MY WEEK IN COMICS, #36 - #37: September 8 & September 15

  

For the last three years I have embarked on a Comics Odyssey, reading and writing reviews of comics towards an ambitious goal which I only attained on one of three attempts.  This year, I still want to read more comics and write reviews, but I’m not setting a specific goal.  I’ll just document them and number them. We’ll see how far I can go . . . . . . . 

#584  NEMESIS: ROGUES’ GALLERY #2 of 4 by Mark Millar and Valerie Giangiordano (Dark Horse Comics, August 2024) While I enjoyed Issue #1 I wasn’t excited enough that I need it now. I could wait to pick up the eventual trade paperback and read it all at one time (easier on my brain, too). However, I still think I need some reasons to visit my local comic shop every week - - so what the hell, I pre-ordered this issue.

   Now that Nemesis has recovered from his injuries following his rescue from a prison hospital last issue, he’s up and about and ready to dish out some more of the ultra-violence that this title is known for.  The choice of Giangiordano as artist this go-around is great, as every panel is worth multiple views.

   Nemesis rescues a young criminal and makes him his apprentice/sidekick. Meanwhile, the prison guard he blinded last issue joins up with the group who hold a big grudge against Nemesis, and have just acquired a stash of high-tech weaponry from a supervillain armory. THREE AND ONE-HALF STARS.

#585  JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 (FACSIMILE EDITION) by Gardner Fox and Mike Sekowsky (DC Comics, September 2024) This faithfully reprints JUSTICE LEAGUE OF AMERICA #1 from 1960, the team book that clicked for DC (after a popular showcase in THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD). 

   The big guns are all here: Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, Flash, Green Lantern, J’onn J’onzz, Aquaman and lesser-known but powerless Snapper Carr (who plays a prominent role this issue).

   The villain is Despero, a three-eyed evil genius and conqueror from a dimensional world. He tracks two escaped scientists to Earth, where they have enlisted the help of Flash, who summons the Justice League. Flash loses a rigged game where every time he turns over the wrong card another member of the team vanishes to another dimension.

    Here the title follows a long-established format where two heroes pair up on these unknown worlds to solve a mystery/challenge and then get back with the team for the final act. 

   It’s fun. It’s ’60’s comic book fare. Good times. THREE STARS.

#586 - #587 IRON FIST 50TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL by various creators (Marvel Comics, October 2024) I’ve lost track of how many different volumes of Iron Fist have been published so far, as well as the spin-off series he appeared in (POWERMAN AND IRON FIST, HEROES FOR HIRE, etc).

Just like those titles, the quality of story and art content here is varied and sometimes wildly different. 

  For me, the absolute best Iron Fist series and the one that everyone should read is the IMMORTAL IRON FIST by Matt Fraction and Ed Brubaker with gorgeous art by David Aja. That one really built on the lore and expanded the role of Danny Rand/Iron Fist. Sadly, those creators are missing from this celebratory collection of short stories and none of these reach the same heights.

  There are five stories, with the best two serving as bookends. Opening tale is “Training Day” by Chris Claremont and Lan Medina - where Iron Fist gets sparring partners in Sabretooth and Wolverine and learns a valuable lesson. “Happy Birthday, Danny” revisits a legend that says the Iron Fist perishes in a battle with a demonic foe on his 33rd birthday. It’s by Jason Loo and most notable for the art of Whilce Portacio. It’s Danny’s 34th birthday, and he gets a belated greeting from the demon.

   “Heroes for Hire” is a funny, one-joke story that is just one page, period. I would have liked to see more here from Frank Tieri and Ty Templeton. 

     “Iron Fisticuffs” by Alyssa Wong and Von Randal features the two most recent contenders for the Iron Fist mantle and it just didn’t work for me. Finally, “Emergency Call” by Justina Ireland and Elena Casagrande tried just a little too hard to be cute and funny in a story where Danny Rand recruits Misty Knight and Colleen Wing to bail him out at a community function.

   Two out of five, three if I want to include the Tieri joke of a story. Ok then, THREE STARS.

#588  AVENGERS #17 by Jed MacKay and Valerie Schiti (Marvel Comics, October 2024) “Impact, Part One” This is the jumping-on point following the conclusion of the vampire invasion Blood Hunt crossover mini-series as well as the Fall of the X-Men and the destruction of the Krakoa haven by Orchis - - as the Avengers re-assess their triumphs and failures and begin to move on.

   The current chair is Captain Marvel who tries to get the others to agree that the Avengers failed despite humanity surviving. She thinks the Avengers should have stopped the Blood Hunt from happening and the discussion takes up almost half of this issue - which is primarily a set-up for the next threat (Hyperion returns) and the invite to Storm to join the group. 

    It’s well written. The character interactions are good, and the art is interesting. I just sense this is going to be long and drawn-out and I’m not really interested in staying around to find out. 

   In addition to Captain Marvel and soon-to-join Storm, the Avengers are Sam Wilson/Captain America, Scarlet Witch, The Vision, Thor, Iron Man and T’Challa/Black Panther. THREE STARS.

