Why Do Saturday Morning Cartoons Still Matter—and How Are They Shaping the Next Generation?
Saturday, July 25, 2026 | 10:00AM – 11:00AM | Room 9
Moderated by Saturday Morning Cartoons United™
Presented by ASIFA-Hollywood and Saturday Morning Cartoons United, this panel brings together artists, voice actors, historians, and contemporary creators to share firsthand stories from inside the world of Saturday morning animation. The discussion explores how Saturday morning cartoons became more than programming—they became a shared cultural event that shaped careers and influenced generations of creators.
Why do Saturday morning cartoons still matter today, and how are they shaping a new generation of audiences and artists? This conversation revisits the legacy of broadcast animation while exploring how its spirit continues through preservation, access, and emerging creative voices.
Panelists include Eric Bauza (Looney Tunes, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck), Bettina Bush (Rainbow Brite, My Little Pony, Ben 10), Chris Battle (Disney, Cartoon Network character designer), Candi Milo (Dexter’s Laboratory, Tiny Toon Adventures), Craig Bartlett (Hey Arnold!, Pee-wee’s Playhouse), Jerry Beck (animation historian and author), Matt Danner (Muppet Babies, The Three Caballeros), and Samantha Newark (Jem and the Holograms).
The Choice Behind the Voice Returns!
Sunday, July 26, 2026 | 12:00PM – 1:00PM | Neil Morgan Auditorium, San Diego Central Library
“The Choice Behind the Voice” returns to San Diego Comic-Con following strong audience response and growing demand for the panel. This year, the program moves into a larger 300-seat auditorium, expanding its focus on the craft of voice acting and performance.
The panel brings together voice talent and creators for a fast-moving discussion about character creation, casting choices, improvisation, and the evolving landscape of voice performance across animation and new media.
It offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions that shape iconic characters, and what it means to bring them to life in today’s industry.