An ICv2 Release.  Pop culture publishing and consulting company ICv2 has announced that it will host its signature ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference in association with New York Comic Con.  The third annual ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference -- "Breaking Out" will be held from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, April 17th, at the Javits Center in New York.

The graphic novel phenomenon is sweeping publishing, with growing impacts on movies, TV, and licensing.  As graphic novels break out of a niche category and into the mainstream, new challenges and opportunities confront the market.  Join the key players in the industry as they discuss this rapidly changing landscape.

ICv2 will present its annual Graphic Novel White Paper, including its 2007 graphic novel market size estimate revealed at this event for the first time, detailed analysis of the 2007 trends, and the outlook for 2008.   

Panel topics include "Graphic Novels for Tweens," which will focus on the fast-growing tween market for graphic novels; and "The Battle for Talent," moderated by Publishers Weekly senior news editor Calvin Reid, which will focus on how changes in graphic novel rights deals are affecting what gets published, and how.  Key buyers will talk about the most important trends in the business and what to expect in the future in "Buyers Panel -- The Next Three Years"

Confirmed panelists include graphic novel buyers from the chain bookstore, comic store, wholesaler, library, and special channels; top publishing executives; agents specializing in the graphic novel space, experts from the library and educational markets; and more. 

Key buyers scheduled as panelists, with more to be added, include Jeff Ayers of Forbidden Planet New York, Alison Hendon of Brooklyn Public Library, Jim Killen of Barnes and Noble, Ed Masessa of Scholastic Book Fairs, and Bill Schanes of Diamond Comic Distributors.  

Publisher and editor panelists include Dan Buckley of Marvel, Liza Coppola of Viz, Mike Kiley of Tokyopop, Betsy Mitchell of Del Rey Books, and Mark Siegel of First Second. Literary agents Judy Hansen and Bob Mecoy will also participate.  

ICv2 President Milton Griepp described the changes for this year's event.  "As always, we're trying to focus on the issues that are driving change in the market," he said.  "The whole tween market is an area of increasing focus, and we're going to explore how manga and a few American titles have really taken off in this market and what it means for the future.  We'll also be taking a look at how the changing rights scene is transforming the whole business of graphic novels.  And underlying it all will be our discussion of how the incredible growth in this category can be sustained."  

The event will wrap up with the Transcontinental Printing Cocktail Party at 5 p.m., a chance to meet, mingle, and chat with the key players in the graphic novel industry.

Three sponsors have signed on to support this important event for the future of graphic novels:  VIZ Media, LLC; Transcontinental Printing; and Publishers Weekly.  "We feel this event makes an important contribution to the graphic novel industry," Griepp said, "and we wouldn't be able to pull it off without our sponsors' continuing support.  Our thanks goes out to them."

Tickets for the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference are now on sale at the New York Comic Con Website:

New York Comic Con

 

For more information on the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, go to:

http://www.icv2.com/articles/news/11989.html

For a full list and more information on the panelists at the ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference, go to:

http://www.icv2.com/articles/home/12143.html

ICv2 is the undisputed expert in the graphic novel field and covers pop culture in the anime, comics, games, toys, and movie and TV merchandise categories daily on its Website, ICv2.com, and in its magazine, the ICv2 Guide. ICv2 also provides consulting services to companies involved in the business of pop culture.

New York Comic Con
New York Comic Con is operated by Reed Exhibitions which is the world's leading events organizer.  In 2006 Reed brought together over six million industry professions from around the world generating billions of dollars in business.  Today Reed events are held in 34 countries throughout the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Asia Pacific, and organized by 37 fully staffed offices.  Reed organizes a wide range of events, including exhibitions, conferences, congresses and meetings.  Its portfolio of over 460 events serves 52 industry sectors, including:  Aerospace and defense, building and construction, design, electronics, energy, oil and gas, entertainment, food and hospitality, gifts, healthcare, IT/telecoms, jewelry, manufacturing, marketing and business services, pharmaceuticals, property, publishing, security, sport and recreation, transport and logistics, travel.  Working closely with professional bodies, trade associations and government departments Reed ensures that each and every event is targeted and relevant to industry needs.  As a result, many Reed events are market leaders in their field.

Reed Exhibitions is part of Reed Elsevier Group plc, a FTSE-100 company and worldleading publisher and information provider.

VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, California, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content.  Owned by three of Japan's largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation.  The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as Shonen Jump and Shojo Beat, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages.


Transcontinental Printing
Transcontinental is the largest printer in Canada and seventh in North America, and is also the country's leading consumer magazine publisher and second largest community newspaper publisher.  From mass to highly personalized marketing, the company offers its clients integrated solutions which also include a diverse digital platform and a door-to-door distribution network of advertising material.  Transcontinental is a company whose values, including respect, innovation and integrity, are central to its operation.  Transcontinental (TSX: TCL.SV.A, TCL.MV.B) has more than 14,000 employees in Canada, the United States and Mexico, and reported revenues of C$2.2 billion (US $1.9 billion) in 2005.

Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly is the leading publication serving all segments involved in the creation, production, marketing and sale of the written word in book, audio, video and electronic formats.  It is the prime source of comprehensive news and provides unique industry data including an annotated bestseller list, hot deals and retail news.  A 134-year old magazine -- with over 100,000 dedicated readers -- PW is recognized as the leading publication for international and U.S. book publishing needs. PW's Website, PublishersWeekly.com is packed with great information from the hottest industry news to book reviews to the popular e-newsletters and much more.