Friday is Star Wars Day, with plenty of Star Wars-related panels/programs - some related to the new animated Clone Wars. But from the expanding Marvel Universe to DC’s Final Crisis, Spider-Man, and Batman Saturday morning cartoon shows, plus screenings and previews galore, the fun-fest for multi-media junkies continues on…

10:00-11:00 Marvel: Your Universe — Become an integral member of the Marvel Creative Committee, as Kevin Feige (president, Marvel Studios), Dan Buckley (president, publishing), Joe Quesada (editor-in-chief, publishing), and Craig Kyle (senior VP, creative development, Marvel Animation) sit down with you and get your thoughts on all things Marvel. They’ll reveal what’s on the horizon with Marvel Studios, Publishing, and Animation, and ask for your feedback and insights on what Marvel has done and is planning to do. From the day that The House of Ideas was built, Marvel has been your universe, and now more than ever they’d like to hear what you have to say about everything from Marvel cinematic continuity to the upcoming slate of new animated television series in 2009, to the Skrull infiltration of our world. Room 6A

10:00-11:00 Batman: Brave & Bold — Join producers Sam Register (Teen Titans) and James Tucker (Justice League Unlimited) as they discuss their latest take on the Dark Knight from their new show premiering this fall on Cartoon Network. Show story editor Michael Jelenic (The Batman), directors Brandon Vietti (Superman Doomsday), Ben Jones (Teen Titans: Trouble In Tokyo), Michael Chang (Teen Titans), voice director Andrea Romano (Superman Doomsday), and the new voice of Batman, Diedrich Bader (Surfs Up), will join Sam and James for an exclusive first look at the series and a brief discussion, followed by a Q&A session! Room 6B

10:00-10:50 Star Wars: Designing the Clone Wars Universe — Meet the original in-house team that designed the unique look of the Clone Wars series. They will discuss how they worked with supervising director Dave Filoni to come up with the graphic, painterly style of imagery that gives Clone Wars its distinct look. Drawing on the last three years of production, they will share how the characters and environments have evolved using much of the rich, classic Star Wars imagery as reference for designing the show’s overall look. Moderated by Lucasfilm’s Steve Sansweet. Room 7AB

10:50-11:35 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 3D Modeling — What gives The Clone Wars series its live action cinematic sensibility? The process is called 3D Story at Lucasfilm Animation. Learn how this innovative team of panelists worked together to redefine traditional storyboarding so that the majority of storytelling is now done in the computer. This panel will give you firsthand insights into the challenges the crew faced as they embarked on defining this new process, both technically and creatively, while training traditional and CG artists to combine skill sets and create a new process for television animation. Moderated by Catherine Winder, producer, The Clone Wars. Room 7AB

11:15-12:15 Powerpuff Girls 10th Anniversary and Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends — Believe it or not, it has been ten whole years since the Powerpuff Girls flew out of Professor Utonium’s lab and into our hearts. Along the way, Blossom, Buttercup, and Bubbles have kicked the butt of every major villain in Townsville. Celebrate their 10th Anniversary with show creator Craig McCracken and the voices of the Powerpuff Girls — Cathy Cavadini, Tara Strong, and Elizabeth Daily. They will answer all of your questions and accept all of your praise! And Craig will also be talking about his other Cartoon Network hit, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, along with co-creator Lauren Faust, and voice talent Keith Ferguson (Bloo) and Tom Kenny (Mayor, Eduardo). Room 6A

11:15-12:15 Worlds Collide: The Making of Midway’s Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe — Ed Boon (Mortal Kombat) and Jimmy Palmiotti (Painkiller Jane) discuss how two billion-dollar entertainment franchises collide, as Mortal Kombat warriors battle DC superheroes for the first time in this highly anticipated video game. Ed and Jimmy provide an exclusive look at never-before-seen gameplay, unveil key characters on the game’s roster, and answer your questions. Room 6B

11:30-12:30 Marvel Cup o’ Joe — Meet the EEK himself, Joe Quesada, and surprise guests as they unveil what’s in store for all your favorite Marvel characters and creators, make some surprising announcements, and take on any and all questions! As always, this is the one no-holds-barred panel that everyone’s gonna be talking about, and the one panel you don’t want to miss! Room 6CDEF

11:30-12:30 Mattel and DC Comics: A Heroic Partnership — You’ve been a fan of Mattel’s popular DC toy lines - now find out the latest news, sneak peaks, and behind-the-scenes scoop on your favorite Mattel/DC action figures, including DC Universe Classics, Justice League Unlimited, The Dark Knight, and Infinite Heroes, plus exciting new lines like Batman Brave and the Bold, as well as the world premiere of new action figures. Be on hand as representatives from Mattel, DC Comics, and Warner Bros. Entertainment offer an insightful Q&A. Brought to you by Mattycollector.com. Room 8

