The Fanbase Press staff is very excited to be exhibiting at San Diego Comic-Con 2023, while also bringing you the coolest interviews, commentaries, and photos – live from the convention floor! From Wednesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 23, all of Fanbase Press’ award-winning comics, graphic novels, and merchandise will be available for sale at Small Press Table O-03 – including the official launch of the LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age graphic novel, Four-Color Heroes, by Richard Fairgray. Attendees won’t want to miss the exciting panels and creator signings planned for the con of the year!  Plus, we hope that you’ll join us in celebrating Fanbase Press’ Graphic Medicine series, Ripple Effects, for its 2023 Eisner Award nomination!

2023 Eisner Award Nomination for Ripple Effects

Fanbase Press’ Graphic Medicine series, Ripple Effects, is nominated for a 2023 Eisner Award in the Best Digital Comic category. 

Ripple Effects is a five-issue comic book series which explores life as a superhero with an invisible illness, specifically type 1 diabetes.  The series was inspired by creator/writer/colorist Jordan Hart’s lived experience with an invisible and incurable blood-clotting disease called thrombophilia. The series was created, written, and colored by Jordan Hart (Terminarch, Doppelgänger, Emergence), illustrated by Bruno Chiroleu (El Borde, Mara and Samu), flatted by Shane Kadlecik, lettered by Oceano Ransford (Eisner Award-nominated Rikki, The Sequels, Haphaven), and featuring cover art by Justin C. Harder (CLAUS Studios).  In addition, the series was collected into a printed trade paperback featuring a foreword by Matthew Noe (Librarian, Harvard Medical School).

In an effort to help readers better empathize with and understand the difficulties of navigating invisible illnesses, every issue of the series features an “Unseen Ripples” essay series written by individuals with invisible disabilities who relate Ripple Effects‘ events to their own lived experience, ranging in topic from paranoid schizophrenia to thrombophilia. 

Earlier this year, Ripple Effects was included in the American Library Association’s (Graphic Novels and Comics Round Table) 2022 Best Graphic Novels for Adults Reading List and was named as a finalist for the 25th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards in the Graphic Novels & Comics category.  

Official Release of LGBTQIA+ Coming-of-Age Graphic Novel, Four-Color Heroes

SDCC 2023 will provide readers with the first opportunity to purchase Fanbase Press’ newest graphic novel, Four-Color Heroes! The LGBTQIA+ coming-of-age graphic novel will feature a foreword by GLAAD Award-winning writer David M. Booher (Killer Queens, Canto), as well as an essay by clinical psychologist and media consultant Dr. Drea Letamendi on protecting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ youth and the importance of creating nurturing and affirming communities where they may thrive. 

Written and illustrated by Aotearoa/New Zealand-born creator Richard Fairgray (Black Sand Beach), the story is set in a New Zealand high school during the passing of the Civil Union Act 2004.  As tensions rose nationwide over the basic equal rights of same-sex couples, two boys were fighting a battle on a smaller scale, against enemies from within and without, as they found love and self-discovery through the pages of a comic book.  

In light of Fairgray’s New Zealand roots and the Māori heritage of one of Four-Color Heroes’ protagonists, the graphic novel will also be made available digitally in Te Reo Māori in Fall 2023.

Available for Sale (Small Press Booth O-03)

Fans in attendance will have a chance to stop by the Fanbase Press booth to pick up copies of the 2023 Eisner Award-nominated Ripple Effects, the 2018 Eisner Award-nominated Quince, the multiple award-winning Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition hardcover, the 2022 International Latino Book Award-winning Nuclear Power trade paperback, the 2014 Bram Stoker Award-nominated Fearworms: Selected Poems, The Sequels, A Geek’s Guide to Cross-Stitch: Journeys in Space, The Margins, The Gamma Gals, Something Animal, Identity Thief, The Arcs, and Penguins vs. Possums.

*Fanbase Press’ creator signing schedule may be found below.

