Philly's Black Age of Comics Con
This story originally appeared in PW Comics Week on June 6, 2006 Sign up now!
by Alex Simmons. PW Comics Week -- Publishers Weekly, 6/6/2006
 Yumy Odum (l.) and Maurice White, founders and coordinators of the ECBACC. |
The two-day event began with a presentation ceremony on Friday night, at Philadelphia's African American Museum. The event drew 200 registered attendees including 35 artist/vendors, up from about 150 attendees last year. Participants enjoyed a screening of a documentary film on blacks in comics; a poetry and musical tribute to the late sci-fi author Octavia Butler; and an awards ceremony honoring some of the pioneers of the industry—not to mention food, drinks and a pleasant evening of networking.
As in years past, the main event was held on the Temple University campus, but this time in Anderson Hall, a larger venue. Fans bustled along the main floor corridors to meet independent and mainstream artists, among them Tony Isabella and Trevor Von Eden (of Black Lightning fame), Jamal Igle (Daredevil, Shi and currently Firestorm), and cartoonist Rob Armstrong (creator of the syndicated comic strip JumpStart).
There were hour-long workshops on the art of creating comics, taught by Dawud Anyabwile, creator and illustrator of the comic book series Brotherman: Dictators of Discipline; artist Eric Battle (who has illustrated Aquaman, Batman and Wonder Woman); and this writer (I'm the creator/writer of the historical adventure series Blackjack as well as the writer of Batman: Orpheus Rising), to name just a few. There was a fun spot called Kid's Korner where children could watch cartoons, read comics and meet a black colonial soldier, "Ned Hector," portrayed by Noah Louis in full costume. In the early afternoon there was an award presentation honoring film director/writer Reginald Hudlin (House Party, Boomerang and the pilot for UPN's Everybody Hates Chris). Hudlin has also written the popular Black Panther and Spiderman series for Marvel.
Professionals and fledgling artists as well as the curious listened to lectures on computer coloring and panel discussions on the changing images of blacks in the media. Actor/screenwriter Kevin Grevioux (creator/writer of the horror film Underworld) held a candid, hour-long dialogue with fans and fellow professionals. He gave them a glimpse into the film industry while introducing his upcoming line of comic book publications.
The ECBACC helps to make the talents, visions and products of black comics professionals and aspiring professionals available to all comics fans. And while black artists, publishers and presenters dominated the programming, the audience for the event was diverse. Yumy Odum and Maurice White, the founders and coordinators of ECBACC, worked hard to make everyone who attended feel welcomed and appreciated. Indeed, many of the artists and patrons remarked on the excitement and energy at the events, as well as the event's supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
