Comics University 2025
Comics U is a free summer educational series for a Teen+ audience. This is a program for adults who want to engage with and learn about comics from local professors, creators, scholars, and industry professionals.
Created by syndicated cartoonist Steenz, the program has been running since 2013.
All sessions are free and open to the public! Comics U is hosted on Wednesday evenings from June 11th – July 23th at Betty’s Books.
June 11th – 6:30-8:30pm – Amanda Meadows
We’re kicking off Comics University season with a conversation with comics editor, Amanda Meadows! Learn what it takes to be an editor and why comic artists benefit from having them. From navigating censorship to rising material costs, Amanda will walk us through the always changing editorial landscape.
June 18th – 6:30-8:30pm – buttercup
Webcomics are a great way to get your comic out there. But what about printing after the fact? Join us as comic creator buttercup walks us through the process of making their series UM from Radiator Comics. A Q&A will follow to discuss Um and afrofuturism!
June 25th – 6:30-8:30pm – Jim Ousley
Self Publishing is a great way to step into the comics industry. Comics writer Jim Ousley will walk us through the ups and downs of self publishing. Joining local comics collectives, crowdfunding, and pitching to publishers are all steps towards making your mark in the comics industry!
July 9th – 6:30-8:30pm – Steenz
Stretch your drawing muscles and do some figure drawing with Steenz! All skill levels welcome!
This class will be held at Webster Arts next door to Betty’s Books.
July 16th – 6:30-8:30pm – Ivy Noelle Weir
Comics scripting is a vital skill when making comics with collaborators. Writer Ivy Noelle Weir will walk us through their process of comics writing with a Q&A afterwards! Following that, we’ll do a comics scripting workshop learning the Comics Standard Script Template.
July 23rd – 6:30-8:30pm – 10 Years In – A Hot Ones-Inspired Conversation with Comics U Organizer Steenz
Steenz started Comics University at Star Clipper Comics in 2013. Between three different venues (and a brief pandemic hiatus), Comics U has educated all ages on a variety of topics and tools. Comics University alumni Mikkel Snyder will interview Comics U organizer Steenz in a Hot Ones Style conversation as they discuss the last 10 years and what makes it such an enduring part of St. Louis summers.