Philadelphia hosts Black Age of Comics Convention

Philadelphia Daily News previews the fifth annual East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention, held this weekend in Philadelphia.

Guests include Black Lightning creator Tony Isabella and Firestorm artist Jamal Igle. Black Panther writer Reginald Hudlin will receive the Glyph Award, which "recognizes the best in comics made by, for, and about people of color."

"This is something Philadelphia needs to be proud of," convention coordinator Maurice Waters told the newspaper. "Many of these people that are participating in this are Philadelphia artists and writers who are mainstays in the industry. This is not just about color, it's about a genre. If you really love comic books, then you're going to be curious and want to see a whole other perspective that's out there and has been out there for years.

"To see blacks doing positive things, whether it be the creators or the characters, is as important for white people to see as it is for black people to see."

A kickoff reception will be held from 7 to 9 tonight at the African-American Museum. It's free and open to the public.

Related: Philadelphia Inquirer coverage