PR: Announcing Additional Small Press Expo 2025 Special Guests

Check out who else is coming to SPX 2025!

For Immediate Release Contact Email: press@smallpressexpo.com   Small Press Expo Announces Caroline Cash, Ann Telnaes, Peter Kuper, Laura Terry, Anders Nilsen, Julia Gforer and Paige Hender as Special Guests for SPX 2025   Bethesda, Maryland -July 10, 2025   Media Release - Small Press Expo is proud to announce the next group of Special Guests for SPX 2025. The show takes place on Saturday, September 13, and Sunday, September 14, with programming and workshops about the amazing world of independent comics as well as an exhibitor floor featuring over 500 creators. Additional Special Guests will be announced over the next few weeks.   SPX 2025 is honored to have the following creators as Special Guests to this year's show: Visit the SPX 2025 Website for More Info Caroline Cash Caroline Cash will debut a brand new self-published zine, entitled Zine: It's Short For Magazine at SPX, as well as promote her new Adventure Time Bubbline One Shot (published by Oni Press). She will also have copies of the new Kuš anthology that will come out later this Summer. Caroline is currently working on her Eisner and Ignatz award winning series  PeePeePooPoo, as well as a graphic novel about dyke drama. She is a Capricorn Sun, Virgo Moon, and Leo Rising.   Ann Telnaes A two-time Pulitzer winner, Ann Telnaes worked as an editorial cartoonist at The Washington Post for over sixteen years. She resigned after a cartoon she submitted was rejected because it criticized billionaire tech and media executives, including the Post's owner Jeff Bezos, for trying to curry favor with President Trump. Her resignation, which was posted on her Substack, went viral worldwide. Peter Kuper Award winning cartoonist Peter Kuper will be signing his latest graphic novel, Insectopolis: A Natural History (W.W.Norton) as well as debuting his upcoming Wish We Weren't Here (Fantagraphic Books). He'll have original art from Spy vs. Spy that he has written and drawn for Mad magazine since 1997 and his cartoon and illustration original art from The New Yorker, The Nation and Charlie Hebdo. Co-founder of the political anthology World War 3 illustrated, he'll have the latest issue and many of his other books at his table. Laura Terry When Jinx and her mom move to an unfamiliar apartment, her life is turned upside down when a neighbor gives Jinx a magical crystal that brings a mischievous band of woodland creatures into her life. The Adorables are messy, distracting, adventurous and Jinx just wants to be left alone… until she meets her nerdy new neighbor Robyn and develops a crush. Getting rid of the Adorables turns out to be harder than expected, but this might just help Jinx find her way back to happiness in this middlegrade fantasy graphic novel published by Scholastic. Anders Nilsen Nilsen will be presenting his book Tongues, an epic retelling of the Greek myth of Prometheus, set in the present day and intertwoven with an orphan's adventure story and ruminations on humanity's fraught present moment. With exquisite full-color artwork to match its epic scope, Tongues has been called "Momentous" (Alexander Chee), "F#&%ing Amazing." (Charles Burns), and "Momentous." (Leela Corman). Max Porter called the book "A landmark book not only in the history of the graphic novel, but in the history of mythic storytelling." Julia Gfrörer We are thrilled to announce that Julia Gfrörer will be at SPX and signing copies of her incredible new collection, World Within the World: Collected Minicomix & Short Works 2010-2022. Deemed "the Norton Anthology of Violence" by The New York Times, this collection stretches over 20,000 years from the Stone Age to the apocalypse. The tales within speak of desire, despair, and the universal need for connection and span centuries, continents, and cultures from prehistoric teenagers in love to Christian martyrs in the making to modern-day vampires on the make. Paige Hender Paige Hender (she/her) is a Canadian-born, Louisiana-raised, Hell-spawned cartoonist currently living in Shreveport with her cat Chaplin. The Confessional is Hender's compelling debut horror graphic novel about a newly turned vampire yearning for salvation in the arms of the priest who uncovers her secret. This is her first time to be invited to a convention. She will be signing at the Silver Sprocket table all weekend. Please be nice to her. Small Press Expo (SPX) is the preeminent showcase for the exhibition of independent comics, graphic novels, and alternative political cartoons. SPX is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit that brings together more than 500 artists and publishers to meet their readers, booksellers, and distributors each year. Graphic novels, mini comics, and alternative comics will all be on display and for sale by their authors and illustrators. The expo includes a series of panel discussions and interviews with this year's guests. The Ignatz Award is a festival prize held every year at SPX recognizing outstanding achievement in comics and cartooning, with the winners chosen by attendees at the show. For more information on the Small Press Expo, please visit http://www.smallpressexpo.com. Small Press Expo P.O. Box 5704 Bethesda, Maryland 20824 www.smallpressexpo.com Email: press@smallpressexpo.com STAY CONNECTED

