By all accounts one of North America’s biggest fan events — along with San Diego, WonderCon and NYCC — the Fan Expo Canada in Toronto has kicked off as we speak. With five separate events under one roof — for comics, horror, sci-fi, gaming, and anime — The Expo draws a huge presence from major publishers, including full presentations from Marvel and DC. While there’s a huge media guest presence — cast members of TRON, BSG, and so on — the comics section remains healthy — quick fact sheet here — with an artists alley, a small press section, and so on.
You can see all the guests and events here. We’ve posted the complete comics programming schedule below. There will doubtless be a lot of news filtering out from the show, and we’ll keep one eye peeled for the news.
COMIC EXPO PROGRAMMING ‘ FRIDAY, AUGUST 27
5:00 ‘ Steve Ditko and Bill Everett: Spider-Man, Sub-Mariner, Daredevil & Beyond
Two Marvel Comics giants join forces! Steve Ditko is the co-creator and original artist of the Amazing Spider-Man, and creator of Dr. Strange and Mr. A. Bill Everett created and was the original artist for the Sub-Mariner (the first anti-hero and mutant of the Marvel Universe), and co-created Daredevil. Join author Blake Bell for a slide show presentation and discussion on his two upcoming books: Fire And Water: Bill Everett, The Sub-Mariner, and the Birth of Marvel Comics, and Unexplored Words: The Steve Ditko Archives v2. ‘ ROOM 103A
5:30 ‘ Breaking Into Comics The Marvel Way
Are you a writer or artist’ Ever dream of working for Marvel’ Do you find yourself thinking ‘I could do that’if I knew how!’ Well, here’s your chance! Join C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development, and special guests artist Olivier Coipel (Siege, Thor), Marvel Senior Editor Steve Wacker (Amazing Spider-Man, Shadowland), Marvel editor Jeanine Schaefer (Uncanny X-Force, Wolverine , Senior Vice President of Brand Planning and Communications Mike Pasciullo, and Chief Operating Officer James Sokolowski, and more to find out the answers on how to get your foot in the door at every level in the creative process and how to make your job MARVEL! ‘ ROOM 104A
5:30 ‘ How to Workshop: Herding Cats in a Hailstorm- The Secret Life of the Comic Book Editor with Joey Cavalieri
From Julie Schwartz to Archie Goodwin, the comic industry has had a history of formative editors who have shaped memorable projects and creators. A renaissance man who has written professionally and taught at the renowned School of Visual Arts, senior DC editor Joey Cavalieri discusses his relationship with top talent and what it takes to get published in today’s competitive comics market. Moderated by Walter Dickinson ‘ ROOM 203D
6:00 ‘ Sketching Duel: Jim Valentino vs. Whilce Portacio ‘ ROOM 206C
7:00 ‘ DC Nation
The DC NATION returns to Toronto!We’re always looking for new recruits, so be sure to come on by as DC Comics’ Co-Publisher, Dan DiDio, Brian Azzarello, Jeff Lemire, Francis Manapul, Chris Sprouse and some of the industry’s top talent lead the way to give you the inside scoop to all current and future NATION members! ‘ ROOM 104A
7:00 ‘ How to Workshop: From Thin Air- Drawing the Comic Book Figure from Memory with Bob Layton
Comic book artists are known for their abilities to produce detailed artwork on tight deadlines from their imaginations. Creating the human figure without reference is a Herculean effort essential to the cartoonist. Join Bob ‘Iron Man’ Layton as he demonstrates a simplified approach to constructing the human form that is invaluable to the aspiring pro. ‘ ROOM 203D
7:30 ‘ Sketching Duel: Paolo Rivera vs. Alex Maleev vs. Khoi Pham ‘ ROOM 206C
8:00 ‘ Marvel: X-Men
