Official Press Release

Comic-Con, North America's largest comic book and popular arts convention, today announced additional guests for its 2010 convention. Industry luminaries including manga artist Moto Hagio (The Poe Clan, Mesh), DC Comics former president Jenette Kahn), and popular author Rick Riordan (Percy Jackson and the Olympians series), are among the 15 newly announced guests.

Over 40 special guests for the 2010 convention were previously announced, including syndicated cartoonist Berkeley Breathed (Bloom County, Opus); artist and illustrator Drew Struzan (Back to the Future, Indiana Jones) and author and creator Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse, True Blood).

"This lineup demonstrates that Comic-Con continues to be the go-to destination for the biggest names from the worlds of comics and popular arts," said Comic-Con Director of Marketing and Public Relations David Glanzer. "Comics and popular arts are the heart and soul of this convention and the presence of these icons is a testament to our dedication and commitment to those industries."

The 41st Comic-Con 2010 will be held July 22-25 at the San Diego Convention Center, kicking off with Preview Night on July 21.

The full list of additional guests announced today include:

Ray Bradbury (Author, screenwriter, Fahrenheit 451, The Martian Chronicles)

The dean of American science fiction writers, Ray Bradbury has published more than 600 short stories over a period of sixty years. His best-known books are The Martian Chronicles, The Illustrated Man, Something Wicked This Way Comes, and Fahrenheit 451. He was a guest at the very first San Diego Comic-Con in 1970.

Émile Bravo (Writer/artist, My Mommy Is in America and She Met Buffalo Bill)

Émile Bravo's graphic novel collaboration with Jean Regnaud, My Mommy is in America and she met Buffalo Bill, is nominated for three Eisner Awards, including Best Painter for Bravo. Co-sponsored by Fanfare/Ponent Mon.

Hunter Freberg (Humorist, entertainer, media personality)

Hunter Freberg is a humorist, entertainer, well-known media personality and keynote speaker. Since marrying humorist/satirist Stan Freberg, audiences have declared it, "A comedy match made in heaven."

Stan Freberg (Author, humorist, satirist, voice-over actor)

Stan Freberg is one of America's best-loved humorists, satirists, and keynote speakers. He is known worldwide as an award-winning composer, lyricist, singer, actor, writer and director. Freberg has been inducted into The Radio Hall of Fame, The Animation Hall of Fame and has a star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Moto Hagio (Manga artist, The Poe Clan, Mesh)

Moto Hagio's major manga works include The Poe Clan, They Were Eleven, The Heart of Thomas, Hanshin, Iguana Girl, Marginal and Mesh. She is considered to be the mother of shōjo (young girl) manga. This will be her first-ever visit to the U.S. to appear as a special guest at Comic-Con.

Dusty Higgins (Artist, Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer)

Dusty Higgins is the creator and artist behind the 2009 graphic novel, Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer, chosen as one of the Top 10 Great Graphic Novels for Teens by the Young Adult Library Services Association. Courtesy SLG Publishing.

Van Jensen (Writer, Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer)

Van Jensen is the author of Pinocchio, Vampire Slayer and its sequel. Previously, Van covered the comics industry for Publishers Weekly and other outlets. Courtesy SLG Publishing.

Phil Jimenez (Writer/artist, Wonder Woman; Artist, New X-Men)

Phil Jimenez has worked as a comic book creator since 1991. He is best known for his run on DC Comics' Wonder Woman, and his work with Grant Morrison on New X-Men and Geoff Johns on Infinite Crisis. He is also the co-author of the recently published Essential Wonder Woman Encyclopedia.

Jenette Kahn (President/editor-in-chief, DC Comics, 1976-1993)

At the age of 28, Jenette Kahn became publisher of DC Comics, home to over 5,000 characters, including Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman. Five years later, she became president and editor-in-chief of DC. Under her aegis, DC introduced the graphic novel to America and broke new ground by championing and implementing extensive rights for creators in an industry where there were none.

Ivan Reis (Artist, Green Lantern, Blackest Night, Brightest Day)

Ivan Reis is a Brazilian comic book artist who has worked on such high-profile series such as Infinite Crisis, Green Lantern and Blackest Night, the DC Comics mega-hit event book of 2009-2010.

Rick Riordan (Author, Percy Jackson & the Olympians series)

Rick Riordan is the author of the best-selling Percy Jackson & the Olympians series: The Lightning Thief; The Sea of Monsters; The Titan's Curse; The Battle of the Labyrinth and The Last Olympian. His previous novels for adults include the hugely popular Tres Navarre series, winner of the top three awards in the mystery genre.

Jeannie Schulz (Founding Board President, Charles M. Schulz Museum)

Jeannie Schulz is an ambassador for Peanuts and the founding board president of the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, which opened in August 2002. The widow of Peanuts creator Charles "Sparky" Schulz, she has overseen all Peanuts activities, along with his children, since Sparky's death in 2000.

Ann VanderMeer (Editor, Weird Tales)

Ann VanderMeer is the founder of the award-winning Buzzcity Press and currently serves as the editor-in-chief for Weird Tales, for which she has received a Hugo award. She is also known for teaching writing workshops and creativity seminars.

Jeff VanderMeer (Author, City of Saints & Madmen, Finch)

World Fantasy Award winner Jeff VanderMeer is considered one of the foremost fantasists of his generation. His latest books are the noir fantasy Finch and the writer's strategy manual Booklife.

Gerard Way (Writer, The Umbrella Academy)

While most people know Gerard Way as the frontman of the platinum-selling rock band My Chemical Romance, this dynamic rock star has scored equal success in the comic book world with the Eisner Award-winning The Umbrella Academy.