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Boston Comics in Color Festival 2025
Friday, April 25
 

6:00pm EDT

Frontiers of Imagination
Friday April 25, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
The Friday night opening panel will feature our Moderator, Joel Christian Gill will speak with our other BCICF 2025 special guests about the experience of being a professional in the comics industry and what's next in the world of comics.
Moderators
avatar for Joel Christian Gill

Joel Christian Gill

Gill is a cartoonist and historian who speaks nationally on the importance of sharing stories. He wrote the words and drew the pictures for Fast Enough: Bessie Stringfield’s First Ride (published by Lion Forge, 2019) and the award-winning graphic novel series Strange Fruit: Uncelebrated... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Greg Burnham

Greg Burnham

Greg Burnham is a comic book/children’s book writer out of Norcross, GA. With DC Comics stories under his belt: The Spoils featuring Superman, Ablution featuring Icon, and Fair Play which stars Mr. Terrific, Greg has created quite the resume. His creator owned properties, Tuskegee... Read More →
avatar for Buttercup

Buttercup

buttercup (they/them) is a multidisciplinary digital artist based in Baltimore, Maryland with a particular focus in illustration, sequential art, and 2D animation. Their work consists of radical, yet familiar moments of Afrodiasporic and indigenous life with a specific focus on queer... Read More →
avatar for Barbara Brandon Croft

Barbara Brandon Croft

Barbara Brandon-Croft was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. After debuting her comic strip Where I’m Coming From in the Detroit Free Press in 1989, Brandon-Croft became the first Black woman cartoonist to be published nationally by a major syndicate. During its 15 year... Read More →
avatar for Khary Randolph

Khary Randolph

Boston-born and Vienna-based, Khary Randolph has worked with some of the biggest media companies in the world, such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, 20th Century Fox, Netflix, ESPN, Upper Deck, Nickelodeon, Epic Games & Samsung. For two decades his stylish and energetic artwork has been... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams

Stephanie, a University of Illinois at Chicago graduate, has made a remarkable journey from the world of science to a comic book creator. Her imaginative storytelling has captivated readers, and she has an impressive portfolio of titles. These include 'Nubia and the Amazons,' an empowering... Read More →
Friday April 25, 2025 6:00pm - 7:30pm EDT
RCC Media Arts Building 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02120
 
Saturday, April 26
 

10:00am EDT

Calmer Space
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Calm Passion and Calmer Con Boston present our Calmer Space Sensory Adjusted Area during the event. It is a safe, comfortable environment for attendees who might need to relax and self regulate if they are dealing with anxiety, sensory processing, or neurodiversity concerns.
Speakers
avatar for Calm Passion

Calm Passion

Calm Passion manages Calmer Space areas at events, allowing those with sensory or anxiety concerns to safely relax and recharge. We also hold our Sensory Friendly Comics & Pop Culture event for families, Calmer Con, every year.
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:00am - 4:30pm EDT
Studio 4 (2nd Floor) 1350 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02120

10:00am EDT

Artists Alley
Saturday April 26, 2025 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Come and see and support the amazing work or our incredible talented exhibitors and special guests are creating.

Saturday April 26, 2025 10:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

11:00am EDT

Interactive Art Activities
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Get Creative on the Plaza! Join us on the front plaza of the Reggie Lewis Center for a fun-filled interactive art activity led by local artist, Ches Doyon. With four unique stations designed for all ages, you'll have the chance to get hands-on and explore your artistic side!
Speakers
avatar for Ches Doyon

Ches Doyon

Illustrator based in Boston, MA

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Front Plaza 1350 Tremont Street Boston, MA 02120

11:15am EDT

Black Stories Matter
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Representation matters especially in today's political and social turmoil. Our panelist will talk about telling authentic stories that capture the wide array of OUR experience.

