The American Library Association’s ( ALA ) 2023 conference is here. We have combed through the schedule to identify all the comics-related panels so you don’t have to. To keep things handy, we have split by day.
SATURDAY JUNE 24, 2023
IDW Originals – The Next Wave from IDW Publishing for Graphic Novels!
9.30AM-10.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Hear prolific creators such as Stephen Graham Jones (Earthdivers), Van Jensen (Arca), and debut creator Camilo Moncada L. (Codex Black: A Fire Among Clouds) discuss the next wave of original graphic novels from IDW Publishing! From time-traveling epics to interstellar mysteries, 2023 is full of incredible adventures!”
Into the Massive-Verse with Image Comics!
9.30AM-10.20AM, Chapter One Stage
“Enter the Massive-verse! It’s the beginning of a brand new era in superhero comics, with the most talented creators around tackling their own series of books, comprising one expansive, enthralling new storytelling universe! Crime and mystery, comedy, romance, drama, action and adventure, no matter what your favorite genre, there’s a book in the Massive-Verse for you. The brilliant mind behind the Massive-Verse will introduce the beginnings (and the future) of this new franchise in conversation with its most exciting authors and illustrators.”
Featuring: Cherish Chen (Radiant Red), Melissa Flores (Radiant Pink, The Dead Lucky), Joe Clark (Radiant Black), moderated by Kyle Higgins (Radiant Black, Supermassive)
Booklist Graphic Novels Panel, Part I
10.30AM-11.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Graphic novels take readers to exciting worlds filled with unique characters, heart-stopping action, and moving transformations. Meet the creators behind these amazing books at part one of our two-part #ReadGraphic panel series in honor of Booklist’s Graphic Novels in Libraries Month. Join us Saturday, June 24 at 10:30 a.m. for a conversation featuring Jessixa Bagley (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing), Ben Clanton (Tundra Books), and Michael Emberley (Holiday House Books for Young Readers). Moderated by Booklist’s Books for Youth and Graphic Novels editor Sarah Hunter.”
Zine Making with Elizabeth Trembley
11.00AM-12.00PM, GNCRT Comics Lounge Booth #1332
Capturing the Surreal with Image Comics
11.30AM-12.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“They say truth is stranger than fiction, but these comics authors are giving that statement a real run for its money! In this interactive panel with audience Q&A, Image Comics presents an all-star lineup of award winning talent in an in-depth discussion about how genre fiction can help make sense of our all too unreal reality! Audience members will leave with new and engaging ways to think and talk about comics and their impact on our perceptions.”
Featuring: Jeff Lemire (Fishflies), Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian), Genevieve Valentine (Two Graves), W. Maxwell Prince (Art Brut)
Beautiful & Fun D.E.I. Kids Books from Independent Publishers featuring Ryan Estrada and Laura James
12.30PM-1.20PM, Diversity in Publishing Stage
“Independent publishers have been creating fun and beautiful books reflecting the wide spectrum of culture, religion, race, gender and more for a long time. Come meet Ryan Estrada and Laura James, exciting new authors of diverse and inclusive books for children and young adults!”
Choose Your Apocalypse: Dystopian Graphic Novels for Every Age
12.30PM-1.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Meet the acclaimed voices behind the thrilling new dystopian graphic novels for Middle Grade, YA and Adult Audiences all about navigating the complexities, and finding the smallest sparks of joy, in the apocalypse. Tillie Walden (Clementine, On A Sunbeam), Kyle Starks (I Hate This Place), Mac Smith (Scurry) and Alex Antone (Skybound Editorial Director) discuss the inspirations behind their hit graphic novels, how dystopian stories are for all ages, audience Q&A, and more!”
Booklist Graphic Novel Panel, Part II
1.30PM-2.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Graphic novels take readers to exciting worlds filled with unique characters, heart-stopping action, and moving transformations. Meet the creators behind these amazing books at part two of our #ReadGraphic panel series in honor of Booklist’s Graphic Novels in Libraries Month. Join us Saturday, June 24 at 1:30 p.m. for a conversation featuring Van Jensen (IDW Press), Pedro Martín (Penguin Young Readers), Dave Scheidt (Random House Children’s Books), and TurtleMe (Yen Press). Moderated by Booklist’s Books for Youth and Graphic Novels editor Sarah Hunter.”
