The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo Returns to BU with New Stories, Workshops, and Panels
New England's leading event for independent comics and graphic novels is back at BU for its third consecutive year from December 6-8, 2024
The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo Returns to BU with New Stories, Workshops, and Panels
New England’s leading event for independent comics and graphic novels is back at BU for its third consecutive year from December 6-8, 2024, showcasing the works of hundreds of comics artists and opening professional doors for BU visual narrative students
The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE), New England’s leading event for independent comics and graphic novels, returns to Boston University School of Visual Arts (SVA) for its third consecutive year from December 6 to December 8, 2024. The much-anticipated expo will provide a dynamic platform for hundreds of independent comic artists and small press publishers to showcase their work. With free admission, MICE is open to comics enthusiasts of all ages eager to explore new stories, engage in interactive workshops, and attend inclusive panel discussions.
Building community and industry connections
Joel Christian Gill (CFA’04), renowned cartoonist and Chair of BU’s MFA Visual Narrative program, played a key role in bringing MICE to the University.
Reflecting on the event’s importance, Gill says, “The Visual Narrative program’s ongoing collaboration with the Boston Comics Arts Foundation and its annual MICE Festival remains an essential teaching tool and a powerful community outreach initiative. This partnership connects our students directly with the comics industry and strengthens our program’s relationship with the creative community. Through MICE, students gain valuable industry experience, network with professionals, and showcase their work, all while contributing to a vibrant community of creators and fans.”
This year’s MICE kicks off on Friday, December 6, with a keynote presentation by Deena Mohamed as part of BU’s Tuesday Night Lecture Series. An accomplished Egyptian comics artist, writer, and designer, Mohamed is celebrated for her webcomic Qahera, which features a visibly Muslim Egyptian superhero confronting social issues such as Islamophobia and misogyny. The keynote underscores MICE and BU’s commitment to bringing global artistic voices to the forefront.
Voices from the MICE team
Sadie Saunders (CFA’24), a recent graduate of BU’s MFA Visual Narrative program and now MICE Project Manager, highlighted her transformative experience with the festival. “As a student working with MICE, I wanted to get a feel for the whole festival and helped with programming, curating exhibitor work, and fundraising. Now, as project manager, I bridge gaps across the organization, ensuring every part of the festival runs smoothly,” said Saunders. “Community art events and sharing printed media are hugely important right now. Sharing ideas in a tangible way is such a source of joy for me.”
She adds, “This year, I’m excited for special guests Tillie Walden and Emma Hunsinger, whose work we studied in the Visual Narrative program. I’m also thrilled to see my peers Camila Kerwin (CFA’24) and Dajia Zhou (CFA’24) exhibit their work at solo tables.”
The Visual Narrative program’s ongoing collaboration with the Boston Comics Arts Foundation and its annual MICE Festival remains an essential teaching tool and a powerful community outreach initiative. Through MICE, students gain valuable industry experience, network with professionals, and showcase their work, all while contributing to a vibrant community of creators and fans
Dan Mazur, cartoonist, comics historian, and co-founder/director of MICE, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. “After 15 years, I’m always excited to see old friends and new faces,” Mazur shared. “This year, we’ve added unique programming, including the panel ‘Slimy But Satisfying,’ which explores comics about insects. We’ll have a workshop for drawing bugs to complement it, creating an engaging experience for attendees of all ages.”
An expo rooted in education and inspiration
For many, MICE is a gateway to new artistic opportunities and professional growth. Gabriel Joy Reid (CFA’25) reflected on the significance of MICE for emerging artists. “I attended MICE for the first time in 2019. Seeing so many independent artists and storytellers was a formative experience that inspired me to create my own comics. Now, having MICE in our building is an incredible opportunity for students who may be new to conventions to exhibit their work and meet acclaimed industry professionals.”
I attended MICE for the first time in 2019. Seeing so many independent artists and storytellers was a formative experience that inspired me to create my own comics. Now, having MICE in our building is an incredible opportunity for students who may be new to conventions to exhibit their work and meet acclaimed industry professionals.
With BU’s MFA Visual Narrative studio just floors above the convention, MICE’s return to Boston University continues to enrich both the local comics scene and the University’s vibrant arts community.
Schedule of Events
Friday, December 6 • 6pm • 808 Commonwealth Ave. Room 410/411
Tuesday Night Lecture Series/MICE Keynote Lecture with Deena Mohamed
Deena Mohamed, based in Cairo, is an accomplished Egyptian comics artist, writer, and designer. Mohamed began her journey in comics at the age of eighteen with Qahera, a semi-satirical, semi-sincere webcomic featuring a visibly Muslim Egyptian superhero tackling social issues such as Islamophobia and misogyny.
Her passion for the medium extended into academia, where she researched the history of Egyptian comics for her undergraduate thesis in graphic design. This research inspired her to create Shubeik Lubeik, an acclaimed graphic novel trilogy set in an urban fantasy world where wishes are commodities for sale.
Saturday, December 7 • 11am – 6pm | Sunday, December 8 • 11am – 5pm
808 Commonwealth Ave.
Explore Over 200 Comics Exhibitors
Discover your new favorite comics from over 200 comic exhibitors from the New England area and beyond. Artists will be exhibiting their work at BU’s 808 Gallery at 808 Commonwealth Avenue (first floor). MICE also welcomes an extraordinary line up of graphic novelists as Featured Guests, with panel discussions, live drawing and workshops. Programs and workshops will be held in the Howard Thurman Center and fourth floor of the 808 building.
