Documenting a Child’s Life

09/13/2026 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Brookside C

As a generation of cartoonists moves into parenthood, many use their chosen medium of comics to chronicle the very earliest years of their children’s lives. From childbirth to first words to toddlerhood, this subgenre of autobio has shown its capacity for a huge variety of experiences and emotions, from fear to hilarity to sadness to frustration to hope, and much more. Moderator Johanna Draper Carlson (Comics Worth Reading) will discuss the highs, lows, and everything in between with Julia Wertz (Bury Me Already), Rachael Smith (Nap Comix), Elise Dietrich (Making Time), and Kristen Shull (Ego Gala).

Panelists: Johanna Draper Carlson, Julia Wertz, Rachael Smith, Elise Dietrich, Kristen Shull

Special Guests: Julia Wertz and Rachael Smith