Korean Comics: A Rising Star in the World of Graphic Novels – Presented by Yen Press/Ize Press
2.30PM-3.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Vertically scrollable comics that originated in Korea have become a world-wide phenomenon. These digital comics attract millions of readers all across the globe, becoming a sensation in the print industry as well. At a time in which Korean comics are rising in popularity, Ize Press delivers high-quality physical editions of many beloved stories to fans. They’d make a great addition to any library! Come and learn more about the growing industry with Yen Press!” — Speaker: Mark de Vera
Curating Your Manga Section
3.20PM-3.50PM, Book Buzz Theater
“Join VIZ Media, the leader in manga publishing in the US, for advice on curating a manga section in your library.”
Graphic Mundi Presents: After Alison- Queer Voices in Graphic Novels
3.30PM-4.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“While the 2006 publication of Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic represented a turning point in awareness around LGBTQ comic books and graphic novels, queer creators have been using the medium to tell stories that are often personal, occasionally autobiographic, and sometimes lighthearted, for decades. PSU Press imprint Graphic Mundi invites you to a discussion on representation and reflection, moderated by publisher Kendra Boileau.”
Featured authors: Robert Kirby, MK Czerwiec, Maureen Burdock
Literary Comics: Spotlight on Fantagraphics
4.00PM-4.45PM, Book Buzz Theater
“Join one of the comics medium’s most renowned independent publishers as we share the stage with authors Natalie Norris (Dear Mini: A Graphic Memoir Book One, July 2023) and K. Wroten (Eden II, August 2023) and co-editors Andrew Woodrow-Butcher and Christopher Butcher (Susumu Higa’s Okinawa, August 2023) to discuss their new titles for your collections. *First 25 attendees will get a free limited edition Love and Rockets tote filled with print ARCs and previews for Fall 2023.”
Ask Me Anything about French Comics
4.30PM-5.00PM, GNCRT Comics Lounge Booth #1332
SUNDAY JUNE 25, 2023
In A Mirror Darkly: Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror Reflections on Real Life
9.30AM-10.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Fiction and reality intertwine – reality influences the stories created, and SFFH reflects reality through a dark and sometimes twisted mirror. What do SciFi, Fantasy, and Horror bring to our lives and consciousness: the ugly, the beautiful, and the wild.”
Featuring: Daniel Kraus (The Autumnal), Zack Kaplan (Mindset), Michael Moreci (Barbaric, The Plot, Spree, Wasted Space), Tim Seeley (West of Sundown, Vampire: The Masquerade, Money Shot), Jim Terry (West of Sundown), Maria Wolf (Barbaric), Addison Duke (Barbaric, Vampire: The Masquerade, Spree, Heart Eyes, The RUSH)
Jennie Wood : The Inspiration Behind Paper Planes
10.30AM-11.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Jennie Wood speaks on their inspiration for Paper Planes. Paper Planes is the first story Eisner award-winning author, Jennie Wood, has written since coming out as non-binary. In fact, Dylan is the first non-binary character they’ve created, which Woods mentions has been a gift.
“Paper Planes touches on many themes with its main focus landing on forgiveness, friendship, and self discovery, which Jennie will discuss.”
10.30-11.20AM CT, The Looks of Books Stage
Hair-Raising Horror Graphic Novels
11.30AM-12.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Join Oni Press, BOOM!, and Skybound for a discussion with some of the most terrifying voices in horror! We will explore genre inspirations, unique insights and challenges of horror graphic novels, and how these creators deal with skeletons in the closet! Panelists include Mark Bouchard (It Took Luke), Tate Brombal (Behold Behemoth, House of Slaughter), Kyle Starks (I Hate this Place), and W. Maxwell Prince (Ice Cream Man).”
Signing and Q&A with Jeremy Whitley
12.00PM-12.30PM, GNCRT Comics Lounge Booth #1332
The Art of Books: Captivating Creators Draw Connections for Young Readers
12.30PM – 1.20PM , The Look of Books Stage
“Join ABRAMS creators Nathan Hale (The Mighty Bite, Hazardous Tales series), Andrea Beaty (Questioneers), Nidhi Chanani (Super Boba Café), Laini Taylor and Jim DiBartolo (creators of Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space) to learn more about new and noteworthy picture books, chapter books, and graphic novels packed with fun, facts, and tons of visual appeal. These educational and entertaining books will draw in young readers to explore your library collection and discover new series they love. Plus, learn how these creators cleverly use their work to draw connections to curriculum topics and current events.”
