The Mission Viejo Library’s popular Comic Fest returns this spring in a new virtual format. The excitement takes place via Zoom April 19-25.
Folks can tune in each weeknight from 6:30 to 7:30 pm to enjoy panels featuring fun-filled discussions with and demonstrations by amazing authors, creators and illustrators. Panels will also take place that weekend.
This free event is open to people of all ages and will include great giveaways throughout the week. So, stay tuned to the library’s website or Facebook for the latest news and information about the presenters!
Register online today to obtain your Zoom invitation.
Panel Presentations Schedule:
Monday, April 19
6:30 – 7:30 – What Should I Read Next? Comic-Fest Edition
Penguin Random House reps will discuss the best upcoming books covering a mix of pop culture, sci-fi, YA, graphic novels and more! You’ll definitely want to add these titles to your reading list so don’t miss out.
Tuesday, April 20
6:30 – 7:30 – How to craft (and submit to) an Anthology
Join USA Today bestselling author and Cthulhu is Hard to Spell editor Russell Nohelty, Elsewhere editor Laurie Foster, Noir is the New Black editor Fabrice Sapolsky, and Red Stylo Presents editor Enrica Jang as they show you how to put together a successful anthology…and how to submit to one, too. Learn the tricks of the trade from editors who have raised over $200,000 through anthologies on Kickstarter and beyond.
Wednesday, April 21
6:30 – 7:30 – Aprilynne Pike – Magic Rules!!
It’s easy to think that magic is as simple as “Wave a wand; solve your problem!” but a good magic system has rules. Come learn how to make your magic system more compelling and how to set rules and boundaries that will actually make your magic better. Write sci-fi? There’s a section about Tech as Magic too. Q&A to follow.
Thursday, April 22
6:30 – 7:30 – Kim Dwinell – Make it believable! Authenticity in comics by incorporating local research.
Southern California plays a HUGE role as a character in my Surfside Girls graphic novel series- even though Surfside is a fictional town. Go behind the scenes to see what local landmarks and historical stories make my supernatural mysteries more authentic. Digging into local history can be really inspirational!
Friday, April 23
6:30 – 7:30 – Digitizing D&D with Eamon Sheehy – Using Free Online Tools to Safely Play while Social Distancing!
Trying to run a group and maintain a safe social distance or keep friends who have moved out of town in the campaign? Come join me in learning to use FREE tools to convert any Pen & Paper campaign online so you can keep playing! We’ll cover free tools, how to get setup, how they are used, and what’s the easiest way to get the digital dice rolling!
Saturday, April 24
6:30 – 7:30 – Brian Kesinger – Interactive storytelling through social media
Join filmmaker/author Brian Kesinger as he walks through his process of expanding his memorable characters off the page and into the real world.
Sunday, April 25
4:00 – 5:00 – Writing for Comics with Nicole Andelfinger, Jackie Ball and Marv Wolfman
Have you ever wondered where the ideas in your favorite comic books come from? Three comic pros will talk how great it is to write comics. In this panel, Nicole Andelfinger (Lumberjanes, Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal, Adventure Time), Jackie Ball (Welcome to Wanderland, Goldie Vance), and Marv Wolfman (Teen Titans, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Tomb of Dracula) will share their insights on the whys and wherefores of creating comics.
6:30 – 7:30 – Gretchen McNeil and Zoraida Cordova – Women writing genre fiction
Meet two fantastic and fearless female authors of fantasy, science fiction, and suspense — genres that have long been dominated by male voices. Acclaimed authors Zoraida Cordova (Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate, Brooklyn Brujas) and Gretchen McNeil (Get Even, #MurderTrending) will discuss their writing journeys and what they love about crafting genre fiction.
