Prism Comics Celebrates 10 Years of Championing LGBT Creators, Comics and Readers at SDCC 2013!

Panels, 10th Anniversary Reception, Heroes Vs. Villains Dance Party, and More!

SAN DIEGO, CA – At San Diego Comic-Con International 2013, Prism Comics is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a full roster of panels, creator signings, anniversary reception, and superhero dance party, featuring the best creators working in comics today including Dan Parent, Phil Jimenez, Jane Espenson, Gail Simone, among many others. Comic-Con takes place at the San Diego Convention Center from Wednesday, July 17th through Sunday, June 21st.

“Prism Comics was founded in 2003 by a small group of fans to create a safe, welcoming community for LGBT comics fans and comics creators,” said Prism Comics President, Ted Abenheim. “LBGT characters, comics and creators were not in the mainstream then, but a decade has brought meaningful changes in both comics and peoples’ attitudes towards the LGBT community. It’s exciting to see the numbers of LGBT and LGBT-friendly artists and writers creating terrific works representing the wide diversity of the LGBT experience today. And it’s exciting to see how Prism Comics has grown in 10 years. We look forward to celebrating how far we’ve come at Comic-Con and to what creators have in store for us in the future.”

“To kick off our 10th Anniversary Celebration, we’re debuting our new Prism Comics logo created by noted designer Chip Kidd. Many thanks to Chip!” said Abenheim.

PRISM COMICS BOOTH #2144

Prism’s triple-sized booth #2144 –close to both DC, Sideshow and Marvel’s booths–will feature a full schedule of signings by your favorite LGBT artists and writers including Jane Espenson, Brad Bell and Sean Hemeon who will be signing their new “Husbands” graphic novel, Gail Simone (Batgirl) signing her new Red Sonja comic, Phil Jimenez doing portfolio review and signing his variant of Life With Archie #30, Yves Navant, Peter Saenz, Tara Madison Avery, Robert Bulanadi, Beth Dean, Ellen Forney, David Reddish and more.

Prism’s Booth Partners will also appear throughout the convention including Alex Woolfson (Artifice, The Young Protectors), Jeff Krell (Jayson), Skuttlebutt Inc. (Shounen Fight, Bent-Con with Sean-Z (Myth), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf) and Northwest Press with Charles “Zan” Christensen (editor of Anything That Loves and contributor to The Lavender Menace), Jon Macy (Teleny And Camille, Fearful Hunter), Dylan NDR Edwards (Transposes, Politically Inqueerect), Justin Hall (Glamazonia: The Uncanny Super-Tranny, Editor of No Straight Lines) and Jeff Thomas (ponandzi.com).

Check prismcomics.org for the latest schedule of appearances.

2013 QUEER PRESS GRANT SUBMISSION OPENS, PLUS PORTFOLIO REVIEW

Prism is the only organization in the comics industry which offers an annual financial grant to aspiring creators to help them publish their work – THE PRISM COMICS QUEER PRESS GRANT. Prism has announced the beginning of the submission cycle for this year’s Queer Press Grant. For those applying to the Grant–and for creators interested in having professionals review their work–Prism is offering PORTFOLIO REVIEW from comic book professionals including Phil Jimenez (X-Men, Wonder Woman, Fairest) on Saturday, July 20, 2-4 pm; Bob Schreck (Batman, Legendary Comics) also on July 20, 3pm; Justin Hall (Glamazonia, No Straight Lines)and others to be announced. Check the prismcomics.org for the latest schedule. People interested in applying for The Queer Press Grant are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the submissions guidelines before they attend Comic-Con at prismcomics.org/grant.php.

PANELS & FAN MIXER

Prism is proud to present four panels plus the “Gays in Comics” Fan Mixer and Silent Auction. The descriptions are shown below:

Bizarre? Queer? Perfect: Taming the Wild Webcomics Frontier, Thursday, July 18, 2013, 5:00pm-6:00pm, Room 28DE. The world is rapidly changing to take advantage of the “always-on” Internet from desk to pocket and so are comics. Webcomics offer instantaneous connections between artists and audiences –usually at low or no costs and without editorial interference. The number of webcomics have grown dramatically over the years. Are webcomics serving the same purpose underground “comix” did? How can ambitious creators leverage LGBTQ and other niches without getting pigeonholed in it? Join Prism Comics and moderator Nina Kester (Tapastic) for a trip to the wild frontier of webcomics with panelists Alex Woolfson (Artifice), Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads), Beth Dean (Loose in San Francisco), Dylan Edwards (Politically Inqueerect), and Shaenon K. Garrity (Narbonic/Skin Horse).

Anything That Loves: Comics Beyond Gay and Straight, Thursday, July 18, 2013, 6:00pm-7:00pm, Room 28DE. In the last 20 years, lesbian and gay people have made great strides toward better representation in pop culture. The road for people who are bisexual, who have fluid sexuality and gender, or who otherwise fall outside of “gay” and “straight” has been much rockier. (Ironically, they are often met with the strongest mistrust and resistance from gay people!) The new comics anthology Anything That Loves assembles 30 creators to delve into the complex world of non-binary sexuality and hopes to expose some myths, offer some new insights, and bring together a often-splintered LGBT community in a new way. Join moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen and contributors to this anthology for a discussion of the origins of the project, why it’s important, and the challenges of being a bisexual storyteller. How can bisexual creators resist pressure from both straight and gay communities to put them in categories that don’t truly fit? And how can creators effectively reach out to queer potential readers in a way that doesn’t alienate straight ones? Find out the answers to these questions and many more! With Ellen Forney (Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo, and Me), Lena H. Chandhok (Pony Tale), Josh Trujillo (The Provider), Kevin Boze (The Virgin Project), Randall Kirby (BOP! Comics) and Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads).

A Look at Kevin Keller, Friday, July 19, 2013, 2:00pm-3:00pm, Room 28DE. Archie Comics and writer/artist Dan Parent introduced Kevin Keller, the first openly gay character in the Archie universe, in Veronica #202 in fall of 2010. Kevin Keller’s first appearance proved so popular that the issue sold out, prompting Archie Comics to issue a reprint for the first time in its history. Kevin’s stories as a teenager and as an adult in Life With Archie have made history in other ways by bringing LGBTQ issues and diversity to whole new audiences and winning the prestigious GLAAD Media Award in 2013. Join Kevin Keller writer/artist, Dan Parent, Mike Pellerito (President, Archie Comics), Nina Kester, Jeff Krell (Jayson Comics) and moderator, Ted Abenheim (President, Prism Comics), as they discuss the creation of Kevin Keller and his impact on comics and fans.

Celebrating Ten Years of Prism Comics, Saturday, July 20, 2013, 1:00pm-2:00pm, Room 28DE. In 2003, a new champion appeared on the comics scene, determined to make the industry a better place for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender comics creators and readers. The nonprofit Prism Comics was founded by a small group of comics fans to provide a network for LGBTQ comics professionals and fans through their website, events and convention appearances. Prism Comics has grown and now supports the next generation of creators through The Prism Comics Queer Press Grant. And diversity in the comics industry has grown as well. Where once LGBTQ comics and characters were marginalized, now they are frequently stepping into the spotlight. Where once there were few resources for LGBTQ fandom and creators, now there is a whole new crop of organizations devoted to them. Join moderator Justin Hall (No Straight Lines, Glamazonia, Prism Advisory Board Member) and panelists Ted Abenheim (President, Prism Comics), Tara Madison Avery (Dirtheads, Prism Board Member), Paige Braddock (Jane’s World, Prism Advisory Board Member), Charles “Zan” Christensen (co-founder, Prism Comics, Northwest Press), Roger Klorese

(Prism Board Member), Jon Macy (Teleny and Camille, Prism Queer Press Grant Chairperson), and Andy Mangels (co-founder, Prism Comics) for a look back at where Prism Comics started, a celebration of how far we’ve come and a peek into the future of where the queer comics scene might be headed.

Gays in Comics XXVI – We’re Here, We’re Queer… Now What? Saturday, July 20, 2013, 5:30pm-7:00pm, Room 6A.

Whether it’s the high-flying world of capes, spandex, and gravity-defying breasts or wondrously down-to-earth slice-of-life, the LGBTQ presence in comics has evolved beyond inclusion and visibility. How do we push the boundaries of the medium where LGBTQ characters and stories have become more visible and mainstream? Join moderators Roger Klorese

(Prism Comics Board) and Paige Braddock (Jane’s World) as they explore the next level of authentic LGBTQ story-telling with panelists Jane Espenson (Husbands, Buffy, Once Upon A Time), Sina Grace (Li’l Depressed Boy; Not My Bag), Eisner nominee Justin Hall (No Straight Lines), Shannon Walters (Kaboom), Leia Weathington, and Shena Wolf (Unclick; Universal Press Syndicate).

