Is this worth getting up at 10;30 for? You bet your sweet bippy!

UPDATE: Please note this has been moved to a much larger room in anticipation of a big crowd. ’90s nostalgia begins here, folks!

The original seven founding members of Image Comics will appear together at Comicon International: San Diego on Friday, July 27, from 10:30-11:30am in Room 5AB 6A, at the “Image Founders Panel.” The panel will be hosted by George Khoury (author of TwoMorrows Publishing’s new book “Image Comics: The Road to Independence,” available at www.twomorrows.com).

In 1992, seven artists shook the foundation of the comic book industry when they left their top-selling Marvel Comic titles to jointly form a new company named Image Comics. With no certainty of success, they formed a home that would allow themselves and other artists the opportunity to tell their stories without any censorship or editorial restraints. Even more importantly, Image would finally give creators full ownership of their properties. In an industry that began with artists working in sweatshop-like conditions, Image remains a living beacon for any creator that dares to dream.

Appearing at the panel will be Erik Larsen, Jim Lee, Rob Liefeld, Todd McFarlane, Whilce Portacio, Marc Silvestri, and Jim Valentino. This will be the first time that the original seven founding members of Image Comics have ever appeared on a panel together.

Join the conversation as the Image founders explore the past, present and future of Image and the comics industry. The hall has a maximum seating capacity of 500, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early.