As of July 1, 2025, all San Diego Public Library locations are closed on Sundays. 

In the coming months, Monday hours will be subject to change.

Publisher Panels | Comic-Con Conference for Educators & Librarians

Primary tabs

Program Type:

Featured
  • Registration is encouraged for this event.
  • Registration will close on July 24, 2025 @ 12:00am.

Program Description

Event Details

Comic-Con International and San Diego Public Library have teamed up for the Comic Conference for Educators and Librarians (CCEL). This FREE five-day conference will take place at the San Diego Central Library during Comic-Con® from July 23-27, and will explore the role comics play in promoting education and literacy for all ages. Those in the library and education fields are invited to learn creative and exciting ways to incorporate comics and other popular arts into their work. Through presentations and panel discussions, the Conference hopes to engage the community and promote comics as a medium for learning. 

 

Seating is not guaranteed and is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Registration is for interest only and does not guarantee a seat.

=======================================

Please join us for the following Publisher Day panels at CCEL on Friday, July 25th: 

 

10:00–11:00 | From Cartoons to Characters

What do cartoons and graphic novels have in common—besides being awesome? Moderator Brenda Maier (The Adventures of Penguin & Panda) and creators Dean Hale (Iron Man: Something Strange (A Might Marvel Team-Up)), Jeffrey Brown (Marvel The Uncanny X-Men: Days of Future Fun), Kennedy Tarrell (Evil-ish), Mary Shyne (You and Me on Repeat), and Steve Breen (Sky & Ty 2: Dinomite!) explore how both formats boost visual literacy and keep young minds sharp, creative, and totally hooked.

 

11:00–12:00 | Graphic Novel vs. Manga

It's a showdown here with YA and middle-grade graphic novels and manga, as both are dominating the shelves. Join moderator Matthew Noe (lead collection and knowledge management librarian, Harvard Medical School) and creators Dora Wang (Pocket Peaches), Samuel Sattin (Unico), Kayden Phoenix (Latina Superheroes vol. 1: Jalisco & Santa), Whyt Manga (Apple Black), and Ursula Murray Husted (Botticelli’s Apprentice) for a fun look at what's best, their educational value, and why both formats get readers hooked! 

 

12:00–1:00 | Make 'Em Laugh: Using Jokes, Puns, and Goofy Ideas to Hook Reluctant Readers

This panel makes the case for comedy as a secret weapon and as a reading and teaching tool. Moderator Joshua Pruett (Gyro and the Argonauts) and creators Amy Chase (Abuzz and Miraculous Chibi), Marz Jr. (Transformers: Worst Bot Ever—Meet Ballpoint!), Emmanuel Guerrero (Cactus Kid), Suzanne Lang (Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!), and Max Lang (Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!) take a lively look at how humor keeps young readers engaged, learning, and laughing all the way to the last page. 

 

1:00–2:00 | Navigating the 2025 (Comics) Librarian Experience

With budgetary cuts, professional burnout, and never-ending calls for censorship, it’s safe to say that all members of the library community are anxious about what 2025 may hold. Led by Barbra Dillon (editor-in-chief, Fanbase Press), this panel of seasoned library professionals—including Megan Halsband (Physical Collections Services, Library of Congress), Moni Barrette (director of collection development & publisher relations, Library Pass), Matthew Noe (librarian, Harvard Medical School), Jack Phoenix (collection development manager, Cuyahoga Falls Library), Amie Wright (executive director, Toronto Comic Arts Festival), and Hillary Chang (branch manager, McCully-Moiliili Public Library)—will discuss and troubleshoot current and potential challenges facing the library community. 

 

2:00–3:00 | Express Your Emanata: Using Graphic Texts for SEL

Graphic texts like comics and manga connect students with stories in a way no other medium can. The visual components evoke empathetic responses to characters and conflict, while the text supports language development with built-in differentiation for all learners. Dr. Jason DeHart (English teacher, Building Critical Literacy and Empathy with Graphic Novels), Dr. Christian Hines (assistant professor of Reading and Literacy at TXST), Kane Lynch (educator, cartoonist, Reel Life), Scott McCloud (author, The Cartoonists Club, Understanding Comics), and Jana Tropper (speech-language pathologist, graphic noveli,st Seeker Society) discuss the use of this powerful medium for understanding, creation, and connection with students from preschool through college level. 

 

3:00–4:00 | Leveling Up: Strengthening California’s Creative Workforce

Take a deep dive into how California’s arts and entertainment ecosystem is shifting and how state agencies are stepping in to help workers and creative businesses thrive. Allison Frenzel (arts, media, and entertainment industry sector lead, California Department of Education), Xochitl Torres (program director, BRIC Foundation), Danielle Brazell (executive director of the CA Arts Counsel), Adam Fowler (founding partner of CVL Economics), Robert Meyer (director of economic development, California Employment Training Panel), and Leah Medrano (deputy director, California Film Commission) explore fresh data, surprising trends, and new opportunities popping up across the Golden State. Moderated by Jewyl Alderson (San Diego County Office of Education). 

 

4:00–5:00 | Comic Making for Kids and Teachers

Craig Knitt (creative arts specialist at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Bay and Lakes Region) and Michael Norton Dando (professor of communication arts at St. Cloud State University) host a fun, hands-on workshop exploring the comic-making process. Young creators will learn to express their unique voices through storytelling and illustration, while educators will discover practical ways to inspire students in the classroom. 

 

5:00–6:00 | How Video Games Are Changing the Lives of Students at Monarch High School

Monarch High School students Marcel, Jessica, Juan, Leo, and Messiah share their experiences as members of the Monarch Esports Team and how gaming has helped improve attendance, leadership, and academic performance. They will explore the power of e-sports in a trauma-informed, strength-based environment and how it creates meaningful engagement for students navigating complex life challenges. Moderated by Chris Garcia (San Diego County Office of Education EdTech Coordinator and Monarch Esports Coach). 

 

=======================================

 

Comic-Con badge-holders with valid single same-day or four-day badges are welcome to attend and are not required to register.  

In addition to CCEL, San Diego Public Library hosts themed San Diego Comic-Con programming leading up to and through the days of the conference. Please visit our website for more information. 

Register for this event

Accessibility

Need disability-related modifications or accommodations? Information and program content can be made available in alternative formats upon request by emailing RACooper@sandiego.gov.