Michigan State University Comics Forum 2009

One of the reasons I (Joe) came to Michigan State University was the Comic Art Collection housed in Special Collections of the library. This is the largest public holding of comic books in the world. Michigan State is already known for pop culture studies (The Journal of Popular Culture is housed at the University), and is becoming known for comic book studies as well. In order to promote both the Comic Art Collection and comic book studies the American Studies program is starting an annual event called The Michigan State University Comics Forum. I've been asked to help organize the event. I contacted some comic book creators as potential guests for the event, which was pretty cool. This is only the second year for the event, so it's been a good opportunity to work with some of the faculty to help define the purpose of the event. Also, I was asked to send out a press release to local news organizations and national comic book websites. First time I've ever written a press release. Here it is:

ANNOUNCING THE MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY COMICS FORUM 2009
An Event for Scholars, Creators, and Fans

EAST LANSING, MI (February, 23 2009)- The Michigan State University Comics Forum is an annual event that brings together scholars, creators, and fans in order to explore and celebrate the medium of comics, graphic storytelling, and sequential art. The Michigan State University Comics Forum 2009 is scheduled to take place March 27-28 on the campus of Michigan State University.

This year’s keynote address will be given by David Petersen, creator of the critically acclaimed Mouse Guard. David Petersen won the 2007 Russ Manning Award for Most Promising Newcomer. In 2008, David won the Eisner Awards for Best Publication for Kids (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 & Winter 1152) and Best Graphic Album – Reprint (Mouse Guard Fall 1152 Hardcover).

The event will also feature an Artist’s Alley as well as several panel discussions with academics studying comic books and professionals working in the comic book industry.

The Michigan State University Comics Forum is accepting entries for the 2009 Original Comics Collection. Ten finalists will be chosen from among the entries, from which judges will choose a single winner who will receive a $150 award. Entries will be judged based on their creativity, quality, and storytelling. The work of all finalists will be displayed at the Michigan State University Comics Forum 2009, and be collected, archived, and preserved in the Comic Art Collection housed in Michigan State University’s Special Collections. The Comic Art Collection holds over 200,000 items and is the primary library resource for the study of U.S. comic book publications.

For more information concerning The Michigan State University Comics Forum 2009, as well as submission guidelines for the 2009 Original Comics Collection, please visit http://www.comicsforum.msu.edu/. You can also follow the The Michigan State University Comics Forum 2009 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/msucomicsforum
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The release was already posted on Newsarama.com, one of the largest websites for comic book news, which I think is rather spiffy.