The Horrors of Comic Con 2012
By on Jul 11, 2012
For those who have never attended it, San Diego Comic-Con is a four-and-a-half day celebration of every geeky thing that anyone could possibly be interested in. For those who have, it’s a four-and-a-half day series of tough choices which geeky appetites to ignore, and which to satiate. And for horror fans, it can be a veritable entertainment minefield – for every great panel or booth showcasing some property that scares the living hell out of you, there seem to be five or six bait-and-switch events where horror is unspoken shorthand for horrible.
All of which is why for you, we at Chiller TV have whittled down that massive schedule to the essentials, those panels and events around the convention that will, at least theoretically, appeal most strongly to folks with an interest in watching inhuman creatures fighting, bodies ripped apart and flesh rotting. (And we’re not even venturing onto the showroom floor, where all of that stuff happens every time someone announces a Comic-Con exclusive, or forgets to wear deodorant.)
Check out Chiller TV’s curated assembly of horror-friendly panels at the 2012 San Diego Comic-Con; as always there are other related events, and even a few non-horror experiences worth checking out, but if you really want to be scared – and not just be a preponderance of grown men who have never touched a boobie – feel free to make use of the list below. (Note that all panel listings include day, time and location within the convention center.)
Thursday
10:00-11:00 Art of the Thrill Kill— From psychokillers and sociopaths to the vast unknowable emptiness of deep space, these authors know that it takes more than just blood and gore to keep their readers awake at night. Their novels are all well crafted, imaginative, and more often than not...downright terrifying. Top horror and thriller novelists discuss how they balance ratcheting suspense with perfectly paced creepiness to create stories that are both psychologically and atmospherically disturbing. Participants Barry Lyga (I Hunt Killers), Michelle Gagnon (Don't Turn Around), Johan Harstad (172 Hours on the Moon), Dan Wells (I Am Not a Serial Killer), James Rollins (SIGMA Force novels), Mark Z. Danielewski (The Fifty Year Sword, House of Leaves), Jeffrey J. Mariotte (The Devil's Bait), and Chase Novak (Breed) discuss their delicate art with moderator Lauren Beukes (Zoo City). Room 24ABC
11:00-12:00 Twisted Twins: American Mary— Jen and Sylvia Soska (of Twisted Twins Productions and the makers of Dead Hooker in a Trunk) and Todd Masters (of MASTERSFX and make-up effects producer on True Blood) will discuss the use of prosthetics in horror. The Soskas will also address the challenges of working in a male-dominated genre. They will unveil a sizzle reel from their new film American Mary. Paula Lindberg (Ruby in American Mary) will also be on the panel, which is moderated by Beth Accomando (author of the KPBS blog Cinema Junkie). Room 5AB
2:30-3:30 MTV's Teen Wolf— Cast members Tyler Posey, Dylan O'Brien, Crystal Reed, Tyler Hoechlin, Holland Roden and Colton Haynes, along with executive producer Jeff Davis, present an exclusive first-look at a new episode, followed by a Q&A session. Stay for the don't-miss world premiere trailer of MTV's upcoming scripted comedy series The Inbetweeners. Room 6A
3:45-4:45 The Walking Dead— The bestselling, award-winning comic The Walking Dead has been a critical and commercial success -- and its TV adaptation on AMC holds its own weight as a record-setting juggernaut. Join creator/writer Robert Kirkman and series artist Charlie Adlard for a rare sit-down, where they will discuss the past, present, and future of the decade's most talked about zombie phenomenon. A Q&A will follow the conversation between the visionary collaborators.
