NYC-bound Nerds! On Part Two of our NYCC edition of the Round-Up, we’re diving into the weekend programming for New York Comic Con 2019. We call out our “must attend” picks for NYCC panels that celebrate the multi-verse of representation, inclusion, and diversity in pop culture, entertainment, and fandom. Let’s dive in!
Saturday
Cosplay and Disabilities: Incorporating Diversity and Accessibility into Costumes
10:45-11:45am | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
Cosplay and Disabilities explores diversity and inclusion in the Pop Culture world. During this panel cosplayers who have both visible and invisible disabilities will share their thoughts and experiences about how cosplay has shown them the power of inclusion and accessibility within a community. During this panel we will also have a very special guest, who will talk about inclusion in comics. Cosplayers will also accept and offer feedback to industry leaders about ways to improve inclusion and accessibility at comic book conventions and other events. Cosplayers will share stories and talk about their personal experiences and what has helped and harmed, as well as share resources that they have found helpful as well as talk about cosplay has led them to new communities!
Muslim Fandom: Geeks, Nerds, Cosplayers & Creators
12:00-1:00pm | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
Come meet Muslim comics artists, writers, gamers, and cosplayers! This panel will focus on various aspects of Muslim fandom. Panelists include Sarah Alfageeh (SQUIRE, Star Wars: Women of the Galaxy), Maliha Fairooz, (Hijab Hero, cosplayer), Farah Zulaikha (supermodel, United Nations Ambassador), Kareems Dreams (cosplayer), Aya Krisht (Maalmoul Press, Arab American National Museum). Moderated by Dr. Shamika Mitchell (State University of New York, Rockland / Women in Comics).
Source: Sara Alfa Twitter
Fighting Fascism in Fandom Aka We Really DO Care: Protecting Fandom from Bigotry
12:15-1:15pm | Room 1A02 – Javits Center
During this current political moment, pros from across geek media talk about how we can protect fandom spaces from hatred and bigotry while also celebrating the geeky things we love. Featuring #1 NYT bestselling author Wesley Chu, writer/podcaster Jay Edidin, multiple award-nominated author P. Djeli Clark, Hugo-winning author / disability advocate Elsa Sjunneson-Henry, mental health advocate / author Zin E. Rocklyn, and Hugo-winning journalist/editor Mimi Mondal. Moderated by editor Diana M. Pho.
Geeks of Color Meetup
12:30-1:30pm | Room 1C03 – Javits Center
Welcome to the Geeks of Color Meetup, a welcoming space for fans of color to chill and connect. Come with your friends, show off your cosplay, and network with professionals about working in the creative industries of comics, book publishing, and online media. Share the love using #GeeksofColorNYCC #NYCCMeetups #NYCC
EXCLUSIVE Screening and Q&A – Netflix Original Animated Series SEIS MANOS with Special Guests Alvaro Rodriguez (Writer, Co-Creator), Jonny Cruz (Voice of Jesus) and Angelica Vale (Voice of Garcia)
1:00-2:00pm | Room 1A06 – Javits Center
Catch a premiere screening of Seis Manos, an upcoming Netflix Original Anime Series and a Q&A with special guests! Available soon worldwide, Seis Manos is produced by VIZ Media and Powerhouse Animation Studios (Frederator Studios Castlevania).
Source: Netflix
From Fangirl to GirlBoss: How to Nab Your Pop Culture Dream Job
1:15-2:15pm | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
You’ve been to the midnight screenings. You’ve lined up for Con tickets. Your cosplay is on point. But you’ve always wondered how you can turn that passion into the job of your dreams. During this panel discussion, you’ll hear from some amazing women, all still fangirls at heart, who work behind-the-scenes on some of your favorite content. Find out the distinctive paths they took to get there and what their companies are doing to advance women and promote more diverse, inclusive story-telling.
Panelists:
-Diana Li, Senior Design Manager at Warner Bros Consumer Products
-Marissa DiBartolo, Editor-in-Chief for The Toy Insider & The Pop Insider Magazines
-Christine Taylor, Creative Lead and Content Producer for the Pop Minded and Hallmark
Geeks of Color VII – Not Another Race Panel Edition
1:30-2:30pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
Geeks of Color is the premiere NYCC panel on career-building in comics, book publishing, gaming, animation, and film/TV, now in its 7th year! Many professionals of color are tired of answering Diversity 101 questions. So here’s where we geek out about our jobs, instead! Featuring Locus & Nebula Award-winning author P. Djeli Clark, Prof. Sargon Donabed, cosplayer Jay Justice, comic author/ editor Nadia Shammas, and comic author/artist Wendy Xu. Moderated by Hugo-Award nominated editor Diana M. Pho.
Cosplay while *PLUS* Ultra!!
2:30-3:30pm | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
Are you a plus size nerd and want to get into Cosplay?! This is the panel for you. In this panel we will discuss on how to motivate and execute your cosplays while dismissing the social political beauty standards of the nerd community! We will go over neat tips and tricks to better your cosplay experience in the areas of crafting resources and makeup skills and body confidence! Cosplay your way! While loving the skin you in!
Inclusive Comics 101: Or, Comics for the Rest of Us
2:45-3:45pm | Room 1A02 – Javits Center
Like people, comics come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and personalities – more so today than ever before. In this panel, moderator Crystal Chen (NYPL) will lead a discussion with Mariko Tamaki & Rosemary Valero-O’Connell (Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me), Ngozi Ukazu (Check Please!), Andy Mientus (The Backstagers), and Julia Pohl-Miranda (Drawn & Quarterly) about how how comics and graphic novels are breaking down barriers and what the future holds. As a bonus, attendees will leave with a list of inclusive and diverse comics for your libraries and classrooms!
People of Color in Publishing Presents: Drop the Basis
2:45-3:45pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
Whether it’s revisiting your own work or putting a spin on a classic, adapting material can be tricky! In this panel diverse creators discuss the process of adapting works into graphic novels.
Kinks and Curls: Ethnic Hair in Cosplay
2:45- 3:45 pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
From Rey’s triple threat loops, to Sailor Moon’s odango buns, trademark hair is an iconic part of nerd culture. Wit the multitude of ethnicities in the cosplay community, sometimes it’s difficult to stay true to yourself, while emulating a character; especially while styling kinky, curly hair. This panel focuses on how to style natural hair and afrocentric wigs for cosplay, while still keeping in the spirit of the character’s original design. We want to celebrate both ourselves and the characters we love.
Speakers:
Eve Wilson, Instagram: @loveonevon
Anuli Duru, Instagram: @thouartanuli
Daria LeGall, Instagrma: @vantablackcosplay
New York TimesOUT Presents LGBTQ+ in Pop Culture and Media
5:15-6:15 pm | Room 1A02 – Javits Center
Join moderator Jude Bersdorfer as she speaks with panelists from across the world of Pop Culture and Media. Andrew Shayde (The Amazing Race), Jennifer Vanasco (WNYC), Dax ExclamationPoint (RuPaul’s Drag Race), Cyrus Goelstan (Trans In The Wild) and Kayla Kumari Upadhyaya (Autostraddle) will be answering questions about their lives and experiences in Pop Culture and the Media, as well as their love for it.
Changing the Shape of Fandom
6:15-7:15 pm | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
Learn about topics of body image, skin color, age, cross cosplay, and more! Discuss how to push past personal and social boundaries through the art and fun of cosplay and the geek community at large. Discuss body dysmorphia, how to love your shape, and no one can tell you who you can’t cosplay b/c you don’t look the part. Cosplay is for everyBODY/ Possible guests include “cosplay your way” founder JaBarr King
Drawing from Other Cultures: Orientalism and Comics
6:30-7:30 pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
Do you want to pull from other cultures for your work, but aren’t sure how to navigate the line between appreciation and appropriation? Coded racism in popular media got you down? What “is” Orientalism anyway? DRAWING FROM OTHER CULTURES: ORIENTALISM AND COMICS breaks it all down with a discussion with G Willow Wilson (MS. MARVEL), Erica Henderson (SQUIRREL GIRL), Nadia Shammas (SQUIRE) and Sara Alfageeh (SQUIRE).
