At a time when the comics and entertainment industries need community spaces more than ever, Fanbase Press is doing something special for its 15th anniversary. they launched “Build Your Community” initiative, This is a bold community effort of experienced industry professionals designed to foster connection and collaboration. This new movement will use A series of in-person and virtual networking, connection and skill-building event opportunities, all designed to guide the comics community’s collective path forward.
“For the past 15 years, we at Fanbase Press have been dedicated to providing a home for honest stories and building a passionate community that elevates the voices of creators across entertainment media,” shared Barbra Dillon, Editor-in-Chief of Fanbase Publishing. “Now more than ever we are committed to providing a safe space for meaningful connection while also hoping that through collective action large and small, change can be achieved.”
Fanbase Press’ award-winning work includes 2024 GLAAD Media Awards winners four color heroes2023 Eisner and Harvey Award Nominees chain reactionwinner of the 2022 International Latino Book Award nuclear power2018 Eisner Award Nominated quinceand the winner of the 2020 Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award Quince: The Definitive Bilingual Hardcover Edition. The outlet was also nominated for a 2022 Eisner Award in the “Best Comics Related Periodical/News” category.
this “Build Your Community” Initiative will include the following free in-person and virtual events designed to Provide opportunities to 1) make connections and 2) learn new skills. All event dates, times and registration (if applicable) will be announced on the Fanbase Press website and social media.
Opportunities to make connections
– Comics and coffee: Since March 2020, Fanbase Press’s weekly Comics & Coffee Zoom meetings have provided comics industry professionals the opportunity to discuss how to respond to the changing comics landscape. Comics and Coffee is an hour-long Zoom meeting Every Saturday at 10 a.m. Pacific Time (1 p.m. Eastern Time).
– ““Office Hours” with Barbara Dillon: Fanbase Press Editor-in-Chief Barbra Dillon will host virtual “office hours” via Zoom Every Tuesday 2:00-3:00 pm/Pacific Time Perfect for those who need a quiet place to work out creative problems, celebrate wins or just see a familiar face for a few minutes amid the chaos of the week.
– Virtual Painting Classes with Brian Dillon: In the spirit of Fanbase Press’ motto “Celebrating Fandom,” Fanbase Press President Bryant Dillon will host two virtual drawing sessions via Zoom this year. one “Alien Sun Painting Session” Will be held via Zoom on Saturday, April 26th at 12:00pm PT. “Star Wars Painting Session” Will be held via Zoom on Sunday, May 4 at 12:00 pm PT.
– Dinner with the Dillon family: There’s no better way to connect with others than over a hot meal. Co-founder of Fan Base Publishing House Barbara and Brian Dillon will host quarterly outdoor potlucks Welcome Southern California creators and industry colleagues to enjoy food and chat with new and old friends at their home in Los Angeles.
In the spirit of the upcoming “Dillon’s Potluck,” Fanbase Press invites industry colleagues to host their own local potluck, providing an opportunity to grow and strengthen local communities.
Skills development opportunities
– Portfolio Review: If you’re an artist who hasn’t experienced a portfolio review, or the reviews you’ve received previously have been far from constructive, Fanbase Press will host portfolio reviews by critically acclaimed artists, including Ray Anthony height (Midnight Tiger, Spider Girl) and Don Aguilo (Generation, King Generation). Judging sessions will provide artists with the opportunity to make real connections with experienced artists and receive useful and constructive feedback in a professional and comfortable virtual environment.
– Survival tips for the entertainment industry downturn: Various entertainment industries are facing an unprecedented slowdown, forcing many to look for work outside their specific industry to supplement their income. Join the fan library media and recruit personnel Lee Korelitz (Headless Headhunter LLC) hosts virtual workshops with tips on how to build a professional resume and land job offers in non-creative fields.
– Participate in local politics: Fanbase Press invites you to join in when it feels like we as individuals are unable to achieve real and meaningful change Matthew Noy (Worcester Public Library Board of Trustees) and Jose Pimienta (Twin Cities) Host virtual workshops to get involved in local politics in your area. With increasing censorship and book bans, the disruptive effects of generative artificial intelligence, and potential tariffs that could increase printing and publishing costs, it is more necessary than ever to engage in politics to safeguard your well-being and that of the comics industry.
– virtual forum: Last year, Fanbase Press hosted its first-ever virtual forum, “Navigating Comics Publishing and Promotion in 2025,” providing a platform for creators, publishers, media, retailers, librarians, and educators to discuss and address the challenges of the year ahead. Chance. Fanbase Press will continue to host quarterly virtual forums this year, taking turns to list the issues of greatest concern to the community.
this”Build your own community initiative It’s a sure-fire way to pool resources and look out for each other during the coming cuts and upheavals.
