NYC Comic Panel

1. Program Mission & Description
   The NYC Comic Panel is a quarterly comic book and graphic novel reading club for teens (14+) and adults. We aim to break the stereotype that comics "aren't real reading" by exploring complex narratives, diverse art styles, and indie creators, alongside iconic superhero runs.
   This club brings together readers to discuss how art and text combine to create meaningful stories. Whether you are a lifelong collector or a first-time reader, this club is for you.

When: Every Wednesday, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.

Where: Spineworks Comics NYC, 74-10 69th Rd, Middle Village, NY 11379.

Structure: 10 mins arrival/snacks, 20 mins icebreaker/socializing, 45 mins structured discussion, 15 mins comic swap/future planning.

2. Cost to Join (Quarterly Membership)
   To ensure access to high-quality graphic novels and trade paperbacks, the club operates on a quarterly subscription model.
   Quarterly Cost: $60 per person (Covers 3 months/3 books).

What this includes:
One new trade paperback/graphic novel/3Comics (valued at $15–$25) per month, chosen by vote.
Snacks and refreshments at every meeting.

3. Ground Rules for Discussion
   To keep the club fun, respectful, and safe for all ages, we follow these rules:
   Read the Material: Please make a good faith effort to read the selection. However, you are welcome to come "spoil" it for yourself and still join the conversation!
   Respectful Disagreement: We encourage passionate debate about characters, art, and plot, but we do not attack other members. Respect diverse opinions.
   No Spoilers (Until Discussion): Don't ruin the ending for others before the meeting.
   Listen and Share: Everyone gets a turn to talk without being interrupted.
   Be Inclusive: This is a safe space for all genders, backgrounds, and identities.
   Art/Dialogue Focus: Support your opinions by citing specific pages or art panels.

4. Sample Discussion Topics
   Meetings are guided by a facilitator, but conversations are encouraged to flow organically:
   Art & Style: "How did the artist use color (or lack of it) to convey emotion?"
   Plot & Structure: "Could this story be as powerful if it were a novel without pictures?".
   Character Development: "Which character did you love or hate, and why?"
   The Medium: "What did you think of the paneling? Was it traditional or did it feel chaotic/experimental?".
   Relevance: "Does this story relate to any current events or personal experiences?".

5. Sample 3-Month Reading Theme: "Genre Benders"
   Month 1 (Sci-Fi/Thriller): Saga Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan & Fiona Staples.
   Month 2 (Non-Fiction/Memoir): Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi.
   Month 3 (Superheroes/Indie): Invincible Volume 1 by Robert Kirkman & Cory Walker.

Optional Activities:
Variant Cover Challenge: Bring in your own comics to discuss rare covers.
Art Sessions: One meeting per quarter features a local artist doing a 20-minute character-drawing workshop.