CA – Free Comic Book Day 2012

Philip Tan, Sterling Gates, Bernard Chang, Dan Panosian, and many more sign on Saturday May 5, 2012 or Free Comic Book Day!

List of Talents and Events:

- PHILIP TAN (DC Comics: Savage Hawkman, He-Man & Masters of Universe)

- STERLING GATES (DC Comics: Hawk & Dove, Flashpoint Kid Flash)

- DAN PANOSIAN (DC Comics/Image: GI Combat, Conan)

- BERNARD CHANG (DC Comics: Demon Knights)

- VINCE HERNANDEZ (Aspen Comics: Fathom Kiani)

- DANNY MIKI (Marvel/Crimelab Syndicate: Avengers Assemble, Fearless, Incredible Hulk)

- ALLEN MARTINEZ (Marvel/Crimelab Syndicate: Hulk, X-Men Legacy, Iron Man Legacy)

- DEAN WHITE (Marvel: Kick Ass, Uncanny X-Force)

- RICHARD ISANOVE (Marvel: Dark Tower)

- MARCO GALLI (Marvel/Crimelab Syndicate: Venom, Artifacts, Forgotten Realms)

- MICHAEL ALAN NELSON (Boom Studios: Valen Outcast, 28 Days Later)

- CHRIS “DOC” WYATT (Arcana: Creepsville -coming soon)

- SHAWN DePASQUALE (Arcana: Space, MN graphic novel)

- ERIK HENDRIX (Arcana: SideShows Graphic Novel)

- JOHN NARCOMEY (Draw Hard Comics: Dust, Smart Bullets)

- JAMES NINNESS (Semantink: Dust, Mythoi, The Undergrounds)

- JOE PEZZULA (Semantink: Sim-I, The Undergrounds)

- MICHAEL FOUNTAIN (Semantink: Drace Grey, The Undergrounds)

- DANIEL TOUCHET (Semantink: Sim-I, The Undergrounds)

- MARCEL LOSADA (Semantink: The Undergrounds)

- JULIAN AGUILERA (Coat of Arms Comics: Blackbeard, Jurassic Strike Force)

- KI KIM (Crimelab Syndicate)

- AJ HERRERA (Forbidden Panel: ZKS)

- JUSTIN WHITE (Forbidden Panel: ZKS)

- DANIEL WHITFIELD (Forbidden Panel: The Plagued)

- CAMILLE ALARAS (Forbidden Panel: The Plagued)

- JR LOPEZ (Forbidden Panel: El Super Maximo)

- LOU GUEVARA (Forbidden Panel: Blackjack Slappers)

- APOSCAR CRUZ (W3RKSHOP) www.w3rkshop.com

- JIMMY PURCELL (Been Better Comic) www.beenbettercomic.com

- KIRK KUSHIN (Forcewerks: OZopolis)

- DAN MENDOZA (Toxiccandie) www.zombiegirl

- ZEN (HCMP) www.hiconmedia.com

- DANI DIXON (Tumbleweed Press: M.I.S.//ing)

- STEPHANIE LESNIAK (Scraps Pictures: Blazin Brandy)

- ROBERT ZAILO (Local Artist)

- ART LOPEZ (Arte Cabalturo: Mexican American Tribal Pop Art)

- GRIM KING (Local Artist: Fantasy and SciFi Art)

- AUBREY MIRANDA (Local Artist)

- GEO BRAWN (Brawn Graphix Designs: Everdance)

 

Charitable Event   FANBOYS vs ZOMBIES Dunk Booth benefitting CBLDF   Come fight back the zombie horde while donating to a worthy cause.. but wait you don’t throw softballs at zombies.. WE HAVE THE POWER OF THOR to conquer them!   Blood Drive for Lifestream (All donors get EVERY free comic available)       Main Event – Wrestling!!!   Join 4 Color Fantasies and NWA Wrestling for the fun and chaos of professional wrestling!!   Demos to be held all day       Costume characters from:

- Star Wars 501st Legion “Vader’s Fist”   – Cobra Nightwatch (GI Joe)   – Inland Empire Fan Force Star Wars fan club   – DC, Marvel Characters including Batman, Flash, Green Lantern

 

Community Partners   – Rancho Cucamonga Library   – Library cards and kids programs   – Mobeck Farmers Insurance   – M.I.L.K. Child Loss Prevention kits   – Edwards Ontario 22 Palace   – Raffle movie passes and posters       Activities   – FACE PAINTING   – SUPERHERO BOUNCER   – COLORING CONTEST   – RAFFLES   – FREE HOT DOGS   – FREE NACHOS   – FREE BALLONS   – FREE FUN FOR ALL!!!   – AND OF COURSE…. FREE COMICS!!!!!

4 Color Fantasies 7
172 Archibald Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91701

CA – DC 52 Wrap Party

Bernard Chang, Sterling Gates, Kyle Higgins, Scott Lobdell,  Joshua Fialkov, and more sign at Golden Apple Comics on Friday September 30 from 7-10pm!

