Thursday, September 11th
An Evening with Graphic Novelist Štěpánka Jislová
09/11/2025 | 6:00pm – 8:00pm | Embassy of the Czech Republic
The Embassy of the Czech Republic is pleased to welcome acclaimed Czech graphic novelist Štěpánka Jislová for a special presentation of her award-winning autobiographical graphic novel Srdcovka (translated into English as Heartcore) on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at 6 pm.
In Srdcovka, Jislová explores themes of love, identity, and trauma through raw, emotionally resonant storytelling. Drawing from her own experiences, the novel reflects on contemporary romantic life, touching on gender roles, online dating, vulnerability, and healing. Praised for its honesty and depth, the book earned multiple Muriel Awards, including the top prize in 2024, solidifying Jislová’s place as one of the Czech Republic’s most compelling voices in graphic literature.
Following the presentation, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the author during a Q&A session.
The talk will be conducted in English. Copies of Heartcore will be available for purchase at the event.
About the Artist
Štěpánka Jislová (b. 1992) is an award-winning illustrator and comics creator based in Prague. A graduate of the Ladislav Sutnar Faculty of Design and Art in Pilsen, she has contributed to numerous Czech and international comics anthologies and co-authored seven books. Heartcore is her latest work, offering a deeply personal and artistic meditation on emotional intimacy and resilience. She is also the co-founder of the Czech branch of Laydeez Do Comics, an international platform supporting women in the comics arts through events, exhibitions, and publishing. Learn more at www.jislova.com
Ronald Wimberly and Ben Passmore: back in D.C.
09/11/2025 | 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Fantom Comics
Panelists: Ronald Wimberly and Ben Passmore
Friday, September 12th
Paul Karasik Gives the SPX Lecture at the Library of Congress
09/12/2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Library of Congress – Madison Building
Paul Karasik, renowned graphic novelist, cartoonist, and comics educator, gives the SPX Lecture at the Library of Congress.
Monetizing Cartoons (AAEC)
09/12/2025 | 1:30pm – 2:30pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Jack Ohman leads a panel discussion on the new frontier of Substack, Patreon, and everything he was forced to learn post-daily newspaper employment, with hints on marketing and content. (Room Brookside A/B).
Panelists: Jack Ohman
The First Amendment, the Supreme Court, and You (AAEC)
09/12/2025 | 2:30pm – 3:30pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Stephen Wermeil, Professor of Constitutional Law at American University Washington College of Law will discuss the impact of Supreme Court decisions and our right to draw and publish in 2025 America.
Panelists: Stephen Wermeil
Steve Benson Tribute (AAEC)
09/12/2025 | 3:30pm – 4:30pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Join us as we remember our friend and colleague, Steve Benson. In Brookside A/B.
Fireside Chat with Rep. Jamie Raskin (AAEC)
09/12/2025 | 4:30pm – 5:30pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Congressman Raskin (representing the Congressional District in which we will meet) is the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee and is one of the strongest voices in Congress for the protection of our Constitution and nation. He’ll report to us from the front lines. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Rep. Jamie Raskin
People’s Book Presents: Maia Kobabe and Sarah Peitzmeier, PhD for Breathe
09/12/2025 | 6:00pm – 7:00pm | People’s Book
A graphic guide to chest binding with real-life stories and research-backed advice from bestselling Gender Queer author MAIA KOBABE and University of Maryland professor SARAH PEITZMEIER.
Breathe arose from the need for a resource for folks considering chest binding as gender-affirming care. Dr. Peitzmeier interviewed twenty-five people of different ages and backgrounds about their journeys with binding, and then she and Kobabe combined excerpts from those interviews with evidence-based resources on binding into this extremely accessible guide.
Breathe is both a practical resource for trans and nonbinary folks and an engaging and perspective-broadening read for anyone interested in what it means to be on a journey of expressing one’s gender in ways that are joyful, healthy, and affirming.
Panelists: Maia Kobabe, Sarah Peitzmeier, PhD
Fantom Comics Pre-SPX Party
09/12/2025 | 6:30pm – 10:00pm | Fantom Comics
Fantom Comics will hold live comics readings with SPX Special Guests Caroline Cash and Paige Hender, along with SPX Exhibitors Erin Lisette and Andrew White.
Grayson Bear will supply live art to the proceedings
Panelists: Caroline Cash, Paige Hender, Erin Lissette, Andrew White, Grayson Bear
Special Guests: Caroline Cash and Paige Hender
Saturday, September 13th
Perspectives: Diversity In Political Cartooning (AAEC)
09/13/2025 | 11:00am – 12:00pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
This panel will focus on the experiences of cartoonists of color and women in an industry dominated by White men. It explores the challenges of depicting issues about injustice, race relations and American history from an African American, female, and Latino perspective. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Keith Knight, Lalo Alcaraz, David Brown, Alexandra Bowman
Art Of The Nightmare: Facing Down The Regime With Steve Brodner (AAEC)
09/13/2025 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Where there’s political strife, there’s always an explosion of political art to match. Join Steve Brodner as he explores some of the funniest, thought provoking, and poignant editorial cartoons created by his colleagues in 2025. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Steve Brodner
The Art Of Political Cartooning (AAEC)
09/13/2025 | 1:00pm – 2:00pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Join Jack Ohman as he explores everything from stylistic influences to artistic techniques with three of America’s preeminent editorial cartoonists, Kevin Kallaugher, Rob Rogers, and David Horsey. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Jack Ohman, Rob Rogers, Kevin Kallaugher
The Evolution Of Editorial Cartoons (AAEC)
09/13/2025 | 2:00pm – 3:00pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
Editorial cartooning faces an uncertain future. Years of layoffs, an ever-changing media landscape, and political instability have led some to wonder if editorial cartooning is a dying art. But is it dying, or is it ripe for evolution? Join us for an open discussion about the future of the art with Locher Fellow Alexandra Bowman, Clay Jones, and Kevin Necessary. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Alexandra Bowman, Kevin Necessary, Clay Jones
A Savage Art: The Life And Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant (AAEC)
09/13/2025 | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | Bethesda North Hotel & Conference Center
The new documentary explores the life and impact of legendary cartoonist Pat Oliphant. Afterwards, the director, along with Ann Telnaes and Rob Rogers, who appeared in the film, will be on hand for a Q&A. In Brookside A/B.
Panelists: Bill Banowsky
Sunday, September 14th
Stay tuned for this year’s programming!
Monday, September 15th
Stay tuned for this year’s programming!