For the first time, the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books will include "The Comix Strip," an entire section of the popular event dedicated to showcasing comics, graphic novels and manga. "The Comix Strip" will feature booths from prominent comic book publishers, retailers, and distributors as well as the inimitable writers and artists who create these hip and unique works.
Comix Strip-related programming will include a special Festival panel to be hosted by LOS ANGELES TIMES pop culture writer, Geoff Boucher, entitled "Comics: Superheroes of the Page and Screen."
Panelists include Jeph Loeb, co-executive producer of the smash TV hit HEROES and writer for some of the industry's most well-known characters, including Spider-Man, Hulk, Captain America and Wolverine; Mike Mignola, creator of HELLBOY; and Steve Niles, creator of the 30 DAYS OF NIGHT graphic novel franchise. Other panels include "Reading Manga: A Japanese Phenomenon Comes to America," and "Graphic Novels: Every Picture Tells a Story."
Additional comic book luminaries are slated to participate in autograph sessions at booths throughout the weekend. Image Comics, Boom! Studios, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Animation Magazine, and Animal Army Comics are among the list of exhibitors.
More than140,000 attendees are expected this year, as the festival brings together a cool, eclectic and family-friendly line-up of talent, storytellers, celebrities, musical performances and literary giants. The Festival will be held April 26 and 27 on the UCLA campus.
General event information can be found at http://latimesfestivalofbooks.com/ or by calling 1-800-LA TIMES, ext. 7BOOK. Admission is free, but tickets are required to attend author/panel discussions and lectures.
Because seating at these events is limited, tickets will be made available for a $.75 per ticket fee at Ticketmaster.com and through select Ticketmaster locations in Southern California beginning at Noon on April 20 and until capacity has been reached.
