Peter Carlson (Green Dot Public Schools), Antero Garcia (Colorado State University), and Susan Kirtley (Portland State University) lead this hands-on workshop integrating comic books in your K-12 classrooms. Open to teachers of all subjects, this session includes awesome interactive activities, approaches for aligning comic books within curriculum, and resources for you to use. Current classroom educators Samantha Diego, James Kelley, and Jenn Anya Prosser will spotlight specific ways they address the learning needs of students in their classrooms.
Getting off on the right foot is key to traveling on the road to success. And this year's Comic Book Law School is designed to help you navigate the best possible route (and provide help in deciphering the map legend). Noted IP attorney Michael Lovitz, author of The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, offers the first of three interactive and informative programs, which this year will track the trials and tribulations of (fictional) client Fitzgerald Scott, a fledgling comic book writer, as he traverses the many stages involved in the creation, development, protection, and commercialization of his newest comic book creation, "Shylock Homer" a war-weary poet-turned-detective solving crimes and fighting off mythical creatures as he travels the globe with his colleague Dr. Ulysses in search of his long-lost family. This first installment will focus on "The Basics" in an effort to provide the necessary foundation needed for understanding the various intellectual property rights available to creators and business owners and will include insights on how to protect those rights, focusing on how best to safeguard ideas, creative works, characters, brands, and names, from genesis through publication and distribution, and beyond. Attendees are invited to participate in an interactive discussion about the rights provided under U.S. copyright and trademark laws, including a discussion on the protections these laws provide, the benefits of federal registrations for each, tips on working with collaborators, and issues of joint authorship and work-made-for-hire. Along the way, there will be plenty to learn about the protections available, as well as the numerous potential pitfalls, under the U.S. trademark and copyright systems. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Thursday July 21, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
A discussion of tools librarians and educators can use to help overcome resistance to comics in schools, and how to use manga and comics for adult literacy and English language learner programs. Also, explore the wide range of comic genres, get tips for matching readers with comics, and come away with recommendations to satisfy a diversity of interests and reading levels.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 10:46AM Diehard fans know comics aren't just picture books for children and geeky adults. Comics have a long history of addressing complex issues, from science lab accidents to ethics, moral issues, and social justice. This panel will look at the art, science, and technology featured in some of their favorite comics and answer questions like: How do writers develop the stories? Are they communicating realistic scientific concepts? Could comics writers be predicting in the future of science and technology? Join us as Chris Ryall (editor-in-chief at IDW), Chris Mowry (writer, Godzilla comics), Sarah Gaydos (group editor at IDW), Dean Kamen (entrepreneur and engineer), Matt Grob (EVP and CTO, Qualcomm), Dr. Ronald Coleman (researcher, The Scripps Research Institute) discuss the true science behind comics and science fiction.
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 9
The panel will discuss work with at-risk, special needs and incarcerated teenagers that involves the use of sequential and other visual art. The session will include anecdotes, slides of artwork done by Michael Ulrich and his students and present a comic co-created by Michael Ulrich and a student. The panel will center on art as a means of reaching hard-to-reach kids.
Thursday July 21, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 2
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 05:21PM Meet the women whose work changed what’s possible for free expression in comics! From the turn of the 20th century to today, women comics creators have inspired today’s landscape of increasingly diverse and empowering comics storytelling. Join CBLDF Editorial Director Betsy Gomez; contributors Casey Gilly and Caitlin McCabe; Ramona Fradon (Aquaman, Brenda Starr), Wendy Pini (Elfquest), and other female comics creators for an examination of the women who changed the format!
Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Award-winning writer and CAC special guest Trina Robbins (Pretty in Ink: North American Women Cartoonists 1896-2013) looks at how two women, Lily Renee and Tarpe Mills, presented their Brazilian fantasies to the North American public in the form of adventure strips starring capable, glamorous heroines. Braeden Jones (University of Iowa) demonstrates how contemporary artists recontextualize and reappropriate images, motifs, and themes from historical sources, and compares external artistic influence on Latin America to historical conquest. Nicole Larrondo (Brown University) takes this scholarly journey to Chile, where the comic format is a helpful tool for teaching history, and speculates on the challenges of having the state as the primary support for an artistic form.
