Whether you are passionate about comics, zines, and independent publications, or simply curious about them, this weekend’s Small Press Expo (SPX) is the place to be. Held annually, SPX brings together a vibrant community of creators, fans, and scholars to celebrate the art of storytelling in its most diverse and innovative forms. But beyond the fanfare and fun, there’s a deeper reason why SPX deserves a spot on your calendar—especially if you’re involved in academia.
Comics, zines, and independent publications offer unique insights into culture, history, and social dynamics that often go unnoticed. The works you’ll find at SPX are, for the most part, not the superhero slugfests you might expect when you hear “comic books.” Instead, you’ll find works that push boundaries, defy conventions, and tell stories you won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s a personal memoir, a collection of stories about queer identity, or political advocacy, these comics serve as cultural documentation, political commentary, and artistic experimentation all rolled into one.
Much like journals, personal correspondence, or memoirs, these primary resources capture the voices and lived experiences of their creators. These types of publications give us intimate access to marginalized communities while presenting alternative perspectives that challenge the status quo. The study of these media is a valuable tool for understanding the complexities of society from the ground up, rather than from the top down.
Whatever your relationship to comics or zines, SPX offers a unique opportunity to engage with storytelling that matters.
Here at the library, we love comics and zines and we would love to share them with you! Our Special Collections include a fascinating collection of zines. We also have an ample collection of books about comics as well as some great databases and other resources with which you can dive into the world of comics. If this captures your imagination but you don’t know where to start you can check out our Comics research guide or email your librarian!