Comic-Con 2020

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Watch When Available: https://youtu.be/kn7MRYLC7cM

Darcie Little Badger's Elatsoe (Elatsoe, Strangelands) and Nick Thomas (senior editor, Levine Querido) discuss Darcie's fantasy-mystery debut novel, Elatsoe, the impact of traditional Lipan Apache storytelling, Rovina Cai's exquisite story within a story, illustrations, the role of Earth Sciences in her writing, the lack of cats in the world of Elatsoe, and the complexities of Zoom calls.

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/isL61l4OvLY

The works of best-selling authors Octavia Butler, Samuel Delaney, Nnedi Okorafor, Nalo Hopkinson, and Tananarive Due (to name a few) are part of a written corpus that has laid the ground for the blossoming of the movement of Afrofuturism, brought to light by the music of Sun Ra and others. The works of the late Charles H. Long, James Noel, Tracey Hucks, and Rachel Harding bring to light how black religion and the imagination of matter speak to the way in which Black people in the Atlantic World syncretize their experience to create community and fashion a future. This dynamic panel will explore the connections between Afrofuturism and Black Religion and the way in which comics, graphic novels, and animation are capturing the rich dynamic that spawns new ways in which popular culture is being impacted by these forces. Panelists inlcude John Jennings (MFA: professor of Media and Cultural Studies, UC Riverside 2-time Eisner Award winner (2016, 2018), Kinitra D. Brooks (PhD: Leslie Endowed Chair of Literary Studies, Michigan State University), Sakena Young-Scaggs (PhD: Honors Faculty Fellow, Barrett Honors College, Arizona State University), and moderator Aaron Grizzell (MA, executive director, Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation).

NorcalMLK Foundation
https://norcalmlkfoundation.org
@norcalmlk: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
John Jennings
https://profiles.ucr.edu/john.jennings
https://www.abramsbooks.com/pdfs/press-releases/
MegascopeListAnnouncement.pdf
Kinitra D. Brooks
https://english.msu.edu/faculty/kinitra-brooks/
Sakena Young-Scaggs
https://isearch.asu.edu/profile/29753

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/EKnEeODyCo8

For hundreds of years, the history of the indigenous peoples of the Americas has been told by everyone but themselves, by people who often diminished and distorted it, and even suppressed their cultures and languages. Thankfully, this situation is changing, with indigenous peoples increasingly reclaiming their history, languages, and cultures. Comics and such visual technologies as augmented and virtual reality are ideal tools being used to accomplish this. Join our panelists Johnny Bear Contreras (Kumeyaay, public artist), Kilma Lattin (Pala Band, founder of OurWorlds.io), and Chag Lowry (Yurok/Maidu/Achumawi, graphic novelist) as they discuss their projects to reclaim indigenous history and culture.

Johnny Bear Contreras - https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/feature/when-the-world-comes-to-life Kilma Lattin - https://ourworlds.io/about/ Chag Lowry - https://greatoakpress.com/news

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/SSf-rAJR85Q

Authors behind graphic adaptations of cultural pasttimes, historical figures, social justice movements, and autobiographies discuss their process. How does one adapt "real life" into a comic format? How is it different from fiction? In what way must art stick to (or differ from) "authenticity"? Featuring Fred Van Lente (The Comic Book Story of Basketball), Tom Scioli (Jack Kirby), David F. Walker (The Life of Frederick Douglass), Mikki Kendall (Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists), and Malaka Gharib (I Was Their American Dream), moderated by Ten Speed Press associate editorial director Kaitlin Ketchum.

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/PWlic4sKKic

UPDATED: Tue, Jul 14, 04:27PM
Once again you can join some of Latin America's hottest horror directors to discuss how they can bring a new brand of fear to the USA screens. Alejandro Brugués (director, Juan of the Dead), Issa López (director, Tigers Are Not Afraid), Demián Rugna (director, Terrified), Isaac Ezban (director, The Incident), Victor Osuna (director, The Rules of the Ruin) and Gigi Saul Guerrero (director, Culture Shock). Moderated by Sebastian Fink.

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/8aA_jH-I4do

The past year has witnessed the birth of transformational change in the social fabric. The Killing of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery (to name a few) has triggered a response to the structural racism that has caused the nation and the world to take stock of its institutions. The growth of more diverse faces on the pages of popular comic books and in feature films has proven to be essential to reflect the world in which we all live. And, despite the onset of an unprecedented pandemic, the inclusion of people of color, women, and persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ community not only better reflects today's culture, it has also proven good for the bottom line. We will bring an award-winning panel together to challenge ongoing issues and push the conversation forward. Panelists include John Jennings (MFA: Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, UC Riverside, 2-time Eisner Award winner (2016, 2018), Frederick Aldama (PhD: The University Distinguished Professor, Arts and Humanities Distinguished Professor of English and University Distinguished scholar, The Ohio State University, 2019 Eisner Award winner), Christina Steenz Stewart (syndicated cartoonist, Heart of the City; 2019 Dwayne McDuffie Award Winner), Chelsea ‘Ché' Grayson (MFA: Executive Director, Northern California Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Foundation), David Walker (comic book writer, Bitter Root, Image) (Legendary Films): 2020 Eisner Award nomination, Naomi (DC): 2020 Eisner Award nomination), and Stanford Carpenter (PhD: Comics and Pop Culture anthropologist and Chair, Black & Brown Comix Arts Festival) .