Thursday July 21, 2016 1:00pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Communities are spaces where ideas flow, networks expand, and friends are made. Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle all have thriving comic creator communities. But what if your city doesn't have one? How do you find like-minded people? The Los Angeles Women's Comic Creators League (The Ladybugs) and the Portland Comic Creator Meetup are teaming up to provide a presentation on starting a creative community and fostering growth and collaboration with creatives in your area.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 09:15AM We love superhero and science fiction movies for their quick pace, fantastic ideas and spectacular action sequences. Cars flip into the air, trains derail and flatten everything in their paths, characters have extraordinary tools and abilities, and storylines travel throughout time and space. But could any of the imaginative scenarios we witness in action blockbusters actually happen? How often do movies reflect accurate science or realistic depictions of future technology and discoveries? How important is it for the science in fictional movies to align with reality? Join us as Fred Bronson (writer Star Trek: TNG), Adam Weiner (physics teacher, The Bishop’s School), Professor Brian Keating (astrophysicist professor, UC San Diego), Craig Titley (writer and producer Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) discuss the fine balance between storytelling, imagination, and realistic science.
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 01:20PM Phil Strub (DoD Entertainment Media director), Dave Evans (DoD Unscripted director), Lt. Col. Glen Roberts (U.S. Air Force Entertainment Liaison director), Lt. Col. Tim Hyde (U.S. Army Public Affairs-West deputy director), Cmdr. John Pruitt (U.S. Coast Guard MOPIC director), and Capt. Russell Coons (U.S. Navy Info-West director) discuss the requirements to procure DoD and DHS support in the entertainment realm and what assets and services can be provided. A Q&A session will be moderated by Decker Watson (executive producer, Deadliest Catch).
Thursday July 21, 2016 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Film buffs and storyboard artists Gabriel Hardman (Dark Knight Rises, Spider-Man 3) Trevor Goring (Watchmen, Thor: The Dark World), and voice actor Susan Eisenberg (Wonder Woman, Justice League Unlimited) discuss the comic strip and comic book inspired films from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Featuring early silent films, parodies of the 1950s comic book juvenile delinquency debates, and more. Moderated by podcaster and pop culture historian John Siuntres (Word Balloon Podcast).
Many libraries are creating their own comic conventions and festivals. This panel will provide you with all the tools you need to do the same! Panelists will discuss organization, partnerships, budgets, programming, and how to bring comic creators into your library.
You're a comics artist or you want to be. So how do you stand above the rest? In Andy Schmidt's 14-year career in comics as an editor (Marvel, IDW, Imagetitles) and a comics art educator at Comics Experience, he's seen every kind of artist you can imagine. Reilly Brown (Deadpool), comics artist and comics art instructor, has seen even more! From thousands of pages and pinups they have created a top 10 list of things that the strongest artists do to stand above the crowd. Todd Nauck will also be joining. They'll give you all 10 in this jaw-dropping panel.
Thursday July 21, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Everything you need to know in order to run your own comic creation workshops! The panel will also provide tips and tricks for having comic book creators teach classes in the library, and discuss which computer programs and technology you can make available to patrons to help them make comics.
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 04:50PM It's one thing to cosplay at a con and draw fan art, but how can you turn your passion for manga, anime, and cosplay into a real career? Get the real deal on what it takes to make the leap from fan to pro from people who know what it takes to succeed, as well as the common pitfalls to avoid. Lillian Diaz-Pryzbyl (head of comics, Sparkler Monthly), Christopher Butcher (director, Toronto Comic Arts Festival), Mark DeVera (publishing sales manager, VIZ Media), Misaki C. Kido (marketing director, Kodansha Advanced Media), Mari Morimoto (translator, Naruto), Marlene First (editor, VIZ Media), Maria Victoria Robado (artist/letterer/ colorist, Jem) and possibly a surprise guest or two talk about how they turned their passion for manga, anime, and cosplay into a career and what they look for when they're hiring artists, writers, and editors. Discussion will be followed by a Q&A session moderated by Deb Aoki (Publishers Weekly,Anime News Network).
Thursday July 21, 2016 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
Can caped crusaders inspire you to find your inner courage? Calling on top TV and film celebs to rally to end bullying at Pop Culture Hero Coalition's panel. Experts in psychology and human rights activism will discuss practical strategies to navigate harassment, both online and IRL. Panelists include award-winning author and Coalition co-founder Carrie Goldman (Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear), Andrea Letamendi, Ph.D. (psychologist,The Arkham Sessions), Janina Scarlet, Ph.D. (author, Superhero Therapy), Adam Bouska and Jeff Parshley (founders, NOH8 Campaign), Kate Langrall Folb (director, USC Hollywood, Health & Society), United Nations Association president Bettina Hausmann, and Coalition founder Chase Masterson (Star Trek, The Flash). The panel will also discuss what works (and what doesn't) when addressing showrunners and actors about plot lines and character relationships (hint: it's not bullying!) Join in this powerful discussion on how stories from comics, film, and TV can mobilize us to overcome bullying, racism, misogyny, LGBT-bullying, and other forms of hate and become heroes in our everyday lives.
