Join curator Billy Wall-Winkle for a conversation with local comic artists Jim Benton and Katie Cook.
Jim Benton — A Michigan-based cartoonist and illustrator, Jim is best known for creating It’s Happy Bunny, Dear Dumb Diary, and Franny K. Stein. His work spans books, greeting cards, webcomics, and even TV.
Katie Cook — Born in Saline, Michigan, and a graduate of Detroit’s College for Creative Studies, Katie is a prolific comic artist and writer. She’s worked with major publishers including IDW (My Little Pony), Marvel, Boom!, and Disney. She’s the creator of the webcomic Nothing Special (on Webtoon) and Gronk: A Monster’s Story.
Heroes vs. Villains: Detroit’s Comic Book Story explores how Detroit has shaped the landscape of comics — from early newspaper strips to iconic superheroes and anti-heroes. Through immersive displays and rare artifacts, the exhibit highlights Detroit-connected writers, artists, and fans who helped define the medium.