Putting the ‘Sea’ in Comics: Ben Clanton Talks Narwhal and Jelly and Comics for Young Readers
12.30PM-1.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Join author, illustrator, and Narwhal & Jelly creator Ben Clanton for a rollicking chat all about his bestselling, hilarious, relatable, and undeniably cute characters. Clanton talks about the genesis of this much-loved duo, what he thinks young readers like to find in their comics, and what’s next prior to the publication of the eighth book in the series, A Super Scary Narwhalloween.”
The Art of Creating Manga and Comics for Young Readers
1.30PM- 2.20PM, The Look of Books Stage
“Join manga-style graphic novel and comics publisher Saturday AM as they discuss creating diverse and inclusive manga for readers of all ages across all genres. Tony Dawkins (Titan King) discusses his important roles as both author and illustrator of his comics, and Saturday AM founder, publisher, and author Frederick L. Jones (Clock Striker) sheds light on creating a cohesive look for their brand across all Saturday AM books.”
Too Funny! Kids Humor Comics That Leave Readers Laughing
1.30PM-2.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Boosting reading skills via silly scenarios? Yes please! Get ready to giggle with kid comic favorites Dave Scheidt (Agents of S.L.A.M., Wrapped Up), HF Brownfield (Quinnelope, Sep. 2023), and Sean Dove (Brobots) as they transport readers to wacky worlds filled with wrestling ring superheroes, mecha and mother goose, cookie catastrophes, and more!”
Reading Makes You Invincible: Graphic Novels from Skybound Entertainment
1.45PM-2.30PM, Book Buzz Theater
“From defending yourself against a herd of walkers to making pacts with ancient alien queens to dealing with your intergalactic bad dad, uncover new worlds with Skybound Entertainment‘s slate of graphic novels from a variety of new and critically-acclaimed voices in the industry, including Tillie Walden (Clementine), Mac Smith (Scurry), Michelle Fus (Ava’s Demon), Kyle Starks (I Hate This Place), Tri Vuong (LEGO, Everyday Hero Machine Boy), Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE), and more.”
Q&A with A. David Lewis and Justin Renteria
2.00PM-2.30PM, GNCRT Comics Lounge Booth #1332
Podcast Spotlight: Mangasplaining x Robin Brenner
2.15PM-2.45PM
“Christopher Woodrow-Butcher will be chatting with ALA Graphic Novels & Comics Round Table President Robin Brenner for an upcoming Mangasplaining episode. See the manga podcast magic happening live!”
GNCRT: Welcome to the World of Digital Comics
2.30PM-3.30PM, Room W175ab – McCormick Place
“Webcomics have been around since the mid-80s and continue to be incredibly popular with audiences, with a number of them making the jump to print. In today’s era of increasing numbers of digital platforms, it can be easy to overlook digital comics in the library world. But it’s vital for library staff to ensure that they’re making digital comics available to their patrons. This panel will provide an overview of how libraries can offer digital, non-library platforms to be aware of, how to keep up with the world of webcomics and digital comics, and some tips on how to market these to both patrons and other staff members. Featuring Moni Barrette from ComicsPlus, Cara O’Neil from Dark Horse Comics, Hannah Templer, publisher rep, Kevin Schwoer and Jack Phoenix, Collection Development Manager, Cuyahoga Falls Library, with Deb Aoki moderating.”
What’s Next in Genre Fiction with Image Comics & DC Entertainment
2.30PM-3.20PM, Diversity in Publishing Stage
“An electrifying conversation between the authors and illustrators bringing their unique visions to all genres of comics, including historical fiction, mythological adaptations, superheroes, supernatural romance, and more! From award winners to beguiling beginners, these are the talents your patrons are all going to be reading!”
Featuring: Ram V (The Vigil), Pornsak Pichetshote (The Good Asian), Cherish Chen (Radiant Red), Melissa Flores (Radiant Pink, The Dead Lucky)
Worldbuilding
2.30PM-3.20PM, Chapter One Stage
“Stories are only as believable as the characters they feature and the worlds they inhabit. Join master storytellers Jason Aaron (Once Upon a Time at the End of the World), Stephanie Philips (Grim), and Tate Brombal (Behold Behemoth, House of Slaughter) as they discuss what goes into building a world from the ground up, and expanding existing worlds into different directions.”
You Got The Look: Graphic Novel artists on their experiences – and influences on their artistic approach
2.30PM-3.20PM, The Look of Books Stage
“Join artists Jim Terry, Maria Wolf, Addison Duke (Vault), and Gene Ha (DC Comics) for a graphic novel panel packed full of the best and brightest artists in the industry!”