Thursday July 21, 2016 6:30pm - 7:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
Could Lightsabers ever be a reality? How would Starkiller Base work in the real world? Which droid would NASA select for a real mission? Fon Davis (production designer, Star Wars Movies), Kim Steadman (NASA engineer, Mars Science Lab), Kieran Dickson (editor, Outerplaces), Travis Langley (editor, Star Wars Psychology), Steve Huff (fight choreographer), and moderator Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia) break down the science behind a galaxy far far away, field your burning questions and give away a prize or two.
Friday July 22, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 7AB
Wayne Brady (actor, producer), Karen Hunter (The Karen Hunter Show, Karen Hunter Publishing, Pulitzer Prize winner), Rosalind Alexander-Kasparik (Recall & Given), and Tomiya Gaines (the perfect $20 date) are the 2016 Black Panel. This year's presidential election has seen much attention focused on race. There is a sea change in the air and creators of color, and their fans will feel it soon if they haven't already. It's a new start to the famed Black Panel and as always a surprise guest or two may join the fray.
Friday July 22, 2016 10:00am - 11:30am PDT
Room 5AB
While almost every creator will tell you their greatest joy is in their acts of creation, none will argue that equally (or perhaps more) important is earning a living from their efforts. But commercializing creative works is fraught with peril unless you're prepared. This second stage of the case study focusing on (fictional) author Fitzgerald Scott will concentrate on Scott's efforts to commercialize his critically acclaimed new work, "Shylock Homer: The Sirens of the Baskervilles." Noted attorney Michael Lovitz, author of the acclaimed The Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, and IP and entertainment attorneys David Branfman and Terri Lubaroff present an interactive seminar tackling a group of more advanced issues facing creators (and the businesses that they work with) when marketing their properties and creative ideas, including: licenses and transfers of rights; key things to know when Hollywood comes knocking; publishing, manufacturing, merchandising, and distribution agreements; understanding key terms in contracts, assignments, and licenses; and (and time permitting) how Mrs. Fitzgerald Scott spouse may affect his contracts and licenses. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Friday July 22, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Recent work analyzing comics has turned to scientific methods. Neil Cohn (Tilburg University) will chair this panel discussing projects that annotate properties of comics from around the world, and discuss growing efforts for analyzing comics within the cognitive sciences. Then, presentations by Jessika Axner (University of California, San Diego) and Michaela Diercks (University of California, San Diego) will explore the differences between the structures found in comics from America, Japan, Hong Kong, and various European countries, such as France and Sweden. Finally, Nimish Pratha (University of California, San Diego) will describe how sound effects differ across genres of American comics and Japanese manga. Together, these presentations show the benefits of a data-driven, scientific approach to studying comics.
Friday July 22, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
UPDATED: Thu, Jul 14, 09:23AM Sven Larsen (VP of marketing, Papercutz), Betsy Gomez (editorial director, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund), and Lizette Serrano (director of library and educational marketing, Scholastic) explain how librarians can build programming to foster a love of graphic novels in their communities in a Q&A session moderated by Dawn Rutherford (teen services coordinator, Sno-Isle Libraries).
Censorship is affecting more comics than ever, especially comics made for young people. Recent months have seen attacks on award-winning books like This One Summer and Drama, as well as increased targeting of books by and about diversity. CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez leads a discussion with Gina Gagliano (First Second), and Carla Riemer (librarian, Claremont Middle School, Oakland, California) about what books are challenged, who's affected, and what you can do stop the spread of censorship.
Arguing that the visual narrative nature of comics requires recognizing and understanding the function of pictures in the medium, R. C. Harvey (Perpendicular Pronoun Press) shows how words and pictures function to create the unique narrative form that is comics. Derek Heid (Temecula Valley High School) demonstrates how Matt Fraction's Eisner Award-winning Hawkeye story, "Pizza Is My Business," makes heavy use of symbol and abstract storytelling techniques to communicate the thought processes of a dog and can be used to teach students, specifically at the high school level, higher-order analysis of literature and literary technique. Samantha Jakobeit-Meaux (Georgia State University) examines Bec Doux et ses amis, a dual language Cajun French and English comic strip with Kevin Meaux (Georgia State University), the son of the strip's illustrator Ken Meaux, to show how the strip subverts the established language/power dynamics of Louisiana speaking communities through the use of text placement, caricature, and trickster figures.
