Anythink celebrates this year’s Denver Comic Con and Literary Conference (DCC) with creative programming district-wide, teen-led panels at the convention and a DCC pass giveaway for customers. With more than 86,500 attendees in 2014, DCC is one of the largest independent conferences of its kind. DCC 2015 will take place from May 23-25, 2015, with proceeds benefitting Pop Culture Classroom, a Denver-based nonprofit that offers pop culture, core-aligned programs. 

At Anythink Huron Street, a dedicated group of teens will be presenting six original panels at DCC 2015. These panels explore a wide variety of topics, including literature, gaming, diversity and Doctor Who. Attendees of the conference are encouraged to join these young community members for a series of lively discussions. These teens are also hosting their own Mini Comic Con, open to students in grades 6-12, on Thursday, May 28, at Anythink Huron Street.    

“Our teens have been brainstorming and working hard on their panels for Denver Comic Con since January,” says Anythink Huron Street guide Genne Boggs. “We're impressed with their dedication, knowledge and enthusiasm, and excited for them to have the opportunity to express that passion at the convention.”  

In the weeks leading up to DCC, Anythink will be celebrating all things comic-related with a wide variety of interactive programs, including comic book writing sessions and cosplay crafting. Additionally, Anythink will give away several three-day passes for DCC 2015. Beginning May 11, community members can enter to win at their local Anythink. Winners will be announced May 18. Comic fans will have an extra chance to win a pass online the week leading up to the conference. Stay tuned to Anythink’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram profiles for more details.    

Anythink will join several other Colorado libraries for the Colorado Library Makerspaces booth at DCC. This collaborative group of representatives from across the state will show off new and innovative hands-on experiences for convention attendees that are also available in many Colorado libraries.

“Anythink is excited to be a part of Comic Con and help share the experience with our community through a variety of innovative and fun programs,” says Lynda Freas, director of special projects.

Denver Comic Con 2015
Panels led by Anythink Huron Street teens
May 23-25, 2015
Specific times and locations TBD. Please visit the DCC website for more details.

• Teens Read! – Awesome teen girls know good reads. Join them to explore what makes a book worth reading.
• Forgotten Heroes – Remember the forgotten heroes of DC and Marvel.
• Doctor Who Tech – Go on a journey with the Doctor and companions to explore the Doctor’s technology.
• Pokemonster – To every yin there is a yang; discover the trust of this in the world of Pokemon as we explore both its dangers and splendors.
• The Great Gaming Paradigm – Bust the paradigms and create real heroes!
• Online Gaming vs. Real Storylines – Does online gameplay meet the standards of the best offline game stories?

  

Special Programs at Anythink

For an easy-to-access online list of events, visit anythinklibraries.org/events/tagged/comic-con.

Free Comic Book Day
Saturday, May 2, 10 am
Anythink York Street, 8990 York St., Suite A, Thornton, CO 80229, 303-405-3234
Comic books are for everyone. They help kids read by teaching new words in context through the pairing of text and illustrations. Plus, they’re fun! Stop by to pick up some free special edition comic books to take home while supplies last. All ages welcome.

ZAP! POW! Magnets
Saturday, May 2, 1-3 pm
Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601, 303-405-3230
Connect with your inner superhero by making magnets inspired by comic book text. Appropriate for ages 12 and up.

Superhero vs. Supervillain Dance
Saturday, May 2, 1-2 pm
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO 80260, 303-452-7534
Celebrate comics! Have fun dancing to great music as your choice of either a superhero or a supervillain. Sydney, a local teen dancer, is back to work with us. You’ll have a chance to show off your own moves, as well. Snacks provided. Students in grades 6-12 welcome.

DIY Comic Strip
Wednesday, May 6, 2:30-4:30 pm
Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601, 303-405-3230
Rework your favorite comic strip to tell a story uniquely your own. Students in grades 6-12 welcome.

Comic Club
Tuesday, May 5, 3:30 pm
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO 80260, 303-452-7534
Share your love of comics with other teens. Finalize your panel presentation for Comic Con or help another group with their presentation. Snacks provided. Students in grades 6-12 welcome.

Cosplay Crafting: Open Studio
Friday, May 8, 3-4:30 pm
Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601, 303-405-3230
Find the space to kickstart your costume ideas or connect with us to troubleshoot your unfinished work-in-progress. This special edition of our regular Open Studio series provides tools for sewing and crafting for Denver Comic Con. A felt superhero mask project is available for those without a planned costume.

Comic Creation: Idea to Page
Monday, May 11, 5:30-6:30 am – Anythink Perl Mack, 7611 Hilltop Circle, Denver CO 80221, 303-428-3576
Tuesday, May 12, 3-5 pm – Anythink Commerce City, 7185 Monaco St., Commerce City, CO 80022, 303-287-0063
Thursday, May 21, 5-7 pm – Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601, 303-405-3230
Always wanted to write a comic? Never had all the right things in the right places? Join us as we discuss idea generation, drawing, inking and uploading your own narrative art creation. Space is limited; registration required. Please visit our online calendar to register.

Superhero vs. Supervillain Dance
Tuesdays, May 12 & 26, 4 pm
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO 80260, 303-452-7534
Get ready for our big surprise on May 28! This is a great opportunity to practice, have fun dancing, and celebrate your love of comics with other teens. Snacks provided. Students in grades 6-12 welcome.

Make a Comic Book
Thursday, May 14, 4 pm
Anythink Wright Farms, 5877 E. 120^th Ave., Thornton, CO 80602, 303-405-3200
Create your own comic book with a blend of found images and creative writing. Appropriate for teens. Space is limited; registration required. Please visit our online calendar to register.  

Comic Book Pendants
Saturday, May 16, 1-3 pm
Anythink Brighton, 327 E. Bridge St., Brighton, CO 80601, 303-405-3230
Carry your favorite heroes and villains with you wherever you go! Using a variety of tools, from Mod Podge to soldering irons, craft a cool comic book pendant for you to wear on a necklace or place on a keychain. Appropriate for teens and adults. Space is limited; registration required. Please visit our online calendar to register.

Anythink Huron Street Mini Comic Con
Thursday, May 28, 4 pm
Anythink Huron Street, 9417 Huron St., Thornton, CO 80260, 303-452-7534
Show how much you love comics! Come ready to be a superhero or supervillain, play games, answer trivia questions and have fun. Activities provided by the Teen Advisory Board. Everyone is welcome.