The Power of Anthologies: Latinx Stories
7:45-8:45 pm | Room 1C03 – Javits Center
In this panel we will learn what goes into making an award winning anthology with input from creators, editors, and artists. We’ll learn the steps from choosing a topic, going through submissions, pairing artists, and more. Most importantly we’ll take an in-depth look at these Latinx stories and how the individual voices and shared Latinidad made anthologies, like Puerto Rico Strong and Ricanstruction, special.
Source: Amazon
Cat Eye: Point of View and Comics
9:00-10:00 pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
Who’s telling the story? Every word and every image in every comic reinforces a particular POV. From the classic editorial voice of Stan Lee to the confessional memoirs of Alison Bechdel, comics occupy a unique space, reinforcing – panel-by-panel – a particular way of seeing. Why is POV so rarely discussed in relationship to comics? Join the creative team behind the Eisner-nominated comic book series MAN-EATERS to talk turkey about how they use POV to subvert expectations and troll the patriarchy. Trigger warning: Because this is a late night panel, there will be glow sticks. Panel members include NYT best-selling author Chelsea Cain (Mockingbird, Man-eaters, plus a bunch of internationally best selling unillustrated thrillers), Lia Miternique (Man-eaters co-creator, cover artist), Eliza Fantastic Mohan (Man-eaters contributing writer), and Emily Powell (Man-eaters haiku writer-in-residence).
Source: Image Comics
Sunday
Part of their World: A Conversation with the Disney Princesses
10:45-11:45 am | Main Stage 1D – Javits Center
Ariel. Belle. Princess Tiana. Join Jodi Benson, Paige O’Hara, and Anika Noni Rose -three of the all-star voices from the modern Disney age – as they talk about their experiences voicing some of the greatest animated characters of all-time. Moderated by Dani Fernandez (Host for Disney, E!, Nerdist and The Nerdificent Podcast on iHeartRadio).
The Main Stage is cleared between panels. For full details on how to reserve a seat in a panel on the Main Stage, visit NYCC19.com/mainstage.
Source: Slate
LGBTQ+ YA Comics and Graphic Novels
11:00-12:00 pm | Room 1A18 – Javits Center
Join us to discuss the rise of queer stories in YA comics and graphic novels. On this program we have Rosemary Valero-O’Connell, the illustrator of LAURA DEAN KEEPS BREAKING UP WITH ME, a graphic novel that asks us to consider what happens when we ditch the toxic relationships we crave to embrace the healthy ones we need. Next, there’s Colleen AF Venable, the author behind KISS NUMBER 8, a funny, sharp-edged story of teen sexuality and family secrets. Finally, Ngozi Ukazu, the creator of CHECK, PLEASE!, a hilarious and stirring coming-of-age story about hockey, bros, and trying to find yourself during the best four years of your life. And finally, Cathy G. Johnson of THE BREAKAWAYS, a raw, and beautifully honest story of a ragtag soccer team dealing with challenges on and off the field. This panel will be moderated by Mariko Tamaki, the author of LAURA DEAN KEEPS BREAKING UP WITH ME, THIS ONE SUMMER, and many other titles.
DreamWorks She-Ra and the Princesses of Power, a Netflix Original Series
12:15-1:15 pm | Main Stage 1D – Javits Center
Join cast and creators for a discussion of the hit animated series.
Source: IMDB
Women of Marvel (Including the World Premiere Screening of Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri)
12:15-1:45 pm | Room 1A06 – Javits Center
From comics to games, animation and more, the Women of Marvel assemble to celebrate nerddom and all the women who help make it great! Join the conversation as some of the best talent in the industry discuss the creative process, being a woman in entertainment, and what they’ve got planned next.
Then stick around for the world premiere of “Marvel Rising: Operation Shuri”!
Source: CNET
I Came I Saw I Wrote: Today’s Autistic Creators
2:30-3:30 pm | Room 1B03 – Javits Center
Autistic advocate Alec Frazier will give a talk about disability autism creativity and writing in today’s world. He will cover several key topics about autism disability in general pop culture and inclusion. He will also answer questions and do a reading from his book Veni! Vidi! Autism! This panel is perfect for those who are interested in disability and pop-culture who have a disability or who know someone with a disability. Special attention will be paid to autism although disability and minority representation in pop-culture as a whole will be discussed.
