The Oxford Comics Network is running an in-person workshop, “Thinking with Comics“, in June, which aims to introduce participants to a some of the medium’s many story devices – and how to apply them to your own stories and ideas.

As a multimodal medium, comics offer unique opportunities to communicate ideas and experiences that can be difficult to capture through linear prose. Across genres – from journalism, graphic ethnography, fiction, nonfiction, and memoir – comics artists employ a variety of devices to play with concepts like space and time, memory, trauma, subjectivity, and the mind.

This workshop will introduce participants to a few of these devices and how to apply them to their own stories and ideas. Participants are encouraged to bring a topic – anything from a personal experience to an academic question – to explore through comics. No drawing or comics experience required! 

The event will be held in person at the Radcliffe Humanities Building in Oxford.

The workshop is free, but booking is essential, and Participants must be over 18 years of age. 

• Thinking with Comics – A Workshop 5-7.00pm Monday 13th June, | In person at the Radcliffe Humanities Building, Oxford | To book a place at this event, please use the EventBrite booking page. Alternatively, contact comics@torch.ox.ac.uk.

Spaces for this workshop are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. While there are no current COVID-19 restrictions, there remains a risk of COVID-19 transmission. As such the organisers encourage attendees to take steps to reduce COVID-19 risks, and be considerate towards others. This includes letting fresh air in when indoors; respecting those who choose to wear a face covering; and respecting other people’s space. Tea, coffee, and snacks will be provided. 

John Freeman

The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.

Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.

He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.

Categories: Comics, Comics Education News, Comics Studies, Creating Comics, downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events

Tags: downthetubes News, Oxford Comics Network, Radcliffe Humanities Building