Applying to CCS? Have Questions? Register to Meet 1-on-1:

Do you have burning questions about CCS’s MFA and certificate programs but aren’t able to make it to one of our admissions events? Drop us a line at outreach@cartoonstudies.org and we can set up a 1-on-1 video chat session to answer any of your questions about the curriculum, the application process, student housing, financial aid, living in Vermont, or anything else you need to know about applying to CCS!


The Center for Cartoon Studies to Open Cartooning Clinic at The New England Graphic Medicine Summit

NEGM25 SummitFriday, October 24, 2025Boston, MA

The New England Graphic Medicine Summit (NEGM25) is partnering with The Center for Cartoon Studies’ (CCS) Applied Cartooning Lab to launch a Cartooning Clinic—a space for creative “check-ups” designed to support creators developing long-form graphic medicine projects.

Selected applicants will have their work reviewed in advance by a team of CCS educators. During the Summit, participants will receive tailored feedback, insights, and guidance to help strengthen their projects.

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CCS Community Members Nominated for 2025 Ignatz Awards

The nominees are in for the esteemed Ignatz Awards presented at the annual Small Press Expo, and The Center for Cartoon Studies is happy to announce that several members of our community have been nominated.

The nominees are….

Self-published RUST BELT REVIEW, VOL. 6, by Sean Knickerbocker ‘12 is nominated for Outstanding Anthology. A serialized literary comics anthology, this volume of RUST BELT REVIEW includes works by independent comic and zine artists Andrew Greenstone, Alex Nall, Ana Pando, Ivy Lynn Allie ‘21, and Knickerbocker.

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THE WEIGHT by Melissa Mendes ‘10 releases in September with Drawn & Quarterly

The much-anticipated graphic novel THE WEIGHT by Melissa Mendes ‘10 releases in September by Drawn & Quarterly. Inspired by her late grandfather’s life, Melissa began creating and self-publishing the Ignatz-nominated comic installments in 2014.

“THE WEIGHT is a gut-wrenching graphic novel with the power of a timeless ballad—plaintive and beautiful, shimmering with tenderness and humor.”—James Sturm, award-winning cartoonist and co-founder of The Center for Cartoon Studies.

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Epic Conclusion of Eisner-Nominated CLEMENTINE Graphic Novel Trilogy by Tillie Walden ’16 is Out Now

Set in the post-apocalyptic world of Robert Kirkman’s and Charlie Adlard’s acclaimed THE WALKING DEAD, Tillie Walden ’16 created and illustrated a graphic novel series focused on popular character Clementine. And now, with much praise, graphic novel CLEMENTINE, VOLUME 3, was released in June by Image Comics.

“Walden’s hand-drawn style feels both elaborate and effortless, playing with light and shadow to enhance her storytelling. Like the other volumes, this series finale crafts an allegory from the horrors of the post-apocalyptic world, exploring themes of power, trauma, survivor’s guilt, and love in times of darkness. A bittersweet, hope-tinged conclusion to a stirring trilogy.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

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Adorable Empire by Laura Terry ’10 new graphic novel with Scholastic is out now

Laura Terry‘s ’10 latest graphic novel Adorable Empire published by Scholastic is available now!

“Sincere emotions punctuated with funny and magical moments elevate this charming work. Engagingly original, featuring a likable protagonist and plenty of humor and tenderness.” –Kirkus Review

“Terry takes a sensitive look at divorce and navigating parental relationships, the evolving nature of friendships, and gender identity, with characters that have relatable appeal for middle graders. Illustrations have a manga influence, with equal parts bright and fluffy and tween goth…”

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LUCY KNISLEY ‘09 RELEASES NEW MIDDLE-GRADE GRAPHIC NOVEL WITH RANDOM HOUSE GRAPHIC

You can now buy SUGAR SHACK by critically-acclaimed cartoonist Lucy Knisley ‘09! SUGAR SHACK is the third and last installment of the popular PEAPOD FARM middle-grade graphic novel series with Random House Graphic.

“For one city-kid turned country girl whose life has been changing nonstop, it seems like its finally time to find her place in her new blended family while settling in for the winter!”—Random House Graphic

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