San Diego Comic-Con is in full force this Saturday, and we’re hoping to continue your and your family’s amazing adventure by providing kid-friendly panels and events. What have been your favorite parts of SDCC so far? Did you attend any of the sessions listed on our Geeky Parent Guide posts from Thursday or Friday? Don’t forget to check out Thursday’s post if you’re looking for food or transportation options, including a guide that will help you navigate the San Diego Convention Center.
Let’s get right into the wonderful geekiness that comes with attending Comic-Con International.
*For all events, make sure to look at the location as some panels are in different locations, including the local library and nearby hotels.
Saturday, July 21, at San Diego Comic-Con
Steven Universe
Location: Hilton San Diego Bayfront, Indigo Ballroom
Time: 10:00am – 10:50am
If you or your kids are a fan of the Cartoon Network series, Steven Universe, then you’ll want to see this panel on Saturday. Creator Rebecca Sugar will discuss the show and “make epic announcements.” She also plays the ukulele and plans to bring that to the show. What kids would not love to see that?
Saturday Morning Cartoon Jam with IDW
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 23ABC
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
IDW creates a wealth of children’s comics, including Star Wars Adventures, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and My Little Pony. This panel lets guests get into the process of making these titles and “there will be interactive activities, announcements, and a special gift for everyone who attends!” Interactive activities and gifts? This sounds like a perfect session for parents…and their kids too.
Fanbase Press: Art of Trading Cards
Location: Mariott Marquis San Diego Marina, Grand 9
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
If anyone in your family loves trading cards, then you’ll have the opportunity to listen to those in the industry that create them today and share “their experiences working with Topps, Cryptozoic Entertainment, and other companies to create trading cards that celebrate some of our favorite franchises.”
Unikitty! New Episode Premiere and Q&A
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
If you or your family love The LEGO Movie, one of its characters, Unikitty, is bringing a new episode from its series to the con. “Producers and members of the voice cast will be on hand to share a new episode and answer your questions.”
Using Graphic Novels to Help Cope with Bullying
Location: San Diego Central Library, Shiley Special Events Suite
Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Join educators and creators as they dive into the complexities of being a geek and how bullies can pick on others based off of these geeky qualities. This panel will “explore which comics not just represent bullying but offer solace and solutions to kids who are actively dealing with it.” This seems like an excellent opportunity for families to be better educated to help kids further understand how to cope with bullies and know it’s okay to be who they are.
Quick Draw
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6BCF
Time: 11:45am – 1:00pm
This looks like a fun event – “Three lightning-fast cartoonists duel to the death right before your eyes armed, with nothing but Sharpies, drawing pads, overhead projectors, and their own lethal sense of humor.” Families will get to see artists who have worked on The Simpsons, Groo the Wanderer, and La Cucaracha.
My First Comic
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 29AB
Time: 12:00pm – 1:00pm
If parents or their little ones are interested in making comics, then this session might be right up your geeky alley. “Panelists will discuss the first comics they read and the journey from reading their first comic to making their first comic.”
Big Hero 6 The Series: Heroes Return
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 6A
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
It’s about Big Hero 6 – do you need more? This panel includes the cast of original actors to the film that has been adapted to a television series. They will go over the process of this adaptation, while also providing a special look at “never-before-seen footage from the series.”
Fanbase Press: Latinx Comics Creators and Readers
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 28DE
Time: 3:00pm – 4:00pm
This session will deliver a positive message for families as panelists will discuss “the importance of inclusivity and representation in the comic book medium.
Animation Artists Teach Caricature
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 11
Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Artists will “draw live on stage,” providing tips on how to better your own skills. They will also have a “speed caricature contest” and draw a member of the audience, which they’ll get to take home the artwork afterwards.
Master Successful Observational Drawing in Two Steps
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 11
Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm
For the artist(s) in your family, or for those wanting to start their artistic endeavors, learn from Wei Xu, Ph.D., and his approach to observational drawing. His techniques will allow anyone of any age to learn how to draw.
The Flash Special Video Presentation and Q&A
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Ballroom 20
Time: 5:45pm – 6:30pm
If you’re up-to-speed on the current episodes of CW’s The Flash, then this is where you’ll want to be. The cast and creators from the hit CW show, The Flash, will answer questions relating to Season 5. “Will parenthood be the challenge that finally slows the Flash down?”
TOKYOPOP: Manga for Everyone
Location: San Diego Convention Center, Room 28DE
Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pm
“TOKYOPOP’s goal is to bring the magic of manga to all comic book fans.” Attendees will learn what’s on the horizon, including a new initiative, “International Women of Manga.”
Enjoy Your San Diego Comic-Con
Along with there being a large number of sessions to choose from, there are also many opportunities to visit the floor to find a variety of vendors selling comic books, exclusive toys or shirts created just for this Con, and there are tons of creators hosting tables ready to share their amazing stories or products with attendees. For other sessions not listed here, check online for a full list of Saturday’s programming. You’ll also be able to find Comic-Con Merch in the Marriott Marquis and Marina Hotel, if you’re looking to bring home official Con merchandise.
What have you enjoyed so far at the 2018 SDCC? Share with us where you and your kids have explored thus far by leaving a comment below or over on Facebook or Twitter, using the “#geekyparent.”
Until the final day of SDCC tomorrow, happy parenting and happy geeking.