#589  THE COWBOY WITH MANY HATS by Christopher Reda and Add Galusha (Critical Entertainment, August 2023) I was curious about this small indie publisher and was happy to find one of their titles on the shelves of a local comic shop. I didn’t mind taking a chance since this was a one-shot, complete story, and in a genre that still doesn’t get as much attention as others - - a western.

   While it might seem the ending of this was inconclusive, after reading the back cover I realized the creators were making a general statement about the ups and downs of life. The art is engaging and the script relies on the illustrations to move the story along, with just brief lines of dialogue.

   A sheriff in a small western town is accused of murder after being framed by a crooked State Marshall and his gang. He has to leave town, hide out, and seek other forms of employment that seem beneath his abilities.  I wasn’t completely satisfied with how this ended, but can accept it easier if I knew this was left open for more story, depending on sales (I assume). THREE AND ONE-QUARTER STARS. 

#590  MINOR ARCANA #1 Written and illustrated by Jeff Lemire (Boom! Studios, September 2024) “The Fool: Part One.”

The promotional synopsis:

     “Theresa, the daughter of a small-town "psychic" fraud, returns home to care for her ailing mother, however begrudgingly.

But when Theresa discovers that there may be more to the magic than she originally believed, she'll find herself caught up in a town that desperately needs her help...

One of the most renowned creators in comics, New York Times bestselling and award-winning writer and artist Jeff Lemire (Descender, Black Hammer) arrives at BOOM! Studios with an extra-length opening chapter of a must-read ongoing series inspired by, and intricately linked to, the tarot and perfect for fans of his creator-owned work as well.”

   That was more than enough to prompt me to pick this up. I’m a fan of Lemire’s creator-owned tales. He has a remarkable ability to capture small-town, common people point-of-view in his characters and then place them in unusual, imaginative, and often bizarre situations and conflicts. There is a lot of sadness but a lot of warmth and empathy in his stories. His art is a mirror for the sadness and warmth the characters are experiencing.

   If you haven’t read anything (outside of licensed superhero properties) by Lemire before, then this is as good a place as any to start. The dysfunctional but underlying loving relationship between daughter and mother is fascinating. The tarot, and I suspect - - mysterious powers or knowledge - - will come into play before this is over. 

  The story will unfold over the course of four acts (Book of Wands, Book of Swords, Book of Cups, Book of Pentacles) and be collected in four deluxe hardcovers. Fans of Lemire like myself will probably hold out for those hardcovers.  But if this is all new to you, my recommendation is to read several of the monthly issues before you decide to keep going.

FOUR AND ONE-QUARTER STARS.

#591  AVENGERS ASSEMBLE #1 by Steve Orlando and Cory Smith (Marvel Comics, November 2024)  Do we really need this many Avengers and X-Men titles? (And, WEST COAST AVENGERS is still to come, along with several more X-related books!) As long as the story and art are worthwhile, I guess that’s okay. However, I (and possibly you as well) would be shocked if they were all great.

     AVENGERS ASSEMBLE has a lot going for it (so far) and it’s definitely as good as the better team books. Here, Captain America pulls a team together after learning of the threat presented by Sin, Red Skull’s daughter, who just obtained the death mask of Erida, Goddess of Hate. Sin will use it to instill hate into civilian hearts and gain more power with each effort. Cap, Wasp, Photon, and Shang-Chi put her down in a creative and well-visualized battle (but she escapes, for a future return).

     While that is going on, the rest of the roster arrives at Avengers Mansion and exchanges pleasantries during a game of cards (under the supervision of Jarvis, glad to see him back). They are: Hawkeye, Living Lightening, She-Hulk, Lightspeed (the youngster from Power Pack), Hercules, Wonder Man, and Night Thrasher. 

     There’s a subplot involving a reformed Serpent Squad stealing other valuable relics while Cap’s team is preoccupied with battling Sin. They have a new master to serve, with the reveal foreshadowing a future challenge for the Avengers. 

     What I appreciated most about this is that the story wraps up and is complete in this debut issue, meaning no one has to feel obligated to continue to Issue #2. I’ve been sampling various team books, looking for one to hold my attention.  This is decent, but it’s only a 50/50 chance that I’ll pick up Issue #2. This just seems like a lot of past Avengers teams that I’ve read enough of. THREE STARS.

Programming, Presentations At BALTIMORE COMIC-CON 2024

EDITOR'S NOTE:  In addition to a remarkable guest list, a big cosplay contest, artist and vendor exhibits galore, Baltimore Comic Con always puts together some informational programming. See below for details. from the official Baltimore Comic Con press release .  . . .

Baltimore Comic-Con 2024 Announces Panel Programming

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - September 6, 2024 - The Baltimore Comic-Con returns for its 25th anniversary show at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore's beautiful Inner Harbor this September 20-22, 2024. Tickets are available now for General Admission, VIP, and Fan Packages. Our Panel schedule is now set, and we're excited to let you know what programming to look forward to at the show this year!

Are you following us on social media yet?

