Comic-Con 2015: Friday's Big Events

Friday marks the second full day of events at Comic-Con International.

The annual gathering of pop culture geeks, gurus and fans attracts more than 130,000 people to the San Diego Convention Center as the big studios, comic book publishers and merchandise producers showcase their best, brightest and most desirable.

Each day we'll bring you the best stories, pictures and information straight from the convention floor. Plus we'll look ahead to what the must-see events and panels on a day-by-day basis.

[G-2015] Celebrities Hit Comic-Con

What can you expect Friday? "Star Wars" mania, "The Walking Dead" ushers in "Fear the Walking Dead," "Lost in Space" celebrates a golden anniversary, and "Game of Thrones" panelists face an angry, Jon Snow-loving fanbase. 

The Black Panel

This 2015 panel consists of Ne-Yo ("Ghost: The God Killer," Non-Fiction), Joe Illidge (writer, columnist, "The Ren"), Karen Hunter ("The Karen Hunter Show," Karen Hunter Publishing, Pulitzer Prize winner), Eric Dean Seaton (Disney Channel director, creator, "Legend of the Mantamaji") and Don McGregor (2015 Bill Finger Award recipient for Excellence in Comic Book Writing). The focus of the panel is the lack of unity among many in the Black pop culture space with an open floor for ideas on how to make changes.  (10:00am - 11:30am Room 5AB)

Falling Skies:The Final Farewell

A special goodbye to TNT's alien series "Falling Skies." Noah Wyle, Moon Bloodgood, Drew Roy, and others will be on hand to discuss favorite moments, most gruesome deaths, and memorable alien battle scars. Con attendees will be treated to an exclusive look ahead at the epic final season and a Q&A. (11:15am - 12:15pm Ballroom 20)

"The Walking Dead" Returns

Andrew Lincoln, Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun, Lauren Cohan, Danai Gurira, Melissa McBride, Chandler Riggs, Sonequa Martin-Green, Michael Cudlitz, and Lennie James join producers and special effects makeup supervisor Greg Nicotero in a panel to discuss the shocking finale of Season 5 and what to look forward to in Season 6, debuting this fall on AMC. (12:00pm - 1:00pm Hall H)

[G-2015] Babes of Comic-Con 2015

Hasbro: "Star Wars"

Join members of the Hasbro and Lucasfilm teams as they discuss the popular Hasbro Star Wars line. Attendees will get an in-depth look at Hasbro's latest action figure offerings, including a special product reveal. (12:00pm - 1:00pm Room 7AB)

"Fear the Walking Dead" Debut

On the heels of "The Walking Dead" panel comes the cast and producers of the highly-anticipated prequel series to "The Walking Dead" coming to AMC in the fall. There'll be a Q&A session and an sneak preview of the new series. (1:00pm - 2:00pm Hall H)

Diversity and Queer Gaming

Diversity remains a hot topic in the media, and the year in gaming is no exception. How are new gaming platforms giving a voice to underserved groups of players? How does the "Gaymer" identity spill beyond the tabletop, and what role do minorities have to play in the industry? Join Prism Comics and moderator Josh Trujillo (editor, Death Saves-Fallen Heroes of the Kitchen Table) for a wide-ranging discussion of diversity and roles in gaming, covering everything from Dungeons & Dragons to Kim Kardashian: Hollywood. (2:00pm - 3:00pm Room 28DE)

Industrial Light and Magic: 40 Years On

For four decades, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most memorable images in the history of modern cinema. From advances in the photo chemical process, optical compositing, motion control, and models and miniatures to the company's pioneering efforts in computer graphics, performance capture and character animation, ILM continues to break new ground. The presenters will discuss the company's work from its earliest days and breakthroughs along the way. (2:00pm - 3:00pm Room 7AB)

[G-2015] Bros of Comic-Con

"Game of Thrones" – Feel the Wrath of Jon Snow Fans!

