Inforum's "Rise of the Graphic Novel" Panel

 Graphic novels have been earning fans and even intellectual respect at least since Art Spiegelman's groundbreaking Holocaust retelling in the 1980s, Maus. Over the years, we've gotten Persepolis, Fun Home, Watchmen, Berlin, and much more. Today, there's an exciting new generation of comics creators working in the graphic novel format.

Learn the connection between Gene Yang's dating life and comics in this May 11, 2010, panel discussion by The Commonwealth Club's Inforum division. Taking part in the panel are Yang, the creator of American Born Chinese; Andy Hartzell, creator of Fox Bunny Funny; Lark Pien, creator of Long Tail Kitty, and colorist of American Born Chinese; Dash Shaw, creator of Body World and Bottomless Belly Button; and Summerlea Kashar, acting director of the Cartoon Art Museum.

Calling All Bay Area Cartoonists: Graphic Novel Art Contest

On April 26, The Commonwealth Club's Inforum division is holding a program exploring the popularity of the graphic novel. The Bay Area is ground zero for many graphic artists -- oh, we're all friends here; we can call them cartoonists and comics artists -- so Inforum's offering a chance for you to show off your work by taking part in a "Graphic Novel Art Contest" during the post-program reception.

You'll need to submit your work several days before the program, so go to our web site to get details and submission contact information.

Good luck!