Gears of War: Past, Present and Future – Just because the saga technically wrapped up with Gears of War 3 doesn’t mean there’s nothing left to talk about. This panel will talk about what went into the series to begin with, and where it’s headed with the upcoming Judgment. Look for Cliff Bleszinski in this panel, along with other talent, including the voice of Baird, Fred Tatasciore. G4’s Morgan Webb will moderate. 2:00-3:00, Room 6BCF
The Art and Death of Darksiders II – With the epic sequel just a month and a half away from release, you’ll want to know everything you can about Death’s venture into the underworld. THQ is bringing the pain with this panel, with Joe Mauriera and Han Randhawa of Vigil Games discussing the art that went into it, as well as how it’s inspired by comic stylings. The Dark Horse comic will also be shown, showing how the 3D world got converted into a 2D realm. We’re there. 3:30-4:30, Room 5AB
The Titans of Fighting Games – Do you love brawlers? Come to this panel. Tekken series director Katsuhiro Harada and Superbot game director Omar Kendall get together to discuss everything fighting games, past, present and future. You’re also likely to see some unveilings for the upcoming Tekken Tag Tournament 2 and PlayStation All Stars Battle Royale games while you’re there. Now fight! 4:00-5:00, Room 7AB
Adult Swim: Black Dynamite – Even jive ass turkeys can’t afford to miss this great panel, which involves the discussion of the upcoming series, based on the popular cult film. Along with executive producer Carl Jones, you can also expect voice talent including Michael Jai White, Tommy Davidson, Cedrick Yarbrough, Orlando Jones and more. Gary Anthony Williams (yes, the dad from Friday) is moderating. You can’t miss it. And you can bet that we are smiling. 4:00-4:45, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The Last of Us: Behind the Scenes With Naughty Dog – We’ve seen The Last of Us behind closed doors at E3, and we assure you, it is worth seeing. This panel will discuss the behind-the-scenes of the upcoming game, with creative director Neil Druckmann and game director Bruce Straley walking you through the process. Also on hand will be voice actors Troy Baker and Ashley Johnson, for a lively Q & A. Don’t miss this, even if it’s the end of the world. Moderated by Adam Sessler. 5:00-6:00, Room 25ABC
Resident Evil 6: The Fear and Horror! – Ready for more Umbrella Corporation-fueled madness? So is Capcom, and this panel will provide a closer look at the game, including live gameplay demos and a new trailer. Expect staff to come and talk about the game as well, including executive producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi. Yep, there’ll be Q & A as well. 6:00-7:00, Room 25ABC
The Aquabats! Super Show! – Really, if you don’t know what the Aquabats are, you need to find out. And if you do know, well, it’s party time. All five heroes will be on hand, including Ricky Fitness, Jimmy the Robot, Crash McLarson, EagleBones Falconhawk, and the M.C. Bat Commander, along with directors Matt Chapman and Jason Devilliers. Comic-Con is saved! 8:00-9:00, Room 7AB
We’ll wrap it up with a look at Saturday and Sunday’s panels soon!
Comic-Con 2012 is just days away from happening, and geeks from all over the world will swarm to San Diego, California, to take in the gaming, comic and celebrity madness of the four day event. I’ll be attending for my second straight year, and believe me when I say that my schedule is already packed. Not just with interviews and floor roaming, but with panels.
Comic-Con is an ideal place to attend some great panels, most featuring celebrities and some even dedicated to the true geekery of the world. (Yes, that’s a word, be quiet.) So, with that, rather than look through the schedule to see what’s the most important, I’ve put together this handy guide that breaks down the most vital appointments at the show. We suggest getting in line ASAP. Now, if you can.
Here are our prime picks for the second day, Friday!
Community: School Is Back In Session – If you haven’t caught the show Community yet, you’re missing out on some spectacular comedy featuring the likes of Joel McHale, Danny Pudi, Alison Brie and others. They even had an episode dedicated to 8-bit gaming, for crying out loud. This panel brings the above folks, along with Yvette Nicole Brown and Gillian Jacbos, together to talk up what’s coming for the next season, as well as a few surprises. 10:00-11:00, Ballroom 20
Adult Swim: The Venture Bros. – One of Adult Swim’s greatest shows to date, The Venture Bros. follows the misadventures of a scientist, his twin sons and his uber-strengthened bodyguard Brock Samson, as well as the villains they encounter every week. This panel will bring all the delightful smarminess of the show, along with jokes aplenty. Hosting it are show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, along with James Urbaniak, the voice of Dr. Venture. GO TEAM VENTURE! 11:00-11:45, Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront
The Big Bang Theory Screening and Q & A – About to enter its 6th season, The Big Bang Theory continues to be one of television’s biggest shows. And why not? It approaches nerdism with a sense of humor, while also reaching out to folks who just don’t “get it”. And if you don’t like Sheldon, well, something’s wrong with you. Expect some great footage from the upcoming season, along with a lively Q & A. 12:05-1:05, Hall H
Firefly 10-Year Anniversary Reunion – You know what? Cancel all your other appointments and make this one, because it’s going to be a mother of an event. Series creator Joss Whedon, fresh off his success from Marvel’s The Avengers, returns to host the panel, which also includes series stars Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Gina Torres, Alan Tudyk, Morena Baccarin, Sean Maher and Summer Glau. Expect plenty of surprises as well. Really, don’t miss this. We’ll kill you. 12:30-1:30, Ballroom 20
AMC’s The Walking Dead – Really, with the third season highly anticipated and stuff really heating up on the show, how can you afford to miss this? The Walking Dead panel features a number of stars from the show, as well as executive producer Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, showrunner Glen Mazzara, and moderator Chris Hardwick. They’ll talk about what to look forward to in season 3, along with other undead surprises. 1:25-2:25, Hall H
