Prism Comics CCI schedule released

Press Release

Prism Comics, which promotes LGBT comics and creators, is excited to announce its biggest slate of programming ever at this year's San Diego Comic-Con International (July 23-27, 2008), featuring Perry Moore (Lambda Literary Award winner for Hero, executive producer of Disney's The Chronicles of Narnia series), Ariel Schrag (Awkward and Definition, Showtime's L Word), and Phil Jimenez (The Amazing Spider-Man, Infinite Crisis) among many others. Along with four panels, the Gays in Comics Mixer, an expanded booth, and a Superhero Dance Party, Prism is also proud to offer, for the first time ever, portfolio review for up-and-coming creators!

"We're in our sixth year of exhibiting at Comic-Con, presenting a larger booth and more panels and events than ever before," said Ted Abenheim, Event Chair of Prism Comics. "It's exciting to see how Prism has grown and how diversity is accepted at Comic-Con."

The Prism Comics booth (#2146 and 2148)--the official LGBT epicenter of Comic-Con--expands into two booths this year, partnering with creators including Charles "Zan" Christensen, Dave Davenport, Steve MacIsaac, Ron McFee, Joe Phillips, Sean Platter, Tommy Roddy, Sam Saturday, and Sean-Z. Featured guests scheduled to appear include Perry Moore, Ariel Schrag, Phil Jimenez, Lynx Delirium, Tony Lawrence, and everyone's favorite superhero group, Lucky Legendary! Fans can also pick up a free copy of "The Gay Agenda", Prism's guide to all things LGBT at Comic-Con.

Prism is very proud this year to offer Portfolio Review--exclusively for those interested in applying for this year's Queer Press Grant (established by Prism to encourage new LGBT talent). Phil Jimenez (New X-Men, Otherworld) will be one of the industry professionals offering advice and critique, appearing on Thursday, July 24 from 4-6pm, at the Prism booth. A second session will held on Friday, July 25 from 4-6pm, with a third session on Sunday, July 27, 2-4pm. Before attending the sessions, applicants are required to read through the application guidelines at http://prismcomics.org/grant.php.

Perry Moore (Hero, Director/Writer of the upcoming Lake City) is featured in Prism's first panel, "LGBT Portrayals in Comics", on Thursday, July 24, from 11am-12pm, Room 10. Moderator Patricia Jeres (Prism Board Member and Talent and Industry Relations Chair) hosts this insightful discussion on the state of LGBT characters in comics today, with panelists Moore, Gail Simone (Wonder Woman, Birds of Prey), Judd Winick (Titans, Pedro and Me, Green Lantern), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), and Bob Schreck (Group Editor, DC Comics).

Legion fans rejoice! Roger Klorese (President, Prism Comics) moderates Prism's second panel, "50 Years of Gay Legion Fandom" on Friday, July 25, 12:00-1:00pm, Room 3, celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Legion of Super-Heroes with Chris Companik (Interlac APA central mailer and HIV + ME cartoonist), Denise Sudell (Sequential Tart), Tom & Mary Bierbaum (writers, Legion of Super-Heroes), and more. Find out which male Legionnaire coveted the name "Light Lass", how Matter Eater Lad consumed planets without gaining an ounce, plus what's up with Element Lad.

Ariel Schrag (currently serialized on OurChart.com, an L Word website) is featured in the third panel, "Emerging LGBT Voices", Saturday, July 26, from 10:00-11:00am in Room 10, which showcases tomorrow's LGBT superstars in the comics industry. Joining Schrag will be Tommy Roddy (winner of the 2008 Prism grant for Pride High), Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Joveth Gonzalez (Editor, PinkKryptonite.com), Mari Morimoto (Naruto), and Rex Ogle (writer and DC Comics staff member).

Beginning his third decade moderating this ground-breaking and popular panel, Andy Mangels (best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor) presents the "Gays in Comics Panel: 21 and Legal!" on Saturday, July 26, 5:45-7:15pm, in Room 6A, which takes a thrilling look at the diversity in the comics world today with an all-star panel of GLBT creators (and one straight one) including Roger Klorese, Ariel Schrag, Greg Rucka (Countdown to Infinite Crisis, Queen and Country), Jeff Krell (Jayson Goes to Hollywood), Jack Mahan (Executive Director - Editorial Administration for DC Comics), and maybe a surprise panelist!

The "Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction" hosted by Prism takes place directly after the "Gays in Comics Panel" in Room 6A on Saturday, July 26, from 7:15-8:15pm. Mingle with LGBT comics fans and creators plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items including The DC Encyclopedia signed by Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman) and a host of DC creators; a 13" DC Collector's Flash figure signed by TV's Flash, John Wesley Shipp and the complete Flash series on DVD; a specially-signed book from Neil Gaiman; a Superman Returns poster signed by Brandon Routh; Heroes autographed memorabilia; and more!

Party with Prism Comics as Comic-Con Board Member, Ned Cato, presents "Heroes vs. Villains Comic-Con Night" at Rich's, one of San Diego's most popular queer dance clubs, on Friday, July 25, from 10pm-2am. Compete for great prizes in the Costume Contest, get free face and body painting, enjoy drink specials, and meet comic creators such as Joe Phillips (Adventures of a Joe Boy) among many others! Come in costume or bring your Comic-Con badge and get a discount on the door charge! Rich's is located at 1051 University Avenue, San Diego, CA (619) 295-2195, richssandiego.com.

For expanded information on all panels and events described above, go to prismcomics.org.