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The New York Comic Convention "Black panel," hosted by Milestone Comics co-creator Michael Davis, featured a all-star line up of panelists including Milestone co-creator, comic artist and Senior V.P. of Animation for BET, Denys Cowan (Batman Confidential); president and editor-in-chief of Comicmix.com, Mike Gold; president of Newave Enterprises and Sandstorm creator, Rashida Lewis; and Ormes Society creator, Cheryl Lynn Eaton.

The panel was dominated by an announcement, made by Cowan, that BET will produce a Black Panther animated series based on the inaugural "Who is the Black Panther" arc by Hudlin and fan-fave John Romita, Jr. Slated for eight episodes, the series will closely adapt Hudlin's tale and utilize Romita, Jr.'s artwork in its character designs. At press time, casting is still in the early stages, but Cowan informed fans the series is slated to debut in October.

Following the announcement, the panelists let the audience guide the conversation to self-publishing and breaking into the comic/animation industry. Cowan, Davis, and Gold reinforced the notion of copyrighting one's original characters, perseverance, and following a progressive business plan. Cowan recalled his early days of working with Neal Adams and Rich Butler and building relationships with DC editors like Dick Giordano as his way of breaking in, but encouraged aspiring writers and artists that if they are determined and refined their craft the payoff with come. Davis and Gold echoed these ideas, saying that follow-through, preparation, and refinement are the hallmarks of a professional. The lively dialogue between the pros and pros-in-the-making ended a very grateful audience departed with much food for thought.