The Original Artist Friendly Convention!

May 18-19, 2013

San Jose Convention Center

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Programs & Panels

Big Wow's 2013 Programs & Panels schedule will be jam packed with Artist Demonstrations, Cosplay Instruction and fun, Creator Interviews and Presentations, and so many more exciting opportunities to interact with today's most talented creators! Also, don't forget the Live Art, Superman Museum Show, Kid's Corner and so much more going on at the show.

May 18, 2013

11:00 AM

History of TV Horror Hosting
(Panel)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

John Stanley (Creature Features 1971-1984), Ernie Fosselius (Hardware Wars), Lord Blood-Rah (Movie Host), Tom Wyrsch (Writer/Director) and Strephon Taylor (November Fire) will present a history of television horror hosts. Vampira, Zacherley, Ghoulardi, Svengoolie, Elvira, and many more will be covered.  An historical journey illuminating a genre of television that should never be forgotten. Will include audience participation. Room A

Attending Guests: Lord Blood-Rah, Ernie "Hardware Wars" Fosselius, John Stanley, Strephon Taylor, Tom Wyrsch

11:00 AM

Star Wars 501st
(Panel)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Room D

Attending Guests: East Bay Star Wars Fan Club

12:00 PM

Big WOW! - Beauty and the Beast Book
(Panel)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

What goes through the minds of some of the biggest artists in the business when they are asked to create something for “Beauty and The Beast”, Big WOW!s new art book? Come find out! Room D

12:00 PM

Costume Rock Band Challenge
(Program)

12:00 PM - 3:00 PM

These exciting and fun to witness challenges will be held multiple times during the entire weekend, with proceeds going towards charity.

12:00 PM

Geek Fashion Show
(Program)

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Comics and couture?

Geeks and Chic?

Big Wow! Comic Fest?

What do these things have in common you ask? The Big Wow! Geek Fashion Show!

Some very talented designers are showcasing their new original looks during the first ever Big Wow! Geek Fashion Show. This event will feature beautiful models, wonderful designs ranging from latex and corsets to brand new superhero inspired looks, and of course, some amazing commentary offered by special surprise guests. The design houses showcasing have put TONS of time and effort into their collections, and this looks to be a one of a kind shindig. Room B

12:00 PM

Latinos in Comics
(Panel)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

There were many Latino comic artists over the years who defined the genre - meet Sergio Aragonés, Blas Gallego, Francisco Herrera, Eduardo Risso and Sanjulian as they discuss what makes their perspective unique. Room C

Attending Guests: Sergio Aragones, Blas Gallego, Francisco Herrera, Eduardo Risso, Sanjulian

12:00 PM

Marvel Heroes - Marvel MMO Game
(Panel)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

 

The massively multiplayer online Marvel game you’ve waited for is finally here!
Join us to get all the details on this free-to-play action RPG, featuring heroes from across the Marvel Universe. Room A

1:00 PM

10 Years of Aspen Comics
(Panel)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Join the crew of Aspen Comics for a look back at the company’s rich history as well as a peek into what the future holds. Room A

1:00 PM

Drawing without Paper
(Panel)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

The comic book industry has changed a lot in the last 10 to 15 years, from comics being offered on tablets to comic book production going all digital. Artists have felt the effect as well -  join Jason Palmer, Brian Stelfreeze and Nate Watson as they discuss how the digital age has affected their art. Room C

Attending Guests: Jason Palmer, Brian Stelfreeze, Nate Watson

1:00 PM

Filmmaking
(Panel)

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Independent film Making with an emphasis pn the horror genre chaired by Miss Misery. Room D

Attending Guests: Miss Misery

2:00 PM

Breaking into animation with Dean Yeagle
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Dean, best known for his character Mandy, also worked for most of the New York animation studios before starting his own - Caged Beagle Productions. Dean will give you his insight into what it takes to work in the field of animation. Room B

Attending Guests: Dean Yeagle

2:00 PM

Costuming Experience
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Room D

2:00 PM

Dan Brereton Portfolio Review
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

For those looking to break into the field of comics, Dan Brereton will be reviewing portfolios in a group setting not one on one). Everyone will get the benefit of his expertise and experience.

