The St. John’s Comic Arts Fest (SJCAF) will be making its debut this September, aiming to establish a new annual celebration of comics and graphic novels in Newfoundland.
Inspired by similar events in Toronto and Montreal, SJCAF aims to encourage local creators of comics of all types, as well as connect readers with Books that may be off the beaten path. The festival will include over 20 local comic artists, publishers and stores, offering rare Books, artwork and independent creations. Visitors can meet and talk with artists, get them to sign Books and even learn about commissions.
The festival will also have a dedicated space for panel discussions, with creators talking about the creative process, the ever-shifting comics industry, and the history of comics in the Maritimes. Artists will also lead workshops on drawing, inking, lettering and other creative skills involved in making comics. These workshops will be open to both young audiences and adults looking to pick up the pencil again.
SJCAF is hosted by a small team of publishers, retailers and individuals who make up the local comics community. Today, comics consist of everything from bestselling graphic novels to chapbooks published independently through local printing services.
The inaugural St. John’s Comics Arts Fest will take place at The Landing at Memorial University Centre on September 6 and 7, 2025, with admission free to all.
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