Ariel Johnson is an actual straight up superheroine. The owner of Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse in Philadelphia, she’s a leading voice in the ongoing efforts to help make comics inclusive, fun and open to everyone. Now, she’s taking that one step further.
with the help of a 50,000 grant from the Knight Foundation, she’s planning on changing the comics industry itself.
Johnson sells self published work as well as mainstream titles and what she’s often found is that the books themselvea aren’t quite ready to be sold commercially. her plan is to launch Amalgam University, a program designed to help creators get to the next level with their work.
She’s going to do this by renovating the store’s currently un-used spaces to create a permanent programming and lecture space where creators can come and perfect their craft.
It’s a great idea from a great comic shop that’s already led the way for the industry. Now, it looks set to do the same for creators. Thanks to Philly for the tip.