Just added: Dan Didio, Brian Buccellato, and Adam Glass!

RSVP on Facebook!

Golden Apple Comics
7018 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038

WA – DCU Presents Signing

Artist Bernard Chang (Supergirl, Wonder Woman) appears at The Comic Stop in Redmond signing his new book, DC UNIVERSE PRESENTS.

Wednesday, September 21st 5pm – 7pm

RSVP on Facebook!

Comic Stop Redmond
16444 NE 74th, Unit B-135, Redmond, WA

2010 Baltimore Comic-Con Announces More Publishers and Guests

Press Release:

The 2010 Baltimore Comic-Con Announces More Publishers, Guests!

Baltimore, Maryland – March 19, 2010 – The Baltimore Comic-Con is proud to announce the most recent set of publishers and guests for the 2010 convention. This August, we will welcome Dark Horse Comics, IDW, and Top Shelf Comix to Baltimore, joining already-announced publishers Image Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions.

Additionally, come and meet new and returning guests Tom Brevoort (Executive Editor, Marvel Comics), Bernard Chang (Prince of Persia), Sean Chen (Nova), Mark Chiarello (Editor, DC Comics), Mike Choi (X-Force), Shane Davis (Superman: Earth One), Francesco Francavilla (The Green Hornet: Year One), Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Wednesday Comics), Sterling Gates (Supergirl), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Jonathan Hickman (Fantastic Four), Greg Horn (Green Lantern), Adam Hughes (Wonder Woman), Jamal Igle (Supergirl), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Denis Kitchen (Oddly Compelling Art of Denis Kitchen), Barry Kitson (Iron Man 2 Prequel), Greg LaRocque (The Exiled), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Steve Lieber (Underground), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Mike McKone (Avengers Academy), Bob McLeod (New Mutants Forever), Mark Morales (Siege), Chris Moreno (Toy Story), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Jeff Parker (Thunderbolts), Lauren Perry (Blank-ees), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Extinction), Chris Pitzer (Publisher, Adhouse Books), Paul Pope (Wednesday Comics), Jack Purcell (Gotham City Sirens), Mike Raicht (The Stuff of Legend), Tom Raney (Black Widow: Deadly Origin), Chris Roberson (I, Zombi), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Marvel Her-Oes), Jim Rugg (Afrodisiac), Tim Sale courtesy of Hero Initiative (Captain America White), Ian Sattler (Editor, DC Comics), Stuart Sayger (Bram Stoker’s Death Ship), Bob Schreck (Jurassic Park), Jim Shooter (Magnus, Robot Fighter), Andy Smith (WildC.A.T.S.), John K. Snyder III (The A-Team: Shotgun Wedding), Allison Sohn (Star Wars sketchcard artist), Billy Tan (Shadowland), Ben Templesmith sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics (Choker), Herb Trimpe (Incredible Hulk), Dexter Vines (Ultimate Avengers), Neil Vokes (Superman Adventures), Matt Wagner (The Green Hornet: Year One), Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing), and Chrissie Zullo (Cinderella: From Fabletown With Love).

“Our guest list is really picking up momentum now,” said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “We’re happy to be adding guests from past years and welcoming new ones this year too. We are especially proud to welcome new guests Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez and Jonathan Hickman this year, since we know that they will fit in with our great group of returning guests. If you are a comic book fan, you will want to be in Baltimore in August! Needless to say, we’re thrilled to welcome the Adhouse, Dark Horse, IDW, and Top Shelf crews back, and look forward to hearing what all of their latest and greatest projects will be.”

Guests previously announced include: Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Sergio Aragones (Groo), Ivan Brandon (Nemesis: The Imposters), Jim Calafiore (Secret Six), Eric Canete (New Avengers: Luke Cage), Howard Chaykin (Black Kiss), Cliff Chiang (Greendale), Frank Cho (Ultimate Comics New Ultimates), Steve Conley (Star Trek Omnibus: The Original Series), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Dan DiDio (The Outsiders, Co-Publisher, DC Comics), Al Feldstein (MAD Magazine), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Michael Golden (Marvel 1602: Spider-Man), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Dean Haspiel (ACT-I-VATE), Geoff Johns (Blackest Night, Chief Creative Officer, DC Comics), J.G. Jones (DC Universe Legacies), Rich Koslowski (BB Wolf and the 3 LPs), Laura Martin (Girl Comics), Todd McFarlane (Spawn), Mark McKenna (Banana Tail), Terry Moore (Echo, SiP), Phil Noto (Avengers: The Origin), Ryan Ottley (Invincible), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Eric Powell (The Goon), James Robinson (Justice League of America), Stephane Roux (Zatanna), Louise Simonson (X-Factor Forever), Walter Simonson (Thor), Jim Starlin (Dreadstar), Brian Stelfreeze (The Authority: The Lost Year), Karl Story (Zatanna), Mark Texeira (X-Men: Origins), Billy Tucci (Shi), Doug Wagner (World of Warcraft: Horde), Mark Waid (Irredeemable, Editor-in-Chief, Boom! Studios), Marv Wolfman (New Teen Titans), and John Workman (Heavy Metal).

