Nickelodeon Opens Its Vaults to Bring Legends of the Hidden Temple,
Rugrats, Hey Arnold! and More to Comic-Con International:
San Diego, July 21-24, 2016
The '90s and Beyond are All That as Nickelodeon and The Splat Give Fans
an Immersive Retro Experience, from Booth to Panels and Special Guests
#NickSDCC at: /thesplat, @thesplat, @thesplatgram, @thesplatchat
LOS ANGELES—June 28, 2016— Nickelodeon and The Splat–the network's programming block dedicated to Nick's legendary library of hits from the '90s and 2000s–are blasting open the vaults for a slime-tastic, immersive experience at Comic-Con International: San Diego 2016 that's bound to be All That, and more. Headquartered at its 1,800 square-foot booth (#4113) on the convention floor, Nickelodeon will pay tribute to some of its most memorable shows and popular characters with activations, games, panels, talent signings and interactive design elements featuring: Legends of the Hidden Temple, Hey Arnold!, Rugrats, Double Dare, Aaahh!!! Real Monsters, CatDog, Rocko's Modern Life, and Invader Zim, among many others.
"Those who dare to pass through the sacred gates of Comic-Con will enter a world of nostalgic treasures, artifacts and trivia from Nickelodeon's beloved '90s archives," said King Olmec, Keeper of Nickelodeon's booth. "The choice to enter is yours and yours alone, loyal fans."
Every day of the convention, Nick's booth will feature: a virtual reality 360-experience where fans can step into the world of the upcoming Legends of the Hidden Temple live-action TV movie; an interactive trivia game featuring Legends of the Hidden Temple's King Olmec, Keeper of the Temple; photo opps with a life-size replica of the Hey Arnold! stoop and the nose from Double Dare; a retail area, where attendees can purchase a variety of exclusive Nick, The Splat and '90s-themed gear and one-of-a-kind collectibles; costumed character appearances; and autograph signings with cast member from All That, SpongeBob SquarePants' Tom Kenny, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice talent, Kirk Fogg from Legends of the Hidden Temple, and more special appearances to be announced in the coming weeks.
Nickelodeon will present four panels during the convention: Happy Happy! Joy Joy!, a look back at 25 years of original Nick animation featuring the creators of Invader Zim, Hey Arnold! and other legendary series; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–Return to New York, an exclusive first look at the current TV season; She Made That?: Nickelodeon hosts Women in Animation, featuring some of the genre's female pioneers of the past and present; and a special reunion of cast members from legendary kids' sketch-comedy series All That–with a surprise from Nick's forthcoming Legends of the Hidden Temple TV movie.
The following is a full rundown of the panels and booth activity:
PANELS
* Happy Happy! Joy Joy!: 25 Years of Nickelodeon Original Animation
Thursday, July 21, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Room: 6A) – For 25 years Nickelodeon has produced some of the most innovative and memorable animation in the history of television. Nick Animation Podcast host Hector Navarro finds out how and why four of the network's most influential creators did what they did: Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!), Jhonen Vasquez (Invader Zim), Butch Hartman (The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom) and Arlene Klasky, who along with Gabor Csupo and Paul Germain, created Rugrats. Don't miss the chance to see production art from the upcoming TV movie Hey Arnold!: The Jungle Movie; animation from Hartman's new Bunsen is a Beast!; and the world premiere of Don vs Raph, a TMNT animated short written and produced by Jhonen Vasquez.
* Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles–Return to New York
Friday, July 22, 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. (Room: 6A) – They travelled time and space to save planet Earth, and now the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles return home! Executive producers Ciro Nieli and Brandon Auman share sneak peeks of the epic adventures and new characters that await the Turtles when they return to the streets of NY in season four. On hand will be the extraordinary voice actors of the TMNT world: Rob Paulsen (Donatello), Greg Cipes (Michelangelo), Gwendoline Yeo (Shinigami) and Eric Bauza (Tiger Claw). Also, witness the world premiere of two never-before-seen TMNT animated shorts presented by TMNT co-creator, Kevin Eastman. The panel will be moderated by Andre Meadows (Black Nerd Comedy).
