Cartoon Network is bringing an out-of-this-world fan experience at Comic-Con (July 19-22) with an overall immersive Steven Universe experience, an homage to Adventure Time, along with additional signings, panels, and exclusive product offerings.
Inspired by the illustrious mythology of Steven Universe, this year’s booth (#3735) will greet fans with large, iconic figures of the Crystal Gems above a crystal landscape. A screen embedded in the crystal will show what’s waiting inside – the chance to be in an epic parallax scene with their favorite characters!
Kicking off Thursday, July 19, Grammy winner and voice of Steven Universe’s Garnet, Estelle, joins show creator Rebecca Sugar and her friends from the Dove Self-Esteem Project for a conversation about the importance of inclusion and body positivity that the series has been so celebrated for.
Adventure Time fans can grab their friends and gear up for the Ultimate Adventure Friday, July 20 as the cast and crew come together in the Indigo Ballroom for its final panel. Come along and celebrate Cartoon Network’s longest-running series with live music, special guests, and a few mathematical surprises.
On Saturday, July 21, meet back in the Indigo Ballroom for Cartoon Network’s official Steven Universe panel, complete with musical performances, never-before-seen clips and appearances from your favorite Gems! Cartoon Network is also bringing together its hottest new creators for its inaugural Drawing on Inspiration panel, featuring creators from OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes, Craig of the Creek, We Bare Bears, Summer Camp Island and Victor and Valentino. Exclusive signing posters will be available at each panel’s respective signings. Capping off the weekend is the return of Cartoon Network’s annual Best Summer Ever Costume Ball where kids of all ages will have a chance to dress up as their favorite show character. Other series featured at San Diego Comic-Con include Unikitty! and DC Super Hero Girls.
Cartoon Network has partnered with key licensees to offer attendees official SDCC-exclusive consumer products featuring characters from beloved franchises Steven Universe, Adventure Time and The Powerpuff Girls.
Below is a list of all panels, fan events, screenings, signings and exclusive product offered Thursday, July 19 – Sunday, July 22. Events, as well as series producers and talent scheduled to appear, are subject to change.
Cartoon Network Panels
THURSDAY, JULY 19
SUPERHEROES OF BODY POSITIVITY: A CONVERSATION WITH STEVEN UNIVERSE’S REBECCA SUGAR AND FRIENDS
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Horton Grand Theatre
Calling all Crystal Gems! The Dove Self-Esteem Project and Cartoon Network’s Steven Universe have partnered to educate young people on body confidence through the Emmy®-nominated hit series’ celebrated themes of inclusion and empowerment. Join Steven Universe creator Rebecca Sugar and experts from the Dove Self-Esteem Project for a conversation on the importance of body positivity in both the real and animated world.
FRIDAY, JULY 20
ADVENTURE TIME
10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. | Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom
Cartoon Network invites you to come along with us to celebrate 10 seasons of this most mathematical show! We don’t want to spoil too many of the surprises but, we can promise you a live musical performance featuring some of your favorite tracks from the series along with special guests and an exclusive series finale trailer! Grab your homies and don’t miss this epic celebration before The Ultimate Adventure.
SATURDAY, JULY 21
STEVEN UNIVERSE
10 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. | Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom
Did you hear that Cartoon Network is bringing Steven Universe back to Comic-Con? You’d better believe it! Estelle (Garnet), Michaela Dietz (Amethyst), Deedee Magno Hall (Pearl), Zach Callison (Steven), and the true Diamond Authority, series creator Rebecca Sugar will share insights about the show, epic announcements and we’re pretty sure Rebecca is bringing her ukulele. Our future-vision tells us this is a panel you won’t want to miss!
CARTOON NETWORK CREATORS: DRAWING ON INSPIRATION
2 p.m. – 3 p.m. | Room 25ABC
Meet the creators of Cartoon Network’s most beloved and exciting new shows! This talented group of creative leaders will share why they were inspired to get into animation, highlights of their paths to becoming show runners and insights on what it takes to bring stories to life. They’ll also reveal some exciting news about… well, you’ll have to come to find out! Join Matt Burnett and Ben Levin from Craig of the Creek, Daniel Chong from We Bare Bears, Diego Molano from Victor & Valentino and Julia Pott from Summer Camp Island, moderated by Ian Jones-Quartey from OK K.O.! Let’s Be Heroes.
Cartoon Network Screenings and Special Events
THURSDAY, JULY 19
THE HER UNIVERSE FASHION SHOW: CARTOON NETWORK JUNIOR DESIGNER SHOWCASE
6 p.m. | Manchester Grand Hyatt – Harbor Ballroom
The 5th annual Her Universe Fashion Show is a design competition where 24 designers compete with their original “geek couture” designs for the chance to win the ultimate prize – the opportunity to design a Her Universe fashion collection for Hot Topic. Cartoon Network has sponsored the junior designer contest, where youth ages 5-17 had the opportunity to submit designs inspired by The Powerpuff Girls in celebration of the 20th Anniversary. Four winners were chosen and they will reveal their designs during the Cartoon Network Junior Designer showcase during the Her Universe Fashion Show. Hosted by actress and Her Universe Founder, Ashley Eckstein, the show will once again be held at the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Thursday, July 19th. Doors open at 5:15 p.m.
