That's right, this year's Comic-Con has an impressive list of panels, from a Q & A session with former MMPR Jason David Frank, to 3 separate panels on Sailor Moon. This year, NYCC has added a new feature to their website to customize your Con experience and highlight the exhibitors you want to see, and create a schedule for all the panels you want to catch and how many take place at the same exact time (though in all honesty they could have done this last year, I just have the memory of a goldfish sometimes). I have combed the list of panels and present to you my abbreviated list of the ones that I'm going to try (#fail) to catch at this year's Comic-Con.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 9th:
Archie Forever: Life, Afterlife and Beyond (1pm)
This panel features creator of Kevin Keller, Dan Parent and fellow member of the rainbow and writer of Afterlife with Archie, Roberto Aquirre-Sacasa. My hope is for more Kevin Keller, and to find out more about the planned Archie live-action movie.
Saving Indecent Comics (3:15pm)
Bob's Burgers (3:15pm)
Personally I am torn, as these two panels are both great in their own way. Having grown up in North Carolina, I know what it's like to encounter censorship and the banning of books like Fun Home. But on the other hand I am in love with the entire Belcher family and want to write the most erotic, graphic, freakiest friend fiction about them. Maybe you can help me decide which one to go to, or you can go to one and I'll go to the other and we can compare notes. *Dibs on Bob's Burgers.
New York TimesOUT and GeeksOUT Presents LGBT in Comics (7:00pm)
As if there were any question, yes I will be attending this panel. Not only does it have the creative team of the latest Young Avengers-Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKevlie, but it also has friend of Geeks OUT, Phil Jimenez, Lumberjanes co-creator Noelle Stevenson, and while I don't know much about Luciano Vecchio or Annie Mok, I'm anxious to learn more about them. Last year this panel was standing room only. My advice, get in line early and hope you get a good seat.
Friday, October 10th:
For all of NYCC, but especially on Friday (it seems), it is all about women. In fact, there are 5 panels before 5pm about female representation in comics.
There is:
"Marry, Do or Kill?" What Will it Take to Shatter Female Stereotypes in Comics? (11:15am)
Women of Color in Comics: Race, Gender and the Comic Book Medium (1:15pm)
Damsels in Distress Need Not Apply (3:15pm)
Vulture Presents Carol Corps and Beyond: The Future of Female Fandom (4:00pm)
But, there are two panels that I would stress don't miss.
Prism Comics Presents: Women in Queer Comics (2:15pm)
Friends of Geeks OUT, Prism Comics, bring us this wonderful panel. "Join Moderator Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads, Gooch) and Panelists Joan Hilty (Bitter Girl), Jennifer Camper (Women's Review of Books, Bitch Magazine), Kristin Enos (Web of Lies, Deseo), Ariel Schrag (Likewise, Adam) and Elizabeth Fernandez (The Code Crimson) for a discussion of queer women's improved profile in the industry and their approach to storytelling."
The second one is:
End Bullying! Responding to Cruelty in Our Culture (5pm)
After the aggression and vitriol that came from GamerGate, it is apparent that more people need to attend this panel. Topics include: geek, cyber and LGBT-bullying, becoming a hero and how media affects our attitudes toward bullying and aggression.
Saturday, October 11th:
Another full day of panels, and yet more focusing on female representation in the comics industry and our favorite, "Strong Female Characters".
MARVEL: Death of Wolverine – The Logan Legacy (11:15am)
If you haven't been living under a rock, than you are well aware that Wolverine is gonna die (for at least 6 months). Mostly, my only interest in this panel is whether or not my favorite bisexual badboy Daken is going to return to prominence. And if he's going to lose that Apocalypse Blue hue he's been sporting ever since he was resurrected and made a Horseman.
The Mary Sue Presents – Strong Female Characters: The Women Shining in Geek Media (1:15pm)
The wonderful folks at The Mary Sue have 3 panels this year one on Thursday at 3:15pm, this panel on Saturday, and one on Sunday at 3pm. This particular panel on 'Strong Female Characters' "will focus on the positive representations of women, both as they exist now and as they've evolved over time and those creating them. We'll also be discussing the impact positive representations had on the lives of the Panelists and their hopes for characters we'll see in the future."
#YesAllGeeks: Let’s Talk About Harassment in Fandom (3pm)
&
So They Say You Shouldn't Cosplay (3pm)
These are two great panels that discuss creating safe spaces at Comic Cons (one of the reasons why Geeks OUT started), and one that specifically discusses the judgements and boundaries that people place on cosplayers. Unfortunately both take place at the same time. Both address important topics, though one is more all encompassing and the other deals solely about the cosplay world.
Official Sailor Moon Panel (4:15pm)
That's right, if there was any doubt about it, Sailor Moon is back! As I said before, there are 3 panels on Sailor Moon at this year's Comic-Con. One on Friday, and two on Saturday, the "official" panel, and one specifically about the manga. As this is the "Official Sailor Moon Panel" expect "members of the VIZ Media Sailor Moon team to talk about the impact of this beloved anime series, show footage from the remastered episodes and celebrate the long-awaited return of Usagi and her friends!"
New York TimesOUT Presents Geeks, Gaymers and Crossplay (5:15pm)
Though no panelists have been announced yet for this panel, I'm very curious as to who will be joining the discussion and where it will lead.
DC Entertainment: Women of DC Entertainment (6:15pm)
It appears that DC Comics has finally decided to get in the game, and is hosting their first ever female creators panel at New York Comic-Con. And while they may be late in coming to the table, I'm eager to see if they are willing to put their money where their mouth is and support more of their female creators. This panel features friend and favorite of Geeks OUT, Gail Simone (SECRET SIX). The rest of the panel includes, Marguerite Bennett (JOKER’S DAUGHTER), Becky Cloonan (GOTHAM ACADEMY), Amanda Conner (HARLEY QUINN), Meredith Finch (WONDER WOMAN), Caitlin Kittredge (COFFIN HILL), and artist Babs Tarr (BATGIRL).
Sunday, October 12th:
Sunday concludes the heavy female slate of panels with a couple that are worth braving Kids Day to see.
Secret Identities – Transgender Themes in Comic Books (12:15pm)
After San Diego Comic Con held it's first Transgender Panel this year, NYCC follows suit with it's 2nd panel (1st was at NYCC: Special Edition) exploring Transgenger themes, characters, and creators that "have influenced the industry throughout the years." The panel includes Gail Simone, and Morgan Boecher, creator of "What's Normal Anyway?" and who was part of Geeks OUT's "Lets Have a Geeky" event at BGSQD last year.
Women of MARVEL Panel (1:15pm)
Not to be outdone by DC, the Women of Marvel Panel has been a fixture of NYCC and many other Comic-Cons for a couple years now. They invite you to "join the conversation, as women from every discipline in the creative process at Marvel discuss what it’s like working as a woman in comics today and what it means for the future of the industry! Plus, plenty of special announcements! Panelists will include Editor Sana Amanat, Talent Scout Jeanine Schaefer, Associate Producer Judy Stephens, writers Kelly Sue DeConnick (Captain Marvel) and Erica Henderson, and other Mighty Marvel Guests!"
Bookmark this page and feel free to use it as a general guide. Also let me know if there are any panels I left out, or that you think should be on everyone's list, by leaving a comment below.
