Shelving Comics: Categorizing the Graphic Novel, with Alex Assan

Wed Feb 04 2026 at 06:00 pm to 08:00 pm UTC-07:00

Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall - Central Library | Calgary

Calgary Public Library
Publisher/HostCalgary Public Library
Shelving Comics: Categorizing the Graphic Novel, with Alex Assan
Advertisement
Join Mount Royal University Faculty of Arts with award-winning graphic novelist and their 2025 Writer in Residence, Alex Assan.
About this Event

How do comics fit on library bookshelves? What’s the difference between graphic novels and ‘comics’?

This talk with award-winning graphic novelist Alex Assan will cover these questions and more, discussing the adaptable and often contradictory comics medium from newspaper strips to ‘respectable’ graphic novels. Discussing comics as both high art and low art, education and entertainment, Alex will explore who reads comics and who makes them, asking questions about how we categorize comics in comparison to ‘regular’ books.

About the Speaker

Alex Assan is a comic artist and illustrator based in Berlin. He has a BA (Hons) in Illustration, Graphic Novels & Children’s Publishing from Glyndŵr University in the United Kingdom, and has been publishing comics online and through indie publishers for over a decade. His favourite genres are romance, sci-fi, fantasy and historical fiction, and his work tends to revolve around themes of gender, sexuality, and the relationships between artist, audience and creation.

Alex’s first traditionally published graphic novel, Sunhead (HarperAlley 2024), told the story of two young girls forming a friendship around their shared love of a vampire romance novel and was shortlisted for a Harvey Award in the Best Young Adult Book category. Alex is currently working on his second graphic novel, also with HarperAlley.

Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Patricia A. Whelan Performance Hall - Central Library, 800 3rd Street Southeast, Calgary, Canada

Tickets

CAD 0.00

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Calgary

Project & Change: Two peas in a pod
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:00 pm Project & Change: Two peas in a pod

The Ranchmen's Club

Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Calgary NE Store 50
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:00 pm Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Calgary NE Store 50

Staples Calgary NE Store 50

Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Calgary South Store 62
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:00 pm Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Calgary South Store 62

Staples Calgary South Store 62

Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Signal Hill store 110
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:00 pm Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Signal Hill store 110

Staples Signal Hill Store 110

Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Shawnessy Store 132
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:00 pm Paper Roses Valentine's Day Cards at Staples Shawnessy Store 132

Staples Shawnessy Store 132

RBC Financial Literacy Program
Wed, 04 Feb at 05:30 pm RBC Financial Literacy Program

Location to be confirmed

Can You Hear Me Now?
Wed, 04 Feb at 07:00 pm Can You Hear Me Now?

1302 4 St SW #100, Calgary, AB, Canada, Alberta T2R 0X8

Lip Balm Making Workshop
Wed, 04 Feb at 07:00 pm Lip Balm Making Workshop

3130 114 Ave SE

Paint Night-Glance of Summer
Wed, 04 Feb at 07:00 pm Paint Night-Glance of Summer

Paint Escape Studio

Pre-Valentines Paint Night at Neighbourhood pub!
Wed, 04 Feb at 07:00 pm Pre-Valentines Paint Night at Neighbourhood pub!

Neighbourhood Pub

Calgary is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Calgary Events