Friday July 22, 2016 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Before the comics, pulp magazines were the most popular and bestselling printed periodicals on the newsstands. Featuring genres ranging from westerns to heroic adventure to science fiction, the pulp magazines paved the way for the comics, providing much of the social, narrative, artistic, and financial groundwork, which inspired the nascent industry and helped it flourish into the popular culture phenomena it is today. This panel discusses the connections between the pulps and comics, from the creators who worked in both mediums to the direct lineage between the heroes of the pulps and their successors, so popular in today’s comics and films. Join Nicky Wheeler-Nicholson (Lost Hero: The Adventurous and Tragic Life of the Man Who Invented Comic Books), Harry Donenfeld,Brad Ricca (Super Boys: The Amazing Adventures of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster-the Creators of Superman), Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight trilogy) and Nathan Vernon Madison (Anti-Foreign Imagery in American Pulps and Comic Books) for this investigation into the birth of the comic book. Gerard Jones (Men of Tomorrow: Geeks, Gangsters, and the Birth of the Comic Book) moderates.
Friday July 22, 2016 1:30pm - 2:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Comic creators Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series), Stuart Moore (Egos, Zodiac Legacy), Gene Luen Yang (Secret Coders, Boxers & Saints), and Ru Xu (NewsPrints, Saint for Rent) explain their process, demystifying comics creation for librarians. Moderated by Jack Baur (supervising librarian, Berkeley Public Library).
Comics are striving to create a more diverse culture of creativity for an increasingly varied audience. Gina Gagliano (First Second), Robin Herrera (Oni Press), and Sierra Hahn (BOOM! Studios) talk about what comics are doing to create a more diverse culture of material to serve the diversity of our readership. Moderated by Candice Mack (president, Young Adult Library Services Association).
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 10:21AM Long before the rescuing of Mark Watney became a cultural phenom, Mars and martians had captured the imagination of comic book and science fiction authors. For almost a century and a half, fictional visits to the red planet have been made by humans like John Carter and superhumans like Superman, Dr. Manhattan, and Dr. McNinja. Some, like the Martian Manhunter (J'onn J'onzz) even call the fourth planet home. In this panel, Marshall Smith (Deputy Director, Cross-Program Systems Integration, ESD at NASA), Joseph Cassady (executive director, Space at Aerojet Rocketdyne), Grant Anderson (president & CEO at Paragon Space Development Corporation), William D. Pratt (Program Manager, Lockheed Martin's Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP)), Patrick O'Neill (Marketing & Communications Manager at Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS)), Matthew Duggan (Space Systems Manager, Boeing Company), Rebekah Sosland Siegfriedt (Systems Engineer, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory), and moderator Steve Broback (cofounder, Dent the Future) discuss the latest developments in the commercial and government partnership driving the 2035 mission to Mars.
In the U.S., young people (ages 16-24 years) are significantly affected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI). Storytelling through comic books has been shown to be a useful method for HIV/STI education and prevention. The increasing popularity of comics-related media and advances in computerized graphics have created new ways of using comics to reach youth with HIV/STI information. Come and learn how scientists from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Leigh Willis (behavioral scientist), Rachel Kachur (health scientist), Ted Castellanos (public health advisor), John Brooks (senior medical adviser), and from Terminus Media Mark Stancil (CEO). Artists Joe Phillips and Lexington Wolfcraft worked to create an HIV/STI focused motion comic that improves knowledge about, and reduces stigma around, HIV and STI, and encourages healthy behaviors by young people. Attendees will learn how audience feedback, behavioral research, and cutting-edge production methods were used to create the storyline and the look, sound, and feel of this motion comic. The first episode of the series will be debuted. Panelists will also provide information on how the public can access the full motion comic series and future plans for the series.
Friday July 22, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
How are kids' graphic novels growing, and what does the future hold for this dynamic segment of the comics medium? Executives Mark Siegel (First Second), David Saylor (Scholastic), Greg Goldstein (IDW Publishing), and Terry Nantier (Papercutz) and moderator Calvin Reid discuss this growing market.
