Entry tags:

conventions, new york, nycc

Con Alert ~ NY ComicCon 07 (countdown 20 days)
I am sure most of you are aware by now that NYCC is only three weeks away. PWCW and ICv2 are getting the word out with articles and specials about the event. Some publishers are also releasing dates and times for panels and special programming. And finally after so much begging and pleading NYCC themselves have released the schedule for a weekend of sequential artistry.

Here is what the manga schedule looks like right now. As info comes in, we will be updating NYCC 07 list. So think of this as a living document or something...

Thursday Feb 22
***Industry Only***

ICv2 White Paper--Graphic Novels: Growth and Change

ICv2 will present the results of its annual graphic novel industry survey, along with special conference-only info that will not be published in its magazines or on the Web.

*Presented by Milton Griepp, President, ICv2

Manga Ratings, Redactions, and Freedom of Speech

Japanese culture is very different than American when it comes to controlling access to adult content, and publishers have taken a wide range of approaches when deciding how to deal with those cultural differences in their American editions. Retailers, libraries, and publishers all have their concerns.

**Moderator: Milton Griepp -- President, ICv2
*Liza Coppola -- Sr. Vice President, VIZ Media
*Michele Gorman -- MLS, Young Adult Librarian, Author, Consultant
*Kurt Hassler -- Co-Publisher, Yen Press, former buyer Borders Group
*Mike Kiley -- Publisher, TOKYOPOP
*Dallas Middaugh -- Associate Publisher, Del Rey Manga
*Tomoko Suga -- Senior Manager, Foreign Rights Department, Kodansha

Buyers Panel -- Graphic Novels, the Next Three Years

A panel of key graphic novel buyers from multiple channels will discuss what's selling and why, how the market's changing, and what kinds of products will grow the market in the next three years.

**Moderator: Milton Griepp -- President, ICv2
*Christopher Butcher -- Manager, The Beguiling
*Regina Kanicki -- Graphic Novel Buyer, Baker & Taylor
*James Killen -- Graphic Novel Buyer, Barnes and Noble
*Ed Masessa -- Category Manager, Scholastic Book Fairs
*Chris Powell -- General Manager Lone Star Comics
*Bill Schanes -- Vice President of Purchasing, Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc.

If you had a chance to listen to the audio from this event last year, you might know that the audio from the ICv2 Conference might have been the highlight of the con. Lot's of info and some infamous commentary came out of there last Feb. Even though I missed the first panel, I felt I got to really see how the industry looked at the market (for good or bad) in a way I have never experienced before. Obviously Al Khan made the event very exciting for a reporter like me but I also got to see first hand the influence distributors, buyers and even libraries have on manga and graphic novels.

This year the conference is not going to look at anime and manga together (lumping them up last year made for most of the controversy last year). Instead, ICv2 will take a closer look at the current manga rating system (or lack there of). As manga begins to diversify particularly through BL and bishojo, how access to that content will be controlled will continue to become a topic of concern for buyers, distributors and most importantly readers.

Got to make sure I am not late this year.

Friday Feb 23

10:00~11:00
Comics Publishing: Review & Outlook 2007

Industry leading publishing executives with bottom line responsibility will share their perspectives on the year ahead; trends and how their forthcoming properties will capture and (hopefully) help re-shape marketplace behavior.

Speaker(s):
*Douglas Wolk -- Contributing Editor, PW Comics Week
*Paul Levitz -- President & Publisher, DC Comics
*Stuart Levy -- CEO, TOKYOPOP
*Dallas Middaugh -- Associate Publisher, Del Rey Manga
*Alvin Lu -- Vice President of Publishing, VIZ Media
*Dan Buckley -- President and Publisher, Marvel Entertainment

10:00~11:00
Superheroes and Manga: Making Room for Both at Your Library

Publishers will be releasing a few thousand graphic novels this year with manga still leading the charge. Each line of graphic novels represents a separate and unique value for your patrons. Greater insight will only equate to drawing a wider audience. What librarian doesn’t want that?

Speaker(s):
*John Shableski -- Graphic Novels Coordinator, Brodart Co.
*Andrew Kaplan -- Youth Services Librarian, Green Valley Library
*Lori Special -- Assistant Brach Manager, Harford County Public Library
*Stephen Weiner -- Director, Maynard Public Library

11:30~12:30
Manga: What’s Hot

What's hot in Manga

Speaker(s):
* Kai-Ming Cha -- Publishers Weekly
*Frances Wall -- Editorial Director, VIZ Media
*Michael Gombos -- Director of Asian Licensing, Dark Horse Entertainment
*Mutsumi Miyazaki -- Director of Licensing, Del Rey Manga
*Lilian Diaz-Przybyl -- Editor, TOYKOPOP
*Hank Kanalz -- DC Comics

13:00~2:00pm
Mobil Comics for the Emerging U.S. Market: Trend Lines & Opportunities

A variety of new mobile counterparts in entertainment products continue to change the landscape and conversation regarding mobile content, standards, pricing and of course, consumer demand. In Japan where mobile phones are ubiquitous, the downloading of both anime clips and manga chapters continues to rise, forging carrier investment in and partnerships with publishers. What might this trend portend for the U.S. market? Join those leading the charge as they discuss the challenges, hurdles and Opportunities.

