EntertainmentComic Con

Actions

San Diego Comic-Con 2018 panels that won't keep you in line overnight

San Diego Comic-Con 2018 panels that won't keep you in line overnight
Posted
and last updated

SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - San Diego Comic-Con pass holders know all too well where not to go if you're trying to avoid lines.

Hall H, Ballroom 20, Indigo Ballroom. These panel venues generally attract a lot of fans eager to check out exclusive footage and hear from stars. Many times, overnight.

But with Marvel and HBO skipping out and the routine lines, many have expressed worry over whether there's anything exciting to see this year.

RELATED: Ready for a line? These SDCC 2018 are worth the wait

Short answer: Of course there is.

Look to the convention center's smaller venues and you'll likely find a cult following behind the comics, movies, and shows that don't attract the most buzz.

Many times, these are the most enjoyable panels and experiences at Comic-Con — and they won't cost you a full day in line:

(We'll be updating this list as more panels are announced.)

Marvel Studios

Where: Room 25ABC, 5 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

The Marvel Studios visual development team is bringing never-before-seen concept art and design from the past 10 years of films in this special showcase for fans.


Lucasfilm's "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" anniversary panel

Where: Room 6BCF, 11:45 a.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

Celebrate the 10th anniversary of "Star Wars: The Clones Wars" during this panel, celebrating six seasons of the show with supervising director Dave Filoni and “special guests” for a look back on the show.


Shooting Clerks

Where: Room 6A, 6:45 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

The biographical comedy dramatizing the making of Kevin Smith's cult classic film, "Clerks," is coming to theaters. Join writer/director Christopher Downie, producer Brett Murray, producer Ryan James, and actors Matthew Postlethwaite, Jay Booton, and Stephanie Price (and special guests from the original Clerks including Marilyn Ghigliotti) for a sneak peek.


Marvel Animation: Marvel Rising

Where: Room 6DE, 3:15 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

Fans will be among the first to see Marvel's "Marvel Rising," with stars Chloe Bennet, Milana Vayntrub, Kathreen Khavari, Kamil McFadden, and showrunners.


Mr. Mercedes

Where: Room 7AB, 8 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

Fans of Audience's "Mr. Mercedes," based on the thrilling Stephen King book, get a look at the show's highly anticipated second season with the cast and creators.


21st Annual Superhero Kung Fu Extravaganza

Where: Room 6A, 8 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

It's a celebration of the year's most exciting and jaw-dropping fight scenes, as fans get access to premieres, sneak peeks, and more with stunt performers Eric Jacobus (God of War), Clayton Barber (Black Panther), Alvin Hsing (Luke Cage), Roger Yuan (Skyfall), and Brandon Vera (BuyBust).


The 501st Legion: Star Wars Villainous Costuming

Where: Grand 1 & 2, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 8 p.m.; When: Thursday, July 19

The folks with San Diego's 501st Legion are giving an inside look at their creative printing and modeling process that brings Stormtroopers, Tusken Raiders, Boba Fett, Jedi, and Sith to reality. 


The Passage

Where: Room 6A, 6 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

Fox will hold a premiere screening of their forthcoming series, "The Passage," with stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Saniyaa Sidney, Henry Ian Cusick, Jamie McShane, and series showrunners. Author Justin Cronin, whose book trilogy the show is based, will also be there.


The Last Sharknado: It's About Time

Where: Room 6BCF, 7 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

For the very last time, Sharknado twists into SDCC. Cast members Ian Ziering, Tara Reid, and Cassie Scerbo will talk about the fifth and final installment of the franchise with fans.


Catching up with Adam Savage

Where: Room 6DE, 6:45 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

"MythBuster" Adam Savage is back in San Diego with a look at his upcoming Discovery Channel plans.


Star Wars Mock Trial: The Court-Martial of Poe Dameron

Where: Room 7AB, 8 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

Based on the events of The Last Jedi, Poe stands accused of disobeying General Leia Organa and leading a mutiny aboard a resistance ship. Lawyers for the prosecution and defense, including a U.S. Army JAG attorney, will take on Poe's case in front of United States Magistrate Judge Mitch Dembin.


Marvel Comics: Spider-Man

Where: Room 5AB, 12:30 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

Editor Nick Lowe, Nick Spencer (Amazing Spider-Man) and Donny Cates (Venom) are bringing the latest news and sneak peeks into Marvel Comic's Spider-Man series and spinoffs.


Inside The Big Bang Theory Writers' Room

Where: Ballroom 20, 10:15 a.m.; When: Friday, July 20

Fans of the The Big Bang Theory will hear from writers and producers of the show for a look at special video and how the show continues to stay fresh after 11 seasons.


Bob's Burgers

Where: Indigo Ballroom, 4:15 p.m.; When: Friday, July 20

Creator Loren Bouchard and cast H. Jon Benjamin, Dan Mintz, Eugene Mirman, John Roberts, Kristen Schaal, Larry Murphy, and David Herman will talk about the upcoming season, never-before-seen footage, and some Q&A.


Amazon's "The Man in the High Castle"

Where: Room 6A, 5:15 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Series stars Alexa Davalos, Rufus Sewell Jason O’Mara, and Stephen Root will join showrunners to talk about the upcoming third season of the dystopian future where Nazi Germany and Japan won WWII. (And hopefully give a sneak peek of what's to come.)


Super Troopers 2

Where: Horton Grand Theatre, 1:30 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

The Broken Lizard Comedy Team will be bringing Super Troopers 2 to the Horton Grand Theatre with a panel featuring Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme, Erik Stolhanske, and Paul Soter.


Big Hero 6: The Series

Where: Room 6A, 12:30 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Based on the hit animated Disney movie, "Big Hero 6" is now getting a TV series. Cast members Ryan Potter, Khary Payton, Brooks Wheelan, and showrunners Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley, and Nick Filippi will be in attendance to discuss the new show.


Batman: The Animated Series on Blu-Ray

Where: Room 6DE, 4:15 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Fans of the iconic Batman animated series will celebrate the show with producers Bruce Timm, Alan Burnett and Eric Radomski, voice director Andrea Romano, and actors Kevin Conroy and Loren Lester.


Marvel Comics: Meet the Editor-in-Chief

Where: Room 6A, 3 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Comic artist Skottie Young will lead a one-on-one interview with Marvel's new editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski, talking about everything involved in what's next for Marvel. Ask C. B. questions in Q&A, plus, don't miss a surprise exclusive giveaway variant comic.


Skybound Entertainment: Comics and Creators

Where: Room 8, 3:30 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Some of Skybound's top talent-including Robert Kirkman("The Walking Dead," "Oblivion Song"), Daniel Warren Johnson ("Extremity"), Donny Cates ("Redneck"), and Sean Mackiewicz ("Gasolina") discuss their works and the comics industry.


The Simpsons

Where: Ballroom 20, 12 p.m.; When: Saturday, July 21

Join “The Simpsons” creator Matt Groening, producer Al Jean, director Mike Anderson, and actress Tress MacNeille will be on hand to discuss the shows upcoming 30th season and have some prizes to bring along.


Cartoon Network Best Summer Ever Costume Ball

Where: Indigo Ballroom at Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 11:30 a.m.; When: Sunday, July 22

The cosplay continues even on the last day of SDCC. Guest judges from some of Cartoon Network's most popular shows will be on hand to award exclusive prizes and share exclusive video.


The Science of Westworld: Violent Insights

Where: Grand 9, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina, 3 p.m.; When: Sunday, July 22

Doctors and authors delve into the complicated world of Westworld to discuss human nature and what makes people tick when it comes to Westworld and real-life role-playing.


Marvel Comics: X-Men

Where: Room 5AB, 11:15 a.m.; When: Sunday, July 22

Marvel Editor-in-chief C. B. Cebulski, Sina Grace (Iceman), Seanan McGuire (X-Men Gold Annual), Matt Rosenberg (Astonishing X-Men), and Tom Taylor (X-Men Red) take fans through the full spectrum of current X-Men comics and what's to come.


Bizarre States

Where: Room 7AB, 2 p.m.; When: Sunday, July 22

"Bizarre States" host Jessica Chobot, Andrew Bowser, and a surprise panelist bring their popular podcast in which they explore the mysteries of the weird, supernatural, and occult, to SDCC.


The Origin of Jack Kirby's "Black Panther"

Where: Room 32AB, 4 p.m.; When: Sunday, July 22

Illustrator and comic book historian Arlen Schumer takes "Black Panther" fans on a history tour of how the Marvel Comics character was created and how he is and isn't reflected in the 2018 hit film.