Tag Archives: prism comics

Prism Comics Presents LGBT Disney Fandom Panel and More at WonderCon 2012 In Anaheim!

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Brett

Prism Comics Presents LGBT Disney Fandom Panel and More at WonderCon 2012 IN Anaheim!

Anaheim, CA – Prism Comics, the premier nonprofit organization supporting LGBT comic books, creators, and readers, is taking advantage of WonderCon’s move to Anaheim, California this year by highlighting LGBT Disney fandom and by presenting a host of LGBT comics creators and professionals including Brian Andersen, Marc Andreyko, Jim McCann, Bob Schreck, and many others in panels and booth appearances. This year’s WonderCon is being held this year at the Anaheim Convention Center from March 16th through the 18th.

“We at Prism love being part of WonderCon in San Francisco because of the large LGBT community,” said Prism Events Chairperson Ted Abenheim, “But WonderCon’s San Francisco home is under construction this year so we’re packing our mouse ears, capes and tights and going to Anaheim to be part of the fun. We expect WonderCon 2012 to be a great show with a huge turnout and the opportunity to meet a whole new community. Come and see us at Booth 200 right at the front of Hall D!”

Prism Comics will host a number of creators appearing to sign their books plus a full range of hard-to-find LGBT comics and merchandise. Booth partners appearing all weekend include Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Power Within, Northwest Press), Sean-Z (Myth), and Jeff Krell (Jayson). The creator signing schedule is as follows (please check prismcomics.org for the most up-to-date listings and information):

Friday, March 16:
3:00pm: Tommy Kovac
4:00pm: Robert Bulandi
5:00pm: Agnes Czaja

Saturday, March 17:
10:00am-1:00pm: Brian Anderson
3:00pm: Robert Bulandi
4:00pm: Agnes Czaja
5:00pm: Tara Madison Avery

Sunday, March 18:
1:00pm: Tara Madison Avery
2:00pm: Tommy Kovac

Prism will also be presenting two panels featuring major comics and industry professionals:

THE BAD AND THE BOLD: PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES WITH LGBT CHARACTERS
FRIDAY, MARCH 16, 6:30 – 7:30PM
There are more LGBT characters in mainstream comics, independents, Yaoi and Yuri than ever before. Some comics push for truer portrayals of all people in the LGBT community and others push for shock and awe. How do you balance portrayals of LGBT characters in today’s comics market? Join Prism Comics and panelists Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter, Torso), Tara Madison Avery (Gooch), Agnes Czaja (Acrobats), Jim McCann (Mind the Gap, Return of the Dapper Men), Bob Schreck (Legendary Comics), and other creators as they explore what makes a strong, realistic depiction of an LGBT character, what makes or breaks an edgy depiction of an LGBT character, and what is going too far? Moderated by Charles “Zan” Christensen. Room 211AB

FAIRY DUST: LGBT DISNEY FANDOM
SATURDAY, MARCH 17, 12:30 – 1:30PM
WonderCon is lucky to be right next door to the “Happiest Place on Earth” this year. Disney characters, films, comics, media and theme parks are popular around the world. But Disney is especially popular among the LGBT community. Young or old, LGBT folk identify with the stories, characters, the fantasy and the imagination of Disney. Join Prism Comics and panelists Tommy Kovac (The Royal Historian of Oz, Wonderland, Skelebunnies), Worthie Meacham (Disney Gay Days; expert on Disney Parks and Disneyana), William O. Tyler (Fairies Tell, The Goth Queen Needs a Mate), and Dusty Sage (Founder and CEO of MiceChat.com) and other fans and creators as they explore why the queer community loves all things Disney. Moderated by Ted Abenheim. Room 207ABC

Where: Prism Comics at WonderCon
Hall D, Booth #200
Anaheim Convention Center
800 West Katella Avenue
Anaheim, California

When: Friday, March 16: 12 noon – 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 17: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 18: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Prism Comics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) creators, characters, themes and readers in the comic book field. Along with convention appearances, Prism awards an annual Queer Press Grant, and maintains a website (prismcomics.org) with LGBT creator listings and features on all that’s queer in comics.

