Comics University 2026: Syndicated Comics Panel

See you in the funny pages! Syndicated cartoonists and writers Bianca Xunise (Six Chix), Henry Barajas (Gil Thorp), “Supr Dee” Parson (Rosebuds), and Steenz (Heart of the City) gather to chat about the ins and outs of newspaper comics in the digital age. Students will learn how each creator got their start and what kind of work goes into making daily and weekly comics.

Henry Barjas

Henry Barajas is a Latinx author from Tucson, AZ. He is best known for his graphic memoir La Voz De M.A.Y.O. Tata Rambo, TMNT: Splintered Fate, Helm Greycastle, Batman: Urban Legends, Green Hornet & Miss Fury, and Historias de Resistencia: Dolores Huerta and the Plight of the Farm Workers for the New York City Department of Education’s Civics for All Comics Group. Barajas writes Gil Thorp with Rachel Merrill for the funny papers in Los Angeles, CA.

Instagram: @henryjbarajas

Bsky: @henrybarajas.bsky.social

Supr Dee

Deon Parson, also widely recognized under the pen name “Supr Dee,” is an acclaimed Ringo-nominated cartoonist based in Indiana. With a profound passion for comic creation, Parson aims to infuse each panel with joy. Presently, Parson creates Rosebuds, a syndicated daily comic strip distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc. online and in newspapers worldwide.

https://suprdee2.com/

Instagram: @suprdee2

Bsky: @suprdee2.com

Steenz

Steenz is a St. Louis–based cartoonist, professor, and editor. They’re the cartoonist on the new graphic novel Side Quest: A Visual History of TTRPGs and the syndicated comic strip Heart of the City. Steenz currently teaches at Webster University and SVA while editing titles from independent publishers and creators. Steenz created and launched the Standard Comic Script, creates comics-related programming, and is a frequent convention panelist. They’re also Board President of SLICE (The St. Louis Independent Comics Expo).

https://www.oheysteenz.com/

Instagram: @oheysteenz

Bsky: @oheysteenz.bsky.social

Bianca Xunise

Bianca Xunise is an American cartoonist, illustrator, and self-described “goth of color.” Her work is nationally syndicated through the Six Chix comic strip collaborative. Bianca’s latest book, Punk Rock Karaoke, is a coming-of-age tale that draws upon the explosive joy of the underground scene while raising questions about authenticity and the importance of community.

https://www.biancaxunise.com/

Instagram: @biancaxunise