Mailing List
General Interest Panels
Love Naruto? Bleach? Fruits Basket? Or are you an avid reader of all things Shonen Jump? Perhaps you have an abiding love for Ai Yazawa's art and want to talk with other fans. MangaNEXT Panels will cover all that - and more! Join panels run by fans just like you, on topics near and dear to your heart. From the manga series you love, to the artist you most admire - webcomics, popular manga genres and tons of American artist circles to keep you abreast of the American manga art scene.
Ai Yazawa
The artist of Nana, I'm Not an Angel, Paradise Kiss and many other series is just as hot here in the west as she is in Japan. Come talk with other Ai Yazawa fans about her works!America Comic-Manga Fusion
American manga companies are looking for American manga talent. And American comic companies are trying to incorporate the manga look into their series. Professional comic artist Tania Del Rio discusses the changes in the American comics field as the manga aesthetic invades.American Doujinsjhi Circles
With the meteoric rise in manga popularity, it's no surprise that western artists are banding together to form their own small press companies, known as "circles" in Japan. Representatives from several circles will talk about the challenges and triumphs of putting out their own manga.The Best Manga You've Never Read
You might not know it, but there are whole worlds of manga out there that you are not reading and we would like to open your eyes to them. We will be exploring a mixture of relatively unknown shounen, shoujo, josei, and seinen manga titles. Come check us out and you just might find your new favorite series!Bleach
Come celebrate this action/adventure comedy series with fans just like you. Discuss your favorite chapters of the manga, the differences between the manga and the anime and anything else that comes to mind about Bleach!CLAMP
Whatever genre of manga they touch, it turns into gold. From the sweetest of shoujo to sexy shounen to ghost, action, adventures, CLAMP's skills make that series a star. Come to this panel to discuss your favorite CLAMP series and talk about the impact these women have had on the world of manga on both sides of the ocean.Creating an American Doujinshi
With several projects in the pipeline at major Global manga publishers, Studio Lime has also created a line of original doujinshi, like Karma and Gilt. Find out how to go about drawing, cost-effectively prepare, print and distribute your own doujinshi. Everybody can make doujinshi, be it original or parody, so let your creative juices flow and visit this panel.Creating Global Manga
Manga created by non-Japanese mangaka is rising in popularity and Studio Lime with several projects coming from Tokyopop USA & Germany and Shogun Magazine in France is at the very forefront of this exciting new movement. Find out how New Jersey based Lime create their project with several languages and international appeal in mind, yet still staying true to the influence of Japanese manga. For the inside scoop or if you ever wanted to create your own Global Manga, this is the panel to visit.Dengeki Daioh
Never heard of Dengeki Daioh? We bet you've heard of some of the series that have come from this magazine: Gundam 0079, Gundam Seed, Yostubato, Kashimashi Girl Meets Girl, Kannazuki no Miko, Ichigo Mashimaro, Onegai Twins, Onegai Teacher, Stellvia, Azumanga Daioh, DigiCharat, Comic Party, Tsukihime, Shakugan no Shana, Boogiepop Phantom, To Heart and many, many more! Join this panel and be amazed at how much of the manga (and anime) you love comes from this one magazine - and learn about the great stuff you're missing.Doujinshi
Fan-published and small press comics are the subject of some of Japan's largest comic markets - and a huge underground publishing industry. Learn about the history and current life of the doujinshi market in Japan - and how to collect them for yourself.Fruits Basket
Whether your vote goes to Kyo or Yuki, this series has plenty to interest fans of all ages. Romance, magic, mystery and a dollop of comedy make this panel a guaranteed must-attend for FB fans.Fullmetal Face-Off: Manga Vs. Anime
Fullmetal Alchemist is a modern anime masterpiece and an international hit. But how much does it differ from it's source material. What characters and events never existed in the manga, and who/what never made it into the anime. What Video game juggernaut publishes this highly acclaimed manga. And how does a tiny panda fit into this? Come join our featured Alchem-holics as they compare and contrast these two different tales of a pair of brothers and their journey of redemption.Furoku Show and Tell
