First Second Books will be exhibiting at San Diego Comic-Con at Booth #1323! But that’s not all – they also have a great group of authors and comics professional appearing at panels on each day of SDCC, plus a day of informative programming scheduled for Saturday’s special “Kids Comics Publishers Library Day at San Diego Central Library”!
Be sure to stop by and say hello, and check out all of their programming below!
Thursday, July 9
10–11am From Fan to Creator: Making the Dream a Reality, Room 23ABC
Which side of the convention table do you want to be on: fan or professional? And what’s keeping you from getting there? How bad do you really want it? If you’re having trouble starting or finishing your creative projects, you need to attend this fun and informative workshop, designed specifically for the Comic-Con crowd. With First Second Author Gene Luen Yang.
10:30–11:30am Signing with Asaf Hanuka and Boaz Lavie at the First Second Booth (#1323)
12–1pm Breaking Into Comics Right Now, Room 28DE
If you’re an aspiring comic book creator, this is a panel you don’t want to miss! Some of comic book publishing’s top decision makers and creators-including BOOM! Studios editor-in-chief Matt Gagnon, Oni Press senior editor Charlie Chu, and First Second Books’ associate marketing and publicity manager Gina Gagliano, along with Ed Brisson (Cluster) as they give you the most up-to-date and practical advice on how to break into the comic book industry right now. Moderated by Jim Zub (Wayward).
12–1pm Signing with Gene Luen Yang at the First Second Booth (#1323)
1:30–2:30pm First Second Presents, ‘What’s In a Page?’, Room 4
Led by First Second editorial director Mark Siegel, four cartoonists take a close look at their own work and each other’s, looking in depth at the text and art in a single page of comics, and what’s hidden under the surface: panel structure, emotional complexity, and creative influences. With Scott McCloud (The Sculptor), Rafael Rosado (Dragons Beware!), Aron Steinke (The Zoo Box), and Gene Luen Yang (Secret Coders).
2:30–3:30pm Eisner vs. Eisner: The Spirit at 75, Comics Arts Conference Room #4
Panelists Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics), Michael Uslan (Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice), Trina Robbins ( Pretty in Ink: American Women Cartoonists 1896-2013), Karen Green (Columbia University), Jared Gardner (Ohio State University), and moderator Danny Fingeroth (Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics and the Creation of the Superhero) discuss the two major phases of Will Eisner’s career.
3–4pm Signing with Aron Steinke at the First Second Booth (#1323)
4–5pm Banned Books, San Diego Central Public Library’s Auditorium
With First Second Author Mariko Tamaki
4–5pm The Nerd in the Classroom: Sci-Fi as an Educational Tool, San Diego Public Library’s Shiley Special Events Suite
Education’s all-things-nerd networking resource returns to Comic-Con. This year’s edition features cartoonist and high school computer science teacher Gene Yang (American Born Chinese, Boxers and Saints), language-arts teacher Blake Bockholt (Fremont High), and psychologist Patrick O’Connor (Comicspedia, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology). Moderating is Patrick Murphy (Fremont High, Weber State University).
4:30–5:30pm Signing with Jen Wang at the First Second Booth (#1323)
5:30–6:30pm Capturing Teen Angst in Comics, Room 8
These four cartoonists have written about a universal, dark side of adolescence: teen angst. Peter Bagge (Hate), Gilbert Hernandez (Bumperhead), Jillian Tamaki ( Supermutant Magic Academy), and Raina Telgemeier (Drama) talk about how they channel teenage frustrations and apathy in their comics and what this does to their characters, to their storyline, and to their page layouts. Michael Cavna ( The Washington Post) moderates.
7–8pm Barnes & Noble Pop Culture Month Spotlight, B&N Mira Mesa
With First Second Author Mariko Tamaki
Friday, July 10
10–11am Spotlight on Scott McCloud, Room 9
Text and images-the combination of these two is what makes a comic. But how do you move beyond that simple fusion to create a true story, with characters, plot, and narrative depth? Renowned, best-selling authors Scott McCloud (The Sculptor) and Gene Luen Yang (Secret Coders) discuss what goes on behind the scenes when telling stories in graphic novel form, as well as the creative development of McCloud’s bestselling graphic novel The Sculptor.
11:30am–1:30pm Signing to follow at the First Second Booth (#1323)
10–11am 21st Century Creators, Room 28DE
The 21st century has proven to be a time of great change for the book industry. With huge shifts in technology and the e-book industry transforming print media, Tracy Hurren (managing editor, Drawn & Quarterly) speaks to three cartoonists who began working after the year 2000 about the challenges and successes they’ve had working in a digital world. Michael DeForge (Ant Colony, First Year Healthy), Benjamin Marra (Night Business, The Terror Assaulter ), and Jillian Tamaki (SuperMutant Magic Academy, This One Summer) will also address how their comics’ work has developed as online communities have grown and shifted.
