Comic-Con 2017

Illya Kowalchuck (director of education for Pop Culture Classroom), Brack Lee (Pop Culture Classroom), Nick Dragotta (Howtoons), MK Reed (Science Comics: Dinosaurs), and Alison Wilgus (Science Comics: Flying Machines) present a Q&A session about teaching with comics, as well as a list of some of the best graphic novels for supporting STEM topics in the classroom. Moderated by Tom Racine (Tell Tale Radio).

For the third (and final) destination in this year's Law School series, a panel of legal experts will shed light on some of the more complex issues facing creators and businesses and touch on compelling issues popping up in the law and how they apply to comics and the pop culture scene. Noted attorney Michael Lovitz (author of the classic The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book) is joined by professors Marc Greenberg and Betsy Rosenblatt and attorneys Jeff Trexler and Larry Zerner for another rousing, interactive discussion focused on real-world issues of importance to fans and creators. The panel will share their insights and knowledge and provide practical advice concerning fans and fair use; legal issues for fan creations (fan fiction, fan art, fan films, etc.), and concerns for creators using "loan-out" companies as seen in the currently pending Friday the 13th lawsuit. Note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. (This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.)

While comics have long been the domain of superheroes, a new generation of comics and comic book readers are arising. With the availability of nonfiction graphic novels about history, science, memoirs, and more, graphic novels are being read by all types of readers in and out of classrooms. But teachers still navigate resistance to the format. Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Adventures), Thi Bui (The Best We Could Do), Matthew Holm (Babymouse series, Squish), Dr. Meryl Jaffe, Talia Hurwich, and moderator Betsy Gomez (editorial director, CBLDF) discuss the obstacles and challenges teachers continue to face in selecting, using, and defending the use of comics in their classrooms.

Cori McDonald (librarian, Ramona High School), Becky Harvey (library technician, Ramona High School), Erin Hill (language arts teacher, Ramona High School), and Emily Maehler (language arts teacher, Ramona High School) discuss their newly developed collaborations for using graphic novels in the classroom and library. Moderated by John Shableski (Will Eisner Studios, Udon Entertainment).

UPDATED: Fri, Jul 21, 04:00AM
This panel spotlights contributors from the worlds of virtual reality, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, sustainable tech, and robotics. We are excited to welcome Survios, Bandai/Namco, Mira Labs, Einstein and Hanson Robotics, Hyperloop Global and Fulldome Pro as guests on a panel moderated by the ESA Foundation's Anastasia Staten, hosted by VR Con as part of the Futurism and Tech Pavilion. For further information on how to attend this panel, please read more about the Horton Grand Theatre.

A group of educators, researchers, and creators discuss how comics can be used to enhance literacy and STEM education and why our brains may be uniquely wired to learn from comics. Featuring Jorge Cham (author and creator, PhD Comics), Rebecca Thompson (creator, APS Spectra Comics), Jeff Barbanell (president, Scholastic Innovations, Inc.), Josh Elder (executive director, Reading with Pictures), and Neil Cohn (assistant professor, Tilburg University). Moderated by Russell Shilling (Digital Promise, former DARPA PM).

San Diego teachers discuss the importance of the arts in classrooms, specifically how comics can be used as cross-curricular tools, as bridge-gaps for ELL/struggling readers, and to increase engagement. Featuring Ashley Marie Golden (art/English), Ben Stone (AP world and European history), Julie Damschen (AP psychology), and Chris Mostellar (math).

Nerdist's Kyle Hill (Because Science, MythBusters: The Search) and special guests open up a portal to the Rickstaverse to rise above and focus on the science behind everything from portal guns to screaming suns. Q&A session burp to follow.

Many think that there is a need to develop an organized community focused on creating innovative and high-quality comics to tackle complex and challenging social issues. This panel will discuss this idea and how it can spur new opportunities, as well as the impact similar efforts have made in the video game industry. Josh Elder (executive director, Reading with Pictures), Gina Gagliano (marketing and publicity manager, First Second Books), Illya Kowalchuck (director of education, Pop Culture Classroom), and Geoff Gerber (president, Lion Forge Comics). Moderated by Russell Shilling (Digital Promise, former DARPA PM).

Beth Dunca (teacher, Rancho Minerva Middle School), Lisa Ferneau-Haynes (senior librarian, Oceanside Public Library), and John Shableski (UDON Entertainment) discuss the incredible opportunity educators have when shopping at their local comic book store for texts to use in class or include in their library collection. Moderated by Adam Kullberg (education program manager, Pop Culture Classroom).

Beth Duncan, Lisa Harrison, Nichole Santangelo (teachers, Rancho Minerva Middle School), Amy Pitotti (teacher, David A. Brown Middle School), Lisa Ferneau-Hayes (senior librarian, Oceanside Public Library), Erin Nakasone (librarian I in youth services, Oceanside Public Library), Matthew Shoemaker (international educator), and Yukiko Chavez (library media technician, Rancho Minerva Middle School) along with three middle and high school students will discuss how graphic novels have become a gateway into the world of literacy through art, teen book buddy programs, and mentoring/modeling.

Hosts of The Arkham Sessions Dr. Andrea Letamendi and Brian Ward bring their hit podcast about Batman and mental health to Comic-Con. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the iconic 1990s Batman: The Animated Series, The Arkham Sessions invites visionary writers Paul Dini (Dark Night: A True Batman Story; Batman: The Animated Series), Alan Burnett (Batman: The Animated Series), and Brenden Fletcher (Gotham Academy) to break down Batman and his infamous rogues' gallery.

The author of popular animated series "If superpowers were real" on TED.com discusses the real-life implications and scientific issues of having superpowers. For instance: The Invisible Woman would be blind, because light is shining straight through her instead of reflecting off of her; Thor would kill Jane due to decompression sickness if he flew straight up with her by swinging his hammer; and Ant Man would not be able to punch a person effectively because his arm is so thin and short that his punches would be comparable to being poked by a tattoo needle. This panel is science-heavy and is recommended for audience members 12+.