NYCC 11 – Prism Comics Makes a Big Splash at New York Comic-Con October 13-16!

Posted on October 13, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Prism Comics Makes a Big Splash at New York Comic-Con October 13-16

Prism’s “Gay Agenda” includes a “Women in Queer Comics” panel, more than a dozen creator signings, new releases from Outlines Press, Ignite Entertainment, Northwest Press, and more!

New York, NY—Prism Comics, the premier nonprofit supporting LGBT comics, will be “queer central” for both creators and fans at New York Comic-Con from October 13-16. Prism’s double booth (#1058) will host signings with top LGBT comic book creators all weekend. Prism is also proudly hosting the panel “XX: The Women of Queer Comics”, moderated by JD Glass and featuring Paige Braddock, Jennifer Camper, Joan Hilty, Abby Denson, Kris Dresen and Erica Friedman.

“We’re excited to provide a home for the ‘barbarian’ hordes of LGBT fans in the New York area” says David Stanley, Prism’s PR Chair. “We’ll be the only booth to feature a full line of LGBT comics, from best sellers to impossible-to-find favorites.”

Prism will be hosting six featured guests throughout the show: Tony Breed (Finn and Charlie are Hitched), Dylan “NDR” Edwards (Politically InQueerect, Transposes), Jeff Krell (Jayson), Eisner nominee Kris Dresen (She’s In The Trees, gone) and Lambda Literary Award Finalist J.D. Glass (CORE) from Outlines Press, and Charles “Zan” Christensen (The Power Within, The Mark of Aeacus) from Northwest Press. The booth will also host Jennifer Camper, Topher MacDonald, Ivan Velez, Jr., Erica Friedman, Sean McGrath, Sabin Calvert, and more.

“XX: The Women in Queer Comics” takes place on Friday, October 14th, from 7:45-8:45pm. LGBT women and their straight allies are a force to be reckoned with in the comics world. JD Glass moderates a dynamic panel exploring the specific challenges they face in the traditional comics world and the changing digital landscape, as well as the unique perspectives, storytelling aesthetics, and sense of community they bring to the table. Explore the past, present, and future of women in queer comics with Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Jennifer Camper (Rude Girls and Dangerous Women), Joan Hilty (Bitter Girl), Kris Dresen, Abby Denson (Tough Love: High School Confidential), and Erica Friedman (Yuricon & ALC Publishing).

Kris Dresen’s gone will be making its debut at New York Comic Con, and introduces the first book-length use of Dresen’s lush pencil work. “I am really excited about this,” says Glass. “We’re taking stories and worlds, bringing them to life in new ways.” Adds Dresen, “This work really pushes the boundaries in terms of storytelling and visuals.”

JD Glass will have her new title CORE, which premiered at the 2011 San Diego Comic-Con, and is a bold marrying of prose and graphics. gone and CORE are are from the new publishing imprint, Outlines Press, which plans future releases by Golden Crown Finalist Susan Smith, Lambda Literary Award winner Georgia Beers, Andi Marquette, and Susan X Meagher. The company will publish complete single books, serialized stories, and anthologies.

Jeff Krell will be bringing his new translation of Ralf König’s Down to the Bone, the sequel to the blockbuster Killer Condom. Dylan “NDR” Edwards will have preview copies of his forthcoming Transposes, and Tony Breed will have both volumes of his Finn and Charlie are Hitched collections.

Charles “Zan” Christensen will have copies of his anti-bullying comic, The Power Within, which was released this summer, and the latest full-length book from Northwest Press, Rick Worley’s A Waste of Time.

Drop by the Prism Booth for a copy of The Gay Agenda, which lists everything queer happening at New York Comic-Con, or download a copy ahead of time. For more information on Prism Comics, go to prismcomics.org.

New York Comic Con, the East Coast’s biggest popular culture convention, is held at the Javits Center at 655 West 34th Street at 11th Avenue. For more information, go to newyorkcomiccon.com.

