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The new two day launch event for CXC in Columbus has been the buzz among cartoon circles for a while now and the website is now open with the initial guests: Kate Beaton, Jerry Beck, Bill Griffith, Françoice Mouly, Jeff Smith, Art Spiegelman and Craig Thompson. AND the first round of events, below. The exhibitor application form is in the above link and, well, this is surely going to be a hoedown for the comics. PLUS a new logo by Dustin Harbin, above.

CXC is run by festival executive director Tom Spurgeon, Smith, OSU’s Lucy Caswell and Vijaya Iyer. According to Smith “What makes this show unique is Columbus itself. We have unprecedented levels of institutional support for cartooning and comics here, from the museums and schools to the Thurber House with its annual Graphic Novelist in Residence which recognizes outstanding new talent. This festival brings the whole city into the celebration.”

Indeed, this looks to be a petty grand event for the comics community and the local community.

Thursday, October 1
Jerry Beck Presents Classic Animation
Featuring The Universal Cartoons of Walter Lantz
animation historian and critic Beck shows a selection of all-time great animated shorts, providing context and commentary 
The Wexner Center For The Arts, 7:00 PM, Sponsored By The Wexner Center For The Arts (Ticketed)

Friday, October 2
Talk And Teach Classroom Presentations
experts and working professionals give advice on practical matters of use to comics-makers and fans
Billy Ireland Cartoon Library And Museum Will Eisner Seminar Room, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Free)
Spotlight Presentations
a pair of one-on-one discussions: one with special guest Bill Griffith, one with a guest to be announced
The Wexner Center For The Arts, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM (Ticketed)
Evening Presentation
Jeff Smith In Conversation With Kate Beaton And Craig Thompson
three cartooning greats discuss their careers and shared experiences, including their latest all-ages books
The Wexner Center For The Arts, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Ticketed)



Saturday, October 3
Cartoon Crossroads Comics Exposition, Panels and Presentations
buy new comics, meet exhibiting professionals, see panels featuring our special guests and enjoy a generally festive atmosphere celebrating all things comics and Columbus
The Cultural Arts Center, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Free)

CXC will conclude on Saturday evening at Columbus College of Art & Design with an event organized by CCAD in collaboration with CXC: Smith talks to Mouly and Spiegelman on 35 years of their groundbreaking RAW Books and their amazing careers since.

Reception
Canzani Center, Columbus College Of Art And Design, 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Jeff Smith In Conversation With Françoise Mouly And Art Spiegelman
Canzani Center Auditorium, Columbus College Of Art And Design, 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM (free)