UCLA Extension instructors Dallas King (director and genre-filmmaker, U.Z.L.A.), Peter Gend (VFX producer, The Simpsons Movie), Quinton Peeples (feature film and television writer/producer, Netflix/Marvel’s Iron Fist, Hulu’s 11-22-63), Brooks Wachtel (animation series writer, X-Men, Spider-Man), Robert Bryant (video game producer & author, Slay the Dragon: Writing Great Video Games), and moderator Kim Adelman (indie filmmaker, Just Friends) discuss how they transitioned from a practical day job to a professional career in the creative fields of writing, filmmaking, and gaming. Explore best practices for making the transition to your own dream job and get answers to your questions during a Q&A.
What happens when you bring a nanotechnologist, an A.I. research scientist, and an entomologist together in a room? You form the League of Extraordinary Scientists and Engineers! Jeane Wong (LXS founder and educator) is obsessed with science and has a solid origin with superheros and discovering those same powers in the real world, from entomology to rockets to robots and beyond. Jeane, along with panel guests Dr. Sunny Fugate (engineer, A.I. research, space and naval warfare systems command), Dr. Paige Howorth (entomology curator, San Diego Zoo), Dr. Tom Darlington(nanoComposix), and Jeff McQuaid (marine biologist, J. CraigVenter Institute and Scripps Institute of Oceanography) discuss how comics and science fiction push scientists and engineers to rocket past what they know is possible at any given moment and into an otherwise unimaginable future. Come curious and leave inspired.
Friday July 22, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 25ABC
Why do you love to hate your favorite bad guys, such as the antihero, Disney villains, or characters like Deadpool or the Joker? A research study conducted by April Fugett, Ph.D. (professor, department of psychology, Marshall University), Keith W. Beard, Psy.D. (professor, department of psychology, Marshall University), Elijah Wise, Britani Black, and Jacob Mills (doctoral students, Marshall University) examined the psychological theory of personality traits called the Dark Triad (machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy). Research suggests that people with these personality traits are more likely to engage in self-promotion and be aggressive in their interactions with others on social media. In contrast, other personality theories focus on people being agreeable and open to new experiences. Personality traits for both approaches and over 650 pop culture characters were studied. Results indicate existing relationships between personality characteristics and favorite villains. This information could be used to better promote and best engage people with these traits in media and other venues.
Friday July 22, 2016 8:00pm - 9:00pm PDT
Room 28DE
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 08:59AM From around the world and across the centuries come stories that have been passed down, retold, translated, adapted, and studied for generations. Bring fairy tales, fables, folktales, legends, myths, and tall tales into your classroom with comics and graphic novel adaptations that bring these tales to life and provide depth and complexity in the interplay between text and image and in the creators' imaginative retellings. Featuring creators Chris Duffy (editor,Fable Comics,Fairy Tale Comics, Nursery Rhyme Comics,SpongeBob Comics), Alexis Fajardo (Kid Beowulf), Ben Hatke (Mighty Jack), Kel McDonald (Cautionary Fables and Fairy Tales), and Dr. Katie Monnin (Teaching New Literacies in Elementary Language Arts), with moderator Tracy Edmunds, M.A.Ed. (Graphic Novels Are Elementary!).
For the final installment in this year's Law School series, a panel of legal experts shed light on some of the more complex issues facing creators and businesses and touch on compelling issues popping up on the law and how they apply to comics and the pop-culture scene. Attorney Michael Lovitz, author ofThe Trademark and Copyright Book comic book, is joined by Professor Marc Greenberg and attorneys Howard Hogan, David Lizerbram, and Larry Zerner to provide practical advice concerning some of the more advanced issues facing trademark and copyright owners, including: Legal issues for fan fiction and fan art; fan films (a la Star Trek) and fair use; homage, swipe, or transformation; whether reproducing an artist's published work is fair use or foul play; and how the new FCC "Set Box Top" proposal could be kryptonite for the creative community. Please note: The Comic Book Law School seminars are designed to provide relevant information and insights to practicing attorneys, as well as practical tips to creators and other professionals who may wish to attend. [This program is approved for 1.5 credits of California MCLE.]
Saturday July 23, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
From the Revolutionary War to current events, graphic novels pull readers into history. Comics have been shown to improve reader engagement while enhancing both comprehension and retention. And with the new emphasis on reading nonfiction, academic vocabulary, and reading in the subject areas, comics are more relevant than ever. Educational experts and creators present the best in comics and graphic novels for teaching history and social studies. Featuring Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales), Jonathan Hennessey (The U.S. Constitution: A Graphic Adaptation, The Comic Book Story of Video Games), Tim Smyth (high school history teacher), Illya Kowalchuk, M.Ed. (Pop Culture Classroom), Amy Chu (publisher, Alpha Girl Comics), and moderator Tom Racine (Tall Tale Radio).
