Chimera's Comics 'Wonder Woman Weekend' Features Discussions, Artists, Tiaras

OAK LAWN, IL -- With maybe the best reviews of any superhero film to date, Wonder Woman is set to conquer theaters everywhere this weekend. To celebrate, Chimera’s Comics is hosting Wonder Women Weekend, running from Thursday, June 1, to Sunday, June 4.

Chimera’s Comics, a comic book and collectibles store in Oak Lawn and La Grange, will be hosting events all weekend long to “celebrate the women who make comics wonderful.”

“Comic book stores have a reputation of being a boy’s club,” said Carmelo Chimera co-founder of the store. “I don’t think that’s been true for a long time. Comic books have more women creators, heroes, and fans than ever before.”

The stores will kick off their events with a live panel discussion of industry professionals Friday evening in La Grange.

“The panel will discuss the role of women in comics, but also the role comics have in the lives of women and other groups that have been unfairly marginalized by society,” said Steven Brown, the other co-founder of the store.

On Saturday, both stores have offered free tables to women artists and comic creators for an in-store comic convention.

“At conventions we call it ‘Artists Alley’,” said Chimera. “This is a great chance to support local women creators and maybe inspire young fans.”

And saving the best for last, Wonder Woman will be visiting Chimera’s Comics to read stories to young fans as well as help children make their own tiaras and bracelets.

“We have two very talented cosplayers coming to the shops to meet with kids,” said Brown. “And since we’ll be giving away free Wonder Woman comics, I think this is too good to pass up.”
“I love events like this because there’s something exciting going on each day,” said Chimera. “This way, people can come to some or all of it depending on what interests them the most.”

Following is a complete lineup of Wonder Woman Weekend events:

Private Screening of Wonder Woman
When and Where: Thursday, June 1 at 7 p.m. at Hollywood Blvd Cinema, 1001 W. 75th Street, Woodridge, IL 60517
What Is It: Chimera has rented an entire theater and gave the tickets away to customers who shopped at the LaGrange and Oak Lawn stores on Free Comic Book Day last month.

Women In Comic Panel
When and Where: Friday, June 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Chimera’s Comics La Grange, 19 S. La Grange Road, La Grange.
What Is It: Industry professionals will be dropping by to discuss the role of women - and diversity in general - in comics as well as the impact comics has on its female fans.

All-Women Artists Alley
When and Where: Saturday, June 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Chimera’s Comics La Grange AND Chimera’s Comics Oak Lawn, 4915 W. 95th St.
What Is It: This is the event not to miss. Chimera’s is hosting nearly a dozen local women comic artists and creators to come to our stores to exhibit and sell their work. This is like a comic-con, which was offered free to these creators to demonstrate the incredible impact women have on comics year-round, not just when a major motion picture is released. The store will also be giving away FREE COMICS!

Crafts and Storytime with Wonder Woman
When and Where: Sunday, June 4 from noon to 3 p.m. at Chimera’s Comics La Grange AND Chimera’s Comics Oak Lawn
What Is It: Chimera’s has a talented Wonder Woman cosplayer coming to each store that day to read stories to little kids as well as make crafts, including Wonder Woman tiaras and bracelets. Both stores are also handing out FREE COMICS for kids!

Visit Chimera’s Comics’ website for more information.