Moderator: porsha olayiwola


Speakers
avatar for porsha olayiwola

porsha olayiwola

porsha olayiwola is a individual world poetry slam champion and the author of the collection i shimmer sometimes, too. olayiwola served as the third poet laureate for the city of boston. she is a 2020 academy of american poets poet laureate fellow. olayiwola is the assistant professor of poetry at emerson college. her work can be found in or forthcoming from with triquarterly magazine, black warrior review, the boston globe... Read More →
avatar for Barbara Brandon Croft

Barbara Brandon Croft

Barbara Brandon-Croft was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. After debuting her comic strip Where I’m Coming From in the Detroit Free Press in 1989, Brandon-Croft became the first Black woman cartoonist to be published nationally by a major syndicate. During its 15 year... Read More →
avatar for Buttercup

Buttercup

buttercup (they/them) is a multidisciplinary digital artist based in Baltimore, Maryland with a particular focus in illustration, sequential art, and 2D animation. Their work consists of radical, yet familiar moments of Afrodiasporic and indigenous life with a specific focus on queer... Read More →
avatar for Wayne Carter

Wayne Carter

I’m Wayne Carter a black cartoonist and a recent graduate of the center for cartoon studies. I teach comics throughout the upper valley and have a house full of pets.
avatar for Christopher Rhodes

Christopher Rhodes

Christopher Rhodes is a lecturer at Harvard and Boston University, a news and politics writer for Blavity News and Al-Jazeera, and creator of the superhero comic TEN, the story of ten people across the globe chosen to represent humanity and given amazing powers by visitors from another... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 1 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

11:15am EDT

Creating Comics for Kids
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Young Adult (YA) and youth-focused literature is experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity, engaging readers of all ages and is driving force the publishing world. Join us for a conversation with talented artists and creators who are shaping this popular genre.
Speakers
avatar for Cristela Guerra

Cristela Guerra

Cristela Guerra is a senior arts and culture reporter for WBUR, a queer Panamanian journalist of color, and a moderator who facilitates and leads conversations around race, identity, and equity. Before working in public radio, she was a newspaper journalist for more than a decade... Read More →
avatar for Brittney Bourne

Brittney Bourne

I am a Jamaican-American illustrator and character designer with a passion for imagination and play and use my work to reflect on my childhood, bring my young self's imagination to life, and deal with my struggles then. My goal is to create illustrations that mean and stand for something... Read More →
avatar for Nell Valle

Nell Valle

Nell is a Chinese-American illustrator based in Boston. She specializes in the big and small: public art and comics. She is known for her cute characters, bright colors, and bold, fun lines. She holds a masters in Art Education from Lesley University and  a BFA in illustration and... Read More →
avatar for Raphael Pagarigan

Raphael Pagarigan

Raphael Pagarigan is an illustrator who is obsessed with comics and everything regarding them. He is currently living in Somerville Massachusetts with his partner and guinea pigs.
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 3 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

11:15am EDT

Signing: Greg Burnham
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Greg Burnham

Greg Burnham

Greg Burnham is a comic book/children’s book writer out of Norcross, GA. With DC Comics stories under his belt: The Spoils featuring Superman, Ablution featuring Icon, and Fair Play which stars Mr. Terrific, Greg has created quite the resume. His creator owned properties, Tuskegee... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

11:15am EDT

Signing: Khary Randolph
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Khary Randolph

Khary Randolph

Boston-born and Vienna-based, Khary Randolph has worked with some of the biggest media companies in the world, such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, 20th Century Fox, Netflix, ESPN, Upper Deck, Nickelodeon, Epic Games & Samsung. For two decades his stylish and energetic artwork has been... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

11:15am EDT

1 Story + 8 Pages = 1 Tiny Comic [Zine Workshop]
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Create a comic in 5-8 pages. Learn to fold an 8-page zine and try out several different storytelling methods inspired by examples. Participants will leave with a completed (or pre-completed!) project.
Speakers
Saturday April 26, 2025 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Studio 2 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

12:00pm EDT

Performance Program
Saturday April 26, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
At comics in color we are a celebration of BIPOC art. We will have three amazing performances celebrating dance, comedy and Hip hop.
Featuring:
Dance: DeVante Love
Hip Hop: An Urban Nerd
Comedy: Amma Marfo


