The stars came out for San Diego Comic-Con—only this time they were all cartoonists. In a year when strikes shut down virtually all the big media panels that normally generate big Comic-Con headlines, publishers and cartoonists got a chance to take center stage at North America’s biggest pop culture event, held July 19–23 at the San Diego Convention Center. Many creators of comics and graphic novels for young readers were on hand to meet fans, appear on panels, and sign copies of their new books. We’ve gathered a selection of highlights from the events.
Comics star Dog Man meets some of his fans.
(From l.): authors Marie Lu, Angeline Boulley, Katy Rose Pool, Margaret Owen, and Meriam Metoui on stage for the “Get Your Knives Out: Thrillers and Mysteries” panel.
Matt Tavares promoting his graphic novel, Hoops; he also spoke on the “Unstoppable Forces: Overcoming Adversity Graphic Novel Panel.”
(From l.): Jim Di Bartolo, Laini Taylor, Vicki Johnson, Shannon Messenger, Alexandra Bracken, and Margaret Owens speaking at the “Adventures for the Next Generation” panel.
Big Nate creator Lincoln Peirce signs books for the nephew of panel moderator and librarian Judy Prince-Neeb.
Danielle Valentine appearing on the “Things Could Be Worse” panel.
Gene Luen Yang prepares to sign books for attendees.
Gabriel Valentin (top c.), author of Digital Lizards of Doom, and Dan Brozo, (bottom c.), star of the book’s live puppet show adaptation, with educators.
Author John Gallagher with the mascot of his graphic novel series, Max Meow.
Maria Scrivan meets a young attendee.
(From l.): Authors Dan Santat, Mark Fearing, Mac Barnett, Jonathan Case, and Nidhi Chanani during a panel highlighting graphic novels. Photo: Henry L. Herz.
Thien Pham gets a taste of his debut graphic novel, Family Style.
Scholastic invited fans decked out in Harry Potter gear to pose in front of a poster of the series starter, ahead of the 25th anniversary of the U.S. publication of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
(From l.): The panelists of the “Fables and Fairytales: New Spins on Old Stories” panel, Erin A. Craig, Amanda Linsmeier, Misa Sugiura, Gina Chen, and Alexandra Bracken, pose for a group photo.
Raina Telgemeier signs a book for a guest.
Mark London at the Mad Cave booth, signing copies of his comics.
(From l.): panelists of the “Queens of Lust and Lore” event Ann Aguirre, Piper J. Drake, Kate Dramis, and Claire Legrand.
Kazu Kibuishi (c.) and fans pose with a poster-sized blow up of the ninth and final Amulet book, Waverider.
