Exhibits

EIU Comic Fest 2026 will again feature many exciting and educational exhibits on comics, collecting, and pop culture. This year be looking for a greater emphasis on ANIME/MANGA and also an exhibit on Role Playing Games (RPG) and miniatures.

More information coming soon!

A History of Manga

These three cases, located along the northwest wall of the Marvin Foyer, take the viewer on a timeline exploration of the pivotal moments in the development of Manga through the years.
Curated by Ezra Hebron, Adriane Sparks, and Hollis Starkey.

Book Display: Manga

This display of manga books are available for EIU students and community card borrowers to check out. Table browse and find something interesting!
Curated by Sarah Johnson.

Book Display: Cosplay

This display of cosplay books are new additions to the library collection and available for checkout to EIU students and community card borrowers for check out. Table browse and find something interesting!
Curated by Sarah Johnson.

Collectors

This case features collectibles from several of the EIU Comic Fest sponsors and presenters, including Wiliam Weber, Lee Patterson, Joan Alvarado, and more. Two adjacent posters focus on the psychology and the economics of the collecting phenomenon.
Curated by Todd Bruns.

Genre: Humor

Humor comics like Archie and Richie Rich have been a longtime standby in the comic book industry. This case exhibits major titles in the humor genre.
Curated by Todd Bruns

Genre: Horror

Not all comics are superheroes. This case exhibits examples of comics, manga, and graphic novels in the extraordinarily popular horror genre.
Curated by Glen Davis and Hollis Starkey.

Genre: Romance

Comics and manga in the genre of romance are exceptionally popular, particularly such titles as Heartstopper and Love and Rockets. This case highlights fan favorites in the romance genre.
Curated by Ezra Hebron and Todd Bruns.

One Piece

Visit the dual cases in the Reference hallway for a display on One Piece, the Japanese Manga that has sold more than 600 million copies, and tied Superman as the best-selling comic series of all time. One case will be dedicated to the One Piece manga and anime’s history and future. The second case will explore the Netflix live-action, the One Piece Card Game, collaborations with sports teams like the Los Angelas Lakers and the Boston Red Sox, and merch collabs such as Pop Mart’s Monsters.
Curated by Heather Wohltman

Shonen/Shojo Manga

Check out this large exhibit window in the North entryway for a crash course in the Anime/Manga genres of Shonen and Shojo. Discover what the genres are and the vast number of series they encompass. See figures, posters and merch from One Piece, Nana, Freiren, Apothecary Diaries, Bleach and more!
Curated by Adriane Sparks, Hollis Starkey, and Heather Wohltman

Small But Mighty: Third Party Publishers

This poster, located in the northwest corner of the Marvin Foyer, highlights the independent comic book publishing companies, focusing on the top three publishers: Image, BOOM! Comics, and Dark Horse.
Curated by Todd Bruns.

Studio Ghibli

This display features the famous primary producer of anime series and films, Studio Ghibli.
Curated by Adriane Sparks.

Two Great Houses: DC & Marvel Comics

Located in the large glass case on the east wall of the North Entry, this exhibit highlights historic comic book covers, pivotal people, and important moments in DC & Marvel Comics history.
Curated by Todd Bruns.

What Makes a Great Villain?

This poster, located in the northeast corner of the Marvin Foyer, addresses the question of what a creator or writer needs to do to make a truly great and memorable villain.
Curated by Todd Bruns.