In conjunction with New York Comic Con, the New York Public Library will host a day of programming and professional development for librarians on Thursday, October 3, at its historic building on Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street. The opening keynote address is by cartoonist Ngozi Ukazu (Check, Please!) at 9:15 a.m., and the closing keynote is by comics writer Mariko Tamaki (Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass) at 3:15 p.m. Both keynotes will be in the Celeste Bartos Forum. Here’s a selection of the featured panels.
Boom! Studios: Creating Community Through Graphic Novels
Salomon Room, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Join Boom creators Gaby Dunn (Bury the Lede), Cecil Castellucci (Girl on Film), Bryan Edward Hill (Joss Whedon’s Angel), Simon Spurrier (Coda), Sina Grace (Ghosted in LA), and James Tynion IV (Something Is Killing the Children) for a discussion about building community through the power of graphic novels. Moderated by Sierra Hahn, executive editor, Boom Studios.
The New “Blue Age” of Comics: In Conversation with Sana Amanat
Celeste Bartos Forum, 11–11:45 a.m.
In conversation with the American Library Association’s Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table president Amie Wright, Marvel v-p and editor Sana Amanat will discuss the new “blue age” of comics growth and the opportunities she sees in the industry—including the exponential growth in schools and libraries—and the “origin story” of her career in comic editing and creative design and development at Marvel.
It’s Not Easy Being Teen: Young Adult Heroes of Color in Comics and Graphic Novels
Celeste Bartos Forum, 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
This panel celebrates YA comic book and graphic novel creators of color whose books capture the zany, gritty, and phantasmagorically complex worlds of teenagers. Join in for a conversation about the earthly and otherworldly adventures that stretch readers’ imaginations and teach them about the power we each possess to change the world. Presented by the Black Comics Collective.
A Monstress Conversation with Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda
Celestes Bartos Forum, 12:30–1:15p.m.
Image Comics and the NYPL present a conversation with the creative team behind the acclaimed epic fantasy series, Monstress. Join author Marjorie Liu and artist Sana Takeda as they chat about their multiple award-winning series, two women of color excelling in a traditionally male-dominated space, and the importance of making room for every reader in genre fiction.
Truth, Justice, Civics... the Comic Book Way: or How the NYCDOE Partnered with the Hottest Creators in the Industry to Create Civics Comics
Celeste Auditorium 1:30–2:15 p.m.
The top talents in the comics industry are breaking new ground by working directly with the New York City Department of Education to create original comics that will engage students to take civic action. The panel will discuss the creative process as well as the impact this work has on the students and the long-term effects it may have on society. Action Presidents cocreators Fred Van Lente and Ryan Dunlavey, March coauthor Andrew Aydin, and Meryl Jaffee, of the Comic Defense League, will be joined by DOE staff who worked with them on the project.
People of Color in Publishing Presents: Part of Your World-Building: It’s Our World. Just Add Monsters. And Ghosts. And Time Travelers.
Salomon Room, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
Whether set in Korea or a galaxy far, far away, worldbuilding is the lifeblood of science fiction and fantasy. In this panel, authors discuss the thrills and challenges of creating new worlds. Featured panelists include: Kat Cho (Wicked Fox), Zoraida Córdova (the Brooklyn Brujas series), Rebecca Roanhorse (the Sixth World series), Adam Silvera (More Happy Than Not), and agent DongWon Song.
Comics and the Clinic: Comics and Mental Health in Practice
Trustees Room, 2:30–3:15 p.m.
This panel will consider the history and practice of mental health as it relates to comics. From William Marston’s Wonder Woman or Fredric Wertham’s fear of the corruptive power of comics to the more recent outpouring of comics autobiographies, this panel will consider how the influence and intrusion of mental health on comics has facilitated new stories. This panel includes comics scholars and mental health practitioners discussing the form of comics and its intersection with the discourses of mental health.
Correction: This story has been updated with the correct panel description for "Part of Your World-Building."