* She Made That?: Nickelodeon hosts Women in Animation
Friday, July 22, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. (Room: 24ABC) – Join this group of innovative and pioneering female cartoon creators for a discussion on their careers and the opportunities for women in animation today. Panelists include women responsible for the original Nicktoons from the 1990s and others who are making some of today's best animation for TV and the web. The panel will include Lauren Faust (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Mary Harrington (Invader Zim, Hey Arnold!), Vanessa Coffey (The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rugrats), Rikke Asbjoern (Pinky Malinky), Margaret Dean (Women in Animation) and Maija Burnett (California Institute of the Arts).
* Back to the '90s: Nickelodeon's All That Reunion and Legends of the Hidden Temple!
Saturday, July 23, 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. (Room: 6A) – Join Nickelodeon's throwback programming block, The Splat, for a reunion of the trailblazing sketch comedy series' major players, Josh Server, Danny Tamberelli, Lori Beth Denberg and Kel Mitchell, discussing all things All That, with a few added surprises. Plus, get the first look at Nick's new TV movie based on Legends of the Hidden Temple and hear about it from returning cast members Kirk Fogg and Dee Bradley Baker, along with Isabela Moner (Transformers 5). The panel will be moderated by Entertainment Weekly staff writer, Marc Snetiker.
DAILY BOOTH ACTIVITY
* Legends of the Hidden Temple Virtual Reality 360-Degree Experience: This 360-degree experience transports fans into the world of the upcoming action-adventure TV movie inspired by the iconic game show, allowing them to experience the mysterious Mayan temple first-hand.
* Olmec Photo Opp/Trivia: Fans can interact with Legends of the Hidden Temple's King Olmec and test their knowledge by answering trivia questions for the opportunity to win prizes.
* Hey Arnold! Stoop and Double Dare Nose Photo Opps: Fans can take photos on a replica of Arnold's stoop from Hey Arnold! and with the nose from Double Dare (beware of boogers).
* Autograph Signings: Signing opportunities with Nickelodeon talent include: All That cast; Legends of the Hidden Temple cast; SpongeBob SquarePants voice talent; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles voice talent and executive producers; Nick current series creators and executive producers (C.H. Greenblatt, Harvey Beaks; Chris Savino, The Loud House; and Dave Cooper, Johnny Ryan, and David Sacks, Pig Goat Banana Cricket); and Nick original animation creators (Butch Hartman, The Fairly OddParents and Bunsen is a Beast!; Craig Bartlett, Hey Arnold!; Arlene Klasky, Rugrats, Wild Thornberrys, Rocket Power; and Jhonen Vasquez, Invader Zim).
* Costumed-Character Appearances: The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Rugrats, SpongeBob SquarePants, The Fairly OddParents, Arnold and Saban's Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and Power Rangers Dino Super Charge will make appearances at Nick's booth at select times during the convention.
* Retail: Attendees can purchase Comic-Con exclusive figures, t-shirts and more.
* Giveaways: Enter for a chance to win special prizes over the course of the convention.
Additionally, in celebration of the Aug. 11, 25-year anniversary of the launch of the network's original animated series (The Ren & Stimpy Show, Rugrats and Doug), The Splat will feature brand-new commentary and behind-the-scenes information from the series' voice talent and creators, along with themed programming and encore airings of these animated series every night during the month of August.
Nickelodeon's The Splat is a multiple-screen destination spanning television, eight social media platforms and a dedicated web site aggregating the most loved Nick content from the 1990s and beyond. Celebrating the characters and shows that are definitional to millennials who grew up in the '90s, The Splat consists of: an eight-hour television block airing daily from 10 p.m.–6 a.m. (ET/PT) featuring landmark Nickelodeon programs and classic programming stunts; a fan-driven website (www.TheSplat.com) built around social conversations; a robust social media community on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Tumblr, Twitter, Vine and YouTube platforms; and a fully integrated Splat-branded emoji keyboard with emoticons, stickers and GIFs.
Nickelodeon, now in its 37th year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon's U.S. television network is seen in more than 90 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 20 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB).