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Web Links:
Prism Comics: http://prismcomics.org
New York Comic-Con: http://newyorkcomiccon.com
Outlines Press: http://www.outlinespress.com
Prism Comics’ “Gay Agenda” PDF: http://www.prismcomics.org/files/NYCC_The_Gay_Agenda_NYCC_2011.pdf

Images:

Prism Comics’ The Gay Agenda for New York Comic Con 2011

Kris Dresen’s gone from Outlines Press

J.D. Glass’ CORE from Outlines Press

Down to the Bone from Ignite Entertainment

The Power Within from Northwest Press

A Waste of Time from Northwest Press

Transposes by Dylan “NDR” Edwards

I Love You, You Big Weirdo by Tony Breed

Prism Comics’ Queer Press Grant Deadline is September 1st

Posted on August 19, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Deadline for the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant is September 1st!

The QPG is now the Only Grant Dedicated to Indie Comics

Prism Comics has announced that the deadline for this year’s Queer Press Grant (QPG) is approaching soon, on September 1, 2011. As the Xeric Foundation is no longer awarding grants for comics, the QPG is the only grant today that is specifically awarded to independent comic book creators. The grant was established by Prism to assist in the publication and promotion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender comics.

“The Queer Press Grant is a significant resource to help promote LGBT themes in independent comics, and to support up-and-coming cartoonists bringing their projects into the world,” says Justin Hall, Prism’s Talent Relations Chair.

This year’s submission deadline has been moved up to September 1st this year so that the recipient can be announced during San Francisco’s Alternative Press Expo taking place from October 1-2. Applicants can submit online now at prismcomics.org/grant.

The Queer Press Grant is awarded to a comics writer/artist or team working on a project with LGBT characters or themes, to assist them in publishing a new project or expanding an existing one. Entries are judged first and foremost by artistic merit, followed by concerns such as financial need, proposal presentation, and the project’s contribution to the LGBT community. They are reviewed by the Prism Board and past recipients of the Grant, with the larger advisory board brought in when tiebreakers are needed.

Grant guidelines can be found at prismcomics.org/grant. Questions about the grant can be directed to Justin Hall at justin@prismcomics.org.

The Queer Press Grant is funded entirely by donations, generally from comic book professionals and readers plus fundraising efforts from Prism members including Charles “Zan” Christensen and Roger Klorese. To donate to the Queer Press Grant, go to prismcomics.org/donate or donate through Prism’s Facebook Causes page for the QPG. From these contributions, the standard amount of the Grant in the past few years has been $2,000.

Since its inception, the Queer Press Grant has been awarded to Tana Ford (2010, for Duck), Jon Macy (2010, for Fearful Hunter). Ed Luce (2009, for Wuvable Oaf), Eric Orner (2009 for Storybox), Pam Harrison (2008, for House of the Muses), Justin Hall (2007, for Glamazonia), Tommy Roddy (2007, for Pride High), Megan Gedris (2006, for YU+ME), and Steve MacIsaac (2005, for Shiftlifter).

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Website Links:
Prism Comics: http://prismcomics.org
Prism Comics Queer Press Grant: http://prismcomics.org/grant
Prism Comics Donation Page: http://prismcomics.org/donate
Prism Comics’ Causes Page for the QPG: http://www.causes.com/causes/176646-the-prism-comics-queer-press-grant

Alex Ross and JH Williams III Original Batwoman Art at Prism Comics’ Silent Auction at Comic-Con

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Alex Ross and JH Williams III Original Batwoman Art at Prism Comics’ Silent Auction at Comic-Con

Plus Illustrations by Kevin Keller Artist Dan Parent, Wonder Woman and New X-men Artist Phil Jimenez and More, this Saturday, July 23rd

On Saturday, July 23, from 7:00-8:00pm, Prism Comics will hold a Silent Auction as part of the “Prism Gays In Comics” Mixer in Room 6A, directly after Andy Mangels “Gays In Comics” panel (5:30-7:00pm) at San Diego Comic-Con International 2011. Auction items offered range from original illustrations by Alex Ross, JH Williams III, Dan Parent, Phil Jimenez, Stephen Sadowski and more; signed items by Chip Kidd, Robert Kirkman, and other top comics professionals; along with one-of-a-kind collectibles from DC, Marvel, and others.

