Sat 9/18 @ 1-5PM
One of Cleveland’s legendary characters, comics storyteller, jazz enthusiastic and world-class curmudgeon Harvey Pekar, who died in 2010, is remembered fondly by family, friends and a legion of fans of his underground comics and graphic novels. While remembered for his grumpy, pessimistic takes on Cleveland, he had deep empathy for the ordinary working stiffs who populated the city.
Each year, his hometown of Cleveland Heights celebrates his legacy at the Pekar Comic Book Fest, taking place at Pekar Plaza in Coventry Village. It includes an outdoor vendor and artist market with more than two dozen vendors; a sidewalk chalk art contest; ’zine making with Lake Erie Ink, make-and-take crafts courtesy of the Heights Libraries where Pekar’s legacy as a regular patron is also remembered; a bounce house and free glitter tattoos in PEACE Park, and a panel discussion featuring artists, writers and editors talking about the state of comics today. People are invited to come in cosplay/character costumes to earn a free milkshake voucher from Tommy’s, whose milkshakes are as legendary as Pekar’s tales of whining working stiffs.
It will be followed by a free screening of the 2014 Disney animation film Big Hero 6 at PEACE Park. Go here for more information.