Sat 7/26 @ 10am
By Josh Usmani
Who doesn’t love Batman? This Saturday, Carol & John’s Comic Book Shop is hosting a special party to celebrate Bruce Wayne’s 75th birthday. The day will feature art, giveaways, a documentary screening and a Joker-themed life drawing session with Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School.
The best part? It’s all to raise money and awareness for Preston’s H.O.P.E., a free playground in Beachwood, where children with mobility, vision or hearing disabilities can play with kids without these limitations.
Seventy-five years ago, in the spring of 1939, America was introduced to Batman. Since that time, the world has changed in so many ways – some for the better, some not so much. Batman hasn’t just remained a constant icon in our society’s visual culture. He has constantly evolved with the times.
The Dark Knight isn’t like most comic book characters in that each artist/writer creates their own interpretation of the character. The Caped Crusader has been inspiring generations for three-quarters of a century, and he seems to be only getting more and more popular with younger generations.
“Comic Book Shops have a responsibility to the community they serve to protect and empower the symbols and stories they have been entrusted with,” explains Carol and John’s owner John Dudas. “Fiction isn’t just escapism; it’s how we ask ourselves questions about who we are and who we hope to be.”
While the event spans the whole day, families with young children are encouraged to come between Noon and 2pm for the best chance to see other young superheroes. Fans of all ages are strongly encouraged to come in costume – you won’t be alone.
No costume? No problem. Carol & John’s will hook your little ones up with a free 75th Anniversary-themed Batman Cape created by Rubies. You can also pick one of 4 Batman masks created by local artist Ryan Sook. Masks include Golden Age Batman from his first appearance in Detective Comics #27, Adam West circa 1966, Frank Miller’s vision from Dark Knight Returns and Greg Capullo’s New 52 Batman – featured on the cover of the 75th anniversary issue of Detective Comics #27 (which you can also score for free at the event)
More than 25 local artists (including myself) will be participating in a Batman-themed pop-up art exhibition at Carol & John’s. Throughout the day you can see work by Sean Burns, CHOD (Chad Kimes), Randy Crider, Apryl Dudas, Eric Dull, Krystle Finley, Philip Fried, Jim Giar, Greg Golembiski, Jim Guilliams, Jeff Hulligan, Clare Kolat, Mark Laubenthal, Angela Oster, Mark Overlow, Len Peralta, Henry Pope III, Deanna Piotrowksi, Adbul H. Rashid, Ashley Ribblett, Erin Schechtman, Tim Switalski, Tom Szoraday, Josh Usmani, Janie Walland, Robery J. Walland and Craig Worrell. This exhibition is curated by Carol & John’s newest employee (and BAYarts Cartooning instructor), Ryan Finley.
At 5pm, you can catch a special, rare screening of Legends of the Knight, a documentary about real people inspired to overcome overwhelming obstacles by channeling the ideals that Batman represents. The screening is free, but organizers will by asking for donations before the screening. All donations will go to Preston’s H.O.P.E., so be sure to bring some cash with you.
At 7pm, Dr. Sketchy’s Anti-Art School will present a special life drawing session featuring Batman-themed models. Local cosplayers Keith Miller and Courtney Childs will portray The Joker and Harley Quinn, and they’ll be joined by burlesque model Ava Adore. Poses will range from 1 to 20 minutes in length. This portion of the event is 18 and over, and requires a $5 cover charge (which will be donated to Preston’s H.O.P.E.). Costumes are still strongly encouraged, and photo ops with the models will be available. Both the film screening and Dr. Sketchy will be hosted in a storefront adjacent to Carol & John’s.
Carol & John’s isn’t just a comic book shop. For years, they’ve been putting a lot of effort into events just like this one. The shop is an asset to our community. They’re an example of what Cleveland is all about – businesses who add value to our city’s quality of life. At Carol & John’s, it’s not just about selling comic books – it’s about community and the common bonds that unite us to eachother. Stop by the shop this weekend and see for yourself.
Josh Usmani is a 27 year old local artist, curator and writer. Since 2008, his work has been featured in over 50 local and regional exhibitions.
Cleveland, OH 44111