Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
Arts & Entertainment
The Black Comic Book Festival returns to Harlem this weekend
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Apr 25, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Photo by Bob Gore
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Apr 25, 2024
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The Black Comic Book Festival, a celebration of comics, anime, graphics, cosplay and more, is back for its 12th year at the Schomburg Center in Harlem starting on Friday.
The two-day festival, also known as SchomCom, features dozens of panel participants, including artists, authors and comic-book creators from across the African and Black diaspora, as well as a marketplace with more than 50 comics world exhibitors.
Photo by Isseu Diouf Campbell
This year’s schedule features a Friday panel on how to draw Black superheroes, led by artist and educator Tim Fielder. There is a Black comics trivia challenge on Friday evening, and a panel on teaching Black history via comics.
Among Saturday's highlights is a panel discussion with the creators of "Iyanu: Child of Wonder," a comic that’s being adapted into an animated series on Cartoon Network and Max. Nigerian comics creator Roye Okupe and others will be on hand to discuss bringing the comic to the screen.
David Crownson, pictured at last year's Black Comic Book Festival.
Photo by Bob Gore
“Our creators are telling remarkable stories you often don’t see on TV or get to read when you’re in the classroom,” said Kadiatou Tubman, curator and executive producer of the event. “The event is critical because it provides representation, it provides the liberation of imagination.”
One of Tubman’s favorite annual traditions is Saturday evening's cosplay showcase. Although attendees dress as their favorite characters and inspirations all weekend, she said the showcase is the main event for costumes.
A scene from last year's Black Comic Book Festival in Harlem.
Photo by Bob Gore
Tubman herself dressed as a favorite character from David Crownson’s comics series “Harriet Tubman: Demon Slayer.”
“My last name is Tubman, so obviously this was a win,” she said. “It paid homage to his incredible story about a Harriet Tubman who literally slays demons, as a way to tell stories about history, slavery, resistance and powerful Black women.”
A speaker at last year's Black Comic Book Festival.
Photo by Bob Gore
Tubman said the event drew about 8,000 people last year, and she expects a similar number this year. While much of the event focuses on the fun and joy of the comics world, she said literacy is just as important to its mission.
“The event was really founded to encourage young people to read, to see themselves in the books and enjoy literature,” she said. “It’s a great entry point for young people and for all types of readers.”
The Black Comic Book Festival takes place on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. Registration is free but organizers encourage visitors to register ahead of time here.
Tagged
new york city
harlem
art
comic books
Ryan Kailath
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE arts-entertainment
NYC music in October: The Strokes, a Blink-182 cover band, and Polish experimentalism
An excellent and diverse month of concerts are in store for October.
By
Hank Shteamer
Published Oct 2, 2026
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
Arts & Entertainment
Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.
There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
By
Hannah Frishberg
In the mood for a pastoral autumn experience? Try Queens.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
James Ramsay
October is spooky season at the movies in New York City
By
Emma Stefansky
At the Museum at FIT, an argument for dolls as the ultimate fashion influencers
By
Quinn Moreland
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .