 PROGRAMMING ROOM LOCATIONS
BALLROOM B – AWESOME CELEBRITY PROGRAMMING
ROOM 301 – AWESOME PROGRAMMING
ROOM 304 – AWESOME PROGRAMMING
ROOM 306 – AWESOME MEET & GREETS
This awesome programming is FREE with your Wizard World wristband unless otherwise noted. Seating for panels is strictly limited and available on a first-come first-served basis. Only V.I.P. ticket holders are guaranteed seats for designated panels. Panel rooms are not cleared after each session.
FRIDAY, SEPT 11TH
4:00 - 4:45PM THE CASE FOR UFOs (ROOM 304)
This panel highlights the best UFO cases and documents that prove UFO's are real. The presentation includes videos, official documents, the history of UFO's and the Vatican's and U.S. Presidents’ stances on UFO's. Moderated by John Ventre
4:30 - 5:15PM A PICTORIA TO CALL ONE’S OWN” INDEPENDENT WORLDS VS. CORPORATE CROSSOVERS (ROOM 301)
Cartoonists have imagined original universes for their characters since the earliest comics strips, but comics’ biggest shared universes also started out as unique creator visions (DCU formed from Siegel and Shuster’s Superman, Bob Kane’s Batman, and William Moulton Marston’s Wonder Woman; Marvel from the combined imaginations of Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko). Is the difference between an independent vision or a corporate crossover merely a signature on a contract? What happens when creators like Alan Moore, Kurt Busiek, or the Image Founders turn the tables on the shared universe concept to create independent worlds of their own? Donald E. Simpson, PhD in art history and creator of Megaton Man and Bizarre Heroes, narrates an engaging slide show presentation on the historic origins and evolution of team-ups, crossovers, and shared worlds, reflecting on his own collaboration with Alan Moore (1963 and “In Pictopia”) and participation in Red Anvil Comics’ current mega-crossover, War of the Independents.
5:00- 5:45PM BROWNCOATS IN SPACE: THE NEW SPACE AGE AND A REAL-LIFE SPACECRAFT NAMED SERENITY (ROOM 304)
Pittsburgh native and Take Back the Sky co-founder Christopher Tobias will discuss exciting new developments in the world of private spaceflight as part of NASA's current Commercial Crew Project, as well as a plan for how Browncoats the world over can band together to get SpaceX to name their first manned spacecraft after Joss Whedon's Serenity.
5:30 - 6:15PM TITANIC TEAMMATES: SPIDER-MAN’S, SPIDER-GIRL’S AND THOR’S TOM DeFALCO AND RON FRENZ (ROOM 301)
Perhaps the longest-lasting creative team in comics history, Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz have worked together to create exciting, intelligent and moving stories in comics including The Amazing Spider-Man, Spider-Girl, Thor, and Thunderstrike. Join them as they discuss how and why they’ve kept working together over more than three decades, the highlights of their careers together and separately, and what’s coming up for them in the future. The panel is moderated by Danny Fingeroth (Superman on the Couch), the editor who originally teamed up Tom and Ron on Amazing Spider-Man.
6:00 - 6:45PM KNIGHTS OF THE ARCADE: AN EPIC D&D IMPROV COMEDY ADVENTURE (ROOM 304)
Knights of the Arcade, recently named the "Best Nerd Fantasy Come to Life" by Pittsburgh Magazine, is a live Dungeons & Dragons game and podcast played on stage by comedians, improvisers, and tried-and-true geeks. Every month, the Knights embark on a new quest built entirely from audience suggestions. With special guests, improvised music, video-projected dice, and a lively audience cheering along with every Critical Hit, Knights of the Arcade is unlike any show in town. Join the Knights at Wizard World Comic Con Pittsburgh for an abridged version of their show, followed by Q&A. Knights of the Arcade features comedians and improvisers Fred Betzner, John Feightner, Liz Labacz, Jesse LE, Joe Lyons, Scott Nicklos, Dave Ranallo, Mike Rubino, and Brad Stephenson.
