Here be dragons! Comic arts festival reassures skittish U.S. visitors

The 3rd annual Toronto Comic Arts Festival is expecting to draw many people from the U.S. and has have left nothing to chance. The "frequently asked questions" section of their website includes information on how border controls work, about Canadian money and reassurances that they won't need mukluks: "Last year in August, Toronto was approximately 90 degrees with no snow on the ground. Most of the 'Canadians live in igloos' stuff is thankfully exaggerated. Also, our venue is quite pleasantly air conditioned."

The festival, which is open to the public, celebrates comics and graphic novels. It will be at Old Victoria College, University of Toronto (Saturday August 18, 10 to 7, Sunday, August 19, 10 to 6). It includes comics-related events, readings, presentations, panel discussions, gallery shows, and a large exhibition area featuring publishers and comic authors and artists. "We like to describe it as 'unconventional'," say the organizers.

The festival has grown considerably; in its first year, about 600 members of the public and 70 comic creators were present; the next year, 6,000 members of the public and 150 creators.