MIKE PELLERITO, was recently named the new Managing Editor of Archie Comics. In addition to looking over the Archie universe he also editÃs some of Archie Comics most popular titles,
This column came about after having very few avenues to promote and find out about All Ages and Younger Reader Comics and Graphic Novels. Most knowledge seems to be passed along by word of mouth, so this is in the sprit the column is written. Now, sit back and join in the conversation!
To learn more about any of the above-mentioned projects please visit Archie Comics.com
Ever Wonder? Part 2 of 3
By Alex Simmons
Ever wonder how a Kids Comic Convention is made? Part 2 with Alex Simmons
The KIDS’ COMIC CON: With a Little Help From My Friends
By Alex Simmons
Part Two:
So there you are…
You want a comic convention to exist for the younger members of the marketplace. You know it should exist and you believe it would be beneficial for all concerned. But, there isn’t one – at least not one along the lines that you envision. So what do you do?
If you are like me, you have an Andy Hardy- Little Rascal- Oscar Micheaux (look him up) moment.
Translation?
You decide to find a way to do it yourself.
Now, I’ve been teaching creative writing and comic art workshops for quite a few years. My students have ranged from seven years of age, up to the high teens. Most of the facilities have been local schools and libraries with small gymnasiums or meetings rooms. Said space would be a bit small for what I was planning, even though my original vision was a modest one.
Then along came Mr. Eugene Adams, Outreach Director for Bronx Community College. When he asked me to bring some of my Art of Making Comics workshops to the campus and their educational partners, I was very pleased and honored. My excitement level rose considerably when he asked what else could I "bring to the table."
During that discussion I outlined a plan involving the workshops, as well as a couple of in-depth panels, and finally … a kids’ comic book convention. Mr. Adams and his colleague agreed to it all, and suddenly I realized I now had the "barn," the site, for the show – now all I needed was the "actors."
The details of our arrangement are too lengthy to go into here, but one key benefit was that it allowed me to offer FREE admission to the kids. We all felt this was essential to making this event successful in a number of ways. One benefit was that the convention was now available to a large and underserved portion of the community.
With a location secured, I began the process of inviting the small cadre of industry friends and professionals that had already expressed interest in such a project. During that time I also sent out a notice to a couple of online industry e-zines (Scoop, and PW’s Comics Weekly). No sooner did those notices reach the Internet then I began receiving inquiries from patrons, publishers, and potential participants (i.e., Jamal Igle, Joan Hilty, Kyle Baker, and Jim Salicrup, to name a few).
While riding that incredible wave, I began approaching the educational field. I had some good leads to start with – remember, aside from being a freelance writer, I am also a teaching artist. It didn’t hurt that my work in the nonprofit children’s theater arena had established relationships with a number of arts related organizations and councils.
Something I always tell my students, "Nothing you learn is useless." Obviously, much of my life and career experiences were coming in handy.
So, the flares went up, and the calls came in again and again, and again.
As the comic book companies (DC Comics, Archie Comics, Marvel, Nickelodeon Magazine, Tokyopop, etc.) rallied to the call, so did several of the mainstream publishers who are also developing some amazing nontraditional comics and graphic novels (Hyperion Books, Scholastic, First Second Books, and Harper Collins). And thanks to all of them, and the individual participating professional, the FIRST KIDS’ COMIC CON now have even more guest artists, panelists, and donations. 
We even have volunteer fans and students who have come onboard to help with our various workshops, panels and exhibitions.
So how did we reach this place in time? It started with …
The idea
The space
The plan
The participants (pros and otherwise)
The publicity
The supplies & equipment
The prizes and freebies
… and finally -- the focus and determination to see it through.
The event is only two weeks away and it would appear that we’ll get by, "with a little help from my friends."
Oh, you might be asking how will all this finally come together on the eventful day? For the answer to that, be here for Part 3.
Happy Trails!
For those who want more info on the Kids Comic Con here you go:
Kids' Comic Con
Kids are invited to meet their favorite comic book artists from DC, Marvel, Archie, and more! At Bronx Community College, West 181st Street & University Avenue.
Saturday April 28th,The hours of the show will be from 10:00 am - 6:00pm and admission to the event is free to the public.
For more info contact Alex Simmons at 718-601-0371 or by email at Darkjack@aol.com or call Eugene Adams at Bronx Community College -- 718-289-5952.
Next Tuesday, expect more Alex Simmons, and the conclusion to this amazing story of how he started the first kids Comic Con, and the usual from yours truly and a few more treats and surprises!
As always it is great to hear your thoughts and projects you’d like to see reviewed. Send the both here MikeP@SilverBulletComicbooks.com
Check out some new All Ages reads on sale this week:
FEB070306 LEGION OF SUPER HEROES IN THE 31ST CENTURY #1 $2.25
FEB070311 SCOOBY DOO #119 $2.25
FEB072136 MARVEL ADVENTURES AVENGERS #12 $2.99
FEB072213 MARVEL ADVENTURES FLIP MAGAZINE #24 $4.99
FEB073165 BETTY #164 $2.25
FEB073169 JUGHEAD AND FRIENDS DIGEST #19 $2.49
FEB073171 PALS N GALS DOUBLE DIGEST #111 $3.69
FEB073260 SIMPSONS COMICS #129 $2.99
FEB073173 SONIC THE HEDGEHOG #174 $2.25
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