5th Annual Pekar Fest To Be Held In Cleveland Heights

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH - The annual Pekar Park Comic Book Fest will be held July 20 in Coventry Village. The free festival is an homage to the late comic book writer Harvey Pekar, a Cleveland Heights resident.

“Harvey continues to be the foremost renowned comic writer from the area. He was a regular patron of Cleveland Heights’ Lee Road branch and wrote notable, relatable, and internationally recognized comics,” said Kate Atherton, Heights Libraries’ adult services associate, ‘zine collection curator, and local artist. “He set the standard that other Cleveland writers and artists could also be recognized and that their stories could be shared through this unique format.”

During the festival, attendees can take part in workshops, listen to panels and engage in several hands-on activities. Each session is designed to encourage comic book creation. During the day, there will be local comic book and graphic novel creators, movie screenings and performances.

The action will start at 6 p.m. at the Heights Libraries' Coventry branch. Panelists will discuss the role of women in comics, host a screening of anime shorts, and present the film "My Friend Dahmer," followed by a Q&A with local graphic novelist Derf, who wrote the source material for the movie.

Outside the library, festivities will start at 1 p.m. and continue to 6:30 p.m. at Pekar Park. There will be a Chalk Art Contest, a comic book and 'zine making, and other crafts.

“Cleveland has so many artists making all kinds of comics; from autobiographical to totally surreal and ethereal, from handmade to professionally published volumes. Come and talk to artists, make your own work and celebrate this art form with the creative community of Cleveland Heights and the Library, which houses so many comics and graphic novels. We would love to have you!” Atherton added.

For the first time in Pekar Fest's history, the event will end with a cosplay fashion show. Organized by the Cleveland-based anime club Urban Otaku, the fashion show encourages participants to dress up like a character from a movie, TV series, book or video game.

“We wanted to add more of the so-called ‘geek culture’ experience to this year’s Pekar Comic Day. Anime and manga add to the layers of comic culture by showcasing diverse styles of storytelling and artistry,” said Urban Otaku Club President Curtis O’Neal. “We hope people who visit our activities will learn just as much as they will have fun.”

Pekar Park is located at the corner of Coventry Road and Euclid Heights Blvd. in Cleveland Heights. Heights Libraries Coventry branch is located at 1925 Coventry Road.