11–12pm Publishers Weekly Presents: The French Comics Invasion, Room 29AB
As graphic novels become a global phenomenon, a new breed of French comic is making a big impact on the U.S. graphic novel publishing. Publishers such as First Second, NBM, and Magnetic Press are putting out some of the most spectacular comics on the stands. Join Publisher Weekly’s Calvin Reid to explore howbande dessinée are finally making their mark in the U.S. and beyond. With Mark Siegel (First Second), Terry Nantier (NBM), Michael Kennedy (Magnetic Press), Laurent Duvault (Dargaud), and others.
11–12pm Sci-Fi Comics Theater: Dave Roman and Tom Angleberger, Room 4
A visual conversation between author Tom Angleberger (Origami Yoda) and cartoonist Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Teen Boat!) about self-publishing, dream jobs, graphic novels for kids, school misfits, and robot doppelgangers. Hosted by Noelene Clark (LA Times Hero Complex), this fun-filled panel will include interactive readings, improv drawing games, and surprise guests.
1–2pm Hopey, Israel, Skim, Oafs, and Beyond, Room 28DE
Emerging from the undergrounds and into the alt comix of the 1980s, queer characters and voices have always been loud and proud in alternative and indie comics. Gilbert Hernandez and Jaime Hernandez were at the forefront of queer characters’ visibility with their groundbreaking and award-winning comic book series Love and Rockets, featuring such brilliant characters as Hopey, Maggie, Israel, and Julio. Contemporary authors Mariko Tamaki and Ed Luce have contributed new icons in their books Skim and Wuvable Oaf. Join all four creators and moderator Christopher Butcher (Comics212, Toronto Comic Arts Festival) for a discussion of the history of queer character visibility in alt and indie comics.
1–2pm Comics and the Real World: Using Graphic Novels as Tools of Tolerance, Room: 30 CDE
Jimmy Gownley (The Dumbest Idea Ever, Amelia Rules!), Jonathan Hennessey (The United States Constitution, Gettysburg), Aron Steinke (The Zoo Box), Rafael Rosado (Giants Beware, Dragons Beware), Eric Kallenborn (Alan B. Shepard High School Palos Heights, IL), Betsy Gomez (CBLDF), Tracy Edmunds (Reading With Pictures), and moderator Meryl Jaffe, Ph.D. (Raising a Reader! How Comics and Graphic Novels Can Help Your Kids Learn to Read) demonstrate how graphic novels can be used to teach and empower students to feel, access and comprehend historical and cultural events, as well as more fully understand diverse figures in history and fiction and even grasp concepts in science and math.
2–3pm Signing with Dave Roman at the First Second Booth (#1323)
3:30–4:30pm Creative Storytelling: Choose Your Own Adventure, Room 8
With the help of awesome kids writers and artists Annabeth Bondor-Stone and Connor White (Shivers!: The Pirate Who’s Afraid of Everything), Liz Climo (Rory the Dinosaur: Me and My Dad), Aron Steinke (The Zoo Box), Dan Santat (The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend), Kirk Scroggs (Snoop Troop: Attack of the Ninja Potato Clones), and Henrik Tamm (Ninja Timmy), and the leadership of Brandon Mull (Fablehaven series), you can create a collaborative story.
4–5pm Spotlight on Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki, Room 29AB
With their collaboration on graphic novels Skim and This One Summer, as well as their independent works, Jillian’s Indoor Voice, Supermutant Magic Academy, and Sex Coven, and Mariko’s Emiko Superstar, (You) Set Me on Fire, and Saving Montgomery Sole, cousins Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki are creating inventive, innovative, stories that are both thought provoking and emotionally moving. Join them for a discussion of their creative process, as well as their upcoming and most recent works.
5:30pm–6:30pm Signing to follow at the First Second Booth (#1323)
5–6pm Spotlight on Asaf Hanuka and Boaz Lavie, Room 9
Comics creators Asaf Hanuka and Boaz Lavie discuss their San Diego Comic-Con debut graphic novel, The Divine, the story of a man whose trip to the Southeast Asian country Quanlom changes his ideas about the magic in real life. Hanuka and Lavie share the story of the book’s creation and development, their collaborative and creative process, and The Divine‘s road to publication. Moderated by Benjamin Bailey (Nerdist).
5–6pm Signing with Aron Steinke at the First Second Booth (#1323)
Saturday, July 11
11:00am SDCC Exclusive Galley Give-Away of Faith Erin Hicks’ The Nameless City at the First Second Booth (#1323)
11:00am–12:00pm Working Together: Writers and Artists, Room 28DE
Not every project can be handled by one person; and while working with a partner can offer great rewards, the path might not always be an easy one to navigate. Moderator Andrew Farago (curator, Cartoon art Museum) discusses the duality of working with a partner, with panelists Kelly Sue DeConnick (Bitch Planet), Steve Lieber (Whiteout, Superior Foes of Spider-Man), Jillian Tamaki (This One Summer), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Asaf Hanuka (The Divine), and Boaz Lavie (The Divine).
