Comic Book Writer to Talk with Tweens at Hampton Park Library

Young fans of comic books, graphic novels, and Percy Jackson are invited to meet author Robert Venditti at a special event for rising 4th through 8th graders on Wednesday, July 15 at the Hampton Park Library.

Venditti will read excerpts from his latest book and talk with participants about writing for novels and graphic novels at 4:30 p.m. A book signing will follow the event and attendees may bring their own copies or purchase books at the event. Admission to the event is free and advance registration is not required.

He may be most widely known for his graphic novel adaptations of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series, but Venditti is also the New York Times best-selling author of The Homeland Directive, a graphic novel for adults.

In 2009, Venditti’s 5-issue comic book limited series The Surrogates was adapted into a feature film starring Bruce Willis and Ving Rhames. His current work includes three monthly comic book series for two major distributors: X-O Manowar for Valiant Entertainment and Green Lantern and The Flash for DC Comics.

During this visit to the library, Venditti will discuss his debut children’s novel, Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape: Attack of the Alien Horde. The book was published by Simon & Schuster in June and tween-age readers will enjoy following Miles as he enters 7th grade at a new school. When he unexpectedly inherits a golden cape with superpowers, he also becomes responsible for saving Earth from alien invaders.

Rick Riordan praised the story, saying the book is “[c]lever and funny with an irresistible premise, this middle grade adventure/comic book hybrid will engage even the most reluctant reader. Somebody get me a golden cape, stat!”

“Miles Taylor and the Golden Cape fits perfectly with this year’s superhero-focused summer reading theme,” says Laura Bradley, Program Manager. “Many of our tween and teen patrons know Venditti’s work the Percy Jackson series and it will be a special treat to see him in person.”

If you’re not familiar with graphic novels and want to check out some of Venditti’s books, several are available in the library’s collection, says Bradley. “Patrons may use their library card account to place a request for Venditti’s graphic novels online, or they can visit any library branch to browse our collection of graphic novels for children, teens, and adults.”

For more information on this and other Summer Reading Fun programs, please visit www.forsythpl.org.