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Comictropolis Series Aims to Make Superhero Storytelling an Attainable Dream
For D.C. native David Betancourt, who grew up frequenting Big Planet Comics in Georgetown and on U Street NW, the path from avid fan to writing for Marvel was a journey without a roadmap. Now, the two-time Eisner Award nominee who pioneered the first full-time comic book culture beat at The Washington Post is partnering with the DC Public Library to ensure the next generation of storytellers has a clear route.
“Comictropolis,” a new conversation series curated by Betancourt, is bringing some of the biggest names in comics, TV, and film production to Library locations to give teens an insider’s look at how to build a career in pop culture. The goal is to show teenagers that the world of comic book creation is an attainable and realistic path.
The Power of Representation
Betancourt, who recently made history as the first Puerto Rican and African American writer to contribute to the story of Miles Morales/Spider-Man and is the author of The Avengers Assembled: The Origins of Earth's Mightiest Heroes, emphasizes the importance of featuring a diverse group of guests who look just like the teens. The series is designed to highlight how guests figured out their unconventional starts and how the craft of comic book storytelling can be a bridge to other careers, noting that "without the comic books these characters don't exist," and that diving into the comics opens up new possibilities beyond movies and TV.
Comictropolis Schedule and Featured Creators
The five-part series will feature writers known for shaping modern superhero mythology and beloved TV shows:
- Saturday, May 23; 2 p.m.: La Borinqueña Rises - An Afternoon with Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library) - The graphic novelist behind the independently owned Afro-Puerto Rican hero La Borinqueña, who has used the character for charity work in Puerto Rico, Miranda-Rodriguez will focus on the power of owning your character and the difference between working for Marvel and creating your own brand.
- Sunday, May 31; 2 p.m.: From The Boondocks to a Galaxy Far, Far Away - An Afternoon with Rodney Barnes (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library) - A Hollywood producer and screenwriter for hit shows like The Boondocks and Everybody Hates Chris, Barnes will share his experience moving between TV production and writing major comic series, including Star Wars for Marvel and his hit creator-owned vampire series, Killadelphia.
- Saturday, June 13; 2 p.m.: Miles Morales and Me - How a D.C. Kid Ended Up Writing Miles Morales (Southwest Neighborhood Library) - If you saw Across the Spider-Verse and went looking for the comics, you already know Miles Morales matters. The first time a lot of people saw themselves in Spider-Man, it was him. Betancourt will discuss his path and special connection to Miles Morales/Spider-Man.
- Saturday, June 20; 2 p.m.: Between the Comic and the Controller - In conversation with Stephanie Williams & Evan Narcisse (West End Neighborhood Library) - Williams (known for expanding the story of DC’s Black Wonder Woman, Nubia) and Narcisse (who co-wrote Rise of the Black Panther and served as a narrative consultant for Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales on PS5) will discuss writing Black heroes and how the job changes when moving between comics and video games.
- Sunday, July 12; 2 p.m.: Lights, Panels, Actions - Tom King on Comics and the Big Screen (Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library) - The Eisner Award-winning writer of The Vision (which inspired WandaVision) and Mister Miracle, King will discuss seeing his work adapted to film, specifically his comic Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is the basis for a major motion picture.
Attendees will be able to ask guests about their journeys and attend workshops, including one with artist Shawn Martinbrough (who has drawn Batman and Luke Cage), focused on helping teens draft their own comic pages.
To register for an event, click here.
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About David Betancourt
David Betancourt is a Collectibles Editor at The Athletic and an adjunct lecturer of comic book culture at the University of Maryland and American University. An Eisner Award-nominated journalist and author, he pioneered full-time comic book culture reporting at The Washington Post (2015-2023). He is recognized as the first Puerto Rican and African American writer for Miles Morales Spider-Man, championing industry representation, and authored The Avengers Assembled: The Origins of Earth's Mightiest Heroes. His recent work includes a Miles Morales/Spider-Man adventure in the collection Spider-Man: Stories from the Spider-Verse.