Illya Kowalchuk (director of education, Pop Culture Classroom), Adam Kullberg (PCC's education program manager), and Layman Kingsford (Elf Quest Adventure Game, HouseBoy, Dog Walker) discuss how teachers can use game design to enhance content retention, as well as strengthen literacy, art, critical thinking, problem solving, research, and cooperation skills.
National Ambassador for Young People's Literature Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese), discusses his official platform, Reading Without Walls, with Hank Green (Nerdfighter). Reading Without Walls encourages people to read outside their comfort zone, exploring books in subjects, formats, and audiences they don't typically gravitate to and thereby discovering new (and awesome) things.
Saturday July 23, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 29AB
UPDATED: Wed, Jul 13, 05:22PM Engage your community with Banned Books Week! This year’s Banned Books Week celebrates diversity, which is disproportionately targeted by censors. Join CBLDF Executive Director Charles Brownstein, Erwin Magbanua (San Diego Public Library), Katie Monnin (Associate Professor of Literacy, University of North Florida), and Candice Mack (Los Angeles Public Library) to learn about why comics and books by diverse creators and featuring diverse characters are challenged, how to report and fight censorship, and how to make a celebration of Banned Books Week in your community!
Saturday July 23, 2016 1:00pm - 2:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
Bring a one-two punch to teaching STEM: text and images teaming up in comics! Comics have been shown to improve reader engagement while enhancing both comprehension and retention. And with the new emphasis on reading nonfiction, academic vocabulary, and reading in the subject areas, comics are more relevant than ever. Education experts and creators they present the best in comics and graphic novels for teaching science, technology, engineering and math. Featuring Paige Braddock (Stinky Cecil, creative director, Schulz Studio), Jim McClain (Solution Squad), Betsy Gomez (CBLDF), Jen Aprahamian (CTO of VINA), Mairghread Scott (writer, Transformers: Till All Are One, Guardians of the Galaxy), Rebecca Thompson, Ph.D. (head of public outreach, American Physical Society), and moderator Tracy Edmunds, M.A.Ed. (Graphic Novels are Elementary!).
Veteran teacher Jim McClain presents Solution Squad, an all-ages comic featuring superheroes with powers and names based on math concepts. There is math embedded in every single page of the 32-page comic book. This workshop will take you through Solution Squad #1 step-by-step, showing how the digitally projectable and print comics can be used for direct instruction, as mnemonics for vocabulary and as springboards for deeper mathematical conversations and explorations that will stick with students throughout their entire school careers.
Nerd and geek culture has come into the mainstream. Most people accept it, and many who were previously uncomfortable with their nerdy tendencies are not ashamed any more. With this wide acceptance, we are now able to objectively study the practical values of nerd culture. Caitlyn Zaksheske (Eisner Graphic Novel Growth Grant 2015 winner, head librarian, Yuma High School), Matthew Zaksheske (psychology and sociology teacher, Gila Ridge High School), Neil Peters (English teacher, Cibola High School), and moderator John Shableski (VP of sales, UDON Entertainment/special projects; Will & Ann Family Eisner Foundation) discuss how the field of education can apply the values of nerd and geek culture to aid not only in the classroom but in the library and in extracurricular activities.
Education's all-things nerd networking resource returns to Comic-Con. This year's edition will have a focus on student-generated comics, with an emphasis on autobiographical and memoir narratives. Learn from experts Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics), Randy Duncan (The Power of Comics: History, Form and Culture), Michael Ray Taylor (Creating Comics as Journalism, Memoir and Nonfiction), and Patrick Murphy (Fremont High/Weber State University).
Learn how to take your fandom with you to college and how to find your tribe once you're there. "Quirk Theory" can give you insight into why someone who has been marginalized in high school thrives once they reach college. A panel of educators from across the country show you how they make geek communities on college campuses. Brian MacDonald (UCLA), Alfred Day (UC Berkeley), Kamil Oshundara (UCLA), Rod Santos (UC Berkeley), Geralyn Williams (University of San Diego), and Emily Sandoval (USC) will show you how to enhance the geek college experience.
