Image: Sam Risak, Shaheen Beardsley and Peter Smyth at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Research Library
The Ohio State University graduate students took center stage to open the 2024 Comics Crossroads Columbus, showcasing their scholarly and creative prowess during the Comic Scholars Panel. The event at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Research Library, held at the city’s premier comics festival, highlighted the intersection of academia and the vibrant world of comics.
Moderated by Sydney Heifler, a distinguished graduate student in the Department of History at Ohio State, the panel featured insightful discussions with graduate students: Sam Risak, Shaheen Beardsley and Peter Smyth. Each brought a unique perspective to the table, reflecting the diverse applications and interpretations of comics in contemporary scholarship.
Sam Risak, a PhD Candidate in the Department of English, captivated the audience with her presentation on comics as a tool in narrative medicine. Risak emphasized the therapeutic potential of comics, illustrating how they can be used to convey complex medical narratives and foster empathy among healthcare professionals. Her discussion showcased how comics offer a unique medium to explore patient experiences and medical journeys. She also discussed the impact of using comics in the classroom, noting that they can engage students in ways traditional texts may not and how incorporating comics into the curriculum can enhance students’ understanding and retention of material.
Peter Smyth, a PhD student in the Department of History of Art, provided a historical perspective on the relationship between comics and fine art. Smyth’s presentation delved into the historical separation of comics and fine arts, tracing the evolution of both mediums. This history presented how comics have been seen as a lesser art form but sitting examples of how fine artists have drawn inspiration from comics, blurring the lines between the two. Smyth’s analysis highlighted the growing recognition of comics as a legitimate and influential art form.
Shaheen Beardsley, one of the first comics artists in Ohio State’s MFA program, shared his journey and creative process. Beardsley, known for his self-published work, Oboy, discussed the challenges and triumphs of being a pioneer in the program and how this has allowed him to push the boundaries of what comics can be. He showcased some of his recent works, which blend traditional comic art with contemporary themes. The discussion lead to his inspirations, the realities of academic programs for comic creators, and eventually brought all three panelist together around how comics creators feel about being defined as artists.
Images: Left to Right (Sam, Peter and Shaheen present their research)
The panel, attended by a diverse audience of scholars, artists, and enthusiasts, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to comics. As the first panel for the beginning of the four-day festival that is hosted throughout Columbus, it sparked discussions that continued through the rest of the Teach and Talk workshops.
The 2024 Comics Crossroads Columbus provided a platform for Ohio State’s graduate students to share their innovative research and creative works, fostering a deeper appreciation for the academic study of comics. The panel, attended by a diverse audience of scholars, artists, and enthusiasts, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to comics. As the first panel for the beginning of the four-day festival that is hosted throughout Columbus, it sparked discussions that continued through the rest of the Teach and Talk workshops.
Cartoon Crossroads Columbus celebrated it’s tenth anniversary this year with an amazing line up of events which regularly highlights students and features at least one panel lead by graduate students. Look for more information about this annual comics celebration on their website as well as see many of the panels coming soon to their YouTube channel.