Baltimore Comic-Con: Official Panel and Guest List

The 2009 Baltimore Comic-Con arrives Saturday, October 11, 2009 at the Baltimore Convention Center, and the organizers have released the official panel breakdown and guest list.

Saturday, October 10th

Avengers Mansion

11:00-12:00 Spotlight on Nick Cardy
He has drawn comics, movie posters, and produced fine art paintings.  For a generation of readers, he was the artist for “Aquaman” and “Teen Titans,” and he has wowed fans with his renditions of Bat Lash, Tarzan, Batman, and many others.  Join artist Nick Cardy, recipient of the Hero Initiative Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2008 Harvey Awards, for this look back at his remarkable career.

12:00-1:00 Digital Comics and Publishing
Join comiXology’s CEO David Steinberger, who will lead a discussion on digital comics and how it affects publishing.  Panelists will include Filip Sablik, Publisher of Top Cow, David Gallaher, co-creator of Harvey Award-nominated “High Moon” at Zuda.com and “Box 13,” comiXology’s first commissioned comic, and Michael DeVito from Th3rd World Studios.  Attendees will have a chance to win an iPod Touch with the full Comics by comiXology iPhone library (over 300 comics!).

1:00-2:00 Image Comics Show
The world’s greatest creator-owned comics publisher returns to Baltimore with a flurry of announcements, including the final exclusive look at the biggest crossover event of the century, “Image United!”  Robert Kirkman (“Walking Dead,” “Invincible”), Mike Oeming (“God Complex,” “Mice Templar”), Frank Cho (“50-Girls-50,” “Liberty Meadows”), Richard Starkings (“Elephantmen”), AJ Lieberman (“Cowboy Ninja Viking”), and Jeff Parker (“Underworld”) will give the first word on many of their upcoming projects.

2:00-3:00 DC Nation
Want to know what’s on the way for your favorite DC books?  What to hear what your favorite creators have in store?  Then you have to be here!  Join DC’s Ian Sattler and guests as they discuss all things DC.

3:00-4:00 Powers 10th Anniversary
It’s been ten years since we first met Homicide Detective Christan Walker and Deena Pilgrim who work the cases involving superheroes.  It wasn’t long before “Powers” gained popularity among both fans and critics.  This month, “Powers” returns with a new #1 issue and creators Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming invite you to join them for this celebration.

4:00-5:00 Mondo Marvel
From the Marvel U to the cosmos to the Ultimate Universe and beyond, welcome to the MUST-SEE panel of Baltimore.  Join writers BRIAN MICHAEL BENDIS (“New Avengers,” “Dark Avengers,” “Ultimate Spider-Man”), MATT FRACTION (“Uncanny X-Men,” “Invincible Iron Man”), and CHRIS CLAREMONT (“X-Men Forever”), Executive Editor TOM BREVOORT, Marvel’s own ARUNE SINGH, and more as they discuss everything from Avengers to Mutants, and answer YOUR questions!

The Batcave

11:30-12:30 Dynamite Entertainment Presents: Matt Wagner, and his upcoming Dynamite new series announcement!
Dynamite Entertainment is the home of such diverse books as “The Boys,” “Project Superpowers,” “The Black Terror,” “Red Sonja,” “Buck Rogers,” “Jungle Girl,” “Zorro,” “The Lone Ranger,” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Join Matt Wagner and discuss his upcoming Dynamite project announced at the panel, and a lively discussion on Matt’s incredible career to date.

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on George Perez
George Perez’s work on such comics as “Avengers,” “New Teen Titans,” “Crisis on Infinite Earths,” “Wonder Woman,” and “Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds” has made him a fan-favorite artist for over 35 years.  Join the Baltimore Comic-Con Guest of Honor for a lively discussion of his life in comics.

1:30-2:30 Comic Rewind: The ’70s
The 1970s were an exciting time in comics as a team of mutants gained new life, a muck monster rose from the swamp, fish laughed, mystic defenders faced trippy threats, a hunter of men met a bat, and much more.  It was a time of amazing creativity and excitement.  Join creators Chris Claremont, Steve Englehart, Walter Simonson, Len Wein, and Bernie Wrightson along with moderator Mark Waid as they take a look back at the comics of the ’70s.

2:30-3:30 Dark Horse Comics Buffy Season 8 Panel
Join the “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” editorial and creative team for a special recap of the groundbreaking series, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Season 8.”  In addition to a look back at the events so far, be the first to hear news on the next chapter of the series, and gain first-hand insight into the creative process.  Senior Managing Editor Scott Allie is joined by artist Georges Jeanty, as well as cover artist Jo Chen for an event you won’t want to miss.

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Wednesday Comics
Comic books met comic strips in DC’s “Wednesday Comics” and the results were spectacular!  Join “Wednesday Comics” editor Mark Chiarello as he talks with some of the creators behind this popular title, including Mike Allred, Joe Kubert, Kevin Nowlan, Walter Simonson, and Brian Stelfreeze.

