IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2007
CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine:
724-738-4854
gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

Pow! Smash! Bang! Comic book author appears at Kaleidoscope

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Comic book icon Harvey Pekar, author of the “American Splendor” series that has been published for more than 30 years and adapted as a movie, visits Slippery Rock University to give a lecture April 20 at 12:30 p.m. at the University Union Multi-Purpose Room. His appearance is free and open to the public.

Pekar will talk about the world of comic books and his latest release, the graphic novel “Macedonia.” Ed Piskor, the Pittsburgh-based illustrator of “Macedonia,” will appear with Pekar. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette columnist Tony Norman will moderate their discussion.

“I can guarantee this will be an upbeat and provocative show.  Pekar is an American icon anti-hero,” said Mark O’Connor, SRU assistant professor of English who has taught Pekar’s work in classes.

Copies of Pekar’s books will be available for purchase at the event. Piskor’s original work will be on display as well.

The event is co-sponsored by the English Association of Pennsylvania State Universities and the Kaleidoscope arts festival. SRU’s College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts launched Kaleidoscope six years ago to celebrate the arts. Festival highlights this year include plays, a brass ensemble, dance concerts, “Shakespeare’s Birthday Dinner” and a Native-American sculpture exhibit. A complete schedule of Kaleidoscope events is at www.sru.edu

Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.