ECBACC Shows Off Black Comics
by Cheryl Lynn Eaton, PW Comics Week -- Publishers Weekly, 5/22/2007
The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, held annually in Philadelphia, was a big success, attracting more than 500 fans and an impressive lineup of creators. The weekend of festivities began on Friday night at the African American Museum with the annual Glyphs Awards, emceed by independent cartoonist Jamar Nicholas and dedicated to honoring artists and writers of all backgrounds who have produced stellar work featuring black characters, as well as honoring black creators who have produced outstanding work in the field of comics. The graphic novel Stagger Lee nearly swept the awards ceremony, racking up four major awards. A full list of award winners can be found at the Glyphs Web site.
A host of artists, writers and publishers occupied the convention's main floor, and a separate Kid's Corner, complete with instructors and art supplies, was available for young children to create their own comics. Representatives from Urban Voice in Comics, a new comics periodical that launched during New York Comic-con, were on hand to cover the convention and to showcase the second issue of UVC. Indie publisher Griot Comics was there promoting its WitchDoctor title, and Maximum Overtime Media had an impressive booth dedicated to the promotion of its upcoming urban fantasy magazine Gritz n' Gravy. Jaycen Wise, a new title featuring a daring explorer, and Sand Storm, a comic revolving around the adventures of an Egyptian heroine, had fans flocking to the booths of Uraeus and Newave Comics respectively. ECBACC even attracted noncomics celebrities like the professional wrestler the Smoke, who kept fans amused with his outrageous antics. Attendees were also able to interact with such well-known creators as Fantastic Four writer Dwayne McDuffie, novelist L.A. Banks and acclaimed humor cartoonist Kyle Baker. The three were often seen in lively conversations with fans about their many creations.
Much to the delight of the children attending the convention, Static Shock animated cartoons were shown in the auditorium between panels. There were panels focused on a range of issues, among them black women in the comics industry, how to make a living as a cartoonist, the best methods for printing and distribution, and how to break into the comics industry as a writer. The most popular panel featured creators Dwayne McDuffie, Kyle Baker, Reggie Byers, Khaylil B'naiah and journalist Jerome Maida. The speakers touched on a wide array of issues, including the lack of promotional support for minority characters by mainstream comics publishers, the need for alternative methods of marketing and the importance of maintaining the rights to one's own creations.
Convention organizer Maurice Waters is already planning for next year's ECBACC, which may move to a larger venue to accommodate the rising number of attendees. Waters is also considering launching a West Coast Black Age of Comics Convention. However, next year's East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention will remain in the heart of Philadelphia.
