The flag of diversity in comic books, both within the pages and behind the scenes, is a banner that man have pledged allegiance to over the years but very few were strong enough to hold the flag steady amid the consternation of fans in the majority and old school publishers who didnt see anything wrong with keeping things just the way they are.
Today, as more and more media outlets are picking up the cause of inclusiveness in the medium, so too are comic festivals and gatherings sewing the fibers of diversity into its very tapestry of these gatherings as year after year Comic Book Conventions and festivals across the United States invite some of the brightest minds in the genre to discuss inclusiveness.
From June 6 through 7 Special Edition: NYC held court at Pier 94 in New York City and, as has been the case as of late, there were several panels espousing the benefits of diversity and inclusivity within the pages of comic books. Last week TSL Comic Book Convo brought you video gleaned from the #BlackComicsMonth Diversity in Comics panel. Today were back like we forgot our wallet to bring you the continuation of our remaining panel coverage from Special Edition: NYC.
Moderated by NPR Latino USAs Daisy Rosario, the Representation Beyond Characters Panel discussion featured Valentine De Landro (Bitch Planet), Alitha Martinez (WWE, Yume and Ever, Foreign, Batgirl, Iron Man), Amy Chu (DMC), Greg Pak (Planet Hulk, The Princess Who Saved Herself), Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez (Editor-in-Chief DMC Comics), and Kim Gaines (Grub Machine Comics). The panelists speak candidly about their views on diversity, how they inject their life experience into their work, and much more. Enjoy!