Sunday, October 11

Avengers Mansion

11:00-12:00 Top Cow Spotlight:  Marc Silvestri, Robert Kirkman, and Ron Marz
Join Top Cow Publisher Filip Sablik as he sits down for an intimate conversation with Top Cow founder Marc Silvestri and writers Robert Kirkman and Ron Marz.  Get the inside scoop on this year’s “Pilot Season” event with five new properties from Silvestri & Kirkman.  Find out what Marz has in store for “Witchblade,” the new “Angelus” series, and the upcoming “Artifacts” maxi-series.  Plus, every attendee gets a FREE parting gift!

12:00-1:00 Marvel: Your Universe
You’ve heard us talk, now it’s YOUR turn!  Who should be Captain America – Steve or Bucky?  Who should be in the Cabal?  What’s your favorite moment and what do you wish we would take back? This is the place for your voice to be heard as TOM BREVOORT leads the ever-lively discussion (and sometimes debate) on the current and future state of all-things comics.  Have your voice heard – after all, Marvel IS your Universe!

1:00-2:00 Image United
A crossover adventure where all the characters involved are drawn by their creators?  It sounds impossible but that’s exactly what you’ll get in “Image United,” an event like no other.  Join creators Robert Kirkman, Erik Larsen, Rob Liefeld, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silverstri, and Jim Valentino as they discuss this hot new book!

2:00-3:30 The ACT-I-VATE Experience
Members from ACT-I-VATE, the premiere webcomix collective, featuring Dean Haspiel, Mike Cavallaro, Jennifer Hayden, Tim Hamilton, Joe Infurnari, Simon Fraser, Kat Roberts, Michel Fiffe, and Jim Dougan, will discuss their new print anthology, THE ACT-I-VATE PRIMER (which debuts at the show), and will also debut, “The ACT-I-VATE Experience,” a 45-minute documentary produced by Culture Pop Productions’ Seth Kushner (Graphic NYC) and Carlos Molina.

The Batcave

11:30-12:30 DC Conversation with Ian Sattler
DC’s Ian Sattler sits down with the fans to discuss the DC Universe.  This is sure to be a lively discussion that no DC fan will want to miss!

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Jo Chen
You’ve seen Jo Chen’s amazing art on such comics as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Star Wars: Invasion,” “Runaways,” and “New Avengers: The Reunion.”  Now meet the artist herself as Jose Villarrubia talks with Jo about her work.

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Stan Sakai
This year marks the 25th Anniversary of “Usagi Yojimbo.”  Join the celebration as creator Stan Sakai talks about the history of the popular series, the characters who populate Usagi’s world, his working process, and more in this panel that fans of all ages will enjoy.

2:30-3:30 Spotlight on Chris Claremont
Chris Claremont has written just about every character around, from Batman to Iron Fist to the Fantastic Four.  However, to a legion of comics fans, he is fondly regarded as “the” X-Men writer.  He’s wowing readers with his take on the X-Men in the current series, “X-Men Forever.”  Come and get the inside scoop on what’s in store for Sabretooth, Kitty, Gambit, Rogue – and perhaps the answer to the seminal question:  Why are there no old mutants?

“I am so proud of Roger Ash, who put these panels together for us,” said Baltimore Comic-Con promoter Marc Nathan.  “Roger has such credibility coming into this role as so many people know him from his fine articles in the comics press.  I love the agenda he’s developed, especially Comics Rewind:  The 70s.”

