WonderCon: Prism — #715

Prism Comics, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization supporting LGBT comics creators and fans, unveils an exciting slate of events for WonderCon, the Bay Area’s pre-eminent comics and pop-culture consumer convention. Prism will be hosting booth appearances and talent signings, announcing the winner of the 2009 Queer Press Grant, and holding three panel discussions featuring the most prominent and talented LGBT creators in comics today and in San Francisco’s rich history of underground, gay comix. WonderCon takes place at the Moscone Center South, Friday, February 27th through Sunday, March 1st.

“San Francisco is the perfect place for Prism to promote LGBT talent, characters, themes, and titles in the comics field,” said Prism Co-President and Publicist, David Stanley. “Several Board members, along with Co-President Patricia Jeres, will be there to answer any questions from both the press and the large and enthusiastic audience we always find at WonderCon.”

Prism’s booth, #715, will host an extensive schedule of signings by LGBT and LGBT-friendly comics talent, including Eric Shanower (Marvel’s Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Age of Bronze), Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Robert Triptow (Gay Comix), Jeff Krell (Jayson), Trina Robbins (It Ain’t Me Babe, Wimmen’s Comix), Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Justin Hall (Glamazonia the Uncanny Super Tranny), Tommy Roddy (Pride High), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Mark Padilla & Johnny Nolan (Gravity Faggot), and Charles Zan Christensen (Mark of Aeacus), among many others, plus an appearance by the superhero group, Lucky Legendary! For the most up-to-date signing schedule, please check www.prismcomics.org.

* “The Birth of ‘Gay Comix” is the first of Prism’s three panels, taking place on Friday, February 27, 5:30–6:30pm, in Room 236-238. The panel celebrates the 1980 publication of San Francisco’s groundbreaking comic book, “Gay Comix,” edited by Howard Cruse and San Francisco artist Robert Triptow, and published by Kitchen Sink Press. Meet Robert Triptow and other seminal LGBT cartoonists including Burton Clarke (Gay Comix), Vaughn Frick (Gay Comix), Jeff Krell (Jayson), Lee Marrs (The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp), Trina Robbins (It Ain’t Me Babe, Wimmen’s Comix) and Mary Wings (Come Out Comix) in a fascinating trip back to the beginnings of the queer comics movement, moderated by Justin Hall (Hard to Swallow).

* The second panel, a homage to Alison Bechdel’s legendary comic strip, is “More Dykes To Watch Out For: Queer Women In Comics”, and takes place on Saturday, February 28, 1:30–2:30pm, in Room 232-234. Meet the most talented and creative LGBT women working in comics today. Moderated by Patty Jeres, Prism Comics Co-President, the panel features Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Greta Christina (Best Erotic Comics), Joey Alison Sayers (Thingpart), and Leia Weathington (Bold Riley).

* Have an LGBT comic book idea and want to publish it yourself? Then the third panel, “Self-Publishing Queer Comics”, on Sunday, March 1, 2:00–3:00pm, in Room 220-224, is for you! Panelists Brian Andersen (So Super Duper), Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Justin Hall (True Travel Tales), Andy Hartzell (Fox Bunny Funny, Monday), Johnny Nolen (Gravity Faggot) and Sean Z (Myth) will lend their experience and expertise as they discuss the nuts and bolts of creating your comic, promoting it, and getting it into the stores. Moderated by Zan Christensen (Mark of Aeacus). During the panel, Prism will be announcing the winner of their 2009 Queer Press Grant!

For all the latest on Prism’s activities at WonderCon, go to www.prismcomics.org.