Speaker(s):
*Todd Allen -- Digital Comic Analyst
*Jeff Webber -- Director Mobile Content, uclick
*Jeremy Ross -- Director of New Product Development, TOKYOPOP
*Masaki Kaifu -- Wowmax Media

14:30-15:30
Capturing Female Readers: The Fastest Growing Audience for Comics

For the last five years, teenage girls have been spiking bookstore sales and library circulations of graphic novels, and are increasingly impacting comic stores as well. What are the sources of this growth, and can it continue? Editors, retailers, and librarians bring their perspectives to bear on this exciting trend.

Speaker(s):
Karen Berger -- Sr Vice President and Executive Editor, DC's Vertigo
Audry Taylor -- Creative Director, Go Comi
Julie Taylor -- Sr Editor, TOKYOPOP
Megan Bates -- Dr. Editor, SHOJO Beat Magazine, VIZ Media

14:30~15:30
Comics Bloggers: Rewriting the Rules of Tastemaking and Trade Influence

The comics blogosphere has grown dramatically in size and influence over the past few years, and now even mainstream media outlets are blogging about comics. Who has more influence, insider comics blogs, or the newcomers?

Speaker(s):
*Heidi MacDonald -- Managing Editor, PW Comics Week
*Ron Hogan -- Galley Cat
*Johanna Draper Carlson -- Comics Worth Reading
*Chris Butcher -- Comics 212

16:00~17:00
Heart and Seoul: The Unique World of Korea's NETCOMICS

Manhwa, Korean comics, may look like manga, but they have a unique history, style, and tradition. Join NETCOMICS President Heewoon Chung and author Marley for an introduction to the spectacular world of Korean sequential art.

Speaker:
Heewoon Chung - President, netcomics

17:00~18:00
VIZ Media Manga Extravaganza

VIZ, the men and women behind "Shonen Jump" and "Shojo Beat," spill the beans on their manga plans for 2007 and even 2008. They'll fill you in, answer your questions, and give you a chance to win some otaku swag.

Speaker(s):
*Cammie Allen -- Production Manager, VIZ Media
*Frances Wall -- Managing Editor, Shonen Jump Manga
*Urian Brown -- Manga Editor
*Marc Weidenbaum - VP Magazines and Editor in Chief of Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat

18:00~19:00
Charge! TOKYOPOP and the Manga Revolution

Manga is evolving everyday, and TOKYOPOP is leading this revolution. Find out what's hot today and what's going to be at the top tomorrow straight from TOKYOPOP. Learn about new releases, projects, and acquisitions before anyone else.

Very strange Friday. Very very strange. Starts off with some industry events that I don't think anyone should care about. Cell phone technology in the States is still years behind the 3G stuff you can get in Asia and parts of Europe. Yeah manga on cells are cute, but forget it until the infrastructure can properly support it.

The ComicBlogger panel overlaps with the shojo panel. Sigh. Why do they make me choose?? OR why should I go to a blogger panel when I can read their blog?!

Then after a break for tiffin, netcomics, Viz and TP will beat manga fans up with the Heart and Seoul of an Extravagant Manga Revolution. TatsumakiSenpuuKyaku!!!

Saturday Feb 25

10:00~12:00
Go!Comi Portfolio Reviews
Dealer's Room, Booth #564

Come with art and giant manga stars glittering in your eyes.

12:00~13:00
ADV Presents The Matt Greenfield Show

ADV Co-Founder Matt Greenfield sits down and takes your questions. Will he make it out alive? He's coming loaded up with DVDs to reward the best questions (and fend off their most rabid fans).

Speaker(s):
*Matt Greenfield -- CoFounder

14:00~15:00
Go! Comi Conquers the Universe

Manga publisher Go!Comi strives to release America's most authentic, accurate manga. How are they doing? The Go!Comi team comes to New York Comic-Con to talk about their translation philosophy, explain how they pick and choose their titles, show off their upcoming books, introduce a few special guests, and -- oh, yeah -- reveal their plan for world domination.

19:00~20:00
Central Park Media and Be Beautiful Manga Celebrate 16 Years

Did you know the first anime DVD in America was released by Central Park Media? The company behind "Record of Lodoss War" and "Kizuna" talks frankly about everything from the days of "Japanimation" to why women love yaoi. CPM helped create the anime industry in America and has 16 years of stories to share.

Speaker(s):
*John O'Donnell -- Managing Director
*Masumi Homma O'Donnell -- VP of Business Affairs

20:00~21:00pm
The Creepy, Spooky World of Japanese Horror with Author David Kalat

You've seen "The Ring." You've seen "The Grudge." Where do you go from here? David Kalat, film commentator and author of "J-Horror: The Definitive Guide to The Ring, The Grudge, and Beyond," will steer you in the right direction. John David for an exploration of why Japanese horror is terrifying the world.

