBT geek community and his return to mainstream comics with his new character the Midsummer's Knight. There will be a live character introduction by Casey Shimata, followed by a Q&A session.
Thursday July 9, 2015 11:30am - 12:30pm
Room 4
Comics Are for Everyone: Helping Every Student See Themselves in the Medium
While the cultural footprint of comics has increased immensely, minorities, women, and the LGBT community have only recently begun to see an increase in representation in mainstream comics. This panel seeks to explore the cultural, societal, and educational ramifications of this recent shift and discuss possible future implications. Educators Ronell Whitaker (Dwight D. Eisenhower High School, Blue Island, IL), Eric Kallenborn (Alan B. Shepard High School, Palos Heights, IL), Adam Huggins (Miras International School, Almaty, Kazakhstan), and Dr. Katie Monnin ( Teaching Graphic Novels, Using Content-Area Graphic Texts for Learning), led by moderator John Shableski (Udon Entertainment), discuss the impact of diverse characters in comics.
Thursday July 9, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Shiley Special Events, San Diego Central Library
The Last Ship: Panel and Exclusive Sneak Preview
TNT's post-apocalyptic drama The Last Ship is back for its second season, bigger than ever with higher stakes and catastrophic developments that leave no one safe without the cure. Captain Chandler and the USS Nathan James crew found the cure that could potentially save the world from a deadly virus. As they return to what was once their home, they face new threats as their world has been turned upside down. How will they spread this cure, and is the world left worth saving? An exclusive sneak preview of what's to come this season will be followed by a discussion with the cast, including Eric Dane, Rhona Mitra, and Adam Baldwin.
Thursday July 9, 2015 1:45pm - 2:45pm
Room 6A
MTV's Teen Wolf
Teen Wolf cast members and executive producer are taking Comic-Con by storm for the sixth consecutive year. The pack of MTV's hit series Teen Wolf will dish secrets, share a sneak peek of the upcoming season, and answer fan questions.
Thursday July 9, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Ballroom 20
Sense8
On June 5 Netflix debuted one of their most controversial and provocative new series, Sense8. Be on hand for the very first panel discussion of this new series, hosted by co-creator/writer and executive producer J. Michael Straczynski.
Thursday July 9, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Room 5AB
Writing Transgender Characters
As transgender representation in comics grows in the mainstream, the indie scene, and on the web, creators are bringing the triumphs and challenges of the trans experience to a new readership. What is the best approach to writing transgender characters? How should creators balance the demands of authenticity, advocacy, and entertainment when representing this diverse and often misunderstood community? Join Prism Comics and moderator Tara Madison Avery (Gooch, Prism Comics board member) for a lively discussion of these and other issues with panelists Knave Murdok (Transcat), Ronnie Ritchie (Gqutie), Kat Blaque (illustrator, animator, blogger), Dylan Edwards (Transposes), and Gillian Cameron (Calogrenant).
Thursday July 9, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Room 28DE
LGBTQ Geek Year in Review
Media diversity is in the news now more than ever. The past year has been filled with key moments in comics, TV, movies, and animation that every queer geek should know about. Join Prism Comics and moderator P. Kristen Enos (Prism Comics board member, Web of Lives) as they discuss the significance of these key events to the greater LGBTQ community with panelists Diane Anderson-Minshall (The Advocate, Queerly Beloved), Amber Garza (Geeks Out), Matt Kane (GLAAD), Chelsea Steiner (AfterEllen), and Sean Z. Maker (Bent-Con).
Thursday July 9, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Room 28DE
Push Boundaries Forward: Gender, Diversity, and Representation in Comic Books
The face of comics is changing. A diverse panel examine what indie/web publishing has been doing right, how mainstream comics can catch up, and what creators and fans can do to be heard. Moderator Amy Chu (Girl's Night Out) leads panelists Maigrhread Scott (The Third Witch, Lantern City), IDW Publishing editor Sarah Gaydos, Derek Charm (The Powerpuff Girls: Super Smash-Up!), Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions podcast), Christian Beranek (Validation), and BOOM! Studios brand communications manager Christine Dinh in a sincere, thoughtful discussion on the topic of gender, diversity, and representation in mainstream comics.