11:30-12:30 Spotlight on Jim Starlin — The most cosmic comics creator of them all is a Comic-Con special guest. In Jim Starlin’s 30+ years in comics, he’s produced some of the great cosmic sagas — Captain Marvel, Warlock, Dreadstar — and shown a penchant for death — The New Gods, Robin, and…well, Captain Marvel and Warlock! Starlin talks about his career and what’s coming up for this talented writer and artist. Room 10

11:55-1:00 Warner Bros.: Watchmen — A complex, multi-layered mystery adventure, Watchmen is set in an alternate 1985 America in which costumed superheroes are part of the fabric of everyday society, and the “Doomsday Clock” — which charts the USA’s tension with the Soviet Union — is permanently set at five minutes to midnight. When one of his former colleagues is murdered, the washed-up but no less determined masked vigilante Rorschach sets out to uncover a plot to kill and discredit all past and present superheroes. As he reconnects with his former crime-fighting legion — a ragtag group of retired superheroes, only one of whom has true powers — Rorschach glimpses a wide-ranging and disturbing conspiracy with links to their shared past and catastrophic consequences for the future. Their mission is to watch over humanity…but who watches the Watchmen? Guest appearances TBA. Hall H

12:00-1:00 ABC Family: Samurai Girl — Based on a series of popular young adult novels, Samurai Girl tells the story of a 19-year-old Japanese girl named Heaven who discovers that the wealthy businessman who adopted her as an infant is really the head of the Yakuza (the Japanese mafia) and may have had her beloved brother brutally murdered. She breaks from her family, begins training to become a samurai and, with the help of a group of new American friends, sets out to take down her father’s evil empire. The panel includes Jamie Chung (Real World), Brendan Fehr (Roswell), and Stacy Keibler (WWE), along with executive producers Andre Nemec, Josh Applebaum, and Luke McMullen (all from Alias). Samurai Girl will air as a special event, premiering with six hours over three nights, on September 5th, 6th, and 7th. Room 2

12:15-1:15 Stargate Atlantis — With new allies and new challenges, Stargate Atlantis is making big waves in its action-packed fifth season. Be on hand for this exclusive panel discussion with the cast and creators of SCI-FI’s hit series. Panelists include cast members Joe Flanigan, Robert Picardo, Jewel Staite, and co-creator and executive producer Brad Wright and Chris Sanagustin, VP original programming SCI-FI. Moderated by Martin Gero, executive producer. Ballroom 20

12:25-1:15 Star Wars: The Clone Wars: New Books Based on the Movie and TV Series — The Star Wars Saga continues with a wide variety of tie-in books for the groundbreaking new series, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, including novels, nonfiction, comics, and children’s books. Please join Carol Roeder and Frank Parisi from Lucas Books, along with Karen Traviss (author of The Clone Wars novel from Del Rey), Henry Gilroy (author of The Clone Wars comic from Dark Horse), Jason Fry (author of The Clone Wars Visual Guide from DK Publishing), and Erin Dempsey (marketing director, Penguin Young Readers) for questions and answers, and a sneak peak at these must-have books! Moderated by Lucasfilms’ Pablo Hidalgo. Room 7AB

12:30-1:30 Spotlight on Jim Lee: The Art of DC Universe Online (DCUO) — Jim Lee (All Star Batman and Robin, The Boy Wonder, Batman: Hush, Superman: For Tomorrow) and Carlos D’Anda (Brass, WildC.A.T.S, Bionicle, The Outsiders, JLA: Classified, Deathblow), of WildStorm Productions fame, joins Chris Cao, Jared Carr, and Jason Smith of Sony Online Entertainment’s DC Universe Online game development team to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities faced in adapting the rich comic book art of the DC Universe to a 3D game world, and delivering the same emotional impact online as the brand evokes in its other mediums; moderated by Mat Broome (Batman: No Man’s Land, WildC.A.T.S) Room 6B

12:30-1:30 Spectacular Spider-Man — Spend some time with the cast and creators of the renowned webslinger’s newest animated adventures, The Spectacular Spider-Man, a Culver Entertainment Production. Ask your burning questions about the first 13 episodes of Season 1, learn about what’s in store for the next 13, and catch an exclusive sneak peek at Season 2! Michael Vogel from Sony Pictures Television Animation moderates a panel that includes supervising producer Greg Weisman (Gargoyles), supervising producer/supervising director Vic Cook (Hellboy: Blood and Iron), character designer Sean “Cheeks” Galloway (Hellboy animated films), voice director Jamie Thomason (2007’s TMNT, Spirited Away), the voice of Spider-Man, Josh Keaton (The Young & The Restless), the voice of Mary Jane Watson, Vanessa Marshall (Star Wars: Jedi Knights II), the voice of Eddie Brock and Venom, Ben Diskin (Codename: Kids Next Door), and the voice of Adrian Toomes and Vulture, Robert Englund (A Nightmare on Elm Street). Room 6CDEF

