What It’s Like Being on a Fan Convention Panel: My Experience at Wizard World New Orleans

As longtime fan convention attendees, we’ve always been the ones sitting in the audience, eagerly listening to panels, meeting celebrity guests, and connecting with artists. But this year at Wizard World New Orleans (now FanExpo), I found out what is it like being on a panel at a fan convention. Let me tell you, it was an incredible (and nerve-wracking) experience that left me wanting more.

What Is It Like Being on a Panel at a Fan Convention?

For years, we’ve shared tips on attending panels, navigating conventions, and managing family cosplay schedules. But this time, I was part of the action. A coworker, the guys from The LongBox, and I presented a panel on Censorship in Comics.

My coworker, and sometime contributor to this website, Bill Plasse, and I are both teachers who are nearing the end of our careers. Over the years, we’ve discovered how much we love talking comics. Comics are an incredible gateway to reading—they teach visual literacy, storytelling, and critical thinking in ways that resonate with young readers.

Talking about comics with students has been one of the most rewarding aspects of our teaching careers. It’s amazing to see how comics can ignite a love of reading in kids who might otherwise struggle with traditional books. Whether it’s superhero adventures, graphic novels like Monumental: Oscar Dunn and His Radical Fight in Reconstruction Louisiana, or thought-provoking works like Maus, comics have the power to inspire and engage readers of all ages.

Our discussion covered the history of comic censorship, including the notorious Comics Code Authority, which shaped the industry for decades. We also delved into modern-day challenges to comic books and graphic novels.

My Contribution to the Panel

I focused on two notable challenges in the world of comics:

1. The Killing Joke
   • This iconic Batman story has faced challenges due to its graphic violence and a scene depicting the violation of a female character. While it’s a critically acclaimed work, the graphic content has made it a target for censorship.
2. Bone
   • Surprisingly, this beloved family-friendly series has also been challenged. The reasons? A bit of gambling and a character who smokes. While these elements exist, they don’t overshadow the series’ overall charm and age-appropriateness.
   • Yes, I would let my seven-year-old child read this.

Our panel agreed on an important distinction: determining age-appropriateness isn’t the same as censorship. However, outright banning books stifles creativity and limits access to important stories.

We also discussed the great work the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund and the work they have done.

Engaging with the Audience

One of the highlights of the experience was the audience. I recognized several faces from earlier panels I’d attended during the con. Many of these attendees were knowledgeable, engaged, and asked thought-provoking questions.

As the “newbie” on the panel, I was admittedly nervous. Some audience members clearly had deeper knowledge of comics than I did, but the experience was overwhelmingly positive. Even better, the feedback I received—especially from friends—was encouraging.

A Glimpse Behind the Scenes

The moments leading up to our panel were surreal. Seeing the audience take their seats, adjusting the microphone, and preparing to share knowledge felt both thrilling and humbling. The support and engagement from the crowd made it all worth it.

Inspired for the Future

This experience has inspired me to pursue more opportunities to present panels, especially on topics I’m passionate about. Every year I say I’m going to do a panel about comics in education and every year I chicken out.

There is always next year!

Why Panels Matter at Comic-Cons

Panels are a cornerstone of the Comic-Con experience. They provide an opportunity to:

• Learn: Dive deep into topics like censorship, storytelling, and fandom history.
• Engage: Ask questions and interact with experts, creators, and fellow fans.
• Connect: Build a sense of community with others who share your passions.

If you’ve ever thought about attending a panel—or even presenting one—at a fan convention, I highly recommend it. It adds a new layer to your fandom experience.

Learn More About Comic Censorship

For those interested in the topic of censorship in comics, I encourage you to visit the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund’s History of Censorship page. It’s a fantastic resource for understanding the challenges and triumphs of free expression in comics.

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Nerdy Family Adventures Continue

At Nola Nerd Couple, we’re always exploring the worlds of fandom together. This week, we’ll be sharing more stories from Wizard World New Orleans, including tips for families attending Comic-Cons and our favorite moments from the event.

Whether you’re a seasoned con-goer, a nerdy parent, or just starting in fandom, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting world. Don’t forget to check out our Comic Con 101 series for tips on making the most of your next convention.

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