Following Second Coming, Marvel’s merry mutants are unable to catch a quick breather. As Curse of the Mutants begins, there’s no telling what the vampires have in store for the X-Men’or is there’ You’ve got questions & these people have answers! Marvel editor Jeanine Schaefer (Uncanny X-Force, Wolverine) and Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski are joined by a host of creators to lay out what’s going on with the X-Men. Panelists include Leonard Kirk,Valentino DeLandro, Whilce Portacio and more for this all-new, all-DEADLY panel! ‘ ROOM 205B
8:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Comic Book Bootcamp with Ty Templeton
Watch Toronto comics impresario Ty ‘The Guy’ Templeton as he performs the 50 minute ‘nutshell’ version of his celebrated Comic Book Bootcamp course. Ty will expose why talent is a myth, the importance of narrative flow and foolproof methods for creating successful writing pitches. ‘ ROOM 203D
COMIC EXPO PROGRAMMING ‘ SATURDAY, AUGUST 28
11:00 ‘ DC Universe
Your guides to comics’ greatest Universe include DC Comics’ Co-Publisher Dan DiDio, Brian Azzarello, Gary Frank, Jeff Lemire, Doug Mahnke, Francis Manapul, Yanick Paquette, Marcus To and some of the industry’s best and brightest stars! ‘ ROOM 104A
11:00 ‘ Drawing Ahead: The Future of Comics
While the art and craft of graphic storytelling remains unchanged, there are a variety of new mediums for creators to use to deliver their visions to the world. With the boom in mobile digital devices, paper and print are no longer the limit, and many artists are finding success creating and distributing their work in digital form. Join a panel of leading comics creators to discuss the evolution of comics distribution, the benefits and drawbacks of working with or independently from a publisher, and their current and future projects. A great forum whether you’re an aspiring creator, an established pro considering your options, or a fan interested in new ways of reading comics. Panelists include: Ramón Pérez, Andy Belanger, Cameron Stewart, Scott Chantler, Willow Dawson, Max Douglas. Moderated by Kill Shakespeare’s Conor McCreery and Anthony Del Col ‘ ROOM 205B
11:00 ‘ Spotlight on BOOM! Studios/BOOM Kids! Panel
Join BOOM! Studios as it take over Fan Expo for one full hour. Learnwhat is next for BOOM! as Ross Richie runs down the most exciting new projectsfrom BOOM! Studios, BOOM Kids! and BOOM! Town. This is a panel you won’twant to miss. ‘ ROOM 203D
12:00 ‘ Marvel Television Presents: The Avengers ‘ Earth’s Mightiest Heroes ‘ ROOM 104D
12:00 ‘ Spotlight on the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art
Your chance to learn all about this renowned institution founded by the legendary Joe Kubert ‘ ROOM 203D
1:00 ‘ Spotlight on the One and Only STAN LEE (Deluxe Pass Required) ‘Nuff Said! ‘ ROOM 107
2:00 ‘ Sketching Duel: Gary Frank vs. Olivier Coipel ‘ ROOM 104A
2:00 ‘ Marvel: Your Friendly Neighborhood’Shadowland
Want to know more about Daredevil’s reign over Hells Kitchen during Shadowland or about Spidey hitting the ‘Big Time” Well this is the panel for you as Senior Editor Steve Wacker (Amazing Spider-Man, Shadowland), artist Paolo Rivera (Amazing Spider-Man: One Moment In Time) and C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development, talk about what’s on the horizon for Peter Parker and Matt Murdock. Mark this on your calendars folks as this panel is sure to touch upon the MAJOR changes for both of these fan-favorite characters. ‘ ROOM 104D
2:00 ‘ How to Workshop: My Dark Places- Writing for Comics with Brian Azzarello
A former Clevelander who spent his early days in the trenches of independent comic book editing, Eisner Award winning scribe Brian Azzarello is a chronicler of the darker aspects of human nature. From 100 Bullets to his original graphic novel Filthy Rich, Azzarello has proven he is the comics heir apparent to noir writers like Jim Thompson and David Goodis. Join Brian as he discusses his approach to writing the comic book -script and gives pointers to attendees. Moderated by Robert Pincombe. ‘ ROOM 203D
3:00 ‘ Are you awake’ Time to Find Out (Zeroes2Heroes) ‘ ROOM 103A
3:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Hardboiled Storytelling- Page Construction and Composition with Darwyn Cooke
A direct artistic descendant of Caniff, Toth and Robbins, Darwyn Cooke has produced a look and storytelling ability unique in contemporary comics. Listen to this modern master discuss his theories on pacing, eye flow, spotting blacks and page design. From rough sketch to final art, Darwyn will break down his process and show you the components of a well constructed page. ‘ ROOM 203D
3:30 ‘ Sketching Duel: Bob Layton vs. Ian Churchill ‘ ROOM 104A
3:30 ‘ Marvel: Pint O’ CB
This is it, Mighty Marvel fans- the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full of surprises panel you wait all year for, and it’s here! Marvel’s Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development, C.B. Cebulski, takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing with surprise guests. You never know who will show up, but you better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! So head on over and grab a pint with C.B.! ‘ ROOM 206C
4:00 ‘ Discover the Mysteries of God’s Lake (Zeroes2Heroes) ‘ ROOM 103A
4:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Of Directors and Cinematographers- The Penciller and Inker Collaboration with Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy
In the artistic process of producing comics, pencillers and inkers have to work together very closely and often the skills of one blend into the other. This workshop will help define the creative boundaries of the two practices. Learn the difference between layouts, tight pencils and finishes. Find out why inking is not just tracing. Listen to Green Lantern dream team Doug Mahnke and Christian Alamy discuss their collaborative relationship. Moderated by Gibson Quarter. ‘ ROOM 203D
5:00 ‘ Yoshitaka Amano Spotlight(Deluxe Pass Required)- ROOM 105
5:00 ‘ Spotlight on Archie Comics: Way Past Cool!
It’s been an exciting year for Archie Comics, but that’s just the start, with plenty of surprise announcements about the future of Archie Comics. Then, hold on to your hats as the world of Archie is invaded by that little blue hedgehog! Exclusively at Fan Expo, The creative minds behind the Sonic the Hedgehog and Sonic Universe comic series’ will reveal some super secret inside info that you will not want to miss! The panel will feature a Q&A session. ‘ 205B
5:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Drawn in Blood- Creating in the Noir Style with Alex Maleev
Longtime Bendis collaborator and artist on the hot new book Scarlet, Alex Maleev has a natural talent for picking ‘the right moment’ in each panel of a story. His iconic stylings have delineated the darker side of life from Daredevil to Spider-Woman. Watch how Alex creates one of his mind-blowing images. ‘ ROOM 203D
6:00 ‘ Comic Geek Speak Podcasting Panel!
Come and join the Speakers of Geek to discuss podcasting, building a community, how to start a podcast and other topics. Whether you’re a listener, a podcaster or a soon-to-be podcaster, this quorum type panel is the perfect way to exchange ideas and grow the podcasting medium as a whole. And we’ll wrap it all up with a quick-fire trivia game for your chance to win some prizes! We hope to see you there! ‘ ROOM 103A
6:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Thumbnail to Finish: Layout of the Comic Book Page with Steve McNiven
From an early training ground at CrossGen to working on major projects for Marvel, Steve has emerged as one of the top artists in the field. Noted for his richly detailed images and adrenaline stimulating storytelling, he continues to craft amazing pages that pull you along at a breakneck pace. Listen as the artist shares his secrets for building action and suspense that keep the readers coming back for more. Moderated by Gibson Quarter. ‘ ROOM 203D
6:30 ‘ Kirby Krackle Live!
