I’ve read a few graphic novels in my day. Or maybe just one.
Alison Bechdel's "Fun Home" was recommended to me by a professor I admire and respect who instilled in me a love for reading and writing memoirs. It was recommended solely on the fact that I had written an essay featuring an old Victorian home similar to the one in which Bechdel's story is set.
I bought and read it immediately, thus beginning and ending my foray into the graphic novel/comic-book world fairly quickly.
But I've been trying to re-enter it.
"American Vampire" sits on my shelf, a comic-book my husband bought for me one Christmas because Stephen King is listed as a writer, it's about vampires and it's got a cool cover.
He's read it. I've not.
I'm a big fan of sci-fi/fantasy author Neil Gaiman, who gained popularity from the highly-lauded "Sandman" comic-book series. While I've read several of his novels, "Sandman" has yet to make it on my reading list.
What you can garner from this is that I'm not exactly a comic-book geek, despite a small, nagging desire to delve into that world.
If you, too, have been toying with the idea, Sunday's Columbus Comic Book Show at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center might be your opportunity to explore your options.
The event will feature vendors selling, buying and trading comic-books, toys and collectibles; costumed characters from local clubs, including Star Trek, Star Wars, super heroes and Ghostbusters; outdoor activities such as a sun scope and remote control helicopters; and all the regular features of the museum.
Dutch Cummings, coordinator of visitor services, said those new to comic books will have the opportunity to look through what the vendors have to offer.
"Find a character you identify with, then pick up a comic and read," said Cummings, 44, who has been reading and collecting comic-books since he was 10 years old.
He said what makes the Columbus Comic Book Show stand out is that it's held in a museum and offers more interactive elements than most traditional comic-book shows, such as the sun scopes and planetarium.
This is the eighth show the center has held since 2009 and Cummings said they regularly bring in about 500 attendees, some from out of town, most of whom have never been to the Coca-Cola Space Science Center before.
"We get to expose people to Columbus State University" who owns the center, said Cummings. "It's a chance to show off what we've got."
Details: The Columbus Comic Book Show will be held at the Coca-Cola Space Science Center, 701 Front St., from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $4. For more information, call 706-649-1477.
>Katie McCarthy, features writer, can be reached at kmccarthy@ledger-enquirer.com or 706-571-8515. Visit her blog at ledger-enquirer.com/junkfood for more commentary.
