Long Beach Comic Expo, which takes place this weekend, kicks off the convention season for many in Southern California. The two day convention brings major players in the comic book world, including Dan DiDio, Gerry Conway, and Julie & Shawna Benson. This year’s LBCE has a slew of panels for those looking for some discussions about all things geek culture. We look at five panels worthy of your time. Tickets for LBCE are still on sale here. The convention takes place at the Long Beach Convention Center in Los Angeles, Califonia on Saturday, January 11 and Sunday, January 12.
Saturday, January 11
Women of SciFi Panel
Room: 102C
Time: 11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m.
Over the years, women have delivered memorable characters in the world of SciFi. Nakia Burrise (Power Rangers), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Aliza Pearl (Shield of Tomorrow), and Michele Specht (Star Trek Continues) will be on hand to talk about the highs and lows of being a part of this compelling genre. This panel will be moderated by Jackie Dallas (Stranger Things).
Star Wars: Nothing But Star Wars (*and related current properties)
Room: 103A
Time: 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Have you been keeping your mouth zipped about Episode 9? Want to fully discuss everything about The Mandalorian? Moderated by Fatman Beyond host Marc Bernardin, this panel will be filled with discussions about everything Star Wars. Former Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations Craig Miller (Star Wars Memories), artist Tony Fleecs (Star Wars Adventures), and novelists Cecil Castellucci (Star Wars: Moving Target) and S.T. Bende (Viking Academy) will join the fun with their thoughts on everything.
Playing With Other People’s Toys: Creating Licensed Comics
Room: 103A
Time: 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Being able to work with a licensed property is every creator’s dream. Moderated by Ringo Award-winning writer Rylend Grant (Aberrant), artists Cat Staggs (Smallville) and Drew Johnson (Godzilla: Aftershock) will join writers Cecil Castellucci (The Little Mermaid) and David Avallone (The Twilight Zone) to talk about working on some beloved franchises.
Sunday, January 12
Rise of the Latina Superhero
Room: 103B
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Over the decades, Latina superheroes have been a rarity in comic books. The folks behind new Latina superhero Jalisco (creator Kayden Phoenix, illustrator Amanda Julina Gonzales, and colorist Gloria Felix) will join cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty and Fanbase Press founder Barbra Dillon will discuss how and when Latina superheroes will finally get their time to shine.
Women of Horror Panel
Room: 102C
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Recently, women have been turning the horror genre on its head. From directors such as The Soska Sisters to female-led films such as Hereditary, the genre has been leaving old tropes behind. Dana DeLorenzo (Ash vs Evil Dead), Devanny Pinn (The Dawn), Alex Rinehart (The Black Room), Elissa Dowling (Tales of Halloween), and Esther Goodstein (Slay Belles) will discuss the ever-growing landscape of horror movies and TV shows. The panel will be moderated by producer Esther Goodstein (It Watches).
