C2E2 2011: Six don't-miss panels

Amid the frivolous fun of the adults (and kids) playing dress-up as superheroes and stormtroopers, beyond the hunt for that elusive Silver Age comic book and the chance to meet actors Chris Hemsworth or Eliza Dushku (which, yes, you can all do today), there's some serious fun to be found at this weekend at C2E2, the enormous comics convention going down at McCormick Place. And by "serious," we mean thoughtul programming on topics that include literacy, diversity in genre storytelling, how to create and insider tips on a successful career in comics or animation.

There's way too much to highlight all the worthwhile events and panels here; for a complete list, visit C2E2 online. But we've got six great tips for you, listed below (three each for Saturday and Sunday). And if you're planning on hitting the con with a youthful ward or two, C2E2 offers a ton of children's programming on Sunday (kids 12 and under get in free!); check out our kid-friendly tips here, with original artwork drawn by Chicago comics creators. (Last but not least: If you're wondering how the hell to get to McCormick Place—not exactly convenient by el, though the bus can get you there—there's a free shuttle that leaves from a few downtown locations; details here.)

SATURDAY 19

China Miéville Spotlight, 11:30am
Bestseller Miéville, author of thrilling and challenging novels such as The City and the City and Kraken, hosts a freewheeling talk. Expect some early insight into his upcoming Embassytown, due out in May.

Archaia Presents: How to Make a Great Indie Graphic Novel, 2:30pm
Two top editors from Archaia, publishers of the justly acclaimed Mouse Guard, lend insight into producing a graphic novel, from writing to design to self-publishing (or submitting to the right publisher).

Dwayne McDuffie Memorial, 7pm
The comics and animation worlds lost a key talent when McDuffie, at age 49, died suddenly in late February. Writer/producer of animated hits Justice League, Ben 10 and Static Shock, his legacy includes forging greater diversity in the superhero genre.

SUNDAY 20 

Drawing Fire: Editorial Cartooning in a Partisan Age, 12:45pm
Prominent op-ed cartoonists try to answer the question: In an era dominated by new media and partisan talking heads, where does the humble one-panel cartoon fit it? Bonus: See some cartoons spiked by editors who deemed them too controversial.

Fables: The First 100, 4pm
Creator Bill Willingham—mastermind of the hit Vertigo series, which puts a modern-day fantasy/soap-opera spin on classic fairy tales—discusses the world-building of Fabletown.

Iron Artist Tournament, 4:15pm
A roster of hot talent, all quick on the draw (pun intented), take to the stage with their Sharpies for a head-to-head speed-illustration competition. Proceeds raised by the sketches benefit Reading With Pictures, a Chicago-based charity that advocates kids’ literacy efforts.