10 Must-See Panels at Comic-Con


San Diego Comic-Con is a week away, but it's not too early to start strategizing about what you should see when you're there. Especially if you've seen the size of the event's program schedule.
But there's no reason to battle eye strain. We've put together a list of the 10 comic-related events to check out*, and the 10 movie and TV events to see. 
*All events at San Diego Convention center unless otherwise noted.

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COMICS




1. TRON: Legacy
When 11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Thursday, July 22
Where Hall H
Why attend Sure, sure, it's really cool that the cast of this sequel–including the sexy Olivia Wilde–will be on hand, and it'll be pretty rocking to see fresh footage. But how awesome is it that this delicious, piping hot geek enchilada will be served up to you by Patton Oswalt? Be sure you don't wear good shoes because the inevitable giant simultaneous nerdgasm that is expected to occur will ruin them.
If you like this, check out Entertainment Weekly: Girls Who Kick Ass–A New Generation of Heroines. If Olivia Wilde is what's drawing you to the TRON presentation, then a panel consisting of  Anna Torv, Chloe Moretz, Elizabeth Mitchell and Mary Elizabeth Winstead is a definite must-see on your list. 4-5 p.m. Friday, July 23; Ballroom 20.
2. Green Lantern
When 11:45-1:15 p.m. Friday, July 23
Where Hall H
Why attend Remember the excitement generated when the first footage for Iron Man premiered at Comic-Con in 2007? This year's Green Lantern panel has all the markings of replicating that same excitement for this superhero flick, which is set for summer 2011. You can say you were there to see the first glimpse of Ryan Reynolds and his power ring. Presentations for Sucker Punch and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will follow.
If you like this, check out RED. Loosely adapted from a comic by Warren Ellis and Cully Hamner–who both will be on hand–RED is shaping up to be a 2011 sleeper hit. See if it deserves the buzz. 2:15-3:15 p.m. Thursday, July 22; Hall H.
3. Entertainment Weekly: The Visionairies–J.J. Abrams and Joss Whedon
When 3:30-4:30 p.m. Friday, July 23
Where Hall H
Why attend My fantasy: Joss and J.J. spitball a film idea during this Q&A and decide to work together–Whedon writing the screenplay and Abrams directing–right there on the spot. The reality: Joss and J.J. talk graciously about one another's work, crack some jokes and talk vaguely and teasingly about their next big projects, Super 8 for Abrams and The Avengers for Whedon. 
If you like this, check out The Joss Whedon Experience. Only Whedonites need attend. But feel free to bring anyone willing to convert. 3-3:45 p.m. Saturday, July 24; Ballroom 20.


4. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World
When 6-7 p.m. Thursday, July 22
Where Hall H
Why attend Behind Inception, this is my most anticipated movie of the summer. The trailers for Edgar Wright's adaptation of Bryan Lee O'Malley's graphic novel series have been nothing short of spectacular, and this Q&A with the cast–including Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Anna Kendrick, Jason Schwartzman and Kieran Culkin–doesn't look to disappoint.
If you like this, check out Paul. Frequent Wright collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost talk about their comedic extra-terrestrial movie, directed by Greg Mottola. 4:45-5:45 p.m. Friday, July 23; Hall H.
5. Community Cast and Creative Team
When 3-4 p.m. Saturday, July 24
Where Indigo Room, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd.
Why attend Last season's paintball episode proved that this was network TV's most daring sitcom. Previous episodes had already proved that it was one of the funniest. Of course, the real treat will be seeing stars Joel McHale, Donald Glover and Danny Pudi riff together like they do occasionally during McHale's stand-up shows.
If you like this, check out The Other Guys. Will Ferrell and Adam McKay team up again for a Ron Burgundy-free movie. That's not necessarily a bad thing. 4-6 p.m. Friday, July 23; Room 6DE
6. Thor and Captain America: The First Avenger
When 6-7 p.m. Saturday, July 24
Where Hall H
Why attend The official schedule is short on details for this presentation, which is a bit peculiar considering these are Marvel Studio's next big films. Could execs be trying to keep a big announcement under wraps? Like maybe the cast for its epic, Joss Whedon-directed Avengers movies?
If you like this, check out The Event: World Premiere Pilot Screening and Q&A. Early buzz is calling this NBC's next Heroes. It's assumed that's meant as a compliment. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Saturday, July 24 Room 6A


7. The Walking Dead
When 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, July 23
Where Room 6BCF
Why attend With Mad Men, Breaking Bad and the upcoming Rubicon, AMC has been on an impressive roll with its original series. This Frank Darabont-helmed adaptation of the popular zombie comic looks to continue that streak.
If you like this, check out Spotlight on Charlaine Harris. The author who's responsible for your True Blood guilty pleasure talks about the inspiration for that series, her Sookie Stackhouse novels. 1-2 p.m. Thursday, July 22; Room 6BCF. 
8. Super
When 1-2 p.m. Friday, July 23
Where Hall H
Why attend Writer/director James Gunn's The Specials is an underrated piece of superhero comedy. Thankfully, his next stab at the genre–which features Rainn Wilson, Liv Tyler and Nathan Fillion–is getting more exposure.
If you like this, check out The Cape: Sneak Peek and Panel Discussion. Summer Glau returns to series television. All right, she hasn't been gone that long, but still … 2:15-3:15 p.m. Friday, July 23; Room 6A.
9. World Premiere of The House That Drips Blood: An Evening with Tommy Wiseau
When 8:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24
Where Room 7AB
Why attend Wiseau is best known for that cinematic gift that keeps giving known as The Room. If you're familiar with that movie, then you have an indication of what to expect from The House That Drips Blood.
If you like this, check out RiffTrax Live. If you're still wondering about how bad The Room is, the RiffTrax guys already have a comedic commentary track for it. 7-8 p.m. Friday, July 23; Room 6DE
10. World Premiere of Legend of Neil, Season 3
When 7:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday, July 24
Where Room 7AB
Why attend Check out the new episodes of this wildly funny web series that blends video games, fantasy and humor. Oh, and Felicia Day.
If you like this, check out The Guild. Did someone mention Felicia Day? She'll be at Comic-Con, pushing her own web comedy. Funny how that works. 2-3 p.m. Friday, July 23; Indigo Room, Hilton San Diego Bayfront, 1 Park Blvd.

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