HAPPY COMIC-CON@HOME DAY! What an exciting day to start the con. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out my Wednesday/Thursday and my Friday/Saturday recommendations. I also recommend following the SDCC Unofficial Blog and Parks and Cons on Twitter for all the latest Comic-Con@Home happenings!
Now onto my top picks for the last day of the con. Sunday at San Diego Comic-Con is always bittersweet. Most everyone is absolutely exhausted by that point. Venders are ready to pack up and don’t want so much to take back, attendees are barely awake and programming, while robust, isn’t as intense. And that’s a good thing. Admittedly, I don’t often get to stay through Sunday of the con so I’m actually excited that this year I’ll get to enjoy some of the programming. In particular, Super Asian America is a panel that I’ve always wanted to attend (and one day even speak on? Goals.), but have never been able to. That’s definitely the personal highlight of the day for me. Don’t be fooled into thinking that Sunday doesn’t have some great panels though. Below are a variety of fantastic panels to finish out Comic-Con@Home on a high note.
As always, all program information is taken from the Comic-Con International schedule.
SUNDAY
10:00 am
YA Fantasy and the Power of Storytelling
YouTube: https://youtu.be/rPxzVib1AU4
Four authors from Fierce Reads: L.L. McKinney (The Nightmare-Verse series), Hafsah Faizal (We Hunt the Flame), Katy Rose Pool (The Age of Darkness series), and Alex London (The Skybound Saga series), come together to discuss their writing, favorite fantasy novels, how escapism can equal self-care, and why fantasy is the perfect vehicle for social commentary. Moderated by Preeti Chhibber (Marvel: Avengers Assemble #1).
12:00 pm
Women On The Dark Side
YouTube: https://youtu.be/s0nC40dUjvM
Not all female artists/creators are about unicorns and glittery vampires and silly pseudo-bondage. Some women create truly dark and challenging art and content, with just a touch of humor and whimsy. Whether it’s comic books, novels, or art, these are the women who are creating content that connects with our deeper, darker side. Featuring Susan Lee (writer/artist, Wraith of Love), Sandy King Carpenter (producer/writer, Storm King Productions), Chelsea Cain (writer, Heartsick), MD Marie (writer, Vindication), and moderator Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press).
2:00 pm
LGBTQ Comics and Popular Media for Young People
YouTube: https://youtu.be/qewL4-7m08s
Comics and animation are universal mediums that have recently made huge leaps in presenting LGBTQ-inclusive stories and characters for young audiences. These groundbreaking successes have made unique creative opportunities for LGBTQ storytellers. A mix of animation and publishing storytellers discuss their projects and answer the questions: How do they approach LGBTQ content and characters for tweens & teens? What are the new and upcoming projects to watch for? And how do new LGBTQ creators find their voice and get their start? Join Prism Comics, moderator Cort Lane (Marvel Rising, Ultimate Spider-Man) and talented panelists Gina Gagliano (publishing director, Random House Graphic), Trung Le Nguyen aka Trungles (The Magic Fish, Twisted Romance), Alex Sanchez (You Brought Me The Ocean), Noelle Stevenson (Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power), Mariko Tamaki (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me, Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass), Brittney Williams (Goldie Vance, DC Super Hero Girls), and Michael Vogel (My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Young Justice) as they look at the world of LGBTQ storytelling for the young fans of today and creators of tomorrow.
2:00 pm
Super Asian America
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).
3:00 pm
The Writer’s Journey: Developing a Producer’s Mentality
YouTube: https://youtu.be/7r1KcCU8RcI
As more and more content providers emerge, the demand for high-quality material is at an all-time high. Connect with this group of Hollywood screenwriters, producers and graphic novel creators as they discuss the best ways to get your original content to a hungry audience. Join 2015 Disney ABC Writing Program alum Brandon Easton (writer, Transformers War For Cybertron: Siege) as he hosts Geoffrey Thorne (producer, Black Panther’s Quest), Brandon Thomas (writer, Excellence), Ramón Govea (writer, Starseed Memoirs), and Shannon Eric Denton (writer, Spider-Man) in a frank discussion about changing your approach to the entertainment industry.
3:00 pm
Wakanda, Forever! The Psychology Black Panther
YouTube: https://youtu.be/S9Ehapb5vPA
What do people mean whey they shout, Wakanda Forever! Join Scott Jordan (Westworld psychology), Alex Simmons (Blackjack), Victor Dandridge, Jr. (Vantage Inhouse Productions), Daniel Jun Kim (Black Panther psychology), Vanessa Hintz (Joker psychology), Eric Wesselmann (Wonder Woman psychology), and Stanford Carpenter (Institute of Comic Scholars) as they discuss the psychological issues addressed in the Black Panther movie and comics, including topics such as micro-aggressions, cultural representation in media, and the power of love and empathetic leadership. By the end of our panel, you, too, will be shouting, Wakanda Forever!
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