Room C

Attending Guests: Dan Brereton

2:00 PM

Neal Adams
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join Neal Adams and Joel Adams as they discuss Neal’s influence on the comic book field, from his definitive work on Batman, Green Arrow and Deadman, to the studio heco-founded, Continuity Associates, and his help in championing creative rights. Room A

Attending Guests: Neal Adams, Joel Adams

3:00 PM

Comic Creators Collaborating
(Panel)

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Listen to superstar writer Brian Azzarello, and his frequent collaborators, Eduardo Risso and Lee Bermejo, talk about the creative process behind such projects as 100 Bullets, Joker and Lex Luthor: Man of Steel. Room A

Attending Guests: Brian Azzarello, Lee Bermejo, Eduardo Risso

3:00 PM

Figure Drawing with Frank Cho
(Panel)

3:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Bring your art tablets and learn some techniques on drawing super heroic figuresfrom acclaimed artist Frank Cho and his muse, Ivy Doomkitty.

Room B

Attending Guests: Frank Cho, Ivy Doomkitty

4:00 PM

A New Storytelling Era
(Panel)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Liam Sharp, world-renowned artist and writer, presents how his company, Madefire, will revolutionize the reading experience. Liam will give insights into how Adobe Photoshop plays a role for realizing his visions. Also joining him, Daniel Presedo, from the Adobe Photoshop Team, to take questions and give away a one year Adobe Creative Cloud Membership to help kick start someone's personal project.

Daniel Presedo is an employee of Adobe Systems since 1999 and working full time on Adobe Photoshop. He also does freelance art and occasionally illustrates short stories while thinking of ways to transform how artist, designers and photographers will use the next innovative features in Photoshop.    

Room A

Attending Guests: Daniel Presedo, Liam Sharp

4:00 PM

Collecting Comic Art
(Panel)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

 

Have you ever wanted something from your favorite comic book? Brian Peck and fellow collectors guide you through the world of collecting comic art -  from what it all means, to where to find the art.
Room C

4:00 PM

Cosplay Photoshoot
(Program)

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Join us as we assemble the most epic group of costumes for one giant sized photoshoot!

Big Wow! Comic Fest is hosting a Cosplay Photoshoot! Whether you're a cosplayer, photographer, or just interested in seeing a whole bunch of great costumes in one place, this event is for you :-)   Many of our top cosplay guests will be on hand!  Don't miss your chance to be part of the fun.  

 

4:00 PM

Sexuality in Cosplay
(Panel)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Sexuality in Cosplay- a discussion about being sexy, recent movements towards awareness in Cosplay (Cosplay =\= Consent) and how to enjoy the hobby no matter what you are wearing. Presented by Abby Dark-Star (RPF/ Sexy Star Wars Girls Moderator), Roxanna Meta (Comic Impact Editor & Columnist), Meagan Marie (CosBlog Columnist for Game Informer & Community Manager Crystal Dynamics), Keith Zen Carter (RPF Moderator). Room D

4:30 PM

Joe Benitez Live Art
(Panel)

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM

Joe Benitez will be drawing live on stage with model Rose Ivy Wallace, who cosplays as Lady Mechanika. They will be joined by fellow artists Keu Cha and J. Scott Campbell. Room B

Attending Guests: Joe Benitez, J. Scott Campbell, Keu Cha

5:00 PM

Big WOW! ComiFest Art Auction
(Panel)

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Own art from Beauty & The Beast, Live Art! and other pieces donated by our Guests!. Room C

5:00 PM

Creepy KOFY Movie Time
(Panel)

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Room A

6:00 PM

Costume Contest
(Program)

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Come out and see costumes from all sorts of genres! You’ll be amazed at what some of the talented fans put together for this event! 

The Costume Contest is a large event with a master of ceremonies, a panel of great guest judges, and some amazing prize awards! We’ve expanded the stage this year and increased the seating to bring you the best show we can deliver! The costume contest will be held in Panel Room B.

6:00 PM

Famous Monsters Downstream
(Panel)

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

 

Swing by the Famous Monsters of Filmland booth and pick up your free poster of the award-winning, post-apocalyptic thriller "Downstream", produced and written by FM publisher Philip Kim.
 
'Downstream' is the tale of Wes Keller, and young man left to fend for himself at the world's end. Oil has run dry. Crops are barren. Ruthless killers scour the land looking for anything—and anyone—that might be traded for what few goods remain. It is a grim picture of a potentially not-too-distant future. But not all hope is lost. Rumors have spread of a city that exists, built before the world turned into a wasteland. Wes searches to find what may very well be the last chance for mankind's survival. Room A

8:00 PM

Creature Features Live
(Program)

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Hosted by John Stanley. For the first time ever, presented as the show appeared back in 1979-1984, but this time on stage rather than on television. John will share a feature length movie,  Horror Express, starring Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing - a complete nostalgic show.

