Archie Comics will be meeting and greeting in San Diego, too

Earlier this week, we told you about some BRBTV stars who'll be showing up to the big Comic-Con International in San Diego this month. Well, we just got word of what's planned for the year's biggest con by powerhouse Archie Comics, as well.

It all happens in the San Diego Convention Center the weekend of July 26-29; room locations are noted ...

Thursday noon to 1 p.m.

Andrew Pepoy’s Professional Networking Seminar — Get set for a weekend of pressing the flesh and selling yourself with this popular Comic-Con seminar! Being talented just isn’t enough—getting work and continuing to work in the comic book and comic strip publishing worlds often means knowing the right people as well. Inker and writer/artist Andrew Pepoy (Jack of Fables, Katy Keene) brings back his popular seminar to help teach you how to get out there and use Comic-Con to its fullest networking potential. Take advantage of this early time slot to put some of Andrew’s good advice to work over the next few days! Room 10

Friday 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Spotlight on George Gladir — One of the most prolific writers ever in comics, Comic-Con special guest George Gladir has entertained readers with almost 50 years of stories for Archie Comics. Join Gladir as he talks about his incredible career in comics with friend and cartoonist Batton Lash. Room 3

8:30-11:30 a.m.

Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards — The 19th annual Eisner Awards, the “Oscars” of the comics industry, will be given out by celebrity presenters, including Reno 911’s Tom Lennon and Ben Garant, comedian Brian Posehn, cartoon voice actor Maurice LeMarche, British TV celebrity Jonathan Ross, and author Neil Gaiman. Other prestigious awards to be given out include the Russ Manning Promising Newcomer Award and the Bob Clampett Humanitarian Award. The master of ceremonies is Bongo Comics’ Bill Morrison, who will be aided by the Go-Gos’ Jane Wiedlen. Gardner Fox and George Gladir have been selected to receive the 2007 Bill Finger Award for Excellence in Comic Book Writing. The choice was made unanimously by a blue-ribbon committee chaired by writer and historian Mark Evanier. Admission to the Eisners is free to all Comic-Con attendees—just be sure to bring your badge. Doors open for pros and VIPs at 7:30 and for attendees at 8:15. Ballroom 20

Sunday 10:30 -11:30 a.m.

Archie Comics — Archie comics creators Craig Boldman (Archie newspaper strip, Jughead), Tania del Rio (Sabrina), Bill Galvan (Jughead & Friends -- shown at right), George Gladir (Archie, Betty, Betty & Veronica), Rich Koslowski (Archie & Friends, Jughead, Sonic), Dan Parent (Betty & Veronica, Veronica), Andrew Pepoy (Archie & Friends: Katy Keene, Betty & Veronica, Sonic) and staff members Victor Gorelick (VP/managing editor), Fred Mausser (VP/director of circulation), and Rik Offenberger (public relations coordinator) discuss upcoming plans at Archie Comics, talk about comics for kids, and take questions from the audience. At the conclusion of the panel there will be free copies of Archie Digest #236 for fans, while supplies last. Room 4

12:30-2:00 p.m.

Secret Origin of Good Readers — It’s back, bigger and better than ever! The 7th annual Secret Origin of Good Readers panel features Dr. Robyn A. Hill (National University, San Diego), Mimi Cruz (Night Flight Comics, Salt Lake City), Bill Morrison (creative director, Bongo Comics), Jesse L. McCann (noted children's author), Bill Galvan (creator/artist The Scrapyard Detectives, artist Archie Comics) and Frank Beddor (creator/author/producer, The Looking Glass Wars). The panelists will discuss how teachers, librarians, retailers, authors, artists, and publishers can work together to bring comic books into the classroom for use as an innovative and motivating cross-curricular teaching tool and a vehicle for promoting reading and literacy. Through a multimedia presentation, personal remarks, and a question-and-answer session, the speakers will present an overview of the medium and highlight specific ways that comic books and graphic novels have been used to engage a variety of learners. Breakout sessions will follow the main presentation. The 70-page resource book The Secret Origin of Good Readers is available online for free download - click www.night-flight.com/secretorigin/SOGR05.pdf to download it, courtesy of XMission.com. Room 3

Elsewhere in Archie Comics ...

ARCHIE & FRIENDS #111

“Making it Big”: It’s a sad song and a happy song for Riverdale’s favorite garage band: sad when The Archies blow an audition to appear on national TV, and big time when they end up on TV anyway… courtesy of an unexpected voice from the past! SCRIPT: George Gladir. ART: Stan Goldberg.

On sale newsstand July 24, 2007

32-page, full-color comic

$2.25

BETTY & VERONICA DOUBLE DIGEST #153

PART THREE OF A SPECIAL FOUR-ISSUE SAGA FEATURING RIVERDALE’S FAVORITE TEENS IN A WHOLE NEW LOOK!“Bad Boy Trouble Part 3”: Months after Archie Comics announced an extreme makeover for their flagship characters, the buzz continues! At this year’s second annual blockbuster New York City Comic-Con, both fans and media alike swarmed the Archie Comics booth hoping to learn more about this major event! Is wild man Nick St. Clair the misunderstand romantic he’s convinced Veronica he is, or the wolf in biker’s clothing that her friends think he is? All will be revealed in the pages of BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST, so be sure to reserve your copy of this much-anticipated issue, drawn in an all-new realistic style that has everyone talking! SCRIPT: Melanie J. Morgan. ART: Steven Butler. PLUS: Other new and classic tales! SCRIPT AND ART: Various talents. BONUS: Puzzles, games and your chance to “Find Your Name in Print!”

On sale newsstand July 24, 2007

Full-color digest format

$3.69