Comic-Con returns to Asheboro library for second year

ASHEBORO -- Fans of comic books, pop culture, anime and superheroes are invited to the second annual Randolph County Public Libraries Comic-Con, 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 18, at the Asheboro Public Library.

Hosted by Asheboro library Youth Services, the all-ages, family-friendly event will feature 15 comic book authors, illustrators and other creators who will demonstrate their techniques and display their work, which will be available for purchase.

Booths will include original art, rare comics, and related merchandise.  There will be a special effects makeup demo, and photo ops with the Ghost Busters vehicle and the Andy Griffith car.

The event will include an origami demo at 10 a.m. and an anime character drawing demo at 11 a.m. Dress as a favorite character or superhero for a costume contest; judging by age categories will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Artists, authors and others participating include:

• Victoria Aldridge — Andy Griffith car;
• Central North Carolina Ghostbusters — cosplay fan group with Ghostbusters car;
• Chris Gairrusso — writer and illustrator of the G-Man graphic novel series;
• Dan Johnson — writer and editor at RedLine Comics Studio and Comic-Con emcee;
• Jo Knorpp and Fern Singleton, artwork and demonstrations;
• Marshall Lakes — art demonstrations;
• Angela Lombardo — young adult fantasy author of The Katori Chronicles;
• Jennifer McCollom — film makeup artist (Hunger Games) offering special effects makeup demos;
• Hector Miray — books, stickers, merch focused on spiritual themes in geek culture; 
• Rich Powell, artist and illustrator known for his Mad Magazine and Highlights work, “Wide Open” comic strip, and new book Ignore This Singing Pig;
• Chris Rigo — comic books, retro video games and toys;
• Gene Shanks — cartoonist, author of self-published comic series, sketches by request;
• Brian “Smitty” Smith — former Marvel and DC Comics editor, and author of Pea, Bee and Jay graphic novels; 
• Casey Strothman-Evans — pop culture custom creations;
• Xela Strothman-Evans — digital art and hand-painted 3D prints.

Also present will be library Youth Services staff from Asheboro, Archdale and Liberty to promote the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” summer reading initiative.

Support for Comic-Con is provided by the Friends of the Library.

The library is located at 201 Worth Street. For further information, call 336-318-6804.