Thursday, September 10th
Book Signing with Kim Deitch and Noah Van Sciver
09/10/2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | People’s Book
Don’t miss an event with both Kim Deitch (How I Make Comics) and Noah Van Sciver (The Mess) they’ll be signing their books at People’s Book on September 10th at 6:30 pm!
Derf Signs The Dissidents at Politics & Prose
09/10/2026 | 7:00pm – 9:00pm | Poilitics & Prose – Union Market
From the award-winning author of My Friend Dahmer and Kent State comes a timely graphic novel about racism, violence, and political turmoil in the early 20th century, when a handful of cartoonists and journalists pushed back against a corrupt administration to defend the rights of free speech “WE’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE . . . BUT WE FORGOT.” It’s 1916. President Woodrow Wilson—a deeply divisive authoritarian who is also a white supremacist with open contempt for constitutional rights—sits in the Oval Office. Racial tensions, unprecedented economic inequality, a groundswell of support for unionization, and the rise of both a reactionary far right militia and a growing radical opposition shake the very foundations of American society. A pandemic is two years away. And the 1900s have only just gotten started. The Dissidents is his magnum opus. It is a gripping tale of political passion, artistic ambition, love, and betrayal, with great characters and unexpected twists. It’s a suspenseful and fascinating American story that is almost completely forgotten today—and a terrifying and relevant warning from the past. Derf Backderf is the bestselling, award-winning author of My Friend Dahmer and Trashed. He lives in Cleveland, Ohio. To request accommodations for this event or to inquire about accessibility please email events@politics-prose.com ideally one week in advance of the event date. We will make an effort to accommodate all requests up until the time of the event.This event is free with first come, first serve seating.
Special Guests: Derf
Taiwan Comics Showcase Cartoonist Talk
09/10/2026 | 7:00pm – 8:00pm | Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library – DCPL
Taiwanese comics are coming to the MLK Library. Swipe through to meet the five visiting cartoonists joining us for a behind-the-scenes look at Taiwan’s exciting comics scene.
And yes… you can get your comics signed by the artists. 👀✍️
📅 Thursday, September 10
⏰ 7–8 p.m.
📍 MLK Library (Register at dclibrary.org)
Featuring Monday Recover, A ee mi, Crystal Kung, Ding Pao-Yen and Rio.
Moderated by Prof. Feixue Mei
Organized by Fantom Comics.
Panelists: Monday Recover, A ee mi, Crystal Kung, Ding Pao-Yen, Rio.
Special Guests: A ee mi, Crystal Kung, Ding Pao-Yen, Monday Recover, and Rio
Friday, September 11th
Kim Deitch Gives 12th Annual Small Press Expo Lecture at the Library of Congress
09/11/2026 | 12:00pm – 1:00pm | Library of Congress – Madison Building
Join the Library of Congress for the 12th Annual Small Press Expo Program, an afternoon with Eisner and Inkpot Award-winning Cartoonist Kim Deitch on “How I Got My Start in Art.”
Kim will talk about the early days of his career and the influences of his family and popular culture on his work. He will also preview related unpublished work and share some tales from his most recent book, “How I Make Comics.”
Book Launch, Afro-Punk Film Screening, Live Podcast Recording
09/11/2026 | 6:00pm – 12:00am | Lost Origins
Join us for Art All Night as we kick off an evening of art, comics, music, film, and conversation. Illustrated Influence: 50 Years of Punk Rock and Comic Books brings together a dynamic lineup of artists and creators, with a special book & comic signing featuring the world debut of Nate Powell’s DIANA, James Spooner, K Czap, Mattie Lubchansky, Evan Keeling, Bianca Xunise, Jeffery Everett, and Neil Burke.
6:00–7:30 PM | Exhibit Opening + Book & Comic Signing Featuring James Spooner, Nate Powell, K Czap, Mattie Lubchansky, Evan Keeling, Bianca Xunise, Jeffery Everett, & Neil Burke.
7:45–8:15 PM | Live Musical Performance w/ Cartoonist Bianca Xunise performing as Rievel Goes to Boomtown
8:30–10:00 PM | Afro-Punk Screening, Introduction by director James Spooner
10:15–11:30 PM | Live Cult and Culture Podcast with Justin Pearson & Luke Henshaw interviewing Director / Author James Spooner
11:30 PM | Party
Panelists: James Spooner, K Czap, Mattie Lubchansky, Evan Keeling, Bianca Xunise, Jeffery Everett, Neil Burke, Nate Powell
Special Guests: James Spooner
James Spooner and Nate Powell: Illustrated Influence – 50 Years of Punk Rock & Comic Books
09/11/2026 | 7:00pm – 11:00pm | Lost Origins Gallery
SPX Special Guest James Spooner and long-time SPX Creator/Exhibitor Nate Powell open up this new art exhibit at the Lost Origins Gallery.
Exhibit Description
Illustrated Influence celebrates five decades of punk, comics, illustration, and artists who have helped shaped the visual language of underground culture.
Bringing together 22 influential artists this exhibition represents a diverse snapshot of a much larger, living history, highlighting scenes that are vast, interconnected, and still actively evolving. Illustrated Influence explores the intersection of music, comics, activism, identity, and independent publishing. From punk flyers and album art to graphic novels, zines, and contemporary comics, these artists have challenged conventions and inspired generations of creators.
Debuting at Lost Origins Gallery, Illustrated Influence is a celebration of the artists who didn’t simply document alternative culture—they helped define how it looks.
The Cannibals: Book Launch and Fantom Pre-SPX Party
09/11/2026 | 7:00pm – 10:00pm | Fantom Comics
September 11, 7pm to late: Fantom’s annual pre-SPX party is a launch party for our friend Tinguu’s comic THE CANNIBALS 🔪
music! drinks! Tinguu will be interviewed by comics historian Ryan Holmberg, and cartoonist Grayson Bear will be doing flash tattoos! There will also be LIVE ART by artists to be announced…
Fantom Comics is located at 2010 P Street NW 2nd floor—if you’re in town for Small Press Expo we’re a short train ride down the red line from the SPX hotel, near the Dupont Circle metro station.
“An 18+ queer yuri vampire horror romance set somewhere in the future in a world where vampires are regarded as worthless parasites, objects of derision, and fetish objects. The vampire Olive Yo struggles to make enough money to buy expired fake blood. Crushing on a rock star celebrity chef named Chamomile, (who only works with ‘ethically-sourced parasites’), an alleyway encounter leads both women on an unexpected path. Tinguu’s dystopian art is deeply satirical, sexy, horrifying, and ultimately liberating.”
Published by Fieldmouse Press and available at Fantom now!
The Cannibals sold out three times at Fantom back when Tinguu self-published it, so we’re proud to see it get the hardcover treatment and reach a wider audience 🥲
Saturday, September 12th
Stay tuned for this year’s programming!
Sunday, September 13th
Gemma Correll Signs AnxietyLand at Wonderland Books
09/13/2026 | 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Wonderland Books
Award-winning cartoonist, author, and illustrator Gemma Correll, will discuss her graphic memoir, Anxietyland, an honest and surprisingly funny look at her lifelong experience with anxiety and depression. Her book explores the idea that there is no linear path through Anxietyland and no cure-all, but there are ways to feel better if you keep trying to move forward.
Monday, September 14th
Stay tuned for this year’s programming!