Between its hundreds of combined panels, parties, events and contests, Comic-Con International in San Diego can make for a pretty overwhelming week if you're not careful. Have heart, though, ComicsAlliance readers! We're here to help you make the most of your pending adventure into the heart of pop culture's ultimate obstacle course.

After the jump you will find ComicsAlliance recommendations for Conic-Con panels, events and screenings taking place on Friday, July 13 2012.10:00-11:30 The Black Panel

Michael Davis (The Littlest Bitch) returns to moderate the wildest panel at Comic-Con, the Black Panel! Expect industry insight and outrageousness when Shaquille O'Neal (NBA on TNT, Shaq Entertainment), Jamie Kennedy (The Jamie Kennedy Experiment), Missy Geppi (president, Geppi's Entertainment Museum), Reginald Hudlin (Django Unchained), E. Van Lowe (Earth Angel, the sequel to Boyfriend from Hell), and Steve McKeever (president, Hidden Beach Records), field questions from you, the audience. The most entertaining and informative Q&A you'll ever be a part of. It's African American Pop Culture and then some! Room 5AB

ComicsAlliance note: This panel is typically one of the most fun of the entire convention, where audience members and panelists engage in lively debates on comics, music, athletics, film and television.

10:00-11:00 Remembering Jerry Robinson and Joe Simon

Jerry Robinson was a key artist on Batman in the 1940s, the co-creator of The Joker, and later an accomplished newspaper strip artist and political cartoonist. Joe Simon was half of the legendary team of Simon and [Jack] Kirby, the co-creator of Captain America and other Simon-Kirby classics, and later the creator/editor of Sick magazine. We've recently lost both of these legendary figures in comics, so let's pause to remember them along with Paul Levitz, Michael Uslan, Anthony Tollin, Marv Wolfman, Paul Dini, Batton Lash, Steve Saffel and moderator Mark Evanier. Room 9

ComicsAlliance note: An auspicious dais to honor two very auspicious men.

10:15-11:15 Go Green! With the Lean, Mean, Ninja Team -Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!

Experience Nickelodeon's very first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Comic-Con panel, as executive producer Ciro Nieli (Super Robot Monkey Team Hyper Force Go!) sets up the new series and unveils never-before-seen footage. Meet the incredible Ninja cast: Jason Biggs (voice of Leonardo), Sean Astin (voice of Raphael), Greg Cipes (voice of Michelangelo), Rob Paulsen (voice of Donatello), Kevin Michael Richardson (voice of Shredder), Hoon Lee (voice of Splinter), and Mae Whitman (voice of April O'Neil). Hear and see the radical undertaking of this 25-year-old property and some of the creative insights that have taken it to new and reinvigorating heights. Prepare to be shell-shocked! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon. Room 6BCF

ComicsAlliance note: We like the Ninja Turtles.

11:00-12:00 Mike Mignola and Friends

As we watch the world collapse in the pages of B.P.R.D.-Hell on Earth and gear up for the most-anticipated series in Hellboy's history later this year, this may be the most important panel in the history of one of modern comics' most storied series. Join creator Mike Mignola, editor Scott Allie, Cameron Stewart, James Harren, B.P.R.D. artist Tyler Crook and others, for exclusive news and insight into why the world of Hellboy and the B.P.R.D. is truly "going to hell in 2012"! Room 4

ComicsAlliance note: Hellboy and B.P.R.D. are very arguably the best continuing series at the moment, and only getting better.

11:00-12:00 Avatar Press: Hero Worship in Film and Comics

Zak Penn, screenwriter and director extraordinaire, discusses his long career in bringing comic superheroes to film. From his work with Marvel's mutants on X2 and X-Men: The Last Stand, to the development of his Alphas television series for Syfy, to his countless other big-screen successes (including Fantastic Four, The Incredible Hulk, and the summer's biggest blockbuster, The Avengers), he'll cover it all. Also, Scott Murphy (writer on Star Wars: The Clone Wars) will join Zak on stage to discuss Hero Worship, their groundbreaking new superhero comic published by Avatar Press. Room 24ABC

ComicsAlliance note: Zak Penn has been involved with some of the most impressive comics-to-film adaptations of all time, and promises to discuss those projects in addition to his new work from Avatar.

11:00-11:45 Adult Swim: The Venture Bros.

Show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, with the voice of Dr. Venture James Urbaniak, will discuss the original series and answer fan questions. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront 11:00-11:45 Adult Swim: The Venture Bros.- Show creators Jackson Publick and Doc Hammer, with the voice of Dr. Venture James Urbaniak, will discuss the original series and answer fan questions. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

ComicsAlliance note: The Venture Bros. panel is always awesome but you'll never get in.

