While many of us were enjoying our holiday, Comic-Con International organizers were busy releasing the programming schedule for Thursday, July 18, the first full day of the San Diego convention. The rundown for Friday, July 19 should come along early this afternoon.

As we've come to expect, Thursday's lineup is a healthy mix of comics, television, toys, fantasy and film (although light on the latter, which take center stage on Friday and Saturday). The comics programming includes panels from Avatar Press, Bongo Comics (it's the publisher's 20th anniversary), BOOM! Studios, Dark Horse, DC Entertainment, Kodansha Comics, Marvel, Monkeybrain Comics (it's that publisher's first anniversary), TwoMorrows, Vertigo, Viz Media and Warp Comics.

However, that's only for starters, as there are spotlights on Chris Samnee, Jeff Smith, J.H. Williams III, Dan Parent and Gary Frank, The Walking Dead's 10th-anniversary panel, and discussions about digital comics, gender in comics, LGBT webcomics and much, much more.

Check out some of the comics-related highlights below, and visit the Comic-Con website for the full schedule:

Fantasy Art Panel

In the world of fantasy, the only limit is one's imagination. Panelists (and Comic-Con 2013 special guests) Frank Brunner (MYTHOS), Todd Lockwood (Dungeons and Dragons), Wendy Pini (ElfQuest), Ruth Sanderson (The Twelve Dancing Princesses), Adam Hughes (Fairest), and Christopher Shy (Soul Stealer) discuss how they bring fantasy to life with moderator Andrew Farago (Cartoon Art Museum).

10:00am - 11:00am; Room 5AB

Flesk Publications Exposed! The Artists Spill Their Guts! The Truth Behind the Spectrum Transition!

Sure, 10:00 is early but, OMG, with a lineup including Brom (The Art of Brom, Krampus), Terry Dodson (Red One, Uncanny X-Men), Mark Schultz (Xenozoic), and William Stout (Hallucinations, Legends of the Blues) talking new projects-and publisher John Fleskes frankly discussing the future of the renowned Spectrum Fantastic Art series-you really should get your butt out of bed!

10:00am - 11:00am; Room 32AB

Marvel: Breaking into Comics the Marvel Way

Have a passion for the inner workings of the comics industry? Curious about breaking into the field as a writer or artist? Sit down with a group of Marvel professionals from every corner of the business and get insider tips, advice, and firsthand accounts of what it takes to start a career in comics today! Panelists include editor-in-chief Axel Alonso, talent scout C. B. Cebulski, and a slew of great Marvel talent!

10:00am - 11:00am; Room 7AB

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Featuring Kevin Eastman

A special discussion about all things TMNT featuring co-creator Kevin Eastman! Join Eastman and other members of the IDW Publishing TMNT creative brain trust, including editor Bobby Curnow and writer Tom Waltz, for what promises to be one shell of a fun and informative time!

10:00am - 11:00am; Room 9

How to Get News Coverage for Small Press Publishers

What makes the difference between an item that will get news coverage, previews, or interviews, and what doesn't? Many publishers have no idea what to submit to the press, how to submit it, and why they are being overlooked for coverage. Comic journalist Rik Offenberger (First Comics News, Archie Comics) moderates this panel on just what it takes to get coverage, with the comic journalists themselves telling you what they are looking for in your submission. Panelists include (in alphabetical order) Albert Ching (Newsarama), Glenn Hauman (Comic Mix), Holly Golightly (BroadSword Comics), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), Alan Kistler (Comic Mix), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Chris Squires (Buckley Radio), Tanya Tate (First Comics News), Chris Thompson (First Comics News), J. C. Vaughn (The Scoop), Josh Waldrop (M1W Entertainment), and Bryan Young (Huffington Post, Big Shiny Robot). Find out what it takes to self-promote and make a significant impact on your ability to sell your comic.

10:30am - 11:30am; Room 8

Bongo Comics Turns 20/United Plankton Swimtacular

Creative director Nathan Kane, managing editor Terry Delegeane, Bongo Digital Media director Bill Morrison, and Eisner Award-winning writer Ian Boothby give you the lowdown on Bongo Comics Group and 20 years of making the best humor comic books in the business. Find out what's in store for the next twenty years and what's in stores in the months to come! Also, Chris Duffy, managing editor of United Plankton Pictures, will serve up some mollusky morsels about the ongoing and seagoing adventures in SpongeBob Comics.