In coming weeks, look for more announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting our guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/), Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/baltimorecomics), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/baltimorecomiccon), MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/baltimorecomics), and ComicSpace (http://www.comicspace.com/baltimorecomicon) pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, August 28th.

Contact Information
Please use the following e-mail addresses to contact the Baltimore Comic-Con:

press@baltimorecomiccon.com – for any general press inquiries or to be added to our PR distribution
promoter@baltimorecomiccon.com – for requesting exhibitor, publisher, and Artist Alley applications
registrar@baltimorecomiccon.com – for inquiries about submitted registrations
harveys@baltimorecomiccon.com – for communications regarding the Harvey Awards ceremony and banquet
general@baltimorecomiccon.com – for general Baltimore Comic-Con inquiries

About The Baltimore Comic-Con
The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 11th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held August 28-29, 2010. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 5 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Baltimore Comic-Con Announces Guests for 2009

Baltimore, Maryland – August 12, 2009 – The Baltimore Comic-Con staff have been busily working on arranging the Harvey Awards, accommodations, promotions, partnerships, exhibitors, and guests, and we’re behind announcing much of it! While there are a number of things still in the development stages, here’s some information we can share now.

Hotel Accommodations
A new feature of our on-line presence this year, the Baltimore Comic-Con is now providing a gateway to hotel accommodations around the Baltimore Convention Center! From our main webpage, click on the “Hotels” link (http://www.baltimorecomiccon.com/hotels.htm). This helpful tool enables you to request rooms on-line, compare prices, and review descriptions, amenities, and locations. We encourage those of you traveling from outside of the region to take advantage of this added convenience.

Guests
Last month, we announced a number of today’s top Marvel creators attending the show, including Jason Aaron (Wolverine), Brian Michael Bendis (Avengers), Frank Cho (Ultimates 4), David Finch (Ultimatum), Matt Fraction (Uncanny X-Men), and Barry Kitson (Amazing Spider-Man). We’re bringing in an amazing slate of first-time guests this year for you to meet, including Mike and Laura Allred (Madman), Doug Braithwaite (Wolverine: Origins), Pat Broderick (Vincent Price Presents), Jo Chen (New Avengers: The Reunion), Jimmy Cheung (New Avengers: Illuminati), J.M. DeMatteis (Daredevil), Evan Dorkin (Beasts of Burden), Jan Duursema (Star Wars: Legacy), Sarah Dyer (Superman Adventures), Steve Englehart (Avengers), Bob Fingerman (Recess Pieces), Kathryn Immonen (Runaways), Scott Koblish (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds), Tom Mandrake (The Outsiders), Larry Marder (Beanworld), Laura Martin (Thor), Kevin Nowlan (The Spirit), Whilce Portacio (Spawn), Buddy Prince (Night), Brian Pulido (Lady Death), Ian Sattler (Final Crisis: Aftermath), Marc Silvestri (Witchblade), Peter Tomasi (Blackest Night: Batman), Jim Valentino (Shadowline Comics), Rob Venditti (The Surrogates), Len Wein (Justice League of America), and Brian Wood (sponsored by Laughing Ogre Comics, Northlanders).

You’ll also see many returning guests, such as Dick Ayers (Sgt. Fury and his Howling Commandos), Jim Calafiore (Batgirl), Nick Cardy (Aquaman), Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman), Sean Chen (Dark Reign: Fantastic Four), Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary), Chris Claremont (X-Men Forever), Steve Conley (Star Trek: Year Four), Amanda Conner (Power Girl), Todd Dezago (Marvel Adventures: Spider-Man), Al Feldstein (Mad), John Gallagher (Buzzboy), Ron Garney (Wolverine: Weapon X), Bryan J.L. Glass (Mice Templar), Jimmy Gownley (Amelia Rules), Cully Hamner (Detective Comics), Tony Harris (Ex Machina), Dean Haspiel (The Alcoholic), Adam Hughes (Power Girl), Stuart Immonen (New Avengers), Georges Jeanty (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), J.G. Jones (Final Crisis), Joe Jusko (Kolchak: Tales of the Night Stalker), Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead), Scott Kurtz (PvP), Erik Larsen (Savage Dragon), Greg LaRocque (Peter Parker: The Spectacular Spider-Man), Steve Lieber (Underground), Luna Brothers (The Sword), David Mack (Kabuki), Ron Marz (Witchblade), Sean McKeever (Teen Titans), Mark McKenna (BananaTail), Mike McKone (Amazing Spider-Man), Bob McLeod (New Mutants), Carla Speed McNeil (Finder), Mark Morales (Secret Invasion), Doug Murray (Jungle Girl Season 2), Steve Niles (30 Days of Night), Phil Noto (Batgirl), Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex), Jeff Parker (Agents of ATLAS), Dan Parsons (Star Wars: The Clone Wars), David Petersen (Mouse Guard), Brandon Peterson (Ultimate Comics Armor Wars), Eric Powell (The Goon), Tom Raney (Dark Reign: Hawkeye), Alex Robinson (Too Cool to be Forgotten), James Robinson (Superman), Budd Root (Cavewoman), Don Rosa (Uncle Scrooge), Craig Rousseau (Iron Man & The Armor Wars), Stephane Roux (Amazing Spider-Man), Stan Sakai (Usagi Yojimbo), Tim Sale (Heroes), Scott Christian Sava (Dreamland Chronicles), Walt Simonson (Thor), Andy Smith (Dean Koontz’s Nevermore), Jim Starlin (Strange Adventures), Brian Stelfreeze (Final Crisis Aftermath: Ink), Karl Story (Batman: Streets of Gotham), Herb Trimpe (Hulk), Billy Tucci (Sgt. Rock: The Lost Battalion), Dexter Vines (Wolverine), Neil Vokes (The Black Forest), Doug Wagner (The Ride), Matt Wagner (Grendel), Mark Waid (The Incredibles), and Bernie Wrightson (Swamp Thing).

