Comic-Con, an international convergence of comics, toys and animation, coming to the Convention Center July 26-29, is more than Batman and Robin. It’s where comic book fans, sci-fi geeks, video game junkies and Japanese manga movie groupies gather to check out the latest in pop culture. And it’s where industry professionals, such as

Charles Christensen, founding president of Prism Comics, which specializes in GLBT comics and creators, go to showcase their wares.

Better known by his nickname “Zan,” Christensen is leading Prism Comics into its fifth year as an officially incorporated non-profit organization. The Gay & Lesbian Times interviewed the superpower behind the comic book for a glimpse into the GLBT comic industry.

Gay & Lesbian Times: Are there really GLBT comics?

Zan Christensen: Prism [Comics] provides a listing on our Web site of more than 250 creators working in comics, doing all kinds of stories. There’s quite a range of GLBT comics out there, from both major publishers and from independent creators. DC Comics and Marvel Comics cater primarily to superhero fans, but even within that genre there are lesbian and gay stories from time to time.

The real wealth of GLBT comics is in the self-published and independent sphere, where you have a much broader range of genres, from autobiography to historical fiction to mysteries to erotica. For this reason, Prism focuses a lot of attention on independent comics, and provides a yearly grant to help creators publish quality work.

GLT: This year, Comic-Con is hosting two GLBT-themed panels: “GLBT New Comics Creators” and “Gays in Comics.” What are these about? Who is speaking at them?

ZC: On Thursday, July 26, at 2 p.m., Terrance Griep, a longtime Prism supporter and writer of Judo Girl and Scooby Doo comics, will be moderating the “GLBT New Creators” panel. This panel will introduce some up-and-coming talents to the audience, including the recipient of our 2006 Queer Press Grant, Steve MacIsaac, writer and artist on Shirtlifter.

Other participants include Jennie Breeden, creator of The Devil’s Panties; Tommy Roddy, writer of the GLBT-teen superhero book Pride High; and Sean McGrath, writer of the magical slice-of-life book called Frater Mine.

And on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., we’ll celebrate the 20th anniversary of the annual “Gays in Comics” panel, moderated by Andy Mangels every year since 1987. Far from a fringe event, this is one of the more popular panels at Comic-Con every year, and it always fills a huge room.

I’m actually lucky enough to be appearing on the panel this year, both as a representative of Prism Comics and as a comics writer. I’ve written a new erotic thriller series titled The Mark of Aeacus, which is debuting in September from Class Comics. I’ll be in great company, sitting next to legends like Alison Bechdel, creator of the long-running lesbian comic strip Dykes to Watch Out For, and new talents like Megan Gedris, creator of the manga Web comic YU+Me and the recipient of the 2007 Queer Press Grant.

GLT: What is the role of comics in the GLBT community?

ZC: Actually, I don’t think GLBT readers are really that different from straight ones in the way they relate to entertainment and literature. Everyone looks for themes and characters that ring true to them and say something about their lives, whether they’re watching a movie, reading a book or reading a comic book. It’s just a lot easier to find believable straight characters and a wide range of stories about straight lives, since there are so many more stories focusing on them.

Comics are following in the footsteps of books, movies and television in rising to the challenge of providing windows into real GLBT lives, and I think there’s an excitement in the air right now at the progress we’re making.

GLT: How are gays viewed in comics? Do they take on leading or subsidiary roles? Do comics ever address GLBT issues?

ZC: You’ll find a lot more gay leading roles in the independent books, ’though there can be some exceptions. A good way to think of it is to compare the GLBT characters in Hollywood movies versus those in independent film.

For instance, after retiring the Batman supporting character, Batwoman, in the late ’70s, DC Comics recently introduced an all-new Batwoman character, who is a rich, socialite lesbian. They got a huge amount of press from not only the comics press, but the mainstream media as well. Despite that, she only appeared in an ensemble series, and they have no current plans to have her star in her own ongoing series.

Marvel has, likewise, included gay characters in ensemble books, but rarely as headliners. They recently touted their Marvel Team-Up series as an example of a series with a gay main character, Freedom Ring, but killed him off in a rather gruesome way shortly thereafter.

It’s in independent comics, and in the subsidiary imprints from the major publishers, like Vertigo, that you’ll find a wider and more prominent range of GLBT characters. Peter Milligan and Duncan Fegredo’s series Enigma was a terrific example of a series focusing on several gay leading characters, and exploring the topic of whether gayness is intrinsic or learned in a unique and fascinating way. Alison Bechdel’s recent memoir, Fun Home, tells not only her own story of growing up as a lesbian, but also the story of her closeted father and how their difficult relationship impacted her.

GLT: With technology and the Internet, are comics turning more and more

to Web-based versions?

ZC: The digital medium offers some interactivity and presentation options that simply aren’t possible in print, which is exciting. But the immediacy of Web comics is the main thing that makes them an exciting new realm for comics, creators and readers.

Without the costs associated with printing – or even photocopying – comics, it’s much easier for creators to put their work out there for others to see. Of course, the level of quality can be uneven, and you sometimes have to search for a comic that really succeeds, but the potential is boundless. Also, readers with limited access to specialty shops that carry a good selection of GLBT comics can turn to Web comics to find comics stories that resonate with them.

The way I see it, life’s too short to just sit back and wait for what you want. The people who volunteer for Prism want quality comics that speak to us and the way we live, so we work to encourage and promote creators who will fill that need. If the last four years are any indication, I think we’re going to see some exciting changes in the industry.”

Start the Comic-Con party early this year by heading over to Rich’s for the third annual superhero-themed Comic-Con party, hosted by Comic-Con board member Ned Cato Jr. Pull out your devil horns and evil grins, for this year the club will be turned into a villain’s lair! Guests include Joe Phillips, representatives from Prism Comics and gay comic book artists. Phillips premieres his newest work, Witch Kids, and guests can participate in a fabulous costume party. Prizes include passes to Comic-Con, videos, artwork and books. Don’t forget to check out the hot go-go boys, lots of giveaways and an artist meet-and-greet. Proceeds from the event go to Literacy for America. The party takes place on Friday, July 27, from 9 p.m. to close. For more information, contact Prism Comics at http://www.prismcomics.org.

Tickets are still available for Comic-Con International. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.comic-con.org. To learn more about Prism Comics, the latest in reading material or to volunteer for this non-profit organization, visit http://www.prismcomics.org.