Exploring ‘Adventure Time’s Comics Connection

DePaul University’s Animation program, in conjunction with CAKE, The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, will three top alternative comics artists to talk about their work on and involvement with the hit Cartoon Network series Adventure Time.

Artists Jesse Moynihan, Michael DeForge and Sam Alden will discuss their comic work and their contributions to the show May 30 at 6 p.m. at the DePaul CDM Theatre, 14 E. Jackson Blvd., Room LL105, Chicaco, IL 60604.

The event is free and open to the public, though a large crowd is expected so early arrival is recommended.

Here’s some info on the artists:

• Jesse Moynihan grew up outside of Philadelphia where he spent most of his time drawing and playing music. His work has been featured in The Believer, MOME, Vice, Arthur, the Philadelphia Weekly and various independent anthologies. In 2005, he received a Xeric grant for self-publishing. In 2009, he released his first graphic novel, Follow Me through Bodega. His current spiritual sci-fi epic, Forming has reached its second volume through Nobrow Press, London. Jesse works as a writer and storyboard artist for Adventure Time. Jesse also collaborated with his brother Justin for an upcoming animated pilot for Cartoon Hangover called Manly. www.jessemoynihan.com/

• Michael DeForge grew up in Ottawa, Ontario, and now lives and works in Toronto. A prolific artist and writer, his work includes the comic book series LOSE and the collection Very Casual, both published by Koyama Press, and a wide-ranging series of webcomics, including First Year Healthy, Leather Space Man, Incinerator and Ant Comic, which was published by Drawn & Quarterly. His illustrations have appeared in publications such as The New York Times, The Believer, Pitchfork Magazine, The Stranger and many more. Michael has worked as a designer and storyboard artist on Adventure Time since season three. www.kingtrash.com/

• Sam Alden was born in 1988 and grew up in Portland, Ore. He is best known for his short comics, published online and in print, which include Household, Backyard, Haunter, Hawaii 1997 and The Man That Dances In The Meadow. In 2013, he won an Ignatz Award for Promising New Talent; his work has previously been published in Best American Comics 2013 and 2014. He was selected as a guest of honor at the Bilbolbul Festival in Bologna, and as the first International Artist in Residence of the Entreviñetas Festival in Colombia. Sam is the author most recently of It Never Happened Again, from Uncivilized Books. He has also worked as a freelance storyboard artist on Adventure Time, and as a poster artist for some okay bands. www.gingerlandcomics.com/

The Adventure Time Story Artist panel is co-sponsored by CAKE, The Chicago Alternative Comics Expo, set for May 31-June 1 at the Center on Halsted, located at 3656 N Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60613. More info: www.cakechicago.com/