Additional SDCC 2016 panels:
Jakks Pacific: Insider Fan Panel
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Room 29AB
Get an exclusive first look at Jakks' lines of action figures, collectibles, and RCs from the company's design and marketing team. Get product development insights and exclusive previews of the JAKKS BIG-FIGS across licenses such as Star Wars, DC, TMNT, and more, and get the latest updates on the whole World of Nintendo line. Following the presentation is a fan Q&A session and prizes for attendees!
Getting Into Comics and Staying There
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Room 28DE
"Breaking into comics" panels are among the most popular panels at comic conventions throughout the country. Aspiring writers and artists are as in-demand with publishers as social media wizards and Excel-loving number crunchers. Listen to the origin stories of Jim Zub (Wayward, Thunderbolts), Felipe Smith (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, All-New Ghost Rider), Caitlin Kittredge (Lucas Stand, Coffin Hill), Dan Mora (Klaus, Hexed), and Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, C.O.W.L.), and the behind-the-scenes professionals they work with to make the comics you love to read! Moderated by BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon and editor Dafna Pleban.
The Art Heroines
Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm
Learn from this group of veteran female artists working in film/live action, TV, animation, commercials, and toy industries. There will be new announcements of current projects and how you can get involved. They will bring an exclusive look into their work, including displayed props, puppets, and works in progress, and discuss how to maintain a successful career while staying creatively fulfilled. Danelle Vierkant (designer/builder, The Revenant, Comedy Bang Bang), Ivonne Escoto (designer/builder,Tron Legacy, Alien vs Predator, The Creature Shop Challenge), Denise "Dee" Chavez (background designer, Nickelodeon's Sanjay and Craig), Melissa Doss Diwa (designer/builder, The Creature Shop Challenge), Kristin Donner (painter/illustrator, Nickelodeon's The Fairly Odd Parents), and moderator Christine Papalexis (fabricator, Team America: World Police, Alien Resurrection), with special panelist Tracy Black (curator, Unlocking Wonderland and The White Rabbit Project).
Queer Representation in All-Ages and Youth Media
Friday July 22, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 4
Many people have dismissed queer content as adult content inappropriate for kids. However, as we've seen in the popularity and successes of Legend of Korra, Steven Universe, and Lumberjanes, LGBTQIA+ characters and storylines can resonate with young audiences. Moderator Dylan Edwards (Valley of the Silk Sky) leads as a discussion with Shannon Watters (Lumberjanes), James Tynion IV (Detective Comics, The Backstagers), Paige Braddock (Stinky Cecil, Peanuts, Jane's World), Magdalene Visaggio (Kim & Kim), and Josh Trujillo (Adventure Time, Love Machines) about how we can better include healthy representation and how to make it standard practice.
Avatar the Last Airbender: Legend and Legacy
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 25ABC
The story of Aang and Korra has ended in one form but continues in graphic novels and through the fans. Moderated by Avatar_Mom, the panel showcases fan talent and conversations with a panel of professionals from the series. Giancarlo Volpe (director, Avatar the Last Airbender, producer,Green Lantern the Animated Series), Aaron Ehasz (head writer, Avatar the Last Airbender), and Jack DeSena (voice actor, Sokka) share stories and marvel with the fandom. The panel also hosts a cosplay contest open to all levels of skill. Hopefuls must be in the panel room to be considered.
DC: New Crossover Classics
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 6DE
Inter-company crossovers are all the rage now, and DC is enjoying a lot of success teaming with other companies on Batman/TMNT, Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy, Batman'66 Meets Steed & Mrs. Peel, and the upcoming ThunderCats/He-Man. Meet the DC talent for these incredible collaborations. We also have BOOM! Studios editor Dafna Pleban, who edits the Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy series and writers for ThunderCats/He-Man, Rob David & Lloyd Goldfine. Join us for more details on these new crossover classics and hints of things to come.
Nerdibles: The Best Podcast You're Not Listening To
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Panelists include R. A. Rayne, Kris Koller, Travis Jones, Sebastian Gordlis, and Ethan Benjamin. Nerdibles spotlights Emmy-nominated voiceover actor Eric Bauza (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Puss 'n Boots). Learn about the art and business of voice acting. Come test out your voiceover talent and perform a script with a real voiceover actor.