LATE KNIGHTS OF THE ARCADE, Midnight, Friday, September 11. FREE for Wizard World attendees. Join the Knights at Arcade Comedy Theater, 811 Liberty Avenue (just a couple blocks from the Convention Center), for a full, late night version of their show in its native venue. FREE for Wizard World attendees, but space is extremely limited, so seating is first-come, first-served. The event is BYOB
6:30 - 7:15PM ONE ON ONE WITH WIZARD WORLD COSPLAY GUEST: AARON RABE (ROOM 301)
7:00 - 7:45PM CON RADIO PRESENTS: ALL THINGS PRO WRESTLING WITH WRESTLINGAUDIO.COM (ROOM 304)
Win autographed goodies from your favorite WWE superstars or divas and talk all things "sports entertainment"! Join WrestlingAudio’s lead hosts, Mo Lightning and Ballz, for an interactive discussion of WWE, the future of NXT, Impact (TNA) Wrestling, the good ol’ days of ECW, Lucha Underground, Ring of Honor.. Nothing is off-limits in this rowdy pro-wrestling discussion! Follow @wrestlingaudio for even more wrestling action.
8:00 - 8:30PM INSIDE THE RING WITH WWE® SUPERSTAR DEAN AMBROSE (ROOM 304)
Moderated by Mo Lightning. (“Wrestlingaudio Presents” on CON Radio)
8:30PM – 10:30PM CREATOR PRO AM: DRINK & DRAW
All artists and writers are invited to come and compete in this live drawing and writing competition, you bring the creativity and we will take care of the rest! Scenarios and scenes will be described to the artist and writers, where you will have 1 hour to compete. Stay through to the end where two writers and two artists will be selected to win cash and amazing prizes such as Corel PainterX3 and an Artograph lightpad. Additional prizes will be given throughout the night brought to you by Wizard World. Free with your wristband.
Located at: Bill's Bar & Grill, 1001 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
SATURDAY, SEPT 12TH
11:00 - 11:45AM CON RADIO PRESENTS: A LIVE RECORDING OF THE CONSMASH PODCAST (ROOM 301)
Recently, conSMASH hosts Billy A. Patterson and Mo Lightning nearly fought to the death on the topic "Which era had the better cartoons: the 80s or the 90s?" (No winner was determined.) Now YOU can help determine the winner of our next "Dorkly Dispute" taking place live from Wizard World Comic Con. Catch up on the show before the show by following @consmash on Twitter.
11:30 - 12:15PM ANDERSON COOPER, UFOs AND THE MEDIA: PERSPECTIVE FROM JOHN VENTRE (ROOM 306)
John Vetnre will be discussing his highly edited appearance in 2012 on the Anderson Cooper show along with his books and TV appearances and how he got involved with the Mutual UFO Network.
11:30 - 12:15PM JE SUIS CHARLIE: FREE SPEECH, SATIRE AND WHERE CARTOONISTS DRAW THE LINE (ROOM 304)
In the wake of the horrific Charlie Hebdo massacre in Paris, cartoonists from around the world responded by drawing hundreds of cartoons condemning the terrorists. In the months since the attack, satire is being reexamined. Some fear political cartooning and freedom of speech are under threat. Others say cartoonists need to be more sensitive about drawing images that offend certain religions and cultures.
This panel will show over 50 cartoons drawn in support of Charlie Hebdo while discussing important questions like: When does free speech become hate speech? When does satire cross the line? Who decides where that line is? Panelist includes Rob Rogers, Mike Healey, Tony Norman, Soosan Lolavar & Dr. Mike Dillon.
12:00 - 12:45PM GENDER ROLES IN THE WHEDONVERSE (ROOM 301)
From Buffy to Black Widow, Joss Whedon has made a career out of creating strong female characters. Nerd out with five super fans as they talk about the influence Whedon has had on pop culture, television, movies and young slayers everywhere. We will play a bit of Buffy trivia for some cool swag as well! Panelists: Marcella Spear, Kahmeela Adams, Amanda Menendez, Ravan Webb and Rena Fisher.
