With San Diego Comic-Con canceled due to COVID-19, the massive pop culture event shifted to a virtual experience called Comic-Con@Home, which will take place Wednesday, July 22 through Sunday, July 26. Over the last few weeks, major studios have begun announcing their panels for the event. Late last month AMC announced panels for “The Walking Dead” and “NOS4A2” and last week Amazon and HBO announced panels for “Truth Seekers” and “Lovecraft Country.” But there are a number of smaller panels that aren’t making headlines that fans of spooky content might be interested in, so I decided to put together a comprehensive list of panels big and small that fans of all things spooky might be interested in.
Thursday, July 23
12 PM – Amazon Prime Video: “Truth Seekers”
A new original supernatural horror-comedy by Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead), Nick Frost (Hot Fuzz), James Serafinowicz (Sick Note), and Nat Saunders (Sick Note). Join as they discuss the making of the hilarious eight-episode series about a team of part-time paranormal investigators who team up to uncover and film ghost sightings across the UK, sharing their adventures on an online channel for all to see. Discussion and Q&A moderated by Empire magazine’s Chris Hewitt.
12 PM – Cartoon Network Studios First Look
Philip Solomon, voice of Craig, and Lucia Cunningham, voice of Craig’s little sister Jessica, from the Emmy-nominated series “Craig of the Creek” host the annual Cartoon Network Studios First Look virtual panel. Though they’ll be dishing on a number of Cartoon Network titles All Hallows Geek readers will likely most be interested in the exclusive clips and announcements related to “Victor and Valentino,” the series I described as “Gravity Falls” meets Coco back when it was unveiled in 2018.
1 PM – Wonder Women: Superstars of Paranormal
The Women of Paranormal unite in this powerful panel, presented by Travel Channel. Join some of the biggest female stars from Travel Channel’s multiple hit series as they share what it means to be a fearless female force in the paranormal industry. Panelists include paranormal investigators and researchers Amy Bruni (“Kindred Spirits”) and Katrina Weidman (“Portals to Hell“), paranormal explorer Chelsea Laden (“Destination Fear“), and psychic medium Cindy Kaza (“The Holzer Files“). Fans will be inspired by their stories and get firsthand advice from a group of women who ain’t afraid of no ghosts.
2 PM – SYFY: The Roast of Todd McFarlane
Comic-Con wouldn’t be Comic-Con without Todd McFarlane–the innovative artist and entrepreneur who is the subject of the brand new SYFY WIRE documentary film, Todd McFarlane: Like Hell I Won’t. Todd is known for (quite literally) breaking down barriers, so they thought they’d invite some of his industry friends along to break his chops. To celebrate the documentary and Todd’s achievements, join a panel of industry greats as they commend Todd on his contributions to the industry, while simultaneously poking fun at the man who essentially “raised hell” to get where he is today.
5 PM – Van Helsing Season 4 – Comic-Con@Home Panel Discussion
This panel will answer some fan questions, find out where Vanessa Van Helsing is, and take a closer look at her epic meeting with The Dark One in Metamorphosis. They will also discuss what it was like filming overseas, the challenges we’ve faced during COVID-19, and how Van Helsing is getting back on track for Season 5.
6 PM – Shudder: ‘Horror is Queer’
Discover why horror cinema is (and always has been) queer with Sam Wineman, director of Shudder’ s upcoming documentary on LGBTQ horror film history, and a panel of leading voices: Nay Bever (co-host, Attack of the Queerwolf podcast), Bryan Fuller (creator, “Hannibal”), Don Mancini (creator of the Child’ s Play franchise), Lachlan Watson (actor, “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”) and, serving as moderator, writer Jordan Crucchiola.
Friday, July 24
12 PM – AMC’s Fear the Walking Dead
“Fear the Walking Dead” will present a panel for the series’ upcoming sixth season, premiering later this year. Moderated by Chris Hardwick, the panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunners and executive producers Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg, and cast members Lennie James, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Karen David, Jenna Elfman, and Rubén Blades. Season six of Fear the Walking Dead explores what has become of the unlikely family once united by a mission to help those in need. After being torn apart by Virginia (Colby Minifie) and her Pioneers, the group is now dispersed across her far-reaching settlements. Morgan’s (James) last message at the end of season five implored the group to “Just Live” and this season we’ll see what that means to each of them. Some will find the stability and opportunity within Virginia’s communities to be intriguing, some will sink into darkness, while others will fight back against what has been forced upon them. Life behind Virginia’s walls will test each and every one of them in different ways, forcing them to define who they are in this new world.
1 PM – AMC’s The Walking Dead
“The Walking Dead” will make its 11th San Diego Comic-Con appearance with a panel spotlighting “A Certain Doom, ” which will air as a standalone episode later this year. Moderated by Chris Hardwick (“Talking Dead”), the panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive producer Angela Kang, executive producer Greg Nicotero, who directed the episode, and cast members Norman Reedus, Melissa McBride, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, Josh McDermitt, Seth Gilliam, Ross Marquand, Khary Payton, and Paola Lazaro. In “The Walking Dead” episode 1016, “A Certain Doom, ” Beta engages the final battle of the Whisperer War.
1 PM – Harryhausen 100: Into the Ray Harryhausen Archive
2020 marks what would have been legendary animator Ray Harryhausen’s 100th birthday. To mark this occasion, the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation present an exclusive look into the incredible collection which was gathered over a lifetime of creativity. Join Ray’s daughter Vanessa Harryhausen (foundation trustee), John Walsh (foundation trustee), and Connor Heaney (collections manager) for a chance to get close to some of Ray’s most iconic creations, as the three share memories and secrets from the archive, celebrating a century of cinema magic.
2 PM – AMC’s The Walking Dead: World Beyond
“The Walking Dead: World Beyond” makes its Comic-Con International debut as the third series in wildly successful The Walking Dead Universe. Moderated by Chris Hardwick, the series’ panel will feature TWDU chief content officer Scott M. Gimple, showrunner and executive producer Matt Negrete and cast members Aliyah Royale, Alexa Mansour, Hal Cumpston, Nicholas Cantu, Nico Tortorella, Julia Ormond, and Joe Holt. The Walking Dead: World Beyond delves into a new mythology and story that follows the first generation raised in a surviving civilization of the post-apocalyptic world. Two sisters along with two friends leave a place of safety and comfort to brave dangers, known and unknown, living and undead on an important quest. Pursued by those who wish to protect them and those who wish to harm them, a tale of growing up and transformation unfurls across dangerous terrain, challenging everything they know about the world, themselves and each other. Some will become heroes. Some will become villains. But all of them will find the truths they seek.
3 PM – Hermes Press and Gothic Comics in America
The panel, moderated by publisher Daniel Herman (Silver Age the Second Generation of Comic Book Artists), will feature Kaz Windness (“Mother Goth Rhymes”), who will talk about her new book, “If UR Stabby,” which focuses on a grumpy unicorn whose name is indicative of what he does to people who irritate him; Bill Holbrook (“On the Fast Track”) and H.H. Glynn, who will talk about their new graphic novel, “Dethany and the Other Clique,” exploring middle school life and how to be yourself even in a clique; and Molly Mercier, whose new book, “The Lazy Goth: Method How to Alienate Friends and Avoid People,” is a collection of comic strips exploring the adventures and misadventures of a Goth in her day to day life. The panel will feature artwork from each of these titles discussed by its creators.
3 PM – Latin America Horror Cinema 2: Sometimes They Come Back
Once again you can join some of Latin America’s hottest horror directors to discuss how they can bring a new brand of fear to the USA screens. Alejandro Brugués (director, Juan of the Dead), Issa López (director, Tigers Are Not Afraid), Demián Rugna (director, Terrified), Isaac Ezban (director, The Incident), and Gigi Saul Guerrero (director, Culture Shock). Moderated by Sebastian Fink.
4 PM – Comic-Con: Robert Kirkman at Home
The Walking Dead creator Robert Kirkman shares his latest projects and answers your questions!
4 PM – Legendary Spawn Creator Todd McFarlane talks Toys, Comics and more!
Host Jim Viscardi, executive editor of Comicbook.com and Todd McFarlane, Spawn and Venom creator, McFarlane Toys’ CEO and president of Image Comics, talk about all your favorite geekdom things. McFarlane gives fans a sneak peek into the future of upcoming toys, comics, and what’s on his entertainment horizon.
4 PM – Vampirella 50th Anniversary Finale
Dynamite joins current Vampirella writers and artists Christopher Priest (Black Panther), Tom Sniegoski (Punisher), Lucio Parrillo, Meghan Hetrick, and editor Matt Idelson to discuss the timeless appeal of the character, current storylines, and tease the future.