Room 6A
7:00-8:00 History of the Modern Zombie— Zombie Research Society hosts a panel of leading zombie experts moderated by ZRS founder Matt Mogk (Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Zombies). Panelists include Max Brooks (Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z), Scott Kenemore (Zen of Zombie, Zombie, Ohio), Aaron Sagers (CNN Geek Out, entertainment writer, TV host), Steven Schlozman, M.D. (zombie autopsies, Harvard Medical School), and Bradley Voytek, Ph.D. (University of California, San Francisco). Join them for a spirited discussion about the evolution and impact of the modern zombie, and get all your pressing questions answered before it's too late! Room 7AB
8:00-9:30 Zombies, Vampires, and Werewolves on Trial: The Forensic Psychiatry of the Dead, the Undead, and the Unlucky— Zombies, vampires, and werewolves are the most terrifying monsters to stalk the night. But what if these monsters existed in real life and actually stood trial for their murderous crimes? Would they be found guilty and put behind bars, or would they be found not guilty by reason of insanity and committed to a psychiatric hospital? Would they even be competent to stand trial? Forensic psychiatrists of Broadcast Thought, H. Eric Bender, M.D., Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., and Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D. evaluate whether the "conditions" that plague these bloodsuckers, flesh-eaters, and wild beasts might serve as the basis for an insanity defense. Hear Mark E. Safarik, M.S., V.S.M., FBI Ret., supervisory special agent, Behavioral Analysis Unit (Killer Instinct), compare the behaviors of these characters to real-life bloodsucking and flesh-eating killers. See these iconic characters in a new light, and sink your teeth into them for a change! Room 7AB
Friday
10:45-11:45 ParaNorman: Behind the Scenes— Kodi Smit-McPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Travis Knight, Chris Butler, and Sam Fell discuss making their new stop-motion-animated comedy thriller, ParaNorman, made in 3D. Never-before-seen footage will be shown from the Laika movie that Focus Features is opening nationwide on August 17. Panel will be moderated by Dave Karger (Entertainment Weekly). Hall H
1:25-2:25 AMC's The Walking Dead— Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, and introducing Danai Gurira as Michonne and David Morrissey as The Governor join executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert and special effects makeup supervisor and co-executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the wildly successful second season of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 3, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 3. Hall H
3:00-4:00 Drawing on Your Nightmares: Horror in Comics— Throughout comics' storied history, horror has been an important part of the medium. In the fall of 2012, Dark Horse unveils a whole slate of new titles guaranteed to have you running for the covers. Dark Horse horror line editor Scott Allie is joined by actor-turned-comics writer Lance Henrikson and creators Eric Powell (The Goon), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Paul Tobin (Colder), and others for an exciting look at this year's most promising four-color thrills and chills! Room 23ABC
4:05-4:35 Screen Gems: Resident Evil: Retribution— In Resident Evil: Retribution, we learn more about Alice's mysterious past as she continues to hunt those at The Umbrella Corporation responsible for the T-virus outbreak, a chase that takes her from Tokyo to New York, Washington and Moscow, culminating in a mind-blowing revelation that will force her to rethink everything she once thought to be true. Aided by newfound allies and familiar friends, including the return of Michelle Rodriguez as Rain Ocampo, Alice must fight to survive long enough to escape a hostile world on the brink of oblivion. Appearing in person: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Oded Fehr, Boris Kodjoe, Mika Nakashima and writer/director Paul W. S. Anderson. Please join them for a preview and discussion of this highly successful film franchise, based on the popular video game series, and watch never before seen footage from the latest installment, Resident Evil: Retribution, in state-of-the art 3D. Hall H
6:30-7:30 Designing for the Undead— Costume designers guild members Chrisi Karvonides (costume designer, American Horror Story, Carnivale), Audrey Fisher (costume designer, True Blood), and Alexander Welker (costume designer, Grimm) and costume illustrator Imogene Chayes (True Blood, American Horror Story) talk about creating all those great paranormal television characters we know and love. Room 32AB
Saturday
12:45-1:45 Open Road Films: End of Watch and Silent Hill: Revelations 3D— Global exclusive! Catch an early look at the highly anticipated action film End of Watch, with special guests Academy Award nominee Jake Gyllenhaal and Michael Peña who play police officers patrolling the meanest streets of south central Los Angeles, and writer/director David Ayer (Training Day). Also, based on the groundbreaking video game franchise from Konami, Silent Hill: Revelation 3D is the sequel to the hit film Silent Hill. Experience the world premiere of 3D footage from an unparalleled horror experience with special guests Adelaide Clemens (X-Men Origins: Wolverine), Kit Harington (HBO's Game of Thrones), director Michael J. Bassett, and producer Samuel Hadida. Hall H
1:00-2:00 A Conversation with Bryan Fuller— Acclaimed television writer/executive producer Bryan Fuller (Heroes), the creative force behind Pushing Daisies, Wonderfalls, and Dead Like Me, for a Q&A with fans as he discusses two of his highly anticipated projects, Hannibal and Mockingbird Lane, both at NBC. In the midseason drama Hannibal, one of the most fascinating literary characters comes to life on television for the first time: psychiatrist-turned-serial-killer Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The recently shot pilot Mockingbird Lane is an imaginative reinvention of the 1960s comedy The Munsters. Room 7AB
