Arisia is a New England-based Science Fiction convention for fans and professionals. Activities include panels, movies, dealers, art shows, cosplay and networking. This year was their first time hosting panel discussions about comic books; I was lucky enough to participate in five of them. In addition to being a panelist, I was a first-time moderator for 3 of the panels. For first-time moderators, Paul Gillin's "10 Tips For Moderating a Great Panel" article is an excellent resource.
Back to the event, I got to talk about the comic book industry/history/methods with knowledgeable peers, some of whom know a lot more than I do. It was such a blast, that I didn't even think of telling you about it until now. Guess I've always had this problem of documenting my triumphs. Below is the list of panels I participated in, using the official descriptions from Arisia. If time allows I'll update these descriptions with personal notes, corrections and/or observations. Looking at it now, I can't wait 'til next year.
The Panels
Comic Book Creation from Creators' Perspectives
- Panelists: Shaenon Garrity, Steve Kanaras, Bettina Kurkoski, Rick Silva
- Moderator: David Marshall
Ever wonder how the words and pictures go together? Want to know how to pitch a project to a potential partner? Or are you more interested in the nuts and bolts of doing it all yourself? Every story has a history. Stop by and peer in behind the scenes!
Comics Fight: Live, Loud, and Wacky!
- Panelists: David Marshall, Matt Ryan/Norman Katz, Dirk Tiede
- Moderator: Roho
Did you like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Imagine that, but with dueling artists. Artists who can draw on command and can encourage audience participation. Plus a moderator who will choose ideas from the crowd and panelists to compete.
The History of Comics
- Panelists: Jerome C. Conner, Andrew Farago, Ken Gale, Shaenon Garrity
- Moderator: David Marshall
Mainstream comics have provided the longest-running soap opera in American history. But what's the real story behind the story? How did just a few guys churn out so many amazing books? What tools did they use? What would they say about the industry today?
The Best Young-Adult and Children's Comics
- Panelists: David Marshall, Alexander C. Danner,
- Moderator: Steve Kanaras
Are you looking for material suitable for your kids? Or are you seeking to convert that favored niece or nephew into your life-long hobby? Come share recommendations suitable for the younger crowd.
Non-Fiction Comics: Telling Truth With Pictures
- Panelists: E. J. Barnes, Alexander C. Danner, Steve Kanaras, Daniel Miller
- Moderator: David Marshall
From memoir to biography, from true science to history, there are dozens of great comics out there that have little in common with the spandex-clad set. What do these stories strive to share? Are comics a good medium for non-fiction? What CAN'T you do with pictures and words?
— Your boy-band hero Dave, once again disappointed by The Friendly Toast.