On the Stage at Comic Book Fest

The 4th Annual Comic Book Fest is right around the corner. On Saturday, October 18, artists, vendors, and community partners will be gathering at the Athol Town Hall to celebrate a love of comics and reading. In addition to the ongoing artist alley, raffles, games, and activities available throughout the day there will be special events happening by the Liberty Hall stage.

10:30am - How to Draw the Cyclopian Ever wanted to learn how comic book artists create and draw their characters? Great Cyclopian artist, Chris Tamulevich, will be leading a live drawing demonstration and sharing his experiences. Paper and pencils will be available so you can follow along as he shows you how to draw his iconic characters. Join us by the stage at 10:30am to join in.

11:00am - Q&A with Colleen AF Venable Sit down for a relaxed question and answer session with Colleen AF Venable. As an author and designer, Colleen has helped create many books including the middle grade favorites "Katie the Catsitter" and "Junie B. Jones" graphic novels. Join the conversation by the main stage at 11am. Check out more of her work at colleenaf.com

12:00pm - Sketch Off! Get ready for Sketch Off! Johnny C. will be hosting a fast-paced and fun-filled live drawing competition. Artists will battle head-to-head drawing prompts from the audience on the spot. Cheer on your favorites to advance them to the next round. This brand new event will feature artists Michelle Maclean, Bettina Kurkoski, Chris Tamulevich, Joe Graves, Keith Gleason, and Amy Kukta. The fun will start at 12pm by the stage.

1:00pm - Cosplay Contest Our Cosplay Contest returns and you are invited to compete! You can register for free during the Fest anytime between 10:00am and 12:45pm. Join us by the stage at 1pm to cheer on the contestants and see the awesome entries. Find the full contest rules and guidelines here: Third Annual Cosplay Contest | Athol Public Library

Contest Categories:

• • Best in Show
  • Creativity
  • Craftsmanship
  • Accuracy
  • Best Presentation/Performance

Prizes Generously Funded by the Friends of the Library:

• • First Place (to be awarded in each category) $20
  • Second Place (to be awarded in each category) $10

You can find more information about the participating artists and catch a peek at what else is coming by visiting our Facebook event page: Comic Book Fest 2025 | Facebook Admittance to the Comic Book Fest, including these special events, is free for all ages. Doors open at 10am and close at 3pm. The Comic Book Fest is a collaboration between Hero Shack Press and the Athol Public Library and is funded by the Friends of the Athol Public Library and a grant from the Athol Cultural Council.