2017 ALA Conference Announces Graphic Novel & Comics Programming

Learn about the art of graphic novels, comics, illustration and how games and gaming inspire creativity and social interaction at the American Library Association’s annual conference on June 23-26, 2017! RSVP on Facebook!

Friday, June 23

5:45pm-6:35pm

DC’s Young Animal

DC’s Young Animal is a new publishing imprint spearheaded by Gerard Way, the acclaimed author of THE UMBRELLA ACADEMY and best-selling musician. This new line of graphic novels is something different, inspired by the visionary work of DC’s experimental past, but shaped and focused by the absurdity of today. Join Way and some of today’s most innovative creators including Cecil Castellucci, Jody Houser, Jon Rivera, and Nick Derington, as they discuss their works DOOM PATROL VOL. 1: BRICK BY BRICK, SHADE, THE CHANGING GIRL VOL. 1: EARTH GIRL MADE EASY, CAVE CARSON HAS A CYBERNETIC EYE VOL. 1: GOING UNDER and MOTHER PANIC VOL. 1: WORK IN PROGRESS. This panel will discuss how the themes, characters and plot devices in these graphic novels from DC’s Young Animal will engage with readers and patrons like few other works in the industry can today.

Saturday, June 24

9:30am-10:20am

The Rise of Graphic Novels for Kids in Europe and the USA

European and American publishers and authors discuss the emergence of the format and its phenomenal rise internationally in the past decade. They will also look at the differences and similarities of working in comics in Europe and the USA.

10:30am-11:20am

Hazardous Tales and Science Fiction with Nathan Hale

Nathan Hale’s New York Times bestselling graphic novel series NATHAN HALE’S HAZARDOUS TALES have exploded in classrooms and libraries around the country. With a seventh book on the way for Fall 2017, the craze that gets kids excited about history shows no signs of slowing. In this presentation, Nathan Hale will give the audience a sneak peek of the next Hazardous Tales book as well as discuss his recent science fiction graphic novel, ONE TRICK PONY.

11:30am-12:20pm

Spotlight on Kindred: A Graphic Novel Adaptation with adapter Damian Duffy and illustrator John Jennings

More than 35 years after its release, Octavia Butler’s celebrated science fiction masterpiece, Kindred, continues to draw in new readers with its deep exploration of the violence and loss of humanity caused by slavery in the United States, and its complex and lasting impact on the present day. Celebrated academics and comics artists Damian Duffy and John Jennings have adapted this iconic work into the graphic novel format, which instantly became a #1 New York Times bestseller. They will discuss the process of working with this mysterious and moving story, which spans racial and gender divides in the antebellum South through the 20th century.
12:30pm-1:20pm

What Does An Idea Look Like? A Conversation About Creativity with Grant Snider, author of The Shape of Ideas

What does an idea look like? And where do they come from? An orthodontist by day and artist by night, Grant Snider, author of ’The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity’, had had comics featured in the Kansas City Star, the New York Times Book Review, as well as The Best American Comics in 2013. On this panel, he will share the secrets to his own creative process and share tips on how to keep ideas flowing. ’The Shape of Ideas: An Illustrated Exploration of Creativity’, is a collection of one- and two-page comics that provide insight into the joys and frustrations of creativity, inspiration, and process—no matter your age or creative background.

1:30pm-2:20pm

VIZ Media Presents – Manga!!

VIZ Media, the premier publisher of manga in the English speaking world, has released several hit series such as Naruto, Pokemon, and Ouran High School Host Club. Join us as we talk about which manga are currently the most popular on the scene as well as exciting new series coming soon!

2:30pm-3:20pm

Creator Spotlight: Jessica Abel

Writer/artist Jessica Abel has always been known for work outside the graphic novel mainstream. From her breakout work LA PERDIDA to her comics textbooks, Abel has displayed not only the ability to craft compelling stories but also a deep understanding of the technical aspects of the medium. Her latest series, TRISH TRASH: ROLLERGIRL OF MARS is the story of a mixed race teenager on Mars, struggling to escape economic oppression through a futuristic version of roller derby. Super Genius publisher Terry Nantier speaks with Abel about her long career and why TRISH TRASH is the heroine America needs right now.

3:30pm-4:20pm

Category or Genre: What’s Next for Graphic Novels?

With books aimed at everyone from young children to the most mature adults, there literally is a graphic novel for every reader. But does all this diversity mean we should rethink graphic novel sections in libraries? Should they take their place alongside more traditional books in sections ranging from biography to science fiction. Or does the unique nature of the medium (and its readers) drive a need for graphic novels to always have their own special place on the shelves?

4:30pm-5:00pm

DC Super Hero Girls Original Graphic Novels

Join DC Comics and writer Shea Fontana for a discussion on the DC SUPER HERO GIRLS original graphic novel line! With books such as FINALS CRISIS, HITS AND MYTHS and the new SUMMER OLYMPUS, these graphic novels developed for girls 6-12 have been a smash-hit success across libraries and bookstores alike. Shea will discuss how these new works from DC are relating to young girls everywhere, with themes of empowerment, friendship and teamwork prevalent throughout. Q&A to follow!

Sunday, June 25

9:30am-10:20am

How to write for children

An overview of graphic novels for kids, from classics (like “Tintin”, “Boule & Bill”, etc), right up to the present day. How do you think up a story for a three-year-old, an eight-year-old or a young-adult?

