Comics journalism is a fairly new medium. Many attribute its origin to the work of Portland native and Palestine author Joe Sacco. Now, two comics artists have compiled their experiences with comics journalism into a how-to book: Making Nonfiction Comics.
Eleri Harris has served as the Features Editor of the graphic journalism website The Nib. More recently, she’s been a guest editor in comics journalism at the University of Technology – Sydney, as well as the California College of the Arts and the Center for Cartoon Studies.
Shay Mirk is a graphic journalist, teacher, and zinester. She’s been the contributing editor at The Nib, as well as digital engagement producer for Reveal at the Center for Investigative Journalism.
Eleri and Shay sit down at the Portland Book Festival to talk with S.W. Conser about the skills involved in capturing such topics as history, science, culture, and international conflict in comics form.