Categories: Animation | Comic Books | Superheroes | Television

12:30-2:00 That ’70s (Comics) Panel — It started with Nixon and ended with Carter, but in between, the 1970s showcased an incredible influx of new comics talent unheard of since the beginning of the industry in the 1930s. Moderator Mark Evanier (who worked with Jack “King” Kirby on DC’s Fourth World books in the ’70s) hosts Comic-Con special guests Mike W. Barr (Camelot 3000, Batman), Howard Chaykin (American Flagg!), Mike Grell (Warlord, Green Arrow), Paul Gulacy (Master of Kung Fu, Sabre), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar, Captain Marvel), Joe Staton (Green Lantern, E-Man), Len Wein (Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk), and Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing, Frankenstein). Wow! That’s almost one panelist for each year in the decade! Room 8

1:15-2:00 Hasbro: Star Wars and Indiana Jones — Derryl DePriest and Justin Kreter (Hasbro marketing) are joined by Brian Parrish, Mark Boudreaux, Dwight Stall, and Brian Wilk (Hasbro design) to talk about what the Hasbro design and marketing teams have in store for the remainder of 2008 in the Star Wars and Indiana Jones lines…plus a special sneak peek into some 2009 secrets, and a Q&A session! Room 7AB

1:30-2:30 Joss Whedon — Joss Whedon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and the writers and cast of his new short film, Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog, will show never-before-seen clips, while Joss also discusses Buffy Season Eight, the Fray crossover, and the upcoming Serenity comic, focusing on Shepherd Book. Ballroom 20

2:15-3:15 DC: Batman: No Rest for The Dark Knight — Batman is the original dark hero. He lives a life pledged to helping the helpless and punishing the guilty. But this summe,r everything is going to change. With a blockbuster hit in theatres and a darker storyline than ever before, now’s the time to celebrate the minds behind the bat! Senior editor Michael Marts, Grant Morrison (Batman), Paul Dini (Detective Comics), Dustin Nguyen (Detective Comics), Brian Azzarello (Joker), and others discuss the mythos of the Bat and what looms ahead for our hero. Room 6A

Categories: Comic Books | Superheroes

2:30-3:30 Hasbro: Marvel — Jerry Jivoin, Michelle Favaloro, and Scott George of Hasbro marketing, and Brian Wilk, Josh Lamb, Steve Redinger, Dwight Stall, Dave Vonner, and Logan Lubera of Hasbro Design present the Hasbro Marvel line, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Marvel Legends and Super Hero Squad toy lines from 2008. Also, see a sneak peek into the 2009 line and a Q&A session! Room 5AB

3:00-4:00 World of Warcraft — Hear what’s next for World of Warcraft straight from the source! Representatives from Blizzard Entertainment will be joined by folks from Upper Deck, DC Comics, and Tokyopop to reveal what’s in store for World of Warcraft gaming, comics, action figure, and manga fans. Plus, while supplies last, attendees will receive an exclusive World of Warcraft Comic-Con gift! Room 6CDEF

3:30-4:30 Spotlight on Geoff Johns — His ideas have breathed new life into Flash, Teen Titans, Green Lantern, the Justice Society of America, and now Superman. Is there anything writer Geoff Johns can’t do? Probably not, but come ask anyway. Don’t miss this panel hosted by Ian Sattler, senior story editor DCU, interviewing one of the brightest minds behind the magic of the DC Universe. Room 5AB

3:30-5:00 Comic Book 102: The Ins and Outs of Collecting, Investing, and Writing — Designed to thrill and educate audiences from the eight-year-old novice to the millionaire financial advisor, this expert panel discussion details the comings and goings of the hobby. Learn about the history of comics, how to collect and successfully invest, detect restoration, discuss current and future community standards, and even receive advice on how one becomes a published comic book writer. Panelists include noted restoration/conservation expert Susan Cicconi (The Restoration Lab/Network of Disclosure), Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide advisor Mark S. Zaid (EsquireComics.com/Network of Disclosure), executive editor and associate publisher J. C. Vaughn (Gemstone Publishing), Douglas Wheeler-Nicholson and Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson Brown (son and granddaughter, respectfully, of DC Comics founder Malcolm Wheeler-Nicholson), and other prominent experts from publishing, services, and writing. Room 24A

4:00-5:00 All Hail the Transformers! — TF editor Denton Tipton hosts a panel of Transformers creators, including writers Shane McCarthy (All Hail Megatron), Chris Mowry (The Reign of Starscream), Marty Eisenberg (TF Animated), artists Alex Milne (The Reign of Starscream), Marcelo Matere (TF Animated) and others. Advance art, surprise announcements, and pints of Energon all around! Room 2