12:30 - 1:15PM VIDEO GAMES BASED ON COMIC BOOKS AND MOVIES (ROOM 304)
Classic Game Room's Mark Bussler discusses the often destructive relationship between video games, comic books and movies. When combined, are they a recipe for success or impending doom? Followed by a Classic Game Room Q&A about our favorite games to love and hate based on comic books and movies!
12:30 - 1:15PM STORYTELLING WITH MICHAEL GOLDEN (ROOM 306)
Join groundbreaking storyteller Michael Golden – known for his work on Dr. Strange, The ‘Nam, G. I. Joe, and Batman – as he shares his fundamental rules for how to craft your story and take it to the professional level.
1:00 - 1:45PM INSIDE FIREFLY WITH JEWEL STAITE AND ADAM BALDWIN (BALLROOM B)
Even series cancellation can’t keep a great sci-fi-western story down! Join Firefly & Serenity stars Jewel Staite and Adam Baldwin in this special Q&A. You know the show’s stars will have plenty of stories from their time working with Joss Whedon, their behind-the-scenes interactions with each other, their careers before/after this cult-classic show & more!
1:00 - 1:45PM SPOTLIGHT ON ROB LIEFELD (ROOM 301)
Rob Liefeld is an American comic book writer, illustrator, and publisher, a prominent artist in the 1990s. In the early ‘90s, self-taught artist Liefeld became prominent due to his work on Marvel Comics' The New Mutants and later X-Force. In 1992, he and several other popular Marvel illustrators left the company to found Image Comics, which started a wave of comic books owned by their creators rather than by publishers. The first book published by Image Comics was Rob's Youngblood #1. His creations Deadpool, Cable, Youngblood and X-Force helped change the comic book landscape and remain staples of both Marvel and Image comics. Danny Fingeroth(Superman on the Couch: What Superheroes Really Tell Us About Ourselves and Our Society) moderates.
1:30 – 2:15PM “SUPERGIRL” SCREENING – PRESENTED BY CBS WITH INTRODUCTION BY DEAN CAIN (ROOM 304)
Supergirl fans everywhere can’t wait for the series to take flight on Monday, Oct. 26th on CBS—but you won’t have to, you can see the Pittsburgh Premiere at Comic Con! Supergirl is based on the DC Comics character Kara Zor-El, Superman’s (Kal-El) cousin who, after 12 years of keeping her powers a secret on Earth, decides to finally embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be. Twelve-year-old Kara escaped the doomed planet Krypton with her parents’ help at the same time as the infant Kal-El. Protected and raised on Earth by her foster family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex, and learned to conceal the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin in order to keep her identity a secret. Years later at 24, Kara lives in National City assisting media mogul and fierce taskmaster Cat Grant. She works alongside her friend and IT technician Winn Schott and famous photographer James Olsen, who Grant just hired away from the Daily Planet to serve as her new art director. However, Kara’s days of keeping her talents a secret are over when Hank Henshaw, head of a super-secret agency where her sister also works, enlists her to help them protect the citizens of National City from sinister threats. Though Kara will need to find a way to manage her newfound empowerment with her very human relationships, her heart soars as she takes to the skies as Supergirl to fight crime.
1:30 - 2:15PM ONE ON ONE WITH WIZARD WORLD COSPLAY GUEST: KAZA AYERSMAN (ROOM 306)
2:00 - 2:45PM OUT FOR A BITE WITH JAMES MARSTERS (BALLROOM B)
Best known for his role as Spike, the platinum blonde vampire on hit shows Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, James Marsters speaks on everything from his evolution from acting to music, and the projects he plans to conquer in the future. Join James in this special Q&A where he pulls the curtain back on his long and diverse career!
