Cartoon Crossroads Columbus planned for Sept. 26-29 with noted artist panelists
The best and brightest in comics, graphic novels, political cartoons, animation and newspaper comic strips — and the artists who create them — are slated to come to several Columbus venues this fall.
Designed to connect these creators with the people who love and are inspired by their work, Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC) is celebrating its 10th festival and event co-founder Jeff Smith (also the creator of the graphic-novel series "Bone") said he promises this year's gathering from Sept. 26-29 will be more special than ever.
"Prepare to be dazzled by legendary creators, laugh alongside cartoonists and be swept away by the power of visual storytelling in all its forms," Smith said in a press release.
"Whether you're a die-hard comic book fan, animation enthusiast or simply enjoy a good laugh, CXC has something for everyone."
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Programming for the free four-day fest, which also includes panels and Q&A sessions, is planned at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Columbus College of Art & Design, Columbus Metropolitan Library, the Columbus Museum of Art, Gateway Film Center and the Wexner Center.
A guest lineup of more than 20 artists is set to include returnee and respected cartoonist Art Spiegelman , whose world-famous (and often controversial) Pulitzer Prize-winning "Maus" graphic novels helped revolutionize the genre and bring comics for adults into the mainstream.
Bryan Lee O'Malley , who is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his popular "Scott Pilgrim" series, is also scheduled to attend, as well as numerous others.
Another sight attendees are likely to spot around town is the new official CXC poster designed by cartoonist Evan Salazar, who received the Emerging Talent Award at last year's expo.
Festival organizers are to have more information about programming in the coming months. Follow CXC on social media — X (formerly Twitter) , Facebook and Instagram — or check cartooncrossroadscolumbus.org for the latest details.
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Cartoon Crossroads Columbus happening Sept. 26-29
