The 10 best panels to catch at WonderCon 2022
WonderCon will make its grand return to the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend, and fans are excited to pack the center while searching for their new favorite comic book and reuniting with friends. When it comes to any convention, attendees love a good panel, and these 10 panels are certainly worth checking out at WonderCon. Tickets for WonderCon are still on sale right now.
The Music of Anti-Heroes from Suicide Squad to Brainwave
Friday, April 1
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Room 300D
One thing that gives villains an extra touch on the big screen is the music. BMI composers Stephanie Economou (Jupiter’s Legacy), Kevin Kiner (Peacemaker), and John Murphy (The Suicide Squad) will be on hand to discuss how they managed to deliver such memorable pieces over the years.
How to Get People to Stop at Your Booth!
Friday, April 1
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Room 210
For exhibitors, trying to get folks to check out their table can be a major struggle. Writer Robert Ly will discuss how small exhibitors can walk away with a lot more people aware of their product via various tips.
The Panel with Kevin Smith!
Friday, April 1
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
North 200A
Filmmaker Kevin Smith will make their return to WonderCon, and attendees will get a special look at Clerks III. The film will be unveiled sometime this year via Lionsgate. Smith recently appeared on the Nickelodeon buddy comedy Warped! and Amazon Prime Videos’ animated series The Boys Presents: Diabolical.
Everyone's a Critic: Being a Pop-Culture Journalist in an Online Age
Saturday, April 2, 2022
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Room 208
In recent years, pop culture fanatics have been getting their news from a variety of sources, including YouTube channels and blogs. Alan Ng (FilmThreat), Bill Watters (Nerdbot, ScreenRant), Danielle Broadway (Black Girl Nerds, LA Times), Jason Bennett (PopCultHQ), and Mary Anne Butler (Nerdbot) will discuss how rapidly journalism has changed.
Enter the Latina Superhero
Saturday, April 2
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 213CD
From Green Lantern’s Jessica Cruz to Daredevil’s Echo, Latina superheroes have seen an increase in comic book pages over the years. Moderated by El Cine founder Mariana Da Silva, Enter The Latina Superhero will discuss the rise of Latina superheroes in both mainstream and indie properties. The panel will include Kayden Phoenix (creator, A La Brava), Ivy Doomkitty (international cosplayer), Maxi Rodriguez (creator, Chubby Bunny), and Sebastian Kadlecik (creator, Quince).
Local E-Gaming: Building A Community
Saturday, April 2
7:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Room 208
While online gaming has become front and center for multiplaying action, people still find joy in competing against someone in the same room. Brian Kruise, Jason Kite (San Diego LAN), James Lac (EVGA), and Korine Craze (Corsets and Controllers, Downpour Interactive) will give pointers in making your own successful in-person gaming events.
Spotlight on Michael A. Stackpole
Sunday, April 3
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
Room 211
Since 1977, Michael A. Stackpole has designed some memorable games such as Mercenaries, Spies and Private Eyes and Wasteland as well as written books in the BattleTech and Star Wars franchises. This panel will showcase the Vermont native's illustrious career alongside a Q&A session.
LGBTQ+ Representation in Animation
Sunday, April 3, 2022
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Room 300D
Recently, the LGBTQ+ community has seen proper representation in cartoons such as The Owl House, which became the first Disney property with a same-sex couple as the main characters, and Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Moderated by Tara Madison Avery (We’re Still Here; Publisher, Stacked Deck Press), the LGBTQ+ Representation in Animation panel will include Cort Lane (My Little Pony, Marvel Super Hero Adventures), Mae Catt (Young Justice, Transformers: Cyberverse), Brad Rader (Batman: The Animated Series; Bob's Burgers), David Reddish (entertainment editor, Queerty; author, Sex, Drugs, and Superheroes), and Tim Sheridan (Masters of the Universe: Revelation; Batman: The Long Halloween).
The Future of Doctor Who
Sunday, April 3
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 207
Since 1963, Doctor Who has captivated audiences worldwide and gained endless accolades in the process. CNN's Sandro Monetti will moderate a panel to discuss the future of the beloved franchise with special guests River Alexandra Song, Karen Glover, Julie O’Malley, Kristi Schoeman, and Cody Shoberg.
Perfecting & Pitching the Picture Book
Sunday, April 3
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Room 211
Despite the rise of technology, young children still get a kick out of picture books. Trying to get one off the ground can be tricky for aspiring writers. Stephen W. Martin (Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion; Charlotte and the Rock) will offer tips on how to land that sweet picture book gig.