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 3 of 3
By Alex Simmons
Ever wonder how a Kids Comic Convention is made? Part 3 with Alex Simmons
The KIDS’ COMIC CON: With a Little Help From My Friends
By Alex Simmons, 4/23/07
Part Three: When you Do Something Right, Just Because
Very few of us envision going snow blind from producing a fun event. I mean we’re talking kids, comics, toys, artists, friends, and even a little food. So where’s the danger?
Well, it’s in the landslide of paperwork you review, in order to apply for, request, reply to, and reschedule various aspects of the fun. And where I avoid the bright lights and sunshine reflecting off sheets of 20 pound paper stock, I find myself staring at an illuminated screen morning, noon, and night. Ah, technology … computers are our friends.
Uh, huh.
Well, in the immortal words of that fearless crime fighting foul, SUPER CHICKEN, “You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred.”
So here we are.
The past two weeks, between freelance writing assignments, teaching creative writing workshops, author’s appearances from East side Manhattan to Bowling Green Kentucky, I have been adding the last few ingredients of the convention formula.
Igor! Hand me the test tubes!
We have added on nine more professionals from the realm of independent artists to the wacky halls of cable cartoon land. The creator and artist of Runemaster Studio’s, Lions & Tigers, and Bears has sent us a few copies of his graphic novel, and some other items (as prizes), even though he cannot join us. The host of Internet pod cast series Secret Identity, have decided to whip on down from the wilds of New England not only to be part of the event, but also to record it for broadcast at a later date. So, some of you folks will be able to hear my dulcet … uh, I mean hear the inspiring chuckles and squeals of happy children at play at the First Kids’ Comic Con. Of course you’ll also hear interviews and such from many of our pros and publishers. Break out those pens and pads folks.
We have students from several NYC schools coming to aid us as volunteers. I have accumulated selected comic art from students around the city to display at the event. And at least one group of students from a media class at the Children’s Arts Carnival (a non profit children’s arts organization) will be sending their video class to capture some of this excitement for posterity.
I’ll try not to embarrass myself – but I make no promises.
Now, I’d love to take a bow for having the genius to maneuver so much talent into my playground, but I can’t. No, this is where I remind you that much of this would not have come to pass if it were not for the tremendous sense of excitement and community that has risen during the past few months.
Check list:
• A college gave us a place to hold our event.
• Several online e-zines trumpeted the news throughout the nation of comics
• Pros and publishers offer their knowledge and skills
• Donations and prizes were offered and sent
• Cultural and educational institutions spread the word to children and staff alike
• And … volunteers offered up hours of precious time to do both the necessary and mundane tasks that go with such an event.
Of course there’s more, and I will somehow fail to name everyone and everything.
What I won’t omit is the following … All children deserve a place to fly. I mean that in the truest (if not the literal) sense of the word. They fly in their dreams and imagination – in the tiny winks of magical light between infancy and the ever impending day when they begin to carry the load of adulthood.
This use to be represented by that image of a child lying on a hillside (or rooftop) looking up at clouds and envisioning creatures and features within. This was the, what I want to be when I grow up day dreaming game. I know that for some children, there's a more modern version of this imagery, but not for all.
Some children need permission to dream. They need a gentle nudge in that direction, or a catalyst of absurd circumstances and tales to pitch them into that place where all things are possible.
Of course you know how comics can aid in this nudging and pitching, but you may be asking how does it apply to everyday life and academics.
I believe that a whole human being has more options in life than those who are squeezed into a myopic container. Thinking outside the box is a skill that aids them in resolving problems both academic and personal. It stimulates them to see many more possibilities for their life and career choices. And because topics in comics cover everything from saving the universe to saving the environment, children and adults can be introduced to concepts and information in ways they might have missed otherwise.
In the arenas of the underserved communities, it is even more important.
Many children can not see themselves as part of a world larger than the block on which they live. They can’t imagine being a lawyer, inventor, or doctor because these are not concepts offer to them as options. No one has given them permission to dream beyond the day. Books do that. Comics do that. And to quote an old phrase, reading is fundamental.
Read about the possibilities, envision them, and one can plan to make them a reality.
This event has come together with a minimum of expenses, though a few have leaped up to bite us on the posterior. Pillows anyone? And perhaps the next time around we may have to maneuver differently, but we have hope that this Saturday’s success will lead to many more.
So, here we go … four more days to make a festival of fun a doorway to positive possibilities. There’s a lot of us coming out to make it happen and I feel it will be a success – mainly because, that’s what happens when you do something right, just because.
Hope to see you there!
Best,
Alex Simmons
Now if you will please give mister Alex Simmons a huge round of applause.
He is doing something that has to be exhausting, frustrating and next to impossible. He is doing and excellent job, thriving under very difficult conditions. On top of all this he managed to write several columns for our pleasure. He is also doing something much needed for our industry. We all owe him quite a bit of thanks.
Hopefully, you will be coming by the Kids Comic Con, if you do please come by the Archie booth. Tania Del Rio writer artist of Sabrina, Rosario ‘Tito” Pena Katy Keen colorist and colorist of all those beautiful Archie covers, Art Director Joe Pepitone, yours truly and probably a few surprises too. We’ll be there all day, probably with the radio tuned to the Yankees game, with plenty of free comics for kids of all ages.
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.
As always it is great to hear your thoughts and projects you’d like to see reviewed. Send the both here: MikeP@SilverBulletComicbooks.com
Next week, probably some pictures from the Kids Comic con, and the story behind the Sonic Free Comic book Day. You’ll never believe how fast a comic can be created. Even with Sonic Speed.