BOOM! Studios: Discover New Worlds
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm
Room 24ABC
Love reading compelling, forward-thinking comics? Interested in finding out how multiple-award-winning top 10 publisher BOOM! Studios has spent over a decade committed to telling great stories and nurturing talent? Moderator Filip Sablik (BOOM! president of publishing & marketing) discusses with Matt Gagnon (BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief), Shannon Watters (BOOM! Studios editor), and creators Chynna Clugston Flores (Lumberjanes/Gotham Academy), Hope Larson (Goldie Vance), Kyle Higgins (Mighty Morphin Power Rangers), Simon Spurrier (Weavers), Jeff Stokely (The Spire), and Dan Mora (Klaus) how they explore the ever-changing comics landscape, their newest stories, and the types of projects needed in the industry.
The Ultimate TMNT Panel: Shell Games with the IDW Team
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Room 25ABC
As they blaze toward the longest-running TMNT comic ever, come chat with the creators about the ongoing comic, the new universe ongoing, the first-ever TMNT boardgame, past and future crossovers, and more! Featuring the ongoing TMNT brain trust of Tom Waltz, Kevin Eastman, Bobby Curnow, and Mateus Santoluoco, plus Freddie Williams III, Nick Pitarra, and others.
Storyboarding to Comics and Back Again
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Room 9
This program will focus on the profession of storyboarding in animation for TV and features as well as for live action and how those that work in the field are finding their voices in comics and graphic novels-and visa versa. Moderated by Jim Higgins (former DC Comics editor, comic arts professor), panelists are Peter Paul (storyboard artist at Warner Bros., Dreamworks, Disney, comic artist, instructor), Johane Matte (animator, storyboard artist, comic artist), Steve Ahn (storyboards on Legends of Korra, comic artist), Shannon Denton (storyboard artist, writer, comics artist), Fran Krause (professor, animator, comics artist), and Dan Panosian (professional comics artist and storyboard artist).
The Kaiju Kingdom Podcast: Discuss Legendary Monsters
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm
Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
Jessica Tseang and Chris Eaton of The Kaiju Kingdom Podcast bring together some of the greats of kaiju history, just in time for the release of Shin Godzilla by Toho Studios. Mat Nastos (Disney's Phineas and Ferb, Shogun Knight) and other very special guests talk about how their chosen professions have been vastly inspired by their love of kaijus. From those who worked on Ultraman, Godzilla, Gamera, Power Rangers and more, there is no monster that won't be discussed.
Minimates Mini-Figures: Marvel, TMNT & Beyond
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:30pm - 2:30pm
Room 8
Diamond Select Toys president Chuck Terceira and prototype painter Brian Felgar discuss what's coming up for the long-running 2-inch toy line, including Aliens, Predator, and Doctor Strange. Marketing supervisor Zach Oat moderates.
ZAG's Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:45pm - 2:45pm
Room 6DE
Meet the team behind Miraculous Ladybug, Jeremy Zag (producer), Thomas Astruc (creator), André Lake Mayer, and Kevin Marciano, English voice cast and director including: Cristina Vee (voice of Ladybug/Marinette), Bryce Papenbrook (voice of Adrien/Cat Noir), Keith Silverstein (Hawk Moth, Gabriel Agreste), Mela Lee (Tikki/Stormy Weather), Max Mittelman (Plagg), Carrie Keranen (Alya/Lady WiFi), Christopher Smith (Tom/Dad/Roger/Roger Cop), Ezra Weiss (voice director), and others as they answer questions about season 1, and where they are headed in season 2. Come dressed as your favorite Miraculous character and you will receive a Ladybug action figure. See previews, win prizes, and join the fun in room 6DE!
Invader ZIM Conquers San Diego Comic Con
Saturday July 23, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Room 29AB
It's been one year since the premiere of the Invader ZIM comic books based on the popular Nickelodeon series, so be on hand for a retrospective of the series so far as well as hints for what's to come. Featuring Jhonen Vasquez (series creator, control brain), Eric Trueheart (TV and comic series writer), Aaron Alexovich (character designer, artist), Dave Crosland (comic artist), and Megan Lawton (inker) all tell horrible, horrible secrets about the comic book series.
