Comic Book Candy

  This past Wednesday evening Graham Crackers Comics located in the Chicago Loop looked a little different. As one keenly observant male customer opined a little too loudly, "You guys are swimming in estrogen today!" After manager Matt Streets pointed out that the store's first Ladies Night event was about to begin, he sheepishly took his books up to the register and went on his way. Considering the large turn out, it's safe to say this will be the first of a regular monthly event at the local comic shop. As an employee of Graham Crackers Chicago Lakeview location, I served as a store liaison for the event and also helped to moderate the conversation. Comic book creator and recent transplant to Chicago, Hannah Chapman spearheaded the event and organized it along with store manager Matt Streets. Ladies Night served a few purposes; first and foremost, it was a chance to meet and talk comics with other local female fans. Participants were encouraged to bring books they...

Only a week after C2E2, there are already several comic book related social events here in Chicagoland. Whether you missed the recent convention or you went and were left wanting more, we locals here in Chicago are lucky enough to seemingly always have opportunities to indulge our love for comic books. Here are a few noteworthy events happening this very weekend (March 25th-27th): Becky Cloonan Signing and Gallery Opening Where: Challengers Comics + Conversation in Bucktown When: Friday 7pm - 10pm Website: Challengers "Demo" Gallery Event with Becky Cloonan If you have yet to attend one of Challenger's Rogue Gallery openings, this is your chance to finally see what all of the hub-bub is about. Art collectors get the chance to see pages in person before they purchase pieces for their collections, and fans get the chance to meet and greet with the artist herself, all the while everyone enjoying snacks and refreshments: just like a real art opening! Pick up the n...

The blog has been very Chicago-centric lately, but clearly this town has a lot going for it. Mark your calendars now for these current and soon to happen events! Challengers Comics SIXTH GUN Weekend with Cullen Bunn & Brian Hurtt Where: Challengers Comics in Bucktown   When: January 14th and 15th With all of the holiday hub-ub, I missed the first official gallery opening in December at Challenger's new art space, the Rogue's Gallery , but here's another chance to see fine art on display and also meet with the creative team behind The Sixth Gun . Did I mention this is taking place at a comic book store? Sure, stores have signings, but how often do you get to see the original artwork at the same time? The opening night even features a fancy dress reception. Social events at this store are a hot ticket, so get there early! New Chicago Comics at the MCA featuring Jeffrey Brown, Lilli Carré, Anders Nilsen , and Paul Hornschemeier Where: The Museum of Contemporary A...