Graphic Novel Conference---for who?
11/08/2007

Everyone knows that graphic novels are the fastest growing area of books and comics. At least that is what is always being said so it seems that if you want to make it in this business and you don't want to draw those guys in tights or big breasted women, the fast growing graphic novel market seems to be way to do it. At least that is what I thought.

First the Press Release about the graphic novel conference coming up for the New York Comic Con.

An ICv2 Release. Pop culture publishing and consulting company ICv2 has announced the second annual ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference at New York Comic Con next February. "The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference: The New Trends Shaping Pop Culture" will be held on Thursday afternoon, February 22, 2006 at the Javits Center in New York City.

"Graphic novels were the most dynamic area of pop culture again in 2006," said ICv2 CEO Milton Griepp about the Conference. "Whether as literature, mass entertainment, or education, the graphic story medium is increasingly the choice. The ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference is where the industry gathers to talk about the future and how to keep it bright."

Confirmed panelists include graphic novel buyers from specialty retail chains, wholesalers, and comic stores; top executives from manga companies and book publishers; experts from the library and educational markets; a top new graphic novel creator; and more. Among the many notable panelists and moderators are Liza Coppola, Executive Vice President of Viz Media, LLC; Regina Deppin, Graphic Novel Buyer for Baker and Taylor; Michele Gorman, MLS, Young Adult Librarian, Author, Consultant; James Killen, Graphic Novel Buyer at Barnes & Noble; Marisa Acocella Marchetto, the creator of Cancer Vixen; Ed Masessa, Category Manager for Scholastic Book Fairs; Chris Powell -- General Manager, Lone Star Comics; and Calvin Reid, Senior Editor at Publishers Weekly.

Publishers, retailers, librarians, creators, literary agents, and licensors and licensees will all find the ideas they need to inform and inspire their growth for the coming years.

Three sponsors have signed on to support this important event for the future of graphic novels: VIZ Media, LLC; Transcontinental Printing; and Publishers Weekly.

AND NOW THE INFORMATION---

REGISTER TODAY!
For only $189, you can participate in this exciting event on the future of the graphic novel industry with the companies and people making it grow.

AND THAT IS THE PROBLEM!
$189!!!! Who is this conference for? Is it just something to make money for the con? ICV2 (and just what do those initial stand for anyway?). When I first heard about this I was excited to think it was a chance to see who the hobnobs were in getting something in front of them that wasn't the usual spandex stuff. This sounds like nothing more than a get together for friends in the in and if anyone else wants to get involved they have to pay. $189!!!! plus the cost of the con, the hotel, the travel---YIKES.

You know the net result will be that the graphic novels that sell are from Marvel, DC, TokyoPop, and Viz. What else is new? The more things stay the same, the more that they stay the same.

$189!!!!

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