Friday kicks off the fun with the return of Comics Aloud! featuring David Petersen and friends! Plus, comics legends Ben Edlund, Dan Jurgens, Jeph Loeb, and Leinil Yu all get spotlight panels. And we’ll celebrate the legacy of Jack Kirby, look back at 40 years of Nightwing, and delve into genre comics including Comics Noir, Cosmic Comics, and Romance Comics. And you can join Happy Hour with the Comic Book Couples, featuring Billy and Deborah Tucci, Walter and Louise Simonson, and Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti! Also, Bad Idea and Act 4 each have their own panels to talk about what’s coming soon from these exciting publishers! Plus, aspiring artists can get their portfolios reviewed by Mad Cave Studios Senior Editor Chas! Pangburn.

On Saturday, Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos, co-creators of the hit PBS Kids series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, debut an episode from season 3 featuring Superman co-creators Jerry Siegeland Joe Shuster! And we shine Spotlights on comics legends Jim Lee, Howard Chaykin, and Walter Simonson, as well as silver screen star Sam J. Jones, best known as space hero Flash Gordon, plus actors Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, and Daniel Kash – three of the heroes from the classic movie Aliens! And pick up pointers on Designing and Illustrating Characters for Animation from the Maryland Institute College of Art. Plus, top writers Mark Waid and Ron Marz tell what it takes when it comes to Getting into Character. You can learn about grading comic books from the crew from CGC, and celebrate the big anniversaries of Batman and the X-Men. Plus, artists can get their portfolios reviewed by Oni Press President and Publisher Hunter Gorinson!

Sunday sees more great programming with Comics Are for Kids!, featuring Dan Parent, Franco, and more! The kid heroes of Power Pack celebrate their 40 th anniversary with Louise Simonson and June Brigman, while Papercutz and Maverick talk about Fantasy for Kids and Teens, and documentarian Phillip Thompson looks at Collections in Black. And race into fun with a Spotlight panel on TV’s Flash, John Wesley Shipp. Plus, four comics greats reveal their secrets in the game-show style panel Untold Stories of Comics Creators, while creators including Richard Case, Amy Chu, and Karl Kesel talk their careers in Making Comics: The Good, The Bad, and The Weird. And learn how to up your cosplay with How to Build Better Cosplay!

Friday

(Please note, all times and panels shown are subject to change.)

Room 337

3:00-3:45 - What Retailers Wish You Knew Join the titans of comics retail, including Alan Gill (Ultimate Comics), Thomas Chillemi (Comics & Gaming Outpost), Steve Anderson and Karolyn Garcia (Third Eye Comics), and more to discuss the strategies and tactics they use to get to the top and how they interact with the rest of the comics industry. Hosted by Atom! Freeman (Prana: Direct Market Solutions), this panel is guaranteed to change your view of how the world of comics retail actually works.

4:00-4:45 - Alternative Heroes What makes a modern hero in 2024? And what can independent creators offer that you might not find at some of the bigger publishers? Find out from panelists including Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook, Billy Dogma), Vito Delsante (Stray, Godquest: Milestone), Alex Segura (Dick Tracy, Secret Identity), Sean Von Gorman (The Pedestrian), Charlie McElvy (Spider-Squirrel, Trash Panda), and Chris Miskiewicz (This Is Where We Fall), with moderator Whitney Matheson.

5:00-5:45 - Artist Portfolio Review Come have your art portfolio reviewed by Chas! Pangburn, Senior Editor from Mad Cave Studios, who will provide art portfolio reviews for aspiring artists. Please note: We cannot accept portfolio review submissions using AI technology.

Room 338

2:00-2:45 - Sealed with a Kiss: Romance Comics Romance comics have made a surprising comeback in recent years, thanks in no small part to the stellar work of top creators, who have found exciting new ways to bring the love to your local comics shop. With panelists Tom King (Batman/Catwoman, Love Everlasting), Thom Zahler(Love and Capes, Cupid’s Arrows), Jeremy Whitley (The Dog Knight, School for Extraterrestrial Girls), and Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo). Moderated by Bob Harrison.

3:00-3:45 - Act 4: On Stage with Scott Dunbier Award-winning, innovative editor Scott Dunbier returns to Baltimore Comic-Con to tell fans about his new publishing venture, Act 4 Publishing, and the big, new art books coming soon! Please be sure to bring your suggestions for new projects you’d like to see in this exciting format.

4:00-5:15 - Remembering Ramona Fradon Friends and fans come together to remember comics legend Ramona Fradon, who we lost in February. Best known for her work on Aquaman, Plastic Man, Super Friends, and for co-creating Metamorpho, Ramona was an industry staple for more than four decades. Scheduled speakers include June Brigman (Power Pack), DC Comics editor Brittany Holzherr, Dan Parent (Archie Comics), Andrew Pepoy (The Adventures of Simone & Ajax), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and more. Hosted by Todd Dezago and Amy Fradon.

5:30-6:15 - More than Just Lore: Reimagining Myths in Fantasy Fiction Storytelling has long played a central role in the formation of cultural identity. Join G. Willow Wilson (Ms. Marvel, Poison Ivy), Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Attack on Titan), Walter Simonson (Ragnarok, The Mighty Thor), and Mark Wheatley (Songs of Giants, Doctor Cthulittle) as they discuss the role lore plays in their work and why returning to and reinventing traditional figures, themes, and narratives is important for both commemorating the past and creating the future. Hosted by Emily Whitten.

