I am at long last going to a WorldCon! (Thanks to it being in San Antonio–I couldn’t afford it otherwise). And, even better, I’m paneling! (w00t! I am somebody!). My schedule:
Deus Ex Graphica: The Role of Mythology in Comics
Thursday 20:00 – 21:00
Is Superman a Christ Figure? Is Batman an urban myth? Just how Greco-Roman is Wonder Woman, anyway? Any why is Marvel’s Thor blonde? Get the answers to all of these questions from our capable panel of experts.
From Whence They Came: The Cultural Origins of the Modern Super Hero Comics
Friday 12:00 – 13:00. Convention Center 006A.
Superman, Batman, and so many other iconic super heroes don’t exist in a vacuum. In fact, they are a complicated tangle of cultural influences that are rarely examined and appreciated. Our panelists will cheerfully deconstruct some of the biggest, best super heroes to find out what makes them tick.
(I’m moderating!)
Steampunk: Trend or Genre?
Friday 13:00 – 14:00. Convention Center 006CD.
Steampunk emerged from SF, quietly at first, and then gathering momentum and breadth. It now spans written fiction, graphic, costuming, and other areas. It’s become large enough that it’s recognized by the world at large. Is Steampunk its own genre? Can you define it? What works in a story? Is it a trend that spans genres? Or does it matter?
DC’s New 52: Brilliance or Disastrous?
Friday 17:00 – 18:00. Convention Center 006A.
The comics are out. Let the verdict be rendered! Join our panelists for what is sure to be a lively debate.
(I’m moderating!)
Happy Birthday, Doc Savage!
Saturday 10:00 – 11:00. Convention Center 103B.
For a legendary super hero who just turned 80, he doesn’t look a day over 33! Our panel will join Doc Savage historian Anthony Tollin in a discussion of the origins and influence of one of the all time great heroes.
Novels You Should Have Read Since Chicon 7
Saturday 13:00 – 14:00. Convention Center 008B.
A rundown of the best novels published in the last year and a half.
Fantastic Victoriana: The True Roots of Steampunk
Sunday 14:00 – 15:00. Convention Center 008A.
Where did Steampunk come from? Was it Jules Verne, or the Wild Wild West? Our panel of experts will kick it around and come up with a Must Read list of titles for newcomers or long-time fans alike.
(I’m moderating!)
Remember when a “Marvel Zombie” was a Bad Thing?
Sunday 16:00 – 17:00. Convention Center 008B.
The 1980s was an amazing time for comics. The black and white explosion! The birth of the cross-over! The indy comics expansion! The start of the direct market! Our panelists relive the glory days and talk about their favorite books, and where they all are now.
I’ll look forward to seeing you all there!