David Walker https://davidfwalker.com
Frederick Aldama https://english.osu.edu/people/aldama.1
Chelsea Grayson https://chegrayson.com
Steenz Stewart https://www.oheysteenz.com
Stanford Carpenter https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanford-w-carpenter-phd-46658a5/

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/bzOpfXUAiV8

The Women in Comics Collective International is an organization that focuses on the merit and craftwork of Women and Non-Binary People working in the comic book industry. They host comic book education events across the country, including their own convention, Women in Comics Con. In this segment of their ongoing panel discussion series, they will discuss the current state of the comic book industry and how it's been impacted by the events of 2020; from COVID19 Pandemic to Racial unrest due to Police Violence. Panelists include, Jonita Davis (film reviewer, and pop culture journalist), Jules Rivera (comic book artist), Vanee Matsalia (writer, educator), Camilla Zhang (writer, editor, consultant), Marqueeda LaStar (tech & pop culture journalist), and moderator Regine L. Sawyer, (writer/publisher).

Jonita Davis
The Black Cape Magazine - The Black Cinema Anorak's* Pop Entertainment Magazine
www.theblackcape.com

Jonita Davis, Vanee Matsalia, & Marqueeda LaStar
Blerd Galaxy
blerdgalaxy.org

Regine L. Sawyer, Women in Comics Collective International
http://www.lockettdown.com

Comic Book Conventions | Women in Comics Collective International
https://www.womenincomicscollective.org/

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/vfCM80ArrSQ

While only a minority of the characters in media are either Latinx or Natives, there are storytellers trying to change that. Prominent voices in comics, childrens literature and academia look back on their history and forward to what the future will hold for the stories told by Indigenous creators and the creators who are children of immigrants. Join moderator Henry Barajas, and creators Darcie Little Badger, Julio Anta, J. Gonzo, Theresa Rojas, Hector Rodriguez, Rhael Mcgregor, Luke Martinez, Frederick Aldama, and Sonya Ballantyne for this important discussion.

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Watch When Available: https://youtu.be/vhaMJ8LcURs

Did you know that comic book colors used to be hand-separated by an army of women in Connecticut? That "benday dots" are named after a real person? Or that there's a technical reason African-American skin tones look wrong in old comics? Geek out on the hidden corners of comics history, from the Golden Age up to today's digital era, and learn about the craft of coloring with color artist Marissa Louise (Amethyst), comics creator Mildred Louis (Astrea's Nexus Studio), researcher and essayist Zoë D. Smith (University of Chicago), and master letterer/former DC production artist Todd Klein (Sandman). Moderated by author Anina Bennett (Boilerplate).

Livestream Q&A following the event: July 25, at 3pm PT on www.twitch.tv/ml_illo

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZQPc9a3t1yg

Meet the masters of stop motion who have conquered 13 Ariel Awards for animation in 20 years and more around the world. Currently working on computer animated and full stop motion feature films, these bold mexicans are about to take the world under the wing and guidance of none other than Academy Award Winner Guillermo del Toro. Karla Castañeda (La Noria), Luis Téllez (Viva El Rey), Sofía Carrillo (La Casa Triste), Juan José Medina (Jaulas), Rita Basulto (Lluvia en los ojos), León Fernández (Taller de corazones), and Rene Castillo (Poncho Balón). Moderated by Rodolfo Guzman.

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/dqPeWwUgdwc

UPDATED: Mon, Jul 20, 10:54PM
The origin of comics is rooted in social justice — and Pop Culture Hero Coalition (@SuperheroIRL) brings another powerful conversation on how Black Panther, Harry Potter, and other characters educate, inspire, and mobilize us to be heroes for each other, as well as for ourselves. Join Dr. Rheeda Walker (The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health), Geoffrey Thorne (Black Panther’s Quest, The Librarians), Dr. Janina Scarlet (Harry Potter Therapy, Dark Agents), and educators Carrie Goldman (Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear), Vanee Matsalia (BlerdGalaxy Magazine, Women in Comics International), and Brandon Matsalia (Women in Comics International), along with moderator Chase Masterson (Star Trek: DS9, Doctor Who: Big Finish) — and let’s make this a world where we can ALL live long and prosper! “Pop Culture Hero Coalition is using Comic-Con’s massive influence to spread its anti-bullying message.” CBS News

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Watch When Available: https://youtu.be/Ho2V_SnuPi0

UPDATED: Fri, Jul 24, 07:36PM
Learn more about the history, living legacy, and future of Mexican Lucha Libre, a free-form style wrestling, famous for its dramatic and colorful display of masks and characters. Lucha Libre has a rich history that traces back to the XX century when the sport was initially introduced in Mexico. Since that time, Lucha Libre has inspired many manifestations, having a huge impact in Mexican popular culture and beyond, including films, comics, cartoons, television programs, toys, etc. Panelists will analyze its most iconic moments, as well as the role of Lucha Libre in Mexican culture, its current situation, and its future as a traditional sport in Mexico. The panel, organized and coordinated by the Consulate General of Mexico and the Secretariat of Culture of Baja California, is also sponsored by Mexico Got Me, an organization with the mission of promoting abroad the best of Mexican talent, innovation, creativity, culture, traditions, gastronomy, entrepreneurship, and tourism. We have the mission to connect the friends of Mexico through digital channels, but also establishing “Casa México” in international events and festivals such as Comic-Con.

Participants:
Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in San Diego, moderator of the panel.
Rey Misterio, professional wrestler, and Lucha Libre champion, with a successful career of 40 years.
Salvador Lutteroth, CEO of Promociones México, Coliseo y Revolución, the company that promotes the World Lucha Libre Council (CMLL)
Mauricio Limón, director and owner of the Mexican Museum of Lucha Libre (MULLM) in Tijuana, the only institution of its kind with a collection of almost seven thousand objects related to all aspects of the sport.

FB @Consulado General de México en San Diego

Twitter @ConsulmexSdi Site: consulmex.sre.gob.mx/sandiego/

FB @Secretaría de Cultura de Baja California Site: icbc.gob.mx/

FB @mexicogotme

Twitter @mexicogotme

Instagram @mexicogotme

Tik Tok @mexicogotme

Site: mexicogotmethinking.org

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/CXRzF8I7_H4

For decades, Daffy Duck was the only black actor getting any consistent work in Hollywood. Hiring practices that even Daffy would describe as, "Deth-picable!" Oh sure, we all MARVEL'd at "Black Panther" (the movie), but what has Hollywood done to promote diversity lately? Check out what Black developers of content have to say on this issue. Will Hollywood ever truly recognize that Black Productions Matter! We can't go black to the future--until we RISE UP out of the past? It's time to get real A.F.! Roll call! Panelists include Erika Alexander (Living Single), Tim Russ (Star Trek: Voyager), Denys Cowan (The Boondocks), Kevin Grevioux (Underworld), professor Ajani Brown (San Diego State University), and Rico Anderson (The Orville). Moderated by Jimmy Diggs (Star Trek: Voyager).

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/sgya92_nKDM

Estimates place the Latin American dubbing market at 450 million consumers, and Mexico produces 65% of it. As entertainment providers look to profit in that area, they face the challenge of publishing in neutral Spanish to serve all countries equally. Hear the stories from Mexican voice actors Cristina Hernández (Catwoman/Selina Kyle, Padme Amidala), Sebastián Llapur (Darth Vader, Daffy Duck), and Claudia Motta (Bart Simpson, Pikachu) about the different obstacles they've had to overcome to become successful in this industry, and how Mexico is changing the way dubbing is done in Latin America. Hugo A. Castro (Gamacon founder and CEO) will moderate.

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Watch When Available: https://youtu.be/_VV0_9CzwyY

The Aztec Empire fell to Spanish invaders 500 years ago. It's a true story that shaped the world we live in and yet is still widely misunderstood. Panelists will talk about how they use elements of Mexican history in their stories and how our understanding of that history has evolved. With author and Nahuatl translator David Bowles (Rise of the Halfling King), video game writer/director Javier Rayón and historian Mario Fuente (Dream of Darkness), animation director Flora Alexandra Rees-Arredondo (Malinchista), graphic novel creator Paul Guinan (Aztec Empire), and author Anina Bennett (Boilerplate).

Livestream Q&A following the event: July 26, at 2pm PT on www.twitch.tv/dreamdarknessvg

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YouTube: https://youtu.be/BKBifGHxhPY

From blockbuster productions like Mulan and Shang Chi to streaming hits like The Half Of It, Asian Americans continue to make strides in media and representation. With race at the forefront of the national consciousness, from anti-racism protests to the rise in anti-Asian hate crimes in a post-COVID world, it's a poignant time to assess the state of Super Asian America. Join Racebending for our 10th annual (and first virtual) discussion of all things Super Asian American, featuring Peter Shinkoda (Daredevil), Deric Hughes (The Flash), Joy Regullano (White Fetish), and Bao Phi (Sông I Sing).