Your guide to the MoCCA Festival

The ever-expanding Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival, now in its ninth year, has moved from the Polk Building to the massive 69th Regiment Armory, making way for even more artists, panel discussions, autographing events and graphic-novel gazing. Although the bigger space promises less congestion, we’d still suggest lining up early. Here are the events we’re most excited about.

On Saturday 6 at 1pm, the festival bestows its annual Klein Award on Jerry Robinson, the longtime Batman cartoonist who created the Joker. Arnold Roth and Al Jaffee discuss their work for Harvey Kurtzman’s post–MAD Magazine project, Humbug, at 3pm.

Sunday’s not-to-be-missed programs include discussions between chronicler of postcollegiate ennui Adrian Tomine (Shortcomings) and Palookaville cartoonist Seth at 2:30pm. At 3:45 punk-comics pioneer (and Pee Wee’s Playhouse designer) Gary Panter holds court with Frank Santoro (Storeyville).

On both days, new stars Dash Shaw (Bottomless Belly Button) and Evan Dorkin (Fun with Milk & Cheese) will be making the rounds. Make sure to leave plenty of time to wander around yourself, as this is the best way to discover rising talents. Our favorite work by up-and-comers includes Dongyun Lee’s evocative and airy illustrations, Alisa Harris’s bright and playful graphics, and Scott Weinstein’s hilarious Web comic adventure After-School Agent.

The Museum of Comic and Cartoon Art Festival will be held Sat 6 and Sun 7.

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