12–1pm Comics in the Classroom: Real-World Ideas for Engaging Your Students with Comics! Room 30CDE
Comics are more than just great entertainment, they’re an incredible tool for learning. Creators Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck, The Plain Janes), Nathan Hale (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales), Matthew Holm (Babymouse, Squish), Matt Phelan (The Storm in the Barn, Bluffton), and Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy, Jax Epoch and the Quicken Forbidden) and educators Rose Brock and Dr. Meryl Jaffe discuss how comics can be used to engage students in the classroom. Get real-world suggestions for ways to integrate comics in the classroom, to expand on lessons with comic-based activities, and to encourage student participation. They’ll also have lesson and reading suggestion handouts and time for Q&A. Moderated by CBLDF editorial director Betsy Gomez.
12:3o–2pm Signing with Scott McCloud at the First Second Booth (#1323)
1–2pm Diversity: We Demand Diverse Books, Room 28DE
Ethnic, religious, gender, racial, physical ability, and sexual diversity are underrepresented in science fiction and fantasy; but these authors are here to tell you that their stories speak for themselves. They seek to create worlds similar to our own, where people from various walks of life are represented and cross paths. Readers will find these authors and the tales they spin as empowering and fascinating as ever. Soman Chainani (School for Good and Evil), Cindy Pon (Serpentine ), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Scott Sigler (Alive), and Judd Winick (Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth) discuss diversity in science fiction and fantasy with David Mariotte of Mysterious Galaxy.
2:30–3:30pm Signing with Asaf Hanuka and Boaz Lavie at the First Second Booth (#1323)
2:30pm–3:30pm Signing with Mariko Tamaki in the autographing area Table 09
3–4pm Kids’ Comics, Room 23ABC
Comics and graphic novels have always been aimed at kids, but today kids’ comics are bigger than ever! Fan favorite creators Dave Roman (Teen Boat), Katie Cook (My Little Pony), Skottie Young (Fortunately, The Milk), Raina Telgemeier (Drama), Art Baltazar (Tiny Titans), and Franco Aureliani (Tiny Titans) will be joined by moderator Andrew Farago (curator, Cartoon Art Museum) to discuss their latest and greatest comics for kids.
Signing
4:30–5:30pm Signing with Mariko Tamaki and Jillian Tamaki at the First Second Booth (#1323)
5:30pm Storytelling, Room 8
With First Second Senior Editor Calista Brill
Saturday is Kids Comics Publishers Library Day at San Diego Central Library!
- 11–12pm Kids Comics Summit with First Second Senior Editor Calista Brill, Shiley Special Events Suite
- 12–1pm Age Categories with First Second Senior Editor Calista Brill, Shiley Special Events Suite
- 1–2pm Librarian/Educator Fall 2015 Graphic Novel Buzz with First Second Associate Marketing & Publicity Manager Gina Gagliano, Shiley Special Events Suite
- 2–3pm Contemporary Issues in Graphic Novel Publishing for Educators and Librarians with First Second Associate Marketing & Publicity Manager Gina Gagliano, Shiley Special Events Suite
- 3–4pm Events for Community Engagement with :01 Staff: Gina Gagliano, Shiley Special Events Suite
- 5–6pm Librarian Talkback with First Second Editorial Director Mark Siegel, Shiley Special Events Suite
Sunday, July 12
10–11am The Girls Are All Right!, Room 30CDE
Female comic creators for kids and young adults are burning up the bestseller lists and winning awards. Listen in on this dynamic group of award-winning creators as they discuss the challenges and thrills of creating diverse heroines that appeal to a new generation of readers and hook them for a lifelong love of comics. A Q&A session and drawing will follow. Panelists include Jennifer Holm (Babymouse, Sunny Side Up), Raina Telgemeier (Smile, Sisters), Cece Bell (El Deafo), Mariko Tamaki (This One Summer), Jillian Tamaki (This One Summer), and Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck). Moderated by Eva Volin (Good Comics for Kids at School Library Journal).
11:30–12:30pm Signing to follow with Cecil Castellucci at the First Second Booth (#1323)
1–2pm Push Fun Forward: All-Ages Comics Have Arrived, Room 24 ABC
All-ages comics are important now more than ever in helping to bring in new and lapsed readers, from practically every demographic. BOOM! Studios associate editor Whitney Leopard leads a discussion on the significance of all-ages comics, from what they have achieved thus far to what lies ahead, with creators Mairghread Scott (Transformers: Windblade), Thom Zahler (My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic), Cecil Castellucci (Odd Duck), Ian McGinty (Munchkin), and Dave Roman (Astronaut Academy).