2:00 - 2:45PM THE ART OF SATURDAY MORNING CARTOON PRODUCTION WITH ANIMATOR/DIRECTOR TOM COOK (ROOM 301)
Wizard World is proud to present world-renowned animator Tom Cook (Tarzan; Flash Gordon; He-Man and the Masters of the Universe; She-Ra Princess of Power). This panel will be a demonstration of the steps taken to bring an idea from script to screen. Cook will begin with a short story of how he became an animator back in the late 1970s and then describe the different departments in an animation studio and what they do to move the development of the cartoon forward. Tom will have a few scenes he has worked on over the years on video and then will open the floor for questions about either the process or any other question you may have. So come out and see first-hand how your favorite cartoons were made!
2:30 - 3:15PM ASK ALFRED ANYTHING! WITH SEAN PERTWEE (ROOM 304)
Join Gotham’s Sean Pertwee for an in depth conversation on his career including his take on comics most famous butler and why his version of Alfred is the best!
2:30 - 3:15PM KING OF THE NERDS: THE WORLD OF TODD (ROOM 306)
Get to know the Toddfather in an up close and personal setting where we can laugh, converse, and cry about his time on "King of the Nerds" where Todd "the Bod" stood out from the competition. Dive into the labyrinth of his mind as he talks about the Rube Goldberg challenge, the Clockwork King, wardrobe malfunctions, and Greek Gods. See for yourself why there is only one Almighty Todd.
3:00 - 3:45PM BOLDLY GOING WITH WILLIAM SHATNER (BALLROOM B)
With a career spanning over five decades and an extensive résumé that includes starring roles in shows such as Star Trek and Boston Legal, Emmy-award winner William Shatner takes the stage to dish on the roles that have made him a household name and one of the most renowned men in television history.
3:00 - 3:45PM CONtv PRESENTS: GREEN POWER RANGER JASON DAVID FRANK (ROOM 301)
Meet the original Green Power Ranger Jason David Frank in this exciting Wizard World panel. Don’t miss your chance to ask questions in this special audience Q&A session with JDF, and learn more about his action-packed new show, premiering exclusively on CONtv!
3:30 - 4:00PM IN THE RING WITH WWE® DIVA PAIGE (ROOM 304)
Moderated by Mo Lightning. (“Wrestlingaudio Presents” on CON Radio)
3:30 - 4:15PM DISNEY COMICS CREATION (ROOM 306)
Join long time Walt Disney comic creators Patrick and Shelly Block on a 45 minute creative jaunt into fantasy as they create a short Donald Duck story right in front of an audience- with your help! These past Harvey Award nominees for "Best Original Story" in comics will showcase their intimate working methods in a fast paced-process as they conjure up a 3-6 page brand new Disney tale before your eyes. If you have ever wondered just how a story idea takes seed and blossoms to life, check out this fun and fascinating interactive panel aimed at all ages. If you have aspirations of creating stories yourself- we think you will find this panel chock full of useful information. Fun to be had for all!
4:00 - 4:45PM PITTSBURGH’S INDEPENDENT COMICS SCENE (ROOM 301)
Over the years, Pittsburgh's blue collar roots have produced a strong, vibrant community of professional and independent comic book creators. Come listen to tales from the past and ideas for the future of comics made right here in the Steel City.
4:30 - 5:15PM EXPLORING WAREHOUSE 13 WITH EDDIE MCCLINTOCK (ROOM 304)
Eddie McClintock has made over forty-five guest appearances on over twenty-five different shows, has done ten pilots, starred in five network series, and worked on several television movies. Best known for his role as Pete Lattimer on SyFy's "Warehouse 13", Eddie McClintock now joins Wizard World Comic Con for a very special Q&A with his fans!
4:30 - 5:15PM THE TRUTH IS OUT THERE: DAVID DUCHOVNY AND MITCH PILEGGI (BALLROOM B)
After a 13-year “commercial break”, Mulder & Scully are back! The X-Files will soon be returning to TV and you have a chance to ask David Duchovny and Mitch Pileggi, questions about the returning show before anyone else! What should we expect from the upcoming 6-episode run? How has time changed their characters? Get these answers and so much more in this rare Q&A.
