As artists, editors, writers and fans, Asian Americans have been a key creative force behind the graphical storytelling movement. Thats why some of the industrys leading Asian American creators have collaborated to organize this celebration of the unique contemporary role and historical legacy of Asians in the world of comics and cartoon art.

On July 11, 2009, the biggest Asian American creators in manga, mainstream and indie comics are gathering for a unique one-day event, featuring interactive workshops, intimate interviews, and hands-on opportunities to learn from the top talents in the trade. Meet and mingle with the masters. Get autographed copies of your favorite graphic novels and original sketches. And take part in provocative panels like:

--NERDPOP: The rise of the nerds, and why geek chic is changing the game
--EVERY COMIC IS ASIAN AMERICAN: An all-star lineup of novelists and poets reimagine their favorite comic book characters as Asian American
--POP GOES EAST: How the Asianification of American pop culture has reshaped the graphic novel
--THE NEW VILLAINS: Muslim insurgents, North Korean dictators, and Chinese spies, oh my!
--WRITERS' BLOC: Leading comics writers discuss the craft of writing in panels, and show how graphical narratives allow for stories impossible to tell in any other medium
--VISUAL STORYTELLING--THE MASTER CLASS: Top comics creators show off their individual approaches to telling stories with pictures
--CAN COMICS PAY THE RENT?: Is there a future for the comics industry? And do you belong in it?
--SIMILAR DIFFERENCES: A one-on-one interview with alt-comics wunderkind DEREK KIRK KIM
--ASIANS IN BOXES--FROM CHOP-CHOP TO SILVER SAMURAI: A guided tour with science fiction legend William F. Wu, as he shares samples from his collection of thousands of comics depicting Asian images...good, bad, and definitely ugly
--HAMA TIME!: A spotlight interview with comics pioneer Larry Hama, creator of the G.I. Joe universe and winner of this year's KIYAMA AWARD celebrating the achievements of Asians in comics!