Friday July 10, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 4
The 100 Special Video Presentation and Q&A
The 100's sacrifices and heartbreaking choices have changed them forever, but now, as they set out to stake their place in this dangerous new world, they will continue to face physical peril and moral dilemmas as they rebuild society. Although Mount Weather has been defeated, the danger remains very real for the survivors of The Ark, and the twists are just beginning. Be among the first to get the scoop on what's in store for next season. What is the City of Light? Will Clarke get past the scars of war? What challenges will the survivors of The Ark face next? See a special video presentation, followed by a Q&A with series stars and executive producer Jason Rothenberg. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Alloy Entertainment and Warner Bros. Television, The 100 returns midseason with all-new episodes on The CW. The 100: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 13.
Friday July 10, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Ballroom 20
Hopey, Julio, Skim, Oafs, and Beyond
Emerging from the undergrounds and into the alt comix of the 1980s, queer characters and voices have always been loud and proud in alternative and indie comics. Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez were at the forefront of queer characters' visibility with their groundbreaking and award-winning comic book series Love and Rockets, featuring such brilliant characters as Hopey, Maggie, Israel, and Julio. Contemporary authors Mariko Tamaki and Ed Luce have contributed new icons in their books Skim and Wuvable Oaf. Join all four creators and moderator Christopher Butcher (Comics212, Toronto Comic Arts Festival for a discussion of the history of queer character visibility in alt and indie comics.
Friday July 10, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Room 28DE
Diversity and Queer Gaming
Diversity remains a hot topic in the media, and the year in gaming is no exception. How are new gaming platforms giving a voice to underserved groups of players? How does the "Gaymer" identity spill beyond the tabletop, and what role do minorities have to play in an industry that still doesn't reflect its audience? Join Prism Comics and moderator Josh Trujillo (editor, Death Saves-Fallen Heroes of the Kitchen Table) for a wide-ranging discussion of diversity and roles in gaming, covering everything from Dungeons & Dragons to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. Panelists include Breyana Scales (Kongregate), Matthew Michael Browne (video game product manager), and Jenni Villarreal (Loot Crate).
Friday July 10, 2015 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Room 28DE
Game of Thrones Panel and Q&A Session
Based on the bestselling fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin, HBO's Game of Thrones concluded its 10-episode fifth season in June and will begin filming its sixth season this summer. The series, executive produced and written by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, is an epic story of treachery and nobility, set on the continent of Westeros, where summers and winters can last years. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Alfie Allen as Theon Greyjoy/Reek, John Bradley as Samwell Tarly, Gwendoline Christie as Brienne of Tarth, Liam Cunningham as Davos Seaworth, Natalie Dormer as Margaery Tyrell, Conleth Hill as Varys, David Nutter (director), Hannah Murray as Gilly, Carolyn Strauss (executive producer), Sophie Turner as Sansa Stark, Carice van Houten as Melisandre, and Maisie Williams as Arya Stark.
Friday July 10, 2015 2:30pm - 3:30pm
Hall H
Entertainment Weekly: Brave New Warriors
Several of today's male heroes, including Zachary Levi (Heroes Reborn), Jordan Gavaris (Orphan Black), Sam Heughan (Outlander), Kevin Durand (The Strain) and Michael Cudlitz (The Walking Dead) who will discuss the thrills and fears of taking on iconic characters, reveal how they broke into the business, and share their favorite stories from set. Moderated by Lynette Rice.
Friday July 10, 2015 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Hall H
The Originals Special Video Presentation and Q&A
The Originals will be returning for more sexy, supernatural intrigue, romance, alliances, and bloodshed in New Orleans this fall. Join executive producers and series stars for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with My So-Called Company, Alloy Entertainment, Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Originals will air in its new timeslot this fall, Thursdays at 9/8c on The CW. The Originals: The Complete Second Season will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on September 22.
Friday July 10, 2015 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Ballroom 20
Archer
Archer, the award-winning animated comedy about a spy agency whose employees constantly undermine, sabotage, and betray each other for personal gain, will bring together creator Adam Reed and executive producer Matt Thompson, along with the voice cast of H. Jon Benjamin, Jessica Walter, Aisha Tyler, Judy Greer, Chris Parnell, Amber Nash, and Lucky Yates. In addition to the panel, fans will see an exclusive screening of a "best of" reel highlighting many of the series' best moments.