Furoku, those little giveaways that come with the Japanese manga magazines, are a sub-culture all their own. If you have a wonderful furoku from a series you love and want to show it off - or if you have a bunch or furoku that you'd love to find a home for, join this show-and-tell and swap meeting. The furoku of your dream might await!The Girls in Science Manga Project
The National Science Foundation and the Feminist Press have teamed up to offer artists and writers a chance to participate in the "Girls in Science" manga project. If you have an idea for a manga that will inspire girls in any field of science or technology, you'll want to be at this panel!The Globalization of Manga Fandom
Through the growth of the Internet, anime and manga fanworks written in English now encompass a global reach. This presentation will look at various aspects of American online fandom such as fansubs/scanslations, websites, blogs and online specialty shops and how non-American fans participate in the use of these products of American fandom to create a new globalized fandom which focuses on what's hot in Japan in addition to the previous America-focused American fandom.History of Manga in America
What was the first manga to reach American shores? What affect did it have - and where is it now? The manga market is huge now, but join this panel to visit the dark ages when manga was few and far between...and a radical new concept for the west.The How & Why of Shoujo
Originally intended for an audience of young girls, shoujo manga and anime in the U.S. has captured the attention of readers from all ages and both genders. Our panelists will discuss how these stories differ in character design and plot development from other genres, and why they appeal to so many different audiences. Both experienced shoujo fans and newcomers to the genre are encouraged to participate with their own perspectives and questions about these not-just-magical-girl stories.Indie Comics
Independent comics are alive and thriving! Once you look past the major comic and manga publishing houses, there's a world of exciting creativity and independent thought out there. This panel challenges you to look past the easily obtainable to find the fascinating and thoughtful.Inu Yasha
Join one of the translators for the Inu Yasha manga in a detailed discussion of this incredibly popular series!Josei Manga
When girls grow up and grow out of shoujo manga, what do they read? They read josei manga, written by, for and about women in their late teens to mid twenties. This panel will discuss the evolution of josei manga, how it's being approached here in the west and what's happening in Japan in this popular, but unsung genre.Light Novels
Illustrated novels, called "Light Novels" in Japan, have always been a rich source for manga. Join our experts who will walk you through the surprising history of some famous manga that came from light novels, and who will talk about the hot LNs coming out here and in Japan.Manga4Kids
This panel will focus on the younger readers of manga, those in the 8-13 age group. We will discuss what they are reading, why they like it, and what they find in manga that isn't available in traditional kids' genres. Other possible topics include boys' and girls' preferences, issues of censorship and suitability, the appeal of the exotic, problematic role models, the commercial aspects of manga (i.e. tie-ins with toys and television), how the issue of scanlation is affecting attitudes towards copyright and intellectual property theft, and how parents view manga.Manga for Parents
If you have children who are interested in anime and manga, you've probably wondered "what is it that they see in it?" Our panelist has years of experience explaining to the grownups exactly what the kids find appealing - and what they might find interesting too. This panel includes a brief overview of terminology for the newbie parent.Manga in the Classroom
As Manga grows in popularity, its place in the classroom is a reality we must face. Many students bring Manga into the class room to read. In some cases, this is the only reading these students will do. A discussion should occur where we talk about Manga in the classroom, how to use it effectively, and to teach parents and teachers alike how to responsible about what their students are reading.Manhwa
Manhwa, comics from Korea, are breaking big-time on the American scene. Come to this panel to discuss the hottest titles and artists.Mythology and Folklore
From the violent gods of the Vikings to the mischievous fox spirits of Japan, elements of myth and folklore are used by manga and anime creators to add interest and resonance to their stories. Our panelists will introduce a selection of stories that base much of their setting and premise on legendary or religious sources, and discuss how effectively the authors use that material to tell their own stories. Audience members are encouraged to offer their own examples as well, for open discussion and interpretation. Negima What do you love about this magical romance/adventure? Join other fans to talk about this wildly popular manga by Ken Akamatsu, nicknamed "Harem Potter" by its fans.Ninja High School