Fanbase Press’ Panel Programming

Fanbase Press and its staff and creators will be hosting and/or participating in a number of thought-provoking panels throughout the week. Below is the schedule of panels:

THURSDAY

1:00 p.m.: Bridging the Digital Gap Between Comics Publishers & Libraries—Led by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press), this panel – including Matthew Noe (librarian, Harvard Medical School), Tina Lerno (comics librarian), Moni Barrette (director of Collection Development & Publisher Relations, Library Pass), Dr. Theresa Rojas (founding director, The Latinx Comic Arts Expo), and Dr. Katlin Marisol Sweeney-Romero (assistant professor, World Cinema and Digital Media Studies) – will feature a thoughtful conversation about the barriers that exist for libraries to access digital comics, and how emerging digital platforms and coordination with comic book publishers can provide greater access for readers across the country, especially in the face of increasing calls for censorship. Shiley Special Events Suite, San Diego Central Library

SATURDAY

12:00 p.m.: Baking and Mental Health with Kim-Joy – Kim-Joy, the bestselling cookbook author and finalist on the Great British Bake Off 2018, discusses her debut graphic novel, Turtle Bread, a story inspired by her passion for baking and events from her life: working in the mental health field, her own mental health struggles, reading comics, and her desire to help others. Attendees may even learn how to make turtle bread. Moderated by Barbra Dillon, Fanbase Press. Room 23ABC

2:30 p.m.: Women on the Dark Side – Whether it’s comic books, novels, or art, these are the women who are creating content that connects with the deeper, darker side of all of us. Panelists include Debbie Smith Daughetee (CEO, Kymera Press), Desirée Proctor (Nuclear Power), Janet Joyce Holden (Origins of Blood), and Susan Lee (founder of Women On The Dark Side). Moderated by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press). Room: 29CD

4:00 p.m.: Creators Assemble: Comics Camaraderie, A Networking Event – Comics creators, publishers, comic shop owners, teachers, and library workers have brought greater acceptance to comics and fan culture. Take a break from hectic convention life to experience “speed dating” style networking with diverse comics enthusiasts from all backgrounds. Participants include Alex Antone (Skybound Entertainment), Heather Antos (IDW Publishing), Vince Alvendia (Egg Drop Ramen Studios), Matthew Atherton (CSUSM), Moni Barrette (2023 Eisner judge), David M. Booher (Killer Queens), J. M. Brandt (Swamp Dogs: House of Crows), Cherish Chen (Massive-Verse), Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press), Andi Dukleth (Accidental Aliens), Kyle Higgins (Massive-Verse), Phil Jimenez (Wonder Woman Historia), Nikita Kannekanti (Legendary Comics), Mathias Lewis (Knowhere Games & Comics), Hannah Rose May (Rogues’ Gallery), Don Nguyen (Zoo Magnet Inc.), Alonso Nunñez (Little Fish Comic Book Studio), Morgan Perry (Skybound Entertainment), Jack Phoenix (comics librarian), Jimmy Purcell (A3 Publishing), Erin Snider (Creators Assemble!), Charlie Stickney (White Ash), and Zoe Thorogood (Rain). Marina D: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

5:00 p.m.: Hey, That’s Just Like Me! When Superheroes Represent Their Readers—Led by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press), this panel – including Jordan Hart (writer, Ripple Effects), David M. Booher (writer, Killer Queens), John Jennings (writer, Silver Surfer: Ghost Light), Ashley V. Robinson (writer, Jupiter Jet), and Jen Troy (writer, Assassin G) – will feature a thoughtful conversation about why it is important that the superheroes in comic books become more representative of their diverse readership, demonstrating examples of mainstream and independent comics which have made positive strides towards reflecting today’s society in their creators, stories, and characters. Room: 23ABC

7:00 p.m.: Boldly Go: The Psychology of Star Trek: Picard—Dr. Drea Letamendi (psychologist at UCLA, host of The Arkham Sessions Podcast) and Brian Ward (host of The Arkham Sessions Podcast) take a deep dive into the psychology of Star Trek: Picard’s final season with showrunner Terry Matalas and actor Todd Stashwick. This lively conversation will celebrate what makes Trek both illuminating and entertaining and will cover powerfully emotive themes such as resilient leadership, family conflict, and finding purpose in the face of failures, risks, and dangers only imagined in the final frontier. Grand 12 & 13: Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina

Fanbase Press’ Creator Signing Schedule

Wednesday, July 19, through Sunday, July 23
– Writer Bryant Dillon (Something Animal, Identity Thief)

Wednesday, July 19
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: Richard Fairgray (creator/writer/artist, Four-Color Heroes)

Thursday, July 20
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Richard Fairgray (creator/writer/artist, Four-Color Heroes)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Jordan Hart (creator/writer/colorist, Ripple Effects)