Gays in Comics XXVI Mixer and Auction, Saturday, July 20, 2013, 7:00pm-8:00pm, Room 6A

After the “Gays in Comics” panel, stick around for the Fan Mixer and Silent Auction with prizes, one-of-a-kind comics items!

NIGHT TIME EVENTS WITH PRISM COMICS

Prism Comics 10th Anniversary Reception – Friday, July 19, 2013, 8:00-10:00pm
Alexander Salazar Fine Arts featuring the Art of Joe Phillips

Alexander Salazar Fine Arts will be hosting a Wine Reception to celebrate Prism Comics 10th Anniversary. The Gallery will be presenting a show featuring the fabulous art of Joe Phillips (joephillips.com). Come casual and mingle with other LGBT and LGBT-friendly art and comics lovers. Meet artist, Joe Phillips, and see his great new artwork. The Gallery is within easy walking distance of the San Diego Convention Center at 7th and Broadway.

Alexander Salazar Fine Art is located at 640 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 531-8996, alexandersalazarfineart.com, whiteboxcontemporary.com.

Heroes vs. Villains Superhero Dance Party! Friday, July 19, 2013, 10:00pm-2:00am
Rich’s Nightclub

Geek Knight Events and Rich’s Present the 9th Annual Heroes Vs. Villains Unofficial After Party. Cosplay/Costume Contest. DJ Marcel will be spinning, EDM, Superhero themes, Video game themes, and K-POP and J-POP in the Back Bar! DJ Will Z will be spinning Urban Hits in the Front Bar! Free Body Painting. IggyAzalea (Hit Single”WORK”) CD Giveaway! COME EARLY! Last year, Heroes Vs. Villains was so popular, they had to stop letting people in! Rich’s Nightclub is located at 1051 University Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103, www.richssandiego.com.

LGBT GEEK WEEK

Heroes Vs. Villains is only one of the many LGBT GEEK WEEK events presented by Geek Knight Events for the week of Comic-Con. Geek Knights has been a proud supporter of Prism Comics for many years. Here are their other events:

Monday, July 15, 2013
The Brass Rail 3796 5th Avenue, San Diego
Manic Monday – Wrapping up their pride celebration and beginning Comic con week with a celebration of Comic Books and Superheroes.

Tuesday July 16, 2013
Urban MO’s 308 University Avenue, San Diego
Bent-Con and Geek Knight Events present…..A Superhero Drink and Draw fundraiser. BENT-CON is partnering up with Urban MO’s to inject their own dose of geeky fun to the mix! Raffle prizes, sexy cosplay models, drink specials, giveaways, & so much more!

Wednesday July 17, 2013
RICH’S Nightclub 1051 University Avenue, San Diego
Rich’s and Geek Knight Events present MISCHIEF with BIANCA SUPER HERO UNDERWEAR CONTEST. Unofficial Comic-Con Pre-Party Drag performance by Host Bianca St. James. Sign up for the Underwear contest for prizes and Give-A-Ways.

Thursday July 18, 2013
PECS Bar 2046 University Avenue, San Diego
BENT-CON is partnering up with PECS Bar for a Drink and Draw! Raffle prizes, sexy cosplay models, drink specials.

Rub elbows with some of your favorite artists as you sketch/draw their models or be a model yourself! Bring your own art supplies or borrow theirs for a suggested donation. The talented Marky Make Up body will be painting/airbrushing folks galore!

Saturday July 20, 203
RICH’S NIGHTCLUB 1051 University Avenue, San Diego
RICH’S, CUB CLUB SD and GLITERATI MEDIA Present LL BEAR ….A SCI-FI SPECTACULAR. Hot Cub GoGos SciFi themed costumes. Drink Specials and Give-A-Ways. DJ Taj will spin EDM, House and Electro.

San Diego Comic-Con International takes place at the San Diego Convention Center, located at 111 W. Harbor Drive. For more information about Comic-Con, go to comic-con.org. For the latest information on everything Prism at Comic-Con, keep tuned to prismcomics.org.