The panel then shifted to focus on Bongo's partners at United Plankton Pictures, and Duffy spoke about their comics line including the recently released "SpongeBob Comics Annual #1: Super-Giant Swimtacular." He said the annual was "specially tailored" for superhero fans, with a cover by Jacob Chabot that harkens back to Marvel annuals of the 1960s. They plan to do another superhero-inspired annual next year.
Duffy said upcoming issues of "Spongebob Squarepants" would be theme issues, with one spotlighting Mr. Krabs' love of money. They are also planning a Halloween issue that will feature cartoonist Michael T. Gilbert, who will draw a story featuring Spongebob trick or treating with the crew of the legendary ghost ship the Flying Dutchman.
"We're also doing our second full-length, or as I like to say, 'novel-length' adventure story," Duffy said. "This is an Arctic Spongebob adventure in the manner of 'Wash Tubbs' or 'Captain Easy' strips, with maybe an Uncle Scrooge feeling." The adventure will feature King Crab, an unfrozen Viking monster, inspired by the fact that crabs are bigger in the Arctic sea.
Future issues will also feature more work by Chabot, Israel Sanchez, Scott Roberts, Jerry Ordway and Aaron Reiner. They are also planning more Mermaid Man tales, featuring stories from his "young, adventurous years."
During the question-and-answer session, one audience member asked if Gary Gianni would be doing any further "Spongebob" work. Duffy said he hopes so, pointing out that they like to work with unexpected artists.