This Week in Comics
The Eating With Pictures charity cookout is Saturday.
Time Out Chicago has a new comics correspondent. Web Behrens is not new to the publication (check out the best Halloween costume idea ever!), but we’re happy to see him dedicating his time to comics. It’s clear he has a special place in his heart for them and knows a thing or two or ten about the artistic and literary aesthetic of comics. From his “Panel Discussion” piece: “Some storytelling flourishes can only be accomplished with the written word; in other areas, visuals excel. In combining and juxtaposing the two forms, comics create something unique, giving the reader/viewer the best of both worlds. I’m here to tell you: It’s the best high.”
The Threadless Comics T-Shirt Design Challenge is still going strong with over 100 entries. It’s open for another week. They’re offering up some pretty awesome prizes, and the winning design will be worn by a character in an upcoming issue of Chew. And if you're into buying tees instead of designing them, hurry up and order the Comics on Tees collection, because it’s nearly sold out!
Reading With Pictures is holding a charity cookout this weekend at Challengers Comics + Conversation. At Eating With Pictures, you can schmooze with the creators of the Reading With Pictures Anthology, a comic book anthology designed to be used in the classroom. Reading With Pictures was created to promote literacy and improve educational outcomes for students through comics. Every dollar you spend on grilled meats and foods will help bridge the gap between entertainment and education.
August 7, Challengers Comics + Conversation, 1845 N. Western, 1 - 5 p.m., $1 per food item
The Chicago Comic-Con convention is sneaking up fast. Comics, video games, movies, you name it; this is one of Wizard World’s biggest events. Check the website for the long list of exhibitors, retailers, artists and creators who will be present, or check out the Chicago Comic-Con Facebook page, which is a bit easier to digest. If you’re a comic fiend, this is one of those rare instances when a trip out to Rosemont is worth it.
August 19-21, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Rd. (Rosemont), tickets $25-50 via the Wizard World site