2026 Special guests
Abby Kacen
Abby Kacen (she/her) is a migratory cartoonist and DIY organizer. She's the creator of the self-published fictional series, Sid & the Sickos, and autobio series Mild Pain.
Follow Abby:
@mild_pain on Instagram
@mild-pain on Bluesky
mildpain.art
Ashley Robin Franklin
(they/she) is a queer cartoonist and illustrator based in Austin, Texas, and originally from the Rio Grande Valley (that’s south South Texas). Notable works of theirs include: The Skin You’re In, an adult horror comics collection, and The Hills of Estrella Roja, a YA mystery/romance graphic novel.
Follow Ashley Robin:
@arfranklinstein on instagram
arfranklinstein.com
Gabriel Mason Howell
Published by Secret Acres, Reptile House Comix, Cold Cube Press, Entropy Editions, and Bred Press. Chicago based Ignatz award nominated cartoonist & Koyama grant recipient. Co-owner & resident tattooer of Mind Palace Chicago in West Loop.
Follow Gabriel:
@snowglobeenthusiast on Instagram
gabemhowell.com
Jamila Rowser
Jamila Rowser is an award-winning writer, editor, and publisher. She’s known for her debut graphic novel, Wash Day Diaries, co-created with Robyn Smith, and as the founder of Black Josei Press.
Follow Jamila:
@jamilarowser on Instagram and Bluesky
jamilarowser.com
Jeremy Tinder
bio coming soon.
Jim Terry
Jim Terry is a Ho-Chunk storyteller who's called Chicagoland his home for over ten thousand years, and has worked in comics for the last fifteen or so. His memoir COME HOME INDIO was nominated for the LA Bookprize and the Ignatz, and his visual essay PAPER CUTS is currently being taught in several schools.
Follow Jim:
@jimterryart on Instagram
woundedbutdangerous.com
Steenz
Steenz is a St. Louis based cartoonist, professor, and editor. They're the cartoonist on the new graphic novel Side Quest: A Visual History of TTRPGs, and the syndicated comic strip ‘Heart Of The City’. Steenz currently teaches at Webster University and SVA while editing titles from independent publishers and creators. They’re also Board President of SLICE (The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo).
Follow Steenz:
@ohheysteenz on Instagram and Bluesky
oheysteenz.com