Gail Borden's 12th annual Comic Book Mania returns Aug. 14 with author visits, demos
Attention all comic book lovers!
Join Gail Borden Public Library via your computer, phone, or tablet for a day of comics, art and fun. There will be virtual activities for the whole family.
The 12th annual Comic Book Mania Event will take place throughout the day on Saturday, Aug. 14.
Sign up separately for each event below, then check out more fun interactive activities such as Do-It-Yourself "Superhero" crafts and demos at gailborden.info/comicbookmania.
Kick off Comic Book Mania with a live storytime with Bat Girl from 10 to 10:30 a.m. via Zoom. There will be a chance to win a one-on-one Zoom call with Bat Girl.
Are you a family of superheroes like "The Incredibles?" You and your superhero family will love this 3-D design program where you can create superhero shields using the library's 3D printer. The "Family 3D Design - Superhero Shield" will begin from 11 a.m. to noon.
At 1 p.m., cartoonist Mark Anderson from the Andertoons will reveal tips and tricks for drawing awesome superheroes and terrible villains in the one-hour "Superhero Drawing Class." He runs Andertoons.com and teaches cartooning at schools and libraries. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife and children who look at his drawings and laugh at his jokes.
Writer Kayden Phoenix, creator of the Latina superhero graphic novels "A La Brava," will talk about Latina superheroes and their powers in "Rise of the Latina Superhero" from 2 to 3 p.m. The Chicana writer and director has been an advocate for diversity both in front and behind the camera, giving a voice to stories untold. Along with her film work, the Californian is the founder of nonprofit Chicana Director's Initiative, and recipient of Panavision's New Filmmaker's Program.
At 3 p.m., meet the author and illustrator of the "Cardboard Kingdom" series about a group of kids who transform cardboard into homemade costumes and more. Chad Sell's "Doodleville" is about a group of artists who must work together when their art becomes a monster. The Chicago resident will provide a live drawing demonstration and discuss what inspires his work.
This year's Comic Book Mania Event will wrap up at 4 p.m. with author Jennifer Holm, The New York Times bestselling and award-winning children's author of the "Babymouse" series about an imaginative mouse who dreams of fame and glamour. Holm will share the inspiration behind her work.
Holm is the recipient of three Newbery Honors for her novels "Our Only May Amelia," "Penny From Heaven," and "Turtle in Paradise." The California resident collaborates with her brother, Matthew Holm, on two graphic novel series - the Eisner Award-winning "Babymouse" series and the bestselling "Squish" series.
For the virtual "Artists Alley" gallery for Comic Book Mania 2021, go to www.gailborden.info/comicbookmania.
The featured artists include:
• Brian Babendererde, "Dragon Hoard," "Moon Dance," "Savage Hounds Comic," "Soul Chaser Betty-Slumber Party of Doom," and "Shield Maiden." To see more of the work of the suburban Chicago game designer, artist, and author, go to twilighttangents.com.
• Justin Castaneda, "Wonder Care Comics," "Wonder Care Presents the Kinder Guardians," "2 Hearts-A Lovely Counting Book," and "Ghostbusters Artbook." To see more of the work of this comic artist and children's book creator from Chicago's south side, go to whenuwerelittleart.
• Tom Kelly, "Foot Fist Frankenstein," "Ghost Buster Gozer," "Stranger Things," and "Freedom Rider." To see more of the work, go to www.instagram.com/tomkelly.
• Russell Lissau, "DC Comic Heroes & Villains," "Batman War Games-Book 2," and "The Hardways #1 and #2." To see more of the work of this comic book writer and Daily Herald reporter, go to russell-lissau.square.site/.