Durham Comics Fest is an all-ages annual celebration of comics and graphic novels, with an emphasis on supporting a community of comics readers and creators. As a program of Durham County Library, Durham Comics Fest is free and open to the public. It takes place Thursday, July 6th, 2017, through Wednesday, July 12th.
Thursday, July 6
Comics Trivia Night at Fullsteam
9-11 p.m. at Fullsteam Brewery
726 Rigsbee Ave. in Durham
Come test your mental mettle in a special night of trivia sponsored by the Durham Comics Fest and Duke University Libraries, home of the Edwin and Terry Murray Comic Book Collection. Win yourself some prizes, and maybe even the grudging respect of your peers!
For adults age 21 and up only.
Friday, July 7
Drink and Draw with the Durham Comics Project at Cocoa Cinnamon
7-9 p.m. at Cocoa Cinnamon
420 W. Geer St. in Durham
Join us for a special Drink & Draw with the Durham Comics Project! Enjoy low-key, cooperative drawing exercises or do your own thing in a no-pressure, all-fun environment with other artists! All ages and skill levels welcome. This event is co-sponsored by Cocoa Cinnamon. For all ages – no registration required. Find more Drink & Draw events in Durham at meetup.com/Durham-Comics-Project-Drink-and-Draw.
Saturday, July 8
The Main Event at Southwest Regional Library
3605 Shannon Rd. in Durham
Comic Swap and Giveaway
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Meeting Room
Hang out with fellow comics lovers and trade your way to a new collection! Single issues and collected editions are welcome. Please note that no money may be exchanged during this event. For all ages – no registration required.
Local Artist Alley
12:30-5 p.m. in the Meeting Room
Meet members of the local comics scene to chat about their process and sell their work.
For all ages, though some artists’ work may contain adult themes and images.
Caricature and Autobio Comics with Liz Prince
1-2 p.m. in the Meeting Room
The cartoonist behind Tomboy and Clarence will walk you through the elements of caricature and help you use your new skills to create a quick autobiographical comic book to take home.
For kids, teens, and parents; no registration required. Book sale and signing afterwards.
Injury prevention workshop for teens and adults with Kriota Willberg
1-2 p.m. in the Children’s Program Room
Get started on the path to a pain-free drawing career with cartoonist and massage therapist Kriota Willberg! We will explore: types of drawing injuries; when to see a doctor; exercises and stretches to help reduce drawing pain, and more.
For adults and teens age 15 and up. Registration is required; register online or at 919-560-8590. Book sale and signing afterwards!
Literary Mashups and Comics Homages with R. Sikoryak
2:45-3:45 in the Meeting Room
Join the author of Terms and Conditions and Masterpiece Comics for a presentation on his unique blend of comics, literature and much, much more.
For adults and teens, but everyone is welcome! Book sale and signing afterwards.
Making Comics Personal with Jeremy Sorese
2:45-3:45 in the Children’s Program Room
The writer of the Steven Universe comics will share how all of his comics, from autobiography to science fiction, rely on stories that come from a deeply personal place, and he’ll get you thinking about how sincerity has never been more important in the work you make and in the world around you. For ages 12-17; registration required. Register online or by calling 919-560-8590. Book sale and signing afterwards.
Sunday, July 9
Documentary Film Screening and Filmmaker Q&A – Wonder Women! The Untold History
of the American Superheroines
3:00 p.m.
Southwest Regional Library
3605 Shannon Rd.
This documentary traces the fascinating evolution and legacy of Wonder Woman and looks at how popular representations of powerful women often reflect society’s anxieties about women’s liberation, with Lynda Carter, Gloria Steinem, Kathleen Hanna and more. Plus, Wonder Women filmmaker Kristy Guevara-Flanagan will be present for Director Q&A.
60 minutes; contains very brief adult language.
Made possible by the Durham Library Foundation, our Documentary Film Partner.
Wednesday, July 12
Local Comics Creator Networking Night
6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Atomic Empire
3400 Westgate Dr. #14B in Durham
Are you a professional, amateur or aspiring comics artist or writer living in the Triangle? Then come to our Local Comics Creator Networking Nights at Atomic Empire! Meet fellow creators, show off and trade your work (no sales please), and make our local comics scene even better. All ages, skill levels and genres welcome! Call 919-560-8648 or email pdholt@dconc.gov for more information.