UPDATED: Fri, Jul 15, 09:30AM Pop culture's ability to empower people with mental illnesses is reaching new heights, from celebrated depictions of superhero struggles to the personal stories of creators themselves. Does mental health represent the next wave of diversity in comics, or is that just "crazy" talk? Eisner Award winner and New York Times best-selling graphic novelist Nate Powell (March, Swallow Me Whole) will discuss the current state of mental health representation in comic books and graphic novels, as well as the progress that still needs to be made. Psychologist Janina Scarlet, Ph.D., (Superhero Therapy) will share moving stories of patients inspired by accurate comic book depictions of mental disorders in their recovery from mental illnesses. Forensic psychiatrist Vasilis K. Pozios, M.D., (Broadcast Thought) will discuss Aura, his PRISM Award-winning short story about a stigmatized superhero with bipolar disorder, published in RISE: Comics Against Bullying #2 from Northwest Press. Forensic psychiatrist Praveen R. Kambam, M.D., (Broadcast Thought) will discuss how entertainment can be a force for good in mental health and why more accurate and less stigmatizing mental health representations are a "win-win" for media outlets and people with mental illnesses alike. Attorney Jeff Trexler (The Beat, The Comics Journal) moderates.
Saturday July 23, 2016 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Room 24ABC
In this interactive workshop top professionals in the technology and aerospace industries demonstrate the application of discoveries previously thought to be fiction. Ben Dickow (director of NASA Columbia Memorial Space Center)will showcase new science programs at the Space Center in Downey, CA. Diego Porqueras (CTO Deezemaker) will demonstrate the application of 3D printing in the aerospace industry. Geo Cable (Captured Aural Phantasy Theater) will demonstrate the benefits of interactive performances that support critical thinking. Gerald Blackburn (NASA engineer/Rockwell Tinkers Corner) and Dr. Richard Shope (the Aerospace Legacy Foundation) will demonstrate the value of project-based learning to enhance learning opportunities for all. Arnie Roberts (president, Smart Reg International) will showcase his Intergalactic SMS-bot to live-stream questions to panelists during the workshop.
Saturday July 23, 2016 6:00pm - 7:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
They're from different eras. They operate in different parts of the world, not to mention, occasionally, different dimensions! And they fight different villains, sometimes reluctantly. Yet, they're all very much connected through the same universe and many of the same experiences, including trauma, adversity, and self-discovery. Writers Craig Titley (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Lindsey Allen (Agent Carter), Christos Gage (Marvel's Daredevil), and Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones) join Dr. Andrea Letamendi (The Arkham Sessions) to explore the dramatic psychology of the Marvel TV Universe. Moderated by Brian Ward (The Arkham Sessions).
Saturday July 23, 2016 7:00pm - 8:00pm PDT
Room 5AB
Did you ever want to be a superhero? Did you ever wish you had superpowers? This panel of psychologists and writers discuss the benefits of comics and how they can potentially be therapeutic. Psychologists Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy, Star Wars Psychology) and Asher Johnson (Alliant International University), peer counselor Travis Adams (Department of Veterans Affairs), and Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History, Walking Dead Psychology) discuss your favorite superheroes. Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia, Star Wars Psychology) moderates.
Saturday July 23, 2016 7:30pm - 8:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Dr. Travis Langley (Captain America vs. Iron Man, Batman and Psychology) and legendary Golden Age artist Allen Bellman (Captain America Comics) invite you to the ultimate analysis of Steve Rogers and Tony Stark throughout their histories. Team Cap looks out for superhero liberties: Jenna Busch (Legion of Leia, Star Wars Psychology), Martin Lloyd (Doctor Who Psychology), Lara Taylor Kester (Geek Psych, Game of Thrones Psychology), and Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy, The Walking Dead Psychology). Team Tony defends national and international security: Alan Kistler (Doctor Who: A History,Spider-Man Trivia Challenge), Billy San Juan (Star Trek Psychology), Janey Tracey (OuterPlaces) and Paul Zehr (Inventing Iron Man, Becoming Batman). When the road to the Marvel Comics superheroes' Civil War is paved with good intentions, are any of them truly in the right?
Saturday July 23, 2016 8:30pm - 9:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
As the comics artform has become more ubiquitous and respected, there are still many challenges in making comics accessible and enjoyable for all. This panel will speak with Little Fish students Serena Leitner and Nikita Atrash, Mary Ellen Shu (librarian, Casa De Oro Elementary), Eric Shanower (writer/artist, Age of Bronze), Brian Volsang (director, Kevin Workman Foundation), and representatives from nonprofits about specific goals and challenges, including teaching homeless children, advocating for diversity, and harnessing the power of comics
Sunday July 24, 2016 10:00am - 11:00am PDT
Room 23ABC
Adam Golub (California State University, Fullerton) discusses strategies for teaching comics as literature in the university classroom. Deanna Heikkinen (Los Angeles Valley College) shares the lessons that she learned using superhero comics to teach a humanities course on 20th-century America. Michelle Lewis (Los Angeles Valley College) explains he she integrated Mendoza the Jew: Boxing, Manliness, and Nationalism, A Graphic History into the Western Civilization curriculum to teach historical techniques. These presentations are designed for teachers and a general audience interested in the changing views and uses of comics in American society.