Ninja High School, America's longest running American made manga! Even considered to be the first! The series began in 1985 and is still going! Find out where it all began!One Piece
A manga about a rubber pirate and his crew on a quest for their treasure - who isn't charmed by this adventure-filled and whimsical series? Bring your Devil Fruit and join Luffy D. Monkey's crew for a trip to the Grand Line - or at least a good talk about it.Onezumi
Webcomic, forums, art gallery, and inspirational commentary rolled up into one. Onezumi and Harknell talk about the creation of their popular webcomic and the brand it launched at this sure-to-be-wild panel.Prejudices and Stereotypes in Manga
Cultural and racial differences are seen differently in every country. This panel takes a look at some of the typical stereotypes and prejudices one might encounter in manga. This panel will contain controversial material and may not be suitable for children or people with a sensitive nature. 16+. Under 16 may attend with a parent or legal guardian.Prince of Tennis
The characters, the plots, the tennis! Fans of Prince of Tennis want you to come armed with your favorite moments and thoughts about this popular sports manga!Ranma 1/2
One of the most popular series ever in Japan and America, this was the "gateway manga" for many western fans. Even after all this time, there's still plenty to talk about! The manga series may be over, but your memories of Ranma (girl-type or boy-type), Akane and all the rest of the gang are always welcome.Sailor Moon
This series broke on the western manga and anime scene like a tsunami, bring the idea of "shoujo" manga with it. Learn a bit of the history and evolution of this manga - and get to see some of the original translations with names that were changed, but later changed back to the originals.Scanlation
One of the most popular forms of fanwork, scanlations are the scanning and translating of unlicensed manga, distributed through digital channels. Discuss the technical aspects of scanlation, along with the legal and ethical implications.Shinto and Buddhism in Manga
From shrine festivals to Enma, manga is filled with references to Japan's national religion Shinto and the most popular imported religion, Buddhism. If you've ever wondered what the paper streamers outside shrines are for, or why Buddhist priests carry ringed staves, this panel will answer all your questions!Sin Comix
This American "circle" specializes in adult stories, by women, for anyone who enjoys them. Talk with the ladies of Sin Comix about their fan and original works, and learn what it takes to create, maintain and promote a circle here in America.The Shonen Jump Touch
Dragon Ball Z. Ruroni Kenshin. Yu-Gi-Oh. Naruto. These are some of the biggest anime properties to hit US shores, and just some of the hundreds of titles that have graced Shonen Jump, arguable the world's most popular anime anthology. Come by the Shonen Jump touch and learn the roots of this manga powerhouse, what future properties are ready to talk American by shore, and what potential hits you're missing out on.Sports Manga
Sports manga and anime had been ignored by US licensors for a long time for fear they would not sell well. Based on the number of sports titles on the market, it's safe to say their fears are unfounded. You may have seen titles like Prince of Tennis, Whistle!, and Eyeshield 21 on the bookshelves of your neighborhood book shop. Come and talk with other sports fans about your favorite manga titles, and learn about manga that has yet to make it to our shores.Women Drawing Pornography
It's a field associated with men. And even with the recent boom of explicit yaoi materials, there are still fewer women drawing, writing and publishing adult materials than men. This panel will give the women who draw, write and publish stories with adult material a chance to tell you their not at all tawdry stories! (18+)Women in Fandom
Forums, anime clubs, online RPGs, and mailing lists are all showing an increasing presence of women and girls, bringing fresh and unique perspectives to the world of manga, anime, and video game fandom. Our panelists will guide a discussion of how women fans express theirinterests, and how they interact with their fellow fans both in person and on the internet. We will also consider how the influx of women into fandom has influenced the perception of fans by the American mainstream.