SUNDAY, JULY 22
CARTOON NETWORK BEST SUMMER EVER COSTUME BALL
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Hilton Bayfront Indigo Ballroom
Kids, get ready for the Best Costume Ball Ever! Cartoon Network is throwing the hottest party of the season and we want you to join us. Kick off your flip-flops, ditch the bathing suit and show off your most chill, most creative costumes. Oh, and did we mention guest judges from some of your favorite Cartoon Network shows? We’ll play games, share exclusive never-before-seen clips and hand out some sizzling prizes. Parents, turn up the heat by getting in on the action with a family costume. Make your Best Summer Ever complete with a party you’ll remember all year long!
Exclusive Products
Steven Universe Sketchbook (Insight Editions, Booth #3721)
Let the colorful characters of Steven Universe inspire your creativity with this gorgeous sketchbook. Available as a limited-release early preview at SDCC, the sketchbook features an exclusive foreword from show creator Rebecca Sugar along with whimsical drawings from her and the show’s other artists. This sketchbook invites Steven Universe fans to bring out their inner artist within its blank pages.
Steven Universe Zagwear Exclusive Plush (UCC Distributing, Inc., Booth #5610)
Zagwear is premiering Steven Universe exclusive plushies featuring Lars of the Stars, Yellow Diamond, Blue Diamond, Pink Diamond, Sparkle Cookie Cat, Peridot, Night Lion and Sitting Pink Lion.
Steven Universe Cookie Cat Original Print T-Shirt (For Fans By Fans, Booth #1316)
The adorable Cookie Cat Steven T-Shirt in charcoal by Steven Universe fan and illustrator Shelby Chin is a San Diego Comic Con exclusive available only at For Fans By Fans Booth # 1316. ForFansByFans.com is a community that bridges the gap between fans, artists, and the worlds that inspire them.
Adventure Time 7” Vinyl (Mondo, Booth #435)
Mondo is debuting an SDCC 2018 Adventure Time exclusive vinyl featuring tracks “Friends Don’t Fight” (both with vocals and instrumental) and “Manlorette Party.” The vinyl cover artwork is custom created by artist JJ Harrison and they will be sold at the Mondo booth for $12 +tax. Supply is limited, so make sure to get them before they’re gone!
Adventure Time: Beginning of the End #1 (BOOM! Studios, Booth #2229)
When Finn breaks a promise he can’t remember making, Chronologius Rex, the lord of Hours and All Time, confronts him. Journey with Finn and Jake as they work to save Finn before he is erased from every reality! Honoring the series finale of Cartoon Network’s longest-running series, Adventure Time: Beginning of the End #1 will be sold exclusively at the BOOM! Studios Booth.
Adventure Time Coloring Book (Dark Horse, Booth #2615)
Dark Horse and Cartoon Network are teaming up for a SDCC 2018 exclusive early preview Adventure Time coloring book! Bring Finn and Jake’s adventures to life in this official coloring book, featuring 45 original images by various artists. They are also adding a little color to the lives of Cartoon Network fans with a 59”x59″ coloring wall featuring illustrations from the network’s longest-running series Adventure Time and fan-favorite Steven Universe. Comic-con attendees can stop by their booth starting Thursday to color in the gigantic coloring book pages and get a chance to purchase new products.
The Powerpuff Girls Titan Figures 3-Pack (Titan, Booth #5537)
Titan Entertainment is bringing their first EXCLUSIVE The Powerpuff Girls Glow-in-The-Dark 3″ TITANS three-pack to SDCC 2018! Celebrating 20 years of Cartoon Network’s The Powerpuff Girls, this set features Blossom, Bubbles,
and Buttercup straight outta Townsville – ready for action with super glow-in-the-dark highlights.
Cartoon Network Signings
FRIDAY, JULY 20
ADVENTURE TIME
3 p.m. – 4 p.m. | AA02
INSIGHT EDITIONS STEVEN UNIVERSE DELUXE HARDCOVER BLANK SKETCHBOOK: REBECCA SUGAR EDITION SIGNING WITH REBECCA SUGAR
12 p.m. – 1 p.m. | Insight Editions Booth #3721
SATURDAY, JULY 21
STEVEN UNIVERSE
12:50 – 1:50 p.m. | AA06
CARTOON NETWORK CREATORS: DRAWING ON INSPIRATION
5 p.m. – 6 p.m. | AA06
If you were born in the ’80s, ’90s, or literally ANY decade after those, you know about Super Mario. A cultural phenomenon was brought to life on the big screen this last weekend. One that has not only stood the test of time but reinvented itself time and time again. This wasn’t even the first time it’s been made into a movie but, well, let’s be honest.. some of us choose not to acknowledge the LIVE action adaptation of the beloved game from 30 years ago.