Speakers
avatar for Amma Marfo

Amma Marfo

After years of writing about comedy, Amma decided to take to the stage – on the nudge of a dare set for her by her podcast co-hosts. In the years since, she’s developed an “anxious Black nerd” persona that creates a unique take on current events, life as a thirtysomething... Read More →
avatar for DeVante Love

DeVante Love

DeVante Love (They/Them) is a 9th Generation Warrior Monk, Kung Fu Dancer, Holistic Therapist, and performance artist whose work creates transformative spaces where dance, healing practices, and popular culture intersect. As a cultural analyst with a master's in Clinical Psychology... Read More →
avatar for AnUrbanNerd

AnUrbanNerd

AnUrbanNerd is Co-Host of the Root Purpose Podcast. A CT native residing in New London, he attained a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Howard University. He intertwines his diverse upbringing with his art, merging influences like Godzilla with navigating varied cultures. With over... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:00pm EDT

RoxFilm Film Screening and Talk Back
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Roxbury International Film Festival (Rox Film) featuring the Cinema Sisters, Lisa and Alison Simmons, will host a screening a talk back with some incredible animators,
Speakers
avatar for Roxbury International Film Festival

Roxbury International Film Festival

THE LARGEST NEW ENGLAND FILM FESTIVAL DEDICATED TO CELEBRATING FILMS BY, FOR, AND ABOUT PEOPLE OF COLOR AROUND THE WORLD.SAVE THE DATES FOR OUR 2025 FESTIVAL! JUNE 20 - JULY 2, 2025PROVOCATIVE. ENTERTAINING. FIERCELY INDEPENDENT.
avatar for Sable Kudzu Entertainment

Sable Kudzu Entertainment

Sable Kudzu Entertainment is a company that is true to its name. Kudzu, a species of vine that was taken from Japan to America, is considered invasive and a pest. It is beautiful and resilient, able grow through the toughest conditions. Sable meaning black, represents how our reach... Read More →
avatar for Gabriel Reid

Gabriel Reid

Gabriel "Joy" Reid (they/she) is a writer, filmmaker, animator, and illustrator originally from Kansas City, Kansas. They currently live and work in Massachusetts, pursuing their M.F.A. in Visual Narrative at Boston University. From superheroes to social justice, sci-fi to slice-of-life... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Studio 3 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:00pm EDT

What to Expect When You're Making Comics
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Our panelists will pull back the curtain on their creative processes! Discover the diverse ways they bring their comic visions to life, from initial concept to finished page. They'll also share invaluable insights and practical advice on navigating the world of publishing and getting your own comic work out there.
Moderated by: Barrington Edwards
Speakers
avatar for Barrington Edwards

Barrington Edwards

Barrington Edwards has lived and worked in the city of Boston as an artist and community activist for over four decades. He attended Hampton University in Virginia for one year then transferred to the Massachusetts College of Art where he earned both a BFA in Communication Design... Read More →
avatar for Ray Felix

Ray Felix

Ray Felix, is a Bronx native born in 1973, he is a graduate of the School of Visual arts Class of 1999/ 2000. His comics include, Bronx Heroes® 2.0 : The Greatest Hero Black Power®, Heavy Traffic™, Enter: The Roach™ and "A World Without Superheroes®". Ray Felix is also the... Read More →
avatar for Vandel Marchen

Vandel Marchen

VandelVandel is a New York-based artist and writer with South African roots. Inspired by Japanese Anime and Manga, I create captivating stories using both digital and traditional mediums. Beyond my work, I'm passionate about mentoring aspiring artists and writers. As a two-time published... Read More →
avatar for Javier Cruz Winnik

Javier Cruz Winnik

Javier Cruz Winnik was first published creating sketch cards for Upper Deck. He went on to create 4 books in the graphic novel series, "A Reason to Smile!", all funded on Kickstarter! He's since created art for "Puerto Rico Strong", "Ricanstruction" & Saladeen, Keeper of the Flam... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Studio 1 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:00pm EDT

