How Comics Animate Culture

Truth, Justice, and the American: How Comics Animate Culture | Friday, May 10 | 7:30 PM | ASFS Meeting | St. Andrew Presbyterian Church | 5301 Ponderosa Ave NE | Albuquerque, NM | $1 for Newcomers

Take a look at activism through the lens of comics!  In Truth, Justice, and the American: How Comics Animate Culture comics offer up a mirror of our fears and beliefs.  We see this in the stories told in comics, the struggles of creators, issues within the industry, and times when comics have stepped beyond the realm of comics to direct activism.  Join 7000 BC's Jeff Benham in an exploration of how comics have questioned, wriggled, and brawled their way to become an active force in the evolution of our culture.

Delight as the limits of creativity are shattered!  Escape with the unexpected monsters of our dreams!  Thrill as the Captains of America tackle the Axis!  Tremble as Congress contemplates comics' delinquency!  Raise a fist as The Man pulls comics underground!  Celebrate as comics unloose the broad American voice!  Squirm as comics struggle to define "created equal!"    Look!  Up in the Sky!  It's not a bird!  It's not a plane!  It's comics fighting for us all!  (And we don't always agree!)

This presentation was originally created for the New Mexico Humanities Council / National Endowment for the Humanities' United We Stand speaker series.  It's being presented here for the Albuquerque Science Fiction Society, and is also open to the general public.  Cost is $1 for newcomers.  There will also be a Q & A, and attendees are entered into a free raffle!

THE ACTIVITY ROOM is at the west end of the church by the gated courtyard BUT the gate is locked at 5:00 pm.  So, enter through the church's north door (backside of building) off the parking lot.  Once in hallway, turn to your right to enter the Activity Room.  Doors open at 7:15 pm - not before then (we have to set up)!  Plan accordingly.  Orderly guests are welcome.  Lidded & bottled non-alcoholic drinks are permissible.  Everyone gets shooed out around 9:50 pm in order to clean up...

 

MASKING IS WELCOME:  Sad to say, but Covid, the Flu & RSV are here to stay.  Be safe.  Whether you wear a mask or not is up to your personal comfort level.  We're just asking everyone to be well and respect people around you.

Truth, Justice, and the American: How Comics Animate Culture

An Audio-Visual Presentation by 7000 BC's Jeff Benham

Friday, May 11, 2024

Albuquerque Science Fiction Society

$1 for newcomers!

 

ACTIVITY ROOM (west end of building, enter through door on northside of church)
St. Andrew Presbyterian Church
5301 Ponderosa Ave NE
Albuquerque, NM

Atomicon is Coming August 5th!

Atomicon  | August 5, 2023 | 10 AM - 5 PM | Mesa Public Library | 2400 Central Ave | Los Alamos, NM

Click image to enlarge.

Atomicon is returning Saturday, August 5th!  

Vendors, artists, lectures, workshops, contests, so many activities, so much mayhem!

7000 BC will have vendors in Fuller Lodge, artwork in the Step Up Gallery, and workshops, lectures, and caricatures on the 2nd Floor. Here's the details!

Learn about 7000 BC's Educational Programs, find free mini-workshop packets, and other information about how 7000 BC can enhance your comics experience.  If you have questions about your own art or writing, feel free stop by and ask for feedback!  If we're not there, try us in the vendor area of Fuller Lodge.

Help us create a comic throughout the day, with the help of YOU.  7000 BC will create the first panel and ANYONE is welcome to WRITE AND DRAW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!   When you finish your panel, add it to the page and let the next person carry the story onward.  When Atomicon ends, we'll post the entire comic online.

Check out the Artomicon Gallery!  7000 BC artists will join other local creators in the Artomicon Gallery with comics, sci-fi, and fantasy art.  Check it out!
 
Live caricatures by Paul Ziomek!  From 12:45pm to 2:45pm.  Look for him upstairs by the window, or sign up to get a free caricature at the 7000 BC table.

Buy locally created comics! 7000 BC members will have comics, original art, and more on sale in Fuller Lodge.

Cosplay, Superhero Obstacle Course, Free Popcorn, and more!!!

Workshops and Lectures
Teens and Adults

10 AM Workshop (Upstairs) - What Are Comics? (Opening Up Panels, Contents, and the Space Between)
    An introduction to what makes a comic a comic. A panel a panel. And a gutter a truly fascinating place to be. What Are Comics? explores what makes the comics medium unique, how we are acculturated to comics, and the interaction between the comics creator and the comics reader.

11 AM Workshop (Upstairs) - The Shape of Characters to Come (Character Definition and Quick Draw Mug Shots)
    Visualizing a character's stance by their stance, within a wall of ugly (and otherwise) mugs. The Shape of Characters to Come explores the use of simple shapes and design to communicate with the reader before they've read a single word.
   