4 PM – VIZ: A Haunting Conversation with Junji Ito
From the depths of your nightmares to your screen, VIZ and Comic-Con conjure Junji Ito. Junji Ito is the master of horror manga, the Eisner-winning creator of Frankenstein: Junji Ito Story Collection and creator of Uzumaki, an upcoming anime from Production I.G. on Adult Swim, among countless other terrors. Join us in a creepy conversation across the Pacific to dig into the depths of his brain and pull out the answers everyone’s been waiting for.
5 PM – A Zoom with Joss Whedon
Comic-Con@Home will host a Zoom with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” creator Joss Whedon.
5 PM – Deep Blue Sea 3: The Panel!
New discoveries and dangerous predators emerge in the middle of the ocean in Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s highly anticipated feature film, Deep Blue Sea 3. The follow-up to the breakout success of Deep Blue Sea 2 (itself a sequel to the 1999 cult hit Deep Blue Sea), Deep Blue Sea 3 will be the hot topic of discussion between an esteemed group of panelists, including actors Tania Raymonde (“Lost”), Nathaniel Buzolic (“The Vampire Diaries”), Emerson Brooks (“MacGyver”), Bren Foster (“The Last Ship”), Japanese star Reina Aoi, director John Pogue (The Quiet Ones) and screenwriter Dirk Blackman (“Outlander”). Sharknado franchise director Anthony Ferrante will moderate the panel, which will include tantalizing clips from the upcoming film. Deep Blue Sea 3, the next feature-length installment of the franchise’s ocean adventures, is set for release on digital starting July 28, 2020, and Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD on August 25, 2020.
5 PM – The Living Dead: Celebrating the Legacy of George Romero
George A. Romero invented the modern zombie with Night of the Living Dead, creating a monster that has become a key part of pop culture. Unfortunately, when he died, his last, epic story was incomplete. Enter Daniel Kraus, co-author, with Guillermo del Toro, of the New York Times bestseller “The Shape of Water” (based on the same idea the two created for the Academy Award-winning movie) and many other works of horror and suspense. A lifelong Romero fan, Kraus was honored to be asked by Romero’s widow Suzanne Desrocher-Romero, to complete “The Living Dead.” “The Living Dead” will be released from Tor in August, but come join Kraus, Desrocher-Romero, and moderator Richard Newby (The Hollywood Reporter) for a sneak peek, as they discuss the book and the legacy of George A. Romero.
6 PM – The Famous Monsters Podcast
Famous Monsters podcast crew, Jorge “The-Jack-Of-All-Trades” Marrero and Jason “The Falcon” Ioannou, are joined by fellow podcasters Matt Corrigan and Aaron McLane of The Launchpad podcast to play a game called “Body Count”! The game pits iconic monsters like the Wolf Man, Pennywise, and Pumpkinhead against each other to see who can collect the most victims. And there’s a catch, of course: the randomized victims won’t be completely helpless! Enter powerhouses like the Dream Warriors and the space marines from Aliens. Every battle will take place in a different setting–from the foggy English moors of American Werewolf to the House on Haunted Hill! It’s the best kind of monster battle roulette from the experts who know their every secret move, and is sure to result in both riotous laughter and impassioned debates.
Saturday, July 25
11 AM – Eye of Newt and Woold of Bat: The Science Behind Magic Potions and Spells
Potions class is in session! Is there some truth behind the enchanted elixirs and demonic deterrents in fantastical fare like Harry Potter, The Witcher, and Sabrina? Naturopathic doctor DeJarra Sims will walk you through nature’s real-life tinctures for healing, sleeping, wit-sharpening, and love, and explain the science behind their effects. Introduced by Fast Company’s Susan Karlin.
1 PM – Guillermo del Toro and Scott Cooper on Antlers and Filmmaking
Join horror icon Guillermo del Toro and director Scott Cooper as the discuss their new film Antlers and the art of filmmaking.
4 PM – HBO’s Lovecraft Country
From showrunner and executive producer Misha Green, the new drama series “Lovecraft Country” follows the thrilling journeys of Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors), his friend Letitia (Jurnee Smollett) and his Uncle George (Courtney B. Vance) across 1950s Jim Crow America as they overcome the racist terrors and terrifying monsters ripped from an H.P. Lovecraft novel. Join cast members, Jurnee Smollett, Jonathan Majors, Michael Kenneth Williams, Aunjanue Ellis, Wunmi Mosaku, Abbey Lee, and Courtney B. Vance in a conversation moderated by Sarah Rodman, executive editor of Entertainment Weekly.
