M.I.C.E.: Creating a space for comic artists and inspiring the creators of tomorrow

In 2024, the Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo (MICE) celebrated its 15th anniversary, marking a decade and a half of showcasing and supporting independent comic artists. Held on December 7–8 at Boston University’s Fuller Building, MICE continues its tradition of being free and open to the public. The event was originally inspired by the Boston Comics Roundtable—an informal collective co-founded by MICE director and programming coordinator Dan Mazur—where local comic artists gathered to discuss their craft and collaborate. Their enthusiasm for participating in indie comic conventions eventually led them to launch a show of their own, filling a gap in the Boston area for this kind of creative space. Since its founding, MICE has steadily grown, becoming a staple of the local comics community.

Why are spaces like MICE important? 

MICE provides artists a place where their work can be appreciated. Since creating art can be isolating, it is good to have human interactions and a community. Mazur notes that at MICE artists “feel very energized, all this human energy, other creators, people who are looking for interesting things to read and look at, all in this big room together, and it just sort of lifts everyone’s spirits.” 

My experience at MICE 

I attended the most recent MICE event on December 7th and 8th. On both days, I did a series of workshops. In my first workshop, I made zines. I learned about different ways to fold 1 piece of paper into a mini book. Also, I did creepy creatures workshops where I broke down interesting animals into simple shapes and attempted to draw them. My favorite workshop was a story generating workshop which was led by Mac Maclean. I made the plot of a story using a dice and a little book. First you would roll the dice and the number on the dice will indicate  what the genre, conflict, setting, theme, and setting of the story will be with the book. The Dice-O-Mancy  is a great tool for brainstorming and overcoming writer’s block. 

Overall I liked my experience at MICE. On First day, I went by myself. Even though I am a bit introverted, I had an enjoyable and calm time. I just spent my time doing interactive workshops and drawing.  As I drew, I felt at peace since it was just me and the drawing. In other words, MICE provided a tranquil area where I could destress. On the second day, I went with my friends. We walked around and talked to different artists. Whenever we felt socially exhausted, we could take a break in the quiet room provided to recharge our social batteries. Furthermore, MICE offers an amazing experience whether you go by yourself or with a group of friends. 

Advice to young artists 

MICE also functions as inspiration for young artists. It is wonderful to see people turn their passion into a career. Artistic spaces like MICE inspire artists and show that it is possible to thrive in an art career. When I asked Mazur about advice he had for beginner artists on how to navigate artistic spaces, he suggested, “don’t be shy and aspire to be part of it before you think you’re ready.” We often hold ourselves back by thinking we are not ready, but it’s important to take the risk and just try. Moreover, I would recommend everyone to attend events like MICE even if it might be out of your comfort zone. 

Why is art important to me? 

In society, art plays a critical role because creativity pushes the world forward. Artistic spaces like MICE are essential for creating spaces where communities can grow. Choosing a career in the arts has its difficulties, but MICE goes against limitations that people have often put on artists. Art skills are transferable and can be applied to different fields such as architecture, graphic design, game design, marketing, animation, and so much more. Mazur encourages people, “to be creative … It’s great when people, whether they feel that they are creative, art makers or not, get involved in ways to help bring art to people”.