11:00am - 12:00pm;Room 9

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards: Celebrating 25 Years

The comics industry's "Oscars" turn 25 this year. What are some of the highlights of past Eisner ceremonies? Who has received the most awards and the most nominations over the years? How has the awards program evolved with changes in the comics industry? What is the effect of having a nomination on a creator or a title? Panelists will address these questions and many more. Featuring Jonathan Ross (British talk show host and Eisner Awards presenter), Bill Morrison (Simpsons cartoonist and past Eisner MC), Maggie Thompson (past CBG editor and awards presenter), past multiple award-winner Todd Klein (best letterer), and some surprises! Moderated by Eisner Awards Administrator Jackie Estrada.

11:00am - 12:00pm; Room 7AB

TwoMorrows Turns 20

Since 1994, TwoMorrows Publishing has been producing comics' best and most insightful historical books and magazines. Publisher John Morrow (editor, Jack Kirby Collector), Jon B. Cooke (editor, Comic Book Collector), Keith Dallas (editor, American Comic Book Chronicles), and Roy Thomas (industry legend and editor of Alter Ego) present a revealing look at the ins and outs of their ongoing efforts to bring a new day to comics fans.

11:00am - 12:00pm; Room 23ABC

Avatar Press: Vicious Comics and Wicked Creators

New York Times bestselling author Max Brooks joins Avatar publisher William Christensen to give the scoop on new projects and creators joining the industry's most groundbreaking, risk-taking publisher! Want insight into the hottest titles from such industry luminaries as Garth Ennis, Alan Moore, and Max Brooks? Can't get enough Crossed: Badlands, Uber, or Extinction Parade? Want to hear breaking news on upcoming projects? Find out what new terrors and triumphs this rogue publisher will unleash in the months ahead, and get your questions answered by the publisher!

11:30am - 12:30pm; Room 4

DC Entertainment: All Access

At DC Entertainment, there's never been a better time to be a comics fan! Find out what DC's top talent is has been up to! With Brian Buccellato (Flash), Mark Buckingham (Fables), Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Arkham Unhinged, Li'l Gotham), Adam Hughes (Before Watchmen: Dr. Manhattan), Geoff Johns (Aquaman, Justice League, Justice League of America), Jeff Lemire (Green Arrow, Justice League Dark), Gail Simone (Batgirl, The Movement), Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us), and more!

11:30am - 12:30pm; Room 6DE

Spotlight on Dan Parent

Join a discussion of Comic-Con special guest Dan Parent's 26-year career at Archie Comics. Moderator Chris Thompson (Orbital Comics) and colleague Rik Offenberger (Archie Comics) will take part in a lively discussion concerning what it's like writing and drawing America's favorite teenage line of comics. Topics will include developments Dan has spearheaded in moving Archie comics forward, such as redesigning and revamping Betty and Veronica, creating new and diverse storylines like "Archie Loves Valerie," and the creation of Archie's first gay character, Kevin Keller.

11:30am - 12:30pm; Room 8

CBLDF: Banned Comics!

Every year comics are banned in libraries all over the United States; learn how you can fight back! In recent years, comics that have been targeted for bans include all-ages classics like Bone by Jeff Smith and Dragonball by Akira Toriyama, as well as acclaimed books for adult readers like Alison Bechdel's Fun Home, Neil Gaiman's Sandman, Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, and others. Learn more about what comics have been banned and challenged, why comics are banned, and how you can help by being a part of CBLDF's efforts for Banned Book Week!

12:00pm - 1:00pm; Room 30CDE

Editing Comics: The BOOM! Studios Way

BOOM! Studios creators Brian Stelfreeze (Wednesday Comics, The Day Men), Paul Jenkins (Wolverine: Origin, Deathmatch), and Eric Esquivel (Freelancers), along with editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban, look into the editing secrets of one of the comic book industry's leading independent publishers and discuss editing dos and don'ts.

