Hey friends!
This year, I attended MomoCon 2026 in Downtown Atlanta, and it was an absolute blast—especially since I missed last year’s convention due to a certain life event (wedding bells ringing).
In previous years, I typically hosted a panel focused on webcomics. It’s always rewarding to share knowledge and connect with fellow creators who are looking to sharpen their skills and grow their craft. I definitely plan to host panels again in the future, but this year I wanted to experience the convention simply being an attendee.
Beyond the usual convention fun, I had the opportunity to connect with a number of talented creators working throughout the comics industry. This con left me with several valuable insights.
Here’s what I learned:
Networking:
Before the con, I printed zine previews of my webcomic through Mixam. I really wanted to leverage this during MomoCon and other in person events so people could physically see what my comic’s all about. People were VERY receptive to this. If you want to give people an idea of what you offer in a tangible way, making a free preview can help. Especially if it’s a webcomic.
An Introduction to the Business of Comics:
This panel was incredibly informative. Presented by attorney, author, and business advisor Gamal Hennessy, it explored the different sectors of the comics industry and what it takes to build a sustainable career in comics.
One of the biggest takeaways was learning how creators can protect themselves from being taken advantage of professionally. Gamal covered topics ranging from intellectual property protection to understanding contracts and business relationships. While the session was only about 45–50 minutes long—more of a “CliffsNotes” version of the subject—it provided a solid intro to some critical issues every creator should understand.
If you’re serious about working in comics, it’s definitely worth diving deeper into the resources on his website. He also hosts a podcast and offers free 30-minute consultations for creators looking for additional guidance.
Cover Art: First Impressions:
This was a fun and eye-opening panel that gave me a new perspective on the world of comic cover art. One surprising revelation was that a cover artist can sometimes earn as much—or even more—than the artist drawing the entire issue. (Maybe I need to rethink my career path…)
The panel featured Deegan Puchkors, Anderson Carman, Brian Stelfreeze, and Arthur Adams, all of whom shared valuable insights from their experiences in the industry.
The comic art industry has definitely changed over the decades. The panelists discussed changing trends and the artistic decisions that make a cover stand out in an increasingly competitive market. Their perspectives gave me a lot to think about, and I walked away with ideas that I can apply to future cover designs for Space Ultima.
Melanin Minds: Black Women in Comics & Manga:
This panel was a great discussion on diversity in comics. Toshi J (@official_toshij) & Ty (@blaquekulture) emphasized not only the importance of Black femme characters, but also the need for Black women and femme creatives to be the ones telling these stories. They explored harmful tropes that continue to affect representation and highlighted titles that portray Black female characters in positive, nuanced, and multifaceted ways.
Listening to their perspectives was incredibly inspiring. As an indie comic and webcomic creator, this discussion reinforced my belief that I’m contributing to meaningful change and helping leave a positive mark on the industry.
Check out Melanin Minds YouTube Channel & social media!
I also went to “Anime for Adults over 25,” which was pretty cool because a large amount of anime is often aimed at young audiences or the protagonists are of high school age. Which is less and less relatable the older you get! This panel confirmed I need to lock in and watch Nana… Yes I know… I haven’t watched it. If that makes you see me any differently, I understand. 🙃
Overall, it was an incredibly informative and fun con! I can’t wait to go again next year.
Want to see all the fun that was had?
– Artsume 💖
