Highlights of the Upcoming Comic Arts Fest 2025

Graphic novel, comic book, art, pop culture, and literature enthusiasts—unite! L’Alliance New York has one epic weekend in store for you, care of its inaugural Comic Arts Fest 2025. From Friday, March 28 to Sunday, March 30, L’Alliance will host acclaimed graphic novelists and comic book artists for masterclasses, screenings, conversations, signings, parties, and workshops. Some of the biggest names in the industry will be in attendance—Barry Blitt, Aleksi Briclot, the Brizzi Brothers, Delaf, Anita Kunz, Loui, Françoise Mouly, Peter de Sève, Art Spiegelman, Adrian Tomine, and more. We hope you’ve already bought your tickets, but if not, here are just a few highlights of what you can expect!

An Opening Night Film About Art Spiegelman

He’s one of the most influential cartoonists, and the messages of his work remain as powerful as ever—now’s your chance to watch a new documentary honoring the impact of the author and illustrator of the Pulitzer Prize-winning holocaust graphic novel Maus. Special guests will be in attendance for a Q&A after the screening to discuss the iconic creator, who remains an ardent advocate for free speech and opponent of book banning. After the talk, your opening night film ticket grants you access to the Fest’s opening night party, where you’ll enjoy food, drinks, music, and a live exquisite corpse session featuring guest illustrators.

An Intimate Documentary About Frank Miller

Frank Miller is the legendary comic book artist and writer behind The Dark Knight Returns, Daredevil, 300, and Sin City. It’s apt that this new documentary is titled American Genius. The film was originally made for his fans in the wake of Miller’s near-deadly plummet into alcoholism, and it’s as personal as it gets—it’s directed by Silenn Thomas, Miller’s longtime producing partner, who supported him during his long road to recovery. Thomas will be in attendance for a Q&A after the film, joined by comic artist Emma Kubert, who’s worked for DC Entertainment, 20th Century Fox, Image Comics, and—most notably—inks and colors YA fantasy series Pandora for Frank Miller Presents. Here’s your chance to learn even more about the man who combined film noir and manga elements to create some of the most unique comics ever made.

Aleksi Briclot and Loui’s Masterclasses

Graphic designer and illustrator Aleksi Briclot—who’s spent 15 years creating concept art for Marvel Comics, among other high-profile projects—is offering not one but two masterclasses throughout the Fest. The first, on Saturday, March 29, details what brought him to Marvel, and his knowledge of creature design, keyframe art, and transitioning from the illustrated page to the big screen. 

The second, on Sunday, March 30, focuses on his illustration work on Magic: The Gathering’s trading cards. This is one for newbie and devotee players alike—he’ll dive into everything from characterization to concept art to the game’s rules, and he’ll also offer tips and advice for burgeoning artists.

For manga fans, French-Ghanaian artist Loui will host his own masterclass on Saturday, March 29. Loui is the creator of lauded African mythos manga graphic novel RedFlower, and his talk will cover practical pointers for becoming a professional “mangaka,” aka: a manga artist and writer. 

A Pop-Up Artist Alley and Book Fair

Head to L’Alliance’s Tinker Auditorium on Saturday and Sunday for the chance to meet some of your favorite comic book artists, purchase the latest issues of their work along with exclusive merch, and have your books signed. Rub elbows with greats including Paul and Gaëtan Brizzi (alums of Walt Disney Animation Studios France and creators of the new Dante’s Inferno graphic novel), Marvel Comics’ Aleksi Briclot, DC Entertainment and Image Comics’ Emma Kubert, horror manga artist Gigi Murakami, The New Yorker cover artist Peter de Sève, Maus creator Art Spiegelman, The New Yorker cartoonist Adrian Tomine, and many others.

Françoise Mouly’s Closing Night Talk

Mouly—who also happens to be the co-curator of our current Covering the New Yorker exhibition—is the Art Editor for the legendary magazine. She moved to New York from Paris in 1974, where she met cartoonist Art Spiegelman, beginning a creative and personal collaboration that would change the comics world forever. Mouly forged a path in a largely male-centric industry, creating her own indie press, publishing, designing, and co-editing her and Spiegelman’s critically-acclaimed magazine Raw, where Maus was first serialized, and eventually working for The New Yorker. This is a rare opportunity to be part of an intimate conversation with two trailblazers of the industry—especially considering that their evening of storytelling will be moderated by their daughter, writer and cartoonist Nadja Spiegelman.

Ready to join us for Comic Arts Fest 2025? Purchase a pass for the whole festival, a day pass, or just attend the opening night, individual screenings, or talks—explore every ticket option here. And while you’re at L’Alliance, remember that March 29 also marks the final opportunity to enjoy Family Saturdays, a special program of cultural and educational activities for young language learners and their parents.