8 Comic Con Revolution Ontario panels you don’t want to miss
The comic-oriented event will feature cosplayers, wrestling icons, the casts of "Star Wars: Rebels," "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" and "X-Men '97" May 18-19.
Grab your capes and lightsabers, Comic Con Revolution returns to the Ontario Convention Center this weekend.
The event, which hosts voice actors, animators, comic creators and WWE Hall of Famers, will take place Saturday, May 18, through Sunday, May 19, at the Ontario Convention Center.
Cosplayers, X-maniacs and far-away galaxy fans will have the chance to meet the casts of “Star Wars Rebels,” “Star Wars: The Clones Wars” and “X-Men ’97.” These three events require a special wristband only distributed at the beginning of each day at 10 a.m., in room 202 of the convention center. Wristbands will likely be a hot commodity but are free to attendees while supplies last.
Returning amenities include the artist alley, kids’ story time, cosplay corner, star cars, professional photo ops and tabletop gaming. Comic-centric activities and panels are popping off throughout the weekend, and we’ve compiled the top eight choices that fans won’t want to miss.
Saturday
Classic “Star Wars” Comics: Have you ever wondered what became canon from the original “Star Wars” comics? Join the “Skywalking Through Neverland” podcast and YouTube channel hosts Richard and Sarah Woloski, as they present a live breakdown of the first expanded “Star Wars” universe story, found in the 1977-1978 issues. Their commentary will include story, artwork, and behind-the-scenes breakdowns. Noon.
A Look Back at “Star Wars Rebels”: The “Star Wars” universe has expanded to include a long list of films, but that reach has also developed into wildly popular animated shows. This panel hosted by “Star Wars: Thrawn” author Timothy Zahn looks back at the series, which introduced fans to Ezra, Sabine, and the rebels’ crew. It will include cast members Taylor Gray (Ezra Bridger), Vanessa Marshall (Hera Syndulla), Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren), Steve Blum (Zeb Orrelios), and producer Greg Weisman. 3 p.m.
Comics for Young Readers: With TikTok, TV and Roblox commanding the attention of young people, reading has been at risk of becoming an antiquated pastime. Comics can be a gateway to get youngsters back into books. This panel, led by authors Mike Kunkel, Beth Sotelo, Travis Hanson and Patrick Scullin, dives into finding great comics for young readers and what goes into creating the stories they love. 3 p.m.
Making Your Own Animated Film: Fancy yourself a budding filmmaker? This panel discusses bringing a story to life through animation. Join filmmakers Mike Morris, Gavin Freitas, Allison Sribnick, and others as they explore the skills, processes, tools, and publishing strategies needed to take an idea from the storyboard to the big screen. 4:30 p.m.
Sunday
Life of a Bender: John DiMaggio, the voice star of Bender in “Futurama” and Jake the Dog on “Adventure Time,” will host a fan Q&A and share his favorite stories of his time in each series. 11 a.m.
Build Your Own Lightsaber: Learn how to build your own lightsaber with different saber parts or simple PVC pieces from any home improvement store. This event also includes a brief history of the saber community and teaches a step-by-step breakdown of how to perform the Obi-Ani. 11 a.m.
X-Men ’92-’97: One of the most iconic animations that brought the X-Men comics into mainstream pop culture is back, thanks to the new Disney+ animated series “X-Men ’97” which aired earlier this year and picked up where the ’90s show left off. The panel will feature A.J .LoCascio (Gambit), Lenore Zann (Rogue), Gui Agustini (Sunspot), Ross Marquand (Professor X), Matthew Waterson (Magneto) and Isaac Robinson-Smith (Bishop) from the new series. 11:30 a.m.
“Star Wars: The Clone Wars”: This panel will reunite voice actors Ashley Eckstein (Ahsoka Tano), Dee Bradley Baker (Captain Rex), Matt Lanter (Anakin Skywalker), Daniel Logan (Boba Fett), and James Arnold Taylor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) as they look back on the epic animated series. 1 p.m.
Comic Con Revolution
Where: The Ontario Convention Center, 2000 E Convention Center Way, Ontario,
When: 9 a.m. Friday, May 18 and 10 a.m. Sunday, May 19.
Tickets: Advance adult weekend passes are $53; single-day adult tickets are $37.50; teen weekend passes (ages 13-17) are $43; single-day teen tickets are $32.50; children under 12 are free with an adult admission. All tickets can be purchased at comicconrevolution.com. Tickets will also be available at the door each day of the event but will be sold at a higher price than advanced tickets.