THE UNCANNY X-PANEL
Step into the world of the X-Men as some of the most iconic mutants assemble for a powerhouse panel you won’t want to miss! Join fan-favorite cast members behind Storm, Jubilee, Magneto, Nightcrawler, and Rogue as they explore the legacy, complexity, and enduring appeal of Marvel’s most beloved mutant team.
From weather-controlling goddesses and teleporting tricksters to magnetic masterminds and Southern charmers, this all-star lineup dives into what makes the X-Men universe so compelling—on screen, in comics, and in the hearts of fans. Expect behind-the-scenes insights, character deep-dives, and discussions on identity, power, teamwork, and what it really means to be “uncanny.”
Mutant and proud? This panel is for you.
TIME 11:30AM
PANEL ROOM SUITE 3
GHOSTBUSTERS, VIRGINIA DOUBLE FEATURE
It’s a Ghosbusters, Virginia Double Feature presenting the shorts Two in the Box, and Don’t Make Me Laugh!
Due to Demand, we’ll be featuring this panel Saturday and Sunday.
TIME 12PM
PANEL ROOM 4AB
50 ANSWERS IN 50 MINUTES WITH MARK WAID
Ready, set, ask! Legendary comics writer and editor Mark Waid (Kingdom Come, Daredevil, The Flash, World’s Finest) takes the hot seat for a lightning round of rapid-fire Q&A in this fast, funny, and no-holds-barred session. You’ve got questions—he’s got 50 answers.
From writing iconic heroes to shaping the modern comics landscape, Mark dishes out insights, opinions, and possibly a few plot twists as he tackles 50 questions in just 50 minutes. Storytelling advice? Wild industry tales? Bold takes on your favorite characters? Nothing’s off limits. (But keep it classy, folks).
Don’t miss this rare chance to pick the brain of one of comics’ most influential creators—at super speed!
TIME 12:30PM
PANEL ROOM SUITE 3
DO YOU WANT TO BUILD A DROID, MAN?
It doesn’t have to be a droid, maaaaaan.
Join the Hampton Roads Droid Builders for a panel discussion and Q&A on all things droid (and not droid) building. Heavy focus on the 3D printing and electronics aspects of what goes into a build, as well as talking through the many options out there from a full-size screen accurate R2-D2 to a 20% scale RC-controlled chibi robot.
TIME 1PM
PANEL ROOM 4AB
A CONVO WITH LOU DIAMOND PHILLIPS
Join us for an unforgettable CONversation with the legendary Lou Diamond Phillips, the acclaimed actor whose iconic performances have left a lasting mark on film, television, and theater. From his breakout role as Ritchie Valens in La Bamba to powerful turns in Stand and Deliver, Young Guns, Longmire, and beyond, Lou brings decades of experience, insight, and charisma to the stage.
Whether you’re a lifelong admirer or new to his work, this is a rare chance to connect with one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring talents.
TIME 1:30PM
PANEL ROOM SUITE 3
CREATIVE CHARACTER DESIGN 101
Create compelling, original characters using archetypes and design elements such as shadows and line with tips and techniques from Bryan “Kaiser” Tillman.
Bryan bridges the gap between the technique of drawing characters and the theory of good character design with examples of professional art, and literary and pop culture references to teach you how to develop a character, not just draw one.
Bryan will break down established character archetypes to show you why and how the different aspects of good character design work.
TIME 2PM
PANEL ROOM 4AB
CONVO WITH RON PERLMAN
Step into the world of one of Hollywood’s most iconic and commanding performers—Ron Perlman. With a career spanning decades and genres, Perlman has brought unforgettable characters to life, from the noble beast Vincent in Beauty and the Beast, to the legendary Hellboy, to gritty roles in Sons of Anarchy, Blade 2, Pacific Rim, and beyond.
Join us for an unfiltered and fascinating Convo as Ron shares behind-the-scenes stories, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of his career, and discusses his passion for storytelling, activism, and staying true to his voice. Known for his deep charisma, wit, and no-nonsense honesty, Perlman brings the same intensity to the stage that he brings to every role.
TIME 2:30PM
PANEL ROOM SUITE 3
PUSHING DRAGONS: A D&D LIVE PLAY
Pushing Dragons mixes improv comedy, cosplay, and D&D for an outrageous night of fun and adventure. The Push Comedy Theater is playing Dungeons and Dragons. And you’re invited to play along. This is a live show where we take everything great about improv comedy and everything great about D&D and merge them together.
Members of the Push Comedy Theater will go on an improvised adventure, using stripped down D&D rules (5th edition). With a giant, 20-sided die… you the audience will help determine the outcome. Unlike other live plays, we don’t sit around the table. Our game is performed on a stage with the players and monsters often venturing into the audience. It is an exciting and energetic experience. Who knows… you may even be pulled into the adventure yourself. Whether you’re a die hard D&D fan or you just know about it from Stranger Things, this show will have something for everyone.
TIME 4PM
PANEL ROOM 4AB
RANDOM ACTS OF COMICS
Join Todd Dezago — co‑creator of Tellos and The Perhapanauts, with scripts spanning Spider‑Man, X‑Men, Justice League and more, along with a collection of some of this year’s comic creator guests including Bart Sears (and more TBA) to talk about literally anything Todd wants to talk about!
This is a must for fans of Todd’s podcast Random Acts of Comics.
TIME 4:30PM
PANEL ROOM SUITE 3
GHOSTBUSTERS, VIRGINIA DOUBLE FEATURE
It’s a Ghosbusters, Virginia Double Feature presenting the shorts Two in the Box, and Don’t Make Me Laugh!
Due to Demand, we’ll be featuring this panel Saturday and Sunday.
TIME 11AM
PANEL ROOM 4AB
PLAN B IMPROV SHOW
When all else fails… there’s Plan B! Get ready for a fast-paced, unscripted comedy ride with The Plan B Improv Show, where everything is made up and anything can happen. Armed with sharp wit, zero scripts, and audience suggestions, this fearless troupe delivers big laughs, ridiculous characters, and spontaneous scenes that will have you rolling in the aisles.
Whether you’re a seasoned improv fan or brand new to the chaos, Plan B brings the kind of unpredictable, crowd-fueled fun that makes every show a once-in-a-lifetime experience. No safety net. No Plan A. Just comedy gold.
Come ready to shout out suggestions—and maybe even join the fun!
TIME 12:30
PANEL ROOM 4AB
WORLD BUILDING 101
One of the best things about being a comic book creator is the fact that you are able to create entire worlds, universes even. But with this great power comes many questions that you need to be able to answer. But where to start and how can you keep everything flowing in a consistent flow?
In this lecture World Building 101, Bryan “Kaiser” Tillman creator of Dark Legacy and Ninja Empire will go in-depth on what it takes to create worlds from scratch. He will also be giving you tips and tricks on how to create your own fully realized, living, breathing world/universe.