Origin:

P'burg's Comic Club, Anime Club, and Club Unify all work together to support comic literacy and education in our small town. Our convention started in 2014 when students asked if we could run a comic con so that 1) they could go to a comic con and 2) they could raise money to buy comics for school.

Our Demographic:

According to NJ Department of Education, our district is the most racially diverse with students of color embodying 49.6% of our population and white students embodying 50.4% of our population. We are also the most economically disadvantaged population in Warren County with 38.2% of students qualifying for this designation. Our clubs have over 100 students in them and over 60 students volunteer to help with the show. We also have over 60 artists, writers, inkers, colorists, letterers, and editors coming to our school this May to teach students about their disciplines and talk about their stories.

Why We Need Your Support:

Due to our town's finances, most of our families can't afford to attend larger cons, because they can't pay travel expenses and entrance fees. Our convention brings iconic creators, who can be found at these larger shows, to our town and provides free entrance, food, and special comic packs (with issues to get signed by the creators at the show) to economically disadvantaged families. We work with multiple local agencies to identify families who would benefit from these packs. We also keep our show cost, food, and comics at reasonable prices for all attendees, because most of our families are just getting by. While the entrance is $5 for adults and free for kids with an accompanying adult, it costs us $25 per person to run the show. Although our local businesses give us substantial discounts and some product donations, we rely on individual support to make this show happen.

How the Show Helps Our Students:

Outside of the educational focus on promoting literacy and arts to kids in our community, students running the event learn lifelong skills: time management, budgeting, professional correspondence, organization, event planning, etc. It allows them to work directly with our community and its vital agencies. Over the last several years, students have worked with NORWESCAP Food Bank, NORWESCAP Family Success Center, Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Warren County, Prosecutor's Office of Warren County, Warren County Health Department, and sending district schools.

Our Costs:

Our costs range from $12,000-$15,000 each year. The expenses include table rentals, staff shirts, food, free craft and art materials for kids, free comics, and creator's travel expenses. All of the creators donate their time - we don't pay any creator sitting fees. They waive autograph fees and provide discounted rates on their books and art. Some have even been known to bring stacks of comics to give out for free to kids.

How You Can Help:

If you donate $25, you are paying for one child to attend the show, get 12 free comics, participate in free kid's crafts, and have a free lunch.

If you donate $100, you are paying for a family of four to attend the show.

If you can, please donate to help this educational and artistic event! And please share our page with your family and friends to help us meet our goal.

I am an English teacher at PHS, I run the comic and anime clubs, and I am the showrunner of this comic con. Please reach out to me if you have any questions!