4 PM – Let’s Get Spooky
Let’s get spooky with VAMP hosts, Ashley and AJ for Comic-Con@Home. From the supernatural to aliens, horror stories to ghost stories, and their own paranormal investigations, they’ve got you covered! Hope you fiends are ready, because it’s going to be a killer time!
5 PM – What We Do In The Shadows
Named “TV’s best comedy” by the Hollywood Reporter, “What We Do in the Shadows” is a documentary-style look into the lives of four vampires and their loyal familiar who, in a surprising twist, is a descendant of famed vampire slayer Van Helsing. Join us in raising a glass of regular human alcohol beer to the sharp-toothed cast–Matt Berry, Natasia Demetriou, Kayvan Novak, Mark Proksch, and Harvey Guillén–and the creative team for a spirited discussion hosted by special guest, Haley Joel Osment.
6 PM – AMC’s NOS4A2
“NOS4A2” returns to Comic-Con for its second season, which kicked off on Sunday, June 21 and airs through August 23. Moderated by Entertainment Weekly’s Clark Collis, the panel will feature showrunner and executive producer Jami O’Brien, executive producer Joe Hill and cast member Zachary Quinto. NOS4A2’s second season picks up eight years after the events of season one. Vic McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings) remains more determined than ever to destroy Charlie Manx (Quinto). Charlie, having faced his own mortality, emerges desperate for revenge against Vic. This time, he sets his sights on the person who means most to Vic – her eight-year-old son Wayne. The race for Wayne’s soul sends Vic and Charlie on a high-speed collision course, forcing both to confront the mistakes of their pasts in order to secure a hold on Wayne’s future.
6 PM – Scary Good TV: A Conversation with Horror’s Top Showrunners
Nick Antosca (“Channel Zero”), Meredith Averill (“Locke & Key”), Don Mancini (“Chucky”), Greg Nicotero (“Creepshow”), and Jami O’Brien (“NOS4A2”) offer their unique insights on why horror TV is having a moment and what it takes to create the kind of terrifying shows that keep viewers coming back episode after episode. Moderated by screenwriter/educator Tananarive Due (executive producer, Horror Noire: A History of Black Horror). Panel presented by Shudder.
Sunday, July 26
10 AM – Emily the Strange Virtual Panel Experience
The first ever Emily the Strange Virtual Panel Experience. Alongside Emily the Strange creator Rob Reger will be writer Jessica Gruner, illustrator Buzz Parker, Dark Horse China’s creative director Matt Willis, and designer (former art director) Brian Brooks. They will debut exclusive first looks at new animated shorts in development for China, and “making-of” behind-the-scenes art videos from Rob Reger and Buzz Parker. This panel is dedicated to fan appreciation as they do their best to answer the questions you asked on Facebook and Instagram. Emily the Strange herself makes several appearances to answer your questions. All in all, this might just be their most entertaining and strange panel ever.
10 AM – Motherland: Fort Salem: A World of Magic, Action, and Intrigue
Creator Eliot Laurence and the cast of “Motherland: Fort Salem” gather to discuss the epic first season and a look forward to season two, which expands the rich world we’ve come to know. Panelists from the fan-favorite series include Taylor Hickson, Ashley Nicole Williams, Jessica Sutton, Demetria McKinney, Amalia Holm, and Lyne Renee. The conversation will be moderated by TVGuide.com’s Lindsay MacDonald.
12 PM – Women On The Dark Side
Not all female artists/creators are about unicorns and glittery vampires and silly pseudo-bondage. Some women create truly dark and challenging art and content, with just a touch of humor and whimsy. Whether it’s comic books, novels, or art, these are the women who are creating content that connects with our deeper, darker side. Featuring Susan Lee (writer/artist, Wraith of Love), Sandy King Carpenter (producer/writer, Storm King Productions), Chelsea Cain (writer, Heartsick), MD Marie (writer, Vindication), and moderator Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press).
These are just the spooky highlights that All Hallows Geek readers will likely be interested in, but there are full schedules for all five days of Comic-Con@Home so be sure to head over to the Programming page on the Comic-Con website to see everything they have in store for this free virtual event.
