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Event to celebrate comic books, cartooning, sequential arts and more

 

TRYON—The first-ever Tryon Comic & Art Expo will be held at Tryon Fine Arts Center on Saturday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This special one-day event is a celebration of comic books, cosplay, cartooning, and sequential art designed to inspire a renewed love for reading in both children and adults. The Expo will feature talented writers, artists, and publishers from the region who will showcase their work, sign books, and connect with fans. 

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore artist tables brimming with incredible art and comics and participate in engaging panels focusing on self-publishing, podcasting, and comic book creation. Additionally, comic-book collectors will be able to find classic comics being sold at the Tryon Depot. 

The Expo will also feature workshops, panels, and Q&A sessions, promoting the importance of storytelling in all its forms.

Organized by Storme Smith, the publisher of Buno Books and a journalist for the Tryon Daily Bulletin, the event promises to be an exciting day dedicated to nurturing a love for reading and showcasing the art and storytelling power of comics, graphic novels, and illustrated books.

“Comics serve as a vital gateway to literacy, inspiring children and adults alike to explore the world of reading through engaging visual narratives,” said Smith. “Whether you’re a devoted comic book lover or just curious about the world of comics, the Tryon Comics & Art Expo will be a day filled with creativity, inspiration, and community. Save the date for this fantastic opportunity to discover the future of storytelling!”

A pre-expo party will be held on the evening of Friday, June 6, at Mirrorball Gallery, followed by a comic-book-themed movie at the Tryon Theatre. More details on those two events will be released soon. 

“In response to the growing demand for small-press comic festivals in the Southeast, our mission is to create an inclusive and welcoming environment that showcases the talents of authors, illustrators, and publishers,” Smith added. “We aim to shift the focus back to the creators and their work, providing them with the opportunities to connect directly with readers and build lasting relationships.”

Tickets for the Tryon Comic & Art Expo are now available! General admission for adults is $10, while students aged 13 to 18 can purchase discounted tickets for $5. Children aged 12 and under can attend for free when accompanied by a paying adult. 

To become a vendor, sponsor, or volunteer, contact Smith at bunobooks@gmail.com. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit tryonarts.org/event/tryon-comics-art-expo.

Tryon Fine Arts Center is located at 34 Melrose Avenue.