NYPL at Comic Con 2022
This post was updated on October 10, 2022.
The New York Public Library joined comic book fans from all over the world at New York Comic Con 2022! The annual convention for enthusiasts of comics, graphic novels, superheroes, and more was hosted at Javits Center in Manhattan from Thursday, October 6, to Sunday, October 9, 2022. Our friendly neighborhood librarians and staff, including the team from NYPL's Center for Educators & Schools, moderated or participated in a range of panel discussion (check out details below), for many of which eligible New York state educators were able to earn continuing teacher and leader education (CTLE) credit.
In a special Comic Con exclusive, educators and comic book fans became the very first recipients of NYPL's all-new limited-edition Spider-Man library card! This special card, which will help New Yorkers to scale new heights with the power of reading, is now available in our branches across the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island.
Missed out on Comic Con? Check out our list of the Best New Comics for Adults—our expert comics committee read more than 350 titles to select their top 50 reads published in 2022. There's something for everyone here—whether you're a first-time comics reader or a die-hard fan!
The Library at New York Comic Con 2022
Booth: The Librarian Is In
Thurs, Oct 6 | 10 AM–3 PM | Location: 4th floor, North Javits
Not sure what comic to read next? Feeling like you want to start reading manga but not sure where to start? Stop by our book recommendation booth to talk all things comics with our very own librarians.
Tween-Age Dreams: Comics as a Tool for Discovery and Self-Identity
Thurs, Oct 6 | 10:30–11:30 AM | Location: 406.2
The middle school years can be an uncertain time as tweens begin to leave childhood behind and take on greater responsibilities as they enter teenage-hood. In this panel, librarians and educators will discuss how recent comics like Frizzy and others can be used as a tool to help tweens discover the wider world and explore and formulate a more concrete sense of self-identity. CTLE credit available.
Can We Finally Admit that Games Should Be in Classrooms?
Thurs, Oct 6, 2022 | 10:45–11:45 AM | Location: 406.1
School has often been a source of frustration for many gamers. Too much homework, too little creativity, and no connections between content and real life are some of students’ go-to responses. What if we told you there are a bunch of teachers that are pushing the boundaries of the classroom to not only encourage gaming but utilize game-based learning tabletop games and video games as perfect catalysts for student learning? CTLE credit available.
NYCDOE Civics for All Comics Group—An Inside Look! (DOE)
Thurs, Oct 6 | 10:45–11:45 AM | Location: 406.3
Why would the nation’s largest school district become a comics publisher? To save democracy! Join the New York City Department of Education to learn about how their original comics can be used to make civics and historical concepts accessible to young people. Attendees will be introduced to and receive copies of the Civics for All Comics Group’s five original comics, created in collaboration with some of the country’s best known comic creators. Members of the NYCDOE social studies and civics team will be joined by some of their amazing comics industry collaborators on this panel! CTLE credit available.
Thurs, Oct 6 | 11:15 AM–12:15 PM | Location: 1B03
This panel will be an open discussion about the popularity and challenges of manga in the Western world. While there is no doubt that anime and manga are popular here in the States, there still exist controversies around representation, subject matter, and more. With this panel, our team of specialists will discuss our roles as educators in regards to providing our patrons with the literature and information they desire, and address the recent, concerning spate of book banning throughout the nation. CTLE credit available.
NYPL Lunch and Panel: Teaching with Challenged Comics
Thurs, Oct 6 | 12–1 PM | Location: Pro Lounge Room 412
Hear from a panel of librarians and educators for a discussion of censorship issues surrounding comics and graphic novels, and paired with meaningful ways to teach with challenged comics in the classroom. Attendees will also learn how Library resources can support the teaching of challenged comics. CTLE credit available.
From Pixton to Zines: Creating Effective Comics Programming in Libraries
Thurs, Oct 6 | 12–1 PM | Location: 406.2
Join The New York Public Library's Youth Tech team and branch librarians as they discuss the successes and challenges of implementing comics-based programming in a library setting. The Youth Tech team will describe how easy-to-use programs like Pixton empower youth as comics creators and develop their artistic and narrative voice. Branch librarians will discuss the effectiveness of using Pixton with their teen audiences as well as how to integrate comics-friendly programs such as zine-making, comic book clubs, drawing programs, webcomic read-alouds, and more! CTLE credit available.