11:15-12:15 Join the Revolution! Nickelodeon's Legend of Korra

The cast and crew of Legend of Korra offer an in-depth discussion of Nickelodeon's hottest new series. Executive producer and creator team Bryan Konietzko and Mike DiMartino (Avatar: The Last Airbender) are joined by co-executive producer Joaquim Dos Santos (Avatar: The Last Airbender) as they discuss the creative process that brought the first book in the Korra series to life. You'll also get to hear from your favorite characters as talented voice actors Janet Varney (Korra), David Faustino (Mako), P. J. Byrne (Bolin) and Seychelle Gabriel (Asami) will be featured on the panel and renowned voice director Andrea Romano (Avatar: The Last Airbender) will direct the actors in a live performance from the series. And if you're extra nice, Mike and Bryan may even drop a hint or two about Book 2. So don't miss out! Moderated by Rich Magallanes, senior VP of current series for Nickelodeon. Ballroom 20

ComicsAlliance note: We like Legend of Korra.

12:00-1:00 CBLDF: The History of Comics Censorship

Learn the shocking history of comics censorship and how even today comics and the people who make, sell, and read them are threatened. CBLDF executive director Charles Brownstein tells the sordid tale, from the public book burnings and Senate hearings that led to the Comics Code Authority in the 1950s through the attacks on Underground comix in the 1970s and retailer busts in the 1980s up to modern attacks on readers and artists. This program includes the latest research on comics censorship, including new cases developing this year. Come learn about your rights and how the CBLDF works to protect them. Room 11AB

ComicsAlliance note: A fascinating discussion on an enduring threat to comics and free speech.

12:00-1:00 Lenore Turns 20

Celebrations are in order! Lenore is 20 years old in 2012. Roman Dirge discusses his new Lenore collection Swirlies, upcoming comics, merchandise, and more. Join the artist/magician himself for this exclusive journey into the unique world of Roman Dirge, with a one-on-one interview with moderator Andrew Sumner plus a Q&A session. Room 23ABC

ComicsAlliance note: It's hard to believe Lenore has been around for 20 years. Dirge is an idiosyncratic voice worthy of all his success.

12:00-1:00 Oni Press: RevolutiONIze Comics

Often imitated but never duplicated! Get up close and personal with trend-setting indie comic powerhouse Oni Press. Join in the Q&A with your favorite Oni creators Brian Hurtt, Cullen Bunn, Rich Stevens, Scott C., Matt Dembicki, and Brahm Revel and get a sneak peek at upcoming Oni projects with news on Oni Press fan initiatives. There'll be free Oni comics, prizes, and more. Guaranteed by Oni Press's totally biased employees to be "the most fun you've ever had at a panel." Room 32AB

ComicsAlliance note: Oni panels are typically very hyper, and are not to be missed.

12:30-1:30 Judge Dredd 35th Anniversary

It's an exciting year for Judge Dredd-not only does he turn 35 but he has a big-budget movie coming, a brand-new IDW series launching, and more. IDW's Chris Ryall, Dredd movie concept artist Jock, 2000 AD's Matt Smith and Ben Smith, and some very special guests join moderator Douglas Wolk to announce the creative team of IDW's series, talk about the return of the Dark Judges, and much more. Room 8

ComicsAlliance: As you know, we've been getting into Judge Dredd lately, and this panel of experts is sure to feed your mind with all the Mega-City knowledge you could possibly need.

1:00-2:00 Cartoon Network: Regular Show

Yeaaauuhhh! It's Regular Show at Comic-Con 2012! Series creator J. G. Quintel (Mordecai, High Five Ghost), Bill Salyers (Rigby), Sam Marin (Benson, Pops, Muscle Man), and others offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the comedy, drama, and tomfoolery that make this Regular Show so jolly good. Come for the merrymaking, stay for songs, sneaks, and surprises. Room 6A

ComicsAlliance note: This panel will be awesome, but you'll never get in.

1:00-2:00 CBLDF Master Session: Jason Shiga

With the publication of his graphic novel Meanwhile, Jason Shiga's years of innovating an interactive practice for creating comics reached popular audiences. Now go behind the scenes with the author as he showcases his working methods and shows you the secrets of creating interactive choose-your-own adventure comics! The pieces created in this Master Session will be auctioned off at CBLDF's Art Auction on Saturday night. Room 11AB

ComicsAlliance note: If you've seen Derek Kirk Kim's Mythomania, you know Jason Shiga can be a particularly entertaining fellow. Also, his comics are very good.

