It’s impossible to overstate Jack Kirby’s impact on comic books. Arguably the most influential western comics artist to ever live, Kirby cocreated Captain America in 1940 at Timely Comics (Marvel’s predecessor) before cocreating icons including the Fantastic Four, Darkseid, and Black Panther. His art was dynamic, stylish, and singular, and it forever transformed the comics landscape—his influence continues to run through indie comics artists and big-budget superhero blockbusters alike. This panel is a deep dive into Kirby’s style and legacy, led by artists and writers Mike Mignola (Hellboy), Steve Lieber (Whiteout, Superman’s Pal Jimmy Olsen), Christopher Priest (Black Panther), Mark Russell (Fantastic Four, Superman) and Stephanie Williams (Marvel Voices, But What If Though). 

Our Flag Means Death was a strange gem of a television show. It never made it to the mainstream, but the 2022 HBO Max show did find a cult following. On the surface, it’s a goofy comedy about a buffoonish aristocrat cosplaying as a pirate. But as the show developed, it revealed itself as a lovingly queer fantasia that explored otherness and compassion along the lines of race, gender, and sexuality, all while delivering bizarre, uproarious humor. Its cancellation was seen by some as a serious blow to the era of “Peak TV,” another victim of boardroom decisions and profit squeezing at the expense of storytelling. While Taika Waititi, who played the outrageous Blackbeard, won’t be at RCCC, his costars Vico Ortiz, Rhys Darby, Kristian Nairn, and Matthew Maher will talk about the show and answer audience questions.

Mike Mignola made his name working on titles like Batman and Daredevil, but in 1994 he partnered with Oregon’s own Dark Horse Comics to release Hellboy: Seed of Destruction. A creator-owned comic, Hellboy is a pulp fantasy series that delves into themes of folklore, myth, and theology. Mignola’s aesthetic is eminently recognizable. His trademark inky shadows, heavy black lines, and blocky character designs make the fantastical elements in his stories pop—whether it’s a comical story about Hellboy trying to find a grave for a demanding Irish corpse, or a haunting and bloody tale of a town cursed by werewolves. Hellboy has grown to include multiple volumes and collections, along with a handful of film adaptations, animated specials, crossovers, and video games. To celebrate its 30 years, Mignola will chat with a yet-to-be-announced guest about the comic’s legacy and what’s next for the demonic investigator.

Comic cons are about much more than just comic books these days, and celebrity guest panels are one of their biggest draws. Daredevil’s Charlie Cox and Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s Stephanie Beatriz will be at RCCC this year, but there’s one celebrity face you might not recognize. Though wildly prolific, Doug Jones spends most of his screen time behind a latex mask and layers of prosthetics—no one has played as many monsters, aliens, and fantasy creatures as Doug Jones. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water, and Star Trek: Discovery are just a few titles on his CV. He’ll chat with his Discovery costar Jason Isaacs, the lauded English actor you’ll recognize as the magnificently coiffed villain Lucius Malfoy from the Harry Potter films. The panel is primarily a Star Trek event, but there is an open Q&A.

Not that long ago the idea of dressing up as your favorite Star Trek or Marvel character and parading around in public would have been a punchline in a bad sitcom. But cosplay has become its own cottage industry, grown from a hobby into a lifestyle, and even a career for some. Cosplay is synonymous with comics conventions, and the RCCC Cosplay Competition is the best way to catch the most impressive get-ups. Though registration to walk in this year’s event has passed, the cosplay competition invites both casual festivalgoers and pros to show off their best Astarion or D’Vana Tendi outfits, maybe the moving parts of an Iron Man suit. Look out for Ms. Marvel regalia, Lisan al Gaib stillsuits, and fans striking the perfect "Jojo pose." Just be sure to avoid the corps of Deadpool wannabes.

Rosario Dawson may be the uncrowned queen of science fiction and fantasy media: she’s currently playing the title character of Disney+’s Ahsoka after debuting the live action version of the fan favorite character in The Mandalorian and The Book of Boba Fett. Before that she acted in Netflix’s Defenders series, playing Claire Temple in five different shows. She’s also voiced Wonder Woman in multiple animated programs, portrayed Gail in the film adaptation of Sin City and its sequel, and self-reports as a die-hard Trekkie who can speak some Klingon. Sunday morning at RCCC she’ll answer audience questions about her life in film and TV, including what’s next for her in the Star Wars universe.