Schedule

ITHACON kicks off with the traditional Keynote Speech- unleashing another year of creativity, entrepreneurism and fun!

April 5th, 2063: Mankind makes first contact with the Vulcans in Bozeman, Montana, as depicted in Star Trek: First Contact (1996). April 18th, 1938: Born on the distant planet Krypton but raised on Earth, Kal-El (better known as Superman) first appears in print in Action Comics #1. While comics and science fiction are full of disastrous consequences for Earth after encountering alien species, there are many interpretations of positive potential outcomes as well. This panel will commemorate "First Contact"; (Saturday, April 5th) and ask panelists and attendees to envision the brighter side of close encounters.

Cartoons and cereal are part of a complete breakfast, and it's the best way to start your ITHACON™ off right! Catch some classic Johnny Quest while snacking on sugary cereals in Klingenstein Lounge with us it'll be Grrrrrrrrrreat!

Meet freelancer, artist, and illustrator and a part of the Older-N-Dumber podcast, Joseph Schichtel! Older-And-Dumber host a live play DnD campaign and specialize in trying to produce table top rpgs as online content.

Renowned comic book writer Roger Stern (runs on Amazing & Spectacular Spider-Man) and Spidey super fan Nate Gershberg discuss Roger’s ability to tug heartstrings, his famous creations (the Hobgoblin, Monica Rambeau, and Nebula.), his other work on Dr. Strange, Avengers, and Superman, and MUCH more!

Strut your stuff at the annual ITHACON™ cosplay runway! Watch as a cavalcade of classic and crazy characters portrayed by cosplayers of all skill levels take to the "runway" or suit-up and take center stage yourself!

A hardcover and softcover treasury-sized album (8.7” x 13.3”) and a staggering 230 pages in full, sometimes lurid, color. Needless to say, it features the work of Don Simpson (is he still around?) and an impressive roster of indie comics creators – including Jim Rugg, Kerry Callen, Ben Dunn, Milo Trent, Robert Kraus, Matt Feazell, Steve Bissette, and many, many more -- coming in Summer 2025! Don will talk over and show some of the great work including crossovers with Captain Action, Knight Watchmen, Cynicalman, and more!

How do you turn personal experience into a game for others to play and enjoy? Meg Stivison and Harold Sipe have explored this question for the last few years by designing and developing social, casual card games at Small Monster Games.

Join screenwriter and author Mike Schwartz, the mind behind Netflix's Gnome Alone, Hulu's RL Stine's Zombie Town, and currently writing a new RL Stine movie! Mike also works in VFX and animation and has worked on numerous TV shows and movies. He’ll discuss writing for movies and comics and the differences between them, and his next big projects.

What is the current state of the comic book industry? How did it get to where it is, and where is it going? Join comics journalist and historian Bob Harrison for a discussion with current comics professionals as they discuss the industry that they love, joined by guests Tyler Chin-Tanner, Chris Condon, Joe Rybandt and Tom Peyer.

The Fantasy and fun of "Five Nights At Freddy's" comes to life in this new parody musical from Twisted Minds! Discover the (endo) skeletons in the closet of the Aftons' broken family as they confront the question of if they were ever whole to begin with... CW: Death, death of children, abuse/neglect, foul language.

AHOY’s Toxic Avenger is the surprise hit of the season, and it's not down. This Toxic Summer will kick off with a series of team-ups between the Toxic Avenger—the iconic 1980s character—and several of AHOY’s protagonists. There’s lots more in the works, and AHOY’s Matt Bors, Tom Peyer, Hart Seely and Frank Cammuso are on hand to spill the beans!

From the jungles of Black Panther's Wakanda, to rolling hills of Zorro's Los Angeles pueblo and beyond to Sabre’s Apocalyptic Wasteland of 2020, Don McGregor has been telling stories with heart and conviction for 50 years. And he’s never shy at pushing boundaries. Join us to find out what drives McGregor and why his fans always want more.

Mike Gold rejuvenated Green Arrow and teed him up for television success on the CW Network. Chris Condon recently took over writing the character with a fresh new take. Why does this modern-day Robin Hood have so much appeal? Join us for ITHACON™’s Green Arrow Panel.

Is editing creative? Is writing managerial? What’s the difference? What makes the most difference? And what’s the most fun? Louise Simonson is on board as we interview her to get the answers!

Hear a snippet of a new play coming to NYC this fall: Jerry and Joe: Birth of the Superhero! Learn more about Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster, Superman, and the birth of an industry.