Yes! But How? Building LGBTQ+ Affirming Schools Through Comics (DOE)
Thurs, Oct 6 | 12:15–1:15 PM | Location: 406.1
Are you a student, educator, librarian, dean, school or district leader, or parent or guardian interested in elevating queer voices through comics or best practices for LGBTQ+ inclusion in schools? Are you concerned about anti-LGBTQ+ efforts amassing in some school districts? Or just interested in how you might use comics as a tool for professional learning? Then join New York City Public School's Department of Social Studies & Civics along with creators, historians, and artists as we explore NYCDOE-created comics and resources for professionals and youth. Attendees will receive copies of a resource guide and two original comics—one for professional learners and one for students. CTLE credit available.
The Manga Industry and Your Library
Thurs, Oct 6 | 12:45–1:45 PM | Location: 1B03
The demand for manga is at an all-time high but librarians still have so many questions! Join manga industry experts from Yen Press, Viz Media, and Kodansha as we discuss the value of manga in libraries! What's new, what's upcoming, and how to get that manga in your library. CTLE credit available.
Case Studies: Comic Books and Manga in the Classroom
Thurs, Oct 6 | 12–1 PM | Location: 408
For years kids have stuck comic books in textbooks and avoided homework by going to the local comic store. Comic books and graphic novels were seen as, at best, recreational reading material. But this could not be farther from the truth! Emerging research shows that comics and graphic novels support struggling readers, enrich the skills of accomplished readers, and are highly effective at teaching all subject areas, not just English. Join us as we explore just how crucial comics and graphic novels are to include in a class curriculum and collaborate on how we can include them in our curriculums. CTLE credit available.
Pop-Culture Fandom and Comics in the College Classroom
Thurs, Oct 6 | 1:30–2:30 PM | Location: 408
Historically, panels on pop culture in the classroom have prioritized K–12 students. But what about college students? There is a stigma that pop-culture fandom and comics are not “serious enough” for them. In this panel we will share how we incorporate pop culture into our own courses and how you might do the same–whether you are a professor or a student! From Harry Styles to Game of Thrones, Marvel, and more, we discuss the validity of pop culture in the college classroom. CTLE credit available.
Case Studies: Building Student-Centered Multicultural Spaces Through the Power of Geek
Thurs, Oct 6 | 1:45 PM–2:45 PM | Location: 406.3
Have you considered making your passion for geek culture a key part of your teacher-student relationships? Join us for a lively conversation about how to leverage the world of fandom to build community with students and colleagues. Hear from a school psychologist about socioemotional learning, teachers about developing extracurricular activities and alternative assessments, administrators on how school leadership can support the power of geek, and students about the importance of these spaces. By coming together, we can strengthen our geek network throughout the city and beyond. CTLE credit available.
Thurs, Oct 6 | 2:15–3:15 PM | Location: 1B03
Librarians, educators, and experts will share their picks for the best and worst manga! Categories include: Best New Manga for Kids/Teens/Adults, Best Continuing Manga Series for Kids/Teens/Adults, Underrated Gems, Most Anticipated Manga, and the Worst Manga. CTLE credit available.
This Manga Is Awesome! Manga Must-Reads and Underrated Gems
Fri, Oct 7 | 3:30–4:30 PM | Location: 1C03
There’s a lot of manga out there—but what’s really worth reading? Get recommendations from an all-star cast of manga bloggers, vloggers, librarians, and journalists for the latest and greatest manga that you should be reading now. Find out about buzzworthy upcoming releases worth pre-ordering and discover underrated gems that just might be your next favorite series.
Explore a Multiverse of Comics at the Library
Discover your inner super hero with NYPL's limited-edition Spider-Man library card—available in branches while supplies last!
Reading gives you superpowers! Grab your library card and cape and begin a new adventure today with our new book list of comics, graphic novels, and more for all ages.
Explore free programs and events for all ages at the Library about comics, graphic novels, manga, anime, and more!