SDCC 2016 - 'The British Invasion Spirit Of '86' Panel (Friday 22nd July 2016)

SDCC 2016 - 'The British Invasion Spirit Of '86' Panel (Friday 22nd July 2016) moderated by Leonard Sultana (An Englishman In San Diego) featuring Paul Levitz, Kieron Gillen and David Lloyd recording by Alyssa Franks (Friends Of CC Forum) This is a recording of THE BRITISH INVASION: SPIRIT OF ’86 panel held at San Diego Comic-Con 2016, in which we discussed a period in comics history in which a number of artists and writers from the UK – creatives such as Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Brian Bolland, Grant Morrison, Peter Milligan and more – were lured by their American counterparts across the pond and, in doing so, had an immeasurable impact on not only the creative approach and literary recognition of comics, but also the lasting business of the industry itself, to this day. In this 30th Anniversary year of the 1986 release of Moore/Gibbons/Higgins‘ seminal comic WATCHMEN, I felt that this was a timely opportunity to show light on this period, celebrate the key works of the Invasion and see where their influence continues to shape contemporary comics. I was joined on the panel by some incredible guests, some who shaped the Invasion back in its inception and some that continue that legacy forward in 2016… Joining me on stage was: PAUL LEVITZ has been a award-wining icon of the comics industry for over 35 years, serving as a writer, editor, multi-character creator and eventually in the role of President of DC Comics (2002-2009). Paul continues to be a potent force to this day, bringing the LEGION OF SUPER-HEROES to a new generation and currently writing the DOCTOR FATE titles for the DC Comics: REBIRTH line. Along with publisher Jenette Khan and managing editor Dick Giordano, Paul was responsible for hiring Vertigo Editor Karen Berger, alongside whom bringing the likes of Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons and many others to the attention of American publishers and a whole new readership – Paul is a pivotal player in the narrative of the British Invasion. KIERON GILLEN is a widely published award-winning comics writer, very much striking the path as the ‘new Neil Gaiman‘, with powerful and intelligent work on display on books for Marvel Comics (such as YOUNG AVENGERS, IRON MAN and STAR WARS: DARTH VADER), as well as his own creator-owned books for Image Comics, such as PHONOGRAM and the Eisner Award-nominated THE WICKED + THE DIVINE (both with artist Jamie McKelvie). Kieron represents the direct linage between the creatives that planted those first steps in the U.S. and those working in the industry today. He is a Special Guest at San Diego Comic-Con 2016 and we are very lucky to have him take time out his rare trip to California. Lastly joining us in person, but certainly not least, is another titan in comics, artist DAVID LLOYD, a man who first started work with art appearing in TV COMIC, DOCTOR WHO MAGAZINE and various Marvel UK titles, during which he co-created the highly stylised, noir-thriller NIGHT RAVEN, a strip which tonally segued into his most famous creation, V FOR VENDETTA, co-created with Alan Moore (printed in WARRIOR MAGAZINE in 1982, reprinted by DC in 1988). The film based on this landmark comic celebrates its Tenth Anniversary in 2016 so this is a timely appearance for David on this panel. Not resting on his laurels, David went on to provide art for SLAINE (written by Pat Mills), HELLBLAZER (with Grant Morrison) and THE TERRITORY for Dark Horse Comics (with Jamie Delano). In 2012, David was part of a collective of British creators that introduced ACES WEEKLY, an online independent publisher which formed part of the digital vanguard of the future of comics. Thanks to my guests and an especial thanks to Alyssa for providing the recording.