Z2 Swoops In And Changes Its NYCC Panel Name To Hip-Hop And Comics

Two weeks in the past, Bleeding Cool ran the information that there can be no Hip-Hop And Comics: Cultures Combining panel for the primary time in twelve years at New York Comic Con. With organiser Patrick A. Reed telling us “This is the first time since 2012 that there won’t be a Hip-Hop And Comics panel as part of NYCC’s in-person programming. As in past years, I submitted the panel proposal, began to put together a line-up of speakers, and drew up a list of questions and conversational topics. Then, a couple weeks ago, I received notice that the program had been rejected by NYCC’s programming team. I find this troubling because it leaves this subject that I hold very dear, and the rich and diverse community of Hip-Hop, without recognition or representation at one of the largest and most esteemed fan conventions in the US. New York is the city that birthed both the comic book industry and Hip-Hop culture, and I’d hoped that the convention that calls this city home would, at this point, recognize the importance of that community connection.”

NYCC informed us “With only so many panel slots, that unfortunately meant that the Panels team had to make some difficult choices. We unfortunately just can’t make room for every great submission we receive, but there’s something for everyone on this year’s stacked New York Comic Con panel lineup.”

But then one thing very unusual occurred. And Patrick A Reed needed to tweet it out. “UPDATE: @NY_Comic_Con has added a “When Hip Hop and Comics Collide” panel to their schedule. This panel is presented by a publisher, and – despite the title – does not represent and is not affiliated with our ‘Hip-Hop And Comics: Cultures Combining” packages and occasions. PLEASE NOTE: this can be a panel selling a selected firm, and isn’t a part of the Hip-Hop And Comics: Cultures Combining collection of occasions and packages that I’ve produced at cons, festivals, and faculties across the nation for the previous decade.”

This was a renaming of an current Friday panel for Z2 Comics, a graphic novel writer that specialised in publishing music-related comedian books, everybody from Tori Amos to Gorillaz. And, sure, loads of hip-hop artists as half pf that. But this appeared a bit shut.

Patrick tells Bleeding Cool “I’ve been dealing for the last couple days with a lot of confused people – artists and colleagues who have understandably assumed this is one of my panels, big names I’d proposed in my initial NYCC program submission wondering why they weren’t asked to take part in the panel after all, and friends and fans on social media who are generally wondering what the heck is happening. And though I contacted Z2 asking them to clarify the situation publicly, they have not yet done so. My concern here, understand, is not that someone else is doing a Hip-Hop panel – it’s that they’re doing so in a way that creates brand confusion, and that this title has been co-opted to promote a specific publisher’s products, rather than a conversation that reflects and showcases the rich history, diversity and creativity of Hip-Hop and comics culture.”

It additionally appears just like the change occurred three days after Bleeding Cool ran our authentic story. Did somebody spy a niche available in the market and resolve to fill it? Z2 Comcis representatives didn’t reply to Bleeding Cool enquiries made yesterday, however, effectively, New York Comic Con is occurring, so folks are most likely quite busy.

Though they’ve the time to recreate one in all their conference panels to fill a niche made by a longtime panel model getting booted. I’d name this opportunistic, however then that is New York Comic Con, it is all about opportunism! Talking of which, it appears like comics and hip hop folks have been paying consideration, resembling Pharoahe Monch, Matt Fraction, David ‘D-Stroy’ Melendez, Mike Pellorito, graffiti artists 179 and Deity, Dart Adams, and a bunch of different notables providing feedback of assist and likes.

Here’s the Z2 Comics panel for reference…

Z2 Comics Presents: When Hip Hop and Comics Collide with Chuck D, Czarface & DMC.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Room: 406.2
In the previous decade, the worlds of spitfire rhymes and breakbeats have merged with the sequential artwork movement of panels and phrase balloons for a brand new period of hip-hop comics. This panel unites 4 hip-hop and rap icons who’ve crossed over to create stirring comedian opuses. Join legendary MCs Chuck D (Public Enemy, Apocalypse 91: Revolution Never Sleeps), Esoteric and 7L (Czarface: A Czar Is Born), and DMC (Darryl Makes Comics) for a can’t-miss panel that spans worlds and media.