Small Press Expo | PO Box 5704 | Bethesda, MD 20824 US

NPR Superman interview

'We all want to be Superman; Superman wants to be us,' says James Gunn

A Martínez

Morning Edition July 10, 2025 

 https://www.npr.org/2025/07/10/nx-s1-5036409/we-all-want-to-be-superman-james-gunn

https://ondemand.npr.org/anon.npr-mp3/npr/me/2025/07/20250710_me_we_all_want_to_be_superman_superman_wants_to_be_us_says_james_gunn.mp3

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 7/9/2025

Baker, Lori. 1991. Benson alert! Look out, Sun City! Cartoonist coming back [Steve Benson].
Arizona Republic (June 17): 1-4. Online at https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/09/steve-benson-rip/

Benson, Steve. 2019, Ex-Mormon Cartoonist Steve Benson. Freedom From Religion Foundation (October 31): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sce7LxONy7E

Degg, D. D. 2025. Steve Benson – RIP. Daily Cartoonist (July 9): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/09/steve-benson-rip/

Jones, Clay. 2025. For Steve: RIP Steve Benson. Claytoonz (July 9): https://claytoonz.substack.com/p/for-steve

Ohman, Jack. 2025.  Steve Benson, R.I.P.... Jack Ohman's You Betcha! (July 9): https://jackohman.substack.com/p/steve-benson-rip

Unknown. 2025. Pulitzer-winning political cartoonist Steve Benson dies at 71; Benson, who spent 5 years as the Mirror's in-house cartoonist, suffered a stroke in 2024. Arizona Mirror (July 8:
https://azmirror.com/2025/07/08/pulitzer-winning-political-cartoonist-steve-benson-dies-at-71/

West Virginia comic book author celebrates 'Guy Gardner' in new 'Superman' movie [Beau Smith]
Jackson Rozinsky
 Jul 2, 2025  WOWK 13 News
https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/west-virginia-comic-book-author-celebrates-guy-gardner-in-new-superman-movie/  

Jim Keefe  
Comic Book Easter Eggs [Sally Forth]
 Jim Keefe Jul 9, 2025
https://www.patreon.com/posts/comic-book-eggs-133280396/

Q & A with Gus Gordon [Australia]
By Amanda Ramirez              
Jul 08, 2025 https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/childrens/childrens-authors/article/98163-q-a-with-gus-gordon.html

ICV2 HAS MOVED!  After Our First 24 Years
Milton Griepp on July 9, 2025
https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59988/icv2-has-moved

ICV2 INTERVIEW: UNIVERSAL DISTRIBUTION CEO ANGELO EXARHAKOS. PART 1: The Acquisition, the Ownership Transition, Coming Changes, Supplier and Retailer Relationships; PART 2: Plans for Comics, Approach to the Market, Handling Preorders, Diamond UK, Other Categories
Milton Griepp
July 9, 2025   https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59990/icv2-interview-universal-distribution-ceo-angelo-exarhakos-part-1 and https://icv2.com/articles/news/view/59989/icv2-interview-universal-distribution-ceo-angelo-exarhakos-part-2

July 3, 2025
'Captain America' #2 Preview Introduces David Colton, the 21st Century Captain America
Discover how acclaimed series writer Chip Zdarsky reestablishes Steve Rogers in the modern day. Plus, the covers for 'Captain America' #4!
by William Shammah
https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/captain-america-2-preview-introduces-david-colton-the-21st-century-captain-america

Captain Chaos Commentary by Daniel Boris

 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 7/7-8/2025

Flash  Recharged: Dan Schkade on Re‑igniting a Pulp Icon

Comics Kingdom  Jul 4, 2025 Inside The Kingdom

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWDWS6laXsM

 

Words, Images, & Worlds with Kane Lynch (Updated)

Jason DeHart

 Jul 8, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7f-UW2olXDU

 