12 PM Lecture (Upstairs) - Time and Space on a Page (A Theoretical Treatise on Comics and Science)
    The archaeology of comics, science, and the quest for the Unified Theory. Explore the history and use of science in comics. See how the visual language of comic books has tackled everything from explanations of how Superman flies to the development of the Manhattan Project.
   
2 PM Workshop (Betty Ehart Center) - What Are Comics? (Opening Up Panels, Contents, and the Space Between)
    An introduction to what makes a comic a comic. A panel a panel. And a gutter a truly fascinating place to be. What Are Comics? explores what makes the comics medium unique, how we are acculturated to comics, and the interaction between the comics creator and the comics reader.
   
3 PM Workshop (Upstairs) - The Covenant of the Arc (Character Arcs and Story Arcs)
    Weaving the patchwork of pathways through your story. The Covenant of the Arc explores a variety of narrative arcs that are useful in establishing the structure of a story.
   
4 PM Lecture (Upstairs) - The Sleep of Reason (Monsters, Evolution, and Comics)
    Monsters have controlled the evolution of comics. What have we wrought? The Sleep of Reason discusses the historical development of comics and how monsters, both fictional and non-fictional have created changes in comics content and publication.

Atomicon is Coming August 5th!

Atomicon  | August 5, 2023 | 10 AM - 5 PM | Mesa Public Library | 2400 Central Ave | Los Alamos, NM

Atomicon is returning Saturday, August 5th!  

Vendors, artists, lectures, workshops, contests, so many activities, so much mayhem!

7000 BC will have vendors in Fuller Lodge, artwork in the Step Up Gallery, and workshops, lectures, and caricatures on the 2nd Floor. Here's the details!

Learn about 7000 BC's Educational Programs, find free mini-workshop packets, and other information about how 7000 BC can enhance your comics experience.  If you have questions about your own art or writing, feel free stop by and ask for feedback!  If we're not there, try us in the vendor area of Fuller Lodge.

Help us create a comic throughout the day, with the help of YOU.  7000 BC will create the first panel and ANYONE is welcome to WRITE AND DRAW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!   When you finish your panel, add it to the page and let the next person carry the story onward.  When Atomicon ends, we'll post the entire comic online.

Check out the Artomicon Gallery!  7000 BC artists will join other local creators in the Artomicon Gallery with comics, sci-fi, and fantasy art.  Check it out!
 
Live caricatures by Paul Ziomek!  From 12:45pm to 2:45pm.  Look for him upstairs by the window, or sign up to get a free caricature at the 7000 BC table.

Buy locally created comics! 7000 BC members will have comics, original art, and more on sale in Fuller Lodge.

Workshops and Lectures
Teens and Adults

10 AM Workshop (Upstairs) - What Are Comics? (Opening Up Panels, Contents, and the Space Between)
    An introduction to what makes a comic a comic. A panel a panel. And a gutter a truly fascinating place to be. What Are Comics? explores what makes the comics medium unique, how we are acculturated to comics, and the interaction between the comics creator and the comics reader.

11 AM Workshop (Upstairs) - The Shape of Characters to Come (Character Definition and Quick Draw Mug Shots)
    Visualizing a character's stance by their stance, within a wall of ugly (and otherwise) mugs. The Shape of Characters to Come explores the use of simple shapes and design to communicate with the reader before they've read a single word.
   
12 PM Lecture (Upstairs) - Time and Space on a Page (A Theoretical Treatise on Comics and Science)
    The archaeology of comics, science, and the quest for the Unified Theory. Explore the history and use of science in comics. See how the visual language of comic books has tackled everything from explanations of how Superman flies to the development of the Manhattan Project.
   
2 PM Workshop (Betty Ehart Center) - What Are Comics? (Opening Up Panels, Contents, and the Space Between)
    An introduction to what makes a comic a comic. A panel a panel. And a gutter a truly fascinating place to be. What Are Comics? explores what makes the comics medium unique, how we are acculturated to comics, and the interaction between the comics creator and the comics reader.
   
3 PM Workshop (Upstairs) - The Covenant of the Arc (Character Arcs and Story Arcs)
    Weaving the patchwork of pathways through your story. The Covenant of the Arc explores a variety of narrative arcs that are useful in establishing the structure of a story.
   
4 PM Lecture (Upstairs) - The Sleep of Reason (Monsters, Evolution, and Comics)
    Monsters have controlled the evolution of comics. What have we wrought? The Sleep of Reason discusses the historical development of comics and how monsters, both fictional and non-fictional have created changes in comics content and publication.

   

Upcoming Workshop - ENMU!

Upcoming Workshops - ENMU! | Sunday, July 16 - Monday, July 17, 2023 | Eastern New Mexico University | 1500 S Avenue K Station 32, Portales, NM 88130 | FREE!

7000 BC will run three workshops for different ages.  Come explore what comics are from different points of view.  This is a FREE event!

