Trina Robbins, author the Go Girl! series and From Girls to Grrrlz: A History of Comics From Teens to Zines, will be presenting “Wonder Women: Gender in Comics” at Central Library November 15 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Ring of Knowledge (located on the first floor near the Childrens Room). Her talk will focus on the history of women in comics- not only as the characters but also as the artists.

This event is free and does not require registration. Spread the word!

At the Albright-Knox Art Gallery on October 4th, Scott McCloud presented a once in a lifetime, all day workshop for teens on all aspects of comics design – storytelling, drawing, facial and figurative representation. The teens ranged in age from 13 – 19, and came from all corners of Western New York.  They got great practical tips and were able to share their art with others.  And they even got free pizza!  When asked for comments about the workshop, one teen responded “Cool!  ’nuff said.”  Indeed.

As part of Get Graphic! comic theorist and artist Scott McCloud spoke at the Albright-Knox Gusto at the Gallery on October 3rd to a full house.  McCloud presented a show of more than 650 slides speaking of his recent trek across all 50 states and some European countries. He described the importance of reading and how most readers just need to escape for a while and forget about reality, which is exactly what comics and graphic novels can do. He gave the audience and insiders a view of what it was like growing up and the remarkable fact that many of Scott’s childhood friends and neighbors are now notable comics artists and children’s illustrators. McCloud also gave a look into the future of comics, growing beyond the traditional limitations of a panel and a page to the unknown possibilities of the Web. Following the presentation was a book-signing, in which Scott inscribed personalized messages in each book.

Thanks to all who came!

At this year’s San Diego Comic-Con, there was remarkably increased interest from librarians looking to start or continue to build their comic and graphic novel collections. There were even specific panels geared towards having more comics in libraries. You can read the full story by clicking here.