Guest of Honor
We’re proud and ecstatic to announce that our tenth anniversary headliner is George Perez (Final Crisis: Legion of Three Worlds)! George was one of our guests in our first year, and has returned numerous times over the past 10 years. In addition to headlining the show, George will be providing the artwork for our program in 2009!

“What an incredible line-up we’ve arranged for our 10th anniversary show,” said Marc Nathan, promoter of the Baltimore Comic-Con. “We have been chugging along, building the guest list, working with the city of Baltimore on the hotel program, coordinating the Harvey Awards, and a million other little things involved with getting things ready for October.”

In coming weeks, look for ongoing announcements from the Baltimore Comic-Con. We are looking forward to highlighting added guests, the Harvey Awards, industry exclusives, and programming. The latest developments can always be found at our website, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and ComicSpace pages.

This year’s Baltimore Comic-Con will be held October 10-11, 2009. Convention hours are Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM. The ceremony and banquet for the Harvey Awards will be held Saturday night, October 10th.

As we continue to get ready for this year’s show, we would like to remind you to mark your calendar for next year’s Baltimore Comic-Con dates: August 28-29, 2010.

About The Baltimore Comic-Con

The Baltimore Comic-Con is celebrating its 10th year of bringing the comic book industry to the Baltimore and Washington D.C. area. With a guest list unequaled in the industry, the Baltimore Comic-Con will be held Oct 10-11, 2009. For more information, please visit www.baltimorecomiccon.com.

About The Harvey Awards
The Harvey Awards are one of the comic book industry’s oldest and most respected awards. With a history of over 20 years, the last 4 in conjunction with the Baltimore Comic-Con, the Harveys recognize outstanding achievements in over 20 categories. They are the only industry awards nominated and selected by the full body of comic book professionals. For more information, please visit www.harveyawards.org.

Secret Identities Booth Schedule for SDCC

SECRET IDENTITIES: THE ASIAN AMERICAN SUPERHERO ANTHOLOGY COMES TO SAN DIEGO WITH AN ALL-STAR LINEUP AT BOOTH #1735

Scheduled Appearances by Kelly Hu, Keiko Agena, Sonny Liew, Ming Doyle, Bernard Chang, Dustin Nguyen, and More; also Offering an Exclusive, Limited Edition Litho by Cliff Chiang; and Jeff Yang Moderates a Panel featuring Dwayne McDuffie, Gail Simone, Jai Nitz, Stuart Moore, and Gene Yang.

July 15, 2009—With Comic-Con International: San Diego just around the corner, the editors of Secret Identities, the groundbreaking Asian American superhero anthology, have announced a full schedule of signings at Epic Proportions’ Booth #1735.

Featuring some of the creative talent behind the stories in Secret Identities, these appearances give fans the opportunity to meet some of the biggest names in comics, television and film!

Leading off the signing schedule at 12:30pm on Thursday, July 23 is the team behind “The Blue Scorpion & Chung,” Gene Yang (The Eternal Smile) and Sonny Liew (Liquid City). On Friday, July 24, the “Learn to Share” creative team of actress Keiko Agena (Gilmore Girls) and artist Ming Doyle (Comic Book Tattoo) will be signing from 2pm to 4pm. Superstar actress Kelly Hu (X2: X-Men United) and superstar artist Cliff Chiang (Green Arrow & Black Canary) are scheduled for Saturday, July 25 at 2pm. In addition, SIUniverse Media will be offering a convention exclusive lithograph of the Kelly Hu-created character JIA, featuring art by Cliff Chiang. Finally, “The Citizen” artist extraordinaire Bernard Chang (Wonder Woman) and Dustin Nguyen (Batman: Streets of Gotham) wrap up the show on Sunday, July 26 at 2pm.