4:00-5:00 Going Ape: Celebrating 75 Years of The Beast and The Beauty of King Kong — KONG! KONG! KONG! Our panel celebrates 75 years of one of cinema’s most famous and most beloved beasties. Panelists take a look back at the history of King Kong on screen, along with fun facts, reminiscences, and anecdotes about the film that inspired many of us to become fans, filmmakers, and fanatics. A panel of experts and fans is moderated by Mark A. Altman and Jeff Bond (Geek Monthly). Room 3

4:00-5:00 The Saga Continues: Star Wars 2008 — For Star Wars fans, it’s a stellar year, with the new Clone Wars movie on its way next month and great new Star Wars games from LucasArts to follow shortly. Lucasfilms’ Steve Sansweet will welcome Dave Filoni (director), Catherine Winder (producer), Henry Gilroy (co-writer), and Jason Tucker (editor) to talk about George Lucas’s ground-breaking, new, fully animated movie, Star Wars: The Clone Wars, in theaters August 15th. There’s news for video game fans too, on The Force Unleashed and The Clone Wars. Prepare for exciting, exclusive previews of the movie and the games too!

5:15-6:15 Entertainment Weekly’s The Visionaries: Filmmakers — Kevin Smith (Zack and Miri Make a Porno), Frank Miller (The Spirit), Zack Snyder (Watchmen), and Judd Apatow (Knocked Up) are the filmmakers who are redefining what it means to have power in Hollywood because their power is derived from delivering high-profile entertainment to a hungry mainstream audience and from cultivating a rabid, pseudo-religious fan following. Listen as they engage in a free-wheeling conversation on the movie business, their upcoming projects, and what it means — to them — to be a geek. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly and EW.com senior editor Marc Bernardin. Hall H

6:00-7:00 DCU: Final Crisis Management — The Final Crisis is here! Senior VP-executive editor Dan DiDio talks with Grant Morrison (Batman, Final Crisis), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Geoff Johns (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds), Brad Meltzer (DCU: Last Will and Testament), Greg Rucka (Final Crisis: Revelations), Phillip Tan (Final Crisis: Revelations), and others! Catch a glimpse of what will be one of the most talked-about events of the summer! Room 6A

7:15-8:15 Klingon Lifestyles Presentation — This latest mission for the crew of the IKV Stranglehold finds them seeking assistance from the last person in the universe they would ask for help, but is everyone who they say they are? Can they survive Rule of Acquisition number 218? All species are welcome to experience the ongoing voyage and adventure of life aboard a Klingon vessel. Room 6A

8:30-10:00 Marvel/Lionsgate: Next Avengers: Heroes of Tomorrow World Premiere! — Whenever the forces of evil threatened mankind, Earth’s mightiest heroes, the Avengers, were there to stop them — until they made the ultimate sacrifice in their final fight with the indestructible robot Ultron. But all was not lost, for Tony Stark (Iron Man) kept the children of the Avengers safe and raised them to become the teenage heroes of tomorrow. But it will take more than five teens to destroy the machine that defeated their parents. If these young heroes have any hope of winning, they must find the missing Hulk and come together as…The Next Avengers! Meet Craig Kyle (supervising producer), Gary Hartle (producer/supervising director), Christopher Yost (writer), and others involved in this new animated film, and watch Next Avengers before its September 2, 2008 Blu-Ray and DVD release. Room 6A

8:30-10:30 SCI-FI Friday Night: Eureka and Stargate: Atlantis — SCI-FI presents the Season 3 premiere of Eureka a full three days before it airs! Also debuting will be a new episode of Stargate Atlantis, along with exclusive clips from the new Scare Tactics. Attendees will receive a mini-issue of the SCI-FI Virgin Comics sensation The Stranded (while supplies last). Room 6B

8:30-11:30 The Spirit Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards — The 20th annual Eisner Awards, the “Oscars” of the comics industry, will be given out at a gala ceremony. This year’s special theme is “The Magic of Comics.” Presenters include comics creator/director Frank Miller (Sin City, 300, The Spirit), Spongebob Squarepants creator Tom Kenney, and Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Gos, plus several other celebrities from comics, animation, and film. Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. The master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics’ Bill Morrison. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees — just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30pm, and for attendees at 8:15pm. Ballroom 20

10:45-12:00 Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog — The story of a low-rent supervillain (Neil Patrick Harris as Dr. Horrible), the hero who keeps beating him up (Nathan Fillion as Captain Hammer), and the cute girl from the laundromat he’s too shy to talk to (Felicia Day as Penny). This musical in three parts, created for the Internet and written by Joss Whedon, Jed Whedon, Zack Whedon, and Maurissa Tancharoen, premieres in its entirety on the big screen at Comic-Con. Room 6B

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