Signing: Barbara Brandon-Croft
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:00pm EDT

Signing: Stephanie Williams
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams

Stephanie, a University of Illinois at Chicago graduate, has made a remarkable journey from the world of science to a comic book creator. Her imaginative storytelling has captivated readers, and she has an impressive portfolio of titles. These include 'Nubia and the Amazons,' an empowering... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:00pm EDT

Mask Making Workshop
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
MassArt’s SPARC! the Artmobile will lead a workshop for all ages about designing and crafting your own mask.
Speakers
avatar for SPARC! The Artmobile 

SPARC! The Artmobile 

sparc! the ArtMobile is both a retrofitted van fully equipped with art supplies, and a dynamic team of MassArt staff and students that travel Boston’s neighborhoods. Our intergenerational art and design programs, free of charge, stimulate cross-cultural conversations and build... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 1:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Studio 2 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

1:30pm EDT

Cosplay Pre-Judging
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Join our annual Cosplay Contest! Unleash your epic style and fabulous fandom, win cool prizes, and take the thrilling walk down the aisle. Register here!
Speakers
avatar for OnKey Cosplay

OnKey Cosplay

Key notes her Blackness has been, and continues to be, the most formative aspect of her personhood. As someone who is pursuing a PhD in Afro-American Studies, being Black is a part of everything she does, including her cosplays. Key tries her best to incorporate her own flares to... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 1:30pm - 3:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

2:00pm EDT

Black Magic: Magic and Fantasy in black speculative fiction
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Explore the rich tapestry of magic and fantasy within Black speculative fiction. From ancestral powers to futuristic sorcery, panelists discuss the unique ways Black authors weave magic into their narratives, challenging tropes and crafting worlds of their own.
Speakers
avatar for N Steven Harris

N Steven Harris

Multi Glyph Award for Ajala, and Watson and Holmes winning, and 2 time Eisner Nominated artist for Watson and Holmes. N. Steven Harris is also known for his work on Michael Cray, Voltron, Static Graphic Novel, Catwoman, Robin, Deadpool Annual '98 and so many others. Mr. Harris also... Read More →
avatar for Ben Passmore

Ben Passmore

Ben Passmore is the author and illustrator of the comics Your Black Friend and Other Strangers (2018) and the Eisner Award-winning Sports Is Hell (2020). His latest graphic novel, Black Arms to Hold You Up, will be released in 2025 by Pantheon.
avatar for Greg Anderson Elysée

Greg Anderson Elysée

Greg Anderson Elysée is a Brooklyn born Haitian-American comic writer. He is the writer and creator of the award winning comic book/graphic novel series Is’nana the Were-Spider, a coming of age dark fantasy book about the son of Anansi the Spider, drawing inspiration from Black... Read More →
avatar for Khary Randolph

Khary Randolph

Boston-born and Vienna-based, Khary Randolph has worked with some of the biggest media companies in the world, such as Marvel Comics, DC Comics, 20th Century Fox, Netflix, ESPN, Upper Deck, Nickelodeon, Epic Games & Samsung. For two decades his stylish and energetic artwork has been... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Studio 1 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

2:00pm EDT

Signing: Buttercup
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Buttercup

Buttercup

buttercup (they/them) is a multidisciplinary digital artist based in Baltimore, Maryland with a particular focus in illustration, sequential art, and 2D animation. Their work consists of radical, yet familiar moments of Afrodiasporic and indigenous life with a specific focus on queer... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

2:00pm EDT

Signing: Jarrett Melendez
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Speakers
avatar for Jarrett Melendez

Jarrett Melendez

Jarrett Melendez is a GLAAD Media Award- and Eisner Award-nominated comic and graphic novel writer, cookbook author, and food journalist. He’s best known for the award-winning graphic novel Chef’s Kiss, a queer romance set in a restaurant, which he co-created with Danica Brine... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

