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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.
Graphic Universe has just rolled out Lou!–a hugely popular, award-winning French graphic novel series by Julien Neel about a precocious twelve-year girl and her amusing apartment life with mom, cat, crush Tristan, girlfriend Mina and cranky grandma Memaw.
The franchise’s foray into the North American market begins with two initials titles Secret Diary and Summertime Blues, with at least 6 additional titles expected. With over 800,000 copies sold in France, Graphic Universe is optimistic that the series’ reception will carry over stateside. And already laudable reviews are trickling in. Kirkus writes on its February 22 website (and on newsstands March 15) “A beguiling import introduces the irresistibly plucky 12-year-old Lou, a French cousin to Jimmy Gownley’s Amelia McBride…This lighthearted charmer will leave readers enchantées.”
Given the beauty of its illustrations, whimsy of its story, and absolute charm of its main character the word enchanting definitely springs to mind.
Graphic Universe is jazzed about its new release of the long-standing Lerner favorite—The Girl Who Owned A City, written by O.T. Nelson. This time it’s in full graphic novel format in which intense colors and magnificent artwork splash the pages and tell the iconic story of a girl named Lisa Nelson who suddenly finds herself in charge of her Midwestern town following a mass extinction of everyone over 12.
Exquisitely illustrated by veteran comic book artist Joëlle Jones and adapted to comic book format by Dan Jolley (My Boyfriend is a Monster and the Myths and Legends series’) this new work is set to inspire a whole load of new readers.
The book, which was originally published in 1975, became required reading in many high schools across the country in the ensuing decades. I recently spoke to a woman who grew up in Illinois (during the 1980s) and she confirms this piece of high school trivia.
The title has had many incarnations over the years—not just the variety of paperback and hardcover printings (although it’s cool to look at the progression of cover art over time including an old Dell Publishing trade paperback version)—but the fact that there’s been at least one play production. The unique occasion took place on the stage of a community college in Scottsdale, Arizona in the 1990s. And from accounts on the ground it was a good, respectable adaptation.
With well over 200,000 copies of Girl in print we are gratified that another generation of young adults inclined to enjoy post-apocalyptic intrigue will continue to make this number go way, way higher. A combined “one million sold” has a very nice ring to it.