Room 339-342

2:00-2:45 - Comics Aloud! Some of your favorite comics creators stage dramatic readings of excerpts of their comic work while it is projected on screen. Hear creators David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Jeremy Bastian (Cursed Pirate Girl), Steve Conley (The Middle Age), Katie Cook (Nothing Special), and Walter Simonson (Ragnarok, The Mighty Thor) perform the characters they’ve written and drawn.

3:00-3:45 - Bad Idea: The Baltimore Comic-Con Panel Join mastermind writer Robert Venditti and Bad Idea impresarios Dinesh Shamdasani, Peter Stern, Brockton McKinney, and Siena Fallon for a first look at what will be the biggest comic book of the year – Planet Death! Plus, previews of Bad Idea’s biggest slate yet, special guests, and a convention exclusive giveaway!

4:00-4:45 - Nightwing at 40 It’s been 40 years since Dick Grayson stepped out of the shadow of the Bat to become a new hero: Nightwing. Join some of his best-known writers and artists for this discussion of what makes Nightwing so special, with Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black, Batman), Jamal Igle (The Wrong Earth, Molly Danger), and Tom Raney (Outsiders, Star Wars). Hosted by Bob Harrison.

5:00-5:45 - Ben Edlund Spotlight Best known as the creator of The Tick, the comedy superhero who’s appeared in both animation and live action TV series, Ben Edlund sits down to talk about his career as a writer, director, and/or producer on series like Firefly, Angel, Supernatural, Revolution, The Venture Bros., Gotham, and more. Hosted by John Trumbull.

6:00-6:45 - The Legacy of Mike Wieringo: The Ringo Awards Since 2017, Baltimore Comic-Con has proudly hosted the annual Ringo Awards - but who was Mike Wieringo? Join this panel to learn about this beloved artist and his legacy, with panelists including Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook, Billy Dogma), Michael Cho (Shoplifter, Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories), Scott Dunbier (Act 4 Publishing, Artist Editions), Matt Wieringo and more. Hosted by Bob Harrison.

Room 343-344

2:00-2:45 - Comics Get Cosmic: Blasting into Adventure! It’s a tale as old as time: Colorful heroes rocket into space to encounter adventure, danger, and intrigue! Join these masters of cosmic comics for a chat about what makes space the place, with Jim Starlin (Dreadstar, Thanos: The Infinity Revelation), Ron Marz (Silver Surfer, Green Lantern), Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man, Empire), Rodney Barnes (Killadelphia, Blacula), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, Action Comics), and Liam Sharp (Wonder Woman: Rebirth, The Green Lantern). Hosted by Roger Ash.

3:00-3:45 - Jack Kirby: Beyond Square Fingers As co-creator of Captain America, the Fantastic Four, the Incredible Hulk, and so many other heroes, Jack Kirby earned his Marvel nickname – “King” – many times over. But what exactly made Kirby’s comics so vibrant and thrilling? Join panelists Walter Simonson (Ragnarok, The Mighty Thor), Mark Buckingham (Fables, Miracleman), and Karl Kesel (Section Zero, Impossible Jones) to learn more. Hosted by Adam Philips.

4:00-4:45 - Jeph Loeb Spotlight Award-winning comics writer Jeph Loeb discusses his legendary career with comics series including Batman: Hush, Superman for All Seasons, Spider-Man Blue, Red Hulk, the upcoming Batman: The Long Halloween: The Last Halloween, as well as scripting numerous TV series. Hosted by Roger Ash.

5:00-5:45 - Dan Jurgens Spotlight Dan Jurgens, the man who killed Superman, created Booster Gold, and so much more talks about his career as a writer and artist from The Warlord to The Bat-Man: First Knight and beyond! Hosted by Bob Greenberger.

6:00-6:45 - Comics Noir Out of the inky shadows comes a hero – not a colorfully clad defender of justice, but an ordinary person determined to see justice served, no matter the cost. Join creators Howard Chaykin(American Flagg!, Hey Kids! Comics), Alex Segura (Dick Tracy, Secret Identity), Joëlle Jones(Lady Killer, Wonder Girl), Shawn Martinbrough (Batman: Detective Comics, Black Panther: Man without Fear), John K. Snyder III (Eight Million Ways to Die, Fashion in Action), Steve Epting(The Avengers, Velvet), and Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns) for a discussion about some truly hard-boiled heroes. Hosted by Greg Matiasevich.