The editors of Secret Identities—Jeff Yang, Parry Shen, Keith Chow and Jerry Ma will also be available at Booth #1735 for the duration of the convention. However, the Secret Identities presence at Comic-Con extends well beyond a single booth. The following SI-affiliated artists and creators will be at their own booths throughout the convention center:
Bernard Chang (#1823)
Cliff Chiang (#1322)
Martin Hsu (#G-02)
Benton Jew (#EE-02)
Kazu Kibuishi (#2329)
Sonny Liew (#2329)
Jerry Ma (#1735)
Dustin Nguyen (#FF-04)
Anthony Wu (#2329)
Gene Yang (#AA-4)

To celebrate the gathering of so many contributors in one place, fans can participate in a special Secret Identities Scavenger Hunt! Anyone who has purchased a copy of Secret Identities and is able to collect verifiable signatures/sketches from each of the listed contributors will be entitled to a special prize at the Secret Identities booth!

In addition to celebrity signings and scavenger hunts, Secret Identities Editor-in-Chief Jeff Yang will be moderating a unique panel titled Four Color Reality: Making Comics Relevant to Readers Across Cultures in Room 3 on Friday, July 24 from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. Panelists include Dwayne McDuffie (Milestone Comics, Justice League), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), Gene Yang (American Born Chinese), Stuart Moore (Wolverine: Noir, The 99) and Jai Nitz (Blue Beetle, El Diablo).

Panel Description:

Four Color Reality: Making Comics Relevant to Readers Across Cultures. Comic book stories have become the core of American pop culture—is there a big-budget spectacular that doesn’t in some fashion owe its existence to comic book roots these days? But sales of traditional-format comic books themselves have been in decline for years. This panel explores one reason for this shrinking market: the divergence between the identities of mainstream comic icons—who are typically straight, white, male and American—and the demographic makeup of a new generation of readers. How can the comic book industry connect with changing audiences—not just of diverse races and backgrounds, but of different cultural and national origins as well?

http://www.secretidentities.org/

Asian American ComiCon Announces Final Guests/Schedule

Press Release:

The organizers of the First Annual Asian American ComiCon (AACC) have announced the complete Featured Guest list and final Schedule of Events for this celebration of the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of graphic fiction, which will take place Saturday, July 11, 2009 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Museum of Chinese in America (215 Centre Street in New York).

Confirmed Special Guests Include:
• Larry Hama (writer, G.I. Joe)
• Bernard Chang (artist, Wonder Woman)
• Cliff Chiang (artist, Green Arrow)
• Derek Kirk Kim (artist, The Eternal Smile)
• Greg Pak (writer, Incredible Hulk)
• Khoi Pham (artist, Mighty Avengers)
• Sean Chen (artist, Iron Man)
• Christina Strain (colorist, Runaways)
• Fred Chao (writer/artist, Johnny Hiro)
• Christine Norrie (artist, Breaking Up)
• Tak Toyoshima (writer/artist, Secret Asian Man)
• Misako Rocks! (writer/artist, Biker Girl)
• Kuo-Yu Liang (VP Sales & Marketing, Diamond Book Distributors)
• Sharad Devarajan (CEO, Liquid Comics)
• William F. Wu (writer, Hong on the Range)
• The Editors of Secret Identities (www.secretidentities.org)

Other special guests of the con will include: Ben Nugent, author, American Nerd; Hua Hsu, professor, Vassar College; Ed Lin, author of Waylaid and This Is a Bust; Monica Ferrell, author, The Answer Is Always Yes; Monica Youn, author, Ignatz (forthcoming); Vyshali Manivannan, author, Invictus; Paolo Javier, author, 60 lv Bo(e)mbs; Jennifer Lee, former editor, Marvel Comics and DC Comics; Kai-Ming Cha, comics and manga reporter, Publishers Weekly; Aimee Bahng, assistant professor, English, Dartmouth College; Ken Okabayashi, founder of Piggy Back Studios; Tyler Chin-Tanner, artist/writer, American Terrorist; Daniel Ketchum, editor, Marvel Comics; Karl Taro Greenfield, author, Speed Tribes; and Arune Singh, sales coordinator, Marvel Comics.

In addition, the following creators will be participating in the AACC’s Artists Alley, and will conduct signing and sketch sessions throughout the day. Each artist will also donate an original sketch for AACC’s silent auction, proceeds to benefit the nonprofit Museum of Chinese in America.

• Jimmy J. Aquino (writer, “Sampler,” SECRET IDENTITIES)

• Jeremy Arambulo (writer/artist, ROGUE SOUP & BUG)

• Bernard Chang (artist, WONDER WOMAN)

• Sean Chen (artist, IRON MAN)

• Tyler Chin-Tanner (writer/artist, AMERICAN TERRORIST)

• Robin Ha (writer/artist, THE MAGIC 8-BALL)

• Dongyun Lee (writer/artist, ZOOM)

• Yali Lin (writer/artist, SHAKESPEARE’S ROMEO & JULIET)

• Jerry Ma (art director, SECRET IDENTITIES)

• Allan Norico (writer/artist, THINGS I’VE SEEN AT SHOWS)

• Khoi Pham (artist, MIGHTY AVENGERS)