5:00 - 5:45PM 1940: WORLD WAR II AND COMICS: THE JOKER, ROBIN, THE FLASH, CAPTAIN AMERICA, CAPTAIN MARVEL, AND THE SPIRIT! With FINGEROTH, WISE, HASTINGS & GAVALIER (ROOM 301)
75 years ago, in 1940, as the Nazi conquest of Europe continued and the Battle of Britain raged, the United States watched from the sidelines while instituting the first peacetime draft. At the same time, the world of comics was experiencing an incredible sustained period of invention, as The Joker, Robin, Green Lantern, the Flash, Hawkman, the Spirit, Catwoman, and Captains America and Marvel all debuted! (Not to mention the debuts of pop culture icons Bugs Bunny, and Brenda Starr, and classic movies Fantasia and The Great Dictator!) Showing and discussing historical and cultural factors that made that year so important is a panel including moderator Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics and the Creation of the Superhero) as well as an array of history and pop culture experts including Wayne Wise (Chatam University), Waller Hastings (West Liberty University), Christopher Maverick (Duquense University) Chris Gavlier (Washington & Lee University).
5:30 - 6:15PM 6:15 (ROOM 304)
THE WORLD'S FIRST ONE-SHOT POV ZOMBIE FILM! A bloody preview of this immersive horror experience with tonal homages to Pittsburgh's own Romero unlike anything the world has ever seen!
5:30 – 6:15PM JASON DAVID FRANK MEET AND GREET- PAID EVENT (ROOM 306)
Here’s your chance to meet the original Green Power Ranger Jason David Frank in a more private setting, away from the convention crowds. Make sure to bring your questions because JDF will have your answers. Must purchase separate ticket for this event.
6:30 - 7:15PM CREATING “THE CROW” WITH JAMES O’BARR (ROOM 304)
Created when the author when was facing tough times, “The Crow” has grown into a vital part of both comic book & movie history. Join James O’Barr as he revisits the circumstances that lead to the iconic character’s creation, provides his thoughts the upcoming big screen reboot, and explains the process behind his long-time work on Sundown & much more.
7:00 - 9:00PM WIZARD WORLD COSTUME CONTEST (BALLROOM B)
Hosted by our very own superheroes Mo Lightning and Billy A Patterson, the Wizard World Comic Con Costume Contest is no joke. The best of the best will be dressed to impress in their superhero & pop culture finest, so be prepared for some serious cosplay. Grab your buddies and suit up to take a chance at bringing home the gold! With special guest judges! Anyone interested in participating can sign-up at the Wizard World Information booth inside the exhibition floor on Saturday! Registration closes at 5PM! We’ll see you there!
SUNDAY, SEPT 13TH
12:00 - 12:45PM OR SO THE STORY GOES (ROOM 301)
"Or So the Story Goes" is a horror web series created for a young adult audience that utilizes kids and teens in not only the cast, but also the crew and soundtrack. Each season brings to life a classic children's tale with a dark, modern twist- this season, "Peter Pan". Preview the series and discuss the inner workings with adults and teens from the cast and crew.
12:00 - 12:45PM THE ADVENTURES OF STEEL DOG® AND MISS CAROL (ROOM 306)
Here’s your chance to meet the Most famous Pittsburgh SuperHero Dog of All-time, Steel Dog®. Please join Steel Dog and Miss Carol for a cozy panel with a meet & greet feel for you to get some personal with Steel Dog, Pittsburgh’s Official Mascot Dog and the Only Real Dog of Steel. We shall have an intimate show with a reading and live performance of The Adventures of Steel Dog® which is always a great treat for the kiddos. And to make it even more special, Steel-Man, Pittsburgh’s Official SuperHero shall be at the meet & greet and will be blowing up balloons for the kids. Hope to see you!!! WOOF!!!! Steel Dog
12:30 - 1:15PM THE MAN OF STEEL: DEAN CAIN (ROOM 304)
Some people are born to be great while others are born to be SUPER! Join Dean Cain as he reflects on his time as the legendary hero in the hit TV series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman , how playing the Man of Steel has changed his career, what it meant to him to don the cape, the other projects he’s worked on over the years & much more!
