MIAMI, June 20, 2008 – The 25th annual Miami Book Fair International, November 9-16 at Miami Dade College, Wolfson Campus, 300 NE 2nd Ave. in downtown Miami, will feature events and programming to highlight an explosive new category in North American publishing: graphic novels.

This year's Book Fair will bring a new feature for fair goers as graphic novel creators and comics artists take up residence on fair grounds. The graphic novel format, which has seen a recent explosion in sales in North America, has its roots firmly planted in comics history. As part of 25th anniversary celebrations, the organizers of Miami Book Fair International have partnered with Diamond Book Distributors to bring graphic novel artists and publishers to the event. Comix Galaxy will encompass a street dedicated to graphic novel authors and publishers, children's and teen events, and educational programming for librarians, teachers and publishing industry professionals. There will also be presentations and discussions with some of the most popular creators and authors in the industry.

Diamond Sales Manager John Shableski says "This is an amazing moment in the history of American publishing. As the popularity of graphic novels continues to climb, there are more people out there who are rediscovering their love for reading comics. Our partnership with the Miami Book Fair also highlights a key moment, as the traditional publishing industry, graphic novel publishing, the educational market, and the consumer market all converge for a major event in a book show that draws more than 300,000 people. It’s truly amazing!"

“For 25 years, the Miami Book Fair has promoted reading and a love for literature of all kinds,” says Alina Interián, executive director of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. “We have always strived to bring cutting edge programming to all in South Florida. We want to give our fairgoers the chance to choose from diverse authors and presentations. That is the spirit in which we embrace this partnership and present these graphic novel and comics programs--Comix Galaxy--at the Fair.”

On Thursday November 13, educational programs for librarians and teachers will address the use of the graphic novels and comics in the classroom and the library.

Beginning on Friday, November14, special activities and events for children, tweens and teens will feature workshops, author presentations, manga character costume demonstration cosplay and more.

On Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16, graphic novel and comics creators and authors will present their works and engage in discussions about the format.

"Miami Book Fair International has always distinguished itself by bringing the freshest and most relevant programming to South Florida, and now, with our partnership with Diamond, we're hoping to expose our fairgoers to the best in the world of graphic novels," says Mitchell Kaplan, Chair, Miami Book Fair Board of Directors.

For regular updates on these and all other events please go to www.miamibookfair.com

MIAMI BOOK FAIR INTERNATIONAL AND THE FLORIDA CENTER FOR THE LITERARY ARTS

Miami Book Fair International is the largest and is regarded as the finest literary gathering in America. It is the premier event of the Florida Center for the Literary Arts at Miami Dade College. The Center promotes reading and writing throughout the year by consistently presenting quality literary activities open to all in South Florida. Literacy projects target children of all ages—from kindergarten to high school—as well as college students and adults. Established and emerging writers from South Florida and all over the U.S. read, lecture, and teach workshops. They work with K-12, MDC students, and diverse members of the community, helping to deepen their understanding of literature, and encouraging their work of writers at all stages of development. The Center envisions South Florida as a nexus of literary activity in the Americas and beyond, and will continue to champion its mission of promoting the advancement and appreciation of the literary arts in all forms.

Miami Book Fair International is made possible through the generous support of the State of Florida and the National Endowment for the Arts; the City of Miami; Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau; the Miami Downtown Development; and the Friends of the Fair; as well as many corporations including Chrysler Jeep, Target, AT&T, State Farm, and Bank of America.

ABOUT DIAMOND BOOK DISTRIBUTORS
Diamond Book Distributors is a division of Diamond Comic Distributors, Inc., the largest distributor of English-language comic books and related merchandise. Diamond Book Distributors is dedicated to making graphic novels and other pop culture collectibles available to the widest possible audience.

ABOUT MIAMI DADE COLLEGE
Miami Dade College has a long and rich history of involvement in the cultural arts, providing South Florida with a vast array of artistic and literary offerings including The Miami Book Fair International, The Florida Center for the Literary Arts, The Miami International Film Festival, the Cultura del Lobo performance arts series, The Cuban Cinema Series, the Miami Leadership Roundtable speakers’ series, numerous renowned campus art galleries and theaters, and the nationally recognized School of Entertainment and Design Technology. With an enrollment of more than 165,000 students, MDC is the largest institution of higher education in the country and is a national model for many of its programs. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer more than 200 distinct degree programs including baccalaureate, associate of arts and associate of science degrees. In 2006, MDC admitted its 1.5 millionth student.

For more information about the 2008 Miami Book Fair International, visit the website at www.miamibookfair.com, or call (305) 237-3258.