1:25-2:25 AMC's The Walking Dead

Andrew Lincoln, Sarah Wayne Callies, Norman Reedus, Laurie Holden, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, and introducing Danai Gurira as Michonne and David Morrissey as The Governor join executive producer and showrunner Glen Mazzara, executive producer Robert Kirkman, executive producer Gale Anne Hurd, executive producer Dave Alpert and special effects makeup supervisor and co-executive producer Greg Nicotero in a panel moderated by Chris Hardwick (The Nerdist, Talking Dead). The panelists will discuss the wildly successful second season of The Walking Dead and what to look forward to in season 3, debuting this fall on AMC. Join the panelists for a one-on-one Q&A session and an official sneak preview of season 3. Hall H

ComicsAlliance note: HAHAHAHAHA YOU AIN'T NEVER GETTIN' IN!

1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Kate Beaton

Comic-Con special guest Kate Beaton, the cartoonist behind the wildly popular webcomic Hark! A Vagrant and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, presents an overview of her work. Room 5AB 1:30-2:30 Spotlight on Kate Beaton- Comic-Con special guest Kate Beaton, the cartoonist behind the wildly popular webcomic Hark! A Vagrant and the New York Times bestseller of the same name, presents an overview of her work. Room 5AB

ComicsAlliance note: We like Kate Beaton.

1:45-2:45 DC Comics: Justice League and Green Lantern

Comics' top talent-writer Geoff Johns and artist Jim Lee-continue their historic team-up on DC Comics' bestselling Justice League, while Geoff continues his epic run on Green Lantern. Johns, Lee, Tony Bedard (Green Lantern: New Guardians), Brian Buccellato (Flash), Jeff Lemire (Animal Man, Justice League Dark), Francis Manapul (Flash), James Robinson (Earth 2), and Nicola Scott (Earth 2) explore some of DC Comics' spectacular titles. Room 6DE

ComicsAlliance note: Justice League and Green Lantern, the two DC Comics titles that continue to drive a wedge between CA contributors like Archie between Betty and Veronica. For either faction, this panel should prove enlightening.

2:00-3:00 BOOM! Studios: Adventure Time Comic Book

What time is it? It's Adventure Time! The top-rated Cartoon Network show is now a bestselling comic book published by KaBOOM! You won't want to miss this all-star panel featuring the show's creator Pendleton Ward, along with series artists Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb (Ice Age) and writer/artist Meredith Gran (Octopus Pie) of the new miniseries Marceline and the Scream Queens, as they discuss what's next for the Land of Ooo in the world of comics. Room 23ABC

ComicsAlliance note: We like Adventure Time.

2:15-3:15 Tron: Uprising

Disney XD is bringing the Grid to Comic-Con! Join the noteworthy voice cast Elijah Wood (Beck), Bruce Boxleitner (Tron), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Paige) and Tricia Helfer (The Grid), along with executive producer/director Charlie Bean and consulting producers Edward Kitsis and Adam Horowitz (Once Upon a Time, LOST), to see exclusive footage and find out everything you want to know about this ground-breaking animated series. The panel will also feature never-before-seen clips of Disney XD's turbo-charged original series Motorcity and a sneak peek of the upcoming animated series Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja. The panel will be moderated by Daily Variety film editor Josh Dickey. Room 6A

ComicsAlliance note: We like Tron: Uprising.

3:00-4:00 Mattel and DC Comics: A Heroic Partnership

Fans of Mattel's popular DC toy lines will find out all the latest news, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes scoop on their favorite Mattel/ DC action figures, including the upcoming The Dark Knight Rises film, kid and collector releases from Batman, and more. Get a look at how a toy line is created, and participate in the Q&A with a special panel of Mattel toy team members. Room 4

ComicsAlliance note: Mattell and DC have indeed been making some cool stuff, including SDCC exclusives.

3:00-4:00 Arrow Screening and Q&A

Oliver Queen lives! The iconic DC Comics character will be the subject of a hard-hitting new drama series on The CW this fall. Arrow makes its Comic-Con debut with a screening of the full Arrow pilot, followed by a Q&A with series stars Stephen Amell (Private Practice) and Katie Cassidy (Supernatural), executive producers Marc Guggenheim (Green Lantern) and Andrew Kreisberg (Fringe), and pilot director/executive producer David Nutter (Smallville). After being marooned for five years on a remote island, former billionaire playboy Oliver Queen returns to his home of Starling City with a mysterious agenda and a lethal set of new skills that he uses in a war on crime. From Bonanza Productions Inc. in association with Berlanti Productions and Warner Bros. Television, Arrow will air Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW this fall. Ballroom 20

ComicsAlliance note: We've been surprisingly pleased with what we've seen so far of this live-action Green Arrow show.