1:00 - 1:45PM SUPERSTAR ARTISTS TELL (AND SHOW) ALL! With JUSTICE LEAGUE’S MIKE McKONE, BATMAN’S SCOTT McDANIEL, UNCLE SCROOGE’S THOM PRATT, & MEGATON MAN’S DON SIMPSON (ROOM 301)
Six top comics artists talk about their careers, their craft, the comics business and whatever else might come up—and may even show you some of their top-secret techniques! Join peerless pencilers Mike McKone (Justice League Unlimited; Astonishing X-Men), Scott McDaniel (Batman; Nightwing), Don Simpson (Megaton Man; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles) and Thom Pratt (Uncle Scrooge; Donald Duck) for this eye-popping panel. Danny Fingeroth (How to Create Comics from Script to Print) moderates.
1:30 - 2:15PM HUNTING FOR GHOSTS WITH A PROFESSIONAL GHOSTHUNTER: STEVE GONSALVES (ROOM 304)
Join the TAPS Technology Master and Evidence Analyst from TV’s Ghosthunters, Steve Gonsalves as he hosts a spooky panel sharing the best in paranormal tales & hauntings!
1:30 – 2:00PM THE GREEN POWER RANGER HALF-HOUR OF POWER (ROOM 306)
Attention children of all-ages, their parents and anyone else that loves karate! Come KICK IT with the Green Power Ranger himself, Jason David Frank, in this special ½ hour long karate class! Though spectators are welcome, please come prepared to get into the action!
2:00 - 2:45PM TALKIN’ SPIDER-MAN (& SPIDER-GIRL) WITH TOM DeFALCO, RON FRENZ, PATRICK OLLIFFE & DANNY FINGEROTH (ROOM 301)
With a total of more than a century between them of working on Spider-Man comics, there are few who stride the face of the Earth with more knowledge of, and experience with, the ol’ webslinger than this panel’s members. Tom DeFalco was the longtime Editor in Chief of Marvel Comics and the chronicler of many of Spidey’s most memorable adventures, including the introduction of the symbiote black costume. Ron Frenz was the artist on Amazing Spider-Man and Marvel Team-Up, and co-created (with DeFalco) the Amazing Spider-Girl. Patrick Olliffe was the penciler on Untold Tales of Spider-Man and Spider-Girl. Danny Fingeroth was the Group Editor of the Spider-Man line and story consultant on the 1990s Spider-Man animated series, as well as the writer of The Deadly Foes of Spider-Man limited series. These four talk Spidey as only they can, and will answer your questions about the iconic superhero.
2:30 - 3:15PM NOW YOU WILL RECEIVE US: THE BOONDOCK SAINTS (ROOM 304)
The bad boys of the blockbuster picture The Boondock Saints, Sean Patrick Flanery and David Della Rocco, will be storming the stage in style at Wizard World. Join one half of the MacManus brothers and Rocco as they share stories and give fans a behind-the-scenes look into this iconic film!
2:30 – 3:15PM U-CRE-8 COMICS PRESENTS: CHARACTER CRAFTERS (ROOM 306)
Are you the next GREAT comic creator?! Take the Raconteur's challenge and design your own character from start to finish! Establish powers, design costume ideas, create an origin story and more with U Cre-8 Comics -- the PERFECT jumpstart to YOUR comic universe!
3:30 - 4:15PM WIZARD WORLD KID’S COSTUME CONTEST (ROOM 301)
Calling all kids ages 13 and under to come out and strut your stuff at the Wizard World Comic Con Kids Costume Contest! You won’t want to miss this Kodak moment packed with a whole lot of fun, laughs and prizes for all participants! (Serious competitors please note: This is a light hearted event for all skill levels. The Wizard World Adult Costume Contest should be considered for more professional-seeking participants.) |