• Misako Rocks! (writer/artist, BIKER GIRL)

• Sarah Sapang (artist, “16 Miles,” SECRET IDENTITIES)

• Christina Strain (colorist, RUNAWAYS)

• Alex Tarampi (artist, “Gaman,” SECRET IDENTITIES)

• Tak Toyoshima (writer/artist, SECRET ASIAN MAN)

• Paul Wei (writer/artist, THE ADVENTURES OF MAXWELL & GRANDMA)

• Ken Wong (writer/artist, SCHRODINGER’S CAT)

COMPLETE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

The event will be divided into three tracks: Reading Comics, Making Comics, and Creator Spotlight. Each track includes a diverse range of interactive and immersive panels and workshops, featuring leading Asian and Asian American figures from comics, literature and academia.

Reading Comics

How do we read comic books today? This track answers this question by putting comic book artists at the same table with novelists, professors and industry professionals. A mash-up of fan convention, Asian American studies conference and literary festival, this one-of-a-kind series of panels and readings confronts pressing issues, such as the globalization of pop culture, the representation of Asian Americans in comics, and, of course, the nature of nerdiness.

Sessions Include:

· Nerdpop: The Rise of the Nerds!: Asian Americans have long been stereotyped as “nerds,” but nerdiness has become something to celebrate. With the rise of digital culture and the mainstreaming of comic books and other once nerdy genres, nerds have gone from persecuted minority to masters of the universe. This panel examines the historical development of nerd identity, particularly among Asian Americans, and the aesthetics of nerd pride. Moderated by Hua Hsu, professor, English, Vassar College, featuring panelists Ben Nugent, author, American Nerd; Derek Kirk Kim, artist/writer, Same Difference & Other Stories; and Keith Chow, senior editor, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology

· Every Comic Is Asian American: The most prominent Asian American comic characters have typically been slanty-eyed sidekicks and supervillains, speaking in broken English and colored the shade of school buses. This panel starts with an all-star line-up of novelists and poets re-imagining their favorite comic book characters as Asian American and continues with a panel of professors, artists, and journalists discussing how Asian Americans have been represented in graphic novels. Moderated by Ken Chen, executive director of The Asian American Writers’ Workshop, featuring panelists like Ed Lin, author, Waylaid and This Is a Bust; Monica Ferrell, author, The Answer Is Always Yes; Monica Youn, author, Ignatz (forthcoming); Vyshali Manivannan, author, Invictus; Paolo Javier, author, 60 lv Bo(e)mbs; and Karl Taro Greenfeld, author, Speed Tribes

· The Asianization of Pop Culture: The rise of the graphic novel could really be described as the Asianization of American pop culture. In fact, the graphic novel renaissance has in many ways been powered by the popularity of manga, Japanese comics that still account for half of the new comics released in the America today. Panelists discuss the influence of manga, manhwa, and anime on American comics and American pop culture more generally. Moderated by Kai-Ming Cha, comics and manga reporter, Publishers Weekly, featuring panelists Aimee Bahng, assistant professor, English, Dartmouth College; Kuo-Yu Liang, VP, Sales & Marketing, Diamond Book Distributors; Ken Okabayashi, founder of Piggy Back Studios; and Misako Rocks!, artist/writer, Biker Girl

· The New Villains: Muslim insurgents. Chinese spies. North Korean dictators. Is it just us, or are Asians increasingly being cast in the role of the global evildoer? What’s the history of the portrayal of villainous Asians in comics and cartoon art, how does that history shape what we’re seeing in those fields today, and what does this mean for Asians and Asian Americans in the real world? Moderated by Jeff Yang, editor-in-chief, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology, featuring panelists Larry Hama, creator, G.I. Joe mythology; William F. Wu, author, Hong on the Range and The Yellow Peril; Tyler Chin-Tanner, artist/writer, American Terrorist; and Sharad Devarajan, CEO, Liquid Comics

Track Two: Making Comics
This track focuses on the art and business of making comics- from alt-comics and literary graphic fiction to mainstream superhero books and syndicated strips. Featured workshops will include a hands-on demonstration by leading creators; explorations of the business side of comics; and other sessions highlighting comics as a profession, a discipline, an art form and a commercial landscape.

Sessions include:

· Writers’ Bloc: Writers of indie and superhero comics and a syndicated comic strip discuss the craft of scripting sequential art and their strategies for tackling everyday creative challenges. Moderated by Greg Pak, writer, The Incredible Hulk and War Machine, featuring panelists Fred Chao, artist/writer, Johnny Hiro; Larry Hama, creator, G.I. Joe mythology; Christine Norrie, artist/writer, Cheat; and Tak Toyoshima, artist/writer, Secret Asian Man

· Visual Storytelling-The Art of Collaboration: Top graphical storytellers share their experiences and tips for making the most of the challenges and opportunities of collaboration between pencillers, inkers, colorists, and writers. Moderated by Greg Pak, writer, The Incredible Hulk and War Machine, featuring panelists Sean Chen, artist, Iron Man; Daniel Ketchum, editor, Marvel Comics; Derek Kirk Kim, artist/writer, Same Difference & Other Stories; Khoi Pham, artist, Mighty Avengers; and Christina Strain, colorist, Runaways

