The 22nd UF Symposium on Comics and Graphic Novels will be held as part of the Gainesville Arts and Zine Expo on Saturday, April 11, 2026. To view information about our 2026 event, click here.
What began as a symposium featuring Will Eisner and dedicated to the question of the graphic novel has become an annual conference that brings together both artists and scholars to discuss issues centered around what is a unique theme each year related to comics, graphic novels, animation, digital media, and visual culture. These conferences are interdisciplinary and examine subjects from a wide range of formal, historical, literary, sociological, and economic perspectives. They are often complemented by other events and activities which appeal to the wider Gainesville community such as gallery exhibits, book-signings, and all-ages workshops on drawing comics led by the visiting artists. All conference events are free and open to the public.