Friday July 10, 2015 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
Orphan Black: BBC America Official Panel
Stars Tatiana Maslany (Sarah and the Leda clones), Jordan Gavaris (Felix), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Mrs. S), Dylan Bruce (Paul), Kristian Bruun (Donnie), and Ari Millen (Mark and the Castor clones) and co-creators John Fawcett and Graeme Manson look back at last season before filming begins on Season 4. Orphan Black Season 3 is currently on VOD. For those new to the Clone Club, you can also start watching the BBC America series by streaming the first two seasons on Amazon Prime or download the entire series from any of the major digital platforms.
Friday July 10, 2015 5:45pm - 6:45pm
Room 6BCF
Queer Representation in All-Ages and Youth Media
Many people have often dismissed queer content as adult content, inappropriate for kids. However, as we've seen in the popularity and successes of Legends of Korra, Steven Universe, and Lumberjanes, LGBTQIA+ and queer characters and storylines resonate with young audiences. Moderator Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes) and panelists James Tynion IV (The Woods, Memetic, UFOlogy), Noelle Stevenson (Lumberjanes), Molly Ostertag (Strong Female Protagonist), and Dan Parent (Kevin Keller) discuss how we can better include healthy representations and how to make them standard practice.
Friday July 10, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Room 28DE
The Gay Agenda in Horror: Terrifying Subtext
The horror genre is based on our fears of the unknown, fear of "outsiders," and the attraction and repulsion of giving in to transgressions and forbidden passions. These elements have also been associated with the LGBTQ community mostly in a negative sense. All the way back to horror stories of the late 1800's, Dracula, Dorian Gray, and more, the subtext of gay and lesbian characters and themes was unspoken, hinted at, or inferred. But in the last few decades subtext has become "text." In novels from Anne Rice and others, to films and TV shows like The Hunger, True Blood, Hellbent, and American Horror Story, the queer side of horror has come out into the light. Join Prism Comics and moderator Michael Varrati (Tales of Poe, Sins of Dracula) as they discuss the history of this popular genre from a queer perspective. Panelists will include Andy Mangels (Nightmares on Elm Street, Childs Play, Star Trek, Star Wars Comics) and Mark Bessenger (Bite Marks, The Last Straight Man).
Friday July 10, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Room 28DE
Diversity: We Demand Diverse Books
Ethnic, religious, gender, racial, physical ability, and sexual diversity are underrepresented in science fiction and fantasy; but these authors are here to tell you that their stories speak for themselves. They seek to create worlds similar to our own, where people from various walks of life are represented and cross paths. Readers will find these authors and the tales they spin as empowering and fascinating as ever. Soman Chainani (School for Good and Evil), Cindy Pon (Serpentine ), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Scott Sigler (Alive ), and Judd Winick (Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth) discuss diversity in science fiction and fantasy with David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.
Saturday July 11, 2015 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Room 28DE
Gays in Comics 28: At the Intersection of Comics and Life
Creators examine how their queer identities intersect with other aspects of their lives, such as race and ethnicity, religion, and family, and how that influences and defines their comics work. Join Prism Comics and co-moderators Roger Klorese (Prism Comics Board) and Paige Braddock (Peanuts, Jane's World), as they explore how diversity doesn't stop at LGBTQ. Panelists include Brian Andersen (Stripling Warrior, So Super Duper, The Advocate), Phil Jimenez (Angela, Wonder Woman, X-Men), and Hilary Price (Rhymes with Orange). The panel will also include time for fans to mingle and a silent auction for Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization supporting LGBTQ and LGBTQ-friendly comics creators and readers.
Saturday July 11, 2015 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Room 29AB
We Are All Heroes: The Changing Landscape of Comics, Geekdom, and Fanboy Culture
With the landscape of geekdom evolving, Cashmere Agency's executive vice president Ryan Ford has assembled a star-studded, diverse panel to discuss the evolution of comic book, video gaming, and fanboy culture, and its growing popularity among a new audience-specifically African Americans, women, LGBTQ, and other minorities. Joined by Ryan Coogler (director, Dope), Murs (Hip Hop star), Michael Jai White (Dark Knight), Tyler James Williams (The Walking Dead), Kristina Law (Arrow), and Kellvin Chavez (editor, Latino-review). Cashmere Agency has worked with a slew of titles in the geekdom community, including Star Wars, The Boondocks, Tekken, and Black Jesus. The panelists are eager to shed light on how minorities are not adequately portrayed within the entertainment genre.
