CBC Graphic Novel Committee Free Programming at San Diego Comic-Con 2025
The CBC Graphic Novel Committee presented 3 great panels this year at SDCCI 2025 as a part of Comic-Con Conference for Educators & Librarians (CCEL)! The panel videos are available on our site here.
From Cartoons to Characters
What do cartoons and graphic novels have in common—besides being awesome? Join these creators as they explore how both formats boost visual literacy and keep young minds sharp, creative, and totally hooked.
MODERATOR
- Brenda Maier (The Adventures of Penguin & Panda) — Marble Press
PANELISTS
- Dean Hale (Iron Man: Something Strange (A Might Marvel Team-Up)) — Abrams Books
- Kennedy Tarrell (Evil-ish) — Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Feiwel & Friends
- Mary Shyne (You and Me on Repeat) — Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group / Henry Holt and Co. BYR
- Jeffrey Brown (Marvel The Uncanny X-Men: Days of Future Fun) — Chronicle Books
Graphic Novel vs Manga
It’s a showdown here with YA and MG graphic novels and manga, as both are dominating the shelves. Join these creators for a fun look at what’s best, their educational value, and why both formats get readers hooked!
MODERATOR
- Matthew Noe — Lead Collection & Knowledge Management Librarian, Harvard Medical School
PANELISTS
- Dora Wang (Pocket Peaches) — Andrews McMeel Kids
- Samuel Sattin (Unico) — Scholastic
- Kayden Phoenix (Latina Superheroes (Volume 1): Jalisco & Santa) — Andrews McMeel Publishing
- Ursula Murray Husted (Botticelli’s Apprentice) — HarperCollins Children’s Books
- Whyt Manga (Apple Black) — The Quarto Group / Rockport Publishers
Make ‘Em Laugh: Using Jokes, Puns and Goofy Ideas to Hook Reluctant Readers
Think all books feel like homework? Think again! This panel makes the case for comedy as a secret weapon as a reading and a teaching tool. Join these creators for a lively look at how humor keeps young readers engaged, learning, and laughing all the way to the last page.
MODERATOR
- Joshua Pruett (Gyro and the Argonauts) — Andrews McMeel Kids
PANELISTS
- Emmanuel Guerrero (Cactus Kid) — Flying Eye Books
- Amy Chase (Abuzz and Miraculous Chibi) — Mad Cave Studios / Papercutz
- Max Lang (Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!) — Random House Children’s Books
- Suzanne Lang (Grumpy Monkey School Stinks!) — Random House Children’s Books
- Marz Jr. (Transformers: Worst Bot Ever – Meet Ballpoint!) — Skybound Entertainment
A special thank you to:
- The San Diego Comic-Con Programming Team for their guidance and help in organizing the panels.
- The San Diego Public Library and Library Shop for their work at their location, organizing our panelists’ book signings, and having the books available for purchase onsite.
- The amazing book creators, their publishers, and the CBC Graphic Novel Committee members.
- Our great moderators — Tina Lerno, Christina E. Taylor, & Jack Phoenix — for their collaboration and contribution.