12:00pm - 1:00pm; Room 28DE

Spotlight on Chris Samnee

Stop by for a chat and Q&A session with Comic-Con special guest and Eisner Award nominee Chris Samnee, moderated by his collaborator, Mark Waid (writer of Daredevil, Rocketeer: Cargo of Doom, Irredeemable).

12:00pm - 1:00pm; Room 7AB

Comic-Con How-To: Motion Books: Why They Are the Future

Angelo Sotiro and creators of Madefire Motion Books present a special preview of upcoming books to be made available on deviantART and Madefire, with an exclusive look at how the books were made and how you can use the Madefire software yourself. Top artists and writers will reveal their secrets and inspirations.

12:15pm - 1:15pm; Room 2

Dave McKean: Blue Tree

Tree roots as neural networks, the lunacy of Luna, the creation of wolves, the cooking of compost and glimpses of Sandman -- all this and more in an interview panel with artist/writer/musician/director/Mac worrier Dave McKean.

12:30pm - 1:30pm; Room 4

Dark Horse: (Super)Powered by Creators

The latter half of 2012 saw the return of two of Dark Horse's classic characters, Ghost and X, the appearance of new faces like Michael Avon Oeming's The Victories and Francesco Francavilla's The Black Beetle, and the reimagination a hero from yesteryear, Captain Midnight! Join Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, PR director Jeremy Atkins, and a cast of the industry's top talent, including Joe Casey (Catalyst, Sex), Francesco Francavilla (The Black Beetle), Duane Swierczynski (X, Two Past Midnight), Joshua Williamson (Captain Midnight, Masks and Mobsters), Tim Seeley and Mike Norton (Revival, The Occultist), along with comics newcomer Donny Cates (Buzzkill), for a look at an exciting new cast of characters!

1:00pm - 2:00pm; Room 23ABC

Digital Comics Beyond the U.S.

The ways digital comics reach their audience overseas are often very different from how it's done in the States. Deb Aoki (MangaComicsManga.com), Laurent Duvault (Izneo), Henry Flint (Aces Weekly), Ben Smith (2000AD), and Russell Willis (Panel Nine) discuss the digital and mobile comics landscape in the U.K., Europe, and Japan with moderator Douglas Wolk.

1:00pm - 2:00pm; Room 32AB

Gender in Comic Books

Ball State University professor Christina Blanch moderates a sincere discussion on the topic of gender in comics with Mark Waid (Daredevil, Insufferable, Irredeemable), Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain Marvel, Avengers Academy), Grace Randolph (Supurbia), Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie), and George Pérez (The Brave and The Bold).

1:00pm - 2:00pm; Room 28DE

Marvel: House of Ideas

Love having the best comics in the industry on your mobile devices? Want to know how Marvel stays on the cutting edge of technology while bringing you what you love? Want to learn more about Infinite Comics? Well, this panel is for you, True Believer! Get exciting news from Ryan Penagos (executive editorial director of digital), C. B. Cebulski (SVP, creator and content development), and Arune Singh (director of communications) on what's happening with the Marvel Comics App, Marvel Dot Com, Marvel's vast social media presence, and more in this can't-miss panel!

1:00pm - 2:00pm; Room 7AB

Superman: The Julie Schwartz Era

In celebration of Superman's 75th Birthday, we look back at the Man of Steel in comics' Bronze Age. In 1970, veteran editor Julius Schwartz assumed command of the primal hero and charted a course for a new generation. On hand to discuss it are many of the writers who worked with Julie in keeping Superman flying high: Gerry Conway, Martin Pasko, Marv Wolfman, Elliot S! Maggin, and moderator Mark Evanier.

1:00pm - 2:00pm; Room 5AB

Digital Development and Marketing Your Comic, Web Series, App or Game: Kickstarter

Experts discuss digital development and marketing for your digital projects, including your comic, web series, app, game, or Kickstarter. Panelists include Bernie Su (The Lizzie Bennet Diaries), Matt Enlow (Squaresville) and Brian Norgard (Chill CEO), moderated by Kevin Winston (Digital LA CEO). They will discuss how you can use digital tools in the development of your creative project, how to create successful Kickstarter or crowd funding campaigns, and how to engage fans via digital marketing, social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest), connecting with influencers to grow your audience into a brand.

