Los Alamos County Library Program Specialist Jessica Jenkins hangs out with the Hulk prior to Atomicon, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Mesa Public Library. Photo by Kirsten Laskey/ladailypost.com
By KIRSTEN LASKEY
Los Alamos Daily Post
kirsten@ladailypost.com
The human imagination is an incredible superpower; just look at comic books.
Los Alamos County Library Program Specialist Jessica Jenkins pointed out that while she is big into certain fandoms, she’s remained on the periphery of many of the more popular comic book story arcs. Nevertheless, she appreciates the scope of stories they tell and how they are always evolving.
Just look at the genres that comics cover, she said. It is so much more than just superheroes or supervillains – graphic novels, for example, can range from memoirs to cookbooks, Jenkins said.
“There’s a potential to connect with any audience and produce any outcome,” she said.
As a result, comics inspired the County Library System to establish this first Atomicon. The event is 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 30 at Mesa Public Library.
“The world of comics and fandoms is a great theme for a large community event like this because the appeal is nearly universal,” she said. “It translates into a wide range of activities and topics that people get really excited about. In fact, one of the best parts of the planning process has been watching the excitement build among our staff—I feel fortunate to work with so many talented and creative people—it’s taking on a life of its own.”
For those who think comics are just for kids, Jenkins said the event is everyone.
“There’s literally something for all ages,” she said.
The schedule includes a Character Creator Workshop by 7,000 BC, an independent comic creator nonprofit, at 11 a.m., a costume contest at 12:45 p.m., live caricatures by illustrator Paul Ziomek at 12:45 p.m., a lecture titled Censorship, Burnings and Bannings in the World of Comics at 1:30 p.m. and a life drawing session at 2 p.m. featuring costumed models hosted by Los Alamos Life Drawing Group.
There will be all-day activities, too; Jenkins said White Rock Toys and Gaming will host a game room in the Step Up Gallery, there will be a superhero obstacle course outside between Mesa Public Library and the Betty Ehart Senior Center, Superhero Science with Los Alamos STEAM Lab on the library’s lower level and many other activities.
She emphasized that anyone no matter how young or how old can take part in the event. Jenkins said when she was hired at the library it was with the objective to focus on developing adult programs. The youth programs at the library are robust, thanks to Los Alamos County Library Youth Services Director Melissa Mackey, Jenkins said, but the offerings for older crowds was a little slim.
Atomicon originated out of ideas from Mackey, Olivia Hayashi-Groves, Jenkins and other library staff, Jenkins said.
“It was a weird culmination of ideas that came together,” she said.
In a written statement, Mackey said Atomicon is a perfect fit for the community.
“This is something Los Alamos is a natural home for,” Mackey said. “We love science fiction, fantasy, comic books, art, gaming and collectibles. Having a big local event once a year to celebrate all the things we love is a dream come true for lots of us geeky nerds.”
“Years ago, when I worked at R Books we had a fandom weekend with lots of fantasy and science fiction authors,” she added. “I’ve known since then that Los Alamos would be a great place to have a con. I’m excited about our library events and hopeful that this is the first shot at creating something long-lasting.”
Jenkins said she too is excited to see what Atomicon produces.
“It’s just sparking everyone’s imagination … I’m really excited to see how it inspires the community,” she said.