Ballroom 3-4

2:00-2:45 - Leinil Francis Yu Spotlight A superstar artist from the start, Leinil Francis Yu won Wizard Magazine’s Drawing Board Contest in 2008 and was soon named one of Marvel’s “Young Guns.” His work has appeared in DC’s Superman: Birthright, and in Marvel’s Wolverine, Uncanny X-Men, X-Men, Ultimate Wolverine vs. Hulk, New Avengers, and much more. Don’t miss this panel that delves into Leinil’s amazing career and looks at what’s coming next! Plus: Leinil will give away an original sketch to one fan who bought the Leinil Yu Fan Package ticket! Hosted by Emily Whitten

4:00-4:45 - Happy Hour with Comic Book Couples Award-winning comics creators Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane), Terry Moore (Strangers in Paradise, Echo), Louise Simonson (Power Pack, Superman: The Man of Steel), Walter Simonson (Ragnarok, The Mighty Thor), and Billy Tucci (Shi, Miss Fury: Joy Division) are joined by Abstract Studios’ Robyn Moore and Crusade Comics’ Deborah Tucci for a lively discussion of what it’s like to be married to a comics creator while running a publishing company – and how you too might find happiness in the comics biz!

Saturday

Room 337

11:00-11:45 - Lettering: Drawing in a Different Way Host Greg Matiasevich (Multiversity Comics) sits down with cartoonist / letterers John Workman(The Mighty Thor), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), and Chris Eliopoulos (Ordinary People Change the World) to discuss lettering and why it’s so much more than just typing with a pen. Listen to them swap stories about the so-thin-as-to-be-nonexistent line between cartoonists and letterers and navigating mainstream and indie worlds while placing word balloons, drawing sound effects, and designing logos.

12:00-12:45 - The Art of the Cover It’s the first thing you look at when you consider picking up a new comic: the cover. Find out what goes into creating a great cover with top cover artists including Mark Brooks (Immoral X-Men, Spawn), Michael Cho (Shoplifter, Star Wars: Hyperspace Stories), Joshua Swaby (Star Wars, Black Widow), Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl), and Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls, Catwoman: Lonely City). Hosted by Greg Matiasevich.

1:00-1:45 - I Cover the Comics Biz Hear from the experts what it’s like to report on the hottest news stories in comics and interact with the biggest names in the field from the experts. Reporters and podcasters Zack Quaintance(Comics Beat), Brad Gullickson (Comic Book Couples Counseling), Brandon Troy (Movers and Shakers), and Mars! That Comic Girl (Casually Comics) join host Bob Harrison (The Pop Culture Squad) for this informative panel.

2:00-2:45 - Seduction of the Innocent at 70 A look at the powerful effect Fredric Wertham’s controversial book had on the comics industry, which led to the launch of the Comics Code Authority, with attorney Mark S. Zaid, Al Milgrom(West Coast Avengers, Peter Parker, the Spectacular Spider-Man), Dan Parent (Archie Comics, Kevin Keller), Louise Simonson (Power Pack, Superman: The Man of Steel), and host Bob Greenberger.

3:00-3:45 - Creating from the Heart A conversation with acclaimed comic creators about how they manage telling important stories with care. Guests include Ethan Sacks (Old Man Hawkeye, Star Wars: Bounty Hunters), Chris Campana (The Adventures of Parker Reef), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Ron Randall (Trekker, Swamp Thing), and Emma Kubert (Pandora, Stoneheart). Hosted by Mark S. Zaid.

4:00-4:45 - Getting Into Character Come hear comic creators talk about the craft of writing existing characters. How do they approach the task while maintaining – and enhancing – the appeal of these characters and keeping the action exciting? And what goes into creating a brand-new character? Find out from guests Mark Waid (The Flash, Kingdom Come), Phillip Kennedy Johnson (The Incredible Hulk, Action Comics), and Ron Marz (Silver Surfer, Green Lantern). Hosted by Roger Ash.

5:00-5:45 - DC In the ’80s The 1980s was an exciting time at DC Comics, with groundbreaking projects including Watchmen, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, Camelot 3000, and many more. Find out what it was like from some of the people who were there, including former editor Bob Greenberger, Karl Kesel(Section Zero, Impossible Jones), Jerry Ordway (Superman, Shazam!), Dan Jurgens(Superman, Booster Gold), Brett Breeding (Superman, The Mighty Thor), and Ron Randall(Trekker, Swamp Thing). Hosted by Bob Harrison.

6:00-6:45 - What Becomes a Hero Most: Character Design in Comics  You’ve just been asked to come up with the look for a brand-new comic book character. Where do you begin? Find out from comics artists and character designers Amanda Conner (Harley Quinn, Power Girl), Cully Hamner (Blue Beetle, Black Lightning), Mark Brooks(Immoral X-Men, Spawn), Richard Case (Doom Patrol, Dr. Strange), and Amy Reeder(Amethyst, Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur). Hosted by Bob Harrison.

Room 338

1:00-1:45 - Walter Simonson Spotlight  Since he blasted onto the scene with his award-winning art on Manhunter, Walter Simonson has been one of the most exciting and innovative artists in comics! Join Walt for this chat about his career, from the Metal Men to The Mighty Thor, from Alien to Ragnarok – and beyond! Hosted by John Trumbull.

2:00-2:45 - Oni Press: The Baltimore Comic-Con Panel For over 25 years, Oni Press has been the destination for groundbreaking comics and graphic novels from some of the industry’s most acclaimed talents. Now, along with the smash-hit return of EC Comics, the fan-favorite Adventure Time, and the 20th anniversary of international sensation Scott Pilgrim, Oni Press presents new, unforgettable stories for every shelf: The Tea Dragon Society, The Sixth Gun, Cult of the Lamb, Covenant, and more! Join President and Publisher Hunter Gorinson alongside Senior Sales Manager Michael Torma as they talk everything Oni 2024…and beyond!

