Several CalArts alumni and a School of Film/Video faculty member will take part in San Diego Comic-Con, the premier event for all things comics and related popular art, which runs today, Wednesday, July 22, through Sunday, July 26, at the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding venues.
Filmmaker Brad Bird (Film/Video 76) takes the Hall H stage Thursday evening for “Brad Bird: My Cinematic Journey,” a wide-ranging conversation about the Academy Award-winning director’s career, creative process, and upcoming Skydance Animation and Netflix feature, Ray Gunn.
On Friday, two CalArts animation alums revisit shows they helped bring to life. J.G. Quintel (Film/Video BFA 05) joins members of the creative team behind Regular Show for “Regular Show: The Lost Tapes,” featuring behind-the-scenes stories and updates on the series. Later that day, Lauren Faust (Film/Video 95), creator of My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, leads “My Little Pony: A Celebration of Friendship,” exploring the franchise’s legacy and what lies ahead.
CalArts Character Animation faculty member and animation historian Jerry Beck appears on three panels. He joins “Animation History with Jerry and Mark” and presents the 21st annual edition of “Worst Cartoons Ever!” on Thursday, followed by “Why Do Saturday Morning Cartoons Still Matter and How Are They Shaping the Next Generation?” on Saturday.
Recently featured on 24700 for his FÚTBOL! FÚTBOL!! FÚTBOL!!! exhibition in Los Angeles, Jorge R. Gutiérrez (Film/Video BFA 97, MFA 00) also appears Saturday for a discussion featuring Hispanic comic book creators and artists and for signings. He will also moderate “Rey Mysterio vs. The Darkness: From Screen to Comics.”
Visit the Comic-Con 2026 schedule for complete event details and updates.