“Charmed” Exclusive Screening and Panel Discussion
3:30- 4:45 pm | Room 1A06 – Javits Center
The much-anticipated reboot of the iconic series Charmed is back for its second season and our Charmed Ones are thrust into a New World Order unlike anything they’ve ever imagined. After the tragic loss of their mother, three sisters came together to discover they are formidable witches, and under the guidance of their Whitelighter Harry, the Power of Three successfully stopped the impending apocalypse. But saving the world is a tall order, especially when you’re not even sure what your place is in that world and now the whole magical community is looking to you. Between vanquishing supernatural demons, tearing down the patriarchy and maintaining familial bonds, a witch’s work is never done. Please join series stars Melonie Diaz, Madeleine Mantock, Sarah Jeffery, Rupert Evans and showrunners Liz Kruger and Craig Shapiro for an exclusive sneak peek of the season 2 premiere of The CW series followed by a panel discussion. Charmed airs Fridays on The CW.
Source: SyFy
Super Asian America
3:45-4:45 pm | Room 1A02 – Javits Center
From reviving the romcom genre to battling the forces of evil as the Marvel superhero Shang Chi, Asian Americans are constantly pushing the envelope in Hollywood. At the same time, it’s a neverending battle for us to represent our own American way. Join Racebending for our 4th annual Super Asian America panel at NYCC as we talk Asian American rep with Greg Pak (Agents of Atlas), Keith Chow (Nerds of Color), and more.
Gender, Queer, Cosplay
4:00-5:00 pm | Cosplay Central Stage – River Pavilion, 4th Floor Javits Center
What if I told you that cosplay is inherently queer?! As an art form, cosplay allows people to explore gender expression in a myriad of ways, from cross-play to Rule 63 and beyond. This panel of queer cosplayers will talk about the ways that they co-exist with the gender spectrum, how they use gender in their builds, and how you can start to queer your own cosplay adventure!
Nice Jewish Fangirls Presents: The Who’s Who of Nerdy Jews
4:00-5:00 pm | Room 1A18 – Javits Center
Batwoman, Seth Cohen, Magneto, Mrs. Maisel… and Snape? Join the hosts of the Nice Jewish Fangirls podcast as we discuss the changing identities of Jewish and Jewish-coded characters in nerdy fiction. What does it really mean to find Jewish representation popular culture? How do Jewish fans fit into nerd culture and media? How can we tell awesome geeky stories that expand understanding of Jewish life, faith, and culture? And also, how excited are we for Wonder Woman 1984? (Spoiler alert: Very.)
Representation Matters
4:00-5:00 pm | Room 1A24 – Javits Center
There’s nothing more powerful than seeing your own experience reflected in media. This panel about LGBTQIA literature and authors emphasizes the importance of representation and inclusivity. Authors Mark Oshiro (Anger Is A Gift) Amanda Lovelace (The Princess Saves Herself in This One) Cyrus Parker (DROPKICKromance) Ashley Poston (Geekerella) Dahlia Adler (Last Will and Testament) Sophia Elaine Hanson (Vinyl) and Danika Stone (All the Feels) share their experiences of writing for and about the LGBTQIA community and why it’s more critical today than ever.
SuperheroIRL! Avengers of Bullying & Injustice
4:00-5:00 pm | Room 1C03 – Javits Center
Got your own personal Thanos? Come avenge injustice with Impractical Jokers’ Joe Gatto — he’ll tell you how AND leave you ROFL! Find out why Birth, Movies, Death called this panel, “One of the most powerful conversations we’ve ever had the opportunity to listen to.” Featuring Dr. Janina Scarlet (Superhero Therapy), @SuperheroIRL Founder Chase Masterson (Star Trek DS9) & more TBA. Learn how YOU can be a superhero against bullying, racism, misogyny, LGBTQI-bullying, cyberbullying, and other injustice! “This panel might make your trip to Comic-Con that much more life-altering.” MSNBC
Source: Facebook
Which panel are you most excited about seeing at #NYCC? Did we miss anything you think we absolutely need to share? Post in the comments!
