Comic Extravaganza Returns To Hamptons

EAST HAMPTON, NY — It’s the event all comic book fans have been waiting for: Archie Comics publisher and co-CEO Nancy Silberkleit’s second annual one-day-only free Pop-Up Comic Extravaganza hits East Hampton this Sunday.

Last year’s event created great buzz and was so well received that Silberkleit was excited to make it even bigger this year.

Silberkleit not only has a lifelong love for comic books’ words and artwork, she has an innate sense of social awareness. “I see my Comic Extravaganza as a bit different from others. It has a heart. I want to not only instill the love of reading, but I want myself and my vendors to spark the folks that we will meet on Sunday with the message to stay engaged in community, build a lifelong commitment in uplifting voice today and beyond,” she said.

Acts of kindness by individuals are needed to influence others, with a vision that shows more respect to humanity, Silberkleit added, especially in a world where hate can have devastating repercussions.

“Cyberbullying, suicide and people going into the street to take another person down due to hatred is on the rise,” she said.

And so, like a real-life heroine, Silberkleit wants to fight those negatives with the positive power of comic books. “That’s super power,” she said.

At the event, Silberkleit says she will have her flagship comic book, Rise Above, on hand, which talks about what someone can do when being bullied.

“My effort to host a fun-filled day also comes with not only the opportunity to dive into the panels of graphics, but to hopefully inspire one to understand the specialness of what one can do as an individual,” Silberkleit said.

Marty Grabstein will also be at the event, along with Liberator comic creator Matt Miner, who Silberkleit says is “focusing on helping animals that have been abused. His personal quote is ‘Save animals, read comics!’"

Along with interacting with comic book artists and writers, there will be a special table set up this year for Archie Andrews and his friends. With the success of the CW’s Riverdale TV show, Archie and his crew have established a whole new generation of fans.

“This year, the cut-out figures that follow me around the globe for folks to pose with will be displayed. Jughead Jones will be in the house; he’s tagged with being cool. He surely is a hit in the show going into second season,” Silberkleit said.

The free event is open to all — and people are encouraged to wear costumes. The event takes place on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 111 Cove Hollow Road in East Hampton. For more information on Comic Extravaganza click here.

Photo courtesy Nancy Silberkleit