Comic Creators Panel –
What It’s Like Working in Comics?
Join Jimmy Palmiotti, Amanda Connor, Sam De La Rosa, Arthur Suydam, and Andrea Mutti as they discuss what it’s like working in the comic industry.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
Q&A Panel
Walter E. Jones – Power Ranger!
Walter is internationally known for his creation of the character Zack The Black Ranger from the Children’s Action Adventure Phenomenon Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (1993). He has been featured as a series regular or guest star in over 150 episodes of various shows and has been featured in several films.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
Q&A Panel
– Voice Acting
Join Michele Knotz (the voice of Misty, May, Nurse Joy and Team Rocket’s Jessie in the Pokémon franchise, in addition to numerous Pokémon creatures including Abra, Axew, Beautifly, Bewear, Bidoof, Bulbasaur, Cacnea, Cherrim, Cherubi, Chikorita, Cinccino, Chimecho, Chingling, Combee, Corsola, Cottonee, Cyndaquil, Drifblim, Drifloon, Dustox, Flaaffy, Furfrou, Gardevoir, Goldeen, Gorebyss, Greedent, Igglybuff, Jigglypuff, Jirachi, Jumpluff, Klink, Klang, Klinklang, Latias, Latios, Lilligant, Manaphy, Marill, Masquerain, Milotic, Mime, Jr., Minccino, Morelull, Mr., Mime, Mudbray, Mudkip, Oddish, Petilil, Piplup, Prinplup, Psyduck, Ralts, Seedot, Serperior, Servine, Shiinotic, Sinistea, Skwovet, Sneasel, Snivy, Squirtle, Stufful, Swoobat, Togepi, Torchic, Vivillon, Weepinbell, Whimsicott, Wigglytuff, Woobat, Wormadam, Wurmple, and more!) and representatives from THE VOICE ACTOR COLLEGE as they answer your questions on voice acting.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
History and Impact of Comics
on American Culture:
Starting in the 1800s and journeying to the modern newspaper strips and comic books, join Bat City Comic Professionals’ Shannon Live for a talk that will take you on a colorful journey through our illustrative past. Learn how comics have sparked change in everything from our vocabulary to political policies all while discussing the history of the graphic medium.
A lifelong adventurer of imaginary worlds, Shannon Live knew her path would someday include advocating for creativity. As the Co-Founder and President of Bat City Comic Professionals, a 501(c)(3) educational organization, she creates comic-themed educational opportunities and resources that cultivate Reading, Writing, and Imagination Skills. Funding for their programming is primarily generated by the sale of comic books and related items at their two-time Eisner-finalist comic book shop located in Bradenton, FL.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
Thriving as a Human Creator
in the Age of AI
What happens to your creative passion when AI reshapes and disrupts creative industries? This talk offers practical insights for understanding which elements of your creative practice remain distinctly valuable in an AI-powered world. Learn how to emphasize your personal creative vision, unique perspective, and human connection with audiences while leveraging AI tools to handle routine technical tasks. Discover strategies for developing a creative practice that thrives alongside technology rather than competing with it. Join game designer, writer, and AI Coordinator for Ringling College of Art and Design, Rick Dakan to speculate about creativity in the new AI era.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
Cosplay, A History
Join Nienna Nir and Lori of the TBACC for a primer on the history of cosplay and the ways in which it has evolved over the last 75 years. Learn about the materials and technology that go into modern cosplay construction, and the cultural changes that brought it from fringe performance art to mainstream pastime.
Time: TBD in The Panel Room