· Visual Storytelling-Hands On: A diverse group of acclaimed artists sketch in real time as they discuss their different approaches in making creative choices. Moderated by Greg Pak, writer, The Incredible Hulk and War Machine, featuring panelists Bernard Chang, artist, Wonder Woman; Fred Chao, artist/writer, Johnny Hiro; Cliff Chiang, artist, Green Arrow/Black Canary; and Misako Rocks!, artist/writer, Biker Girl

· The Business of Comics: For anyone who’s ever dreamed of joining the comics world, here’s your chance to get an insider’s look at the commercial side of graphical storytelling. Comic book pros from every corner of the biz introduce their fields and discuss breaking in, maintaining a career, and keeping up with what the future has in store. Moderated by Jennifer Lee, former editor, Marvel and DC Comics, featuring panelists Bernard Chang, artist, Wonder Woman; Fletcher Chu-Fong, manager, Events & Retail, DC Comics; Kuo-Yu Liang, VP, Sales & Marketing, Diamond Book Distributors; Arune Singh, sales coordinator, Marvel Comics; Tak Toyoshima, artist/writer, Secret Asian Man; and Sharad Devarajan, CEO, Liquid Comics

Track Three: CREATOR SPOTLIGHT Sessions
In this track top comics creators paired with interesting counterparts (outside of comics) for one-on-one discussions covering craft, inspirations and influences, shared themes and future collaborations.

Sessions Include:

· Similar Differences-SPOTLIGHT on Derek Kirk Kim: A candid discussion with the brilliant author and artist of Same Difference and Other Stories and co-creator, with Gene Yang, of the new graphic novel The Eternal Smile. Moderated by Jeff Yang, editor-in-chief, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology

· From Chop-Chop to Silver Samurai-SPOTLIGHT ON: William F. Wu: A guided tour with science fiction legend William F. Wu, as he shares samples from his collection of thousands of comics depicting Asian images…good, bad, and definitely ugly. Moderated by Jeff Yang, editor-in-chief, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology

· Hama Time!-SPOTLIGHT on Larry Hama: Catching up with comics pioneer Larry Hama, creator of the G.I. Joe universe and winner of this year’s KIYAMA AWARD! Moderated by Keith Chow, senior editor, Secret Identities: The Asian American Superhero Anthology

All tracks are open to all AACC registrants; however, to manage traffic flow and seating, we will ask registrants to tentatively identify which sessions they intend to join upon receiving confirmation of their attendance. Space for some sessions is limited, and will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with VIP Pass holders receiving priority.

Tickets for the nonprofit Asian American ComiCon are $15 for students, $25 for adults (18 and older), and $75 for a special VIP Pass, entitling the bearer to priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops, a complimentary Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators, and an original sketch from one of the artists participating in the event’s Artists Alley. Registration will be limited to 250 attendees, and is available in advance through the following link: https://www.nycharities.org/event/event.asp?CE_ID=4187

In addition, DISCOUNTED ADMISSIONS are available through the following sponsoring organizations. TO REGISTER AT DISCOUNTED RATES, CALL BEATRICE CHEN at the Museum of Chinese in America, 212.619.4785 x104 and provide an authorized discount code. Note: All passes may sell out before the day of the event.

First Asian American ComiCon Set for July

The First Asian American ComiCon (AACC)

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), in collaboration with Secret Identities Universe Media, Asian American Writers’ Workshop, Asian CineVision, AsianAmericanComics.com. NYU Asian/Pacific/American Institute and Diamond Comics Distributors, presents a day-long event that explores the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians and Asian Americans in the world of comics and graphic fiction.

Unlike most comic cons, AACC is designed as a full-day experience, giving you the chance to listen to, learn from and engage with top creators in both casual and structured settings. In fact, you might want to think of the “Con” in Asian American ComiCon as representing not “convention,” but “conference”—or even “conversation.”

The event will bring together leading Asian and Asian American creators, fans and readers of mainstream and alternative graphic fiction, and the larger Asian American community for a one-of-a-kind gathering, incorporating education, dialogue, spontaneous creativity, intergenerational outreach and the chance for established and emerging talent to show off their work.

The day’s program includes both free-form opportunities to interact with artists, writers and fans (the Artists Alley, signing sessions and “meet & greets”), dynamic panels, workshops and one-on-one interviews, and a special keynote and award presentation honoring comics superstar and G.I. Joe mythology creator Larry Hama.

