By Michele Brittany, SoCal Correspondent Why is self publishing so important? On Saturday afternoon at Stan Lee's Comikaze, the panel Indie Creators, Unite! A Guide to Self-Publishing explored that question. Moderator Fanboy Comics’ Managing Editor Barbra Dillon was joined by Siike Donnelly (Solestar, The King of Neverland); William Orr (Hunter Black); Kevin Bieber (Man vs. Rock); Bryant Dillon (Identity Thief, Something Animal); and Madeleine Holly-Rosing (Boston Metaphysical Society, Kickstart for the Independent Creator: A Practical and Informative Guide To Crowdfunding). Why is self publishing so important? The panelists cited several reasons: “I can be innovative and creative,” Donnelly said. “It’s easier to do when you self-publish.” Orr said that he could do his own thing and more importantly, he could own his project and do what he wanted with it. Bieber concurred citing he was able to work on projects that he could not do elsewhere. Owning one’s IP was crucial: Bryant Dillon used the example of Joss Whedon, who made more money with Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along than with The Avengers. Holly-Rosing agreed and added that by owning her own IP she could expand it as she wanted.