3:00-3:45 - Celebrating Women in Comics It hasn’t been long since women were few and far between in comics – but that has changed dramatically in recent years, with female comics writers and artists creating moving, memorable, and award-winning works. This panel will dig into the changing – and growing – role of women in comics, with guests Amy Chu (Red Sonja, Borderlands), Louise Simonson(Power Pack, Superman: The Man of Steel), Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Attack on Titan), and Sam Maggs (Marvel Action: Captain Marvel, Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas), with moderator Martha Thomases (Dakota North, Spy Magazine).

4:00-4:45 - Worldbuilding 101 Environment is an important element of storytelling, one that can tell readers a lot about a story – but balancing the details of the world with character and plot can be tricky. Come hear panelists Katie Cook (Nothing Special), Mark Wheatley (Songs of Giants, Doctor Cthulittle), and Walter Simonson (Ragnarok, The Mighty Thor), and Tim Probert (Lightfall, Dungeon Academy) talk about how they approach worldbuilding in science fiction, fantasy, or real-life tales. Moderated by Emily Whitten (The Underfoot).

5:00-6:30 - Artist Portfolio Review Come have your art portfolio reviewed by Hunter Gorinson, President & Publisher of Oni Press, who will provide art portfolio reviews for aspiring artists. Please note: We cannot accept portfolio review submissions using AI technology.

Room 339-342

11:00-11:45 - Howard Chaykin Spotlight Howard Chaykin is known for speaking his mind – and what he has to say is not to be missed! Come hear the creator of American Flagg!, Hey Kids! Comics!, and so many other hard-hitting comics let loose.

12:00-12:45 - Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum Brad Meltzer and Chris Eliopoulos, the creative team of the popular Ordinary People Change the World book series and Executive Producers of the hit animated PBS KIDS TV series Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum, discuss their love of reading, learning, and comics in this special panel. Includes a screening of an episode about Superman co-creators Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Hosted by Bob Greenberger.

1:00-1:45 - Godzilla at 70: The Politics of Daikaiju Eiga Can Godzilla and other giant monsters of the movies save the planet – from humankind? From imperialism to Oppenheimer to the oil industry, humans have proven to be the most destructive monsters of all in our pursuit of power. In this multimedia panel, superfans and scholars will screen and discuss metaphors for human-caused injustice, oppression, and environmental devastation in video clips from Daikaiju Eiga – “large mysterious creature cinema” – from around the world, with a focus on Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. Hosted by Paolo Javier.

2:00-3:45 - Art Auction - Baltimore Comic-Con 2024 Yearbook Original art created for the 2024 Baltimore Comic-Con Yearbook will be auctioned at this special event. Don’t miss this opportunity to own a piece of history. Get there early or you may miss out! Hosted by Bob Harrison and Josh Gold.

5:00-6:45 - Hero Initiative Art Auction Join the members of the Hero Initiative, including your host, Scott Dunbier, for a charity auction featuring items supplied by a variety of artists and creators from around the industry.

Room 343-344

11:00-11:45 - Secrets from the International Spy Museum: Real-World Espionage and Comic Books From Secret Agent X-9 to Agent Carter, espionage and spies are integral to comic book storytelling, and the exotic gadgets and weapons they use have been pivotal to the stories. This session will feature experts and affiliates of the Washington, D.C., International Spy Museumincluding Robert Wallace (best-selling author, former CIA Director of Technical Services), Mark S. Zaid (national security attorney, comic-book historian), Adam Leslie (co-founder of Real Spy Comics and former intelligence professional), writer Ron Marz (Almost American), and Janosh Neuemann (co-founder of Real Spy Comics and former intelligence officer).

12:00-12:45 - Crowdfunding Comics Crowdfunding is one of the fastest-growing ways to create and publish your own comics. Learn about some of the benefits – and pitfalls – of this exciting alternative from experts including Dean Haspiel (The Red Hook, Billy Dogma), Sean Von Gorman (The Pedestrian), Karl Kesel (Section Zero, Impossible Jones), Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane), and Steve Conley(The Middle Age, Astounding Space Thrills)! Hosted by Whitney Matheson.

1:00-1:45 - Comic Book Grading 101 with CGC Comics Join CGC Comics' top comic book grading expert, Shawn Caffrey, as he walks you through the steps on how CGC grades a comic book. Shawn will look at pressing, restoration, general defects to look out for, and more. Plus, stick around for some trivia that will give attendees chances to win graded prizes!

2:00-2:45 - Billy Tucci and Shi – A 30th Anniversary Celebration! Join Eisner Award winner and Inkpot recipient Billy Tucci along with Crusade Comics' executive director Deborah Tucci to celebrate three decades of independent spirit, struggles, and successes. Since 1994, the Tuccis have carved out a phenomenally devoted mainstream and indie fanbase by starting trends, not chasing them. Moderated by Overstreet's J.C. Vaughn.