3:00-4:00 Drawing on Your Nightmares: Horror in Comics

Throughout comics' storied history, horror has been an important part of the medium. In the fall of 2012, Dark Horse unveils a whole slate of new titles guaranteed to have you running for the covers. Dark Horse horror line editor Scott Allie is joined by actor-turned-comics writer Lance Henrikson and creators Eric Powell (The Goon), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night, Criminal Macabre), Tim Seeley (Hack/Slash), Paul Tobin (Colder), and others for an exciting look at this year's most promising four-color thrills and chills! Room 23ABC

ComicsAlliance note: Lance Henrikson is one of only two men, with Bill Paxton, to have been killed on-screen by a Terminator, a Predator and an Alien xenomorph. That's some sh*t right there.

3:00-3:45 Adult Swim: Robot Chicken/Robot Chicken DC Comics Special

Co-creators/executive producers Seth Green and Matthew Senreich are joined by co-head writer/executive producer Tom Root, actor/writer Breckin Meyer, and writer Matthew Beans to discuss the Emmy-winning series. DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns joins the panel to share insider scoop about the Robot Chicken DC Comics Special. Come watch a sneak peek and get your questions answered about Season Six. Keith Crofford, VP of production for Adult Swim, will moderate the panel. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

ComicsAlliance note: We're really looking forward to this show.

3:15-4:15 Marvel: Cup O' Joe

This is it, Mighty Marvel fans-the no-holds-barred, anything goes, full-of-surprises panel you wait all year for! Marvel's chief creative officer Joe Quesada takes on all questions, shocks the audience with jaw-dropping announcements, and keeps you guessing, along with guests including Marvel's head of television Jeph Loeb, SVP of creator and content development C. B. Cebulski, and editor-in-chief Axel Alonso. You never know who will show up, but you'd better be here, because this is the panel that everyone will be talking about! Room 6BCF

ComicsAlliance: Joe Quesada's Q&A panels are variously hilarious and maddening, and not to be missed.

4:00-5:00 Valiantfans.com: The Unofficial "Summer of Valiant"

Valiant fans from across the world welcome you to the celebration of the landmark return of the Valiant Universe. What's next after "The Summer Of Valiant?" Exclusive info and special panelists. Expect an exciting hour in an ask-anything panel, up close and personal. Q&A session moderated by Brian Wells (valiantfans.com). Room 28E

ComicsAlliance note: We've been impressed with the new Valiant comics so far.

4:30-5:30 UDON 2012

Catch up on the latest releases and get the scoop on upcoming projects from the UDON crew, including comic and art book announcements you won't want to miss! Included will be sneak peek artwork, insight into the recruiting process for new artists, and a chance to win some of the company's hottest new books. Moderated by Chris Butcher (Toronto Comic Arts Festival, UDON's director of marketing), with participants Erik Ko (UDON CEO), Jim Zubkavich (project manager), Matt Moylan (managing editor), and UDON artists Joe Ng (Street Fighter IV) and Omar Dogan (Street Fighter Legends). Room 26AB

ComicsAlliance note: UDON has been releasing some really great art books lately.

4:45-5:45 The Writers' Room with Jonathan Ross

Some of comics' best writers talk with the UK's famed radio/television presenter and comic book writer Jonathan Ross (Turf, America's Got Powers) about the challenges, triumphs, and idiosyncrasies of the comics creative process. Find out how Image Comics titles like Fatale, Chew, Morning Glories, and The Walking Dead are conceived, written, and brought to the printed page from the writers who knew them from "PAGE ONE, PANEL ONE." Panelists: Ed Brubaker, John Layman, and Robert Kirkman. Room 6A

ComicsAlliance note: Jonathan Ross is a fiercely entertaining and extremely knowledgable person, and this panel will likely be the closest thing fans get to seeing top comics writers sharing the stage on a great late-night talk show.

5:00-6:00 Breaking into Comics Right Now!

