Overview:

The Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press hosted the annual Comic Book Fest, which featured 20 local and independent artists and authors, as well as activities for all ages. The event was praised for being one of the most inclusive and interactive comic-cons in the western Massachusetts region. Among the creators showcasing their work was Michelle MacLean, a special educator from Sudbury, whose new graphic novel "Abilities" follows four middle-school students with different disabilities.

ATHOL – The Athol Public Library and Hero Shack Press turned Athol Town Hall into a miniature comic convention on Saturday, Oct. 18, for the return of Comic Book Fest, drawing dozens of local artists, authors, and fans for a day of creativity and community.

The free, family-friendly event featured 20 local and independent artists and authors in Liberty Hall. Five newcomers joined returning vendors, who filled the space with comic books, original art and collectibles.

The Friends of the Athol Public Library sold snacks and refreshments, while the Athol Teen Advisory Council, North Quabbin Gaming Guild, and LaunchSpace hosted activities for all ages.

“It’s one of the most inclusive comic-cons in the western Massachusetts region.”

Johnny C.

Visitors took part in crafts, games, a scavenger hunt, and a “guess who” character challenge, with face-painting by members of the Amherst Kids’ Art and Nature Camp. Attendees earned raffle tickets for prizes such as signed prints and exclusive comics. The event included a drawing demonstration by “Cyclopian” author Christopher Tamulevich and a Q&A with author Colleen AF Venable.

A highlight of the afternoon was the live drawing competition led by producer, writer, and director Johnny C., who kept the crowd engaged as artists sketched prompts suggested by the audience. Bettina Kurkoski, a visual artist from Plymouth, was named the overall winner.

Johnny C. praised the library’s Young Adult Technician Emily Boughton for organizing the event, saying, “Emily runs a tight ship and she has a really awesome comic-con. It’s one of the most inclusive comic-cons in the western Massachusetts region.”

Graphic novelist Ben Toz echoed that praise, calling Athol’s festival “one of the most interactive comic-cons” he’s ever attended.

  • Quinn McNamara as Coraline from the movie “Coraline,” who won first place for creativity at the cosplay contest for the Athol Comic Book Fest, held on Saturday, Oct. 18. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Prints for sale at Amy Gleason’s booth. Gleason was one of many vendors at the Comic Book Fest, held on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the Athol Town Hall. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Joseph Hart and his winning sketch from one of the live drawing competition rounds. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Jasmine Morneault dressed as Cosmo from “Dandy’s World,” who won second place for Best in Show at the cosplay contest during the fourth annual Athol Comic Book Fest. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • The many participants in the cosplay contest which as part of the Athol Comic Book Fest, held Oct. 18. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Artist and author Gary Smith sketching at his vendor booth. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • The “Hocus Pocus” cosplay group, who won second place in the Accuracy category. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Michelle MacLean, Special educator and author of “Abilities” poses with her graphic novel.  PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Cartoonist Hans Rickheit sketchses at his vendor booth. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN
  • Teegan Allen as Gangle from “The Amazing Digital Circus,” who won first place in the Accuracy category of the cosplay contest during the Athol Comic Book Fest. PHOTO BY HANNAH MORIN

Among the creators showcasing their work was Michelle MacLean, a special educator from Sudbury. Her new graphic novel “Abilities” follows four middle-school students with different disabilities – autism, ADHD, social-emotional challenges and dyslexia – as they navigate the ups and downs of life. The book, which took five years to complete, mixes humor and heart to make the subject approachable for young readers.

“I felt like there was nothing out there for my students to use to learn about their disabilities, but also relate to,” Maclean said.

C.L. Bedell, an Athol-based comic book writer, returned for his third year at Comic Book Fest displaying several of his works, including “The Shadow Valley Stories,” a series of short horror tales.

“The goal was to create a Castle Rock-type of environment where anything can happen,” he said. “It’s more psychological horror rather than gore. It deals with real emotional issues and real-world problems.”

Bedell also displayed “Hero Protocol,” a superhero series focused on minority heroes manipulated by the government, and “Pandemonium Wrestling,” a professional wrestling role-playing book that has become his most popular project.

“My favorite part about this comic fest is that it’s community-oriented and all about the artists doing their thing,” Bedell said.

The all-ages cosplay contest drew 34 participants dressed as characters from comic books, video games and movies. Judges awarded 10 cash prizes to the first and second-place winners across five categories.

First-place winners included Joshua Grosky as Erik the Slayer from “Skyrim” (Performance), Teegan Allen as Gangle from “The Amazing Digital Circus” (Accuracy), Malcom McNamara as Charlotte Katakuri from “One Piece” (Craftsmanship), Quinn McNamara as Coraline Jones from “Coraline” (Creativity), and Seiya, who won Best in Show as a TVA agent from “Loki.”