4:00-4:45 - Descend into Madness: Horror at Mad Cave Studios Enter the dark and thrilling worlds of horror with Mad Cave Studios' talented creators. Kevin Cuffeand Kelly Williams, the eerie storytellers behind Skeeters, take you through the creepy corridors of small-town terror and the art of crafting unsettling narratives. Sam Freeman and Sam Romesburg introduce Hound, set amidst the brutal trenches of World War I and speak on how war turns men into primal beasts. Rich Douek delves into the unnerving atmosphere of A Phone Call Away, exploring suspense and surreal horror. This panel offers a unique opportunity to discover the creative processes behind these chilling narratives and meet the artists who bring them to life.

5:00-5:45 - Mutant Mayhem: 60 Years of the X-Men It’s not easy being a mutant – but at least the X-Men make it look cool! Celebrate the 60th anniversary of the X-Men in this special panel featuring Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, X-Men), Louise Simonson (New Mutants, X-Factor), and Ryan Stegman (X-23, Spider-Man). Hosted by John Trumbull.

6:00-7:00 - How to Design and Illustrate Characters for Animation The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) presents an engaging, hands-on workshop that bridges the gap between traditional illustration and cutting-edge media arts. This interactive session will provide Baltimore Comic-Con attendees with a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of illustration and digital media, led by Jordan P. Jackson, one of MICA's expert instructors and a comic-book writer, animator, and graphic designer. Please note this hands-on panel will be strictly limited to the first 15 attendees to arrive.

Ballroom 3-4

11:00-11:45 - Sam J. Jones Spotlight Sam J. Jones has lit up the big screen with his starring role as Flash Gordon, as well as his roles in Smallville, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Fear the Walking Dead, Agent Carter, and Lucifer, along with voices on several Batman animated series! Join us for this fun panel looking at his acting career!

12:00-12:45 - Jim Lee Spotlight The Chief Creative Officer-Publisher at DC, Jim Lee has been wowing fans for years with his work on X-Men, WildCATS, Batman, Superman, and more. Don't miss this rare opportunity to hear him talk about his work in person as well as giving an art demonstration. Plus: Jim will give away an original sketch to one fan who bought the Jim Lee Fan Package ticket!

1:00-1:45 - Batman at 85 For close to a century, Batman has been known the world over for his animated TV adventures, movies, and, of course, comics. Join this stellar lineup of panelists to hear what makes Batman so memorable, with Tom King (Batman/Catwoman, Nightwing), Mark Waid (The Flash, Kingdom Come), Klaus Janson (Daredevil, Batman: The Dark Knight Returns), Dan Jurgens (Superman, Booster Gold), and Jim Starlin (Dreadstar, Thanos: The Infinity Revelation). Hosted by Bob Greenberger.

2:00-2:45 - Aliens United For the first time in Baltimore, join Aliens actors Mark Rolston, Jenette Goldstein, and Daniel Kash as they talk all things Aliens and answer your questions on this iconic movie and their pivotal roles! It's no wonder Aliens: Romulus is getting so much hype – look from where it spawned! Not to mention that these incredibly versatile actors have careers that embrace many other fandoms, with their work voicing Marvel and DC characters, live action turns in Goosebumps, Saw, Supernatural, Star Trek (all three of them!), Terminator, and so much more!

3:00-3:30 - Cosplay Photography Contest Results and Cosplay Showcase

3:30-5:30 - Adult Cosplay Contest

Sunday

Room 337

11:00-11:45 - How to Comic: Overcoming Obstacles Join panelists Khoi Pham (Teen Titans, Mighty Avengers) and Matt Yocum (Wolverine, Astonishing Tales) for a discussion of how to navigate a life in comics while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. When you’re bombarded with life’s distractions, creating comic books can be daunting – Khoi and Matt share the importance of knowing yourself, having the right gear and support systems, and knowing how to push through to create the stories that could only come from you. With Dr. Michael Elliott (professor, Towson University) and moderator Mark S. Zaid.

12:00-12:45 - Fantasy for Kids and Teens: Graphic Novels from Papercutz and Maverick Embark on an exciting journey through the enchanting worlds of Papercutz and Maverick with the creators who bring these stories to life. Jeremy Whitley introduces School for Extraterrestrial Girls, a thrilling narrative in which students navigate the wonders and challenges of an extraterrestrial education. Joe Corallo reimagines King Arthur and the Knights of Justice, giving new life to the legendary tales of chivalry and heroism. Chas! Pangburn presents Double Booking, a unique flip graphic novel that follows siblings Otto and Nan on a double-stuffed adventure in Egypt. This panel promises to inspire young readers and anyone with a love for fantasy and adventure.

1:00-1:45 - The Punisher at 50: Cultural Evolution, Relevance, and Academic Perspectives Join us for an in-depth exploration of Marvel Comics' The Punisher, a.k.a. Frank Castle, whose cultural impact continues to spark debate. This panel will trace the Punisher's origins in the 1970s as a symbol of vigilante justice and examine his evolution across decades of political and social change. We’ll feature a special focus on the recent book, A Cultural History of The Punisher(Intellect Ltd 2023), by Kent Worcester, which provides new insights into the Punisher’s significance within a broader context of the expanding field of comics studies.

