The Center for
Cartoon Studies (CCS)
Students travel from across the U.S. and around the world to study comics at CCS in a diverse and vibrant community in Vermont.
Click here learn more about our programs.
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!
Out now, the highly anticipated YA sequel, NUBIA: TOO REAL, illustrated by Robyn Smith ‘16 and written by L.L. McKinney. And it’s getting rave reviews. The new DC installment by Penguin Random House has received starred reviews by Kirkus, Publishers Weekly, and School Library Journal!
“An essential superhero story for this moment.” —Kirkus, starred review
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Taught by Eisner-award winning cartoonist and renowned comics instructor Ivan Brunetti, COMICS 101 will cover the basics of cartooning using exercises and assignments from Brunetti’s groundbreaking workbook Cartooning: Philosophy and Practice.
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Are you considering applying to The Center for Cartoon Studies MFA or Certificate program?Join us for our virtual campus open house and portfolio day. Learn about the campus and the renowned collection of the Schulz Library, hear from current students and graduates, and meet faculty and staff for a portfolio review*!
Saturday, December 6th, 2025
1-4pm EST
R.S.V.P. SPACE IS LIMITED!
MAKING NONFICTION COMICS by award-winning cartoonists and journalists Eleri Harris ‘14 and Shay Mirk is now available for pre-order. The highly anticipated comics guide officially releases 11/11 via Abrams ComicArts.
“The definitive guide to writing, drawing, and publishing nonfiction comics…” —Abrams ComicArts
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White River Junction, VT. September 23, 2025 – No joke! This year marks the 20th anniversary of The Center for Cartoon Studies (CCS), a nationally recognized institution dedicated to the education and advancement of cartooning and graphic storytelling located in White River Junction, Vermont.
Founded in 2005 by Michelle Ollie and James Sturm, CCS has built an international reputation for training some of the most original and influential voices in comics today. Its alumni have gone on to publish award-winning work, teach, and lead in creative fields across the globe.
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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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We’re excited to announce members of the CCS community have been nominated for one of comics’ oldest and most prestigious awards—the Harvey Awards!
The nominees are….
“Hunsinger explores what it’s like to be an especially inexperienced fish out of water in this vibrant, comedic character sketch.” —Publishers Weekly
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