Comic Art at ALA 2011, New Orleans

The presence of comics in libraries, museums, and library conventions is now taken for granted. But it wasn't always so accepted.

Here's some of the comic art related photos I captured at the 130th American Library Association Conference in New Orleans a few days ago. I was too busy with my job assignment to attend any of the comic related presentations, but I did get a chance to briefly chat with most of the exhibitors.

Alexis Fajardo

Carla Speed McNeil

Neither one of these nice people is David Hutchinson.
I believe the gentleman is Brian Denham.

Rod Espinosa

Darren Gendron

Jim Ottaviani
Jim was the only cartoonist I met there who seemed aware of the role of the Newave comix movement in comic art history. Perhaps Michael Dowers needs to start showing up at ALA.

Ben Hatke

NBM

Image

John Jackson Miller signs books
at the Dark Horse booth



Zenescope

Comic Book Legal Defense Fund


Ryan Sias

Raina Telgemeier

Below: Some oddball visuals I captured at and around the Conference

One dummy meets another


Orson Scott Card was one of many authors at the Conference

University of Washington library school alum gathering. Note librarian action figure Nancy Pearl in the crowd.

At one point the convention center foyer filled with a hazy smoke and the New Orleans Fire Department came in force. Not sure what that was all about since no fire alarm was sounded.

L. Ron Hubbard was one creepy guy