The 2023 installment of WonderCon takes over the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend (March 24 through March 26) for three days of pop culture fun in Anaheim. We’ve listed 10 panels going down during the event that attendees should check out if they have the time. Single-day badges for WonderCon are on sale to the general public here. More information about the convention can be found here. Our review of last year’s WonderCon can be seen here.

New Rockstars

Friday, March 24 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Room 213AB

With over 1.5 billion YouTube views, New Rockstars has been one of the most popular YouTube channels surrounding the worlds of comic books, TV, and film. Erik Voss, Tommy Bechtold, Jessica Clemons, and Zach Huddleston will be on hand to discuss the channel's success and give their takes on their current obsession.

Tabletop Game Design Roundtable

Friday, March 24 - 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Room 213AB

The creation of tabletop games has fascinated fans for decades. Moderated by award-winning game designer Chris Castagnetto (Highlander: The Duel, 3 Wishes), this special roundtable will feature veterans in tabletop gaming discussing the journey to get games on store shelves. Attendees will be allowed to ask questions during this panel.

Splattergore: The History of ’90s Horror Comics

Friday, March 24 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room 208

'90s horror comics such as Nightstalkers, From Beyonde, and Cry for Dawn were some of the hottest in the scene. Unfortunately, certain horror comics overstepped their boundaries, which led to the police getting involved. Frank Forte (Asylum Press, Heavy Metal, Cry for Dawn) talks about the wild world of the '90s horror comics scene and its impact on the industry.

Scene Breakdown: Behind the Camera of Film and TV Shows

Saturday, March 25 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room 213CD

Movies and TV shows don't pop up overnight. While these mediums take years to make, the end result leaves viewers worldwide mesmerized. Moderated by actor Chris Villain (Mystery Incorporated), this panel will feature showrunner/ executive producer Anthony Sparks (Queen Sugar, Bel-Air), VFX supervisor at FuseFX Art Codron (Outer Banks), editor S. Robyn Wilson (A Black Lady Sketch Show), production designer Cabot McMullen (Shrinking), executive producer Rachel Watanabe-Batton (Sneakerella), and composer Andrew Morgan Smith (The Old Way, The Owl House) discussing the process of turning their ideas into reality.

Rhapsody PR's 15th Annual Behind-the-Music Panel: Ultrasonic

Saturday, March 25 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room 207

Without composers and music supervisors, TV and film would feel lifeless. An original composition or a recognizable tune can help strengthen a scene. Co-moderated by Ravi Naidu and Aaron LaPlante, this panel will feature music composers/supervisors Jeff Russo (Star Trek: Picard), Amanda Krieg Thomas (American Horror Story), Joseph Shirley (The Mandalorian), Joanne Higginbottom (Primal), Will Bates (Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches), and Gavin Brivik (How to Blow Up a Pipeline) discussing how they came up with putting together the soundtracks to your favorite programs.

That's What She Said: The Importance of Women Telling Women's Stories

Saturday, March 25 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Room 300C

Over the years, more women have been able to tell stories on film (Lady Bird, Nomadland) and TV (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Fleabag) with award-winning results. Moderated by John Marcotte (Heroic Girls), this panel will find Trina Robbins (Wonder Woman, Wimmen's Comix), Meaghan Fitzmartin (Justice League vs RWBY), Barbara Kessel (Wonder Woman), Ahbra Perry (Giant Pictures, Drafthouse Films), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Super-Women), Hanah Lee Cook (Muppet Babies), and Natasha Halevi (Give Me an A) joining forces to discuss the future of women in storytelling.

Adventures in Voice Acting for Anime

Sunday, March 26 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Room 207

Curious about what it's like to be a voice actor in anime? Eric Sherman (voice director and CEO of Bang Zoom! Studios) and Mami Okada (casting director, Bang Zoom! Studios) will join a slew of anime voice actors to talk about the journey to landing memorable anime gigs.

Coming Together: Honoring AANHPI Voices in Pop Culture

Sunday, March 26 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room 300C

The rise of Asian American, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander representation in entertainment has skyrocketed over the last few years with Everything Everywhere All at Once, Parasite, and Crazy Rich Asians earning accolades in the industry. Ariel Landrum (therapist), Stefanie Bautista (educator), Thien Pham (graphic novelist and teacher), Earl Baylon (actor), Jennifer N Linch (film director), and Kristine Gerolaga (writer, director, and actor) will be on hand to discuss the rise of representation in entertainment.

Game On: Writing Music for Video Games

Sunday, March 26 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Room 207

From Super Mario to Elder Scrolls, video game music is one of the most memorable parts of the experience. Thousands of people pay homage to these soundtracks via covers and samples in music. This year, video game soundtracks got some love from the Grammys with the addition of the Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media category. Moderated by Chandler Poling (White Bear PR), this panel will feature discussions from Grammy-nominated Austin Wintory (Journey, Aliens: Fireteam Elite), BAFTA-winning Garry Schyman (Bioshock franchise), and award-winning Nami Melumad (Medal of Honor: Above and Beyond) about creating memorable soundtracks.

Make Mine Mecha: A History of Giant Robots

Sunday, March 26 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Room 213AB

Franchises such as Macross and Gundam have helped popularize mecha anime worldwide. Jared Griego (Dapper Bard, Eat the Magic) and cosplayer Scarlet Aznable will discuss the history of mecha anime and discuss what specific shows newcomers should check out.