If you're an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don't want to miss! Some of comic book publishing's top decision makers, including IDW chief creative officer Chris Ryall, BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, Dark Horse managing editor Scott Allie, and Top Cow publisher Filip Sablik, give you up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry. Learn what you need to do to make your comic book dreams come true in a world where the Internet and social media have changed everything. This won't be your grandfather's "breaking into comics" panel. Room 9

ComicsAlliance note: If you seriously want a job in comics, you should listen to these gentlemen.

5:30-6:30 Vertigo: Get Jiro!

In a not-too-distant food-obsessed future, they all want to Get Jiro! Renowned chef and New York Times bestselling writer Anthony Bourdain (Kitchen Confidential, Medium Raw), co-writer Joel Rose (La Pacifica), artist Langdon Foss (Get Jiro!), colorist Jose Villarrubia and Vertigo senior VP/executive editor Karen Berger talk about this exciting-and savory-Vertigo original graphic novel. Room 6DE

ComicsAlliance: Anthony Bourdain on a Comic-Con panel. That's it.

5:30-6:30 Marvel: The All-Winners Squad

Over the years Marvel has been known to assemble some of its greatest superheroes at SDCC. This year fans are invited to witness the introduction of an entirely new team (at least they think they are great) as they take to the stage for the first time ever. You won't believe your eyes (or ears) when you see this collection of awesomeness gather and share the inside scoop on what it's really like to be a Marvel Superhero. Who are these mysterious superheroes? Welcome them to the Marvel A-List with moderator Morgan Spurlock. Plus, there's always the promise of swag...but don't hold Marvel to that! Room 8

ComicsAlliance note: This is a very mysterious thing, but sources tell us this will be pretty fun -- whatever it is.

5:30-6:30 Dark Horse: Joss Whedon

Long before directing the biggest superhero film in history, Joss Whedon rewarded fans the world over with some of the most compelling characters and plotlines in the history of comics, television, and movies. Here's your chance to find out what he has in store for us next, and hear exclusive insight into Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the ever-expanding number of titles in Dark Horse's line of Season 9 comics. Ballroom 20

ComicsAlliance note: The Buffy comic has been pretty wild recently.

5:30-6:30 D+Q & Fantagraphics

North America's two most influential independent comics publishers, which have defined the literary comics medium for the past 25 years, preview their upcoming lists. Jacq Cohen (publicity director) and Eric Reynolds (associate publisher) of Fantagraphics, and Julia Pohl-Miranda (editorial marketing manager) and Tom Devlin (creative director) for D+Q present their 2012 and 2013 lists, with a few surprises. Room 26AB

6:00-7:00 Are Digital Comics Expanding the Market?

Digital comics are the hottest trend in publishing today, exploding onto the screens of iPads, tablets, and phones everywhere. How is digital distribution transforming the industry and the market? Is digital opening the medium to a vast new global audience, or is it the death knell of comics as we know them? Author and futurist Rob Salkowitz (Comic-Con and the Business of Pop Culture) leads a provocative, no-holds-barred discussion with the leaders of the digital comics revolution: comiXology co-founders David Steinberger and John D. Roberts, Dark Horse publisher Mike Richardson, and IDW publisher Ted Adams. Room 9

ComicsAlliance: It will be interesting to see if "no-holds-barred" means specific sales numbers!

7:00-8:00 MonkeyBrain Comics

Co-publishers Chris Roberson (Memorial) and Allison Baker reveal all about MonkeyBrain Comics, a creator-owned digital comics imprint. Joining them are moderator Bill Willingham (Fables) and creators Chris Schweitzer (Crogan's Adventures), D. J. Kirkbride (Popgun), Brandon Seifert (Witch Doctor), Joe Keatinge (Hell Yeah!), Colleen Coover (Small Favors), and Paul Tobin (Gingerbread Girl). Room 4

ComicsAlliance note: We like MonkeyBrain Comics.

8:00-10:30 Syfy Presents the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards

The 24th annual Eisner Awards (the "Oscars" of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 28 categories. Presenters will include British talk show host/comics writer Jonathan Ross, actor Phil LaMarr (Futurama, Family Guy, Pee Wee's Playhouse), and special guests Robert Kirkman and Charlie Adlard (The Walking Dead), Lynn Johnston (cartoonist, For Better or For Worse), Eric Powell (The Goon), Sergio Aragonés (cartoonist, MAD), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Michael Uslan (movie producer, Batman films), plus some special surprises! Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award, the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award, the Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comics Writing, and the Will Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award. Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront

ComicsAlliance note: We were not nominated this year :(

Click here for the complete Comic-Con programming guide for Friday, July 13 2012.

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