Fanbase Press kicked of its 10th year of publishing by exhibiting at Long Beach Comic Expo, alongside a number of other talented independent creators, this past weekend (Saturday, January 11, and Sunday, January 12, 2020). Taking place at the Long Beach Convention Center, the annual event is a celebration of comic books and pop culture that showcases the exceptional works of talented writers, artists, illustrators, and creators of all pop culture genres.
Fanbase Press co-founders Barbra and Bryant Dillon spent the weekend meeting fans at the Fanbase Press booth and providing the opportunity to purchase all of the publisher’s graphic novels and comics, including the very first opportunity for attendees to purchase the brand-new hardcover version of Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition! In addition, Fanbase Press’ staff, creators, and some very special guests participated in quite a few exciting and intriguing panels throughout the weekend, covering the company’s 10th anniversary plans, the rise of Latina superheroes, the 40th anniversary of The Empire Strikes Back, and more!
Please enjoy some of the exciting highlights of Fanbase Press’ time at Long Beach Comic Expo 2020 below:
The creative team behind Fanbase Press’ Eisner-nominated Quince (artist Emma Steinkellner, creator Sebastian Kadlecik, and writer Kit Steinkellner) take a moment to pose with the brand-new hardcover version of the charming and empowering Latinx superhero comic, Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition. The hardcover version features the complete story in both English and Spanish (along with a number of exciting extras) and is currently available for purchase!
During the “Fanbase Press at 10: A Decade of Celebrating Fandoms & Creating New Ones” panel, Fanbase Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon filled attendees in on the various ways the Fanbase team will be celebrating its tenth anniversary throughout 2020, including the release of Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition and the darkly poignant alternate history tale, Nuclear Power, written by Desiree Proctor and Erica Harrell (Telltale Games’ The Walking Dead: Michonne) and illustrated by Lynne Yoshi (DC’s Gotham City Garage). Nuclear Power’s first issue will arrive on ComiXology in October 2020!
Image courtesy of Michael Dooley
There was a ton of great cosplay at the Expo, but Star Wars was certainly out in Force, especially in regards to The Mandalorian and “Baby Yoda.” We anticipate it will be a big, big cosplay year for the Disney+ series created by Jon Favreau. Here we have a Shredder/Vader mashup and a noble Jedi babysitting for everyone’s favorite Mando!
The “Fanbase Press Presents: Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back at 40” panel was a blast and saw moderator Bryant Dillon (Fanbase Press President) joined by a stellar group of panelist to discuss the plot, characters, themes, as well as the massive impact of this iconic film! Panelist included Star Wars Memories author Craig Miller (Lucasfilm Director of Fan Relations from 1977-1980), Star Wars: Resistance head writer and executive producer Brandon Auman, Star Wars: Resistance writer Gavin Hignight, and The Story Geeks co-host Sandra Dimas.
Image courtesy of Dan Berry
Fanbase Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon also joined the “Rise of the Latina Superhero” panel, along with Kayden Phoenix (writer and creator, Jalisco), Amanda Julina Gonzalez and Gloria Felix (illustrator and colorist, Jalisco), and cosplayer Ivy Doomkitty to discuss the expanding universe of super-powered individuals.
Image courtesy of Michele Brittany
Last, but certainly not least, the Jedi Knight know as Rey Skywalker stopped by with her amazingly cool speeder to demonstrate that amazing flip kick move she used on Kylo Ren’s tie-fighter in The Rise of Skywalker. The Force will be with you, Rey… always.
Thank you to the organizers, exhibitors, and attendees of Long Beach Comic Expo 2020! Be sure to check out the rest of Fanbase Press’ Long Beach Comic Expo 2020 photo gallery: