After a low-key opening on Thursday, Phoenix Comicon gets moving in full force today, with panels starting bright and early (by con standards) at 10:30 in the morning. This is your first chance to see some of the numerous special guests making appearances this year, as well as participate in some of the more surprising panels, screenings, and events at the convention. Here’s your guide to the best of what’s happening today at Phoenix Comicon.
Mark Pellegrino Spotlight 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM @ West 301BCD
Mark Pellegrino has appeared in roles such as Lucifer in Supernatural, Jacob in LOST, and Paul Bennett in Dexter. Come see him discuss his roles and host a Q&A.
Spotlight: Maurice Lamarche 10:30 AM – 11:30 @ North 221ABC
You most likely will recognize Maurice Lamarche as the voice of Kif Kroker on Futurama or The Brain in Pinky & The Brain. He’s also contributed his talents to shows from Rick and Morty to Harvey Birdman to Hey Arnold. See the face behind the voice at last.
Bartitsu, The Lost Martial Art of Sherlock Holmes 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM @ West 212ABC Stage Shows
You may have never heard of the eclectic English martial art of bartitsu, but the practice was prominently featured in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes stories, and it’s seen a recent resurgence thanks to steampunk cosplayers. See a demonstration of the martial art, and maybe learn a few moves yourself.
Bob Morley Spotlight 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM @ West 301BCD
Australian actor Bob Morley has been working for a long time, but you most likely know him today as Bellamy Blake on The 100. See him talk about that role, along with his performances on Neighbours and Home and Away, complete with a Q&A.
Writing Excuses Podcast 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM @ West 301A
Writing Excuses is a weekly podcast dedicated to exploring various aspects of storytelling and helping listeners become better writers. Join the hosts of the show as they interview some of the most prominent authors at Comicon this year, including Alan Dean Foster, Greg Van Eekhout, Trina Philips and Victoria Scwab.
David Ramsey Spotlight 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM @ West 301BCD
David Ramsey appears on Arrow and The Flash as John Diggle, and he’s also appeared in films such as Pay It Forward, Con Air, and The Nutty Professor. He’ll be discussing his roles and participating in a Q&A.
Spotlight: Nolan North 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM @ North 221ABC
If you’ve played a video game in the last 10 years, it probably had Nolan North in it. He’s voiced Nathan Drake in the Uncharted series, Ghost in Destiny, Desmond Miles in Assassin’s Creed, and many, many more. Hear him perform his array of voices in person.
Making The Game – The Art, Design, and Imagination of Iconica 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM @ West 213A
Ever wanted to design your own tabletop game? Sit down with local game developers Eric and Gavin Torres as they talk about their development process in making Iconica and give advice for aspiring gamemakers.
Sean Astin Spotlight 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM @ West 301BCD
Whether you fell in love with child Sean Astin in The Goonies or adult Sean Astin in The Lord of the Rings movies, the actor almost definitely holds a special place in your heart. Don’t miss this chance to see him in person discussing his career and answering your questions.
Emma Caulfield Spotlight 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM @ West 201A
Emma Caulfied was a major part of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as Anya, and today she appears as the Blind Witch in Once Upon A Time. If you’re a fan of either, make sure you swing by this panel to hear her talking about her roles.
Karate Kid Spotlight 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ West 301BCD
Karate Kid fans are in for a treat, with not only the kid himself Ralph Macchio, but also rival William Zabka and his coach Martin Cove in attendance for this year’s Phoenix Comicon. See them all onstage together for this panel to talk about the franchise and answer questions.
Spotlight: Jess Harnell 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ North 221ABC
You’ve heard Jess Harnell’s voice as Wakko in Animaniacs and Captain Hero in Drawn Together, as well as roles the likes of Up and many of the Ratchet & Clank games. Hear his antics onstage for this discussion and Q&A.
Star Wars Episode One Take Two (Act 1) 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM @ North 228AB
In a brave endeavor to rewrite history, this group has taken to writing a completely new script for a theoretical Star Wars Episode One that would have lived up to our expectations. This isn’t a parody, but a legitimate attempt at creating a better movie. Hear over a dozen actors perform a live reading of the first half the script, and come back on Saturday for Act 2.
The Death of Superman: What Happened? 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM @ North 121A
Did you know that we almost got a Tim Burton-directed, Kevin Smith-written Superman film with Nicolas Cage in the starring role? We may never see what that film could have been, but this documentary explains the film’s bizarre story for the first time.
Jaws Film School: Special Screening of Jaws With Writer Carl Gottlieb 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM @ West 102A
Here’s a special opportunity for those willing to stay late. You’ve seen the groundbreaking thriller Jaws before, but this is an opportunity to see it with the film’s writer Carl Gottlieb. Watch the film together with Gottlieb’s live commentary, then participate in a discussion afterwards.
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