1:30pm - 2:30pm; Room 8

Spotlight on Dean Mullaney

Join Comic-Con special guest, Eisner and Harvey Award winner and Overstreet Hall of Famer Dean Mullaney (creative director, Library of American Comics and founder of Eclipse Comics) for this Q&A session moderated by Ted Adams (CEO/publisher of IDW Publishing). The subjects range from publishing the first graphic novel for the comics shop market in 1978 to preserving the legacy of America's greatest newspaper cartoonists.

1:30pm - 2:30pm; Room 4

A Conversation with Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen

The fruitful collaboration between Steven T. Seagle and Teddy Kristiansen began in 1996 with House of Secrets, blossomed with 2004's It's a Bird, for which Kristiansen won an Eisner Award, and continued to grow with the experimental The Red Diary/The Read Diary, for which Kristiansen is again up for an Eisner. Seagle and Kristiansen will talk about their long relationship as collaborators and what it takes to be a successful creative team-even when an ocean and a language may separate you.

2:00pm - 3:00pm; Room 23ABC

DC Digital

DC Entertainment's digital initiative has been a pioneer in digital comics. Get an exclusive look at some of the exciting series that make up the future of digital comics with some of the all-star talent behind them: Derek Fridolfs (Batman: Arkham Unhinged, Li'l Gotham), Christos N. Gage (Justice League Beyond), Kyle Higgins (Batman Beyond), Bryan Q. Miller (Smallville Season 11), Dustin Nguyen (Li'l Gotham), Tom Taylor (Injustice: Gods Among Us), and more!

2:00pm - 3:00pm; Room 6DE

The Sergio and Mark Show

Same guys, same panel, same stupid barbarian. The folks who've brought you Groo the Wanderer (and vow to do so again soon) will tell you what's up with that and what's up with all their other silly projects. Featuring the world's most honored cartoonist, Sergio Aragonés, and his faithful sidekick Mark Evanier, plus the creator of Usagi Yojimbo, Stan Sakai, and the world's hardest-working colorist, Tom Luth.

2:30pm - 3:30pm; Room 8

Roman Dirge REBUILT

Earlier this year, Lenore creator Roman Dirge was almost killed in a Sunset Boulevard hit-and-run that left him lying in hospital with a shattered leg. After months of painful physical therapy, Roman is back-better, stronger, but not necessarily faster-and here to discuss his long road to recovery, his return to the drawing board with Lenore issue #8, and his fourth Titan Lenore collection: Purple Nurples (which will be debuting at the show). One-on-one interview followed by Q&A.

3:00pm - 4:00pm; Room 28DE

Spotlight on Tom Gauld

New York Times and UK Guardian cartoonist-and Comic-Con special guest-Tom Gauld gives a presentation on his artistic process and his most recent work. The presentation features readings from his Eisner Award-nominated book Goliath and his 2013 book You're All Just Jealous of My Jetpack, a collection of comics about literature and pop culture originally published in the Guardian Saturday Review section.

3:00pm - 4:00pm; Room 9

DC Comics 101: Essentials

DC Entertainment's backlist is full of the most exciting stories ever told. New fans and veteran fans alike are welcome for an in-depth tutorial on the essential titles that make up DC Entertainment's rich history. With DC Comics SVP/editor-in-chief Bob Harras, editorial director Bobbie Chase, and others.

3:15pm - 4:15pm; Room 6DE

comiXology Open Mic: Taking Comics Further

Is that 40,000 comics in your pocket, or are you just happy to see us? Join comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts for an open discussion on the past, present and future of your favorite cloud-based digital comics platform. This is your opportunity to discover what's next and ask any questions that you've been dying to ask! All topics are game!

