Prism Comics, dedicated to GLBT comics and creators, presents its biggest year ever at San Diego’s Comic-Con International 2006, with a full slate of creator signings, panels, and a mixer and party with industry giants such as Greg Rucka, Gail Simone, Chip Kidd, Marc Andreyko and Phil Jimenez.

The Comic-Con exhibit hall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with programming continuing through 12:00 midnight.

At the Prism Booth (#2148), design legend Chip Kidd leads off the creator signings, along with fan-faves Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), José Villarrubia (The Mirror of Love) and Tim Fish (Strugglers).

12:00 noon: Meet the all-volunteer force behind Prism Comics, with Colleen Coover (Banana Sunday), José Villarrubia (Manhunter), Terrance Griep (Victoria’s Secret Service), Patricia Jeres (former director of marketing communications for DC Comics), Andy Mangels (best-selling Star Trek author and DVD producer), Paige Braddock (Jane’s World), Richard Neal (owner, Zeus Comics), Tim Fish (Cavalcade of Boys) and Joe Phillips (Stonewall & Riot). Room 1B

1:30 p.m.: Tommy Kovac has been writing and drawing comics for nearly a decade. His work includes such titles as Stitch, Skelebunnies and his current series, Autumn, all for SLG Publishing. Kovac is also the writer of Wonderland, a series telling the story of what happened in Wonderland right after Alice left at the end of the classic Disney animated film, and he is developing a new series for SLG Publishing, entitled The Royal Historian of Oz. Room 9

The Comic-Con exhibit hall is open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with programming continuing through 12:00 midnight.

3:00 p.m.: This forum focuses on the retail community and the quest for greater diversity in content and customer base, with Roger B.A. Klorese (president, Prism Comics), Rory Root (owner and operator, Comic Relief), Chris Powell (general manager, Lone Star Comics), José Villarrubia, Paige Braddock, Chris Ryall (publisher/editor-in-chief, IDW), Charles Brownstein (executive director, CBLDF), Brian Chase (Lambda Legal attorney, GLBT rights activist) and Roger Fletcher (VP sales and marketing, Diamond Comic Distributors). Moderated by Patricia Jeres. Room 24A

3:30 p.m.: One of the hottest writers in comics today comes to Comic-Con as a special guest. Ask Robert Kirkman about his new gay hero Freedom Ring in Marvel Team-Up, and about the Pope’s balls in Battle Pope. Room 4

8:30 p.m.: Which GLBT creators or GLBT-friendly books will take home one of the 18th annual Eisner Awards? Nominated titles include Age of Bronze, Ex Machina, Young Avengers and Top Ten: The Forty-Niners. Nominated creators include Allan Heinberg, San Diego’s Eric Shanower, Paige Braddock, José Villarrubia and Chip Kidd. Room 20

The Comic-Con exhibit hall is open 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., with programming continuing through 12:00 midnight.

5:00 p.m.: Journey down the Yellow Brick Road to the Land of Oz with San Diego resident Eric Shanower. Dorothy, the Scarecrow, Ozma and all the rest cavort through Shanower’s Oz stories and illustrations. Room 1A

5:30 p.m.: This long-running forum takes the pulse of queer comicdom, showcasing some groundbreaking creators and their insights. Joining moderator Andy Mangels are Greg Rucka (Gotham Central, 52, Checkmate), Gail Simone (Secret Six, Birds of Prey), Marc Andreyko (Manhunter), Phil Jimenez (Infinite Crisis, Otherworld), Patty Jeres and Abby Denson (Tough Love: High School Confidential). Room 6A

7:00 p.m.: Mingle with other GLBT and open-minded fans and creators, and win prizes. There will also be a live auction for items such as a movie poster from The Mostly Unfabulous Social Life of Ethan Green signed by the entire cast. Room 6A

9:00 p.m. at Rich’s: After the Con, party the night away with your fellow comic fans at Rich’s. Special guest is Joe Phillips, premiering his new animated feature, Stonewall & Riot. The main event is the Superhero Costume Contest. Cover charge is $10. If you have a Comic-Con badge, VIP card or come in costume, then you will get $2 off at the door.

The Comic-Con exhibit hall is open 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. at The Hole: It’s become a Con tradition that comic bears and those who love them retire after Comic-Con to The Hole for their outdoor beverage bust and barbecue.