Join Seattle-based nerd rock band duo KIRBY KRACKLE (Jim Demonakos and Kyle Stevens) for a ‘VH1 Storytellers’-style panel. The band, whose self-titled debut album was named ‘One of the best albums of 2009′ by Tuscon Weekly, while their new album, E For Everyone, was called ‘Geek Rock Perfection’ by Wired, will be doing live songs, discussing music and their approach to it, and much more! ‘ ROOM ‘ 205A
COMIC EXPO PROGRAMMING ‘ SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
12:00 ‘ Sketching Duel: McNiven vs. Van Sciver ‘ ROOM 206C
12:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Bold Strokes: Painting Powerful Interiors and Covers with Paolo Rivera
An industry professional since 2002, Paolo Rivera continues to build breathtaking acrylic images for the covers and interiors of top Marvel books. Watch Paolo discuss his virtuoso technique for designing and composing an eye catching colour page. Attendees will learn how to successfully incorporate both imagination and photo reference to full effect. ‘ ROOM 203D
1:00 ‘ Marvel Your Universe
Join Senior Vice President of Brand Planning and Communications Mike Pasciullo, Manager of Sales Communications Arune Singh, Senior Vice President, Creator & Content Development C.B. Cebulski, and Chief Operating Officer James Sokolowski as they leave their Marvel ID’s at the door and enter as fans! Want to know how things work at the House of Ideas’ Got some things to get off your chest about a Marvel character or story’ Well here’s your chance True Believer! It’s the panel for fans BY fans with no spin, no Marketing, and just a friendly chat amongst fans! ‘ ROOM 104D
1:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Drawing for Impact- Heroic Anatomy with Ian Churchill
Superheroics have to be chronicled in a larger than life fashion. Part of this is the exaggerated musculature and structure of the heroic body. Join Marvel artist extraordinaire Ian Churchill as he demonstrates the dynamic differences between drawing a mild-mannered Bruce Banner and a raging, rampaging Hulk. ‘ ROOM 203D
1:30 ‘ Sketching Duel: Doug Mahnke vs. Francis Manapul ‘ ROOM 206C
2:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Floating Worlds-Watercolour Masterclass with Jill Thompson
Watercolour is a difficult medium at best and a hard one to master. Watch Beasts of Burden and Scary Godmother artist Jill Thompson show you how to build a successful watercolor painting. This workshop will show it all, from initial pencil sketch, to the layering of vibrant colour to build an expressive piece with depth and dimension ‘ ROOM 203D
2:30 ‘ Aspen MLT: The Aspen Universe and Beyond
Join the creators of Aspen MLT as they discuss what’s new at Aspen in 2010 and what’s coming up in the future. ‘ ROOM 104D
3:00 ‘ How to Workshop: Expressive Anatomy ‘ Drawing Heads and Hands with Olivier Coipel
Any artist will tell you the most difficult thing to draw about the human form is the head and hands. Watch one of Marvel’s ‘Young Guns’ Olivier Coipel as he shares his secrets for breaking these complex structures down into simple shapes. Whether you’re drawing the Avengers or the X-Men these tips will prove to be valuable tricks of the trade. ‘ ROOM 203D
4:00 ‘ DC: How to Break Into Comics
All are welcome to join Dan Didio and learn secret tips on how to break into the comics world as a professional! ‘ ROOM 205B
4:00 ‘ Q&A with Hitoshi Ariga ‘ ROOM 203D
5:00 ‘ Udon: 10 Years of Comics and Games
Celebrating Udon’s 10th anniversary, Erik Ko (Udon chief), Jim Zubkavich (Udon project manager) and others share tips and tricks they’ve learned working with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Capcom, Marvel, Hasbro, and Blizzard. Find out how to break into the biz, and get a sneak peek at Udon’s upcoming projects. ‘ ROOM 203D
I’ll be going tomorrow. It’s been awhile since I’ve been to a con so really looking forward it.
The big question though is whether The Beat will be there?
hmmm. great show, and quickly becoming a lock in the top 4/5 for attendance for public and guests in north america. but i dont see much?/any? coverage of it on major comic sites? wondering why?
Hmm, guessing that it’s because it is in Toronto, Ontario. Being in Canada therefore requiring foreign journalists to acquire a passport to attend.
But hey, could be something else.
Crowded, huge line-ups (over an hour just to get in the door), over-priced, and most of the merch on display I can buy for less anywhere else. The DC booth was empty for most of Saturday. Is there a point to even having a booth? The food court sucked (overpriced hot dogs or pizza) and if you leave you have to line-up again to get back in. No where just to sit and have a beverage to rest. No incentive to stay for any duration. In the future I’ll take a pass on these mega-events and stick to the smaller shows.
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