Institute for Comics Studies

The Institute for Comics Studies is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of the study, understanding, recognition, and cultural legitimacy of comics. ICS organizes conferences, symposia, and other forms of academic presentation and idea exchange primarily at comic conventions as well as in more traditional academic venues. Using comic conventions as the main venue for conferences and symposia promotes discourse between academics, industry professionals, and fans and creates exposure for the academic study of comics. ICS maintains contacts with comics publishers, scholars, institutions, and organizations, both American and international, in order to serve as a nexus of communication and contact for comics. Board members and organization officers regularly attend comic conventions to promote ICS and keep abreast of the industry through the attendance at industry events and trade shows. ICS makes information on comics and the comics industry available through communication with mainstream and independent and comics presses, by introducing scholars, professionals, and others with similar interests to one another, and by promoting publications and other works focused on comics and the study of comics.