2:00pm EDT

TOONTORIALS [Character Design Workshop]
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Join cartoonist LJ-Baptiste in an engaging, hands-on workshop on character design! In it, we'll break down the methods of design that some of the masters use in creating their own characters, and the ways you can build your own in a way that's unique and representative of your vision! Whether you've made your own characters before or you're simply starting out, this is the workshop for you!
Speakers
avatar for LJ Baptiste

LJ Baptiste

Baptiste is an art educator and cartoonist from Boston. He has collaborated with media giants such as Google, Hasbro, and PBS to produce essential works of art. He is best known for his ongoing comic book series, COMIXSCAPE, which features the adventures of a bright-eyed, perpetually... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 2:00pm - 2:45pm EDT
Studio 3 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

3:00pm EDT

Creating Worlds: Writing for Comics
Saturday April 26, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Join us for an insightful discussion with industry professionals as they delve into the unique challenges and rewards of writing for comics. Learn about script formats, pacing, character development, collaboration with artists, and the secrets to bringing your visual narratives to life.

Moderator: Arielle Gray
Speakers
avatar for Arielle Gray

Arielle Gray

Arielle Gray is a storyteller and artist currently based in Boston. She is a reporter at WBUR, where she reports on Black and brown communities through the lens of art and culture. She joined WBUR in 2018 as a reporting fellow before being hired full-time. Her work examines the liminal... Read More →
avatar for Javon Stokes

Javon Stokes

Born in Hartford, CT, JaVon O. Stokes has spent his entire life in the service of the arts. JaVon attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). There, he studied in the field of Animation and earned his Bachelor’s degree in 3D animation from SCAD in 2008. while taking... Read More →
avatar for Stephanie Williams

Stephanie Williams

Stephanie, a University of Illinois at Chicago graduate, has made a remarkable journey from the world of science to a comic book creator. Her imaginative storytelling has captivated readers, and she has an impressive portfolio of titles. These include 'Nubia and the Amazons,' an empowering... Read More →
avatar for Jarrett Melendez

Jarrett Melendez

Jarrett Melendez is a GLAAD Media Award- and Eisner Award-nominated comic and graphic novel writer, cookbook author, and food journalist. He’s best known for the award-winning graphic novel Chef’s Kiss, a queer romance set in a restaurant, which he co-created with Danica Brine... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Studio 3 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

3:00pm EDT

Self-Care is Love: Artist as Process [self-care workshop]
Saturday April 26, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Led by Zahirah Nur Truth of ZNT Arts, this restorative workshop lives at the intersection of art, mindfulness, and self-love. Self-Care is Love: Artist as Process invites artists—and anyone looking to reconnect with their creativity—to tap into the healing power of visual arts and process-based play. Together, we’ll explore self-care strategies, inner child joy, and simple art-making practices you can do at your desk, at home, or anywhere you find a moment to breathe. Come as you are—no experience needed, just a willingness to make a little magic.
Speakers
avatar for Zahirah Nur Truth

Zahirah Nur Truth

Zahirah Nur Truth, affectionately known as Da Artist ZNT, is a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur whose vibrant practice spans illustration, painting, murals, jewelry design/metalsmithing, and performance—spoken word and acting. A true fan girl at heart, Zahirah infuses her work... Read More →
Saturday April 26, 2025 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
Studio 1 (2nd Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122

4:00pm EDT

Cosplay Contest
Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Join our annual Cosplay Contest! Unleash your epic style and fabulous fandom, win cool prizes, and take the thrilling walk down the aisle. Register here!

Speakers
avatar for OnKey Cosplay

OnKey Cosplay

Key notes her Blackness has been, and continues to be, the most formative aspect of her personhood. As someone who is pursuing a PhD in Afro-American Studies, being Black is a part of everything she does, including her cosplays. Key tries her best to incorporate her own flares to... Read More →

Saturday April 26, 2025 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Exhibitor Hall (1st Floor) 1234 Columbus Avenue Boston, MA 02122
 
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