With the death of popular character Jon Snow (Kit Harrington) at the end of the recent season, panelists and castmembers Alfie Allen, John Bradley, Gwendoline Christie, Liam Cunningham, Natalie Dormer, Conleth Hill, Hannah Murray, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, director David Nutter and moderator Seth Meyers are sure to face conspiracy theories about whether or not Snow will return in 2016. (2:30pm - 3:30pm Hall H)

"Lost in Space": 50th Anniversary

It's been five decades since this intergalactic family saga became a sci-fi cult classic set in the space age future of 1997! Celebrate the golden anniversary Blu-ray with those who experienced the adventure firsthand: castmembers Bill Mumy, Angela Cartwright, Mark Goddard, and Marta Kristen. (2:30pm - 3:30pm Room 24ABC)

Creating Comics with the iPad

The iPad has transformed the way you read comics, but did you know you can create comic art on the iPad too? See a comic book character come to life as Brian Miller ("Star Wars: Crush the Rebellion") and Kristy Miller ("Doctor Who") demonstrate step by step how to pencil, ink, and paint comics on the iPad. (4:00pm - 5:00pm Room 30CDE)

Entertainment Weekly: Brave New Warriors

Today's male heroes including Zachary Levi ("Heroes Reborn"), Jordan Gavaris ("Orphan Black"), Sam Heughan ("Outlander"), Kevin Durand ("The Strain") and Michael Cudlitz ("The Walking Dead") will discuss the thrills and fears of taking on iconic characters (4:00pm - 5:00pm Hall H)

"Colony" Debut

Stars Josh Holloway ("Lost"), Sarah Wayne Callies ("The Walking Dead") and show producers present an inside look at USA Network's new original drama series "Colony," which is set in near-future Los Angeles after outside intruders have seized control of the city and subjected it to a military occupation. (4:30pm - 5:30pm Room 6BCF)

[G-2015] Images: Comic Con Critters

Lucasfilm: "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" Panel

Lucasfilm president and producer Kathleen Kennedy, director J.J. Abrams, writer Lawrence Kasdan, and special guests provide a special look at the upcoming sequel to "Return of the Jedi." May the Force be with those who waited in line for hours (perhaps days) just to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the movie that is dominating Comic-Con 2015. (5:30pm - 6:30pm Hall H)

"Orphan Black" Panel

Stars of the cult BBC America series Tatiana Maslany (Sarah and the Leda clones), Jordan Gavaris (Felix), Maria Doyle Kennedy (Mrs. S), Dylan Bruce (Paul), Kristian Bruun (Donnie), and Ari Millen (Mark and the Castor clones) look back at last season before filming begins on Season 4. (5:45pm - 6:45pm Room 6BCF)

World Premiere: "Justice League: Gods & Monsters"

Animation legend Bruce Timm returns to the popular DC Universe Original Movies with his unique new vision of a Justice League you've never seen before. "Justice League: Gods & Monsters" features a Superman born of General Zod's blood, a Batman with a healthy dose of bat in the man, and a Wonder Woman rising from the ranks of the New Gods. (7:00pm - 9:00pm Ballroom 20)

"Sharknado 3: Oh Hell No!"

The title says it all! Join stars Ian Ziering (Fin Shepard), Tara Reid (April Wexler), Cassie Scerbo (Nova Clarke), and David Hasselhoff (Gil Shepard), director Anthony C. Ferrante, and writer Thunder Levin for a fin-tastic behind-the-scenes journey into the global pop culture sensation, followed by a Q&A session. (7:15pm - 8:15pm Room 6A)

Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards

The 27th annual Eisner Awards (the "Oscars" of the comics industry) honor comics creators and works in 29 categories. Presenters will include singer-songwriter/actor/comics fan Ne-Yo (Non-Fiction); actors Shane West ("Salem," "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"), Tara Ochs ("Selma"), Megan Hayes ("Hunger Games"), J. Michael Trautman ("Shameless"), Katrina Law ("Arrow," "Spartacus"), Kandyse McClure ("Battlestar Galactica," "Smallville"), and Tahmoe Penkett ("Battlestar Galactica," "Reign"). (8:00pm - 10:30pm Indigo Ballroom, Hilton San Diego Bayfront)

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