Friday, July 21
11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: Richard Fairgray (creator/writer/artist, Four-Color Heroes)
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Desirée Proctor (co-writer, Nuclear Power)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Jordan Hart (creator/writer/colorist, Ripple Effects)
4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.: Dr. Theresa Rojas (Contributor, Ripple Effects / Contributor, Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Edition)

Saturday, July 22
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Richard Fairgray (creator/writer/artist, Four-Color Heroes)
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Desirée Proctor (co-writer, Nuclear Power)
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Jordan Hart (creator/writer/colorist, Ripple Effects)
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.: Dr. Drea Letamendi and Brian Ward (co-hosts, The Arkham Sessions podcast)

Sunday, July 23
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Richard Fairgray (creator/writer/artist, Four-Color Heroes)

Fanbase Press’ Convention Coverage

Fanbase Press’ staff will be conducting interviews and covering panels and events throughout the weekend. Be sure to follow Fanbase Press’ Facebook, Twitter (@Fanbase_Press), and Instagram (@fanbasepress) with the hashtag #FPSDCC to stay up to date on our SDCC and Eisner Awards updates!
Fanbase Press’ staff will be conducting interviews and covering panels and events throughout the weekend. Be sure to follow Fanbase Press’ Facebook, Twitter (@Fanbase_Press), and Instagram (@fanbasepress) with the hashtag #FPSDCC to stay up to date on our SDCC and Eisner Awards updates!

More Amazing Exhibitors and Panelists to See!

• Creator Don Nguyen will be in Artist Alley at table HH-03. Don will also be a part of the following panels: Creators Assemble! Community Camaraderie – A Networking Opportunity (Saturday), Life Drawing on the Go! (Sat.), and Mobile Workspace (Friday).
• Writer Charlie Stickney will be at Small Press table L-10. Conor Hughes will be singing, and they will have a really fun HISMWTC SDCC exclusive featuring the Women of Rassburg cosplaying as their favorite characters from the White Ash Universe.
• Cartoonist Lonnie Millsap will be at Small Press table K-15 (between Keith Knight and Bob the Angry Flower). He will have a new book titled Your Feet Are Too Hot! and will be selling limited-edition prints of his New Yorker cartoons.
• Writer/producer Craig Miller will be at Small Press table K-13, where he’ll be selling and signing copies of the book, Star Wars Memories, about his years working on Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back. He will also be selling some crew items from those two films, including stickers, embroidered patches, tee-shirt transfers, buttons, and more!
• Creator Christie Shinn will be in Small Press at N-05 for HoraTora Studios. She will also be participating in two panels: “Mobile Workspace” on Friday at 4 p.m. and “Life Drawing” on Saturday at 6 p.m.
• The Comic Arts Professional Society (CAPS) will be at Exhibitor booth at F-01.
• Writer Russell Nohelty will be at Small Press Table G-03 with Jessica Maison from Wicked Tree Press.
• Creator Nicholas Doan will be at Small Press Table Q-05 debuting the graphic novel, The Kid and the Ripper. Doan will also be premiering brand-new Broken Oar Comics hoodies.
• Writer Madeleine Holly-Rosing and Boston Metaphysical Society will be back at Small Press table L-03 with Vol. 2 which includes all four of the standalone sequels, tons of bonus material, plus a new short with art by Roberta Ingranata (Doctor Who). She will also have new lapel pins and a cool copper dirigible bookmark.
• Writer Steven Prince will be at Small Press table M-03 (under the 2510 Press banner) with Monster Matador Vol. 1, as well as debuting shot glasses and t-shirts (which will also be available with the concurrent Kickstarter. In addition, Bloodline Comics’ Clay Adams and David Schrader will be signing Carmilla Unbound #1 on Saturday from 1:00-3:00 p.m.
• Writer Tilly Bridges (Begin Transmission: The Trans Allegories of The Matrix) will be participating in a number of signings and panels throughout the week! Panels: Telling Our Stories: Making LGBTQIA+ Comic Anthologies (Thursday, 5 p.m., Room 9); When Pop Culture Faves Become Problematic (Saturday, 7 p.m., Grand 10 & 11, Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina); The Rise of LGBTQ Comics And Animation For Young Audiences (Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Room 10) / Signings: Geekscape booth 3919 (Friday, 1 p.m.); Prism Comics booth 2144 (TBD)

On behalf of everyone at Fanbase Press, we look forward to seeing you in San Diego next week!