It was pretty bad… But this was animation. ILLUMINATION animation at that. The Universal company that brought us Gru and his Minions, showed us the Secret Life of Pets, and gave us a reason to SING! Still, I had my reservations and even some concerns, especially when the casting was announced.
Eyebrows were raised. As big of stars as they were on paper, could they really deliver on voicing characters from a staple of our childhood? They did.
Chris Pratt and Charlie Day may not be Italian, and Jack Black may not be a King or Turtle creature from the Mushroom Kingdom, but they make the characters their own all while paying homage to the lore of a video game.
From the jump, the story reintroduces us to the brothers that just want to save Brooklyn one clogged sink at a time. We feel an instant connection and relate to these “underdogs of the plumbing world”. The movie is riddled with easter eggs, each of which tugs on the heartstrings of every generation of Mario fandom. And the soundtrack was beautifully put together to not only make us feel like we’re taking a walkthrough of the game but like an experience all its own with some familiar favorites thrown in.
Every word in the movie is pure eye candy for both those that are casual fans, and those analyzing every frame to see what they’ll catch next. Bowser’s ship, the Mushroom Kingdom, Kong’s arena, and the Rainbow Road.. They’re all meant to give us just enough of a “new” look at these amazing worlds, but stay true to how we remember them.
The movie itself moves along at the perfect pace. Although, if you don’t really know ANYTHING about the Super Mario Bros, you may have gotten a little lost and felt left behind in the green tunnel. But that’s ok! It’s an adventure of the imagination and a classic story of a boy that meets a girl and tries to save the world from a monster that wants to destroy it.
What’s funny is that you could easily say this is a story about two characters who couldn’t be more opposite if they tried, battling to win the heart of a princess. Who would’ve thought that the King of the Koopas was just trying to impress his crush?
And that song? Ohhh THAT song! It’s my new ringtone and deserves the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Back to the movie.
Universal and Illumination clearly understood the assignment. Is it missing some things or could things have been done differently or even better? Absolutely! We’re the worst critics of the things we hold nearest and dearest to our hearts. But if you’re up for going on a 90-minute adventure through amazing worlds, with awesome music, and characters that’ll make you smile and laugh, then this is the perfect movie to spring you into that warm summer feeling.
Plus there’s the whole part with karts and shells, and banana peels and oh my goodness how amazing was that?? It’s enough to make you want to stand up and cheer, then go home and destroy your friends and family on your favorite track haha.
The bottom line, it pays homage in all the right ways to the little guy with the mustache, while giving us something new and exciting. Take the kids and go see Super Mario Bros. You’ll be glad you did!
Justice League x RWBY: Superheroes & Hunters Opening Act Saturday, March 25 at 1:30 p.m. on North 200A. Talent confirmed so far to participate in the post-screening panel is Natalie Alyn Lind (Big Sky, The Goldbergs, Gotham) as Wonder Woman/Diana Prince and longtime RWBY cast member Lindsay Jones (Camp Camp) as Ruby, Kara Eberle ( RWBY: Ice Queendom) as Weiss, Arryn Zech (Detective Now Dead) as Blake and Barbara Dunkelman (Blood Fest) as Yang – along with Jeannie Tirado (Soul, Saints Row) as Green Lantern and Tru Valentino (The Rookie, The Cuphead Show!) as a cyborg. Also attending the panel will be producer/director Kerry Shawcross (series RWBY) and writer Meghan Fitzmartin (Supernatural, Justice Society: World War II).
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment returns to WonderCon 2023 with the big screen debut from DC Animated Films: highlights this year include the world premieres of the highly anticipated Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham and Justice League x RWBY: Superheroes & Hunters Part One the weekend of March 24-26 in Anaheim, California. Both screenings will be followed by panel discussions with actors and creators. Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham premieres at The Arena on Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m. Tati Gabrielle (Kaleidoscope, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Uncharted) as Kai Li Cain, Christopher Gorham (The Lincoln Lawyer, Insatiable) as Oliver Queen, David Dastmalchian (Dune, Suicide Squad, Ant-Man) as Grendon, producer/co-director Sam Liu (The Death and the Return of Superman), co-director Christopher Berkeley (Young Justice) and screenwriter Jase Ricci (Teen Titans Go! and DC Super Hero Girls: Mayhem Across the Multiverse).
Both films will have encore screenings in the Arena on Sunday, March 26. Justice League x RWBY: Super Heroes & Huntsmen, Part One will screen at 12:15pm, followed by Batman: The Doom That Came To Gotham at 2:00pm
No Question Mark Box Here; Super Mario Delivers a 1-Up in Theaters
Warner Bros. Discovery Home Entertainment returns to WonderCon 2023
Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Crunnchyroll presents ‘BOFURI: I don’t want to get hurt so I’ll max out my defense’: You’re not twinking!
‘Knock at the Cabin’: Puttin on your boogie shoes!
No Question Mark Box Here; Super Mario Delivers a 1-Up in Theaters
Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3
Black Panther: Wakanda Forever
An Askewed View Episode 7 Jay And Silent Bob Reboot