Featured Guests:
• Fred Chao (writer/artist, JOHNNY HIRO)
• Bernard Chang (artist, WONDER WOMAN)
• Cliff Chiang (artist, GREEN ARROW)
• Sean Chen (artist, IRON MAN)
• Larry Hama (writer, GI JOE)
• Derek Kirk Kim (creator, SAME DIFFERENCE)
• Greg Pak (writer, INCREDIBLE HULK)
• Khoi Pham (artist, MIGHTY AVENGERS)
• Christine Norrie (artist, BREAKING UP)
• Christine Strain (colorist, Marvel Comics)
• Tak Toyoshima (writer/artist, SECRET ASIAN MAN)

AND MORE!!

In addition to an exhibition room and an Artists’ Alley, the Asian American ComiCon will feature three concurrent programming tracks:

• The SPOTLIGHT features high-profile comic creators in one-on-one settings discussing some of the ways in which the comics and non-comics worlds are overlapping and interleaving. Scheduled to participate in these sessions are Derek Kirk Kim (The Eternal Smile, Same Difference & Other Stories) and Larry Hama (G.I. Joe: Origins, Barack the Barbarian).

• READING COMICS, curated by AAWW Executive Director Ken Chen, explores comics as literature, as texts, and as cultural artifacts, with speakers including non-comics creators and critics as well as comics artists and writers.

• Finally, MAKING COMICS, programmed by Marvel writer Greg Pak, allows creators to share their insights on the industry and profession with those wanting a behind-the-scenes look at comics or advice on how to pursue a career in the field.

Ticket Information:
VIP Pass: $75*
Adult: $25
MOCA or AAWW Member: $15
Student (with a valid ID) and Senior (65 and over): $15
Child (age 10 and under): Free with Adult

*The tax-deductible VIP Pass not only helps to support MOCA, it also guarantees the richest possible experience at this event! Including:

• Priority reserved seating at all panels and workshops

• One Original Sketch drawn by an artist from the AACC Artists Alley–artist availability based on first-come, first-serve basis

• One classic Asian American graphic novel, signed by its creators–choose from:
Secret Identities: The Asian American Anthology (The New Press),
Good As Lily (DC Comics), or
Johnny Hiro Volume 1 (AdHouse Books)

• Admission to the invitation-only, post-Con VIP Reception

Click here for more information and registration. Purchase your tickets before they sell out!

The First Annual Asian American ComiCon is presented by:

The Museum of Chinese in America (www.mocanyc.org): Founded in 1980, Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States. Through innovative exhibitions as well as educational and public programs, MOCA promotes dialogue and understanding among people of all cultural backgrounds.

SIUniverse Media (www.secretidentities.org): SIUniverse Media is the editorial and production team behind the pioneering Asian American superhero anthology Secret Identities, as well as its affiliated video, online and educational resources. Committed to raising up new voices from the Asian American community and creating original, authentic and engaging stories with an organically multicultural perspective, we strive to create work that pops eyes, drops jaws and opens minds, all at the same time.

The Asian American Writers’ Workshop (www.aaww.org): Founded in 1991, the Workshop is the largest non-profit devoted to the creating, publishing, developing and disseminating of creative writing by Asian Americans. A community of readers and writers and the country’s preeminent authority on Asian American writing, the Workshop dedicates itself to empowering emerging writers of great promise to make the transition to a career in the literary arts.

Asian CineVision (www.asiancinevision.org): Asian CineVision is a nonprofit media arts organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Asian and Asian American media expressions by helping to develop and support both emerging and experienced Asian American film and video makers and other media artists working in a range of genres and styles; and helping to ensure that the full spectrum of Asian and Asian American media works reach diverse audiences in Asian American communities and beyond.

Asian American Comics (www.asianamericancomics.com): Edited by Greg Pak, writer of Incredible Hulk and creator of the Marvel superhero Amadeus Cho, AsianAmericanComics.com is devoted to spreading the word about Asian American comic books, comic book characters and comic book creators. We hope AsianAmericanComics.com will help neophytes find interesting reading material, point existing readers towards new creators and books and provide fans and pros a place to read all the latest news. For more about Pak’s work, visit Pakbuzz.com.

Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc. (www.diamondcomics.com): The world’s largest distributor of English-language comic books and related merchandise, Diamond Comic Distributors is based in Timonium, MD, with strategically located Distribution Centers servicing more than 4,000 specialty retailers worldwide.

DC Nation Tour Making a Stop at Heroes Con

Circle June 19-21 on your calendars, gang — DC NATION is making a stop at the Heroes Convention in Charlotte this year.

Sadly — or thankfully, for some — I won’t be there personally, but we’ll have an impressive lineup of creators holding court at Shelton Drum’s event, including Mark Bagley, Ivan Brandon, Bernard Chang, Cully Hamner, Scott Hampton, Adam Hughes, Jamal Igle, Georges Jeanty, Dustin Nguyen, Steve Niles, Phil Noto, George Perez, Stephane Roux, Brian Stelfreeze, Jen Van Meter and a ton more. Senior Story Editor Ian Sattler will also be the ringmaster for any and all panels, so make a point to stop in to hear the latest bits of DCU info.

While you’re there, make a point to stop by the DC booth to say hi and pick up some free swag. Free stuff is cool. It makes people happy.

Source: The Source