The Fanbase Press staff is very excited to be exhibiting at Long Beach Comic Expo next weekend, alongside a number of other talented independent creators! Taking place on Saturday, February 17, and Sunday, February 18, 2018, 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. Throughout the weekend, we will be reporting live from the convention floor, providing you with the coolest interviews, panel coverage, and photos – along with meeting fans at the Fanbase Press booth, where you can purchase all of our graphic novels! Plus, Fanbase Press’ staff and contributors will be participating in quite a few intriguing panels throughout the weekend that you will not want to miss!

Fans in attendance will have a chance to stop by the Fanbase Press booth in the Artist Alley area (A-6) to pick up copies of Quince, The Gamma Gals, Hero Hotel, Penguins vs. Possums, The Arcs, Something Animal, Identity Thief, and Fearworms: Selected Poems.  As a special treat, Fanbase Press will be selling the official Fanbase Press pins and t-shirt in sizes Small – XXL, so that attendees may show their geek pride in style.

You will not want to miss the following panels featuring Fanbase Press’ staff and contributors, which will include the following:

PANELS – Saturday, February 17

• 1:00 p.m.: Fanbase Press Presents: The Impact of Latinx Creators and Readers on Comics – Quince is a 15-issue comic book series being released in English and Spanish about teenager Lupe who discovers she has superpowers at her quinceañera. Comadres y Comics is a podcast hosted by three Latina women hoping to highlight the role that Latinos have in the comic book industry, not only as creators, but as consumers and fans. Join Quince creator Sebastian Kadlecik, Comadres y Comics hosts Kristen Parraz, Sara Bazan, and Jennifer Lopez, as well as writer and journalist Jennifer de Guzman (Publishers Weekly, Half a Person), as they discuss the importance of inclusivity and representation in the comic book medium in a Q&A session moderated by Barbra Dillon (Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief).  (Room 103)

• 5:00 p.m.: Fanbase Press Presents: Swords, Sandals, Sorcery, and Other Worlds – Ancient Greek and Roman mythologies have inspired many narratives throughout history. Known as peplums or “sword and sandal” stories in the 1950s-60s, the genre has been reinvigorated by the presence of sorcery and story settings in other worlds. Led by Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michele Brittany, this panel – including Nicholas Diak (The New Peplum: Essays on Sword and Sandal Films and Television Programs Since the 1990s), Josh Henaman (Bigfoot – Sword of the Earthman), Michael Kogge (Empire of the Wolf; A Princess of Mars), Tiffany Carmel Lake (The Stelletwal Series), and Corey Landis (Toy Masters) – will historicize the genre and explore stories that entertain audiences today. (Room 103)

PANELS – Sunday, February 18

• 2:30 p.m.: Fanbase Press Presents: Exploring Themes of Legacy in STAR WARS – Long ago on a desert planet far, far away, audiences were first introduced to Luke Skywalker and the Jedi legacy that had been passed down through generations. This hero’s journey and its long-lasting impact have resonated with audiences on a grand scale over the past forty years in movies, television, books, comics, and more. Led by Fanbase Press Editorials Manager Michele Brittany, this panel of writers from the Star Wars universe – including Cecil Castellucci (Moving Target: A Princess Leia Adventure), Michael Golden (Star Wars 38: Riders in the Void), Chris Thorne (Topps’ Star Wars: The Last Jedi Trading Cards), and Kevin Wetmore (Empire Triumphant: Race, Religion and Rebellion in the Star Wars Films) – will discuss the themes of legacy both from storytelling and academic perspectives within the Star Wars mythos.  (Room 103)

In addition, you will not want to miss the other indie creators, writers, artists, and publishers who will be exhibiting their work at the convention.

• The creative team of Monster Elementary will be in Artist Alley at Table B-10!
• Writer Russell Nohelty of Wannabe Press will be in Artist Alley at Table F-6!
• Writer Norm Harper of Karate Petshop will be in Artist Alley at Table B-11 will his graphic novels, including the Eisner Award-nominated Rikki. Harper will also participate on the “Hey! Kids’ Comics!” Panel on Sunday February 18, at 11 a.m. in Room 103.

Please visit the Long Beach Comic Expo website to purchase your tickets for this exciting event. In addition, follow Long Beach Comic Expo on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and information.

Everyone at Fanbase Press is greatly looking forward to the convention, and we hope to see you there!