Black Age of Comics Convention / Onli Studios

The Black Age of Comics

In 1993, Onli debuted the annual Black Age of Comics convention in Chicago as a rising illustrator interested in bringing his dimensional Black comic book characters to a wider audience. The Black Age Comic Con was designed to promote commercial and independently produced graphic novels and related products that feature prominent characters of African descent.
As Onli organized the inaugural Black Age of Comics Conventions in Chicago, he went further to organize Black graphic illustrators and novelists for a national tour, partnering with the San Diego Comic Con, The Chicago Comic Con, and Milestone Media.  The Black Age of Comics Convention exists today, co-sponsored annually by the DuSable Museum and attracting hundreds of excited attendees each year. 

 The Black Age of Comics Convention celebrates its 20^th anniversary in 2013.

The convention always features successful commercial and independent illustrators and graphic novelists. Past features have included Afua Richardson-- the only female Black comic book artist who has worked for Marvel, DC and Image Comics, Eric Battle—illustrator of numerous iconic superhero characters for DC Comics and Marvel Comics, the late novelist LA Banks, and other stellar artists in the field.  
Black Age of Comics founder Turtel Onli has amassed accolades and recognition for his work in expanding the platform for artists of African descent. He was awarded a Life Time Achievement award in 2006 by Temple University, named, “The Father of the Black Age of Comics” for his work with the convention.