Sunday, July 16

3pm-5pm

Adults

The Gestalt of It All (History, Monsters, and Comics)
A Comics Lecture and Workshop
Monsters have controlled the evolution of comics.  What have we wrought? Did you know monsters have controlled the evolution of comics?  Independent comic book creators from 7000 BC will guide you through a who's who of the monsters in, around, and behind comics over the past century, revealing how their presence has shaped the comics industry.  Then we'll jump in with pen in hand, wrestle your personal creative demons, pin 'em to the page, and give them a stern talking to about who makes the comics in this relationship.

Monday, July 17

9am-11am

Ages:  6-12
Make Your Own Comic Book Workshop
Join us as we guide you through the fun of combining panels, words, and pictures to make your own comics in this fast-paced, hands-on workshop!

1pm-3pm
Ages:  12-17

Prince Joe Versus the Evil Wizard of Grammaria (How Storytelling Functions in the Brain)
Exploring the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of a good story, found on the bread aisle. Sharpen your pencils, roll out the virtual paper and get ready to draw upon your strengths.  Join us as we explore a storytelling medium like no other.  Improve your ability to communicate through word and image.  Uncover different aspects and perspectives on the comics-making process. Explore the essence of what makes comics unique!

See you there!

Comics, Storytelling, Gourmet Toast, and Your Brain - A 7000 BC Special Event

Comics, Storytelling, Gourmet Toast, and Your Brain | Saturday, June 10, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MDT | Online | Pay-What-You-Can 

Explore the psychological, emotional, and physical effects of a good story, found on the bread aisle!  Our brains rely on images and stories to frame our understanding of the world. 

What's really going on in there?

Don't our cognitive processes work the same?

Can our brains really sync up?

How would we even find out?

Explore these questions and more!

Good stories climb inside us and affect us psychologically, emotionally, and even physically.

This presentation explores how storytelling functions in the brain. The lecture will be followed by a brief workshop in which we'll create comics using techniques based on what the lecture has revealed.

This is a Pay-What-You-Can Event. 

Registration is required.  Click to register through Eventbrite.

• Suggested Donation $25
  
• Teens and Adults
• Saturday, April 29, 2023
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Workshop materials are simple - pen (preferably dark) and paper or digital equivalent.
• Scholarships available. Email jeff@7000bc.org

7000 BC's Between the Panels Comics Workshops, our series of pay-what-you-can online comics workshops, are on a break and will return in the fall.

In the meantime, we are presenting three Special Events - lectures on assorted comics topics that culminate in brief comics workshops built on the lecture topics. If you would like to receive an email about upcoming Special Events or the full 16-week course this Fall, please email info@7000bc.org.

Stay safe, be well, and make comics!

Comics Censorship, Bannings, and Burnings - A 7000 BC Special Event

Comics Censorship, Bannings, and Burnings | Saturday, April 29, 2023 | 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM MDT | Online | Pay-What-You-Can

 

Comic Strips, Comic Books, and Graphic Novels have faced censorship in stores, libraries, Congress and elsewhere since their inception.

What have those challenges been?

Where did they come from?

How have they shifted with legal, societal, and technological currents?

Explore these questions and more!

From The Yellow Kid's personal rights and the weighing of the First Amendment to the flight of underground Air Pirates and the Drama of today's Mauses, we'll lay out the whole raucous and cautionary tale. Then we'll pull it all together in a brief workshop about comics censorship.

This is a Pay-What-You-Can Event.

Registration is required.  Click to register through Eventbrite. 

• Suggested Donation $25
  
• Teens and Adults
• Saturday, April 29, 2023
• 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
• Workshop materials are simple - pen (preferably dark) and paper or digital equivalent.
• Scholarships available. Email jeff@7000bc.org

7000 BC's Between the Panels Comics Workshops, our series of pay-what-you-can online comics workshops, are on a break and will return in the fall.

In the meantime, we are presenting three Special Events - lectures on assorted comics topics that culminate in brief comics workshops built on the lecture topics. If you would like to receive an email about upcoming Special Events or the full 16-week course this Fall, please email info@7000bc.org.

Stay safe, be well, and make comics!

7000 BC at Bubonicon 53 - The Return of the Rats!

Bubonicon 53 | Friday, August 26 - Sunday, August 28, 2022 | Albuquerque Marriott Uptown | Albuquerque, NM

7000 BC returns to Bubonicon, Albuquerque's sci-fi and fantasy literary and arts convention, on August 26–28 for the first in-person convention since the pandemic.

We'll have a table in the Dealers Room where we'll be selling comics from members and promoting our workshops. We're looking for volunteers to help staff the table throughout the weekend — if you're available and interested, email jeff@7000bc.org. 

• The first Between the Panels workshop of the fall session - How What Why Are Comics? will be a live broadcast from Bubonicon on Saturday at 11:00 am in the Santa Fe Room.
• Jeff will be lecturing on Censorship, Bannings & Burnings in the World of Comics Sunday at 1:00 pm in the Santa Fe Room. 
•  The annual Artists Chat will be Friday evening at 8:30 pm in Salon A-D.