3:30pm - 4:30pm; Room 8

IDW: Focus on Artist's Editions

Join Artist's Edition editor Scott Dunbier with moderator (and fellow art lover) Greg Goldstein, IDW President along with a surprise guest or two as they give attendees a guided tour of what will be happening in the coming year -- including some really incredible announcements, and at least one that will have people saying, "Didn't see that one coming!" Plus special giveaways, trivia contests, and more! Original art fans, this is the one panel you must attend!

3:30pm - 4:30pm; Room 4

Spotlight on Jeff Smith

Special guest Jeff Smith discusses a slew of upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated hardcover Rasl in full color, the Bone Artist's Edition from IDW, Best American Comics 2013 (edited by Smith), and the upcoming new digital comic Tuki: Save the Humans. Presentation and Q&A to follow.

4:00pm - 5:00pm; Room 9

The Editor-in-Chief Panel

Comics may be experiencing a new Renaissance thanks to all the movies, TV shows, and transmedia properties that have brought in thousands more readers, but to publishers, there's much more to it than that: The stories are better, the art is better, and the production values are higher! In this rare opportunity, gain some valuable insight as the current editors-in-chief of some of the top comics and graphic novel publishers come together for a lively discussion on topics that include the state of comics publishing today, challenges they face in an ever-evolving marketplace, how they broke into the industry, and much more! Moderator Kiel Phegley (news editor for Comic Book Resources) leads a discussion that includes panelists Stephen Christy (Archaia Entertainment), Matt Gagnon (BOOM! Studios), James Lucas Jones (Oni Press), Chris Ryall (IDW), and Bob Shreck (Legendary Comics).

4:00pm - 5:00pm; Room 32AB

VIZ Media Panel

Get the latest updates and exciting news from VIZ Media staff on your favorite manga and anime. You'll also get the scoop on new acquisitions, upcoming releases, and projects not yet announced!

4:00pm - 5:00pm; Room 7AB

The Walking Dead 10th Anniversary Panel

Robert Kirkman discusses the evolution of The Walking Dead and his plans to celebrate its 10th anniversary this year, in a lively Q&A forum.

4:15pm - 5:15pm; Room 6A

Abrams ComicArts

For over 60 years Abrams has been the country's premiere art book publisher. With the launch of Abrams ComicArts in 2009, the tradition of excellence continues with award-winning original graphic novels by Derf Backderf (My Friend Dahmer), Frank M. Young and David Lasky (The Carter Family: Don't Forget This Song), Brian Fies, Jason Shiga, and Barry Deutsch, as well as monographs on such seminal creators as Jack Kirby, Harvey Kurtzman, Daniel Clowes, and Jaime Hernandez. Join Charles Kochman (editorial director of Abrams ComicArts), Carol Burrell (senior editor of Abrams ComicArts), William Stout (author and artist of Legends of the Blues), and other special guests as they talk about the publisher's current titles, including Legends of the Blues, Good Riddance: A Graphic Memoir of Divorce by Cynthia Copeland, Darryl Cunningham's How to Fake a Moon Landing, and Bazooka Joe by The Topps Company. They'll also reveal details and images from upcoming collaborations with Rube Goldberg's granddaughter, Jennifer George (The Art of Rube Goldberg), Paula M. Block and Terry J. Erdmann (Star Trek: The Original Topps Trading Card Series), Michel Daubert and the Hergé Museum (Tintin: The Art of Hergé), Kazu Kibuishi (Explorer: The Lost Islands), and Laura Lee Gulledge (Will and Whit), and other forthcoming projects.

4:30pm - 5:30pm; Room 4

Creepy and Eerie REBORN and UNDEAD

Are you ready to experience the Creepiest of the Creepy? An evil assemblage of ghoulish creators discuss all things Creepy and Eerie. Artist Jason Shawn Alexander (House of Gold and Bones), Creepy writer and editor Dan Braun, producer Josh Braun (Button Man), and moderator J. C. Vaughn (Overstreet Comic Book Price Guide) discuss the influence of the original Warren Creepy and Eerie magazines relaunched at Dark Horse in hardcover archival editions, new comic books, and artist compilation formats. They'll also divulge details about the upcoming Creepy feature film. With very special guests and extra-spooky giveaways!

