Comic Book Fest draws super crowd to Jacksonville library

N.C. — The Onslow County Public Library transformed into a comic book universe Saturday, May 16 as the fourth annual Comic Book Fest brought costumes, characters and a massive crowd to Jacksonville

Superheroes, villains and fan-favorite characters filled the library’s main branch as families, children and comic fans of all ages gathered to celebrate comics, creativity and storytelling.

Organizers estimate around 1,000 people attended this year’s event, continuing the festival’s steady growth year after year.

Library staff said the event was created not only to celebrate comic book culture, but also to encourage reading and community involvement.

“Comics are books. A lot of people don’t consider them books, but they certainly are,” said Jennifer Melo. “There’s an art in storytelling. The idea to bring a comic book fest here we thought it would just be something great to bring the community, to bring more people to the library.”

The Comic Book Fest has become one of the library’s largest annual events, with attendees showing off detailed costumes while enjoying activities, vendors and opportunities to connect with fellow fans.

From superheroes to sci-fi favorites, the event turned the library into a colorful celebration of imagination and community.