“This is the most exciting selection of items we’ve had since we began our Prism Silent Auction three years ago, and we gratefully thank all of the creators and companies who donated to us,” says Ted Abenheim, Prism’s Auction and Event Coordinator. We will have items on display at the Prism Booth #2144 through the show till Saturday evening’s auction, so come by, take a look and bid generously!”

Auction items will include:

An original painting of Batwoman by Alex Ross
An illustration of Batwoman by JH Williams III
An illustration by Archie and Kevin Keller artist Dan Parent
(All three of the above artworks were created especially for the Prism Silent Auction)
Original art pages from Northwest Press’ anti-bullying comic The Power Within, with pages by Phil Jimenez, Stephen Sadowksi, Donna Barr, Carla Speed McNeil and Dan Parent.
Autographed books and posters from Chip Kidd
Signed books and statues donated by DC Comics
“Torchwood” and “Spartacus” goodies from STARZ
A copy of the great 75 Years of DC Comics book donated by Paul Levitz and Taschen with signatures and sketches by dozens of great comics creators
Books from Image and Skybound signed by Robert Kirkman
Matty Collector and Graphitti Designs Comic-Con and WonderCon exclusive action figures
Autographed books and items from Marvel Comics, Paul Cornell, Jon Macy, Northwest Press, and others
And more surprises!

Proceeds from the auction will benefit Prism Comics’ efforts to provide a networking community for LGBT comics fans and professionals and to the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant. For information on Prism’s activities at the 2011 Comic-Con, check out “The Gay Agenda” at prismcomics.org/display.php?id=2004.

Prism Comics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) creators, characters, themes and readers in the comic book field. Along with convention appearances, Prism awards an annual Queer Press Grant, and maintains a website,prismcomics.org, with LGBT creator listings and features on all that’s queer in comics.

Prism Comics Unfurls Ambitious Comic-Con 2011 Schedule

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Prism Comics Unfurls Ambitious Comic-Con 2011 Schedule

Includes Buffy and X-Men Panels, Superhero Party, Fan Mixer and Silent Auction Featuring Original Artwork By Alex Ross and Dan Parent

SAN DIEGO, CA — Prism Comics, the premier nonprofit supporting LGBT comics, creators, and readers, has unleashed its schedule for Comic-Con International 2011 in San Diego, taking place Wednesday, July 20th through Sunday, July 24th. The Con will not only feature an unprecedented four Prism-sponsored panels—with LGBT takes on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and the X-Men plus two LGBT publishing panels—but also Andy Mangels’ 24th annual “Gays in Comics” panel, a fan mixer with silent auction, a Superhero Party, and portfolio reviews and creator signings all weekend.

“Queer themes in comics have come a long way since Prism began exhibiting many years ago,” says Ted Abenheim, Prism’s Events Chair, “and we’re proud to be representing a wide range of LGBT comics and creators who have been part of that change. The Prism Comics booth—now exapnded to three spaces, has become ‘LGBT Central’ at Comic-Con for fans, professionals and retailers. We’re grateful to Comic-Con for providing this opportunity for diversity. Most of all we’re looking forward to having fun and sharing what we all have in common: a love of comics.”

The Prism Comics Booth

Gail Simone

The Prism Comics booth (#2144) boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of LGBT comics for sale anywhere, and will be the site for creator signings and portfolio review by top professionals from both the indies and majors including Phil Jimenez, Gail Simone (pictured), Bob Schreck, Eric Shanower, Michael Troy, Iceman Blue, and more. The booth is also acting as a de facto LGBT small press pavilion for top LGBT creators, including Brian Andersen, Dave Davenport, J.D. Glass, Jeff Krell, Ed Luce, Steve MacIsaac, Brad Rader, and Sean-Z, plus LGBT publishers Northwest Press and Poseur Ink, LGBT fan site Fanboys of the Universe, and Paige Braddock’s “Jane’s World”.

New LGBT comics debuting at Comic-Con include the anti-bullying comic The Power Within from Northwest Press, Brian Andersen’s Friend of Dorothy #2 and Adam Fair‘s This Gay Existence #3, Ed Luce’s Wuvable Oaf #3 in regular and special editions, Megan Gedris’s YU+ME: dream books 5 & 6, Tab Kimpton’s Khaos Komix Book 2, Mike Schmidt’s Material Girl, and Jeff Krell’s Jayson Comics #1 – Convention Exclusive.

