Hi!, Conjure Comics is a new comic book company producing socially progressive, anti-racist comics and graphic novels that center on the experiences of Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQIA+ folks, and those of varying abilities.

During the pandemic, we began crafting a series of afrofuturist mini-comics, or “Afrotracts(!)”. Topics of the tracts include COVID-19 safety and preparedness, grassroots organizing, racial justice activism, voting, reparations, and civic responsibility.

Since the 1960’s comics as tracts have been derided, collected, satirized and loved, becoming a pop-culture phenomenon.

Conjure Comics contributes to this long legacy of widely distributing religious pamphlets by reinterpreting the format through an anti-racist and progressive lens.

The first tract, Solidarity in Pandemonium, provides facts on COVID-19, pandemic safety, and illustrates the importance of vaccination, against an afrofuturist backdrop featuring time travel and rebirth.

Solidarity in Pandemonium cover (cover art by Matt Horak)

In Liberator, a tragedy sends an accountant on a journey of grief and growth through pro-wrestling, family legacy, and organizing. Liberator is a narrative story that pays homage to the visual style of underground comix to providing a connection with the life and practice of an activist and Black liberation history.

Liberator cover (cover art by Chris Rini)

In Civic Ecology, a journalist in a techno-optimist future gives us a tour of an experimental neighborhood in Akron, Ohio. Civic Ecology uses the writing style and visual motif of a neighborhood arts magazine to tell a story about reparations, climate justice, and the importance of the vote.

Civic Ecology cover (cover art by Matt Horak)

Our first tract, Solidarity in Pandemonium, is finished and ready for digital and print release in November. Liberator and Civic Ecology are in panel art production.

Solidarity in Pandemonium printed proof (48HrBooks)

In this time of misinformation and book banning we feel it’s more important than ever to provide connection to factual sources and info.

So, each 22 page, 6x4, perfect bound tract features a QR code leading to resources, a reading list, and vetted organizations for that topic, making them a powerful tool for spreading good ideas as well as advocacy work. The tracts will be available through our website and in a digital format.

Solidarity in Pandemonium printed proof (48HrBooks)

We need your help! Starting a comic book company isn't easy, and for Black, Indigenous, and people of color creators, the obstacles to seeding a business are complex and numerous. Your contribution to our Givebutter campaign will:

Help cover our printing and production costs for the tract series
Secure art commissions with diverse creators for our future projects
Help us successfully launch our comic book company

Reaching our goal will also provide seed money for our next major project,

The Springville Narratives, a universe of stories set in an alternate fantasy antebellum America

Springville County Map (Eva Vargo)

In this alternate United States, Black, Indigenous, and people of color use magic and strange science to fight for their liberation in a world filled with terrifying creatures from American tall tales.

Through this we illuminate the reality of Black self liberation from chattel slavery while pointing to the available historical materials (such as real world narratives, records, and scholarly works).

The Dispensables: The Springville Wolf cover (cover art by Matt Horak)

About Conjure Comics

Conjure Comics is an indie comics publisher based in Akron, OH. Led by Cir L’Bert, Jr, we are focused on representation, perspective, and providing opportunities to Black, people of color, queer, and small town artists

About Cir L’Bert, Jr.

Cir L'Bert, Jr (photo credit Sarah Kucyk)

Cir L’Bert, Jr. is a writer and advocate based in Akron, Ohio who brings a rich experience in writing, organizing, interpreting pop culture, and creative direction to this project.

A longtime racial justice organizer in Akron, he has written and presented numerous workshops, classes, and materials on anti-racism. He also has extensive experience in direct action, political strategy, and leadership development.

Winning the Knight Arts Challenge award and launching Conjure Comics is the culmination of his lifelong passion for comic books, genre fiction, and storytelling.

Contributing Artists

MechanicalPencilGirl

A Black femme existential absurdist artist based in Philadelphia, PA

Matt Horak

An Akron, Ohio based artist who has provided interiors for Spiderman/Deadpool and The Punisher

Chris Rini

Author of The Fine Art of Violence and regular cartoonist for BloodyElbow.com

Christopher Harvey

Akron, Ohio native Chris Harvey is a father, veteran, and freelance graphic designer.

Donaver Adwin Cricket

A 28 year old non-binary artist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan

About Literary Akron

Literary Akron is a nonprofit corporation 501(c)(3) with the purpose of promoting literary arts in the Greater Akron Region of Ohio.

They engage in event facilitation, networking, and providing fiscal sponsorship to literary arts projects to receive grants, tax-deductible contributions, and other revenues.

In 2019 they partnered with Conjure Comics to enter and win the Knight Arts Challenge Akron Award.

Conjure Comics

Anti-Racist Comics And Graphic Novels

Team Members