Words, Images, & Worlds with Paul Tobin

Jason DeHart

 Jul 8, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgBx_NEAvzM

 

Words, Images, & Worlds with Ryan Oakley

Jason DeHart

 Jul 7, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a54kjfKh3os

 

Words, Images, & Worlds: Three Guys Talking about Guy (Gardner) [Green Lantern]

Jason DeHart,  Kevin Dooley and Eddie Berganza

  Jul 6, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITxVgnGbLcc

 

Interview with Comic Art Collector Rob Hughes

Bill Cox

CAF+July 8 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxV_tJSk-2Y

 

Mark Waid Looks Back on Superman: The Last Days of Lex Luthor (SPOILERS)

The Comics Cube with Duy Tano

Jul 8, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DErJfvFbrxk

 

Superman Cast Talks Punk Rock Phases, the DCU's Future and Tools They Got From Their Parents

Sean O'Connell

 CBR Presents Jul 8, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2OtimX6a4M

 

Everything David Corenswet Did To Become Superman

GQ  Jul 7, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8zoxUlFo7E

 

'Superwoke': Fox News rages that new Superman film has 'pro-immigrant themes'

'It's about human kindness and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness,' Superman director James Gunn said last week, setting off a MAGA outrage cycle.

Justin Baragona

08 July 2025 

https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/fox-news-superman-james-gunn-woke-b2784869.html

 

'Superman' Review: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's a Reboot!

Alissa Wilkinson

July 8, 2025

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/08/movies/superman-review.html

 

'Superman' Review: James Gunn Gives DC Studios' Crown Jewel a Gleaming Polish With Help From David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan

David Rooney

July 8, 2025  https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/superman-review-david-corenswet-rachel-brosnahan-james-gunn-1236305764/

 

Superman gets a big, blue reboot that supercharges a beleaguered genre

James Gunn's film is a much-needed course correction for DC's Man Of Steel.

By Jarrod Jones  |  July 8, 2025

https://www.avclub.com/superman-review

 

Distribution Dystopia - 6 months in! Comic Industry Insiders Live

Atom! Freeman and  Chris Powell,

Prana: Direct Market Solutions July 7 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0DUF9w1f20

 

Pop Culture SquadCast - Live: With Special Guest Mike Norton

Pop Culture Squad July 8 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93JpBpJ6o4c

 

Coming of Age Brown in the United States: YA/MG Latinx Comic [2024]

Fernanda Díaz-Basteris , Rafael Rasado and Jarod Roselló

CXC Festival Jul 8, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72nPHI8KUE

 

Small Press Manga Publishing: Mangaberg vs Bubbles [2024]

Ryan Holmberg and  Brian Bayne

CXC Festival Jul 8, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJCiHF6qWl8

 

Process Talk: What Kind of (Colored) Pencil Do You Use? [2024]

Mel Gillman and  Léonie Bischoff

CXC Festival  Jul 8, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74WbYgLlVi8

 

Inking Raphael [TMNT]

Declan Shalvey

Jul 7, 2025

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQN0GLUS3aA

 

VITO x DINO: Episode 27 - x Dan Goldman

Vito Delsante

Jul 7, 2025 VITO X DINO

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUE8BsMIs_E

 

Off Panel #507: Micro Celebrity with Chip Zdarsky

SKTCHD

 Jul 7, 2025 Off Panel  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj9hpToVsZU

 

Drawing An Art Nouveau Siren

Terry Moore Art

 Jul 6, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=np30HIy5KbA

 

Live from PICOF 2025: Katrina F Olan and Paul Medalla!

 The Comics Cube with Duy Tano  Jul 6, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L5lFjzGQbaA

 

Live from PICOF 2025: Bambi and Olan Amago!

 The Comics Cube with Duy Tano Jul 6, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFuKM0u-ncg

 

Live from PICOF 2025: Ren Ren Galeno!

