Are you excited for New York Comic-Con? Of course you are! Click that link for all the information you need on programming, events, special guests, and much, much more. But since we know a lot of our readers are teachers or librarians, we wanted to highlight some of the important programming that may be of special interest to you. Here are the panels you may want to attend. And we all hope you have a wonderful time at the con!

October 11

Creativity is the Ultimate Super Power: Using Comics in Communities & Classrooms for Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Violence Education
Noon
1A04
Forget fiction and fantasy - a new breed of true heroes uses creativity as an alternative to the fight or flight powers depicted on the pulp pages. The very real Art Force Five have presented more than one-hundred workshops for schools and community centers – most importantly they give attendees the skills to implement change within their own communities and classrooms. With a special focus on diversity, bullying and non-violent conflict resolution, this panel is a must for educators and social justice advocates. Sponsored by Alfred University.
Panelists: Andrea Castro, Maimoona Rahim, Owens Sheppard, Rachel Oh, and Victor Osorio
 
 
The Possibilities of a Cape and Mask - How to Incorporate Superheroes into Public Library Programming
1:15
1A06
Superheroes in libraries can go well beyond the graphic novel collections and the occasional superhero storytime. Right now, superheroes are more popular than ever and enjoy almost universal appeal regardless of age or gender. The prevailing themes surrounding superheroes (costumes, capes, secret identities, arch villains, etc) make them an instantly recognized thing. This program will talk about how public libraries can use the concept of the superhero as a universal icon to create fun and cost effective library programs.
Panelists: Emily Weisenstein and  Joe Gasparro
 
Cultivating the Creative Energies of Your Students with Comic Books, Puppetry and the Arts
1:15
1A04
Learn how you can bring comic books, art and puppetry into your classroom, library, or after school program and add a unique way of teaching lessons and cultivating the creative energy of your students. Join writer Alex Simmons (Archie/Blackjack), Sesame Street's Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (Abby Cadabby), Executive Director of Bronx Heroes Comic Con Ray Felix and Executive Director of the Jim Henson Legacy Bonnie Erickson, as they share their experiences and the opportunities that you can bring your students.
Panelists: Alex Simmons, Bonnie Erickson, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Mike Lopez, and Ray Felix
 
 
Changing the Game with The Graphic Textbook
1:30
1A01
The Graphic Textbook from Reading With Pictures raised $77k on Kickstarter and was featured on NPR, Wired.com and the Chicago Tribune. And that was just the beginning! Meet the creators and educators behind this groundbreaking book that promises to revolutionize the role of comics in the classroom and find out how you can get involved!
Panelists: David Rapp, Janet Lee, Josh Elder
 
 
Foolproof Graphic Novel Collection Development
2:30
1A06
Building and maintaining a graphic novel collection in a library can be difficult for some librarians. But it doesn't have to be. Two New Jersey librarians will show you how to get the releases that your customers want and insure that you continue to get their favorites. They will also impart tips on getting essential selections for all age groups, networking with your local comics retailers to help the CE process, creating excitement about your library's graphic novel collections, and convincing administrators that comics are popular with all types of library users.
Panelists: David Lisa, Laverne Mann, and Stephen Hrubes
 
 
 
Making the Case for Teaching with Graphic Novels
5:15
1A04
Comics and graphic novels are gaining a wider acceptance as both entertainment and literature, but there are still many who see them only as “dumbed down books.” Many teachers, however, understand comics to be a complex art form which engage the reader on several levels of comprehension and literacy. Diamond BookShelf editor Mark Banaszak and a panel of experts will offer advice and strategies for teachers who would like to incorporate comics into their lesson plans but find resistance with administration or parents.
Panelist: Mark Banaszak
 
 
October 14
Getting Graphic with Girls: Empowering Girls and Addressing Issues through Paneled Pictures
4:00
1A01
Join some of graphic novel's best and brightest female writers/illustrators for a frank and lively discussion about creating comics for a young female reading audience and addressing the real life issues that matter to them.
Panelists: Cecil Castellucci, Colleen Venable, Laura Lee Gulledge, Lucy Knisley, and Sheila Keenan