4:30pm - 5:30pm; Room 24ABC

Marvel: Superior Spider Man

Calling all Spider-Fans: This July is Superior Spider-Month! Get the inside scoop on Spider-Man's new allies, new foes, and new look, and get ready for some exciting announcements! This is one panel no true fan of the web-slinger will want to miss. Featuring senior editor Steve Wacker, Chris Samnee (Daredevil), Nick Spencer (Superior Foes of Spider-Man), Arune Singh (director of communications), and other Marvel guests.

4:30pm - 5:30pm; Room 6DE

Spotlight on J. H. Williams

This award-winning creator on such notable works as Promethea, Batwoman, and the upcoming Sandman with Neil Gaiman talks about why he loves comics, moderated by John Bultena (Lecturer Merritt Writing Program, UC Merced). Visual presentation, discussion, and Q&A session.

4:30pm - 5:30pm; Room 8

Bizarre? Queer? Perfect: Taming the Wild Webcomics Frontier

Webcomics offer an instantaneous connection between artists and audiences-usually at a very low cost and without editorial interference. And the numbers of webcomics have grown steadily over the years. How has the proliferation of webcomics served LGBTQ creators and readers? Are webcomics serving the same purpose as the old underground "comix"? How can ambitious creators leverage the LGBTQ webcomics niche without getting pigeonholed in it? Join Prism Comics and moderator Nina Kester (tapastic.com) for a trip to the wild frontier of webcomics with panelists Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads), Beth Dean (blackforestdraws.com), Kane Lynch (The Relics), Alex Woolfson (Artifice), and others to be announced.

5:00pm - 6:00pm; Room 28DE

Spotlight on Gary Frank

Comic-Con special guest Gary Frank is known for his incredibly powerful depictions of characters, from Superman to the Incredible Hulk. Gary will talk about his career as one of the comics world's best storytellers, including his recent collaboration with Geoff Johns on Shazam!.

5:00pm - 6:00pm; Room 5AB

Warp Comics!

It's the 30th Anniversary of First Comics's inaugural comic book, Warp, and artist Frank Brunner is on hand to present an all-new 30th anniversary edition. Other First Comics creators are here to tell you how they will once again be rocking your world with comics entertainment from the cutting edge. Panelists include Ken F. Levin (Wanted, The Boys, First Comics co-founder and director), the Fillbach Brothers (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), Steve Stern and Dan Cote (Zen the Intergalactic Ninja), film directors Sylvia and Jen Soska, Larry Young (Astronauts in Trouble), and Omaha Perez (The Drude).

5:00pm - 6:00pm; Room 23ABC

Webcomics Advocates: The Webcomics Gathering

Webcomics Advocates co-founders Phil Vecchio and Brendan Creecy (Brax the Alien Rocker) discuss the exciting world of webcomics! Joined by Patrick Scullen (Super Siblings) and moderator Josh Anderson (The Pillagecast); they will give any webcomic creators in the audience 30 seconds to promote their comic to the crowd. All creators and fans are welcome!

5:00pm - 6:00pm; Room 32AB

Kodansha Comics

Get all the latest information on Sailor Moon and Attack on Titan, as well as hear the latest announcements, news, and maybe get a giveaway or two. Kodansha USA's Kana Koide and Random House's Dallas Middaugh walk you through the best of Kodansha's manga.

5:30pm - 6:30pm; Room 4

Making a Living in Manga: New Trends Worth Watching

As a generation of North American comics fans who grew up with manga aspire to become comics creators, they're bumping up against a glass ceiling: a lack of paying publishing options for their work. But a new wave of manga-inspired creators are finding new ways to get published and get paid. Panelistst include editors and comics creators who are forging new paths for making a living in manga, including Lillian Diaz-Pryzbyl (editorial director, Chromatic Press), Faith Erin Hicks (Friends with Boys, Nothing Can Possibly Go Wrong), Victor Chu (co-founder/CEO, MangaMagazine.net), Myung Hee Kim (Simon Sues, Bento Comics), and moderator Brigid Alverson (MangaBlog.net, Publishers Weekly).

5:30pm - 6:30pm; Room 26AB

Mark Waid's Thrillbent Tutorial

In the last year, Thrillbent.com has been a leading innovator in digital comics. Mark Waid (Daredevil, Superman: Birthright, Insufferable), James Tynion IV (Batman, The Eighth Seal), John Rogers (Leverage, Dungeons and Dragons, Arcanum), Nicholas Rucka (Kitchen Death Match), Christina Blanch and Troy Peteri (The Damnation of Charlie Wormwood), and Lori Matsumoto (Thrillbent general manager) join other Thrillbent talent for an in-depth tutorial on how to write, draw, and color for the Thrillbent format in an hour-long "how-to" with Q&A.

5:30pm - 6:30pm; Room 8

Vertigo: Defy

Vertigo is ready to blow your mind with the next wave of trend-setting comics! From horror to mythic fiction to sci-fi and beyond, see what amazing new ideas are coming your way from the imprint that's on a mission to defy all your expectations! With Mark Buckingham (Fables), Jeff Lemire (Trillium), Scott Snyder (American Vampire, The Wake), and others.

5:45pm - 6:45pm; Room 6DE

Anything That Loves: Comics Beyond Gay and Straight

In the last 20 years, lesbian and gay people have made great strides toward better representation in pop culture. The road for people who are bisexual, who have fluid sexuality and gender, or who otherwise fall outside of "gay" and "straight" has been much rockier. (Ironically, they are often met with the strongest mistrust and resistance from gay people.) The new comics anthology Anything That Loves assembles 30 creators to delve into the complex world of nonbinary sexuality and hopes to expose some myths, offer some new insights, and bring together an often-splintered LGBT community in a new way. Moderator Charles "Zan" Christensen and contributors to this anthology discuss the origins of the project, why it's important, and the challenges of being a bisexual storyteller. How can bisexual creators resist pressure from both straight and gay communities to put them in categories that don't truly fit? And how can creators effectively reach out to queer potential readers in a way that doesn't alienate straight ones? Find out the answers to these questions and many more! With Ellen Forney (Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me), Lena H. Chandhok (Pony Tale), Josh Trujillo (The Provider), Kevin Boze (The Virgin Project), Randall Kirby (BOP! Comics), and Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads).

6:00pm - 7:00pm; Room 28DE

Comic-Con How-To: Kickstartering the Heart

Siike Donnelly and Matt Hawkins - along with guest panelists Olivia Peterson, Jon Schnepp, and Joshua Levy - give you a look into the process of running and promoting a Kickstarter campaign. Learn how to reach your audience directly and put your dream project into the hands of many. Discover the ups, downs, and rewards of believing in your work.

6:00pm - 7:00pm; Room 2

DC Collectibles

Action figures, statues, busts, PVC figures-DC Collectibles has them all, and more! Join the DC Collectibles crew, including DCE chief creative officer Geoff Johns, DC Comics co-publisher Jim Lee, VP for creative services Kevin Kiniry, director for creative services Jim Fletcher, and sculptor Tim Miller to hear how they come up with so many great products, and what's coming up from comics' top makers of awesome collectibles!

6:00pm - 7:00pm; Room 5AB

The Goon Kickstarter and Beyond with Eric Powell and Blur Studios

Back in November, legions of fans rallied together to raise over $400,000 to put together a story reel for the David Fincher-produced feature film based on Eric Powell's hit comic book series The Goon! Now, Kickstarter supporters and Comic-Con attendees alike will have a chance to catch an exclusive glimpse of this work in progress! Creator Eric Powell, Blur Studios owner Tim Miller, and veteran visual effects guru Jeff Fowler present an update on this crowdfunded full-length motion picture.

6:00pm - 7:00pm; Room 9

Indie Comics Marketing and PR 101

Need tips on how to market your comic and yourself to voracious fans and the comic industry at large? Have questions on the best way to do PR? Then this panel is for you! Some of the best and brightest in comics today bring you a roundtable discussion, revealing all the secrets of doing effective marketing and PR to get your comic noticed. Join moderator Chip Mosher (comiXology's PR and marketing maven), J. K. Parkin (from Comic Book Resources and the Eisner Award-nominated blog Robot 6), and Fantagraphics Books's marketing and PR team Jacq Cohen (director of publicity and promotions) and Jen Vaughn (marketing and outreach coordinator) for an inspiring and wide-ranging discussion you won't want to miss!