For those applying for the Prism Comics Queer Press Grant, which was established by Prism in 2005 to encourage the publication of new LGBT comics, Prism is offering portfolio review from Noon to 2:00pm, Thursday through Sunday. Reviewers this year include J.D. Glass, Jon Macy, Justin Hall, Bob Schreck, Phil Jimenez and Gail Simone. Check the website or the booth for the latest schedule. Before arriving at the Con, applicants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the submissions guidelines at prismcomics.org/grant.

Four Panel Discussions, plus “Gays in Comics”

Prism is proud to present four official panels at this year’s Comic-Con. Buffy and X-Men fans can rejoice with Prism’s queer look at these two cultural phenomenons, while its publishing and Bent Comix panels explore the worlds of DIY and small press. Prism Comics is also proud to support Andy Mangels’ legendary “Gays In Comics” panel, which will present comics superstars Robert Kirkman, Chip Kidd, Greg Pak, Jon Macy and more. Descriptions of each panel follow:

Buffy the Vampire Slayer and LGBT Comics Fandom: Thursday, July 21, 5:00-6:00pm. LGBT fans hailed the revelation in the long-running television hit that one of its main characters, Willow, had fallen in love with another female character, Tara. This groundbreaking depiction of queer love in the TV show has been built upon in the Buffy comic books published by Dark Horse Comics, and Buffy remains one of the most queer-friendly properties in pop culture. Moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen (Prism Comics president) discusses the special relationship between the Buffyverse and LGBT comic book fans with Buffy creators and actors, including Scott Allie, Andrew Chambliss, Jane Espenson, Drew Greenberg, Tom Lenk (pictured), and Sierra Hahn, plus you never know if a special guest will appear! Room 32AB

LGBTX: The X-Men’s Queer Characters, Themes, and Fans: Thursday, July 21, 6:00-7:00pm. The X-Men and their universe have always been popular with LGBT comics fans. The idea of mutants is seen as an allegory for the reality of difference and persecution, as well as community and power, experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. The X-Men have also included compelling queer characters in their roster, including the first gay superhero, Northstar. How have these themes and characters been handled? What are the plans for the future? Moderator Chance Whitmire (Fanboys of the Universe) tries to make sense of it all with panelists Peter David (X-Factor, pictured), Phil Jimenez (Astonishing X-Men), Chuck Kim (Age of X), Marjorie Liu (Daken: Dark Wolverine), Scott Lobdell (Uncanny X-Men), and Zack Stentz (X-Men: First Class). Room 32AB

Publishing Queer: Producing LGBT Comics and Graphic Novels: Friday, July 22, from 1:00-2:00pm. Queer-themed comics, once solely the domain of the gay press, are breaking into the mainstream. What are the challenges and rewards of producing this work and getting it in front of an audience hungry for the material? How can it be marketed and publicized, both to an LGBT readership and beyond? Should queer cartoonists self-publish or look to established publishers? Moderator Justin Hall (Glamazonia: The Uncanny Super-Tranny, Prism Comics Talent Chair) leads a spirited conversation with a diverse panel of publishing pros: Brian Andersen (self-publisher, So Super Duper), Charles “Zan” Christensen (publisher, Northwest Press), Jacquelene Cohen (publicist, Fantagraphics), Shannon O’Leary (comics editor and journalist), Bob Schreck (editor-in-chief, Legendary Pictures), and Tony Valenzuela (executive director, Lambda Literary Foundation). Room 9

Bent Comix: The Next Wave of Gay Cartooning: Saturday, July 23, 4:00-5:00. A small band of independent gay cartoonists joined forces in 2008 to create Bent Comix. Initially intended as a distribution cooperative, Bent has morphed into something much more dynamic: a true creative community. Last year they created Bent Con, the world’s first queer comics show. Now they’re expanding the convention, their membership, and their mission. In a world where the queer media are disintegrating and publishing is a risky venture, Bent Comix shines a light. Moderator J. D. Glass (Core, Prism Comics Secretary) grills the panelists about their part in creating the future of gay comics. They include Dave Davenport (Hard to Swallow), Jeff Krell (Jayson), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), Brad Rader (Harry and Dickless Tom), Jody Wheeler (DoorQ.com), and Sean-Z (Myth). Room 4

