An ICv2 release.  ICv2 has announced the addition of six renowned panelists to complete its roster for the third annual ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference at New York Comic Con next week.  The new panelists include literary agent Merrilee Heifetz, whose clients include Neil Gaiman and Laurell K. Hamilton; Ron Hill, chief buyer for Jim Hanley's Universe; editor and creator Kazu Kibuishi (Flight, Flight Explorer, Amulet); Jim Salicrup, editor-in-chief of the successful Papercutz graphic novel line; Ginee Seo, VP and Editorial Director of Ginee Seo Books; and Brandon Waters, graphic novel buyer for Books-a-Million.

 

"These panelists complete a great roster with some of the best minds in the graphic novel business," ICv2 President Milton Griepp said.  "With this kind of group, we're anticipating an excellent exchange of ideas on the key issues in this rapidly changing category."

 

The "ICv2 Graphic Novel Conference:  Breaking Out" will be held on Thursday afternoon, April 17th at the Javits Center in New York City.  The panels will take place between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a cocktail reception sponsored by Transcontinental Printing to follow.  In addition to Transcontinental, Viz Media LLC and Publishers Weekly are sponsoring the Conference.  

 

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

http://www.nycomiccon.com/icv2

 

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/news/12143.html

 

ICv2

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.