Saturday July 11, 2015 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Room 14A
End Bullying! Responding to Cruelty in Our Culture
Been bullied? Turn Kryptonite into your own personal strength with Pop Culture Hero Coalition's powerful panel. Join this life-changing discussion on overcoming hate and creating a world of inclusivity. Topics include cyber/geek-bullying, misogyny, racism, LGBT/gender-bullying, equality, and heroism IRL. Panelists include Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley (NOH8 founders), Bettina Hausmann (United Nations Association president), Anthony Breznican (EW senior writer; author, Brutal Youth), Joe Gatto (Impractical Jokers, Jokers Wild), Coalition founder Chase Masterson (The Flash, Star Trek), and co-founders Carrie Goldman (author, Harper Collins' Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear) and Matt Langdon (founder: Hero Roundtable, The Hero Construction Company).
Sunday July 12, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 24ABC
The Vampire Diaries: Special Video Presentation and Q&A
The cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries return to San Diego, for the first time in Hall H, for a sizzling seventh appearance at Comic-Con. Series stars will join executive producers on stage for a video screening and Q&A session. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment, and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW, and The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Sixth Season will be released on Blu-ray combo pack, DVD, and Digital HD on September 1.
Sunday July 12, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am
Hall H
Supernatural Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Series stars Jared Padalecki (Friday the 13th [2009]), Jensen Ackles (My Bloody Valentine 3D), Misha Collins (Ringer), and Mark A. Sheppard (Battlestar Galactica), along with executive producer Jeremy Carver (U.S. version of Being Human) answer questions from the audience about what's in store for the eleventh season of this exciting series. Fans will also be treated to an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, as well as a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Tenth Season DVD and Blu-ray release on September 8. The eleventh season of Supernatural will premiere this fall in its Wednesday time period at 9/8c on The CW. The series is produced by Kripke Enterprises Inc., in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Sunday July 12, 2015 11:15am - 12:15pm
Hall H
American Horror Story and Scream Queens
Get ready to scream! It's a Comic-Con horror fest when members of the all-star cast of Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan's Scream Queens (Jamie Lee Curtis, the original scream queen, Emma Roberts, Lea Michele, Skyler Samuels, and Keke Palmer) come face to face with the stars of Murphy and Falchuk's American Horror Story: Freak Show and upcoming American Horror Story: Hotel (Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, and Matt Bomer). Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly, this lively gathering of headliners promises laughs, scares and secrets from the sets.
Sunday July 12, 2015 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Hall H
Queer Imagery in Animation
LGBTQ issues and characters are appearing in a variety of cartoons on television and in the movie theaters. Join Prism Comics for a panel discussing works of animation that tackle same gender attraction and gender identity exploration including The Legend of Korra, Bob's Burgers, American Dad, Paranorman, and Steven Universe. Moderated by P. Kristen Enos (Prism Comics board member, Web of Lives), the panelists include Diane Anderson-Minshall (The Advocate, Queerly Beloved), Matt Kane (GLAAD), and Emily Quinn (Adventure Time, Faking It).
Sunday July 12, 2015 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Room 28DE
Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment Screening Block
DC fans, get ready for Super Hero Saturday Night! Warner Bros. Television and DC Entertainment welcome fans into the world of some of DC Comics' greatest characters during a three-hour experience in Hall H. The exclusive evening will feature a pilot screening of the highly anticipated new drama series Supergirl, followed by a Q&A with stars and producers, plus individual special video presentations and Q&A's with stars and producers from Arrow, The Flash, and Gotham.
Saturday July 11, 2015 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Hall H
The 48th Annual Comic-Con will take place July 9th to the 12th in the San Diego Convention Center, with preview night on July 8th, as well as various locations around downtown. You can build your Comic-Con schedule now.