Prism Comics presents its “gay agenda” for Comic-Con International, taking place at the San Diego Convention Center through Sunday, July 24.
Prism Comics, the premier nonprofit supporting LGBT comics, creators and readers, is organizing an unprecedented number of panels, a fan mixer with silent auction, Heroes vs. Villains party, portfolio reviews and creator signings.
“Queer themes in comics have come a long way since Prism began exhibiting many years ago,” said Ted Abenheim, Prism’s events chairman, “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 expanded 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 booth (No. 2144) boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of LGBT comics for sale anywhere, and will be the site for creator signings and portfolio reviews by top professionals from both the indies and majors, including Phil Jimenez, Gail Simone, Bob Schreck, San Diego’s 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, Zan Christensen, Dave Davenport, Rachel Dukes, Megan Gedris, J.D. Glass, Jeff Krell, Ed Luce, Steve MacIsaac, Erika Moen, 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.
Prism presents four panels at this year’s Comic-Con. Buffy and X-Men fans can relish in a queer look at these two cultural phenomenons, while the publishing and Bent Comix panels explore the worlds of DIY and small press. Prism is also proud to support Andy Mangels’ annual Gays in Comics panel, Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
After the Gays in Comics panel, stay for the hour-long gay mixer/social where comic 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, all to benefit Prism Comics and to raise funds for the Queer Press Grant.
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.
Thursday, July 21
Buffy the Vampire Slayer and LGBT Comics Fandom, 5 p.m., Room 32AB: 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. Buffy remains one of the most LGBT-friendly properties in pop culture.
LGBTX: The X-Men’s Queer Characters, Themes and Fans, 6 p.m., Room 32AB: The X-Men have 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?
Friday, July 22
Publishing Queer, 1 p.m., Room 9: 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?
‘Heroes vs. Villains’ Party, 10 p.m. – 2 a.m., Rich’s Nightclub: A costume contest, go-go heroes and guys in spandex gear and super-hero costumes! Cover charge is $10 at the door, $3 off with Comic-Con badge until 11 p.m.
Saturday, July 23
Bent Comix, 4 p.m., Room 4: 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.
Gays In Comics, 5:30 p.m., Room 6a: As mainstream companies DC and Marvel continue to frontline gay characters such as Batwoman and Northstar and hire 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.
Prism Comics hosts a Gays In Comics mixer after the panel discussion. Mingle with comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a Comics Gift Basket and the silent auction of hot comic items.
