Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info
Berkeley Public Library Hosts 1st Ever Comic Con with Many Special Guests
Come to the Central Library on Saturday, October 28, 2023
Berkeley, California (October 22, 2023) – Come enjoy Berkeley Public Library’s first comic convention, a full day of events throughout the entire library for comic lovers, art enthusiasts, graphic novel aficionados, cosplayers, and more. Comic Con will be an exciting day for all ages!
Honored guests for the day include Mike Mignola, creator of the Hellboy Universe, and Gene Luen Yang, renowned author and graphic novelist.
Other panelists, speakers, and workshop hosts include Rina Ayuyang (Man in the McIntosh Suit), Jon Chad (Science Comics: The Periodic Table of Elements), Trinidad Escobar (Crushed), Briana Loewinsohn (Ephemera), Thien Pham (Family Style), Minnie Phan (The Yellow Ao Dai), Jason Shiga (Adventuregame Comics), and others.
Authors will be available for signings following their sessions, with books for sale from Pegasus Books and Eastwind Books.
The vendor halls will feature 25+ local artists and creatives, with their own books, zines, art prints, stickers, and more for sale.
The A Kodansha exhibit from Cartoon Art Museum is on view on the 5th floor through mid-November, and Museum Curator Andrew Farago will even present on local comics history.
The Library has partnered with indie orgs such as Laneha House, A.B.O. Comix, and EBABZ (East Bay Alternative Book & Zine Fest), and a panel with comic shops Comix Experience and Eisner-winner Cape & Cowl.
“We’ve been amazed at the outpouring of support and interest around our first Comic Con, and hope it offers a little of something for everyone.” exclaims Elaine Tai, Supervising Librarian for Children’s Services at Berkeley Public Library. “Come in costume, discover new artists, and learn about and from legends in the field!”
Thank you to Briana Loewinsohn for creating our Comic Con poster image, which features the Central Library façade and hints to our guests throughout.
Find more details and stay up to date on schedule and guests via the website and social media.
Events are wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accessibility services, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY). Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs. Masks are encouraged.
For questions regarding Berkeley Public Library Comic Con, please call Elaine Tai at (510) 981-6231.
For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
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