Gene Ha | 10:30 AM - Multipurpose Room

The Process of Big Ideas

Eisner award-winning comics artist Gene Ha will show his work process from idea to print-ready pages.

Moderated by Rachel Anderson, Professor of English, GVSU

Christopher Moeller | 11:30 AM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: Gaming, Comics and Back Again

Christopher Moeller will share his experiences with world building and storytelling, particularly in as they relate to comics and game design.  He will also discuss the importance, in creative work, of enjoying what you do, be it painting, creating graphic novels or card and board games.

Comfort and Adam | 12:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Let every voice be heard:
The Journey of Learning to Write and Illustrate Diversity

Sponsored by the Milton E. Ford LGBT Resource Center

Comfort and Adam started their careers in comics 21 years ago while they were still in college. Through those years, their thoughts, ideas, and empathy grew and matured into award nominated comics focusing on diversity, inclusion, and finding one's own path in life. Come listen, learn, and share your thoughts as we all go on a journey of our own together. 

Part 1 of Democracy in Comics Speaker Series

John Van Fleet | 1:30 PM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: The 21st Century Model Kit

Multimedia artist John Van Fleet will talk about the use of 3D in comics and illustration and will help the audience understand these digital tools. 

Guin Thompson | 2:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Non-Compliant: The Comics Code, Censorship & The Rise of Underground Comix

Guin Thompson, Professor of Illustration, will discuss the Comics Code, censorship in comics, and the creation of underground, self-published comix as a result.

Part 2 of Democracy in Comics Speaker Series

Brian Stelfreeze | 3:30 PM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: Panel to Panels

Comics artist and painter Brian Stelfreeze will talk about how to maximize your storytelling potential in sequential storytelling.

Special Guest: Stine Walsh

Serena Guerra | 4:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Solarpunk

Artist and cartoonist Serena Guerra will discuss the solarpunk movement in comics. She will discuss how the visual medium of comics can be the perfect springboard to showcase futures where humans learn to balance technology and nature with a more balanced and inclusive society.

Part 3 of Democracy in Comics Speaker Series

Amy Jacobs | 10:30 AM - Multipurpose Room

Heroes and Horrors: Genre, Identity, and Morality in Batman: The Killing Joke

Amy Jacobs dives into the 1988 seminal graphic novel Batman: The Killing Joke written by Alan Moore and illustrated by Brian Bolland. There will be a breakout panel, inviting students to discuss the themes, art and history related to Batman: The Killing Joke.

Gene Ha | 11:30 AM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: Draw Yourself as a Superhero
(All Ages)

Gene Ha will help you define your powers and can help you design your costume. Cape and boots? Armor and wings? Explore your world of superheroes!

Mike Kennedy, Magnetic Press | 12:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

The Attraction of Publishing

Sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship

Mike Kennedy, publisher and design director of Magnetic Press, will discuss the ins and outs of being a comic book publisher. He will talk about breaking into the industry, and what to do when the stories you love find an audience that loves the story back.

Brian Stelfreeze | 1:30 AM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: The Painted Story

Brian Stelfreeze will demonstrate how to conceptualize and paint a comics cover.

Special Guest: Stine Walsh

Cosplay Contest | 2:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Cosplay Contest

Time to show off your Cosplay skills! Prizes and glory given in the following categories:

• Audience Favourite
• Judges Choice
• Best Group (Two or more)
• Best Adult Crafter/Craftsmanship (Age 17 Years +)
• Best Youth Crafter/Craftsmanship (Age 16 or Under)
• Maker's Circle/Deely Bopper Award

George Pratt | 3:30 PM - Activity Room, Lab 002

Workshop: The Figure in Comics and Art

Eisner Award-winning artist George Pratt will demonstrate approaches in drawing the figure in comics and art.

Hannah Batsel | 4:30 PM - Multipurpose Room

Artist Book Publishing: How Weird Books are Made

Book artist and illustrator Hannah Batsel will discuss her printmaking and book work, giving an inside peek at how books with unusual sizes, structures, and moving parts get made. From publishing small editions by hand to working with mass-market publishing houses, artists who support their narratives with pop-ups, paper engineering, and removable pieces have their work cut out for them!

Panel Discussions | 12 noon - Multipurpose Room

Laker Con Speakers will talk about the state of comics in a round table format.

The presenters will will discuss pressing issues for emerging comics creators including their career trajectories, the state of publishing and self-publishing, and the changing trends in art, media and technology.