Black Comic Book Festival returns to NYC this month
All photos courtesy of Bob Gore
A festival highlighting the work of Black comic book creators is back and bigger than ever. The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture will host the 12th annual Black Comic Book Festival on April 26 and 27, attracting thousands of comic enthusiasts and giving a platform to Black comic book and graphic novel creators. Attendees can immerse themselves in panel discussions, workshops, a cosplay showcase, and more fun activities during the two-day event.
“As the festival enters its 12th year, we are so excited to continue this tradition showcasing the expansiveness and importance of Black imagination, representation, and culture,” Kadiatou Tubman, curator & executive producer of Black Comic Book Festival, said.
“Not only is this festival a joyous celebration to bring artists and enthusiasts together to explore the past, present, and future, but it’s a way to support upcoming and established artists looking to create community and expand to new audiences.”
Last year’s festival drew more than 9,000 visitors to the Schomburg Center. This year’s festival will offer fan favorites like the Black Comic Trivia Night (Friday, April 26 at 5:30 p.m.), and A Very Black Cosplay Showcase (Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m.). Additionally, the all-day comic book marketplace showcasing emerging and established graphic artists will return, as well as a variety of new programs that delve into the culture and business of comic books.
Highlights of the festival include:
Graphic Histories and Comics in the Classroom
Friday, April 26 at 11 a.m.
A presentation of exciting new visual narratives created to help students imagine the past and engage with historical events.
Say it Proud: Amplifying LGBTQ+ Voices in Comics
Friday, April 26 at 3:30 p.m.
A discussion about how comic creators are fostering exciting spaces for LGBTQ+ voices in comics, novels, and multimedia.
“IYANU: Weaving West African Wonder into Animation”
Saturday, April 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Presented by Lion Forge, participants will get an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse at the creation of the highly-anticipated animated series “IYANU,” coming soon to Cartoon Network and Max. The series is based on the popular West African fantasy graphic novel series “Iyanu: Child of Wonder” created by YouNeek Studios and Dark Horse Comics.
She’s Out There Screaming: Women and the New Golden Age of Black Horror
Saturday, April 27 at 5:30 p.m.
An investigation into the dynamic role of women in supporting the reemergence of Black horror.
The full schedule for this year’s festival and highlights from last year’s festival can be found here.
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