Room 338

11:00-11:45 - Comics Are for Kids! Moms and dads everywhere know it – kids love comics! Come to this fun panel to hear some great creators of comics for young readers talk about their projects, including Franco (Arkhamaniacs, Tiny Titans), Chris Eliopoulos (Ordinary People Change the World), Peter Tomasi (The Rocketfellers, Batman and Robin), Jeremy Whitley (The Dog Knight, School for Extraterrestrial Girls), Dan Parent (Archie Comics, Kevin Keller), and Tim Probert (Lightfall, Dungeon Academy). Hosted by Bob Harrison.

12:00-12:45 - Representation Matters – in Comics! Join an amazing group of creators as they talk about what goes into making readers from all backgrounds feel included in comics. Guests include Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda), Sanford Greene (Bitter Root, Black Panther), Gene Ha (Mae, Fables, Top 10), and Stephanie Williams (Nubia and the Amazons, Wakanda, Moon Girl). Hosted by Brandon Troy.

1:00-1:45 - Whistleblowers: A Graphic Novel about Americans Against Genocide At a time when genocide and human rights are on everyone’s minds, Dark Horse has published the new graphic novel Whistleblowers: Four Who Fought to Expose the Holocaust to America, authored by Holocaust scholar Dr. Rafael Medoff and illustrated by award-winning comics artist Dean Motter, with a foreword by famed attorney for Washington whistleblowers Mark S. Zaid. Messrs. Medoff and Zaid will tell the behind-the-scenes story of how this unique graphic novel came to be, and look at the significance of blowing the whistle in our own era.

Room 339-342

11:00-11:45 - Power Pack: 40 Years of Fun Come hear all about the unique creation of Marvel Comics’ youngest and most energetic super team: Power Pack! After 40 years, the adventures of the astounding Power family kids continue to delight and amuse! Featuring Power Pack co-creators writer Louise Simonson and artist June Brigman! Moderated by Todd Dezago.

12:00-12:45 - History and Science in Fiction Comics How important are events of the past and the science of the real world when creating fiction? How do we use them in storytelling, and how can that use add to the story? What research (or lack of research) goes into adding elements of real history and science to our stories? And are there times when it turns out truth is stranger than fiction? Come hear from comics creators Dean Haspiel(The Red Hook), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), and Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda) with moderator Emily S. Whitten (The Underfoot) as they share their experiences and tips for incorporating these elements into fictional work.

Room 343-344

11:00-11:45 - Comics Crossover Crisis For superhero fans, nothing beats a great crossover. But how do creators navigate the pitfalls of a massive comic crossover event? Come hear stories and get first-hand advice from those who’ve been there, including Mark Waid (The Flash, Kingdom Come), Ron Marz (Silver Surfer, Green Lantern), Jerry Ordway (Superman, Shazam!), and Mark Buckingham (Fables, Miracleman). Moderated by Bob Greenberger.

12:00-12:45 - Untold Stories of Comics Creators Four top comics creators share the strangest secrets of their careers in this game-show style panel! Join special guests Jimmy Palmiotti (Harley Quinn, Painkiller Jane), Alex Segura (Dick Tracy, Secret Identity), Jamal Igle (The Wrong Earth, Molly Danger), and Vito Delsante (Stray, Godquest: Milestone) with host Adam Philips for a panel full of laughs and fun.

1:00-1:45 - Collections in Black Join us for an enlightening panel discussion featuring Phillip “Big Phill” Thompson that delves into the history and contributions of Black comic creators acknowledging influential figures in the comic book industry. From the trailblazing work of Matt Baker to contemporary artists who continue to shape the narrative, it all leads to the creation of the “Collections in Black” exhibit and documentary film. Panelists include Afua Richardson (Black Panther: World of Wakanda, Attack on Titan), Keith Williams (Web of Spider-Man, She-Hulk), Joshua Swaby (Star Wars, Black Widow), and Sanford Greene (Bitter Root, Black Panther).

Ballroom 3-4

11:00-11:45 - John Wesley Shipp Spotlight John Wesley Shipp has played super-speedsters including The Flash (Barry Allen) on CBS and Jay Garrick on the CW’s The Flash series, as well as voicing The Reverse-Flash on the animated series Batman: The Brave and the Bold. Come hear what it’s like to live life in the fast lane!

12:00-1:00 - How to Build a Better Cosplay: Advice from Cosplay Judges Have you ever failed to place in a competition and wondered how to improve your creations? Are you eager to begin competing and want to know what it takes to be a contender? Or have you hit a wall at the Masters division and need to learn how to reach the top tier? Our panel of award-winning cosplay craftsmanship judges will guide you through what it takes to be a knockout contender. Wear your cosplay outfits and bring your props and get a chance to get one-on-one advice from our panel of experts!

3:00-3:30 - Children's Cosplay Showcase

3:30-4:30 - Children's Cosplay Contest

Baltimore Comic-Con is committed to being accessible to Deaf and Hard of Hearing attendees. Pre-selected interpreted panels are designated with the interpreter symbol. On-site requests will be covered on a first come first served basis.