Sid & Marty Krofft
Saturday July 23, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Room 23ABC
Sid and Marty Krofft have created and produced some of the most iconic names in family entertainment for over 40 years and are still in action today. Digital platforms such as Amazon Prime (Sigmund and The Sea Monsters starring David Arquette), cable network Nickelodeon (Mutt & Stuff), and iTunes and Fullscreen (Electra Woman and Dyna Girl starring Grace Helbig and Hannah Hart) are all currently thrilling today's audiences with three new Krofft productions. Join Sid and Marty Krofft along with moderator David Arquette and Bradley Zweig (executive producer of Mutt & Stuff) for this very special event, which also features a video appearance by Helbig and Hart.
Blades of Hope: A Comic Book Celebration of Women Through Martial Arts
Saturday July 23, 2016 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Room 8
Following the international success of Jinnrise (due for release as a 2018 animated television series from m4e), Jabal Entertainment's CEO Sohaib Awan details the development of its latest project: Blades of Hope. Chris Ryall (editor-in-chief, IDW Publishing), Ron Corcillo (LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures), Russ Carney (Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Siya Oum (creator of Aspen's comics' Lola XOXO), and Maryam Awan (Blades of Hope) discuss how properties like Blades of Hope overcome roadblocks and stereotypes to become true transmedia brands. The Blades of Hope journey/movement is once again proving that gender specificity does not define heroism in comics or the real world.
Lighting, Lasers & Ladybugs: Creating Action Lab Comics
Saturday July 23, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Room 28DE
Bryan Seaton (Action Lab CEO/publisher) and Dave Dwonch (Action Lab president, Vamplets) host creators Mia Goodwin (Tomboy, Princeless), Thomas Astruc (Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug & Cat Noir), Shawn Gabborin (Puppet Master, Fracture), and many more as they discuss what it takes to make thought-provoking, relevant comics in today's world, as well as adapting the worldwide hit series Miraculous from screen to print.
Action Figure Insider Presents: Toy Collecting: Return of the Killer Licenses
Saturday July 23, 2016 7:30pm - 8:30pm
Room 8
It is a golden age to be a geek, with a new Star Wars movie every year, multiple Marvel movies, the cinematic DC Comics Justice League forming, and more Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles-not to mention all of the TV projects like The Walking Dead, The Flash, Powers, and Arrow! With those projects come toys and collectibles! Learn how these companies are handing production and security for some of the biggest licenses of all time, how retailers are stocking them, and where collectors are going to put this avalanche of awesome new stuff! Panelists include Steven Anne (category manager, toys/licensing at Walgreens), Kevin Kiniry (vice president, creative services at DC Entertainment), Scott Neitlich (VP of marketing, Jada Toys), and Andy Otchiltree (senior manager, Global Brand Marketing, Star Wars at Hasbro).
Jack Kirby Tribute Panel
Sunday July 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:15am
Room 5AB
Each year, time is set aside to talk about Comic-Con's first superstar guest and the man they call The King of the Comics, Jack Kirby. Jack left us in 1994 but his influence on comics, film, and this convention has never been greater. Discussing the man and his work this year are Kevin Eastman (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), Kirby biographer Ray Wyman, Jr., Scott Dunbier (director of special projects, IDW Publishing), and attorney Paul S. Levine. Naturally, it's moderated by former Kirby assistant Mark Evanier.
IDW: Kids Rule
Sunday July 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am
Room 4
From My Little Pony to Strawberry Shortcake, and Skylanders to TMNT Animated and X-Files: Origins to Disney, IDW loves kids' comics and love even more the kids who read them! Hear from the writers and editors of their all-ages fare and then stay for the best Q&A at SDCC since every question is open only to nonadults! Hosted by editors Sarah Gaydos and Bobby Curnow, with Derek Charm, Jake Goldman, and Haley Mancini (Powerpuff Girls), Jodie Houser (X-Files: Origins), Caleb Goellner (TMNT: Animated), Sara Richard (MLP), and Tony Fleece (MLP). Plus prizes for all kids in attendance!
Avatar: The Last Airbender: Gene Yang
Sunday July 24, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm
Room 24ABC
Celebrate Nickelodeon's Avatar: The Last Airbender with the brilliant mind of Eisner winner Gene Yang, along with guests panelists. They'll discussing story lines and tease the future in a panel full of surprises and behind-the-scenes stories.
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