Comic-Con Celebrates All Things Comics, Pop Culture, and Cosplay

Being a librarian, I wondered why teens enjoy comics. So I asked a few of our teens who frequent the library: "Why do you love comics or graphic novels?"

Here are some of the answers they gave me:

• "I appreciate the artwork; they give me a better visual; they give me that first-sip feeling." (Anonymous)
• "Why I like comics? Because they are simple and quick." (Charlotte, age 12)
• "I like graphic novels because in the book you can see how the author designed the character, versus your own imagination." (Anonymous)

While comics first gained popularity with Superman in the late 1930s, it wasn’t until the 1980s that graphic novels started getting more attention. Some would even argue it hasn’t been until the last 15 years that graphic novels have become part of modern-day pop culture. This can also be said for manga, the Japanese form of graphic novels, which have gained popularity for all ages—but especially teenagers—over the last 30-40 years.

San Diego Comic-Con takes place every summer. However, out of the teens I interviewed, none have had the opportunity to go. This doesn’t mean they haven’t heard about it, though. One teen admitted, "I think it’s really cool!" while another bluntly stated that they want to go to Comic-Con one day because "I am a nerd."

Whether Comic-Con is for "nerds" or not, it has attracted over 100,000 attendees per year. It boasts being "the largest comic, sci-fi, and fantasy event in the world."

So, what happens at Comic-Con? And what do libraries have to do with it all? Comic-Con is a convention event held in San Diego during the month of July. People from all over the United States, and all over the world, travel to downtown San Diego to visit the convention to celebrate all things comics, art, and pop culture. Basically, it’s a huge celebration of creativity in its many forms. Many people attend the convention dressed as their favorite characters from comics, movies, shows, books, video games, and more. Many people come to hear presenters speak—these presenters range from movie stars to directors to comic writers and illustrators to video game designers to artists and authors. Some visit Comic-Con just to see all of the newest creations that align with their fandoms and interests, like the newest MCU film (Marvel Cinematic Universe) sneak peek, along with artists, illustrators, and authors; new video games; and new technology.

Where do libraries come in? Well, one of the teens I interviewed summed it up perfectly: "When I think of Comic-Con, I think of 'fandom.' When I think of the library, I think of 'becoming a fan' because the library is where I'm introduced to most of my fandoms like Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Trek, and Adventure Time." At the library, you can get comics, graphic novels, movies, TV shows, and books all FOR FREE and you can go on enjoying your fandoms without having to spend money at a bookstore, movie theater, or streaming service.

You can dive into new fandoms as well. Maybe your friend is obsessed with Supernatural and you’ve never seen it before. Check out the first and second season from the library. Not sure what My Hero Academia is, but want to find out? Visit your local library and check out the movie, show, or manga! At most public libraries you can also use a 3D-printer to bring your favorite characters to life in miniature! There really is so much offered at your local public library at no cost to you or your family. And, who knows, if you make it to Comic-Con you may just see some of your local librarians participating in the fun!