10:30am-11:20am

Comics at the frontier of a new literary movement

Comics are at a new height of popularity and cultural acceptance, but can artists and publishers ensure that this isn’t just a passing trend? Does the popularity of superhero comics help or hinder the consideration of the art form as a whole? Artists like Sam Bosma, Jen Lee & Elise Gravel are at the vanguard of taking comics beyond the public’s popular preconceptions, and they’ll discuss the shape of comics as a genre, a medium, and an art form. Learn how artists can use genre conventions to ease readers into a completely different side of the comics scene, and see what’s possible when artists are able to take you beyond your assumptions. The popularity of genre has given fans an introduction to the art of comics, and these panelists are using that to show the world that the future of the medium goes beyond any one category!

11:30am-12:20pm

Image Comics 25th Anniversary Celebration

Comic creators Ryan Browne, Marjorie Liu, Jim Rugg, Gregg Schigiel, Tim Seeley, and Skottie Young speak about their experience of Image Comics throughout the years & reflect on how the company’s history has impacted their own career trajectory. Discussion will touch on both specifics about Image and also how comics as a whole have evolved. Creators will talk about their inspirations, tell stories about times they were directly or indirectly affected by their industry role models, talk about upcoming titles, and discuss how they are carrying the torch forward! A raffle and short signing will take place at the close of the event.

12:30pm-1:20pm

Comics for Teens: Discovery in the Library

Librarians, authors and publishers discussing and sharing thoughts about aiding teens and YA readers in discovering comics/ YA Graphic novels. A look at what has worked in the past as well as what tools can be used to grow readership in this category.

1:30pm-2:20pm

A Monstress Discussion with Author Marjorie Liu

Marjorie Liu discusses the upcoming new volume in her critically acclaimed series, Monstress. The author will describe her creative process, including inspirations and research methods, and will take questions from the audience. A raffle and short signing will take place at the close of the event.

2:30pm-3:20pm

Check out Dynamite in 2017

A discussion of Dynamite’s exciting current and future releases.

3:30pm-4:20pm

Liberties at work and Creator’s ownership

Artists come together to discuss the different creative methods in France and the USA: liberty of choices, schedules, production, printing, etc. What does it means to be a French Artist?

Authors will also discuss the concept of ownership in France and in the USA : To whom does the work belong? What are the rights of an artist over their work?

Monday, June 26

9:30am-10:20am

Champion of the Graphic Novel: Will Eisner at 100 Years

Will Eisner was, and still is, one of the most influential forces in the comics and graphic novels publishing industry. This year we celebrate what would have been his 100th birthday with a conversation about his contribution and commitment to the idea of graphic novels as a true form of literature. The discussion will also cover the relationship between the library world and the growth of the comics industry and more specifically how librarians helped to define and grow the graphic novel category.

10:30am-11:20am

Tabletop Games 101

Playing Tabletop games in libraries is growing. As libraries expand their breadth, more and more library members are enjoying table-top games, played with real people, face-to-face, in libraries. But, what exactly are tabletop games? How do I tell board games from role-playing games, from card games? Which games are suitable for young people, and which will be enjoyed by an older crowd? This panel of gaming veterans including game publishers and distributors will cut the red tape so each library knows which games to bring in. At ALA Annual, Friday Games Night will give everyone an opportunity to play a variety of games and talk to publishers and distributors. Open gaming on the floor, during the day offers more opportunities to learn and have fun doing it.

11:30am-12:20pm

Disney Manga: family friendly fun!

With the explosion in popularity of manga, parents and librarians have rightfully been concerned about child-friendly titles. With TOKYOPOP’s Disney Manga line, we bring the magic of Disney to this popular form of graphic novels, providing families with a way to enjoy their favorite Disney characters and stories in manga style! With titles brought directly from Japan and our own original titles made in collaboration with Disney’s team, we want to break down the misconception that all manga is inappropriate for little ones and encourage young readers with this fun line of graphic novels.

NYC – CBLDF Book Expo Member Party

Press Release:

The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund is having a membership party to kick off Book Expo America, and we want you to be a part of it! Sponsored by IDW, the CBLDF Book Expo Welcome Mixer happens this Tuesday, May 24!

The CBLDF is inviting the book industry out for a welcome mixer on Tuesday, May 24, 2011. Publishing professionals, booksellers, librarians, and creators are all invited to kick off BEA. The party is free for all BEA attendees and NYC comics and book professionals and retailers!

CBLDF will be soliciting memberships and donations to support its current work protecting comics and graphic novels. Please join us, and invite your colleagues!

The attacks on books and comics are becoming more frequent and more insidious, so CBLDF needs your help to spread the word. Currently, comics and graphic novels are being targeted by customs agents in the US and Canada. Individuals are having their books and digital devices searched and seized. Meanwhile, CBLDF continues to fight laws that would affect the sale and display of comics in brick and mortar stores and online.

CBLDF is fighting to protect your content, creators, and readers in the face of these and other threats. We can’t do it without you! Come to the party and support the cause! Together, we can ensure that CBLDF protects the First Amendment rights we all depend upon to do business.

There will be a raffle over the course of the evening with great prizes, and many local comic artists and writers will be in attendance, including Paul Pope (Batman Year 100, Heavy Liquid), Jessica Abel (Writing Words and Drawing Pictures, La Perdida), Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Agnes Quill), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, The Babysitters Club), Paul Levitz (75 Years of DC Comics, Legion of Superheroes), Eric Wight (Frankie Pickle, The Escapist), Denis Kitchen (Kitchen Sink Press), and Michael Buckley (N.E.R.D.S., The Sisters Grimm)!

What: CBLDF’s Book Expo Member Party
Where: The Village Pourhouse, Restaurant Row, 366 West 46th Street (between 8th and 9th Ave), New York, NY
When: Tuesday, May 24, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Why: To welcome BEA attendees to NYC and to help support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s important First Amendment work!