Con season '07 kicks off: MegaCon, NY Comic Con, WonderCon

Con season kicks off with a vengeance this month: last weekend was MegaCon in Orlando, this weekend is the New York Comic Con, and next weekend is WonderCon in San Francisco. Here's a quick look at Legion-related guests and programming.

• So MegaCon was this past weekend (Feb. 16-18). The comicsblogosphere has been relatively quiet (or maybe I'm just not reading the right things), but I haven't heard of any Legion stuff there. What we missed: a Brave & Bold panel with George Perez, and What's New in the DCU with lots of DC staff including LSH editor Mike Marts.
  
  
• Can the 2nd NYCC be any bigger than last year? Here's a look at the programming schedule:
  
  Well hell, I just spent 20 minutes looking at the NYCC web page and unless I'm totally blind, I can't find a link to the programming schedule. That should be front and center on the page. Just for that I'm not going to the con.
  
  OK, I found a link to the programming on The BEAT, but it still should say something on their own frickin' web page.
  
  Title: George Perez Spotlight
  Date: Friday, February 23, 2007
  Start Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
  Description: One of the most beloved artists of superhero comics, George Perez brings a singular passion to the characters that seem to leap off his pages. Join DC’s Joel Cavalieri for a chat with the master superhero artist.
  
  George has expressed interest before in working on the Legion. Plus the first three issues of his new Brave and Bold take place on the Gambler's Planet of Ventura and #3 has the Fatal Five.
  
  Title: DC NATION!
  Date: Friday, February 23, 2007
  Start Time: 7:30pm
  End Time: 8:30pm
  Description: The call for the NATION to gather has gone out again! Don’t miss the special unveiling of what will sure to be the most talked about event of the coming year! Privy only to DC NATION members!
  
  Probably where we'll hear about Countdown. Also features Dan DiDio and Mike Marts.
  
  Title: DCU: A Better Tomorrow – Today!
  Date: Saturday, February 24, 2007
  Start Time: 12:00pm
  End Time: 1:00pm
  Description: The DC Universe has been transformed by the events of 52. Living in a world one year later, discover the fate of your favorite heroes in this compelling presentation and Q&A!
  
  Another DCU panel.
  
  Title: Remembering Dave Cockrum
  Date: Sunday, February 25, 2007
  Start Time: 2:00pm
  End Time: 3:00pm
  Description: Fond recollections of artist Dave Cockrum and his impact upon the industry.
  
  Paul Levitz will be on the panel along with Chris Claremont. I'd love to hear them tackle my question from when Dave died, namely, if Cockrum hadn't gone to Marvel when he did, what would the X-Men have been like, and would Jim Shooter have stayed at DC?
  
  From DC, here's a list of the Legion-related creators who will be at the con, and at the DC booth at least part of the time:
  # Adam DeKraker (SUPERGIRL AND THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES)
  # Keith Giffen (52, BLUE BEETLE)
  # Andy Lanning (INFINITE CRISIS, 52)
  # George Pérez (THE BRAVE AND THE BOLD)
  # Gail Simone (BIRDS OF PREY, GEN13, SECRET SIX)
  # J. Torres (THE LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY, TEEN TITANS GO!)
  And of course, DC President and Publisher Paul Levitz and Legion editor Mike Marts.
  
  
• The following weekend on the other side of the country is WonderCon in San Francisco. Here's what's on tap there:
  
  Friday March 2:
  4:00-5:00 DC Nation—Dan DiDio— Dan DiDio, Senior VP—Executive Editor DCU, and Bob Wayne, VP—Sales, are joined by Matt Idelson, Senior Editor—DCU, Jann Jones, Coordinating Editor—DCU, and others to call upon the DC NATION once again! Don’t miss the news on what will sure to be the most talked about events of the coming year! Open to current DC NATION members and new recruits! Room 200
  
  Saturday March 3:
  12:30-2:00 DC Universe 2007: Great Expectations— Dan DiDio, Senior VP—Executive Editor DCU, and Bob Wayne, VP—Sales, are joined by Matt Idelson, Senior Editor—DCU, Jann Jones, Coordinating Editor—DCU, Judd Winick (Green Arrow, Outsiders), Mark Waid (52, Supergirl & The Legion of Super-Heroes), Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis) and others for a panel that’s not to be missed. Catch up on the secrets of 52 and what lies ahead for the World’s Greatest Super-Heroes! Room 200
  
  3:00-4:00 The Animation Production Process— What goes into bringing an animated script to screen? Join Adam Beechen (Johnny Test, Teen Titans), Stan Berkowitz (Legion of Super Heroes, The New Frontier), Dwayne McDuffie (Static Shock, Justice League Unlimited) and WonderCon special guest Greg Weisman (Gargoyles, W.I.T.C.H.) as they take you behind the scenes. Moderated by Shannon Muir (Invader ZIM, Extreme Ghostbusters), author of Gardner's Guide to Animation Writing and Production from GGC, Inc. Room 236
  
  5:30-6:45 DC Universe: Super Heroes Go DVD— DC Comics, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Home Video have joined forces to create a new series of DVDs based on DC Comics' popular graphic novels. Join animation legend Bruce Timm (Batman Beyond, Superman: The Animated Series) and DC Comics luminaries Dan DiDio (Senior Vice President/Executive Editor) and Gregory Noveck (Senior Vice President/Creative Affairs) as they guide you through the intricacies of translating these iconic characters, revered stories and dazzling artwork from acclaimed graphic novels to animated life. In addition to a captivating Q&A, the panel will include a sneak peek of the animation triumvirate's first DVD release ... featuring a caped wonder and rumors of his early demise. Esplanade Ballroom