The time to dig up your capes and superhero T-shirts has come.
The Long Beach Comic Expo takes place this weekend on Feb. 20 and 21 at the Long Beach Convention Center.
What sets this particular comic convention apart from the others is its more intimate setting that still packs a punch with great programing. The expo kicks off on Saturday at 10 a.m. and goes through Sunday at 5 p.m.
This year the event’s biggest draw is a meet-and-greet with legendary comic writer Chris Claremont, who has worked on some of the most well-known comics and graphic novels, such as “X-Men: Days of Future Past” and “Justice League of America.” Other notable guests in the lineup this year include Alan Tudyk (“Firefly”). Kelly Hu (“X-Men 2,” “Arrow”) and Tom Walker (Netflix’s “Daredevil”).
The expo’s programming has something for everyone whether they are comic newcomers, kids or people looking for industry advice. The Mars Rover Science panels, the #MakeComics how-to programs and the Movies vs. Comics panel are just some of the interesting things planned for expo-goers this year.
For those who saw and loved the new “Deadpool” movie, co-creator of the comic character, Fabian Nicieza, will be talking about the Merc With a Mouth and his journey from villain to anti-hero in the “Breaking the Fourth Wall with Deadpool” panel on Saturday.
Of course, it isn’t a comic convention without plenty of opportunities to take pictures with all your favorite characters, which can be found at Cosplay Corner, near the concessions area.
Whether you want to rifle through boxes of old comics, pose with Batman, watch comic-related films or hustle form panel to panel, the expo has options on top of options for you.
SATURDAY
The Art of Star Wars & The Fandom Behind It at 1 p.m. in the Danger Room
Marvel Talent Talks Comics vs. Movies at 2 p.m. in the Danger Room
Aftershock Comics at 5 p.m. in the Danger Room (this is a new comic company, but they have well established talent already attached to it)
Geekfest Filmmakers Panel at 11 a.m. in the Film Festival room.
Versus! Who’d win battles between your favorite characters at 12:30 p.m. in the Rumble Room.
Breaking the Fourth Wall with Deadpool at 4 p.m. in the Rumble Room. (co-creator of Deadpool, Fabian Nicieza, will be there)
LGBTQ Comics: Drawn From Life at 5 p.m. in the Rumble Room
#MakeComics: Creating Amazing Covers at 10:30 a.m. in the Creators Lab
#MakeComics: Successful Independent Publishing at 5:30 p.m. in the Creators Lab
Age of Apocolypse panel at 10:30 a.m. in the Final Frontier room (this will be popular because of the upcoming x-Men movie)
VR & AR: What’s the future? What’s Now? An Overview of the State of Technology at 4:30 p.m. in the Final Frontier room. (this is about 3D games, virtual reality, etc)
Robin hood to Katniss: Why is Archery so Freakin’ Cool? at 5:30 p.m. in the Final Frontier room.
Video Games Version 2.0 at 2:30 p.m. in the Knerds of the Round Table room
SUNDAY
Image Comic creators talk Image at 2 p.m. in the Danger Room
Chris Claremont Meet and Greet at 11:30 a.m. in the Smallville room
Celebrating Women in Comics at 10:30 a.m. in the Rumble Room
The Making of the Nightwing Live Action Series at 2:30 p.m. in the Rumble Room
#MakeComics: An Intimate Look at the Writing Styles of Successful Comic Writers at 2 p.m. in the Creator’s Lab
I’ve Written A Book! How Do I Get It Published? at 3 p.m. in the Creators Lab
Mars Rover Science: Instruments, Investigations, and Images at 11:30 a.m. in the Final Frontier room
A Conversation With DC Comic Creatives at 12:30 p.m. in the Final Frontier room
Down to Nerd: Time Travel with Chris Claremont and MARTY at 3:30 p.m. in the Final Frontier room