 The Comics Cube with Duy Tano Jul 5, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e31ZfgfB53s

 

'I had a panic attack because I realized I was making a romance comic': Stjepan Šejić on Sunstone and beyond

Jason Bergman | July 7, 2025   https://www.tcj.com/i-had-a-panic-attack-because-i-realized-i-was-making-a-romance-comic-stjepan-sejic-on-sunstone-and-beyond/

 

The Frazetta Art Museum | Walkthrough Tour

Frankie Frazetta

CAF+   Jul 7, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbmP8BJoGMY

 

Interview: Christian Ward explores new cosmic horrors with EVENT HORIZON: DARK DESCENT prequel comic

Taimur Dar on 07/08/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/interview-christian-ward-event-horizon-dark-descent-prequel-comic/

 

Chance Browne and Chris Browne: NCS Medal of Honor Recipients

D. D. Degg 

July 7, 2025  https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/07/chance-browne-and-chris-browne-ncs-medal-of-honor-recipients/

 

Pat Bagley Leaves Trump's 'Merika

D. D. Degg

July 7, 2025    https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/07/pat-bagley-leaves-trumps-merika/

 

A literal loss to the ComicsDC family: Art Rhode R.I.P.

July 08, 2025  https://comicsdc.blogspot.com/2025/07/a-literal-loss-to-comicsdc-family-art.html

A literal loss to the ComicsDC family: Art Rhode R.I.P.

Birthday caricature by Mike Jenkins

My father Art Rhode passed away this Monday July 7th, probably from a heart attack. He'd been having heart problems for months by this point. He never made it to the cardiac surgeon's appointment he had scheduled that morning. I spoke to him the day before and he was feeling good and optimistic. I was too because he was tough. He snarled at me on Saturday when I offered to buy him a Rollator walker. He and I talked, admittedly about mostly nothing, every day as I drove home from work, or walked to the farmers markets on weekends.So take it from me and tell your family and friends you love them while you can. 

 Dad and Mom were big fans of comics - such as Superman, Mad Magazine, Peanuts collections, Disney Digests. Even though money was usually tight, I grew up reading comics of all types.

 A few months ago I republished this tribute to my Dad on his 83rd birthday.  This is all still true and accurate, and while I'll miss him more than I can say, I appreciate the foundations he (and Mom, but she's been gone since 1987) gave my life. And it's not just me - as many people have said, he was a good man, or a kind man, or a kind and compassionate individual (I'm not sure about the patience also mentioned there though). I agree and there are few better ways to be remembered. He always had time to help someone out, not infrequently to my mother's chagrin, who wanted our own home worked on.

Donations in his name can be made to North Shore Animal League, selected by our family as he got 2 dogs from there. Or, if you want to keep with this blog's theme, I personally support Team Cul de Sac, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Cartoonists Rights, and Hero Initiative.

I'll be inheriting Dad's set of IJOCA I guess unless my sister wants it; he didn't read it in recent years, but he's got almost a complete set in my old bedroom. I'll be looking for a good home for that as I don't need a third set. For those of you unfamiliar with it, I'm an editor of  and also run the blog for the Int. Journal of Comic Art published by Dr. John A. Lent.

 Here's some photos over the years... 

This was my computer background for years.

The Little Free Library he built for his house after seeing how popular ours was.

I literally have no memory of us meeting Betty Boop

My wedding day with my Uncle Herb, his next oldest brother

Caricature by Mike Jenkins

Released from the hospital with a new knee

 

 

Don't try this at home, or at Fort Ward

 

Comics Research Bibliography citations update, 7/5-6/2025

#171: Big Jim [Shooter].
Tom Brevoort
Man With A Hat  Jul 06, 2025
https://tombrevoort.substack.com/p/171-big-jim

Denys Cowan
 ["RIP JIM SHOOTER"]
Denys Cowan's post July 4 2025 https://www.facebook.com/829278045/posts/10162407480603046/?rdid=hqdfUit6Wf34doeH

The Rob Liefeld Show – Jim Shooter Tribute Show
Rob Liefeld
Jul 3, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRRY-Kp9VEg

Peter Sanderson
My First Jim Shooter Story
Sanderson on Comics Jul 5, 2025
https://petersanderson1.substack.com/p/sanderson-on-comics-fa9

Masashi Kudo Interview | BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War | VIZ
vizmedia  Jul 4, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGaq7BcbtaI

Words, Images, & Worlds with Anthony Del Col & Stefan Tosheff [Kill Shakespeare]
Jason DeHart
Jul 5, 2025 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t83x0Sox980

Millar Time #43 | Eric July
Millar Time Jul 5, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DdmDq1rI2Y

'Superman' Q&A With James Gunn at HMV Store, London
The Aspiring Kryptonian
 Jul 3, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDQr9PVmIbg

'Superman' stars David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan | AP interview
Leslie Ambriz
Associated Press Jul 3, 2025   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6GXiohpv64