3:30-4:15 The Vampire Diaries Screening and Q&A— Back for a fourth time all the way from Mystic Falls, the cast and creative team behind The Vampire Diaries descend on Comic-Con! Series stars Nina Dobrev (Degrassi: The Next Generation), Paul Wesley (Roll Bounce), Ian Somerhalder (LOST), Michael Trevino (Cane), and Zach Roerig (Friday Night Lights) join executive producers/writers Kevin Williamson (Scream) and Julie Plec (Kyle XY) for a video screening and Q&A session. The CW's number one series returns this fall for season 4, promising twists, turns, and-of course-(love) triangles in this defining year for our heroes and the entire town. From Bonanza Productions Inc., Outerbanks Entertainment, and Alloy Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios, The Vampire Diaries returns this October, airing Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW. Ballroom 20
4:30-5:15 True Blood Panel and Q&A session— Mixing romance, suspense, mystery, and humor, the Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated True Blood kicked off its 12-episode fifth season June 10 on HBO. The series follows the exploits of waitress and part-faerie Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin), who can hear people's thoughts; vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer); and vampire Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgård). Oscar and Emmy Award winner Alan Ball created and serves as executive producer of the series, which is based on the bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. The series and this panel also features Ryan Kwanten as Jason Stackhouse, Sam Trammell as Sam Merlotte, Rutina Wesley as Tara Thornton, Nelsan Ellis as Lafayette Reynolds, Deborah Ann Woll as Jessica Hamby, Kristin Bauer van Straten as Pam Swynford De Beaufort, Joe Manganiello as Alcide Herveaux and Chris Meloni as Roman Zimojic. Moderated by Tim Stack of Entertainment Weekly. Ballroom 20
9:00-10:00 Tromatize Yourself— This year's Troma panelists reveal their secrets on branding, or how to market yourself, your art, and your ideas in your quest to make a creative living. Troma president and creator of The Toxic Avenger Lloyd Kaufman is joined by a panel of indie experts, including Mick Garris (Masters of Horror), Ron Jeremy (film actor), Anina Bennett and Paul Guinan (Boilerplate), Chris Brandt (Independents), Pat Swinney Kaufman (New York Film Commissioner), and moderator Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics). Also: special screening of Brand Your Own Damn Self, starring Stan Lee, a 12-minute video lesson that will premiere at this panel! Stan wrote the foreword to Lloyd's book Sell Your Own Damn Movie. Parental advisory: This panel may not be appropriate for all ages. Troma Entertainment is Reel Independence! Room 9
Sunday
11:00-12:00 The Chilling Archives of Horror Comics Zombies Panel!— Blood will curdle and flesh will crawl as IDW/Yoe Books terror team co-editors Craig Yoe (Eisner Award-winning comic historian) and Steve "Karswell" Banes (host of The Horrors of It All vintage comics blog) unearth the lurid, dark history of 1950s comics with an unnerving panel focused on pre-Code horror's most despicably dead subject-zombies! This hour-long discussion and Q&A is guaranteed to rot your mind! All attendees dressed as a zombie will get a prize! Room 32AB
11:15-12:15 Supernatural Screening and Q&A— Series stars Jared Padalecki (Friday the 13th [2009]) and Jensen Ackles (My Bloody Valentine 3D), recurring guest stars Misha Collins (Ringer), Jim Beaver (Justified), and Mark A. Sheppard (Battlestar Galactica), executive producer Jeremy Carver (U.S. version of Being Human), and consulting producer Ben Edlund (The Tick) return to Hall H to answer questions from the audience about what's in store for the eighth season of this thrill-ride series. Fans will also see an exclusive video presentation featuring series highlights, as well as a portion of the special features from the upcoming Supernatural: The Complete Seventh Season DVD and Blu-ray release, in stores September 18. The eighth season of Supernatural will premiere in October on its new night, Wednesdays at 9/8c on The CW. The series is produced by Wonderland Sound and Vision in association with Warner Bros. Television. Hall H
1:45-2:45 Foes Beyond Fur and Fangs— Vampires have staked their claim on readers, and werewolves have certainly taken a bite out of pop fiction. But these paranormal creatures aren't the only ones that run havoc in the pages of science fiction and fantasy novels. Authors discuss the villains and vixens-from witches to zombies and beyond-in their action-packed adventures. Moderator Kim Alexander (Fiction Nation on Sirius XM radio) interviews participants Amber Benson (Calliope-Reaper Jones novels), Rachel Caine (Morganville Vampires series), Tom Sniegoski (Remy Chandler series), Kiersten White (Paranormalcy series), Gail Carriger (Timeless), Amelia Atwater-Rhodes (Poison Tree), and Maggie Stiefvater (The Scorpio Races). Room 5AB
2:00-3:00 Max Brooks: Zombie Survival 101— Max Brooks, screenwriter and author of bestselling books The Zombie Survival Guide, World War Z, and The Zombie Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks, is the world's leading authority on the defense against a ghoulish uprising! Renowned for his campus and convention lectures nationwide, Brooks comes to San Diego Comic-Con to share his insight into the rotting minds of the undead, reveal how the Zombie Survival Guide came into existence, and field questions from zombie-phobic fans! You dare not miss this lecture -- your very life may depend on it! Room 7AB