Check out some new All Ages reads on sale this week:
FEB070309 CARTOON NETWORK BLOCK PARTY #32 $2.25
FEB070294 SHAZAM THE MONSTER SOCIETY OF EVIL #3 (OF 4) $5.99
FEB073258 BART SIMPSON COMICS #35 $2.99
FEB073166 BETTY & VERONICA #226 $2.25
FEB073168 BETTY & VERONICA DIGEST #174 $2.49
JAN073613 CASTLE WAITING VOL II #6 $3.95
FEB073170 JUGHEADS DOUBLE DIGEST #130 $3.69
FEB073172 SABRINA VOL 2 #84 $2.25
FEB073259 SIMPSONS CLASSICS #12 $3.99
FEB073473 UNCLE SCROOGE #365 $7.50
FEB073474 WALT DISNEYS COMICS & STORIES #680 $7.50
REVISED SCHEDULE FOR THE KID'S COMIC CON
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Bronx Community College
Colston (Community) Hall
West 183rd Street & University Avenue
10 a.m.: Welcome—Alex Simmons, MC
- Intro Convention events
- First raffle
Marketplace opens
10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Youth Workshop A – The Art of Making Comics 101, an introductory class in creating comics, lead by artists Rich Tea and Jerry Craft, or Ray Felix.
11 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Kids’ Corner: A gathering area where kids can sit and read comics and relax during the convention.
11:15 a.m. -12:00 p.m.: Professional Workshop I
The ABCs of Comics: What they are and their value to children past, present, and future. Panelist: Chris Ryan (Teacher & freelance writer), David Saylor (Scholastic Vice-President, Creative Director), Sheila Keenan (Scholastic Executive Editor), Dan Fingeroth, and Joan Hilty.
12 p.m. – 5 p.m.: Portfolio Review Crew.
All day, professional writers, illustrators, and editors will review students’ portfolios and artwork to give them tips on how to improve their work. Reviewers: Michael Wright, Mike Siglain, Nachie Castro, Phyllis Novin, Steve Wacker, Rodney Ramos, etc.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: MoCCA Presents: Comics Then & Now – A brief walk along the time line of comics and cartoons, from the 1800s to 2006; Hosted by Fred Van Lente & Professor W.H. Foster. This event occurs on the main convention floor.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Youth Workshop B – How to Draw Manga – (An Introductory class in how to create Manga style comics), with artists Tania delRio (Sabrina the Teenage Witch for Archie Comics), and Jamar Nicholas.
12 p.m. – 1 p.m.: Professional Workshop II
Comics in the Classroom. Participants will be introduced to several successful methods and curriculums to aid in the use of using comics to teach academic subjects. Artist: Rich Tea, Hilarie Staton, Kerry Morris of HarperCollins /Tokyopop.
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Youth Workshop C – Learning to Draw Fantastic Figures – An class for advanced art students, lead by Jamal Igle (Nightwing, and Firestorm for DC Comics)
1 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Cartoon Alley: Kids will meet artist who have either worked on, or created comics characters that have gone on to TV or film. And after learning a little of how cartoons are created, kids will be allowed to sit and watch some of those cartoons characters on TV. Participants throughout the day will include: Joe Staton (Scooby Doo), Kyle Baker (the Bakers), Shannon Denton & Dave Mishkin, Al Johnson, Jerry Craft, Dave Roman.
1 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: Youth Workshop D – What A Character!
Kyle Baker (creator of the Bakers; and the Nat Turner mini series) will take young artists through the process of drawing characters and caricatures. This workshop is for advance art students.
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Professional Workshop III
Comics in the Classroom. Participants will discuss benefits and methods for using comics in the classrooms and libraries to support understanding of academic subjects. Panelist: George O’Connor, Michael Pirelli (Archie Comics), Ray Felix, and Jane Fisher.
1:45 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.: Youth Workshop E
Give it Some Color! JD Smith, artists and professional colorist, assisted by comic artists Shawn Atkinson, will teach students some of the tricks of the trade in the wonderful world of coloring comics!
3 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Youth Workshop F – The Art of Making Comics
The Art of Making Comics 101, an introductory class in creating comics, lead by professional artists Raina Telgemier and Phyllis Novin.
Youth Workshop G – Where the Action Is – Learn to draw wild Locations and Moody Settings. James Sherman, artist for comics, film story boards, toy designs and more will show advanced art students how to put flash, style and atmosphere in their scenery and back grounds.
3 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Professional Panel
“Looking for A Face Like Mine” – A panel on the cultural and racial colors of comics, and their impact on children. Moderated by Professor W.H. Foster, author of the book by the same name. Panelist: Joe Illidge, Jamar Nicholas (illustrator), Nachi Castro, Carl Kent, Akinseye Brown.
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Youth Workshop G – The Art of Making Comics
The Art of Making Comics 101, an introductory class in creating comics led by artists Eric Battle and Rodney Ramos.
Youth Workshop H – Star Ships and Cadillacs – Learn some of the tricks to drawing cool technology. (Artists to be announced.)
4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.: Professional Workshop V
The ABCs of Comics: What they are and their value to children past, present, and future. This time the emphasis will be on the FUTURE of comics, literacy, and kids.
Panelist: Jim Salicrup, Roland Laird, Tanya del Rio, Don McGregor, and Tina Ryan.
6 p.m. Closing Remarks
“What we can imagine, we can often create.
What we can imagine ourselves as, we can often become.”
~ Yumy Odom, Founder, 1st World Komix, Inc.
Entertainment for Every Age is © Mike Pellerito 2006-
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