Pre-Conference: A2 Inkubate

Friday, June 14, 2024

at the Michigan League 

Friday, June 14 - A2 Inkubate

Join us for a special Ann Arbor Comic Arts Festival pre-conference for librarians, educators, and cartoonists! Get ready for the fun events at A2CAF by leveling up your comics knowledge and skills with the people who care about the medium as much as you do!

The afternoon session on the campus of the University of Michigan, will feature a panel discussion that will help you make smart choices about using comics in libraries and in classrooms.

Programming

1:00 pm

Influences & Outfluences: How I Make Comics for Kids

Join us for an exhilarating panel discussion that delves into the creative processes of three acclaimed comics creators: Jen Wang, Nathan Hale, and James Kochalka. “Influences & Outfluences” will explore the multifaceted world of comics and graphic novels, particularly those crafted for young audiences. This conversation aims to uncover the diverse array of influences that inspire our panelists’ artistic visions, extending beyond the boundaries of the comic book industry.

Our guests will share personal insights about how various art forms, cultures, and storytelling traditions have left an indelible mark on their work, thus enriching the visual and narrative depth of their comics. The discussion promises to tackle how each creator’s body of work challenges and redefines the existing assumptions about stories for children and young readers within the comics genre. How do they push the envelope in terms of themes, characters, and representation? How do they craft stories that resonate with young minds while offering complexity and sophistication?

The panel discussion—moderated by Michigan State University professor and comics creator Ryan Claytor—is an opportunity to gain an understanding of the thoughtful considerations these creators make in producing engaging, innovative, and culturally relevant content for the next generation of readers. Whether you’re a comics enthusiast, an aspiring artist, or an educator, “Influences & Outfluences” will inspire, inform, and broaden your perception of what comics for young people can achieve.