Going Digital at SDCC 2011

So the biggest con of the year is once again upon us! This year’s San Diego Comic Con is gearing up with some great panels and events all weekend long. It’s no secret that 2011 has been a big year for digital comics (And it’s not over yet!) with this year’s SDCC catering more than ever to creators and fans alike when it comes to the world of digital comics and beyond. Of course with so much to see and do this year those in attendance may easily find themselves at a loss. Luckily comiXology is here with a quick to all things Digital at SDCC, so you don’t have to miss out on the big announcements that everyone will be talking about:

Thursday the 21st (11:00-2:00) Marvel Digital: What’s Next?! Comics…and Beyond!—
Members of the Marvel Digital Media Group give you the first word on Marvel digital comics, casual games, original streaming video productions, social media outreach, and the future of Marvel’s ever-expanding digital endeavors. Room 7AB

Saturday 23rd (2:30-3:30) Digital Disruption: Comics, Webcomics, and the Business Model of the Future—
The explosion of online digital distribution — not all of it authorized — has created both challenges and opportunities for comics creators and publishers. What is the business model of the future? What can we learn from the webcomics movement? How have other media created innovative money-making solutions for creators? Comics industry legend Mark Waid (Daredevil) and webcomics pioneer Scott Kurtz (PvP) conduct a no-holds-barred discussion on competing with “free,” confronting the torrents, and bringing marketable value to the comics audience today. Moderated by Bruce Lidl (PeerPress.net). Room 8

Saturday 23rd (4:00-5:00) IDW Digital—
The IDW digital team lives on the bleeding edge where creativity meets technology. From iPads to phones to game devices to TVs, each platform brings something different to the digital comics experience. And what about original digital comics? Learn all from IDW’s director of ePublishing Jeff Webber, iVerse CEO Michael Murphey, andDr. Who writer Tony Lee, along with special announcements and surprise guests! Room 9

Saturday 23rd (5:00-6:00) comiXology, Creators, and Retailers: How Digital Empowers All Players—
A traditionally fragmented market, the comic book industry has come a long way in terms of closing the gap between publishers, retailers, and creators. comiXology’s recently announced Digital Storefront Affiliate program has further catapulted the industry into transition by empowering publishers and retailers to strengthen synergies and tap into the vibrant digital marketplace to sell more comics. On the verge of another breakthrough within the industry, creators and independent publishers will soon be able to increase visibility in the digital marketplace through a standard format and ubiquitous platform using comiXology’s Guided View Authoring Tools. Learn more with David Steinberger (CEO of comiXology), P. J. Bickett(CEO of Archaia), Riley Brown (comic artist), and more to gain an inside perspective on how our recent programs are empowering and unifying the comic book industry to leverage the full the power of the digital marketplace. Room 4

Saturday 23 6:30-7:30 Dawn of the Digital Era—
Join Thomas Jane (Hung, The Punisher, RawStudios.com) in person with industry stars Tim Bradstreet(The Punisher), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Painkiller Jane), David Uslan(Graphicly.com, Branded Entertainment), and Pepe Moreno (Batman Digital Justice, Rebel, Amusedom.com) to discuss the rapidly emerging digital distribution platform of comics! They’ll provide an in-depth look at the creative and business aspects of the digital medium, aiming to demystify the taboos associated with digital comics and demonstrate how they can be more accessible for consumers and profitable for artists. You will learn how it all works together: from social media marketing to worldwide simultaneous distribution on multiple devices. With a moderator like Geoff Boucher (LA Times Hero Complex), this will be a panel you won’t want to miss! Room 8

Whether your looking for the latest news on digital comics or big time announcements from your favorite publishers This year’s SDCC is the place to be. For more on all the great panels going on all weekend long be sure to check the official San Diego Comic Con website.