What’s Buzzing at Papercutz Graphic Novels & Maverick
3.20PM-3.50PM, Book Buzz Theater
“Join Mad Cave Studios and Papercutz Graphic Novels as we discuss our exciting lineup of great graphic novels for every reader at every level! From YA coming of age graphic novels from Maverick such as Paper Planes from Jennie Wood, to discovering imaginative new worlds in the middle grade graphic novels of Papercutz like YAHGZ from Art Baltazar, we’ve got plenty in store!”
New Spins: Middle Grade Graphic Novel Retellings
3.30PM-4.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Beowulf is now Bea Wolf, and Don Quixote is now Dona Quixote in two zany, adventure-filled graphic novels from the hilarious, kid-friendly minds of Zach Weinersmith (SMBC, Soonish, artist of Open Borders, writer of Bea Wolf) and Monica Magaña (Doña Quixote). These are fun and accessible and serve as both standalones or entry points to the original works. Monica and Zach will discuss the process of adapting for this age-level and medium in conversation with Kit Ballenger”
LGBTQIA Identity and Representation in Manga with Kodansha Publishing
4.00PM-4.30PM, Exhibit Hall – GNCRT Comics Lounge
Read the World: International Children’s and Teen Books
4.00PM-4.45PM, Book Buzz Theater
“Join us on a whirlwind tour as we showcase books from England, Scotland, Ireland, Nigeria, Spain, Czechia, New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada and more for kids and teens. All books are easily available in the US. Board books, picture books, chapter books, middle grade, graphic novels, YA books, audio books and nonfiction for all ages will be featured.”
MONDAY JUNE 26, 2023
Art and Humor with Art Baltazar
9.30AM-10.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Join famous cartoonist Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans, Itty Bitty Hellboy) as he discusses his long career in the comic industry and the road that lead to his latest hit series, YAHGZ: THE CRAYNOBI TALES! YAHGZ is a series from the early day’s of Art’s career, remastered and expanded for a new generation, and he’ll go behind the scenes of how his style and the Yahgz themselves have evolved over the years, with all the laughs and creativity Art’s known for!”
Tips and Tricks for Building a Manga Collection with Mangasplaining
10.00AM-11.00AM, Exhibit Hall – GNCRT Comics Lounge
“Mangasplaining‘s Andrew Woodrow-Butcher and Deb Aoki will offer some ideas for how to start or grow your manga collection at your library.”
Let’s Talk About Light Novels! What Are They and Who Are They For? – Presented by Yen Press/Yen On
10.30AM-11.20AM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Yen On started out as the first English-language imprint dedicated to Japanese light novels and has since developed into one of the most beloved brands in translated prose fiction. With the appeal of anime and manga, light novels are a perfect addition to any library, targeting both the youth audience and more mature readers. Learn more about light novels and Japanese literature with Yen Press!” With Mark de Vera
Exciting New Releases from Andrews McMeel Publishing and Andrews McMeel Kids
10.50AM-11.20AM, Book Buzz Theater
“Join Andrews McMeel Publishing and Andrews McMeel Kids for an introduction to our Fall 2023 highlights. From bestselling modern poetry by Yung Pueblo and others to comics and graphic novels, Bill Watterson’s The Mysteries, humor and more, this season is filled with gems. In Kids, learn about our new line of early reader graphic novels, our new middle grade series, and more. Join us to get the inside scoop on these new releases!”
Return to the Ring with Hannah Templer of COSMOKNIGHTS!
11.30AM-12.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“Hannah Templer of Cosmoknights sits down with Senior Editor Leigh Walton of Top Shelf Productions to discuss the journey of our ragtag team of space gladiators! Get ready to take down the neo-patriarchy!”
Comics for Emerging Readers: I Like to Read® Comics—Introducing this year’s Theodor Geisel Medalist Michael Emberley and Honoree Vikram Madan—with Executive Editor Grace Maccarone and Senior Editor Sally Morgridge
12.30PM-1.20PM, Graphic Novel & Gaming Stage
“I Like to Read®, ¡Me gusta leer!, and I Like to Read® Comics are new early reader series developed for kids just learning to read. Created by celebrated artists, these imaginative books support reading comprehension and captivate even the most unengaged readers. Theodor Geisel Medalist Michael Emberley and Honoree Vikram Madan will discuss the importance and success of the series with Executive Editor Grace Maccarone and Senior Editor Sally Morgridge.”
