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Earlier this month kids, parents and comic books fans across the Bronx descended on the Church of the Mediator to participate in the annual Kids Comic Con. Graphic Universe’s Editorial Director Carol Burrell and GU illustrator Alitha Martinez—both Bronx residents—were on hand to represent GU’s vast array of colorful and engaging titles. Also present was Robyn Chapman, GU’s Assistant Editor (and Brooklyn resident) happily made the journey north to conducted a workshop on accordion bookmaking. These books are long pieces of paper folded into sections that comprise a unique type of publishable presentation. (See pictures below)
GU illustrator Alitha Martinez (left); the convention floor comes alive (right).
Graphic Universe’s colorful line up.
Established about five years ago by author, comic artist, and educator Alex Simmons, the Kids Comic Con formerly was held on the campus of the Bronx Community College. But because of scheduling conflicts, this year’s event was relocated to the Church of the Mediator on 231st Street. Those who participated said the new hosts were gracious and enthusiastic.
An accordion book success! (above); a youngster engrossed in a Twisted Journeys title (below).
This convention, with its small but loyal following, will only grow in size and prestige as more young people are exposed to the art of comic books and graphic novels.
Samples of accordion books from Robyn’s workshop (left); kids working on their masterpieces (right).
Who knows, maybe someday some sort of alliance could be had with the behemoth New York Comic Con? That would be very interesting.
On any given spring weekend in New York the city comes alive with street fairs and conventions. Last weekend (April 28-29), Graphic Universe was right smack in the middle of one such festival. The annual Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art (MoCCA) fest, taking place at the historic 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue, was center stage for aspiring and seasoned comic book artists alike to show off their wares and expand networking. It was also a perfect place for comic book aficionados just to take in a festive atmosphere.
Carol Burrell with GU authors Lars Jakobsen and Colleen AF Venable.
This year Graphic Universe had prime real estate at the event as well some notable GU authors and illustrators on hand. A continual stream of interest surrounded our booth with special guests like Lars Jakobsen who came all the way from Denmark. He was there to promote his much anticipated, upcoming time-traveling-detective series Mortensen’s Escapades, which is expected to be released this September. Lars also demonstrated his impressive drawing chops by offering free sketches to convention goers. And then there was the always effervescent Colleen AF Venable of Guinea PIg fame—one of Graphic Universe’s favorite and bestselling authors. And to round off the booth was the much admired GU illustrator Alitha Martinez, whose My Boyfriend Bites (from My Boyfriend is a Monster series) was one of the most requested titles there. Other well-received books were The Girl Who Owned A City: The Graphic Novel, and series Lou!, The ElseWhere Chronicles, Nola’s Worlds, and Miss Annie.
Although tiny compared to the New York Comic Con, this fun little convention packs a punch when it comes to artistry and earnestness in comics and graphic novels. Graphic Universe is always proud to be part of it.
On November 19, the fifth annual Children’s Book Fair took place at the Brooklyn Museum. Graphic novelist Laura Lee, author of Page by Paige, shared a table with Graphic Universe’s ebullient Colleen AF Venable, author of our Guinea Pig: Pet Shop Private Eye series. Laura offers a full report on her blog.
Colleen was on hand to meet and greet the youngsters. And not just that–she also elicited their participation by having the kids fill out blank Guinea Pig comic strips. Laura Lee did one too!
images from whoispaigeturner.blogspot.com
The Saturday event featured more than thirty Brooklyn authors and artists. The day culminated with a special performance of Peter and the Wolf.
The Brooklyn Museum proved to be an ideal venue for this festival. Sometimes unfairly overshadowed by the venerable Manhattan museums, the Brooklyn Museum has witnesses a major resurgence in popularity, becoming a bastion for art lovers and aficionados this past decade. The beautiful Beaux-Arts Building, erected in 1895, underwent a significant renovation in 2004 with an addition of its entrance pavilion.
This event is the sort that cements ones sentiments about the greatness of publishing and reinforces all the reasons why one is a part of it.