Room B

Attending Guests: John Stanley

May 19, 2013

11:00 AM

Sweethearts of the Galaxy TV Show Premiere
(Panel)

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Kit Quinn and Tallest Silver are a cosplaying duo who started together at San Diego Comic Con back in 2007 and haven’t stopped since. Soon their exploits will expand into a web series called Sweethearts of the Galaxy which will premiere at Big WOW! Room A

Attending Guests: Kit Quinn, Tallest Silver

12:00 PM

Eating Cheesecake with Olivia and Jim Silke
(Panel)

12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Olivia De Berardinis has painted some of the most beautiful women -  from Bettie Page to Julie Strain and Dita Von Teese. Artist Jim Silke, who also works in the cheesecake genre, talks with ` about her career, working for Playboy, her influences and what she is working on today. Room A

Attending Guests: Olivia De Berardinis, Jim Silke

12:30 PM

How to Create the Perfect Costume
(Panel)

12:30 PM - 2:00 PM

Join Award Winning  artist Frank Cho and Riddle, International Cosplayer and Costume designer Lab 604, for a panel which will be a discussion of the unique perspectives of a comic artist, and costumers - the difficulties they both face when creating a costume, and how they solve them. This will be a great panel for those interested in creating their own interpretations when it comes to costuming, in both the real and 2D World. Room B

Attending Guests: Frank Cho, Riddle

2:00 PM

Ernie Chan Memorial Inking Panel
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Hear from many artists in the industry on how they approach inking. No tracers allowed. Room A

2:00 PM

Marking it Up with AH
(Panel)

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

 

Adam Hughes has been rendering beautiful women for his entire career. One of his favorite media to do this has been Copic Markers. Come see Adam demonstrate some of his techniques and tricks of the trade he uses to create his stunning drawings. Room B

Attending Guests: Adam Hughes

3:00 PM

Craft Your Fandom
(Panel)

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

- a look at how to approach making a costume or prop and the steps involved in turning your imagination into reality. Room A

3:00 PM

Dan Brereton 2nd Portfolio Review
(Panel)

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

For those looking to break into the field of comics, Dan Brereton will be coming back to review portfolios in a group setting not one on one). Everyone will get the benefit of his expertise and experience.

Room B

Attending Guests: Dan Brereton

4:00 PM

Tribute to Bob Wilkins
(Panel)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Join John Stanley (Creature Features 1971-1984), Ernie Fosselius (Hardware Wars), Lord Blood-Rah (Movie Host), Tom Wyrsch (Writer/Director) and Strephon Taylor (November Fire) for an information-packed journey through the life and career of the late Bob Wilkins, host of the mega-popular San Francisco Bay Area Creature Features TV series (1971-79). The panel will share personal memories about Wilkins, show rare video clips andphotos, and review the history of one of the Bay Area’s most beloved TV legends.  Audience Q&A included. Room A

Stan Lee Attending Big WOW!

Purchase Advance Photo and Autograph Tickets with Stan Lee!
Big WOW! ComicFest is extremely excited and proud to welcome comic book legend STAN LEE for his first ever appearance at the Bay Area's Premier Comic Book and Pop Culture Convention!

Advance Ticket Sales

Purchase Tickets Online Today!
Discounted Advance Ticket Sales are available online from February 18 - May 17. On March 1st we'll also have a list of comic shops who will also be selling advance tickets.

Hotel Reservations

Book Your Hotel Today!
We've secured some great rates at local hotels. Please book your rooms early as there are a limited number of rooms available at these rates.

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More News & Press
Show Sponsors

Stan Lee Has Added A Few More Photograph Spots

May 17, 2013

Only a limited number of spots are being made available so get them while you can!

Stan Lee Opens Stand By Autograph List

May 17, 2013

Stan Lee is opening up a Stand By Autograph List on Sunday!

Stan Lee Photograph and Signing Locations, Times and Line-up Procedures

May 16, 2013

For those lucky attendees who will be meeting a living legend at this year's Big WOW Comic Fest, here's all the information you'll need about locations, times and ticket pickup.