PRISM ANNOUNCES 3rd ANNUAL QUEER PRESS GRANT WINNERS

[MattBrady]

by Sean McGrath

For the past two years, Prism Comics (http://www.prismcomics.org), a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of LBGT comic books, characters creators and readers, has been giving talented small-press creators the opportunity to enlarge their fan base by awarding its annual Queer Press Grant to a deserving applicant. Usually, there is one recipient a year, but in a press release today, Prism announced that there are two recipients in this year: Justin Hall (A Sacred Text, True Travel Tales, Hard to Swallow) and Tommy Roddy (Pride High).

Justin and Tommy join previous winners Steve MacIsaac (Shirtlifter - http://www.stevemacisaac.com/) and Megan Rose Gedris (Yu+Me: Dream - http://yume.rosalarian.com/).

Patricia Jeres, a Prism board member and Talent and Industry Chair, said of the decision for two creators to share the grant, that “both recipients’ entries show Prism’s strong commitment to enlarging the readership for LGBT-created and themed comics material.”

Justin Hall (http://www.allthumbspress.com), a man of many hats, plans to use the grant money to publish his Glamazonia: The Uncanny Super Tranny in a 64-page graphic novel that unites previous material into a new origin storyline. “She’ll do or say anything to make herself look good,” Hall laughs. “She’s an anti-hero. Readers can expect something stupid, silly, outrageous and campy.” When asked what he ultimately wants to happen with his work, Hall declared without hesitation, “Movie deal, baby!” He also looks forward to royalties from the inevitable action figures, lunch boxes, shower curtains and beach towels.

Tommy Roddy (http://www.pridecomics.com) has big plans for his share of the proceeds. The first seven issues of his ongoing series Pride High, about a diverse group of gay teens and their straight allies at a high school for the super-powered, will be collected into a trade paperback and distributed nationwide. But the grant is only the first step. “I've [still] got a good bit of fundraising to do!” says Roddy. When asked what readers find so appealing about his stories, Roddy asserted, “It's high school + super-powers + openly gay kids! Plus, readers have the chance to have their own characters appear in later issues.”

Without the generosity of Prism President Roger Klorese and Jane’s World creator Paige Braddock, the Queer Press Grant would not have been possible. But Klorese would like to see more community members involved on both sides of the table. “Prism’s goal is both to enlarge the pool of entries, as well as expand the pool of donors,” he said.

An announcement with full details and a link to a spot on Prism's web site will be available in late Spring for those creators wishing to apply for the grant. Those wishing to donate to the grant can contact patty@prismcomics.org.

[Blind Assassin]

these sound fun!!

I alread picked up 'shirtlifters', and quite enjoyed it.

thanks for the heads up!

[buzzworks]

Congratulations to all the winners!!

[Xysmurf]

Pride High sounds great, and the Glamazonia.............great bit of campy fun!

[Patty]

Please forgive this intrusion from a Prism Board member and allow me to add that it is crucial that Prism expand not only the pool of entrants, but the pool of donors. Paige and Roger have carried the burden themselves for a while. And ntice that Tommy, despite receiving half the grant money, still needs to raise funds for a worthwhile project.

I must point out, with all due admiration, pride and affection,that there are members of the LGBT community who have achieved a more comfortable level of success -- as have some entities, such as publishers, retailers, distributors -- who may have profited from their work.

I applaud our efforts even as I participate in them and congratulate Justin and Tommy. But, it's time for some others to give back. Please just think about it.

Patty

Patricia Jeres
Prism Board Member -- Talent and Industry Chair
www.prismcomics.org
patty@prismcomics.org

[osumikey2001]

As part of the creative team behind Pride High, I'd like to Thank PRISM for their assistance and support as we've brainstormed, created, and published our little book that could! Tommy has worked endless to bring awareness of our book, and has spent untold hundreds/thousands of dollars to provide copies to gay youth centers, comic-cons, etc. The grant will allow him to continue his awesome work!

If you've read our book -THANK YOU! If you haven't, what are you waiting for?


mikey

[Mindblower]

Oooh...I'm really interested in Pride High! Its an incredible idea and is just...diverse in the every sense of the word. Love it!

[Meteoro7]

Originally Posted by MattBrady

For the past two years, Prism Comics (http://www.prismcomincs.org), a non-profit organization

Hey, Matt, please fix the link .

Nice article, by the way.

[PrideHigh]

Thanks for posting this!

Originally Posted by Mindblower

Oooh...I'm really interested in Pride High!

Issues 1-3 are available online as a webcomic .

http://pridecomics.com/webcomic

[Meteoro7]

Just read issue 1

Great stuff! I'm real glad these guys could come up with a story/concept like this one. I'm already a fan

[qnetter]

One other point I didn't get to make because of space considerations...

As far as we know, other than the Xeric grants, the Queer Press Grant from Prism Comics is the only grant program for independent comics projects out there.