Sunday July 24, 2016 10:30am - 12:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 09:20AM Women in comics discuss their reasons for writing, reading, and sharing comic books with the world. New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Anne Elizabeth (Once a Seal) and Marjorie M. Liu (Monstress), librarian Karen Green (Columbia University), Anina Bennet (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers and retailer Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) give pointers on how comic books can work for you in your classrooms. Learn how your students can enjoy reading for pleasure, be they reluctant, struggling, or avid readers.
Sunday July 24, 2016 11:00am - 12:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
The same qualities that make Batman one of the most famous characters in the world also make him an excellent vehicle for teaching a variety of topics and reaching students. Batman is the superhero with no superpowers, with a tragic origin that evokes feelings and understanding from anyone who reads it, and a character that occupies an environment that, while a bit bizarre at times, usually feels like it could be real. This session provides an exploration of using Batman to teach arts and science at the university level. Panelists discuss the relevance of Batman and the Bat-family in conveying concepts of psychology, kinesiology and neuroscience to undergraduates. E. Paul Zehr (Becoming Batman), Travis Langley (Batman and Psychology: A Dark and Stormy Knight), Chris Yogerst(University of Wisconsin), Hannah Means-Shannon (Dark Horse Comics), Michael Uslan (The Dark Knight trilogy), and Paul Levitz (DC Comics) discuss and dissect the role of the Caped Crusader on campus.
Sunday July 24, 2016 12:00pm - 1:00pm PDT
Room 26AB
UPDATED: Mon, Jul 11, 09:23AM Bestselling authors Frank Beddor (Hatter Madigan: Ghost in the H.A.T.B.O.X. The Looking Glass Wars), Anne Elizabeth (Once a Seal), and Marjorie M. Liu (Monstress), Anina Bennet (Boilerplate, Heartbreakers) and comics retailer Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics) demonstrate how educators can write and draw their comic with a handful of comic panels. Bring your paper and pencils.
Sunday July 24, 2016 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Room 23ABC
David Rosing (NASA JPL Mars Sample Return system engineer), Shonte J. Tucker (JPL thermal engineer), Michael R. Johnson (JPL mechanisms engineer), and Todd J. Barber (JPL Senior Cassini propulsion engineer) discuss how humans go boldly where there's no one around to fix it. Hear stories from the trenches of the heartbreaks, close calls, and adventures of real-life solar system exploration.
Sunday July 24, 2016 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT
Room 32AB
Comic-Con offers students of popular culture an amazing venue to study how culture is marketed to and practiced by its fans. Robin Holloway (Wake Forest University), Thaddeus Kimm (Wittenberg University), Alexandra Jenkins (Texas A&M University-Texarkana), Jodie McKaughan (Radford University), Joan Miller (University of Southern California, Annenberg), Morgan Mitchell (Wittenberg University), Glen Stamp (Ball State University), Alix Watson (Ball State University), and Stephanie Webb (University of Denver) present initial findings from a week-long ethnographic field study of the intersection of fan practice at the nexus of cultural marketing and fan culture that is Comic-Con 2016. Matthew J. Smith (Wittenberg University) moderates.
Sunday July 24, 2016 2:30pm - 3:30pm PDT
Room 26AB
Joining cartoonist Marie Zhivago (Dr. Zhivago) are local guest leaders presenting information and examples of how cartoons can be represented and influence science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. "Tony" Michael Claudio (engineering educator, Olympian High School, Sweetwater District for 3D and Laser Printing) will show how 2D cartoon examples can be printed into a 3D samples. Pamela Hendrickson (president, National Council of Negro Women Inc. S.T.E.A.M.) will discuss a 15-year S.T.E.A.M. workshop based on an interest in a career in Arts for kids. Karen Daniels (Old Globe Theater arts engagement manager) will talk about the theatrical, technical, and engineering aspect of Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas. A brief Q&A session moderated by Analyn Simon (UCSD Medical Center) will be followed by a drawing workshop by Dr. Zhivago for kids.
Sunday July 24, 2016 4:00pm - 5:00pm PDT
Room 30CDE
