The Jackson Comics Experience
Step into the colorful and deeply rooted world of Mississippi comics for a day of storytelling, creativity, and connection. Join artists from Jackson Comics for conversations about the legends and stories that shape our state, hands-on workshops where you can create stories of your own, the launch of Mississippi Macabre #2, and the opening of a new temporary exhibition celebrating the comic artists bringing Mississippi stories to life.
Schedule of events:
12 pm-1:30 pm: A Conversation with Walt Grayson, Blake Barnes, Talamieka Brice, and Rod Mooney
Mississippi’s beloved backroads storyteller Walt Grayson talks with Jackson Comics’ Blake Barnes, Talamieka Brice, and Rod Mooney about how they transform stories like the Witch of Yazoo and the Phantom Barber of Pascagoula into more than entertainment—creating and preserving Mississippi culture for generations to come. Drawing from their work with Jackson Comics, this panel explores the vital intersections of folklore, oral history, and visual storytelling in the art of worldbuilding. Book signing to follow.
1:30 pm-3 pm: Workshops with Jackson Comics artists
- Character Expressions with Jason Turner
Learn how to create expressive characters and draw a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anger, surprise, fear, and everything in between.
- Writing and Visual Storytelling with Talamieka Brice & Catherine Simone Gray
Learn how Jackson Comics re-imagined B.B. King and Eudora Welty in scripts for Jackson Comics #3, with insights into the writing processes for comics and film and how to translate stories visually.
- Illustrating Comics with Steven & Lily Butler
Learn how to illustrate comics, from the basics of character design, penciling and inking, to crafting dynamic panel layouts.
- Zine-Making with Justin Ransburg
Learn how to create comics, from plotting out your scene to illustrating your characters.
3 pm-4:30 pm: Exhibition Opening + Mixer
Visit with Jackson Comic artists and enjoy a live set by DJ Venom at an opening mixer for a new Jackson Comics exhibition.
On view at The MAX from October 17-December 5, The Jackson Comics Exhibition features works from the creators behind Jackson Comics, including Steven Butler, Justin Ransburg, Robin Martéa, Jason Turner, Chris Windfield, Nathan Pietrykowski, Jonathan Scott, Bryce Yzaguirre, and more.
Please let us know you’re coming to help us prepare.
