Webster University Hosts Comic Book Conference on March 27

As Hollywood continues to churn out comic book superhero blockbusters, comics related college courses are filling up fast at universities everywhere, particularly in St. Louis, according to Pete Coogan, director of St. Louis- based Institute for Comics Studies. Coogan teaches comics courses at Webster University, and, together with colleagues at other area universities, is hosting a comics conference, Saturday, March 27, at Webster University. The event will bring together scholars, creators, and fans to discuss the medium of comics, graphic storytelling, and sequential art in the Metro St. Louis area. Academics and industry professionals will also discuss local teaching and comics creation. Teachers, faculty, college and high school students, and comics fans and readers are encouraged to attend.

“This is an attempt to bring the St. Louis comics community together,” says Coogan. “I want to reach out to the public, particularly students, to encourage comic studies and learn what being a comics creator in St. Louis is like. “

The event is free and open to the public and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Webster University’s H. Sam Priest Center, 8270 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves, Missouri, and is sponsored by Webster University, Washington University and Saint Louis University.

The Conference Program:

• 9:00-9:30: “A Map of Comics St. Louis”
  Peter Coogan, Director of the Institute for Comics Studies and adjunct faculty member at Webster University
  A presentation of the academic and professional comics communities in St. Louis and their activities, an explanation of why St. Louis is active in comics at the moment, and an introduction to SLACoFF—the Saint Louis Comics Friendly Faculty.
• 9:30-10:30: Comics Studies in St. Louis
  A roundtable discussion by academics about how comics studies at their schools, why they’re friendly to comics, how they got interested in studying comics. Moderated by Peter Coogan (Institute for Comics Studies), with panelists Steve Higgins (Lewis and Clark Community College), Larry D. Quiggins (Lindenwood University), Geoff Schmidt (Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville), and David Schuman (Washington University in St. Louis)
• 10:30-11:45 Comics Creation in St. Louis
  A roundtable discussion by creators about comics creation in St. Louis, their titles, and what it’s like to be a comics creator in St. Louis. Moderated by David B. Olsen (Saint Louis University), with panelists Ted May (Injury), Mardou (artist/writer of Manhole), Dan Zettwoch (Ironclad), Larry D. Quiggins (Lindenwood University), and Christoher Sagovac (Webster University).
• 11:45-1:00: Lunch (not provided by conference organizers)
• 1:00-2:30 Comics in the Classroom
  Discussion and presentation by faculty regarding how they use comics in their class, with a discussion of specific assignments. Moderated by Peter Coogan (Institute for Comics Studies) with panelists Steve Higgins (Lewis and Clark Community College), Sheri McCord (St. Louis University), Geoff Schmidt (Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville), and David Schuman (Washington University in St. Louis).
• 2:30-3:30: The Comics Market in St. Louis
  Creators and professionals talk about the comics market, how to get into comics, and training and publication opportunities. Moderated by David B. Olsen (Saint Louis University), with panelists Larry D. Quiggins (Lindenwood University), Christopher Sagovac (Webster University), Jake Wagman (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), Scott Samson (The ComicDorksCast)
• 3:30-4:00 Keynote: “Cinematic Comics: Irrelevant Irreverence?”
  Pier Marton, Program in Film and Media Studies, Washington University in St. Louis, Cinematic
• 4:00 Reception

For more information, contact Pete Coogan at or

The Institute for Comics Studies (ICS) is a Missouri non-profit organization that promotes the study, understanding, and appreciation of the comics medium.

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