Speaker(s):
David Kalat -- Author

Extremely light day for a Saturday with only a pair of manga panels going down. This will be my first time attending a Go!Comi event. I don't think they will leave me feeling as if I came out of a scene from 1984 but come on its hard to hold court like Carl Horn can.

Speaking of which is he even going to show up this year?

Sunday Feb 25

10:00~11:00
What's New at Newtype USA?

Description: Meet the editors of "Newtype USA" and learn what it takes to put the magazine together. They'll be taking questions, giving out free subscriptions, and, if you come in cosplay, putting your picture in an upcoming issue.

11:00~12:00
Media Blasters: Old-School, New-School, and Everything In-Between

From "Invader Zim" to "Voltron," Media Blasters knows pop culture. Listen as the company's founder, John Sirabella, talks about what it takes to be on the bleeding edge of pop, kitsch, niche, retro, and cool. What's next for the masters of anime, yaoi, samurai cinema, and schlocky horror?

Speaker(s):
*John Sirabella -- President
*Frank Pannone -- Manga Editor

12:00~13:00
The Making of a Del Rey Manga

How does a manga make its way to the USA? If you'd like to know, join Del Rey Manga as it discusses the making of a manga from acquisition, to translation, to production, to marketing. Also, be the first to hear some exciting Del Rey news!

12:00~13:00
WildStorm/CMX: 'Gon' Wild!

The WorldStorm is upon us! Come see what's coming up that's sure to amaze. Also, the ever-popular CMX line of manga books including GON, MEGATOKYO and more is spotlighted here for your pleasure. Moderated by VP & General Manager – WildStorm Hank Kanalz, and featuring VP – Sales Bob Wayne, writers Gail Simone and Brian K. Vaughan, artist Whilce Portacio and more.

13:00~14:00
TOKYOPOP Authors and Artists Roundtable

TOKYOPOP's proud to present Eric Wight, Stuart Moore, Shannon Denton, Dan Hipp, June Kim, and Pop Mahn -- the creators of "My Dead Girlfriend," "Earthlight," "Zapt!," "Gyakushu!," "12 Days," and "Blank." Meet this group of creators leading the manga revolution, and find out if you've got what it takes to join the charge.

Speaker(s):
*Eric Wright - Creator of My Dead Girlfriend
*Keith Burgess - Manga Video
*Shannon Denton - Creator of Zapt!
*Dan Hipp - Creator of Gyakushu!
*June Kim - Creator of 12 Days
*Pop Mahn - Creator of Blank

15:00~16:00
Read Different: The New York Comic-Con Debut of Vertical Inc.

Independent and avant garde Japanese manga and novel publisher Vertical Inc. makes its New York Comic-Con debut. For Vertical, bringing the works of Osamu Tezuka and Koji Suzuki's original "Ring" books to America was just the start. Learn what Vertical plans for this year and why you should read different.

Speaker(s):
*Ioannis Mentzas - Editorial Director and Co-Founder
*Anne Ishii - Marketing Director
*Eddie Stemkowski - Marketing Manager

Arrgh!!!! Who planned this madness? Del Rey and CMX at the same time! Last year Del Rey's panel was just about manga that was not even licensed - My-Hime (WOOF!!!). This year, I am expecting real news. The KujiUn novel, KujiUn manga, Zipang, Nurse Aoi and capeta better be on the tip of their tongues. Grrr.

CMX is Gon-ing wild, so I know what that panel is going to be about. And since I don't see Jim or Asako in the PR I wonder if the manga talk will go beyond our favorite manga dino and MegaTokyo? Though a preview of Argentum might be presented...

That one is going to be a last minute coin-toss. But at least I get a whole hour to hang out with Vertical. Oh yeah, that's what I call classic moe!!

Highlight of the day might be Media Blasters. I want to hear what this pub has been up to in the last year. Sure there has been some good BL, but I have some questions that need answers. Frank where is my Piglrim Jager (actually I know the answer to that) and what is holding up more Eiken? This panel could ruin my appetite or it could make me fizz happily like an otaku version of ramune.

---

If you are not able to make it and you want me to ask a question to any of the publishers present let me know here or at our email (mangacast@gmail.com).

Publishers attending:

ADV
ALC Publishing
Broccoli Books
CMX
CPM Press
Dark Horse
Del Rey
Fanfare
Media Blasters
netcomics
Oni Press
TOKYOPOP
Vertical Inc
Viz Media
Yaoi Press


New York ComicCon 2007

All Genre Comic
Dates: Friday (10:00~16:00 Trade Only; 16:00~20:00 Open to the Public) February 23;
Saturday, February 24 10:00~21:00
Sunday, February 25 10:00~16:00
Location: Jacob Javits Center, New York, New York
Cosplay: Yes
Pictures: no charge
Notes: Saturday appears to be sold out.