AURN was on the scene for the Schomburg Center’s 11th Annual Black Comic Book Festival last weekend. It was back in person for the first time since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. Thousands of people came together, from a variety of places, to check out independent and traditionally published vendors showcasing their illustrations and books, and to attend panel discussions, workshops, and cosplay showcases.
Here are five highlights from the blerdy event.
Support Indie and BIPOC Creators
You get to support independent creators and learn about creators you may not have previously heard of. If you’re someone who attends every year, then you also get to see the growth of creators. There are a few creators who ended up landing publishing deals and TV show deals. For example, David Crownson, who began releasing his own titles in 2020, is now gearing up for a TV show based on one of his creations, Harriet Tubman Demon Slayer, and Shauna J. Grant who started independently selling her art at the festival just a couple of years ago, now has a multi-book deal with Scholastic. However, newbies also get major love too. AJ Ampadu is newly getting his footing in the game with his speculative titles that have been well-received; podcast hosts, Erika Hardison and Keisha Parks of Erbs, Nerds and Words hosted a panel about women in the comic book business, which was a great way to boost their platform.
The Discussion
Speaking of panels, there are always informative panels that feature experts in the business. This year, there were panels about banned books and diversity in comics, the future of comics, the business of comics, AfroFuturism in comics, and so much more. Some of the many esteemed guests were Karama Horne, TJ Sterling and Regine Sawyer.
The Cosplay
Any comic book festival you attend will have tons of people dressed up as their favorite characters, or characters they invented, and they never disappoint. These folks go to great lengths to either create their own looks by hand or scour various places until they can find the pieces they need to bring it all together. It never gets old.
Family Fun
It’s a great way to introduce new and avid readers to different ways that they can participate in the art of words. Why read a history book when you can read a graphic novel about your favorite historical figure? Or, sometimes it’s just nice to look at cool art while also emerging yourself into a new world, and enhancing your literacy skills in the process. It also helps that there are classes that can teach you how to put it all together from the art to the words.
Good Vibes
ShomCom is always packed, rain or shine. However, people always come together in good fun and with the motive of connecting with like minds.
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