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.

Award wining author Gene Yang visited the  Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, Central on July 9 and 10, 2008. He filled the Library’s auditorium for a discussion and slide show presentation about how and why he creates comics. Yang, who won the 2007 Michael L. Prinz Award for his graphic novel, American Born Chinese, talked about his family and upbringing. He told the audience that many of his stories are rooted in his heritage and experiences of growing up in California as a first generation American. His mom was a librarian who always told him stories from her homeland and encouraged him to read–even when his interests veered toward comic books and superheroes. Yang’s presentation was followed the next day with a workshop for area teens. Yang taught them about creating comics by defining what comics are, how to think like comic book creators, and how to create their own comics. It was a well-attended event and participants enjoyed meeting and learning from Yang.

Archie comics character Jughead proclaims Buffalo as his new favorite city in the latest issue of Archie’s Pal Jughead.  In the “Wingin’ It” episode you’ll find references to Buffalo, Niagara Falls,  and the famous Anchor Bar where as the local lore goes, chicken wings were born. Let’s be glad that the spicy delights are referred to as “chicken wings” rather than “Buffalo wings” like most chain restaurants like to call them. The Buffalo Chicken Wing Festival runs Aug. 30-31, 2008 at Dunn Tire Park.

Scott McCloud will be appearing at Gusto at the Gallery October 3rd, 2008. Other family activities will be taking place that evening. Stay tuned for more details!

Scott McCloud will conduct a daylong workshop for teens on creating graphic novels, October 4, 2008 at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. This workshop will have limited seating and will require advance registration. Information on registration will be posted in September. Please check back for further information.