Pekar Park Comic Book Fest Coming Back To Coventry

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The fourth Pekar Park Comic Book Fest will return to Coventry Village on July 14. The free event spotlights local, independent comic book writers, illustrators and retailers and offers workshops for adults and kids.

The event will run from noon until 5 p.m. The way will culminate with a showing of the Harvey Pekar biopic "American Splendor."

“Northeast Ohio is home to so many talented comic writers and illustrators, and Harvey really paved the way for these local independent comic and zine creators,” says Heights Libraries Coventry Branch Manager Pat Gray. “What better way to honor him than by getting all this talent together in one place, and inspiring new artists?”

The day's workshops and panels features some fascinating topics. Each session will be held at the Heights Libraries' Coventry Branch. Topics include:

• The Art of Comix and Graphic Novels: Terri Libenson and Angela Oster will discuss the art of illustrating comix and graphic novels.
• Publishing Comix and Zines: Bryn Adams, Miguel Hernandez, Melissa O'Grady and Kyle Osborne
• What to Read Next? Reader's Advisory for New and Favorite Graphic Novels and Comix: Kate Atherton, Tyler Federico, John G., Joshua Harlan and Leslie Nichol

The event will feature the comic vendors Comics Are Go, Imaginary Worlds, Mac's Backs Books on Coventry; publishers Outlandish Press and Vagabond Comics; and artists Ted Sikora, Ashley Ribbletts, Keith Allen, Kate Atherton, Lindsey Bryan, Jed Collins, Michelle and Miguel Hernandez, Clare Kolat, Craig Lindsley, McKenzie Merriman, Chloe Niclas, Noelle Richards, Nathan Ward, and Tim Switalski.

The day's activities for kids will include superhero crafts, comic making with Lake Erie Ink, spray tattoos, balloon animals and more.

Pekar Park and the Coventry Branch of Heights Libraries are located at the corners of Coventry Road and Euclid Heights Blvd.

Photo from Google Earth