NCS Cartoonist Showcase — Meet Cartoonists in Columbus, August 8

Meet Cartoonists!

Public Event | Saturday, August 8, 2026

Join some of today’s most beloved graphic novel, comic strip, and comic book creators for an afternoon of stories, drawing, laughter and inspiration as The Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (BICLM) and Wexner Center for the Arts host the NCS Cartoonist Showcase, a community-wide event in collaboration with the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) and Scholastic’s Graphix imprint.

What’s Happening

From iconic characters and thrilling adventures to heartfelt stories about growing up, beloved graphic novel and comics creators have helped shape generations of readers through the power of comics.

Throughout the afternoon, bestselling and award-winning Graphix creators Jim Benton (It’s Happy Bunny®), Jamar Nicholas (Leon The Extraordinary), Dav Pilkey (Dog Man®), Maria Scrivan (Nat Enough) and Raina Telgemeier (Smile) will each take the stage for a special spotlight presentation and a live drawing experience to share the creative journey behind their work.

At the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum (BICLM), Cathy Guisewite will deliver a special talk in honor of the 50th Anniversary of her iconic comic strip, “Cathy.” Colleen Doran, bestselling cartoonist whose work includes “A Distant Soil,” “The Sandman,” “American Gods,” and more, will also give a featured presentation.

Forty cartoonists from the National Cartoonists Society will participate in signings, meet and greets and photo opportunities throughout the day in the lobbies of BICLM and Mershon, offering visitors unique opportunities to engage directly with creators. This event is held in conjunction with the National Cartoonists Society 80th Reuben Awards & Conference.

Starts at 1pm @ the Billy Ireland Museum & @ the Mershon Theater

Events at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum are free to all.

Events taking place in the Mershon Auditorium are ticketed. Find information on tickets below.

✨ MEET CARTOONISTS

Dozens of cartoonists from the NCS will offer signings and sketches at both BICLM and Mershon Theater.

👉 Attendees will receive a commemorative sketchbook for collecting signatures

✨ EXPLORE THE MUSEUM

Exhibition exploration in the BICLM galleries including Chris Ware: Life is Complicated and the newly renovated permanent collection exhibit, The Story of Comics.

🎉 1-2pm COLLEEN DORAN PRESENTS @ BICLM

Multitalented, award-winning Cartoonist, Illustrator, and Writer.

🎉 5-6pm CATHY GUISEWITE IN CONVERSATION @ BICLM

Celebrating 50 years of the groundbreaking Cathy comic strip with the legendary creator herself.

✨ KIDS PROGRAMMING @ Mershon Auditorium

Events taking place in the Mershon Auditorium are ticketed. Find information on tickets below.

🎉 1:30-3:30pm Graphix Presents: Comics, Courage and Creativity

Dav Pilkey 💠 Raina Telgemeier 💠 Jim Benton 💠 Jamar Nicholas 💠 Maria Scrivan

At this special family friendly event, bestselling and award-winning Graphix creators Jim Benton, Jamar Nicholas, Dav Pilkey, Maria Scrivan and Raina Telgemeier will each take the stage for a spotlight presentation to share the creative journey behind their work. Attendees will also get an exclusive sneak peek at their upcoming graphic novels before they hit bookstore shelves. A book signing will follow the program. The ticket cost includes a meet and greet with Pilkey.

The Wexner Center Store will be on hand selling books and other merchandise.

National Cartoonist Society kids and additional artist signings and sales will also take place in the Mershon Auditorium lobby.

Copresented in partnership with the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, the Wexner Center for the Arts, Scholastic Graphix, and the National Cartoonists Society.

Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library and Museum Education Program.

👉 Doors open at 1pm

Individual Session Titles

• Raina Telgemeier, Drawing from Real Life
• Jim Benton, The Art of Being Funny
• Maria Scrivan, Turning Awkward Moments into Awesome Stories
• Jamar Nicholas, Heroes, Hamsters, and Big Problems
• Dav Pilkey, Celebrating Neurodiversity and Creativity with the creator of “Dog Man” and “Captain Underpants”

3:30 – 5:30 p.m. — Author Signings and Meet and Greet

• Dav Pilkey — Meet and greet and book signing in the Mershon Auditorium
• Raina Telgemeier — Book signing of “Facing Feelings,” and photos in the Wexner Center Store
• Jim Benton, Maria Scrivan and Jamar Nicholas — group signing in the Wexner Center Store

Presented by the National Cartoonists Society in Partnership with: Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum | Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC)