Free Comic Book Day at JKPL

• Anime contest ongoing for JKPL
• The Anime Shop to close down at Plaza

The Joeten-Kiyu Public Library will be hosting the first ever Free Comic Book Day in the CNMI on June 14, from 9am to 2pm.

JKPL will be partnering with Glenn Keaton of Green Flash Comics, which is located on Beach Road in Garapan, to give away 1,000 comic books for free, limited to one per person.

“The purpose of the event is to create awareness of the art form of comics, which helps to encourage reluctant readers to read for pleasure,” said Rosalyn Ajoste, JKPL technical services librarian.

The event will take place under the tents in front of the library in Susupe.

“We will also be having pre-registration for JKPL’s Collaborative Summer Learning Program, a library card sign-up table, free face painting, free craft table, book sale and rummage sale,” Ajoste said.

The event will also feature a manga or anime art contest. Those interested may submit their artwork to Green Flash Comics no later than 7pm on Saturday, June 7.

Participants will be limited to one submission per person and the art style is limited to manga style, which can either be general manga or anime-style characters in any setting, and manga or anime style called “Chief Taga” theme.

The artwork must be hand-drawn on paper no larger than 8.5 by 11.5 inches. The artist must provide printed information on the back of the submitted drawing with their full name, birth date, village, and current school if applicable.

All submissions will be posted on the Green Flash Comics’ Facebook page for viewing and voting and will be tallied by the number of likes the piece of artwork receives.

Ajoste is encouraging the public to see local manga artwork on display during the event where the winners of the artwork will be announced.

In related news, The Anime Shop at the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe is closing down and will be having a tent sale containing the last of their costume inventory.

“This could be your last chance to purchase an anime costume on island. Come dressed as your favorite Marvel or anime character and you might win a prize for best costume. Cos-play is welcome,” Ajoste said.

According to Ajoste, DJ Jan Vallarta (originally from Guam) will be providing live music. There will be some drinks and snacks for sale.

“All school clubs, classes, and private vendors are invited to sell during the event, provided that they donate at least 10 percent of their total proceeds to the JKPL,” Ajoste said.

For more information on taking part of the event call Ajoste at 235-7329 as soon as possible