With the 40th annual San Diego Comic-Con International now less than two weeks away, the highly anticipated programming schedule has now been released and there are a smattering of panels on offer that appeal to those sci-fi geeks among us in the LGBT community. From Eliza Dushku to panels specifically for LGBT fans, here's a rundown of some of the events that target the SheWired audience.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
Special Sneak Peek Pilot Screenings: Human Target, V and The Vampire Diaries make their public debut.
THURSDAY, JULY 23
Entertainment Weekly hosts Wonder Women: Female Power Icons in Pop Culture, where panels including Sigourney Weaver, Elizabeth Mitchell and Zoe Saldana discuss female characters who have shattered the glass ceiling. (1:15-2:15, Ballroom 20)
Summit Entertainment offers sneak previews of some of its upcoming big-screen releases, including New Moon, the second installment in the Kristen Stewart-Robert Pattinson Twilight saga. (1:45-2:45, Hall H)
Tipping Point for LGBT Portrayals in Comics looks at LGBT issues in the cultural zeitgeist and how the community has been illustrated in comics, specifically examining the long-term significance of lesbian characters Batwoman and The Question. (4-5 p.m., Room 32AB)
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog screening, followed by Commentary! The Musical. Catch the adorable lyrical stylings of Felicia Day in Joss Whedon's made-for-the-Web series. (8-10 p.m., Room 6A)
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Meet The Guild offers cast members of the animated Web series starring lovable gamer Felicia Day in a panel discussion with fans, plus a sneak preview of the series' third season. (10:30-11:30 a.m., Room 5AB)
True Confessions: LGBT Slice-of-Life Comics offers a slice-of-life discussion about LGBT autobiographical comics featuring panelists Lee Marrs, Ariel Schrag, Jeff Krel, Robert Tiptow and Justin Hall. (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Room 10)
Get in line early for the Dollhouse panel and screening that features writer-creator Joss Whedon and star Eliza Dushku screening the never-before-seen 13th episode of the Fox drama, Epitaph One, that includes guest star Felicia Day. (4-5:15, Ballroom 20)
SATURDAY, JULY 25
Eastwick Pilot Screening and Q&A with stars Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price, Jamie Ray Newman and Paul Gross. Based on the John Updkie novel and film The Witches of Eastwick, the ABC drama will indeed make sure you're careful for what you wish for. (10:15-11:15 a.m., Room 6A)
The Women in Manga panel will discuss the state of women in the manga industry, female fans within the manga community and where women go from here in supporting and advocating for the media they love. (11 a.m.-noon, Room 24A)
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Fox musical comedy sensation Glee makes its Comic-Con debut with a special screening of a never-before-seen episode, followed by a panel discussion. (1:30-3 p.m., Indigo Ballroom/Hilton Bayfront)
Featuring kick-ass FBI detective Anna Torv, the Fringe panel features a Q&A and exclusive video presentation, along with cast members including Josh Jackson and John Noble. (4-5 p.m., Ballroom 20)
Love is in the Air: LGBT Romance Comics offers a panel discussing the new generation of romance comics that moves beyond the boy-girl soap operas of yesteryear. Featuring panelists Terry Moore, Tim Fish, Mari Morimoto and Michelle Nolan.
Park yourselves in Ballroom 20 all day just to ensure you get a seat for the True Blood panel and Q&A session. Join Sookie (Anna Paquin) and Bill (Stephen Moyer) along with creator Alan Ball and the rest of the cast for this hourlong vampire fest. (5:15-6:15 p.m., Ballroom 20)
For those shutout of True Blood, try checking out The Vampire Diaries Pilot Screening and Q&A that mixes parts True Blood, Twilight and Buffy with Kevin Williamson's Dawson's Creek and fall for another vampire. In addition to screening the pilot of the new CW drama, the cast and creative team will be on hand as well. (5:55-7 p.m., Room 6BCF)
The Gays in Comics: Year 22! Panel offers an all-star look at the diversity in the comics world today with DC Comics and Marvel's newest gay characters. (6-7 p.m., Room 6DE)
Call it a night at the Gays in Comics Mixer where you mingle with fellow fans and creators. (7:30-8:30 p.m., Room 6A)
SUNDAY, JULY 26
Sunday is Kids' Day at The Con, and, while there's a full day of programming, nothing beats The Main Event: Buffy the Musical, where fans of Joss Whedon's Buffy the Vampire Slayer series kick into high gear with a special screening and sing-along to musical episode Once More, With Feeling. This continues to be a massive draw with fans, so get there early and make sure you bring a finger puppet. (4-5 p.m., Ballroom 20)
See you in San Diego!
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