Photo courtesy of Molly Durst
Comic book artist Molly Durst will be teaching a workshop for teens at Big Comic Show. Her work is posted on her website, www.symphonyoftheuniverse.com.
Comic book creator Molly Durst, author and artist of the Symphony of the Universe series, began publishing her own work in 2007. Her interest in art and storytelling, however, started much earlier.
“I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing and drawing my own stories,” Durst says. “I made stories to entertain myself and was making them to entertain others as early as middle school.”
One of the ways Durst brings her work to a broader audience as a professional artist and writer is through local comic book events such as the Pickerington Public Library’s Big Comic Show, held 11 a.m.-5 p.m. May 9.
At the show, fans and newcomers of all ages can attend to learn about the art of making comic books and find out more about the creators and their work on display.
Big Comic Show is organized by event coordinator Kenton Daniels, assistant director of the library. Daniels was inspired by other shows hosted by comic book shops in the community and decided to bring the audience to Pickerington.
“A couple of us (at the library) have a strong interest in comics,” Daniels says.
After he began attending a local show called SPACE presented by Columbus publisher Back Porch Comics, Daniels became interested in finding a home in Pickerington for those interested in comics.
“I started attending SPACE as a patron or consumer of comics and got to know the people. I thought the library would be a great venue to promote these independent artists,” Daniels says.
Twenty-eight creators attended 2014’s Big Comic Show, and the same number of participants is expected this year. Durst will again teach a workshop for teens to learn how to write and illustrate their own original stories. But there will be plenty of artists present whose work is directed toward an adult audience, and all ages are encouraged to join in the experience.
Attendees will have a chance to interact with artists and learn about their styles, techniques and how a creator makes it in the industry. Books will be available for purchase, and fans will have the chance to have their copies signed.
Zach Maiorana is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at ssole@cityscenemediagroup.com.
