So What? Press, Comix Revolution, and the Evanston Literary Festival present a discussion on the vitality of Chicagoland's small press comics scene. Chicago is home to a healthy swatch of creators working in many different styles and genres. With the growth of shows like CAKE and Chicago Zine Fest, these creators have found new ways to expand their voices and come together as a community. We'll address the benefits of such growth as well as the challenges creators still face. Panelists include Evanston locals Keiler Roberts (Powdered Milk) and Scott Roberts (Get Uncomfortable With Being Uncomfortable); Jeff Zwirek (Burning Building Comix); and Marnie Galloway (In the Sounds and Seas).  

One Book One Northwestern, Comix Revolution, and the Evanston Literary Festival present a discussion about the new graphic novel adaptation (March 2019) by Renee Nault of this year's One Book, One Northwestern selection, Margaret Atwood's The Handmaid's Tale. This panel will feature Terrence Gant (Third Coast Comics), Juan Martinez (author and Northwestern English professor) and Helen Thompson (English professor and Faculty Chair of One Book One Northwestern).  They will explore how the visual world of the graphic novel transforms this classic work of dystopian fiction.  How is Atwood’s dystopia reanimated by Nault’s visual text?  Does Nault’s graphic artistry speak to critical debates around the novel’s Hulu adaptation or appropriations of the handmaid figure as a template for feminist activism?   The panel will discuss how The Handmaid’s Tale's transformation into the medium of graphic artistry offers us new ways to inhabit Atwood’s dystopia.

Ken Krimstein, a cartoonist regularly featured in The New Yorker, appears to discuss his new graphic novel, "The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt". Interviewed by So What? Press publisher Dave Kelly with a book signing to follow. Krimstein’s book is the subject of a current exhibit at the Spertus Institute in Chicago.

Both renowned creators in their own fields, Chicago novelist Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife) and Scottish cartoonist Eddie Campbell (From Hell) began creating comics together in 2014 and, after a long distance relationship, married this past year. Bizarre Romance, their new project, provides thirteen stories set in a variety of situations and styles written by Audrey and illustrated by Eddie. They’ll discuss the book and the intricacies of working with your partner on collaborative art. Bill Savage moderates.  Professor Savage teaches English Lit at Northwestern University, where he regularly incorporates graphic novels into his course work.

Evanston breeds great cartoonists: Lynda Barry, Jessica Abel, Gahan Wilson, Emil Ferris, and many more acclaimed artists were born, lived, or currently reside in the city. Meet up with the next generation of Evanston creators now working in comics. The next great graphic novelist might be under your very nose!

Featuring Markisan Naso (Voracious), Gene Kannenberg Jr. (Qodèxx), Jeff Zwirek (Burning Building Comix), Verzell James (Jeremiah Black), and Leo Mancini (Sharkman).

Ditch the brunch and celebrate Mother’s Day with award-winning Evanston cartoonist Keiler Roberts. Roberts’ acclaimed book Sunburning and her long-running series Powdered Milk unflinchingly depict her complicated life as an artist and mother to young children. Join us for an intimate conversation with Roberts as she discusses her personal journey as mother and comics creator.

Co-sponsored by CAKE -- The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo -– and moderated by fellow parent and cartoonist Jeff Zwirek.

Matt Rizzo was a distant father, blind poet, convicted felon, and cellmate of the infamous Nathan Leopold. The Hunting Accident spins the true story of this fascinating Chicagoan. Writer David Carlson and artist Landis Blair will be on hand to discuss their research on Rizzo and their creative decisions on how to both tell and show his fantastic world. Bill Savage moderates. Professor Savage teaches English Lit at Northwestern University, where he regularly incorporates graphic novels into his course work.