2023 Programming Highlights

Spotlight on Blacksad with Juanjo Guarnido and Diana Schutz

Room E141-144
Friday | 3:00 PM
Step into the captivating world of “Blacksad” and join Diana Schutz, esteemed translator for the series, and Juanjo Guarnido, the illustrator behind the mesmerizing visuals. This discussion promises to be an unforgettable exploration of their collaborative journey as we explore the acclaimed comic series “Blacksad,” a gripping noir tale set in a gritty anthropomorphic 1950s America. Don’t miss your chance to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Eisner-winning series.

Creator-Owned Comics: From Start to Finish

Room E141-144
Friday | 7:00 PM
Ever wondered what it takes to create and publish your own comics? Take a peek inside the process with some of Dark Horse’s creators and see what they have to say about where their comic sparked and how they made it all the way through to publication.

Exploring the World of Hellboy

Room E141-144
Saturday 12:00 PM
A conversation about the word of Hellboy featuring Mike Mignola, Chris Roberson, Michael Avon Oeming

Dark Horse Highlights

Room E141-144
Saturday | 7:45 PM
Hear from the creators themselves about some of the new and upcoming exciting projects from Dark Horse Comics, including new Stranger Things comics, the latest updates on Usagi Yojimbo and more from Dogu Publishing, new ideas from Flux House Books, and much more. Ft. Jody Houser, Matt Kindt and more.

Dark Horse Manga

Room E141-144
Sunday | 2:00 PM
Oregon’s own Dark Horse Comics is also the publisher of many books by Japanese creators, including manga such as Berserk, Mob Psycho 100, Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken! and Danganronpa, plus the light novel series Vampire Hunter D. Ft. Carl Horn and Zack Davisson.

Check out all Dark Horse programming

Terry Brooks Signing

Bookstore – Booth #1007
All 3 days
Join Terry Brooks for a signing! Books available for purchase or bring something you have.

The Crew: The Power of Found Family Signing

Bookstore – Booth #1007
Sunday
Join William Ritter, NE Davenport, Charlie Jane Anders, Rosiee Thor, and Travis Baldree for a signing! Books available for purchase or bring something you have.

Battle of the Nerds

Room E145-146
Saturday
In The Hobbit, what name did Bilbo give his sword/knife? What two characters have appeared in almost every Star Wars film? Join some of the best SF/F writers today in a nerd showdown! Panelists: William Ritter, NE Davenport, Travis Baldree, Rosiee Thor

Check out our Book Fair

The Peculiariums Liars’ Clubbing Game Show

Saturday, 11:30 AM | Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom

Lucky unsuspecting conventioneers will be selected to join in a wacky gameshow that goes back thousands of years and is now re-presented in this exclusive engagement. In this hosted game show, Portland’s own Peculiarium presents and array of weird and strange objects, sounds and tales for contestants to guess on. Some are real, some are lies, all are peculiar. And to add to the confusion, contestants own peculiar abilities will be a factor into the final outcome of the winners. The contestants will compete for fun and silly prizes in a goofy gameshow suitable for everyone.

Truth is Stranger Than Fiction... And the Inspiration

Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom
Friday
This program is centered here in the Northwest, where authors of books on true stories of the odd and unusual share experiences with the audience. They talk about how folklore and fact create modern myths, which inspire media such as comic books, fantasy novels, television and video. There could be discussion of the research/writing process, as well as where this could take talented individuals.

Weird Bagpiping 101: A Q&A Tell-All with The Unipiper

Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom
Saturday
Get to know the legend behind the unicycle! Of all of Portland’s colorful characters, none are as easily recognized as The Unipiper, with his fire-breathing bagpipes, colorful costumes, and unicycle, reports of Unipiper sightings stretch back over a decade. This viral internet celebrity has also been featured on CNN, Jimmy Kimmel Live, America’s Got Talent and The Gong Show. The Unipiper has solidified his position as a true Portland icon. If you’ve got a question for this Portland hero, bring it to this Q&A!

ChefPK's Reverse Maid Cafe

Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom
Saturday
In this unique experience for anime fans and foodies alike, famous YouTuber ChefPK has reversed the roles of a traditional Maid Cafe and is ready to teach you all about making mochi. In this Maid Cafe, the men are donning the maid costumes, and the ladies are dressed to the nines in their butler tuxes. A culinary adventure awaits as we learn the steps and ingredients needed to make our own mochi—a favorite among lovers of Japanese culture and anime. ChefPK and his maid and butler staff have everything handled and are waiting to delight you and your friends! This is sure to be the most unique Maid Cafe experience of all.

Check out the Weird Stage

Nerd Slam

Saturday, 5:30 PM | Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom

A Poetry Slam/Showcase of poems dedicated to pop culture and reveling in nerditry! Have an ode to Spider-Man? A screed in defense of the Muppets? A warped bit of Star Trek erotica? All are welcome here and celebrated! In addition to the round robin slam competition there will be prizes for the poetry offered for things like nerdiest poem, best line, and even a costume award for anyone who cosplays while they soliloquy!

The Mimi and Greg Show Live!

Saturday | Room E141-144

The Mimi and Greg Show” started in 2019 after Mimi invited Greg Rucka on her podcast, The Sifu Mimi Chan Show. The conversation went so well that Greg became a weekly guest throughout the pandemic, and those episodes evolved into ’The Mimi and Greg Show’. This podcast is a must listen for fans of comics, pop culture and social commentary. “The Mimi and Greg Show” is excited to make their debut appearance in front of a live audience at Rose City Comic Con! Come and join the conversation — with surprise guests and, in all likelihood, a traditional“Rucka-rant”!

Yokai of Demon Days ft. Zack Davisson

Saturday | Room E141-144

Peach Momoko and Zack Davisson’s Demon Days has brought Japanese folklore to the Marvel universe. Classic MCU superheroes merged with yokai–monsters of myth. Join writer and folklorist Zack Davisson as he leads you though the yokai analogies and background behind the breakout hit series.

Talent Show Battle! Hosted by @chewycosplays

Sunday, 3:30 PM | Weird Stage – Oregon Ballroom

Are you dying to sing your heart out? Do you have a special talent no one knows about? Are you a dancer and want to show off your sick moves? Or just sit back and watch live performances! Whatever it is, join the Talent Show Battle to show off what you do best and join us for an exciting show filled with tons of talent!

Spotlight on Blacksad

Friday | E141-144

Step into the captivating world of “Blacksad” and join Diana Schutz, esteemed translator for the series, and Juanjo Guarnido, the illustrator behind the mesmerizing visuals. This discussion promises to be an unforgettable exploration of their collaborative journey as we explore the acclaimed comic series “Blacksad,” a gripping noir tale set in a gritty anthropomorphic 1950s America. Don’t miss your chance to get a glimpse behind the scenes of the Eisner-winning series.

Wonder Woman Historia: Creator Spotlight

Sunday | Main Stage

Step into the rich mythos and empowering world of Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons as we shine a spotlight on the brilliant minds behind this groundbreaking series. Join writer Kelly Sue DeConnick, illustrators Phil Jimenez, Nicola Scott, and Gene Ha, letterer Clayton Cowles, and DC editor Andrea Shea as we dive into the masterfully woven tapestry of Amazonian lore, while exploring mythology, feminist themes, and incredible storytelling. This panel will be moderated by Mimi Chan, and all fans who attend will receive a free Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons print featuring artwork by Phil Jimenez. The panel will be followed by a free limited signing with details to come.

Full Programming Schedule

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