Gays in Comics: Year 24!: Saturday, July 23, 5:30-7:00pm. Comic-Con International’s longest-running panel, now in its 24th year, boasts an incredible lineup of guests from DC, Marvel, Image, Archie, and the world of independents, making this year’s panel a must-attend event. Founding moderator Andy Mangels, the USA Today best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor as well as numerous comic books, welcomes a top-level panel of LGBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come. This year’s guests include Robert Kirkman, writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible and head of Image Comics’ Skybound imprint; Chip Kidd, award-winning author, editor and designer of books such as Bat-Manga, Rough Justice, and Jack Cole and Plastic Man; Dan Parent, writer and artist for Archie and Betty & Veronica, and creator of Archie’s new gay character and series, Kevin Keller; Jon Macy, writer and artist of 2010 Lambda Literary Award-winning Teleny and Camille and Prism Comics Queer Press grant recipient for Fearful Hunter; Paul Cornell, writer for TV’s Doctor Who and DC Comics’ upcoming Stormwatch and Demon Knights series; Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulks and co-writer of Alpha Flight and Herc; plus, a special video appearance by J.H. Williams III, co-writer and artist of DC’s Batwoman series! Plus, there’s always a surprise or two… Room 6A

The Prism Comics Mixer and Silent Auction

After the “Gays in Comics” panel, stick around for the hour-long gay mixer/social where comics fans and creators can mingle, enter the special drawing for a “Comics Gift Basket”, and bid in the silent auction for must-have items including original art by Alex Ross, Dan Parent (artwork pictured), Phil Jimenez, Carla Speed McNeil, Stephen Sadowski, and much much more, all to benefit Prism Comics and to raise funds for the Queer Press Grant.

The Annual Superhero Party at Rich’s San Diego

Join Prism at the annual Superhero Party scheduled for Friday, July 23, 9:30pm-2:00am at Rich’s Dance Club San Diego, located in San Diego’s Hillcrest district at 1051 University Avenue. There will be a costume contest, drink specials, surprise guests and more!

For the latest details on Prism’s activities, go to prismcomics.org or drop by the Prism booth to pick up The Gay Agenda, Prism’s guide to everything LGBT at the Con. San Diego Comic-Con International is located at the San Diego Convention Center at 111 W. Harbor Drive. For more information, go to comic-con.org/cci.

Lineup for 24th annual “Gays in Comics” Comic-Con Panel Revealed

Posted on July 9, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Lineup Revealed for 24th Annual “Gays in Comics” Comic-Con Panel

“Gays in Comics”, Comic-Con International’s longest-running panel, boasts an incredible lineup of guests from DC, Marvel, Image, Archie, and the world of independents in its 24th year, making this year’s panel a must-attend event. The all-star panel takes place on the San Diego Convention Center on Saturday, July 23 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm in Room 6A.

An All-Star Panel and More

The panel examines the rising diversity in the comics world today as the long-running “Gays in Comics” panel continues into its third decade at Comic-Con. As mainstream companies DC and Marvel are continuing to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar and are hiring top-level gay or gay-friendly creators, independent publishers and creators are publishing unequivocal content spotlighting gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender characters, to the cheers of the thousands of fans who are out of the comic book closet. Founding moderator Andy Mangels, the USA Today best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor as well as numerous comic books, welcomes a top-level panel of GLBT and straight creators, who will give amazing insights and glimpses of surprises to come.