Guests

The Baltimore Comic-Con guest list for 2009 includes:  Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Josh Alves (Arachnid Kid), Dick Ayers (Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos), Paul Azaceta (Amazing Spider-Man), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Ryan Bodenheim (Red Mass for Mars), Doug Braithwaite (Wolverine: Origins), Pat Broderick (Vincent Price Presents), Harold Buchholz (Apathy Kat), Buzz (Atomika), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl), Eric Canete (Iron Man:  Enter the Mandarin), Nick Cardy (Aquaman), Jerry Carr (Cryptozoo Crew), Tommy Castillo (Kong:  King of Skull Island), Mike Cavallaro (ACT-I-VATE), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Jo Chen (New Avengers:  The Reunion), Sean Chen (Dark Reign:  Fantastic Four), Jimmy Cheung (New Avengers: Illuminati), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Frank Cho (Ultimates 4), Chris Claremont (X-Men Forever), Steve Conley (Star Trek:  Year Four), Jamie Cosley (Tony Pony),  J.M. DeMatteis (Metal Men), Todd Dezago (Marvel Adventures:  Spider-Man), Michael Dolce (Descendant), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden), Jim Dougan (ACT-I-VATE), Jan Duursema (Star Wars:  Legacy), Sarah Dyer (Superman Adventures), Steve Englehart (Avengers), Rich Faber (Roboy Red), Jay Faerber (Noble Causes), Tom Feister (GI Joe:  Origins), Michel Fiffe (ACT-I-VATE), David Finch (Ultimatum), Bob Fingerman (Recess Pieces), Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), Franco (Tiny Titans), Simon Fraser (ACT-I-VATE), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Michael Golden (Spider-Man 1602), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Sanford Greene (Marvel Adventures Spider-Man), Jenni Gregory (Ka-Blam), Allan Gross (Cryptozoo Crew), Tim Hamilton (ACT-I-VATE), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Tony Harris (Ex Machina), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Jennifer Hayden (ACT-I-VATE), Mark Hempel (Absolute Sandman), Greg Horn (Cover Stories:  The Art of Greg Horn), Adam Hughes (Power Girl), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Kathryn Immonen (Runaways), Stuart Immonen (New Avengers), Joe Infurnari (ACT-I-VATE), Rebekah Isaacs, sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (DV8), Chris Ivy (Beast Boy), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Van Jensen (Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Joe Jusko (Kolchak:  Tales of the Night Stalker), Karl Kesel (Marvel Apes), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man), Scott Koblish (Final Crisis:  Legion of Three Worlds), Joe Kubert (Wednesday Comics), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Greg LaRocque (Peter Parker:  The Spectacular Spider-Man), Jerry “The King” Lawler(Headlocked), Norman Lee (GeNext), Steve Lieber (Underground), Luna Brothers (The Sword), Andy MacDonald (NYC Mech), David Mack (Kabuki), Tom Mandrake (The Outsiders), Mike Manley (Batman:  Brave and the Bold), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Laura Martin (Thor), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Michael McElroy (Ka-Blam), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Mark McKenna (BananaTail), Mike McKone (Amazing Spider-Man), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Pop Mhan (World of Warcraft), Mark Morales (Secret Invasion), Doug Murray (Jungle Girl Season 2), Scott Neely (Scooby-Doo), Jamar Nicholas (Leon, Protector of the Playground), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Batgirl), Kevin Nowlan (The Spirit), Mike Oeming (Mice Templar), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jeff Parker (Agents of ATLAS), Dan Parsons (Star Wars:  The Clone Wars), Guest of Honor George Perez (Final Crisis:  Legion of Three Worlds), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Comics Armor Wars), Khoi Pham (Mighty Avengers), Whilce Portacio (Spawn), Eric Powell (The Goon), Buddy Prince (Night), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Jack Purcell (Gotham Underground), Mike Raicht (Army of Darkness), Tom Raney (Dark Reign:  Hawkeye), Brian Reber (Captain Britain and MI13), Kat Roberts (ACT-I-VATE), Alex Robinson (Too Cool to be Forgotten), James Robinson (Superman), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Iron Man & The Armor Wars), Stephane Roux (Amazing Spider-Man), Andy Runton (Owly), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Tim Sale (Heroes), Ian Sattler (Final Crisis:  Aftermath), Scott Christian Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Alex Saviuk (The Phantom Generations), Marc Silvestri (Witchblade), Walt Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (Dean Koontz’s Nevermore), John K. Snyder III (Doctor Mid-Nite), Allison Sohn (Star Wars trading card artist), Taki Soma (Rapture), Richard Starkings (Elephentmen), Brian Stelfreeze (Final Crisis Aftermath:  Ink), Paul Storrie (Worlds of Dungeons & Dragons), Karl Story (Batman:  Streets of Gotham), Mark Texeira (Punisher), Bobby and Peter Timony (Zuda Comics), Robert Tinnell (EZ Street), Peter Tomasi (Blackest Night:  Batman), Herb Trimpe (Hulk), Billy Tucci (Sgt. Rock:  The Lost Battalion), Ted Tucker (Captain Happy), Jim Valentino (Shadowline Comics), Rob Venditti (The Surrogates), Dexter Vines (Wolverine), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest), Doug Wagner (The Ride), Matt Wagner (Grendel), Mark Waid (The Incredibles), Todd Webb (Nick Magazine), Len Wein (Justice League of America), Mark Whealey (Lone Justice), Renee Witterstaetter (Tex:  The Art of Mark Texeira — The Artist’s Great Escape), Brian Wood (sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics, Northlanders), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), Kelly Yates (Amber Atoms), and Thom Zahler (Love & Capes).

Regrettably, Amanda Conner, Al Feldstein, Ron Garney, Michael Lark, Jimmy Palmiotti, Eric Powell, and Jim Starlin have had to cancel.  We look forward to seeing all of the return in 2010.

Access to the Event
The Baltimore Running festival, which includes the Baltimore Marathon, will coincide with the Baltimore Comic-Con this year.  As such, some streets (for those of you commuting by car into the area) will be impacted by the marathon — please see http://www.thebaltimoremarathon.com/Community/road22d8.htm for specific information and plan your trip accordingly.

Tickets
Please buy your ticket in advance via http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/tickets.htm to avoid the ticket line the day of the show

via Baltimore Comic-Con