DC Studios Showcase | Ep. 15: James Gunn Reveals What's Next for Superman, Peacemaker & the DCU
Frankey Smith and Tyler Coates
Jun 20, 2025 DC Studios Showcase: The Official Podcast | Max
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZQKHHG_bww

Live from PICOF 2025: LC De Leon of Coffee and Comics!
The Comics Cube with Duy Tano July 4 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--1oYGJ_22I

Live from PICOF 2025: Yuri Pinzon of Blight!
The Comics Cube with Duy Tano July 4 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGvAnn_E_sc

Live from PICOF 2025: Komik Ninja EK Gonzales!
The Comics Cube with Duy Tano July 5 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVvXThmL27k

The Fantastic Four: First Steps | A Fantastic Fourth
Marvel Entertainment
Jul 4, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnFPrxXXFqQ

Fantastic Four Turns 20! RARE Interviews With Chris Evans and Jessica Alba | ET Vault Unlocked
Entertainment Tonight Jul 2, 2025  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZURgWv54JM

Bova, Dan. 2025. Best-Selling Author and Cartoonist Stephan Pastis on His Creative Process: 'I Often Look Down to Make Sure I Have Pants On' The author of the hilarious "Timmy Failure" book series and longtime cartoonist of "Pearls Before Swine" dives deep into his creative process. How Success Happens (July 2):  https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/timmy-failure-pearls-before-swine-creator-stephan/494146

Degg, D. D. 2025. Adam Zyglis is Sigma Delta Chi Award Winner for 2024. Daily Cartoonist (July 5): https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/05/adam-zyglis-sigma-delta-chi-award-winner-for-2024/

Glenn Fabry & Simon Furman Into London Film And Comic Con Hall Of Fame Rich Johnston05 Jul 2025
https://bleedingcool.com/comics/glenn-fabry-simon-furman-into-london-film-and-comic-con-hall-of-fame/

Azuki teams up with Random House's Ink Pop for print release of OUR AIMLESS NIGHTS
Hayame Kawachi on 07/05/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/azuki-teams-up-random-houses-ink-pop-print-release-our-aimless-nights/

Taiyo Matsumoto's TOKYO THESE DAYS wins ACBD Asia Prize 2025
Dean Simons on 07/05/2025 https://www.comicsbeat.com/taiyo-matsumoto-tokyo-these-days-wins-acbd-asia-prize-2025/

4 new graphic novels to read and ponder this summer [in print as New graphic novels let you connect with dots -- and more].
By Kay Sohini
Washington Post July 6 2025: C8.
online at https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2025/07/05/new-graphic-novels-thompson-albon/

Want to know Rachel Brosnahan's secret? First share yours. [in print as Rachel Brosnahan asks (and answers); Superman movie]
By Thomas Floyd
Washington Post July 6, 2025
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2025/07/06/rachel-brosnahan-lois-lane-superman-interview/

Cartoonist Couples – Updated
D. D. Degg              
July 6, 2025
https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/05/cartoonist-couples/

Netflix is bringing back Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
The streamer released a brief teaser to build up hype for the show's new "standalone 10-episode story."
By William Hughes  |  July 5, 2025
https://www.avclub.com/netflix-bringing-back-cyberpunk-edgerunners-teaser

Love Is in the Air in The New 'Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc' Trailer Denji's so crazy in love right now, but that don't last when you're a superhero with a demon dog in your heart.
Justin Carter
io9 July 5, 2025 https://gizmodo.com/love-is-in-the-air-in-the-new-chainsaw-man-reze-arc-trailer-2000624446

*Fourth of July* Comic Strips – Now (2025) and Then (1925)
D. D. Degg
July 4, 2025  
https://www.dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2025/07/04/fourth-of-july-comic-strips-now-2025-and-then-1925/

Peter Sanderson
Big Dumb Fun: Comics Movies and Their Critics
Sanderson on Comics Feb 18, 2025
https://substack.com/@petersanderson1/p-157408758

Peter Sanderson
Crouching Banner, Hidden Faust [2003 Hulk movie]
Sanderson on Comics Mar 04, 2025
 https://substack.com/@petersanderson1/p-158397420

Peter Sanderson
The Stepford Spider-Man [Spider-Man: The New Animated Series]
 Sanderson on Comics
Mar 20, 2025
https://substack.com/@petersanderson1/p-159506484