San Diego, CA - Prism Comics, which supports LGBT comics, creators, issues and readers is excited to announce its biggest slate of programming ever at this year's San Diego Comic-Con International (July 22-26, 2009), featuring four panels, a mixer and silent auction, creator signings, portfolio review, “Young Heroes” party, and the debut of the new Prism Guide! "San Diego Comic-Con continues to be the best way for Prism to reach the LGBT comics audience,” said Ted Abenheim, Event Chair of Prism Comics. "Our presence has had a small but significant influence on the comics industry and it’s gratifying to see."

Prism kicks off its schedule highlighting the biggest LGBT-related comic book event of the year—the arrival of Batwoman and The Question as co-lead features in DC Comic’s namesake book, Detective Comics.

Panels
Thursday, July 23, 4:00-5:00pm - The first panel, “Tipping Point for LGBT Portrayals in Comics” asks if the arrival of Batwoman and The Question in Detective—the first time any lesbian characters have headlined a mainstream publisher’s comic book—is an isolated event or a tipping point in the acceptance of LGBT characters. David Stanley (Prism Co-President) moderates with panelists Greg Rucka (Detective Comics), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), Judd Winick (Pedro and Me), José Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love), Scott Allie (editor, Dark Horse Comics, Buffy Season 8), Mimi Cruz (retailer, Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City, UT), Perry Moore (Hero) and Matt Wagner (The Aerialist). Room 32AB.

Friday, July 24, 11:30am-12:30pm - The second panel “True Confessions: LGBT Slice-of-Life Comics” explores the coming of age of LGBT autobiographical comics (shown by the success of Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home). But telling the truth is as much art and craft as it is confession. Join moderator Roger Klorese (Prism’s Publication Chair) with panelists Lee Marrs (The Further Fattening Adventures of Pudge, Girl Blimp), Ariel Schrag (Likewise), Jeff Krell (Jayson Goes to Hollywood), Robert Triptow (Gay Comix), and Justin Hall (True Travel Tales). Room 10.

Saturday, July 25, 4:30-5:30pm - The third panel “Love is in The Air: LGBT Romance Comics” focuses on LGBT creators inspired by but moving beyond the boy-girl romance comics of yesteryear. Join moderator Charles “Zan” Christensen (Mark of Aeacus and Prism's founder and Web Chair) with panelists Terry Moore (Strangers In Paradise), Tim Fish (Cavalcade of Boys), Mari Morimoto (Naruto), Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter), Colleen Coover (Small Favors), and Michelle Nolan (Love on the Racks: A History of American Romance Comics). Room 30AB.

Saturday, July 25, 6-7:30pm - The fourth panel is the long-running "Gays in Comics: Year 22!" Founding moderator Andy Mangels (best-selling author of Star Trek novels and Iron Man: Beneath The Armor), presents an all-star look at the diversity in the comics world today with Greg Rucka, Phil Jimenez (The Amazing Spider-Man), Gail Simone (Wonder Woman); Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Marvel Divas), Peter David (Fallen Angel), Ed Luce (Wuvable Oaf), Perry Moore and Sina Grace (Books with Pictures). Room 6A.

Mixer and Silent Auction
Following the “Gays in Comics” panel, Prism hosts its Gays in Comics Mixer and Silent Auction from 7:30-8:30pm. Mingle with comics' writers, artists and fans, plus stay for the special drawing of a "Comics Gift Basket" and the silent auction of hot comics items! All proceeds benefit Prism Comics. Room 6A.

Prism Booth – Signings and Booth Partners
The Prism booth (#2146)—thought of as the LGBT epicenter of Comic-Con—is partnering with individual creators Jeff Krell, Justin Hall, Charles “Zan” Christensen, Ed Luce, Steve MacIsaac, and Sina Grace who will exhibit their comics and meet their fans at our expanded space. Prism will also present nonstop signings with creators including Ariel Schrag, Jen Van Meter (Hopeless Savages), Greg Rucka, Perry Moore, Eric Schlegel (Skipping Out) and many others, plus an appearance by everyone’s favorite superhero team, Lucky Legendary! Pick up The Gay Agenda at the booth and also check www.prismcomics.org for the most updated schedule.

Volunteer!
And if you really want to be part of the action, volunteer to work at the Prism booth and meet your faves up close! Just email ted@prismcomics.org.

Portfolio Review
After the overwhelming success of portfolio review last year, Prism is proud to offer it once again this year with Jimmy Palmiotti (Jonah Hex, Countdown), Phil Jimenez, Bob Schreck (Editor at Dark Horse, Oni Press, DC), Georg Brewer (DC Direct), Colleen Coover, and José Villarrubia who will critique the work only of those interested in applying for this year's Queer Press Grant (established by Prism to encourage new LGBT talent). Before attending the sessions, applicants are required to read QPG guidelines available at prismcomics.org/grant. Very few sessions are available so check at prismcomics.org and the Prism booth to ensure you get your portfolio reviewed by some of the best professionals working in the field.

New Prism Guide
Debuting at Comic-Con is the 2009-2010 Prism Guide, with fab flip-covers by Stephen Sadowski and Megan Rose Gedris. This jam-packed resource guide features an extensive “Queer Year in Review”; profiles of Howard Cruse, Queer Press Grant winner Pam Harrison, and Wuvable Oaf; plus Anton Kawasaki, Glamazonia, Queer Eye on Comics and much more! All for a recession-friendly price of $3.99!

Party!
On Friday, July 24, from 9:00pm to 1:00am, party with Prism at “Young Heroes”! For the 5th year, Prism, Ned Cato, Jr. and Rich’s bring you another super-powered evening with Go-Go dancers, drink specials, and events galore including the annual Superhero Costume Contest with cash and prizes totaling $200 and more! Categories will include Sexiest, Best Costume, Best Body, Most Original and Crowd Favorite! Have your picture taken at the photo booth with your favorite Young Hero! Mingle with special guests and superheroes in the VIP Young Heroes Creators lounge. Get your face and body painted by our expert Makeup artist. Help Prism Comics and Lucky Legendary with the Power Hour Jello Body Shot fundraiser. Special guests include award-winning artist Joe Phillips, artist J.J. Kirby, Captain Rich's and Twink Boy, plus surprise guests. Come in costume and get in free until the costume contest, or show your Comic-Con badge and get a discount off the cover charge at the door. Rich's Dance Club is located at 1051 University Avenue, San Diego, CA (619) 295-2195, richssandiego.com. For all the latest information, keep checking back at prismcomics.org.

Prism Comics is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that promotes LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered) creators, characters, themes and readers in the comic book field. Along with convention appearances, Prism publishes an annual guide to LGBT related comics, and maintains a website with LGBT creator profiles, web comics and features on all that’s queer in comics. For more information, go to www.prismcomics.org.

For further information contact David Stanley at david@prismcomics.org or stop by the Prism booth during the con.

Ted Abenheim

Prism Comics promotes the works of the LGBT community in comics. It does not implicitly endorse any other material or products associated with those works. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s).