Comics will be heroes of Hemet Library event

Visitors to the Hemet Public Library on Saturday, Jan. 12, can hear from a 9-year-old comic book creator, get a free comic and see the Ghostbusters.

It’s all part of the Get Your Comic-On, the library’s second annual comics convention.

The event will feature workshops, presentations and vendors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. An anime drawing class and a super hero training camp will be included, as will as a cosplay costume contest.

About 400 people attended last year’s event, said Senior Librarian Kathye Caines, who expects this year’s session to attract more. The first 150 guests will get a free goodie bag with prizes, including a comic book.

“We have an ever-growing graphic novel section for both children and young adults in the library and a large selection from Hoopla, a subscription service that the library has and is free with your Hemet Public Library card,” Caines said.

Caines said that, for several years, she wanted to host a comic festival, so when local artist Brandon Noel pitched the event idea to her about a year and a half ago, she was all for it.

“He has participated in other comic events throughout the Inland Empire and did a great job organizing and finding artists and comic people for us,” said Caines, who has overseen the Hemet Public Library since 2012.

The Southland Ghostbusters are set to return this year, but new to the event will be the young author of the “Plasma Man” graphic novel series, Jonathan Thiessen.

“Plasma Man is John’s’ secret identity,” the 9-year-old San Jacinto boy said. “He got his powers by being touched by a special plasma ball. He is a super hero that saves the city from my villain I made, Dr. Destroyer.”

Jonathan’s hero shoots plasma balls, has plasma lasers and — while wearing his suit —  can glide. He also has a plasma shield that Jonathan said “can resist many things.”

The third-grader created the character when he was in first grade.

“He drew a lot when he was little but then stopped because he was frustrated at his ability,” his father, Reuben Thiessen, said. “When he came home with the idea for Plasma Man and I encouraged him to draw the story, he got back into it and started to flourish.”

His plasma-man.net website includes a link on how to create one’s own comic book.

Jonathan has also branched into character merchandising that includes T-shirts, hoodies, mugs and phone cases.

“I love to hear about people reading my books,” Jonathan said. “The more comics people buy, the more encouraged I feel to keep going.”

He has sold 60 books so far and said the money he has earned allowed him to open a bank account.

Reuben Thiessen said he has used the experience to teach his son about handling money and publishing a promoting a book.

The first two volumes were published last year. “Plasma Man, Vol. 3” was just released and will be on sale Saturday. At the event, Jonathan will also discuss the process of getting his books published.

IF YOU GO

What: Hemet Library Comic-On

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12

Where: Hemet Public Library, 300 E. Latham Ave., Hemet

Cost: Free with a library card, $3 without, children 5 and under are free.

Information: 951-765-2440 or https://www.facebook.com/hemetcomicon

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