Celebrate Will Eisner Week at the Comic-Con Museum, March 1!

1:00 The Spirit of Comic-Con—Will Eisner believed in Comic-Con. From the first time he was a guest of the show in 1975, until his death in 2005, Will was an integral part of the Comic-Con family, investing in the community and professional institutions of the show. Besides always being onstage to hand out trophies at the Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, he spearheaded the Eisner Spirit of Comics Retailer Award, appeared on programs, did signings and always made time to encourage aspiring creators and fans. Sharing personal photos and reminiscences, Eisner Awards administrator Jackie Estrada shows you the Will Eisner she knew.

1:45 Ticketed Giveaway #1 and Break

2:00 To The Head of the Class: A Comics Educator Meetup—Do you teach with comics? Do you want to, but don’t know where to begin? Do you want to meet others who share a passion for comics in schools and libraries? This is the panel for you! Join CBLDF education contributor Betsy Gomez for an overview of the current landscape of comics and education, featuring Jewyl Clarke (integrated curriculum coordinator, San Diego County Office of Education), and Erwin Magbanua (principal librarian, Chula Vista Public Library). Starting with his military service in World War II, Will Eisner was one of the earliest champions for the educational potential of comics; nothing would make him happier than being in a room full of teachers who share his values. Come toast Will’s foresight, see what other teachers are up to, share your techniques, win teacher oriented prizes, and make new friends!

3:00 Life Forces: The Art of the Comics Memoir—Will Eisner pioneered the American comics memoir with To The Heart of the Storm, The Dreamer, and a host of semi-autobiographical graphic novels. A generation later, the genre is thriving, with stories for all walks of life by a diverse field of creators with a wide range of singular approaches. Creators Henry Barajas (La Voz De M.A.Y.O: Tata Rambo), Cecil Castellucci (Girl on Film), Mary Fleener (Life of the Party), Kate Leth (Valley Ghouls), and Victoria Ying (Mother Tongue) talk about the joys, challenges, heartbreaks, and breakthroughs that come with bringing real life to the comics page in this panel moderated by Laura Jones, Comic-Con operations and programming coordinator.

4:00 Ticketed Giveaway #2 and Closing Reception

Click here to sign up to attend the Comic-Con Museum Celebrates Will Eisner on Eventbrite!

Admission is FREE!