6:30pm - 7:30pm; Room 8

Family Feud: The Comics Blogging Panel

With the 24-hour news cycle turning into a 24-minute news cycle, fans are still getting their comics news from the top news sites and blogs out there. Join moderator Tom Spurgeon in a no-holds-barred discussion with comics journalists on how they make-and break-the news, the ethics of journalism, the death of blogging, the uses of social media, and ways you can join in on the fun. With Spurgeon (The Comics Reporter), Heidi MacDonald (The Beat), Tony Isabella (Tony's Tips), Alexa Dickman (Ladies Making Comix), Rich Johnston (Bleeding Cool), and special surprises!

7:00pm - 8:00pm; Room 23ABC

First Look: Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics

Behind every great superhero is an even greater rogues gallery, and that's where the spotlight lands in the all-new documentary Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics. From the Joker and Deathstroke to Lex Luthor and Darkseid, the film investigates the inner workings of the most nefarious collection of baddies in comics history. Join Warner Bros. Home Entertainment and DC Entertainment for a first-look at a Comic-Con exclusive teaser version of the film, then hear from some of the experts themselves on a panel that will feature bestselling comic book writer and DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns, Entertainment Weekly editor Geoff Boucher, and distinguished representatives of DC Comics's storied history, including Kevin Shinick (Robot Chicken, MAD), Andrea Romano (Batman: The Animated Series), and other notable comics creators, filmmakers, actors and more. Necessary Evil: Super-Villains of DC Comics is narrated by everyone’s favorite villain, Christopher Lee (The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars films), and will be distributed by Warner Bros. Home Entertainment on October 25, 2013.

7:00pm - 8:00pm; Room 6DE

Monkeybrain Comics Anniversary Celebration

Last year, Chris Roberson (Edison Rex) and Allison Baker (co-publisher) launched Monkeybrain Comics at Comic-Con International. What has the digital comics imprint been up to in the meantime, and what's in store for the year to come? Join Paul Guinan and Anina Bennett (Heartbreakers), Paul Tobin and Colleen Coover (Bandette), Jen Vaughn (Avery Fatbottom: Renaissance Fair Detective), Joey Esposito and Benjamin Bailey (Captain Ultimate), and Bobby Timony (Detectobot) to find out.

8:00pm - 9:00pm; Room 28DE

Not So Strange Bedfellows: The Relationship Between Comics and Pro Wrestling

Some have called the spectacle of pro wrestling a "comic book come to life." That is not so far from the truth. From the heroics of Hulk Hogan, antiheroes such as John Cena, and villains like Ric Flair, come and explore the parallels that exist in character development and storyline advancement between these outrageous forms of narrative presented by architects from both worlds. Featuring Rik Offenberger (First Comic News.com), Francis Szyskowski (The Massacre Twins), Todd Tochioka (Working Snug.com), Scott Lost (Scott Lost-Art), and international wrestling superstar Rob Van Dam (WWE Monday Night Raw). Moderated by Joshua Waldrop (M1W Entertainment).

8:00pm - 9:00pm; Room 9

Black Mask: Bringing a Punk Rock Sensibility, Activism, and Wu-Tang to Comics

Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Brett Gurewitz (Bad Religion), and Matt Pizzolo (Godkiller, Occupy Comics) have joined forces to bring confrontational, daring, and unique stories to comics. With a lead-off roster including Wu-Tang's RZA and Ghostface Killah, Darick Robertson (Transmetropolitan, The Boys), and Occupy Comics's star-studded team ranging from Alan Moore to Charlie Adlard to Art Spiegelman, Black Mask has already hit the ground running. Niles, Pizzolo, and Robertson will be joined by Matthew Rosenberg (12 Reasons To Die) and Adam Egypt Mortimer (Ballistic) for a discussion of breaking new ground in comics, and then Pizzolo will welcome additional panelists for a peek at what's coming next.

8:30pm - 9:30pm; Room 8