Joining the panel this year are: Robert Kirkman, writer of The Walking Dead and Invincible and head of Image Comics’ Skybound imprint; Chip Kidd, award-winning author, editor and designer of books such as Bat-Manga, Rough Justice, and Jack Cole and Plastic Man; Dan Parent, writer and artist for Archie and Betty & Veronica, and creator of Archie’s new gay character and series, Kevin Keller; Jon Macy, writer and artist of 2010 Lambda Literary Award-winning Teleny and Camille and Prism Comics Queer Press grant recipient for Fearful Hunter; Paul Cornell, writer for TV’s Doctor Who and DC Comics’ upcoming Stormwatch and Demon Knights series; Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulks and co-writer of Alpha Flight and Herc; plus, a special video appearance by J.H. Williams III, co-writer and artist of DC’s Batwoman series! Plus, there’s always a surprise or two…

Afterward, stick around for the hourlong gay comics fan mixer/social hosted by Prism Comics, the nonprofit organization that supports gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender comics, creators, and readers. Mingle with comics fans and creators and surprise special guests and stay for the special drawing of a “Comics Gift Basket” and the silent auction of hot comics items, including original art by Alex Ross and Dan Parent.

Prism Comics Expands Presence at Emerald City ComiCon

Posted on February 26, 2011 by Brett

Official Press Release

Seattle, WA (2/25/11)—Prism Comics, the premier organization supporting LGBT comics, creators and readers, will be returning once again to Emerald City Comic Con in Seattle, which takes place March 4th through the 6th at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center. Prism is expanding its presence at the show this year, hosting its first-ever panel discussion at the show on Friday evening as well as offsite social events at Pony on Friday and The Local Vine on Sunday.

All weekend at the convention, Prism will offer a wide selection of comics and related items that are of interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender readers at their exhibitor booth. Prism also provides free space for comics artists and writers who do not have their own exhibition space, so that they can sell their books and meet with their fans.

Special guests this year include Jeff Krell, creator of the groundbreaking gay comic strip Jayson, Jon Macy, author of the graphic novel Teleny and Camille and Queer Press Grant recipient for his fantasy series Fearful Hunter, Sean-Z, creator of the erotic fantasy series Myth and comics fandom website Fanboys of the Universe.

The “LGBT Comics Panel” takes place on Friday at 6pm at the show, moderated by Charles “Zan” Christensen (President of Prism Comics and Publisher of Northwest Press) and featuring David Kelly (Rainy Day Recess: The Complete Steven’s Comics), Erika Moen (DAR!), Jeff Krell, Jon Macy, Sean-Z and Stephen Sadowski (Warlord of Mars, JSA).

“How do mainstream comics stack up against indies on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender characters?” reads the official description of the panel. “Is there still a tendency to push gay characters to ‘mature readers’ comics? Or, with the launch of DC Comics’ Batwoman, featuring the first lesbian superhero to headline her own book, and the introduction of Kevin Keller, Archie Comics’ first gay character, is being gay simply becoming a non-issue in comics?”

Friday’s afterparty takes place at Pony (1221 E Madison St) at 8pm, and features t-shirts, comics and graphic novel door prizes donated by Northwest Press, Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf) and Paige Braddock (Jane’s World). On Sunday, Prism is organizing a “big gay dinner” at The Local Vine (1410 12th Avenue). Attendees are urged to RSVP through Facebook to give the venue an idea of the headcount beforehand.

This is the seventh Emerald City Comic Con for Prism, whose founder and current President, Charles “Zan” Christensen, is a Seattle resident and organizes Prism’s appearance at the show.

“I’m glad we’re at the show in an even bigger way this year,” said Christensen. “In addition to the panel and the offsite events, we’ve doubled our convention space this year and are really looking forward to our best Emerald City ComiCon yet!”

Prism was founded in 2003 and is funded by donations from the LGBT and comics communities. It provides an annual Queer Press Grant to support independent comics creators and appears at many other conventions during the year, including Comic-Con International in San Diego and WonderCon and Alternative Press Expo in San Francisco. This year, the organization will also be attending New York Comic-Con, Toronto Comic Arts Fest and C2E2 in Chicago.

Links:

Prism Comics

Prism Comics at Emerald City ComiCon (Facebook)

Prism Comics’ Big Gay Post-ComiCon Dinner (Facebook)

Full Emerald City ComiCon Program Schedule

Prism Comics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) creators, characters, themes and readers in the comic book field. Along with convention appearances, Prism publishes an annual guide (Prism Comics: Your LGBT Guide to Comics), and maintains a website with LGBT creator listings and features on all that’s queer in comics.